Situated in Western Canada, between British Columbia and Saskatchewan Alberta is a province with unbelievable range. The snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, desert badlands, huge forests and beautiful lakes – Alberta has all of it!
Alberta is dwelling to a few of Canada’s hottest vacationer sights, together with Banff Nationwide Park, Jasper Nationwide Park and the colourful cities of Calgary and Edmonton. The province of Alberta is actually one of many extra widespread locations to go to in Canada.
This area is a haven for adventurers, with various out of doors experiences together with snowboarding, mountain biking and mountaineering. It doesn’t matter what sort of vacation you’re after, you’ll have the ability to discover loads of issues to do in Alberta.
Having spent just a few months adventuring via Alberta we are able to attest that it is a actually epic place to go to in Canada. Maintain studying this information to seek out out the most effective issues to do in Alberta, Canada, regardless of once you resolve to go to.
View of a mountain vary reflecting in an alpine lake at Sentinel Move in Banff Nationwide Park. Photograph credit: Paul Zizka, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Greatest time to go to Alberta
The climate can differ dramatically in Alberta, Canada, however it’s a lovely place to go to regardless of the season. Finally, what you wish to see and do in Alberta will decide what time of 12 months it’s best to go.
The hottest months of the 12 months are summertime – June till August. Daytime temperatures in the summertime months common round 23-25°C with good cooler evenings. That is additionally once you’ll get longer sunlight hours. So, it’s excellent for out of doors actions and all the most effective issues to do in Alberta.
In Winter, from November till February, temperatures are chilly, with common lows round -15°C. That is the most effective time of 12 months for snow actions and for visiting the numerous ski resorts within the Canadian Rockies. There’s a number of allure in visiting Alberta over Christmas and NYE.
For those who’re seeking to keep away from the crowds, the shoulder seasons in Fall and Spring provide good choices. The month of Could can see some good climate with out the crowds of summer season guests.
In our opinion, early Fall is the most effective time to go to Alberta. The autumn colors might be magnificent in Alberta. Additionally, you’ll have the ability to benefit from the golden larches from September to October. The climate is heat however not sizzling, so it’s excellent for mountaineering and on some days, even occasional swims within the lakes.
Getting round Alberta
The 2 main cities in Alberta are Edmonton, the capital of the province, and Calgary, a cosmopolitan and culturally wealthy metropolis. Each are situated on main highways and have a wide range of transport hyperlinks, together with scheduled coaches and regional bus shuttles and a restricted prepare community.
When you can actually go to among the widespread areas, together with Calgary, Banff Nationwide Park and Jasper Nationwide Park by public transport, it may be tough to have full freedom. Very similar to a USA street journey, the finest mode of transport for sightseeing in Alberta is with your personal car on a self-drive tour.
The commonest factor to do when visiting Alberta is to fly into Calgary or Edmonton and hire a automobile from the airport throughout your time in Alberta. You can too hire a campervan/RV which can permit you to discover Alberta’s Nationwide Parks and keep at campgrounds, bringing down the general value of your journey. It additionally permits for some unbelievable views and the chance to wild camp in Alberta’s wilderness!
Irrespective of the way you select to discover, an Alberta street journey gives the final word freedom to benefit from the province and plan your personal journey at your personal tempo.
Driving round Banff in our campervan
Greatest Issues to do in Alberta
Over the previous couple of years, we’ve had the pleasure of spending. We traveled across the province with our campervan, Benji and bought an opportunity to go to a lot of Alberta’s primary sights and sights in addition to off-the-beaten path locations.
That will help you plan a trip in Alberta, Canada, listed below are the most effective issues to do and see across the province.
Banff Nationwide Park
Banff is a dream vacation spot for a lot of guests to Canada. It’s simply essentially the most visited vacationer attraction in the entire province. As probably the most lovely elements of the Canadian Rockies, the city and nationwide park is a must-see on any Alberta trip.
Identified for its ski resorts, sizzling springs, unbelievable glacier-fed lakes, snow-capped mountains and out of doors actions, Banff gives a quintessential Alberta expertise.
