top 20 places to visit in alberta

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100+ BEST Things To Do in Alberta (updated 2024)

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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on January 26, 2024

There is no other province in Canada that invites visitors to explore such diverse scenery and activities. In the span of one day, you can climb a mountain and a hoodoo or watch a world-class rodeo and then shop at the largest mall in North America. And that’s just for starters. Consider this your essential guide to the best things to do in Alberta .

We didn’t stop at just 100 things – the list currently clocks in at 126! We’ve divided the post up into sights and activities in the two biggest cities – Edmonton and Calgary – and then into the mountains, north, central, and south.

Use this to plan your ultimate Alberta outing ! And whatever you do – don’t you dare say you’re bored.

Best Things to Do in Edmonton

Playing in the edmonton river valley.

Edmonton is home to the largest urban park in Canada, with 160 km of maintained trails and 20 major parks, all nestled up to the North Saskatchewan River that runs from the Rocky Mountains and right through the city. You can play in the Edmonton river valley all year round by walking/running/biking the trails in summer and even taking fat-tire Segways in winter!

Get Artsy in the City

Discover some of Edmonton’s most diverse and controversial art in the heart of the city. Choose from a variety of self-driven tours found online to experience the diverse sculptures and more throughout the downtown core. There’s also plenty of street art perfect for your Instagram feed!

Visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Experience the history and life of the Ukrainian pioneers who settled in Alberta from 1892-1930 by exploring this town alongside people in costume portraying the lives of actual pioneers. Explore more than 30 restored buildings including a school, grain elevator, blacksmith shop and three churches.

Stroll and Shop on Whyte Ave and in Old Strathcona

In one of Edmonton’s trendiest neighbourhoods – the Heritage District – lies one-of-a-kind boutiques, trendy art galleries and music shops, and unique restaurants and cafés.  If you happen to be in the area on a Saturday, make sure to also take in the year-round Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market and find over 130 vendors selling only the freshest local food and handmade arts and crafts!

Take an Alberta Legislature Tour

Alberta became a province in 1905 and the impressive five-story Legislature Building was built and completed in 1912. It is recommended (but not required) to get a Heritage Interpreter guide for a booked visit, which can include a standard Legislature Building tour, a visit to the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre and watching Session from the galleries in the Chamber. All tours at the Legislature are free to visitors but a reservation in advance is required.

Experience Life as a Pioneer

Nestled along Edmonton’s river valley in wooded parkland, Fort Edmonton Park is a unique place to experience the evolution of Edmonton’s early history.  Travel back 150 years in time and experience the fur trade and the life of the pioneers, dating as far back as 1885.

Stroll Through the Neon Sign Museum

The City of Edmonton gathered 20 historic neon signs, restored them, affixed them on downtown buildings (to the Mercer Warehouse and the TELUS building), and introduced a very unique-to- Edmonton museum . The first of its kind in North America, it is open 24/7, requires no admission fee, and is a hot spot for Instagram photos.

Segway Like a Pro – in Winter!

Yes, Segways come with fat tires, too! Dress the part (layer up) and take a cruise through the Edmonton River Valley on a trusty segway with River Valley Adventure Co . While you’re at it, they also have snowshoes for rent to allow you to tramp around in the area as well.

Shop ’til you Drop

One of Edmonton’s biggest attractions is the iconic West Edmonton Mall – the largest shopping mall in North America. There are over 800 stores to drop money in and the famous Fantasyland Hotel to crash in after. Bored of shopping? Then splash in the World Waterpark, ride all the rides in Galaxyland, go for a skate at the Ice Palace, and sate your appetite at one of over a hundred dining venues

Take on the Telus World of Science

Experience science like never before! Fun for all ages, the Telus World of Science has no shortage of activities. Marvel at Canada’s largest planetarium, watch an IMAX movie on the biggest screen in Alberta, take part in interactive galleries and experiments or explore feature exhibitions that happen several times a year and have included Harry Potter, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Body Worlds.

Glamp on an Island

Glamping on an island near Edmonton? You bet! Just opened in 2020, book a night (or more) with Urban River Adventures and you can stay in a dome tent, bell tent, or tree tent! Price includes Jetboat transportation on the South Saskatchewan River to your spot, and you can also book river adventures like kayaking, paddle boarding, gold panning, and more for a truly unique adventure.

