The Lacombe center is about 12 miles northeast of Canyon Ski Area and 13 miles northeast of Great Chief Park.
Perhaps the best time to visit Lacombe is during the late summer. Because of the cold climate this far north, the city is most popular during the warmer months -- Lacombe's humid continental climate produces hot summers but very cold winters. Most people choose to visit when the weather is more temperate and the local birds and animals are more abundant. That said, Lacombe has plenty going on at other times of the year -- including very attractive rates on flights, hotels, and activities. If you're ready to brave the colder months, you'll find travel and accommodations at excellent prices.
Winters are especially cold in Lacombe, and some facilities are closed during the most inhospitable part of the year. Things get a little more comfortable during the late spring, although, you'll need to pack plenty of warm clothes. Early fall is also an attractive time to visit, particularly when the leaves start to turn. Rates are good at this time, as the hotels are less busy than in the summer.
If you're looking for discounts, many hotels in and around Lacombe provide special rates for members of the military, government employees, seniors, and members of AAA or CAA.
A popular choice is the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham in nearby Blackfalds. This hotel is just 6 miles away from Lacombe and is very reasonably priced, even before the various discounts offered. Not all rooms and stays at the Microtel are eligible for discounts, but the majority are. Rooms come with coffee makers, free Wi-Fi, a free buffet-style continental breakfast and plenty of other amenities. Some rooms also have mini bars, mini fridges, and microwaves. The Microtel is a good choice for guests with disabilities; many of their rooms and suites offer accessible facilities such as roll-in showers.
Another good choice just a little further away is the Quality Inn & Conference Centre. Rooms come with high-speed wireless internet and there's a business center on-site. Guests can use the public computers with internet access, and there are also fax and copy services available. The hotel offers a heated indoor pool, an indoor whirlpool tub, an exercise room, and an outdoor tennis court. The hotel is pet-friendly, although, you need to pay a surcharge and make arrangements with the hotel before you can bring your animals.
Since hotels in the center of Lacombe tend to be small, they may fill up rapidly, so it's a good idea to look at nearby areas like Red Deer and Edmonton if you need accommodations that provide a good value.
Situated in Red Deer, the Towneplace Suites by Marriott is a great choice for wedding parties, sports teams, and other groups. They offer good deals for group bookings which makes the hotel very affordable. There are fitness facilities open 24 hours and an indoor pool. Rooms and suites are unostentatious but comfortable and well-appointed. Some suites come with kitchen facilities, making the Towneplace Suites a good choice for longer stays.
Located just a few minutes drive from Lacombe, the Staybridge Suites in Red Deer North is also a comfortable place for longer visits. This is an aparthotel, aimed at guests who need to stay for an extended period of time. They are affordably priced and offer discounts for group bookings. Suites are large and fully equipped for cooking, with plenty of useful amenities such as a microwave and full-size fridge. The Staybridge offers accessible suites adapted for wheelchair users and hearing impaired guests.
Whether you're only in town for a few days or planning to stay for a while, you'll find plenty to do and see in Lacombe. It's a particularly memorable destination for fans of nature and history lovers.
Previously known as Barnett's Siding, Lacombe is named after a Catholic missionary who lived among the local First Nations people in the 19th century. Lacombe was founded as a village in 1896, although the area had been settled prior to this date and was inhabited by the Blackfoot and Cree tribes. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway made it much easier for people to access the area, encouraging more people to join the settlement.
New opportunities opened up as the town grew, including an experimental farm where improvements in livestock and grain production were explored. Lacombe achieved town status in 1902, but would not be incorporated as a city until 2010.
History buffs will love Lacombe's downtown area. Take a step back in time with a visit to the Michner House, a wooden structure dating back to the late 19th century which houses a museum of local history and a community archive. The Lacombe Historic Downtown & Mural tour allows you to view 40 murals depicting the city's history, as well as other points of interest.
Lacombe is also home to the Blacksmith Shop Museum, the oldest working blacksmith's shop in the state. Ellis Bird Farm and Cafe comes highly recommended -- this is a real working farm that also serves as a sanctuary for birds such as Tree Swallows and Mountain Bluebirds. Golfers will want to visit Lacombe Golf Course and Country Club, while kids will appreciate pony rides, horseback riding lessons, and the petting zoo at the Flying Cross Ranch.
Lacombe's foodie scene is a major draw for many visitors. There are plenty of places to get excellent food, from solid family favorites like pizza to delicious gourmet cuisine made with local ingredients. The Cilantro and Chive is a great place to come if you have kids, while Kavaccino's is the premier spot for coffee and dessert. The Station Restaurant & Bar offers a winning mix of Greek and Canadian food in a convenient location.
Below are reviews of the city of Lacombe, Alberta from an actual visitor's perspective.
Downtown is very interesting and full of historic buildings. The town also has everything you will need including various restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and more.