There’s a lot to see and do in Banff Nationwide Park. You possibly can simply spend every week or extra simply having fun with this lovely area.
Greatest Issues to do in Banff
- Stroll across the vacationer city of Banff on the Bow River, having fun with the eating places, espresso outlets and outlets
- Make a journey up the Banff Gondola for spectacular views of Banff Nationwide Park
- Spend a day on the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs. Sitting under Sulphur Mountain, the springs are naturally heated to a relentless temperature of 37°C and 40°C. It’s a very widespread exercise following an extended hike.
- Keep at Banff Springs Lodge is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and an extremely historic place to remain in Banff, with 300 rooms throughout 11-storeys.
- Go to the Cave and Basin Nationwide Historic Website to be taught in regards to the historical past of the realm, which is taken into account the birthplace of Canada’s nationwide parks.
- Take pleasure in a visit to Lake Minnewanka, particularly in the summertime. There’s lots to do on the glacial lake, together with canoeing, mountaineering, biking, fishing and a Lake Minnewanka Cruise.
- Head off on one of many many mountaineering trails in Banff Nationwide Park. A few of our favorites embrace Tunnel Mountain, Johnston Canyon, Cascade Mountain and Arnica Lake. It’s the right approach to benefit from the crisp mountain air.
- Go lake hopping. Go to Moraine Lake within the Valley of the Ten Peaks (which we expect is much more picturesque than Lake Louise!), Peyto Lake, Lake Agnes, Bow Lake and Helen Lake. Moraine Lake is by far the preferred after Lake Louise, so it’s best to plan for an early morning go to.
Moraine Lake, Banff Nationwide Park
Peyto Lake, Banff
Crimson chairs alongside the boardwalk on the prime of Banff Gondola
Go to Lake Louise
Lake Louise is among the most well-known lakes on this planet and for good motive. The unbelievable glacier-fed lake boasts an unreal turquoise color and is surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.
It’s by far probably the most widespread vacationer sights in Alberta and together with the close by Moraine Lake is all the time extraordinarily busy. Plan to go to Lake Louise early within the day to keep away from the crowds. Shuttles can be found from Banff city if you wish to keep away from the trouble of parking.
When you’re on the lake, there are many issues to see and do!
Greatest Issues to do Round Lake Louise
- Canoeing on Lake Louise is among the most picturesque methods to expertise the lake. You possibly can hire a canoe from the Fairmont Chateau Boathouse.
- In the summertime, you will get an unbelievable view of Lake Louise from the Lake Louise Gondola. Within the winter, get pleasure from snowboarding on the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
- You possibly can keep for the night time or get pleasure from afternoon tea on the beautiful, historic Fairmont Chateau – the one lodge that overlooks Lake Louise.
- Avid hikers ought to sort out the path to Agnes Tea Home, a 3.5km hike from Lake Louise or get pleasure from an extended path to Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse both on foot or on horseback. Mountaineering round Lake Louise is among the finest issues to do in Alberta, Canada in summer season.
Canoes for hire on the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise boathouse
Lake Louise Plain of Six Glaciers Lookout
Drive the Icefields Parkway
For those who’re exploring Alberta vacationer spots with your personal car, then a drive alongside the Icefields Parkway is a should. It’s typically thought-about one of many most scenic street journeys in Canada with among the finest views in Alberta, Canada.
The Icefields Parkway runs for 200km from Banff Nationwide Park to Jasper Nationwide Park. Whereas some folks drive the stretch in a day, there are many issues to see and do alongside the best way, which make it worthwhile taking a few days to finish.
A few of the must-see stops on the Icefields Parkway embrace:
- Bow Lake is an unbelievable glacial lake on the Icefields Parkway that’s straightforward to get pleasure from en route. The pullover is simply off the freeway.
- Peyto Lake is fed by the Peyto Glacier and is among the most extremely beautiful lakes in Banff Nationwide Park. There’s a quick path main as much as the lookout.