Are you a frequent glamper? Check out our post on the best glamping in Alberta .

Go Bison Spotting

Nearby, Elk Island National Park has some of the best wildlife viewing in Alberta and is widely known for its bison and wildlife conservation efforts.  Packed with hundreds of free-roaming bison, there is a good chance you might just catch a glimpse of a herd grazing in a meadow or you could end up getting stuck in a bison traffic jam.

Explore the world’s plant life by visiting the Muttart Conservatory which is nestled in the Edmonton River Valley and home to three glass pyramid biomes: arid, temperate, and tropical. Take a guided or self-guided tour to learn and experience more than 700 species of plants.

Spot Some Big Balls

(Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) We’re referring, of course, to the Talus Dome – a sculpture composed of nearly 1,000 handcrafted stainless steel spheres forming an abstract talus shape. The Dome will take on different colours with the changing seasons and hours of the day which make it a very fun spot to get a photograph or two. It is on a major junction of the river valley trail system, so it’s easily accessible (at Quesnell Bridge and Fox Drive).

From spring through fall, take a ride on the historic heritage street car on top of the Edmonton High Level Bridge. Official streetcar service in Edmonton ended in 1951 but reopened again over the bridge in 1979 to celebrate Edmonton’s 75th anniversary. Follow it up with a visit to the Streetcar Museum in the nearby Strathcona neighbourhood.

Where to stay in Edmonton

Luxury – Nothing beats the iconic Fairmont Hotel MacDonald . You can’t miss this hotel as it offers spectacular views of the Edmonton river valley and features a restaurant and spa. This hotel is worth the splurge even if it’s just for one night!

Mid-range – The Meterra Hotel on Whyte is close to the shopping and vibrant amenities Whyte Ave is known for. Fitting in with the funky vibe of Old Strathcona, it offers rooms decorated in fire, earth, air, or water themes.

Budget – Close to Whyte Ave and West Edmonton Mall, Travelodge by Wyndham Edmonton South gives you access to Edmonton sightseeing without breaking the bank. Great for kids, it also has a hot tub and pool and also includes a complimentary continental breakfast.

Best Things to Do in Calgary

Start with a cocktail.

Canada’s official cocktail (YES, that is a thing!) – the Caesar – was born in Calgary in 1969. This Canadian brunch-time classic was invented by beverage manager Walter Chell at what is now The Westin Hotel . Many restaurants in Calgary now offer their own version, but we recommend trying one at The Beltliner and choosing your own accompanying skewers from chicken and waffles to chocolate cake and many more!

Go to Where the Wild Things Are

The Calgary Zoo is the second-largest in Canada.  Visit the penguins at the Penguin Plunge, discover the animals that call Canada home at Canadian Wilds, take a walk through the tropical rainforest pathways, view gorillas, snakes and crocodiles at Destination Africa, or explore Eurasia and say hello to the tigers and the red pandas.

Make Peace with the Calgary Peace Bridge

Its construction was a contentious topic for locals as it was being built (with an over $20 million price tag), but the Calgary Peace Bridge quickly became an iconic symbol for the city and is well used by pedestrians and bicycle enthusiasts alike to get across the Bow River into downtown. Take a stroll in it to see what all the fuss is about, and don’t forget to take a selfie in this Instagram hot spot.

Explore the Heritage

Visit Canada’s largest living history museum at the Heritage Park Historical Village , one of the best museums in Calgary . With so many activities available, it will be hard to decide which to do first! You can explore preserved heritage buildings and homesteads, take a tour of the park on an antique steam train, make yourself some old-fashioned ice cream, help build a tipi in a First Nations’ Encampment, and so much more.

Horse Around at Spruce Meadows

This multi-sport facility situated just south of Calgary is best known as the home to world-class equestrian show-jumping events. Each year it hosts six outdoor and eight indoor tournaments, offering lots of options for equestrian event lovers. ATCO Field was also constructed on site in 2019 and is home to the Calvary FC, a soccer team in the Canadian Premier League.

