The Village of Empress

is nestled between the Red Deer River and the South Saskatchewan River, at the eastern edge of Alberta. There is a wild feel to this quaint village surrounded by expansive farms and ranches, pronghorns, coyotes and so many different species of birds. The recreation opportunities for adventurers and star-gazers are boundless. Come and see for yourself!

What to Do

Sightseeing, hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, tubing, birding, camping, stargazing, sun bathing, cross-country skiing, paintball, cultural & historical entertainment/edutainment, Artisans, guest ranches, cactus hopping, enjoying the piece and quiet, …

In the Village

If you’re looking for a great place for the family to spend a weekend, Empress has 2 campgrounds (Peter Fidler Park Campground and Empress Uptown Campground), an amazing splash park that’s not just for the kids. Come check us out.

See: Centennial Park & Splashpad

Golf Driving Range

The Golf Driving Range is open to anyone, for $2 per bucket of golf balls at the site. See its page for more information.

Rivers

When you are looking for something to do, with the 2 rivers on either side of us, there are always water activities to entertain you, like fishing, boating, or maybe just floating down the river on a tube.

See more information on our Rivers page!

Birding

If you are into bird watching, Empress’s location between the 2 rivers means we have an abundance of wildlife including birds. Empress has been included in the Birding Trails of Southeastern Alberta developed by the Grasslands Naturalists. Check out our Bird Watching page and bird photo gallery for a glimpse of the birds in our area. A local birding guide contact is Laura.

Paintball

For those with an adventurous spirit there is the Last Man Standing Paintball Course situated beside the beautiful Red Deer River operated by Mic & Kelly Burgess. Phone 403-548-5561 to make your appointment.

Cultural Entertainment

Make sure to check out whats happening at the Train Station, a beautiful restored historic site now being used as an arts venue. Check our calendar of events or follow us on Facebook to keep up on the events that take place there.

Artisans

You can also stop at Pat and Ross’s store That’s Empressive, and ask for a tour of the train station building when you’re in town. Pat and Ross are known for their hospitality and their shop is a must see.

A little further along the road will take you to Dean and Fran Francis’s Art Studios Sagebrush Studio & Art Galleries. They have moved in old churches that act as their studio and their galleries. Outside they have done extensive landscaping where they allow their visitors to wander and enjoy the flora and fauna.

Cowboy Culture & Aboriginal/Prairie History

If you’d like to experience a little bit of our history, check out The Prairie Elevator and Tea House located a few minutes up the road in Acadia Valley.

To experience some of our western culture the Bar Diamond Guest Ranch offers a unique experience staying in a homestead log house built in 1903. The Hern’s will make you welcome and allow you to experience the cowboy culture and ranching way of life. They are also very knowledgeable on the aboriginal history of our region and are happy to share with you what they have learned.

Bar Diamond Tipi