Paradise Canyon By Evrentals

Lethbridge, major city in Southern Alberta.

by dabidc

"Lethbridge an oasis in the vast Prairie."

A city of some 75,000 poeple is celebrating it's Centennial in 2006.

It is located on the Oldman River that rises in the Rocky Mountains in the Crow's Nest Pass and flows east thru Lethbridge until it joins the Bow River west of Medicine Hat. During much of its length it provides irrigation water to the farmers along the way.

East of Lethbridge one major crop is Sugar Beet.

Lethbridge is a centre for Agricuture in S Alberta, it has a major University and many visitor attractions from Arts and Entertainment to Museums and Parks. Do not ofrget to see the Rail bridge spanning the Oldman River, it is the highest bridge of its type in Canada.

In fact as you approach Lethbridge from the west, Highway 3 seems to dive quickly into the river valley and suddely the vast size of the big black bridge is obvious on your right hand side. It is even more spectacular if a freight train is crossing the single track bridge.

My opeing photo is of part of the Nikka Yuko Japanese gardens in the south east section of the city. It offers a peaceful retreat from the busy workd around us.

"A view of the bridge from near the Visitor centre."

The rail line crossing the bridge, allows for both east west movement of frieght, but also traffic to and from Central and Northern Alberta to and from the U.S. of America.

The border crossing is at Coutts, about 70 minutes by 4 lane divided highway to Montana and States south.

"Signs and Gardens at the Visitor Centre."

The Visitor centre still stands as you enter Lethbridge from the west and drive towards the City Centre and Scenic Drive. The gardens were once known as the Brewery Gardens, there used to be a Sick's Lethbridge Brewery, a little further east. Now gone.

The main highway #3 passes thru the middle of the City as it heads to Taber and Medicine Hat.