Rise Above at the Calgary Tower

Originally built to honour Canada’s centennial celebrations as well as to promote the downtown core, the Calgary Tower soars a whopping 191 metres and arguably provides the best view in Calgary from its observation deck. You’ll be able to see the Rocky Mountains to the west, the prairies to the east and stand on a glass floor while looking straight down on a busy 9th avenue below. A visit to Calgary is only complete when you take a trip up the tower!

Take a Self-Guided Food Tour

Stroll through Kensington and sample good eats via the Alberta Food Finder Game from Alberta Food Tours . It is Canada’s first such tour delivered on a GPS-enabled mobile device – clues to help you complete your mission will pop up on a map of the area. Not only will you have access to food samples that no one else will, but you’ll also receive valuable discounts while having a great time sleuthing!

Live Your “Cool Runnings” Dream

** Note that it is currently under repair and unavailable.

The bobsled track from the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary is open and waiting for you to take a run on it. Strap on a helmet, squeeze into the sled, and let a professional driver race you to the bottom in just over a minute. Try counting the turns as you go and we bet you’ll lose track after turn four. (Warning: you may also forget your own name by the end of it!)

Indulge Your Need for Speed

Imagine soaring down a ski jump but without skis. This is absolutely possible at the WinSport facility during summer months, where you fly down a zipline that starts at the top of the ski jump. It is North America’s fastest zipline: you can reach speeds of 120 km/hr as you travel 500ms with a vertical drop of 100ms.

Downhill Karting

Race your family and friends by ripping downhill in a kart at Calgary Winsport’s Downhill Karting . The track is 1.8km long and has 50 twists and turns to get the heart pumping. The best part is when your first rip is done, is that you can take the chairlift to the top (elevation at 1250m) and do it all over again!

Get Thrilled at Calaway Park

Release your inner child at Western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park. With 32 rides, 24 food locations, 23 fair games, live entertainment and a 3D theatre, you are sure to find fun for the whole family.

Go for the Books, Stay for the Architecture

Opened in 2018, the Calgary Central Library is a marvel of design and has taken home multiple big awards and was even named by TIME magazine as one of the “100 Greatest Places of 2019”.

Fly Without Actually Flying

Skydive without the fear of SPLAT! At iFLY in northeast Calgary, you can try indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel and get the feel of flying through the air for 60 seconds without actually being that far off the ground. Upgrade to get the photos and videos of this memorable experience.

Name That Tune

Experience music like you never have before in a building that is out of this world. With five floors of exhibitions to explore at the Bell National Music Centre , you can celebrate music icons at the Canadian Halls of Fame, bring out your inner rockstar with their interactive instrument installations, sing along to your favourite song in a vocal booth, and so much more.

Explore the Dynamic Glenbow Museum

**The Glenbow Museum is currently under restoration and is set to reopen in 2024

This independent, non-profit, downtown Calgary museum is perfect for the art lover, pop culture enthusiast, and history buff as they can all find something inspiring. Immerse yourself in historical galleries and exhibitions of art and culture from around the world. And thanks to the $25 million donation from the Shaw Family Foundation, you can visit the museum for FREE when it reopens in 2024.

Get Hooked on Fish

The Bow Habitat Station in Calgary is the perfect place for the fish enthusiast, or for those wanting a unique experience that features Alberta’s fish, wildlife, and water. Explore the Discovery Centre with hands-on exhibits, feed thousands of fish in the hatchery, fish in a Trout Pond, or stroll the trails of the Interpretive Wetland.

Are you an avid angler and want to spend a day catching your dinner? The Bow River, connecting the Rocky Mountains and Calgary, is a very popular spot for fishing in Alberta and an excellent source of trout (and other species).

Float Down the Bow River

Admire Calgary’s skyline while lounging in an inflatable raft and coasting down the Bow River that runs through the heart of the city. Whether you want to float for an hour or make it a whole day trip, it’s the perfect summer activity. If you don’t own your own raft, don’t worry, there are plenty of places to rent one.

Where to stay in Calgary

Luxury – Stay in the heart of downtown Calgary in the historic Fairmont Palliser Hotel . You’ll be walking distance to some of the city’s most renowned shops, entertainment, and restaurants! There is a spa with a pool to pamper yourself too.

