High River, Alberta

About High River, Alberta

High River is a charming town located just 45 minutes south of Calgary, nestled along the Highwood River in the scenic foothills of southern Alberta. With a welcoming small-town atmosphere and close access to outdoor recreation, High River is an ideal community for families, professionals, and anyone looking for a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.

A Rich Western Heritage

High River is known for its strong ranching roots and western culture. The town’s history dates back to the early days of settlement, and you can still feel that heritage today through local events, historic sites, and community traditions.

Outdoor Living at Its Best

High River’s location makes it a perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents enjoy easy access to:

Riverfront trails and parks |
Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking
Nearby wildlife areas like Frank Lake
Scenic drives into the foothills and the Rocky Mountains

A Close-Knit Community

High River is known for its friendly community spirit and family-focused lifestyle. The town host s regular events and festivals, and local shops, restaurants, and markets help make it a vibrant place to live.

A Growing Town with Big Potential

With steady growth and a strong sense of community, High River is becoming a popular choice for those seeking a balance of rural charm and modern amenities. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or considering an investment property, High River offers a great mix of lifestyle and opportunity.

High River

Explore the Neighbourhoods of High River, AB

High River offers a diverse mix of neighbourhoods — from mature, tree-lined streets close to downtown to newer, growing subdivisions with parks, pathways, and modern homes. Whether you’re seeking historic character, family-friendly living, or scenic surroundings, High River has a community to fit your lifestyle.

🏡 Established & Central Areas

These neighbourhoods are perfect if you want to be close to shops, services, schools, and the heart of High River:

Central / Downtown High River – Classic small-town charm with easy walking access to local restaurants, boutiques, and amenities.
Emerson Lake / Emerson Lake Estates – Picturesque lakeside living with mature landscaping and peaceful surroundings.
Highwood Village & Lineham Acres – Well-established communities with a mix of homes and convenient access to parks.
Old Rodeo Grounds – Unique neighbourhood with character homes and a nod to High River’s western heritage.

🌳 Family-Friendly & Newer Subdivisions

These areas are popular with families, first-time buyers, and anyone looking for updated home designs and community amenities:

Newer Neighbourhoods

Montrose – A welcoming, family-oriented neighbourhood with parks, walking trails, and contemporary home styles.
Hampton Hills – One of High River’s newer developments featuring modern builds, wide streets, and convenient proximity to services.
Sunshine Meadow – Centrally located and affordable, this area blends accessibility with a quiet residential feel.
Monteith & Vista Mirage – Growing communities offering modern homes and options for buyers seeking newer construction.

🌾 Acreages & Country-Style Living

For those seeking more space or a rural feel within reach of town:

Red Tail Rise & 112 Street East (Annexed Areas) – Recently incorporated into town limits, these parcels offer opportunities for larger lots and country-style living close to High River.
Rosewood / Rural-Edge Areas – Ideal for hobby farms, acreage living, or those looking to blend rural charm with community conveniences.

📚 Schools in High River, AB

High River offers a range of quality education options for families, including public and Catholic schools from early years through to high school. The town is served by Foothills School Division No. 38 (public) and Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools (separate Catholic system), with options for regular and some French Immersion programming.

Public Schools (Foothills School Division)

Spitzee Elementary School – Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5
École Joe Clark School – JK to Grade 5 with French Immersion options
École Senator Riley Middle School – Grades 6 to 8
École Secondaire Highwood High School – Grades 9 to 12 with English and French Immersion programming

Catholic School Options (Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools)

Holy Spirit Academy – Kindergarten to Grade 6 (Catholic education)
Notre Dame Collegiate – Secondary level Catholic schooling

These school options help make High River a welcoming choice for families, with strong community involvement and a variety of learning environments close to home.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Spaces in High River

High River boasts extensive parks, pathways, and recreation spaces that suit all ages — from playgrounds and picnic spots to trails and sports fields. The town’s parks system blends natural beauty with family-friendly amenities.

Popular Parks & Playgrounds

High River’s parks include:

George Lane Park – Large green space with picnic areas, river views, playgrounds, and campground facilities in summer.
High River Spray Park – A fun summer destination with interactive water features for kids.
Birchwood Natural Playground – A unique nature-inspired playground encouraging creative outdoor play.
Sunshine Park & Sunshine Lake – Scenic spots great for strolling, picnics, and relaxation.
Highland Greens, Lineham Acres & Montrose Playgrounds – Neighbourhood playgrounds serving families across town.

High River’s playground network — including smaller community play areas such as 6 Avenue & 7 Street S.E., Charles Clark Park, and more — ensures there’s something for all ages and abilities.

Trails & Active Living

Happy Trails Pathway – A community-wide trail system of over 17 km that connects parks, lakes, and recreation areas — ideal for walking, cycling, jogging, and exploring nature.
Outdoor Sports Fields & Courts – Ball diamonds, outdoor tennis/pickleball courts, skateboard park, and an Outdoor Fitness Park offer active play opportunities across town.

Recreation Facilities

Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex – A major community hub featuring swimming, ice arenas, fieldhouse activities, and programs for all ages.