Known as Canada’s wild side, Alberta offers a heady mix of mind-blowing scenery and exhilarating experiences. It’s one of only two provinces in Canada without a coastline. Instead, it is defined by the epic Rocky Mountain range that runs along much of its western border, vast open prairies, ancient glaciers, prehistoric fossil beds, dense forests, and spectacular alpine lakes. It is a powerhouse of nature that can delight and surprise.
From the irresistible lure of Canada’s oldest national park, Banff, to the wonderfully named Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump heritage site, Alberta is a place to unleash your wild side. We’ve picked 10 amazing places to visit across the province, combining well-known showstoppers with hidden gems that delve deeper into the province’s rich history. Whether you choose to weave all into the ultimate Alberta road trip, or savour just a few, read on for our top picks.
Banff – Ride the gondola
No trip to Alberta is complete without spending time in Banff. The resort town with a laid-back vibe is framed by mountains and sits within Banff National Park. It’s a stunning place to kick back, stock up on outdoor gear, and plan your big adventure through the national park.
A must-do is riding the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. From the lofty summit that sits over 2200m above sea level, stroll along the boardwalk and take in imperious views of the Rockies across Bow Valley and six mountain ranges. If you can drag yourself away from the breathtaking vistas you can explore the Interpretive Centre, multi-sensory theatre, and grab a snack or something more substantial from the choice of mountaintop dining options.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake – Hike, paddle and take tea
Still in Banff National Park, a journey of about 60km northwest of Banff along the Trans Canada Hwy leads to one of the most iconic lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Lake Louise is photographic heaven. A turquoise, glacial lagoon framed by dense forest and angular peaks offers definitive Rockies scenery.
At its head, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an unmistakable landmark. This luxury 539-room hotel has been a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts for well over 100 years, and though at first glance it might seem incongruous in such a wild setting, it is beguiling. Even if you don’t stay, at the very least, take the time to stroll through the sumptuous lobby.
Back in the wild nature for which Alberta is best known, follow the surrounding hiking trails for elevated views across the lake. You might venture to neighbouring Lake Agnes, which boasts a charming teahouse that has been serving refreshments to parched adventurers since 1901.
However you choose to explore, find a moment for quiet contemplation on the water’s edge or perched on a rocky outlook. You can also rent a canoe and paddle across the lake, taking in the alpine views from on the water.
Icefields Parkway – Drive and skywalk
Linking Jasper and Lake Louise, the 230km stretch of highway known as the Icefields Parkway is a scenic heavyweight. One of the world’s most incredible driving routes, it is certainly worthy of a full day of your time. With over 100 icefield glaciers (hence the name), jagged mountain peaks and turquoise lakes, the views from every angle are simply incredible.
Highway 93, as it’s less spectacularly named, is a treasure trove of Alberta’s iconic scenery. Enjoy the drive with literally every bend in the road revealing another stunning vista. Jump on a six-wheeler monster truck for an Ice Explorer jaunt onto Athabasca Glacier. Step out over a glacial valley on the vertigo-inducing Glacier Skywalk, enjoying spectacular views from a unique perspective. And look out for chipmunks, ground squirrels and pikas on the trail to the beautiful Peyto Lake viewpoint.
Maligne Lake – Cruise, hike and photograph
The jewel of Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, stretching around 22km. Framed by mountains, it’s another of Alberta’s picture-perfect locations. A small cluster of pine trees stands proud on the lake’s famous Spirit Island, which is surrounded by blue-hued glacially fed water, providing an iconic photo-op. Take a boat cruise or stroll along the lake shores on the lookout for wildlife. There are plenty of looping trails from the northern shore of Maligne Lake from a couple of hours to a full day.
Around an hour from Jasper, the road to Maligne Lake skirts Medicine Lake, another scenic beauty. The lookout on the western shore is an obligatory stop. Known as the “disappearing lake”, the lake water drains away in the autumn through sinkholes that feed through limestone caves. The lake is then restored when summer meltwater flows in faster than it can drain away.
Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park – Search for old fossils
Head east of Calgary and you’ll find yourself in the legendary Canadian Badlands, a surreal landscape of hoodoos, flat-topped mountains and deep river gullies. It’s also dinosaur territory.