Mid-range – Hotel Arts offers a beautiful and eclectic space. Sip cocktails and eat world-class food around the poolside (open to non-hotel guests too). The hotel features two superb local restaurants and it sports its own commuter bike program to help you explore the city.

Budget – If you’re looking to budget more for excursions than where you rest your head, check out Canada’s Best Value Inn . It’s close to the transit system and great shopping at nearby Chinook Centre.

Home away from home – Airbnb is always one of our favourite ways to stay in new places and Calgary has many options to choose from .

Best Things to Do in the Rocky Mountains

Rise above (banff).

Experience a whole new side of the Canadian Rockies and take this 8-minute journey to the top of Sulphur Mountain by way of an amazing Banff gondola experience year-round. Once you have arrived, enjoy a mountaintop experience by walking the boardwalk and stopping at the 360-degree rooftop observation deck. Step indoors and visit the interpretive centre and theatre or grab lunch or dinner at one of the dining options that offer an unforgettable view.

Go Caving (Canmore)

Explore the Rat’s Nest cave year-round.  This full-day tour is not for the faint of heart – it includes rappelling, hiking uphill, sliding, shimmying, crawling, and ending at a crystal-clear pool with stalactites and stalagmites. It is one of the longest caves in Canada (at 4km) and is actually a Provincial Historic Resource because of its archaeological importance.

Walk on the Edge (Mount Norquay)

Via Ferrata means “Iron Road” in Italian, and it is indeed thin pieces of iron and steel that will keep you clipped in and safe along narrow paths that skirt the edge of Mount Norquay near Banff. Get your adrenaline rush on these challenging paths you could not walk otherwise that offer views you would not otherwise see!

Dive into a Ghost Town (Lake Minnewanka)

Although on the surface Lake Minnewanka looks serene and much like the other lakes in the area, underneath the depths lay an old resort hotel that is a popular scuba diving destination! The popular Minnewanka Landing resort was purposely flooded under nearly 100 feet of water for wartime necessity to bring more hydroelectric power to the area in 1941. The remnants of the resort, several houses, and wharves were abandoned to be frozen in time beneath the glacial meltwater and now the only visitors are divers and curious fish.

Tour Through an Iconic Hotel (Banff)

The iconic Banff Springs Hotel is one of Canada’s grand railway hotels and dates back to the inception of Banff National Park. The hotel is steeped in history; tales of ghosts, celebrity visitors, and secret passageways which make this hotel not only impressive to look at but incredible to walk through. Want to “Eat the Castle” with a food tour through the Banff Springs? You can do that too .

Hike a Canyon (near Banff)

Johnston Canyon is a moderately rated hike and is one of the busiest known trails in the Canadian Rockies. Explore both the upper and lower falls during any season as you wind your way through the canyon. If you are feeling even more adventurous, make sure to venture 3 km further to experience the ink pots – seven mineral springs that bubble to the surface in the open meadows beside Johnston Canyon Creek. Trek it in winter for a totally different (and frozen) view – try it with an informative guide for a daytime or nighttime tour to enhance your new perspective.

Snowshoe on a Mountain Top (Sunshine Village)

Nothing beats the crunch of snow under your feet while trekking on the epitome of Canadian transportation – snowshoes. Journey above the treeline at Sunshine Village Ski Resort via gondola and chairlift and enjoy crisp powder and a guided tour that gives you a true backcountry snowshoe experience complete with 360 views of Mt. Assiniboine.

Skate on or Canoe in a Postcard (Lake Louise)

With stunning blue waters and surrounding snow-capped peaks, it is easy why Lake Louise is one of the world’s most photographed glacial lakes and one of the greatest natural wonders in Alberta . Step onto the lake in either winter with your ice skates or when it’s thawed for a gentle canoe or kayak ride and get your own picturesque snapshot.

Go by Dog Sled (Canmore)

Drive your team or snuggle in tight as your guide and pack of excited husky dogs guide you through the Rockies just outside Canmore. This is a unique opportunity for the romantic, adventurer, and thrill-seeker.

