If you’ve driven Highway 2 south a hundred times and never turned off for Big Valley, you’re not alone. But this little prairie town—just two hours from Edmonton—has more character than most Albertans realize. Think ghost-town charm, railway history, and a skyline crowned by church ruins on a hill. Add in a classic train ride from Stettler, and you’ve got yourself one of the most unexpected (and fun) small-town getaways in the province.
Here’s how to spend a weekend in Big Valley, where quirky history and prairie scenery collide.
Day One: Friday Evening Arrival
Head out of Edmonton after work—it’s about two hours to Big Valley. You’ll roll into town before dark, which is good because half the fun here is seeing the buildings lit up against the prairie sky.
Where to Stay:
- Big Valley Inn – small-town hotel vibes, right in the heart of Main Street.
- Local Airbnbs – there are a handful of restored homes and suites if you prefer more space.
- If you’re combining this with a Stettler train ride, you could also base yourself in Stettler (20 minutes north) and drive back and forth.
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Grab an easy dinner in town (Jimmy Jock Boardwalk or the Big Valley Inn), then take a twilight stroll—Main Street feels like stepping into a western movie set.
Day Two: Trains, Churches, and Quirky Streets
Morning: Alberta Prairie Railway Excursion
Start the day in nearby Stettler (20 minutes away) with a ride on the Alberta Prairie Railway. The steam train runs themed excursions through the fall (think fall harvest rides, murder mystery dinners). It’s classic prairie scenery at its best, and kids love the open-air coaches and the occasional staged “train robbery.”
Check the fall schedule here.
Midday: Big Valley Train Station Museum
Back in Big Valley, stop into the Train Station Museum—a beautifully restored CN station with exhibits on how the town boomed (and busted) with the railway era.
Grab lunch on Jimmy Jock Boardwalk, a fun, old-timey spot for sandwiches and diner-style treats.
Afternoon: St. Edmund’s Church Ruins
Big Valley’s most photogenic landmark is the stone ruin of St. Edmund’s Anglican Church. Perched on a hill, it overlooks the town and the endless prairie beyond. The short climb up is easy for kids, and the view is spectacular in late afternoon light.
Evening:
Dinner back in town, then maybe a drink at the Big Valley Inn Tavern (yes, they’re famous for karaoke nights).
Day Three: Lazy Prairie Morning
Take it slow. Breakfast at your hotel or a local café, then wander through Big Valley’s collection of quirky museums:
- McAlister Museum – local antiques and oddities.
- Big Valley Tool Museum – a surprising hit for gearheads.
- Big Valley Jail & School Museum – a quick look into pioneer life.
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Hit the road by late morning—you’ll be back in Edmonton in time for lunch, with a head full of prairie skies and train whistles.
Good to Know
- Alberta Prairie Railway is seasonal, so check dates before you book—some rides wrap up by Thanksgiving.
- Big Valley is small—don’t expect big box stores. That’s part of the charm.
- If you’re a photographer, golden hour here is chef’s kiss. The church ruins are especially good for moody prairie shots.
