Outdoor Experience

Resident Wildlife

Many different kinds of animals can be found in Lethbridge throughout the year. Lethbridge’s diverse ecosystem and landforms result in a variety of mammals inhabiting the river valley. Dense cottonwood forests provide shelter for cottontail rabbits and porcupines, while open grasslands are the home of ground squirrels and badgers. During the winter months, white-tailed deer, mule deer, cottontail rabbits, porcupines and coyotes are commonly seen.

Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the city limits. Although the greatest diversity can be found in the river valley, older residential parts of the city can also harbour some interesting bird species.

Due to Lethbridge’s dry, northern climate, there are relatively few reptile and amphibian species in the area. Those species found here are not especially abundant and tend to be difficult to observe. However, few experiences in nature are as thrilling as an evening visit to a pond full of singing frogs, or hearing the sound of a rattlesnake warning you of its presence!

The Nature Centre has been recording local plant and wildlife sightings since 1990. Nature Centre sightings are available online at the OpenData catalogue. If you would like to report a sighting or are interested in more information, contact us.  ​​​

If you are interested in recent sightings, you may want to check out and contribute to citizen science initiatives like iNaturalist, eBird, NatureLynx, Journey North, Plantwatch, Christmas Bird Count, BugGuide, Bumble Bee Watch, eButterfly, NatureWatch, NestWatch, and many more!

‘Listen’ Public Art

Located west of the Nature Centre parking lot, 'Listen' creates a moment for visitors to stop and focus. It's structure echoes the natural, wedge-shaped contours of the coulee slopes, as well as the architectural forms in the High Level Bridge.

In Listen, a shelf provides seating for an adult or a stair for a child. There you will find the focus to enjoy an enhanced sound experience. This also makes the sculpture an excellent rest spot. The dish is oriented toward a wooded area, rich in sounds.

Listen encourages repeat visits to investigate the sound during different times of day, different weather, and in all seasons. For young visitors, and the young at heart, you can also use Listen as a form of “whisper dish” to explore the nature of sound waves.

In Listen, the bench is designed for an adult to sit at the focus of the sound waves. The bench is designed as a stair so that children can also find the focus and enjoy the sounds around you.

CPR High Level Bridge 

Built between 1907 and 1909 the High Level Bridge is the longest and highest of its kind in the world. Also known as the Lethbridge Viaduct, the bridge stretches for 1.6 kilometres and towers 96 metres over the Oldman River valley. Completed in 1909, the bridge is still used every day by Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). There are great vantage points of the High Level Bridge around the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.

River valley users are often surprised to notice a noisy pair of ravens that have chosen to nest on the girders of the bridge every year since 1989. These early nesters begin nest building in late February and early March, taking nearly a month to complete construction. Other birds that have been recorded nesting on the bridge include Canada geese, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, and rock pigeons. The shade cast by the bridge encourages lush shrub growth that is favoured by pheasants and white-tailed deer.

Visitors are reminded that the High Level Bridge is an active railway. Never climb or cross the bridge and avoid spending any time directly underneath the bridge as falling debris can be hazardous.

Coalbanks Kiosk

The Kinsmen Club in conjunction with the Gyro Club, developed the Drift Mine #1 interpretive display, which is now housed in the Coalbanks Kiosk located southeast of the Nature Centre parking lot near the Coulee Climb trailhead.

The display tells the story of coal discovery and mining operations in the river valley in the mid to late 1800s. A cairn with a plaque reading “Here we begin to mine the coal” stands to the left of the kiosk entrance.

This interpretive kiosk is a great opportunity to gain perspective on the intensive human development of this area. The kiosk contains a number of historic photos as well as an old mine coal cart used at the site.

For safety the mine entrance, located behind the kiosk, has been sealed with a slab of concrete.

Lethbridge Parks

​Lethbridge is home to one of the largest city park systems in Canada! There is an extensive suite of parks that run through the entire length of the river valley corridor; including 4,000 acres of parks with 177 km of paved trails and 57 km of gravel trails.

The City of Lethbridge maintains over 130 parks and natural areas. There is a variety of recreational options to meet your needs. Discover the four Nature Reserve Parks in Lethbridge later on this page.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of pathways and trails throughout the City. They are fun to explore and can help fill a warm summer evening or even a warm winter Sunday!