Soak in Springs (Banff & Jasper)

Stories of hot springs in Alberta and within Banff National Park go back thousands of years and these pools of hot mineral water have Indigenous significance and importance. Cave and Basin is called the birthplace of Canada’s National Parks and the guided tours offer a natural and cultural history of the mountains that you can take in before or after a dip in the pool. Discover the hot water that seeps from the rocks with the distinct smell of minerals straight from the earth. For a more luxurious experience without the history, visit Banff Upper Hot Springs. If you’re in Jasper, nearby Miette Hot Springs will help you soak away sore muscles earned in all your adventures.

Strap on Cross-Country Skis (Canmore)

One of the top-rated things to do in Canmore , cross-country skiing is an excellent way to take in a winter destination. With its endless supply of mountain views and scenic trails, Canmore lends itself as a picturesque Alberta destination to explore this heart-pumping activity. The Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, with over 100km of trails to trek, is the place to go for cross-country skiing in Alberta.

Seek out Ice Bubbles (near Banff)

Imagine millions of bubbles visible just under the surface of a frozen lake. These bubbles trapped by methane gas in Abraham Lake (and others in the area) cause quite a sensation in the winter months. Closer to Banff, check out Lake Minnewanka . They are definitely a sight to see.

Take a Sleigh Ride

Live out your Canadian winter fantasy by taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the Canadian Rockies. Snuggle up in the backseat with a loved one as you glide over meadows in Banff National Park. With the white snow sparkling and the mountains towering overhead, this will give you fond memories to last for ages. (Want some more ideas for guided tours in the area? See our guide to the best Banff Tours .)

Ski the Big3 (near Banff)

Canada’s first National Park is home to not one, not two, but THREE world-class ski resorts! Conveniently, with a SkiBig3 Pass, you can easily ski the breathtaking and exhilarating runs at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay. Another perk? The resorts found in Banff & Lake Louise have the longest ski seasons in North America. For more information, see our full guide to skiing in Alberta .

Tube Down a Mountain (Mount Norquay)

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and some family fun, try jumping on an inflatable snow tube to slide, spin and speed across the snow at Banff’s Mt. Norquay’s Tube Park.

Go Knordic (Kananaskis)

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is the first of its kind in Alberta, and this alpine sanctuary invites you to spa-like the Nordics do. Go from a sauna to a cold pool and back to the hot tub to feel an invigoration like never before, and it’s good for your heart! Entrance to the spa is on a first-come-first-serve basis (check their Twitter account for wait times), or consider also booking a massage to guarantee your spa spot.

Find a Cold War Bunker (Kananaskis)

Yes, it’s true! Initially built to store Canada’s most important documents and keep them safe in case of any nuclear fallout during the Cold War, the large tunnel carved deep into Mt. McGillivray leads to two chambers that are roughly 80 feet by 25 feet. The original plans called for a system of impenetrable chambers and vaults that were climate-controlled and protected from all elements and dangers from mildew to a hydrogen bomb. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt before the plans could be finished and so the tunnels sit unfinished within the north-facing slope of Mt. McGillivray and have become a favourite spot for amateur hikers and cavers.

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Soar over the Rockies (Canmore)

You can walk on them and you can ski down them, but how about soaring over them? A helicopter ride in the Rockies doesn’t have to break the bank – Alpine Helicopters in Canmore offers a 12-minute tour for just $150. It’s a quick ride, but a truly unforgettable thing to do in Alberta.

Visit the Smallest Museum in the World (Canmore)

The Curbside Museum is the world’s smallest museum, tucked inside a fence along a public sidewalk in Canmore. This ongoing project changes its exhibit every 7-8 weeks, exploring ideas both large and small, on subjects that are factual or fictional and can range from whimsical to serious. This museum has no limits, except for what can fit into its tiny space.

Hike to the Tea House (Lake Louise)

Situated near Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Lake Agnes Tea House rests at an altitude of 2,135 m right on the shores of Lake Agnes. After a 3.5 km hike through the forest and an elevation gain of 400 m, enjoy a cup of fine loose-leaf tea at one of the ‘Lakes in the Clouds’ like others have done since 1905. If the hike is too daunting, rent a horse for the trek!

