Nanton, Alberta

Nanton
Town
Town of Nanton
Grain elevators
Motto: 
Authentic Alberta
Nanton
Nanton
Coordinates: 50°20′58″N 113°46′18″W / 50.34944°N 113.77167°W / 50.34944; -113.77167
CountryCanada
ProvinceAlberta
RegionSouthern Alberta
Census division3
Municipal districtMunicipal District of Willow Creek No. 26
Incorporated 
 • VillageJune 22, 1903
 • TownAugust 9, 1907
Government
 • MayorJennifer Handley
 • Governing bodyNanton Town Council
Area
 (2021)
 • Land5.11 km2 (1.97 sq mi)
Elevation
1,024 m (3,360 ft)
Population
 (2021)
 • Total
2,167
 • Density423.9/km2 (1,098/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−7 (MST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
HighwaysHighway 2
Highway 533
WebsiteOfficial website

Nanton is a town in southern Alberta, Canada. Nanton was named after Sir Augustus Meredith Nanton of Winnipeg (1860–1925) who directed firms which offered financing for farms and ranches throughout the west. It is located south of Calgary at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 533.

Nanton was historically known as "Tap Town", after providing passing motorists with free water supplied from the foothills via a stand tap on the northbound highway. This water was one of the first to be bottled and sold in Canada, resulting in the creation of Nanton Water & Soda Ltd, still a thriving business in the town today.

Traditionally a farming and ranching community, Nanton is now a popular tourist destination.