- Athabasca Glacier is an extremely breathtaking cease on the Icefields Parkway. It’s a part of the Columbia Icefield and is finest seen on the Columbia Icefields’ tour.
- Glacier Skywalk is a cool 1km glass-bottom statement deck, simply south of Jasper. It gives unbelievable views of the Columbia Icefield.
On the Icefields Parkway!
Having fun with the fantastic thing about Bow Lake, Icefields Parkway
Huge Shot of Maligne Canyon, Jasper Nationwide Park. Photograph credit: Parks Canada/Ryan Bray
Jasper Nationwide Park
After Banff, Jasper Nationwide Park is among the most visited Alberta sights. The most important nationwide park within the dramatic Rocky Mountains, Jasper is dwelling to among the most lovely locations in Alberta.
Jasper Nationwide Park’s magnificence lies in its unbelievable glaciers, waterfalls, lakes and wildlife that make it fairly in contrast to wherever else within the province.
Greatest Issues to do in Jasper Nationwide Park
- Maligne Lake is undoubtedly probably the most lovely lakes in Jasper Nationwide Park. Kayaking round Maligne Lake is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Alberta in the summertime, and one of the simplest ways to succeed in Spirit Island on the finish of the lake.
- Maligne Canyon is taken into account the deepest canyon within the Rockies. You possibly can traverse all six of the bridges constructed throughout Maligne Canyon to benefit from the unbelievable view alongside the best way.
- Quite a lot of wildlife, together with crimson deer, marmots, black bears and grizzly bears.
- The nationwide park is dwelling to some unbelievable waterfalls, together with Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls.
- Trip the SkyTram as much as the Whistlers Mountain Summit, on the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada.
- Go for a ski on the Marmot Basin Ski Resort, simply outdoors of Jasper. Snowboarding and ski runs are appropriate for all ages.
Maligne Canyon Waterfall, Jasper Nationwide Park
Canmore
Situated simply south of Banff, Canmore is a city within the Rocky Mountains, recognized for its rugged peaks and loads of out of doors actions. One of many largest Alberta vacationer sights in Canmore is the giant cave community via the mountains.
A Canmore cave tour is among the finest issues to do in Alberta and a should when visiting the realm. Excursions normally include a 4-hour journey climbing, crawling and sliding via caves with an skilled information.
It additionally features a go to to the notorious Rat’s Nest Cave, which has been designated a Provincial Historic Useful resource. It’s positively one of many cool locations to go in Alberta for journey seekers.
Scenic shot of water via a cave entrance. Photograph credit: Paul Zizka @paulzizkaphoto
Kananaskis Nation
In case you are questioning what to do in Alberta, Canada to get away from the crowds, Kananaskis Nation gives among the better of Alberta landscapes with out the bustle. Situated on the border with British Columbia, southwest of Calgary, the area is nestled on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
One of many highlights of the realm is Rawson Lake. There’s an unbelievable 7km loop hike there which gives lovely views of the inexperienced lake. It’s far much less visited than extra widespread ones in Banff and Jasper. Kananaskis is a well-liked a part of the Rockies to go to by locals from Calgary to flee the vacationer crowds at Banff and Jasper.
Tenting in Kananaskis Nation
Calgary
The principle metropolis and hub of southern Alberta, Calgary is among the finest locations to trip in Alberta. Whereas some folks skip the town and head for the Canadian Rockies, it’s value spending a minimum of a few days trying out the city metropolis and cultural coronary heart of Alberta.
You possibly can go biking alongside Bow River, climb to the highest of Calgary Tower and buy groceries in Downtown Calgary. Calgary Tower gives an unbelievable panoramic view of the town and is amongst essentially the most enjoyable stuff to do in Alberta. You’ll additionally discover an ideal mix of eating places within the metropolis, with among the finest foodie experiences present in your entire province.
One of many Alberta factors of curiosity in Calgary is the Heritage Park Historic Village, an enormous parkland on the banks of the Glenmore Reservoir. The park gives a good way to be taught in regards to the historical past of the realm and is among the most visited sights within the metropolis.