Drive (or Cycle!) the Icefields Parkway

Spanning 230 km (142 mi), the Icefields Parkway connects Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. It may seem like a short drive, but trust us and make a full day of it. This stretch of highway is perfect for taking in the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains including abundant wildlife sightings, roadside waterfalls (some of the most stunning waterfalls in Alberta !), and breathtaking glaciers. There are plenty of viewpoints along the way so make sure to stop and breathe in the fresh mountain air while drinking in the landscape.

Where to stay in the Banff/Canmore area

Luxury – For over 130 years, the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs has been the epitome of class and a must-see destination in Banff National Park. This is a once-in-a-lifetime type stay that is totally worth the experience. (We’ve stayed once, so can say that!)

Mid-range – We booked at the recently renovated Canalta Lodge and really enjoyed our stay amid its eclectic design. In a small town such as Banff, the underground parking feature that this property offers is a huge perk. Additionally, this property has been recognized as the best value in Banff.

Budget – Save your budget for exploring all that Banff has to offer and stay at the Banff International Hostel . It’s located on the beautiful property of the Banff Centre, has a fully equipped kitchen for all to use, free breakfast, and is highly rated.

Walk on a Glacier (Columbia Icefield)

The Columbia Icefield is rich in stories and standing on the ancient sheets of ice of the Athabasca Glacier, history comes alive. Discover glaciology and learn about the past and how the glaciers may look serene but continue to form and shape the regional landscape as you trek on a giant Ice Explorer. This is a place where time is measured in millennia and yet the present moment is incredibly powerful. Go explore hidden spots in the Athabasca Glacier with a half-day tour .

Walk on the Edge (Columbia Icefield)

At the Jasper Skywalk, encounter waterfalls, wildlife, fossils, and more as you walk along the 1 km walkway that leads to a lookout that you have never experienced before! Step out on a glass-floored platform which is the only thing that separates you from the Sunwapta Valley and a 918-foot (280m) drop.

Rise up in a Sky Tram (Jasper)

Hop aboard the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada and be prepared to view Jasper National Park in a whole new way.  After your seven-minute, one-way trip has concluded and you have reached the top, make sure to get out and have a look around. Feast your eyes on six mountain ranges, glacially fed lakes, rivers, and the town of Jasper.

Kayak/Canoe to Spirit Island (Jasper)

Spirit Island is only accessible by water which lends itself to a mysterious and tranquil air as it sits nestled in the heart of a turquoise alpine lake and surrounded by majestic mountains. You could take the 14km journey from the docks at Maligne Lake by tour boat, but we highly recommend taking a half-day and doing the journey via canoe or kayak.

Go Star Spotting (Jasper)

Jasper National Park is one of 17 designated Dark Sky Preserves in Canada and is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world. Learn about the celestial bodies and planets in the solar system at the Planetarium Dome Theatre and through the powerful telescope from astronomy experts. If possible, try to plan your visit during October and take part in the annual Dark Sky Festival !

Try Ice Climbing (Jasper)

Within the national parks are hundreds of ice climbing opportunities, but the largest concentration of them can be found along the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper. Within this cluster of world-class ice climbing opportunities, arguably the most popular climb is in Maligne Canyon (very near Jasper) as it is accessible to a wide range of ice climbing opportunists from novice to expert.

Dine on a Mountaintop (Jasper)

Enjoy a three-course meal atop a mountain overlooking the Jasper townsite. Included in the ticket is a gondola ride up the mountain, a meal at Sky Bistro, and a complete panoramic view of the valley and surrounding peaks. If you’re feeling adventurous when arriving at the top, take a hike all around, and after dinner take some more time to gaze at the stars above.

Ride in Style (Jasper)

From the comfort of a sidecar attached to a Harley Davidson, take in the fresh mountain air and have unobstructed views of Jasper National Park. On this tour with Jasper Motorcycle Tours , you’ll drink in the fresh air while cruising by stunning scenery including snow-capped mountains, emerald green lakes, and bright blue glaciers.

Swing Clubs at One of Canada’s Best Courses (Jasper)

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge hosts one of the best Alberta golf courses ; it has made many “top” lists in Canada and across the world, and for good reason. Set in the rugged majesty of Jasper National Park, this 18-hole course offers dramatic bunkers and holes that line up with spectacular views. The wide fairways will also make it pleasurable for beginners and competitors alike.

