About Us

Looking to Explore Nanton?

“Nanton is a caring community where the past inspires a vibrant future for all.” This is Nanton’s Vision Statement, and rings true when you visit the quaint streets of our town. Affordable, safe, quiet living is a prized value here. Our small rural community is removed from the hurry of the city, and the lifestyle here echoes the town’s motto, “where history lives”. Nanton currently has a population of just over 2,100 people. Nanton is famous for its small town historical charm, which is brought to full colour when you take a walk back in time, exploring more than a dozen antique, gift and specialty shops. The town serves a large farming and ranching community, and is home to two restored and well-recognized grain elevators, one of which also houses an art gallery.
Nanton offers its residents the comfort and security inherent of a small community. Recent new residential growth and development has invited those who are seeking these characteristics while still enjoying close proximity to larger centres for employment. Older, quiet residential areas provide a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. As this town continues to grow, many job opportunities will be presented within our own community.
Nanton’s Bomber Command Museum of Canada is well-known for the rare Lancaster bomber it houses, which was built in Canada and instrumental in the fight over Germany in WWII. Today, you can sit in the pilot’s seat. The goals of the Town of Nanton and Nanton & District Chamber of Commerce uphold the values inherent in our history. We welcome you to our little town, situated along Highway 2, 70 km from the south end of Calgary, and 125 km from Lethbridge.
Pioneers first settled in the Mosquito Creek Community (Nanton area) in the late 1800s and early 1900s. On June 22, 1903, a village was formed and named Nanton, after Sir Augustus Meredith Nanton (1860-1925).
Sir Augustus Nanton was a partner in the financial firm Osler, Hammond and Nanton, based in Ontario. He was sent by the firm to the west to investigate investment in farm mortgages. Renowned for his sound judgement, he became a director for many companies, including the Canadian Pacific Railway, Hudson’s Bay Company, Great West Life and the Dominion Bank.
He arranged financing of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway, sold subsequently to the C.P.R. It was his close association with these two companies that led the community to name the village Nanton. Nanton was incorporated as a town in the summer of 1907.
The Nanton family history dates back to the 1500s. The town crest was recognized by the College of Arms, London, England as a true crest of William Naunton, of Naunton Hall, Suffolk, England in 1553. Another ancestor, Sir Robert Naunton, had the same Coat of Arms. He was a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Later, Naunton was the Secretary of State to King James I.
The Town of Nanton officially adopted the Nanton Coat of Arms in 1983, with the consent of the Nanton family. Some changes were required to allow the Town use of the crest as opposed to its use by a knight. The bird on top of the helmet is known as a wyvern, a winged two legged dragon with a barbed tail. On the shield below are three birds known as martlets, a heraldic bird with no feet.

Know before you go

Nanton is located right on Hwy 2 in southern Alberta; 40 minutes south of Calgary and 75 minutes north of Lethbridge. Watch for our three iconic grain elevators and that’s where we are.

We have lots of FREE PARKING all over town. Here are a few spots: Hwy 2 south at the Community Centre (green building); 19th Street parking lot beside the Museum of Miniatures (where you’ll also find an EV charging station); angle parking on Main Street; on Hwy 2 north by the MacEwan School House; at the Flying J parking lot; and basically anywhere on the street where the curb is NOT painted yellow.

There are year round PUBLIC WASHROOMS available on Hwy 2 south at the Community Centre. When the Visitor Information Centre is open spring to fall on Hwy 2 north, you can also find them there. Check for the blue and yellow Where to GO in Nanton decal in the windows/doors of participating businesses and organizations. You can go there too whether you’re buying something or not!

EV CHARGING STATION is located at 19th St in the parking lot beside the Museum of Miniatures. Click here for a map and more info on the Peaks to Prairies electric vehicle charging network.

More info will be added shortly to make your trip to Nanton more enjoyable.

Click here for a link to a map of the town.