Plan your go to for July if you wish to expertise the Calgary Stampede. Dubbed “The Best Outside Present on Earth”, the annual 10-day rodeo, exhibition and competition is held the third week of July in Calgary, Alberta.
Heritage Park. Photograph credit: Heritage Park Historic Village
Photograph credit: Calgary Stampede
Edmonton
Regardless of being the second-most populous metropolis in Alberta, Edmonton is commonly ignored by these visiting the province. However, a few days within the state capital is among the finest issues to do in Central Alberta, Canada.
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Edmonton is to discover the expansive Edmonton River Valley. Often called Canada’s largest city park, it’s a sequence of 20 main parks related with 160kms of trails on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.
One other one of many distinctive issues to do in Edmonton, Alberta is a go to to the Fort Edmonton Park. The attraction is taken into account the biggest residing historical past museum in Canada, with historic buildings and a beautiful park space.
Avid buyers can take a look at the West Edmonton Mall – the biggest shopping center in North America. The West Edmonton Mall is simply west of Downtown and never removed from Fort Edmonton Park. You possibly can simply mix a go to to each in a day.
Panorama of the Edmonton River Valley. Photograph credit: FOODBOOM GmbH
World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall. Photograph credit: West Edmonton Mall
Elk Island Nationwide Park
Situated only a 45-minute drive from Edmonton, Elk Island gives an ideal day journey from the town. The beautiful park space offers you entry to distinctive wildlife, rugged peaks and sub-alpine landscapes.
The spotlight of a go to is seeing bison herds which roam across the forest. The nationwide park has grow to be a protected sanctuary. Recognizing them is unquestionably among the best issues to do in Alberta for animal lovers. It’s additionally among the best locations to go to in Alberta in spring. You’ll get to see the distinctive sight of the bison shedding their coats from winter fur to their lighter summer season coat.
Elk Island Nationwide Park can also be dwelling to loads of mountaineering trails starting from quick to longer hikes connecting the Elk Lakes. There’s a lot much less entry through the wintertime. Nevertheless, you’ll extra possible see a frozen lake amongst an unbelievable winter wonderland.
Solar shining via the timber at Elk Island Nationwide Park. Photograph credit: EEDC
Bisons in Elk Island Nationwide Park. Photograph credit: Robin Laurenson @motherpixels
Drumheller
The small city outdoors of Calgary is known for its location in the midst of the Canadian Badlands and the encircling dinosaur fossils. Whereas it’s fairly a distinction from the landscapes you’ll discover in Banff and Jasper, it’s nonetheless among the best locations to go in Alberta.
An Alberta focal point you may’t miss in Drumheller is the Royal Tyrrell Museum situated simply 4km north of the city. The Royal Tyrrell Museum is an unbelievable exhibition devoted to dinosaurs and their fossils. It’s an attraction for all ages!
If you wish to see extra actual dinosaur fossils, it’s best to comply with the Dinosaur Path, a 48km vacationer route that begins in Drumheller and takes you thru the Badlands, operating parallel to the Crimson Deer River.
Dinosaur exhibit on the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Photograph credit: Journey Alberta / Davey Lieske
Dinosaur Provincial Park
The Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and a preferred vacationer spot in Alberta, particularly for households. It’s one of many Alberta landmarks that you want to cease and see whereas driving across the Badlands.
The large park space is thought for its intensive abundance of dinosaur fossils. The park has 58 completely different species having been recognized within the space. There are a variety of trails within the park showcasing the beautiful geological range of the area. The Scenic Loop drive contained in the park, options various fossil shows with actual dinosaur bones and interesting details about the species.
Dinosaur Provincial Park Customer Centre is among the most original locations to go to in Alberta with youngsters. The Customer Centre gives data on trails and actions and may help arrange Interpretive Tour Packages lead by Alberta Parks employees. Tenting is accessible contained in the park, however there isn’t any different lodging choices, so plan forward!
