Daytrippin’ in Lacombe

Lacombe is a day-tripper’s dream.

The City of Lacombe is a great day trip for those wanting an away-from-home vibe close to home. Lacombe is a vibrant, family-friendly destination, with historic streets and modern upgrades. And with many of its attractions outdoor community spaces that allow you to breathe the fresh air and relax, it’s also the perfect destination while we continue to physically distance.

World’s Largest Lure

Built in 2019 by long-time Lacombe business Thompson-Pallister Bait Co. and officially designated by the Guinness World Records in 2020, the World’s Largest Lure is located at Len Thompson Pond and is one of Lacombe’s latest attractions.

Lacombe’s lure measures in at 12.35 metres (40.525 feet), nearly 7.6m (25ft) longer than the previous record, which was held in West Texas. Built as a way for the community to recognize the history of Thompson-Pallister Bait Co. and its famous ‘Five of Diamonds lure,’ the lure also aims to inspire the community and guests to venture into the outdoors and enjoy fishing.

“I hope it’s going to be a big source of pride for a lot of years – hopefully decades,” Brad Pallister told reporters at the Kids Can Catchevent where the lure was unveiled in June 2019. “If it inspires just one more person to pick up a fishing rod, take their kids out, or visit our town, we’ve done well.”

As an added bonus, the Len Thompson fishing pond is a stocked retention pond that provides catch-and-release recreational fishing opportunities for residents.

Murals

You may not know it, but Lacombe is Alberta’s mural capital — with scenes from the past painted on alleyway walls throughout the city.

Artists Tim Giles, John Ellenberger and Robert Murray have brought Lacombe’s visual history to life — turning historical photos into painted scenes.

Visitors can take Lacombe Regional Tourism guided or self-guided walking tours that take guests through the murals — as well as showcasing Lacombe’s historical buildings and the city’s three museums.

And with more murals being painted all the time — the latest scene is behind Sims Insurance – there’s always something new to discover!

Cilantro and Chive

After you’ve worked up an appetite visiting some of the area sites, be sure to try one of central Alberta’s not-so-hidden gems. Cilantro and Chive is a family restaurant in Lacombe that takes local seriously.

Opening in 2009 as Cilantro Catering, before expanding to a 60-seat restaurant in Ponoka in 2012, the restaurant moved to its current location on 50th Street in Lacombe. Enjoy the best in locally sourced ingredients and a huge selection of craft beers.

Blindman Brewing

Lacombe is also home to one of Alberta’s finest success stories — multi-award-winning brewery Blindman Brewing.

Blindman recently cleaned up at the Alberta Small Brewers Association’s 2020 Alberta Beer Awards and is now continuing its legacy of producing some of Alberta’s best beers, and welcoming guests from across the province to its inviting taproom.

Owner Hans Doef says it’s always been part of Blindman’s core values to support the community, including like-minded businesses. They also take pride in creating award-winning beers, a mission made easier by the fact that some the best malt barley in the world is grown in Central Alberta.

Choose from a great selection of carefully crafted beers, but if you get the chance, give their award-winning 24-2 Brett Stock Ale a try – the barley was grown and harvested without combustion engines by 24-2 draft horses near Lacombe, a true labour of love.

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