Alberta’s Friendliest Towns Were Ranked & the Winner Might Surprise You

When you think of Alberta's friendliest towns, popular places like Banff or Jasper might come to mind. Or you may think of the small prairie towns with their good old-fashioned neighbourly spirit. However, the quaint town of Smoky Lake has recently been recognized as the friendliest town in the province.

Curious which other Alberta spots made the list? Well, beneath Smoky Lake, on the list of the nicest in the province, comes Banff, Jasper, Canmore, Drumheller, Okotoks, Bragg Creek, and Lake Louise. What do you think? We’d say they hit the nail on the head.

Say hello to Smoky Lake, a vibrant town with a big heart, a strong sense of heritage, agriculture, and some of the most welcoming folks you’ll ever meet. If you haven’t been, it’s time to put this friendly town on your Alberta road trip list.

If you’ve never heard of Smoky Lake, you’re in for a treat. This inviting town, located about 115 km northeast of Edmonton between the North Saskatchewan River and Smoky Creek, is well known for its stunning scenery and rich heritage. It’s also recognized as the Pumpkin Capital of Alberta. If you’re not following the hardest-hitting towns in the pumpkin game, it’s time to start.

The origins of Smoky Lake’s name trace back to the area’s Indigenous roots. Some believe it was originally called "Smoking Lake" by the Cree First Nations people, inspired by the 12-mile-long lake often covered in a mysterious haze resembling rising smoke.

So, what makes Smoky Lake such a standout when it comes to small-town hospitality? It’s more than just a smile and a wave from the locals (though you’ll get plenty of those). It’s a town that embraces community, celebrates its roots, and offers a warm welcome to anyone passing through.

Walk down Main Street in Smoky Lake, and you’ll notice something different—the people here take pride in their town and love sharing its history, traditions, and local businesses with newcomers. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee at one of the cozy cafés or browsing a local shop, don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a friendly chat with a local happy to offer recommendations or share a story or two.

The town also hosts year-round events that bring people together, from the beloved Great White North Pumpkin Fair and Weigh-Off, where farmers compete to grow the biggest pumpkins, to the Smoky Lake Stampede and Métis Crossing cultural experiences. These gatherings highlight the town’s strong sense of community and hospitality.

Beyond the friendly smiles and warm conversations, Smoky Lake offers plenty of outdoor experiences. The area is known for its scenic beauty, especially in the fall when the surrounding forests turn brilliant shades of gold and orange. The Iron Horse Trail, a multi-use recreational trail, runs through the region, making it a great spot for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling in the winter.

But that’s not all—Smoky Lake was once featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for having the highest number of businesses per capita compared to other locations across Canada. This impressive feat speaks to the town’s entrepreneurial spirit and strong community-driven economy. Despite its small size, Smoky Lake thrives as a hub of activity, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and services that make it an inviting place to visit.

Smoky Lake should be on your list if you’re looking for a town that embodies the heart and soul of Alberta hospitality. Whether you come for a festival, a weekend getaway, or just to experience the warmth of the community, you’ll quickly see why this little town has earned its reputation as one of the friendliest places in the province.

Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.