High River

High River is a town in southwestern Alberta, Canada with a population of 10,716. It is 23 mi or 37 kilometres south of Calgary City, at the junction of Alberta Highways 23 and 2. Though reasonably distant from Calgary, the town is nevertheless considered to be part of the Calgary Region.

The Highwood River which runs through the town of High River is where the High River gets its name. The river would usually flood in the spring.

Joe Clark, former Canadian Prime Minister was born within the town of High River. Other famous former citizens include W.O. Mitchell, author of such books as Who Has Seen the Wind and Roses Are Difficult Here, and John "Pie" McKenzie, an NHL and WHA hockey player.

High River was used as a set for Smallville in Superman III, as well as High River, Montana in Nickelodeon's series Caitlin's Way. Recently, a CBS television series, Heartland has found High River its main filming location. Additionally, the movie Carolina Moon based on the book by Nora Roberts was filmed within High River.

As part of High River's heritage and tourism endeavours, a number of murals were painted around town during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The town of High River hosted the World Professional Chuckwagon Association Dodge Pro Tour Championships during the year 2006 and the year 2010.

There was a tree which stood beside the present town site of High River which was referred to as the Medicine Tree. It was created through a natural grafting that happened between two cottonwood trees, when the branch of one grew into the trunk of the other.

The indigenous peoples, in particular the Stony and Blackfoot, considered this to be a sign from the Spirits which the spot was favoured. It was also near the Medicine Tree that traders determined to build a fort, and immediately after settlers came to claim the land that is presently the town of High River.

The Town of High River Culture Centre is a place for various programs, activities, and special events which are designed to work towards the provision and coordination of services which meet the needs of the local community. Programs are for various ages and are intended to expose the local community to various opportunities.

The Culture Centre contains a big studio that is utilized for a variety of activities including classes in the arts, dance, and music, as well as general interest in addition to health and wellness courses.