Brooks, AB

Brooks sits on the edge of Alberta’s prairie, where wide skies meet small-town charm and grain elevators still mark the skyline. Just south of town, Lake Newell, the largest man-made lake in Alberta, draws locals for boating, kayaking, and long beach days that feel a world away from the city. Downtown Brooks is the heart of the city and a great gathering place. You’ll find residents strolling Second Street or catching a game at the Centennial Regional Arena.

Most errands are a five-minute drive or a short bike ride away. Parks like Duke of Sutherland and Lake Stafford offer scenic escapes for jogging, fishing, or simply unwinding on the weekend. About a half-hour northeast, Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, transports you to ancient badlands filled with towering hoodoos and some of the world’s richest fossil beds. Back in town, Brooks offers a surprising variety of international grocers and shops, shaped by its multicultural roots.

Rentals in Brooks lean toward low-rise apartment communities and townhomes, many with on-site parking and green space. A few newer developments offer updated interiors and open floor plans, while older units often come with more room to stretch out. Brooks is also home to the Brooks Campus of Medicine Hat College, which offers continuing education and career programs. Each summer, the Brooks Medieval Faire transforms the community into a lively celebration of jousting, costumes, and handmade crafts that draws visitors from all over southern Alberta.