Not only does Lloydminster straddle the boundary between the two provinces, but unlike most cities in a similar position, such as Kansas City and Texarkana in the United States, it is actually a single incorporated city, not twin cities with the same name. Lloydminster is proud to be “Canada's Only Border City.”
While you're in town, be sure to stop by the border markers at City Hall, on the intersection of Hwy 16 and 17, for a souvenir photo. Enormously tall and red, you can't miss them; they're actually the world's largest border markers. The markers are shaped like the original survey markers used in plotting the border between Alberta and Saskatchewan.
There are four markers in total, one for each of four themes important to the city's development: oil and gas, agriculture, the Barr Colonists, and First Nations & Métis. “First Nations” is the Canadian term for the country's indigenous peoples who lived south of the Arctic Circle, while “Métis” is the name given to people who can trace their ancestry back to marriages between European settlers (most of whom were French Catholics) and Native peoples. The first major Métis communities formed in Manitoba, but they eventually moved west into Saskatchewan and Alberta.
When are the best times to visit Lloydminster, AB?
In terms of weather, the ideal time to visit Lloydminster is from mid-June to early September. As you would expect, Lloydminster is at its warmest during the summer months, but even in the middle of July, its hottest month, highs tend to be around 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
August, April, and July are the most popular months to visit Lloydminster, so you can expect hotel and flight prices to be at their highest during those months. December is the least popular month for tourists, which means those willing to brave the cold temperatures will be rewarded with better travel deals. Keep in mind, though, that “cold” here means an average high between 12 and 23 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter.
Spring is the second-busiest season for tourism (after summer), thanks to moderately cold temperatures that rise significantly later in the season to highs around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're looking for events and outdoor activities, spring and summer are definitely the best times to visit. Fall brings temperatures similar to those of spring, as well as fewer crowds and better deals. If you're on the hunt for a bargain, consider planning your trip for early fall.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Lloydminster, AB:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Lloydminster, AB. Analyze these charts to determine the most cost effective time to stay in Lloydminster for any future trips.
Where are the luxury hotels near Lloydminster, AB?
There are no true luxury hotels in Lloydminster, but many hotels in the city boast a generous list of amenities. For instance, the Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel has an indoor pool, free Wi-Fi and breakfast, laundry services, and a business center. Families will appreciate the on-site children's pool and waterslide, perfect for keeping kids entertained while their parents relax by the pool. Each room includes a desk, microwave, designer toiletries, and cable programming. If the on-site 24-hour fitness center doesn't meet all of your workout needs, you can also take advantage of discounted access to a nearby gym.
The Hampton Inn by Hilton Lloydminster is another excellent choice. Its amenities include free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, an on-site convenience store, laundry facilities (including a dry-cleaning service), and an indoor pool. The front desk, business center, and fitness facilities are all open 24 hours a day for your convenience. Pets are allowed, but only in specific rooms and with an additional nightly fee per pet.
What affordable hotel options are around Lloydminster, AB?
3 Star Average Prices: $92.53
Those traveling on a tight budget will find several Lloydminster hotels within their price range. Two of the most affordable options are the Royal Hotel and the Econo Lodge. Both are two-star downtown hotels with fairly good reviews and decent amenities.
At the Royal Hotel, guests will enjoy 24-hour access to both a business center and a fitness center. The hotel has its own restaurant and bar as well as conference space, meeting rooms, complimentary breakfasts, free Wi-Fi, and laundry services. This is a smoke-free property, and pets are welcome with a modest per-pet nightly fee.
The Econo Lodge also has an on-site restaurant, plus a night club, room service during select hours, and a free continental breakfast for guests. Both Wi-Fi and wired internet access are available at no extra charge. Guests can also make use of laundry services, an on-site fitness center, free self-parking, tours/ticket assistance, and a meeting room.
What are the best hotels in the Lloydminster, AB for group discounts?
Most of the hotels in Lloydminster offer discounts of some type, including special lower rates for those who book online. However, there are two properties that stand out in this category: the Microtel Inn & Suites and the Ramada Lloydminster. Both offer free Wi-Fi, a complimentary breakfast, fitness facilities, and a business center.
