Coleman
The country of Canada is world-famous for its beauty and all-round loveliness; this is none more so evident than in the tiny scenic town of Coleman located in the southern part of the Alberta province near the border with British Columbia. Calling Coleman scenic though is an understatement. The snow-capped peaks of the nearby Crowsnest Mountains tower majestically over the town while the green trees below it make for a stunning contrasting effect, giving Coleman a very homely and old-world feel.
With a small population of only 2000 people, Coleman residents are also very hospitable and friendly, making a visit to these parts a wonderfully intimate experience. Coleman was initially founded in the early 20th century to support Canada’s burgeoning coal industry and rose to prominence with the establishment of AR Flumerfelt’s Coal and Coke Company that operated from 1906 to 1952. During this time, Coal and Coke had up to 200 ovens running, and today there is a commemorative park located in the centre of the town dedicated to Flumerfelt. Incidentally Coleman was named after Flumerfelt’s very own daughter, Coleman Flumerfelt. One of the unique attractions in Coleman known as the world’s largest piggy bank is creatively made up from a bottle mine locomotive also affectionately known as the Ten Ton Toots.
Other top attractions here include the annual Coleman Country Market where gourmet foods and artistic wares are the main produce for sale and the Crowsnest Museum, which is a gallery of photographs and life-size displays. Another very good reason to visit the charming town of Coleman is that it is in close proximity to the famous Rocky Mountains, which makes for the perfect day tripper excursion.