On the Badlands Path, Dinosaur Provincial Park
Overlooking the campground at Dinosaur Provincial Park from one of many trails
Horseshoe Canyon
Situated simply outdoors of Drumheller, Horseshoe Canyon is among the most unbelievable landmarks of the Badlands. The canyon has been carved out right into a U form. The partitions eroded over time showcases the unbelievable geology of the realm.
There are quite a few mountaineering trails into the canyon in addition to lookouts and viewpoints which supply a formidable panorama of the pure land formations. You can too camp within the park, which suggests you may take within the unbelievable night time sky with out mild air pollution. It’s among the best issues to do in Alberta for eager photographers.
Aerial view of Horseshoe Canyon and the prairies close to Drumheller. Photograph credit: Journey Alberta / Curtis Comeau
Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park
Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park is situated proper on the border with the USA and is among the finest issues to do in southern Alberta. The Canadian aspect of the park options the beautiful azure waters of Waterton Lake in addition to a Nationwide Historic Website of Canada referred to as the Prince of Wales Lodge. The landmark Nineteen Twenties lodge sits proper on the financial institution of the lake. It is among the most magical Alberta locations.
The heritage park can also be an unbelievable place for out of doors actions, with mountain biking, mountaineering and water sports activities, all with a dramatic backdrop of mountains. Whereas it might not be as widespread as different locations within the province, Waterton Lakes is undoubtedly among the best locations to go to in Alberta, Canada for out of doors lovers.
View of the lake and mountains round Waterton townsite from the Bear’s Hump in Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park. Photograph credit: Amanda Dias @aminniedee
Turtle Mountain and Citadel Provincial Park
There are couple of locations that you may simply take into account to be hidden gems in Alberta. This consists of Turtle Mountain and Citadel Provincial Park. These mountaineering locations are particularly cool locations to go to in Alberta in summer season. Turtle Mountain gives an iconic hike up a craggy mountain peak simply outdoors of the city of Frank.
Citadel Provincial Park is an unbelievable wilderness space for mountaineering, fishing and swimming. It’s positively among the best low-cost issues to do in Alberta, Canada through the summer season for these eager to keep away from the crowds and costs within the widespread Alberta parks.
Adanac Highway, Citadel Provincial Park. Photograph credit: Journey Alberta / Jeff Bartlett
Fort McMurray
Undoubtedly probably the most distinctive issues to do in Alberta is to see the Northern Lights. Fort McMurray one of many few locations in Canada throughout the auroral band. It’s situated in distant northeast Alberta in Canada.
Plan your go to for October via March and you may attempt your luck at recognizing the Aurora Borealis dance. The lights are most prevalent on chilly and clear nights and may normally be seen from 9pm to 3am. Be ready to go a bit outdoors of city to get the brightest present.
Heading out into the darkness to catch the Northern Lights must be probably the most romantic issues to do in Alberta. So, don’t miss it in the event you’re touring along with your accomplice. It’s positively an expertise that could be a must-see in Alberta, Canada.
Northern lights. Photograph credit: Journey Alberta / Roam Artistic
Wooden Buffalo Nationwide Park of Canada
Wooden Buffalo Nationwide Park is the biggest nationwide park in Canada. The extremely giant wilderness space takes up most of northern Alberta. It’s devoted to preserving Canada’s final wooden bison and is an unbelievable conservation story.
One of the simplest ways to discover the wilderness space is by tenting and ready for dusk to catch the Northern Lights. The darkish sky right here is among the most original sights of Alberta, Canada.
Extra actions within the park space embrace mountaineering, swimming and paddling round Pine Lake, the place there are cabins to remain as nicely. Whereas not many guests make it to the park, it’s positively probably the most unbelievable issues to do in Alberta for these eager to see the huge wilderness.
As you may see, the province of Alberta is dwelling to some distinctive locations and experiences in Canada. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for out of doors actions or city experiences, seeking to go to in the summertime or benefit from the snow-capped area within the winter, there are many issues to do in Alberta for each traveler!