From Red Deer [1], Highway 2 continues 30 kilometers (19 miles) north to Lacombe, a town of 9,000 that centers on a main street lined with Edwardian-era buildings.
Big-hitting golfers should consider a stop at the nearby Nursery Golf & Country Club (Range Rd. 27–0, 403/782-5400, greens fees $42), which is home to Canada’s longest golf hole. It’s the 11th hole, a par 6 stretching to 782 yards from the back markers. Turn off Highway 2 four kilometers (2.5 miles) north of town.
Only open when the corn reaches a height of six feet, the Lacombe Corn Maze (Hwy. 12, 403/782-4653, late July–Aug. Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sept.–mid-Oct. Wed.–Fri. 4–8 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–8 p.m., adult $9, child $7) is a rural highlight of central Alberta [2], even for adults. Cut in a different design each year, it takes at least an hour to get through, with a “cheat sheet” for those who get truly lost. Also on site is a petting zoo, a tire horse carousel, a corn cannon, a jumping pillow, and miniature train rides to keep the young ones amused for a bit longer.
Between Highway 2 and downtown is a campground and an information center (www.lacombetourism.com [3]), but for motel accommodations, stay on the highway to reach Wolf Creek Inn (Hwy. 2, 403/782-4716, $70 s or d). Overlooking a small lake, it’s home to 20 simple rooms and has a restaurant that is a popular spot for highway travelers looking to avoid fast-food joints. Access is only from Highway 2 southbound, so if you’re heading toward Edmonton [4], take the second exit and loop back south via the overpass.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/alberta/calgary/central-alberta/red-deer
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/alberta
[3] http://www.lacombetourism.com
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/alberta/edmonton