Officially designated "Alberta's Centennial Cityâ„¢", the town of Brooks is located just 2 hours east of Calgary on the TransCanada Highway. Originally, the area of Brooks was used as a buffalo hunting ground for the Blackfoot and Crow natives. To the north of Brooks flows the Red Deer River and to the south flows the Bow River, giving the area a reputation for great fishing. Don't miss Lake Newell, one of the country's largest man made lakes; and Dinosaur Park, a World Heritage Site and home of the field station of the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Things to do in Brooks
Bassano Dam
Construction of the Bassano Dam began in September 1910 and was completed in the spring of 1914. The Bassano Dam was unique at the time because of its composite character, length, and depth of water.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Dinosaur Provincial Park is home to some of the most important fossil discoveries and skeletons of over 35 dinosaur species and numerous other plants and animals from over 75 million years ago. The Park displays beautiful landscapes and wildlife, and also features a visitor center, walking trails, bus tours, and hiking tours. Call 403-378-4342 for more information.
EID Historical Park
Located in Scandia, near Brooks, is the museum of the Eastern Irrigation District (EID) featuring horse-drawn machinery, irrigation equipment, early household furniture, artefacts, and clothing. Learn what it was like farming back in the day, and what it took to build the West. Call 403-362-5010 for more information.
Kinbrook Island Park
Kinbrook Island Park is located just 15km southwest of Brooks on Secondary Highway 873. The Park was built by the Kinsmen Club of Brooks in 1944, and became a provincial park in 1951. Situated on Lake Newell, Kinbrook Island Park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, picnics, boating, and much more. Call 403-362-2962 for more information.
The Brooks & District Museum
The Brooks and District Museum displays the cultural heritage of Brooks and District through natural history specimens, artefacts, documents, maps, information which is significant to the area. The museum also houses displays saluting the oil industry and early settlers, including the Fourth Duke of Sutherland, and John Ware. The Brooks and District Museum is open from the 2nd week of May until Labour Day. Call 403-362-5073 for more information.
568 Sutherland Drive, Brooks, AB