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The Lethbridge Destination is located in Calgary, Canada, along the border of the United States and Saskatchewan. The area is known as being the “fourth largest city in the region, dwarfed only by Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer.” Currently, the population of Lethbridge, the destination’s namesake, is 104,524 people.[1] Originally, Lethbridge was known as Coalbanks due to it first being established as a mining community; however, the area was eventually named Lethridge after William Lethridge, a prominent member of the mining industry.[2] The destination offers historical sites as well as other attractions in the region that people can visit. Notable attractions include Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Henderson Lake Park, Helen Schuler Nature Centre, Galt Museum & Archives, Indian Battle Park, and New West Theatre.[3] According to those who have come to Lethbridge in the past, it is recommended that people who plan on visiting the area come between the months of July to mid-August as temperatures are relatively moderate for warm-weather activities. Average daily temperatures differ depending on the time of year, varying anywhere from 13 to 18 degrees Fahrenheit.[5] The Oldman River valley is located in the destination, with the Oldman River running through it. Another aspect of the destination is that the city of Lethbridge rests along this river and is additionally located 35 miles away from Calgary. [4]
The Lethbridge Destination is located in Canada along the northern border of the United States. Notable cities in the region include Wrentham, Champion, Fort Macleod, and Lethbridge, the latter being the namesake of the destination. Originally, Lethbridge was known as Coalbanks. However, the name eventually changed to Lethbridge in October 1885 to honor the “original shareholder in the Northwest Coal and Navigation Company (NCNC),” William Lethbridge. The name Coalbanks was initially given due to the coal mining industry in the region. The Oldman River valley is the home of Lethbridge, which was originally established in the late 1800s as the previously mentioned mining community.[2]
In terms of population, Lethbridge has grown significantly since first being established, with the current population sitting at 104,524 people. It should also be noted that Lethbridge is “the fourth largest city in the region, dwarfed only by Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer.” Due to its size, the area has become known for being the central location for primary financial institutions in the country.[1] The destination is not only known for its economic developments but also for the various attractions and activities possible within the region. Popular attractions involve visiting the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Henderson Lake Park, Helen Schuler Nature Centre, Indian Battle Park, and the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands.[3] Other activities recommended for tourists to participate in are visiting the High-Level Bridge, which offers a view of Lethbridge; visiting historic buildings, specifically in the downtown area; shopping; and river activities.[6]
When coming to the Lethbridge Destination, it is recommended to arrive between July to mid-August, based on a tourism score from Weather Spark. This time of year is said to produce “warm weather” for most outdoor activities. The average temperature varies in the area, ranging from 13 degrees Fahrenheit to 91 degrees, depending on the time of year.[5]
There are various "Fast Facts" about Lethbridge listed on the city's official website. A couple of notable facts include the city receiving an average of 320 days of sunshine per year and the CP Rail High-Level Bridge being 95.7 meters tall. Another fact about the region is that there are 130 parks, playgrounds, and sports areas throughout Lethridge. [10]
Located in Alberta, Canada is the Lethbridge Destination. The region is situated along the border between Canada and the United States as well as the Alberta and Saskatchewan border. A number of cities can be found in the destination: Foremost, Ralston, Maleb, Fort Macleod, and Lethbridge, which serves as the namesake of the destination. The city of Lethbridge rests along the Oldman River and is 135 miles away from Calgary. Other water features in the region involve the Saskatchewan River and the Bow River.[4]
Due to the Lethbridge Destination having a valley in its area, there are “large tracts of native flora.” Some plants that can be found within the region are curlycup gumweed, fleabanes, showy milkweed, and red-berried elder.[7] Throughout the expanse of the destination, it is not uncommon for people to see various fauna of the region. Such wildlife includes but is not limited to porcupines, western painted turtles, marmots, skunks, deer, and around 300 species of birds.[8]
The weather of the destination is known to vary depending on the time of year. November to March is reported to be the “cold season” of the area, while June to September typically constitutes the warmer months. Average daily temperatures range anywhere from 13 degrees Fahrenheit to 81 degrees. May to September tend to be the wetter months for the region, and June produces the most rain. Snow is also common for the destination, with the most snow falling on average in the month of December.[5]
First Nations, also known as “Indigenous Canadian peoples who are neither Inuit nor Metis,” are the first noted people to live in the region, specifically in Lethbridge, the namesake of the destination.[9] Eventually, the area became known as Coalbanks due to the coal mining that started to develop in the area. Once the coal mining started to progress, the town was named after William Lethbridge, one of the original shareholders of the NCNC.[2] It is said that in 1896, the “local collieries were the largest coal produces in the Northwest Territories, with production peaking during World War 1.” Once the war was over, the region started having a higher production of natural oil and gas, eventually replacing coal production. The last coal mine to close down in the region was in 1957.[9]
Notable events in the Lethbridge Destination's history entail the development of the first rail line in Lethbridge in 1885. Later, between the years of 1907 to 1913, the Lethbridge area was reported to have a “boom” in development, which resulted in making it currently “the main marketing, distribution and service centre in southern Alberta.”[9] Other contributors to the economy of the region throughout its history include ranching and irrigation, with irrigation “becoming the centre of the most extensive irrigation network in Canada.” Later, it also became known for cultivating sugar beets, corn, grain, hay, and other specialty crops.[4]
Since Lethbridge was officially deemed a city, it has grown in population size. Currently, the estimated total population of Lethridge is 104,524 people, with a growth rate of 1.41% annually. The present density of the city is 1,967 people per square mile. English is the primary language of the region; however, other languages such as German, Dutch, and French are often spoken by the residents.[1]
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