Mayerthorpe on the Cowboy Trail

Mayerthorpe lies at the northern end of the Cowboy Trail. This means your trip planning can take in both the route and the area’s agricultural history and seasonal recreational activities. If you’re considering a hotel stay in Mayerthorpe, you can weigh its connection to the route against your interests in history, a self-guided tour, or recreational activities.

Mayerthorpe on the Cowboy Trail

Highway 22, also known as the Cowboy Trail, is a scenic route that runs from southern Alberta through ranch country along the foothills to Mayerthorpe. The town marks the northern end of the trail. Locally, the Cowboy Trail follows Highways 5, 6, and 22 through the centre of Mayerthorpe and ends about six kilometres north of the town. For trip planning, the trail’s northern end and its route through the centre are two distinct reference points.

Grain history as a local landmark

One historical landmark is the Alberta Wheat Pool Grain Elevator. Its site covers about 0.69 hectares and is beside a railway line. The complex includes a simple wooden composite grain elevator built in 1966, an adjoining wood-frame office building from the same year, and a metal-clad addition built in 1940. The dates help distinguish the structures: the elevator and office date from 1966, while the addition is older.

The elevator is associated with the method of grain storage and transport that prevailed in Alberta during most of the 20th century. As a historic resource, it is significant to the province’s agricultural and social history. This Mayerthorpe landmark brings together specific architectural features and the history of grain storage and transport.

Route, sign, and self-guided tour

The Cowboy Trail attraction in Mayerthorpe highlights the route with a custom metal sign by local artist Tom Johansson and a brief description. The sign and text also give the road route a local artistic representation.

For a self-guided walking tour of Mayerthorpe, start at the Mayerthorpe Public Library or Fallen Four Memorial Park. These offer two different ways to get your bearings: the Cowboy Trail as a scenic route and a tour that begins at either of these locations in town.

Recreation in Mayerthorpe

The Mayerthorpe Aquatic Centre is an outdoor pool open from June to August. If a swim is important to your trip, check the current schedule in advance. A public toboggan hill is located at the north end of town, right on Highway 22; tobogganing is a seasonal activity.

The BMX and skate park was rebuilt in 2021. It is free for residents and visitors to use; check current municipal usage information before your visit. Mayerthorpe’s outdoor ice rink is beside the ice arena at the Mayerthorpe Curling Rink. Along with the outdoor pool and toboggan hill, it adds another named facility to the local recreational offerings.

Explore more destinations: Athabasca, Whitecourt, Westlock, Barrhead, Sangudo, Onoway.

Return to the regional travel overview: Division No. 13.