Dubbed the ‘dinosaur capital of the world’, the tourist town of Drumheller draws budding palaeontologists from around the world in search of dinosaur fossils. A visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is a must, where you can walk amongst an impressive array of fossils and learn everything you ever wanted to know about dinosaurs.
Around 170km southeast of Drumheller, Dinosaur Provincial Park is nestled deeper into the Alberta Badlands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the world’s most important fossil finds, including 35 species of dinosaur dating back over 75 million years.
Interpretive displays allow you to see what an archaeological dig site really looks like, and you can also view the bones of a ‘duck-billed’ dinosaur still partially encased in the sediment that buried it.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump – Step back in time
Deserving of recognition for its name alone, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump tells the story of how the native people of the North American plains hunted over 6000 years ago. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognising the traditional hunting technique of herding buffalo over a cliff.
Learn all about the lives, traditions and culture of the Blackfoot people as a guide leads you through the exhibit and out to the cliff jump, sharing the history and lifestyle of the First Nations people.
Waterton Lakes National Park – Hike and relax
Mountains meet the prairies in this lesser-known, but stunning park near the border with the USA. Lush green valleys greet your arrival to Waterton Lakes National Park, which combines with Montana’s Glacier National Park to form Waterton Glacier International Peace Park.
Spend a day discovering the wonders of this peaceful and beautiful prairie region. Hiking trails take you past glittering glacial lakes, alpine forests and snow-capped mountains. Then sit back and relax at the Prince of Wales Hotel, an iconic National Historic Site that also offers a delectable afternoon tea alongside spectacular views.
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park – Delve into indigenous culture
Another chance to dive into Alberta’s rich indigenous heritage and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The explicitly named Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a fascinating mix of red sandstone rocks, hoodoos and the largest concentration of indigenous petroglyphs in Alberta. Guided tours are the way to experience the site, as an interpreter guide reveals the heritage of this extraordinary archaeological preserve – a sacred place for the indigenous Blackfoot people.
Take time to wander through the hoodoo trails and find a spot to relax alongside the meandering Milk River.
Métis Crossing – culture and sky gazing
Cultural immersion with a unique twist greets visitors to off-the-beaten-track, Métis Crossing, just over an hour north of Edmonton beside the North Saskatchewan River. Through a combination of storytelling, hands-on experiences and nature treks, dive into the unique heritage of the Métis, one of Canada’s three Indigenous peoples.
A post-contact Indigenous nation formed over generations from the union of European fur traders and First Nations women, the Métis are culturally distinct from both offering a fascinating insight into the past and a compelling example of the power of Nationhood.
Signature experiences form the basis of a stay here, overlaid with seasonal variations. The expressively named ‘Paddle into the Past’ and ‘Visions, Hopes and Dreams’ wildlife tour blend with traditional art workshops and fireside storytelling for a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
Sample authentic local cuisine, encounter bison, elk and Percheron draft horses and enjoy vast skies that in autumn and winter may come alive with the colours of the aurora. Special Sky Watching Domes with transparent panoramic ceilings provide cosy comfort for gazing at nature’s light with zero light pollution.
Calgary – taste sensations and shopping
Alberta’s principal gateway city, Calgary sprawls across a large area between the rising peaks of the Rockies and rolling plains to the east. It’s a city with a rich cowboy heritage and also played host to the Winter Olympics in 1988. More than a transit hub, spend a day or so going with the flow in this vibrant city.
Stroll along the Bow River Pathways that meander through Downtown Calgary, sample craft beer, linger over brunch at a farmers’ market, head to the CORE for shops galore and take in 360-degree views across the city from the viewing deck of Calgary Tower.
One of the best ways to capture the personality of the city is to dive into the unique local shops in districts like Inglewood, Kensington and 17th Avenue. Uncover stylish art works, find a literary gem in a hidden bookstore and pick up a pair of cowboy boots in the city dubbed Cowtown. Perhaps join a foodie tour for a local’s take on Calgary’s cuisine.
Plan your visit to Alberta
With so much to see and do in Alberta, chat to our experienced Canada Travel Specialists about how best to fit in the experiences and places that matter to you. They’ll tailor an itinerary that ensures an Alberta holiday to remember. Take a look at our collection of Canada holiday ideas and get in touch on 01737 214 250 or send an enquiry.
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