Before you go

Your trip to Milk River.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Milk River – Alberta Destination South Alberta about 560 km from Edmonton

How to get there

  • Lethbridge Airport (YQL) Lethbridge · 90 km

Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.

By car, about 90 km from Lethbridge and about 300 km from Calgary.

How many days

One day for Writing-on-Stone.

When to go

Mid-May to mid-October, when guided tours run.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Yes.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Milk River
  1. Morning
    Guided tour

    Take the guided tour to the Writing-on-Stone archaeological reserve.

  2. Afternoon
    Sandstone formations

    Walk the trail through the sandstone formations and finish at the Milk River valley viewpoint.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How far is Milk River from Writing-on-Stone?

About 40 km, roughly a 30-minute drive.

How far is Lethbridge from Milk River?

About 90 km, roughly a 1-hour drive.

Does Milk River have lodging?

Few options; many visitors stay in Lethbridge or at the park campground.

Why is the river called Milk?

Because of the light color of the water, loaded with sediment.

Back to Milk River