The Microtel Inn & Suites reserves some of its lowest rates for AAA members, senior citizens, and military/government employees. To claim these discounts, book online and bring the appropriate ID with you when you check into the hotel. You can also find limited-time sales and special online rates for this hotel. Some deals come with a generous cancellation policy, while others are non-refundable, so be sure to read the terms before making your selection.
It's also worth noting that the Microtel Inn & Suites offers a few amenities above and beyond other hotels in its price range, including an indoor pool, a picnic area where guests can barbecue, meeting rooms, and designated smoking areas.
The Ramada offers similar special rates for AAA members, government employees, military members, and senior citizens. A valid ID is required at check-in to claim these discounts. You can also keep checking back for 48-hour sales, online booking rates, and other specials.
What hotels in Lloydminster, AB have the best value?
Among the best-value hotels in Lloydminster are the BCMInns Lloydminster and the Holiday Inn & Suites Lloydminster. Both are three-star properties that have consistently earned high marks from past guests.
The Holiday Inn & Suites offers a downtown location and familiar amenities, including a business center, an on-site restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. Free parking is available, and staying at this hotel puts you within walking distance of several local restaurants. Smitty's, the on-site restaurant, provides guests with six different breakfast choices for a low price. Past guests have praised the hotel's cleanliness and the friendliness of its staff.
The BCMInns hotel is located along the highway on 44th St. It's an eco-friendly hotel that lets you choose between rooms in its smoking side or nonsmoking side. Rooms are clean and comfortable with their own Wi-Fi, Keurig coffee machines, microwaves, and mini-fridges. A complimentary breakfast is served daily, or you can use your breakfast pass as a $5 coupon towards another meal at the on-site restaurant, Rusty's Lounge & Grille. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool, waterslide, and hot tub. Fruit, popcorn, freshly-baked cookies, and water are available at check-in.
A third option, the Meridian Inn & Suites, is a 2.5-star highway hotel with great rates, room selection, and guest reviews. Choose a standard room with one king bed, a double room with two queen beds, a studio suite with a king bed and a kitchenette, or a two-bedroom suite. Some double rooms also have kitchenettes. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk and business center as well as free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and free self-parking. A meeting room and laundry facilities are also available.
What are the things to do in Lloydminster, AB?
We've already mentioned the town's most famous attraction, its 100-foot border markers. However, taking a photo with one foot in each province is far from the only thing to do in Lloydminster.
If the weather is nice, spend some time in the great outdoors at the Bud Miller All Seasons Park, located on 59th Ave. This 200-acre park features a 10-acre trout fishing lake, both a disc-golf and mini-golf course, a spray park, bike trails, fire pits, and walking paths. The park has facilities for baseball, beach volleyball, and tennis as well as horseshoe pits and a lawn bowling area.
As the name suggests, you'll find plenty to do at this park during colder months, too. In the winter, both ice skating and cross-country skiing are possible, and you can enjoy the indoor pool any time of the year.
Lloydminster is also home to the Lloydminster Cultural & Science Centre, Gopher Hill Paintball, Border City Petting Zoo, Sandy Beach Regional Park, 4th Meridian Brewing Co, and the Border Escape escape room. If you're traveling with a furry friend, you might enjoy Lloydminster's off-leash dog park. Of course, these are only the most popular attractions in Lloydminster itself. You can find much more to do if you're willing to venture further into Alberta or Saskatchewan.
On your next trip to Canada, consider stopping by Lloydminster for a day or two, or make a whole vacation of it. With so much natural beauty, a wide variety local attractions, and a convenient location straddling two provinces, Lloydminster is the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway or a fun-filled family vacation.
FAQs about hotels in Lloydminster
What did travelers think of the city of Lloydminster?
Below are reviews of the city of Lloydminster, AB from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Very Nice Town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very nice town.
Adegbola A., from 20-Feb-2024
"Best!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Best!
Victoria V., from 29-Apr-2023
"Home Hardware"
Score
5.0 / 5
Visiting Home Hardware is a must when we visit Lloydminster as the ones close to our city don't compare
Kurt M., from 08-Jun-2022
"Good Experience!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We were there for dance and found everything we needed to make it a good experience!
Jeanette G., from 24-Apr-2022
"Many shopping and dining choices!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Clean city with lots of shopping and dining choices.
Darlene C., from 24-Feb-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Lloydminster, AB shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews