Friendly, farm-forward Battle River region will grow on you

Jeremy Derksen
Posted:

Battle River region, AB  From planting flower seeds and meeting multi-generational farm families to holding baby goats in her arms, Linda Hoang’s recent visit to Battle River was an eyeopener for her. 

“It was my first time really exploring the area,” recalls Hoang, one of Alberta’s top travel influencers. “I met a bunch of … really really amazing rural Albertans who are also business owners, artists, farmers, creatives.”

Known for its rich agricultural traditions, Battle River welcomes visitors like Linda with wide skies, rolling prairies, warm sunshine and friendly smiles.
Greenhouses and farm gardens in Battle River region can help give you a leg up on spring gardening and planting.

One of the advantages of visiting in spring is that everything is coming to life. From flower buds to green meadows to baby animals, you can immerse in the annual natural cycle of rejuvenation. It’s also a great place to stock up on bedding plants, gardening supplies and more. 

As Jim Barr, longtime travel-writer and ZenSeekers founder, adds, “Farmers, those that are making stuff in Alberta... it’s really important to know where our food is coming from these days.”
Cornucopia Gourmet Popcorn, in Paintearth County, makes unique, handmade popcorn confections.

Both Hoang and Barr were talking up a special festival experience being hosted in partnership between the Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) region and FestivalSeekers, the Battle River Online Festival. 

As Barr explains, the unique virtual festival approach “allows you to beam into their farm (or business) from the comfort of your own chair.”

Taking place April 28 - May 7, 2026, you can still tune in and watch the live broadcasts from the FestivalSeekers event page during this week, or post-festival.

From there, says Hoang, is the opportunity to plan your visit with more knowledge of who and what to check out while you’re there.
At Macrae Farm & Supply you can get a hat custom-made at the hat bar.

Another big win? It's close to Edmonton or Red Deer, with short drives between the towns and communities throughout the region.

“So from Edmonton it’s anywhere from 30 minutes to 3-hours' drive," says Hoang, adding, "you can do it as a day trip or better, so you’re not rushed, book an overnight so you can get out and explore.”

Here are a few festival highlights that you’ll want to make note of, for your own adventures.

Meet the makers, Battle River region 

Watch a road trip teaser from Linda Hoang, then check out a sample of the 15-plus participants who showcased their creative endeavours during the festival.

WATCH > this road trip teaser from Linda Hoang


Take a farm tour with The Country Cupboard

Meet Eddie the baby goat, collect eggs and get 20% off your tour


Learn how to arrange a bouquet with Dirt Road Studios

And shop flowers and gifts for Mothers' Day


Relax in an infrared sauna, at Material Moon Refuge

 And set your intentions for spring


Battle River road trip map

Use this map to help plan your trip, and explore the region.

 

For more, check out Linda Hoang's story and preview to the festival on FestivalSeekers, including a full festival program linking to all the local businesses. 

The Battle River Online Festival is based off FestivalSeekers' national and provincial award-winning template of connecting seekers to local experiences and products. The festival is hosted by FestivalSeekers in partnership with the Battle River Alliance of Economic Development (BRAED), Community Futures Elk Island, Community Futures East-Central Alberta, the communities of the Battle River including Beaver, Flagstaff, Paintearth Counties, and Towns of Coronation and Castor.