Where to stay in Jasper

Luxury – If you are going to splurge during your vacation to Jasper National Park, we highly recommend staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge . This luxurious hotel has tons of amenities such as 8 on-site restaurants, a spa, and an award-winning golf course while providing breathtaking lakefront views of Beauvert Lake.

Mid-range – Surrounded by mountain views and just a 14-minute walk from Athabasca River and a 30-minute drive from Jasper town center, relax in your own wood cabin at Jasper East Cabins ! You get the amenities of a hotel room stay but with enough quiet and serenity that it kind of feels like you are “roughing it”.

Budget – A good budget hotel option in Jasper is Maligne Lodge . Apart from the stunning mountain views, the lodge has a sauna, an indoor pool, and an outdoor hot tub!

Want more options? Check out our entire guide dedicated to accommodations in Jasper

Discover a Town Buried in a Slide (Crowsnest Pass)

In April of 1903, with no warning in the wee hours of the morning, 110 million tons of rock slid down from Tunnel Mountain and consumed most of the town of Frank in the Crowsnest Pass. Up to 90 residents perished, most of whom remain buried under the rubble. It is now a Provincial Historical Site and home to a popular interpretive center.

Take an Underground Mine Tour (Crowsnest Pass)

One of Canada’s underground coal mines, the Bellevue mine was active from about 1905 until 1961.  It is now a place to experience and learn about the history of mining in the area as you walk in miners’ footsteps and adventure 1,000 feet into the mine and 150 below the surface.

Explore Alberta’s Newest Provincial Park (Castle Provincial Park)

Designation for this park was just approved in 2017, protecting a massive amount (>25,000 hectares) of stunning land. Four campgrounds are on site, and a large number of outdoor activities are available onsite: hiking, fishing, mountain biking, hunting, and even skiing at nearby Castle Mountain Resort. Don’t miss splashing around at Castle Falls, or climbing the arduous (but very rewarding!) Table Mountain.

Hike Crypt Lake (Waterton)

Accessible only by the Waterton Shoreline Cruise, this hike is bucket list-worthy and one that should not be missed! Rated among National Geographic’s “World’s 20 Most Thrilling Trails”, you will be required to climb a ladder, scale a portion of the mountain using a cable, crawl through a tunnel, and trek a total of 17 km before reaching your destination – a beautiful pristine mountain lake. This hike may not be for the faint of heart, but if you are feeling adventurous, you will embark on an experience of a lifetime.

Go International (Waterton)

Join in a 30+ year tradition by beginning a hike in Waterton all the way to Glacier National Park, USA. The 13km one-way hike is led by both a Canadian Park Interpreter and an American Park Ranger. At the end of the hike, you return to Waterton by boat. The hike is free, but the boat transfers are not and reservations must be made in advance. Most importantly, don’t forget your passport!

Take Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel (Waterton)

Take in a traditional High Tea experience at the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park. Enjoying this afternoon tea is one of the hottest things to do in Waterton , and is perfectly paired with petite finger sandwiches and a stunning view of Upper Waterton Lake.

Looking for more info? Read our ultimate guide to visiting Banff for details on where to stay, what to eat, and more! We also have one for what to do in Jasper .

And if you do plan to make a drive along the incredible Icefields Parkway, we also have a detailed guide on where to stop along the way from Banff to Jasper (or vice versa)!

Best things to do in Northern Alberta

Paddle the mighty peace river (peace river).

Climb aboard a canoe and relive the feeling of discovery like the explorers who used this water route to traverse the Canadian wilderness in the 1800s. Stay on the riverbank in your own cabin through Peace River Cabins and Outdoors and take the time to connect with nature and maybe even reconnect with yourself in the vast northern Alberta wilderness

Drive the Dunvegan Valley (Dunvegan)

This iconic spot southwest of Fairview is home to Alberta’s only driveable suspension bridge. Cruise over the mighty Peace River and visit the historic Provincial Park. Walk along the many scenic riverside trails and take a tour of the former trading post side and Indigenous gathering place. This spot is especially spectacular in autumn colours.

Visit a U-pick Farm (Shaftesbury Trail)

The Shaftesbury Trail, running along the Peace River for 26km, is one of the most scenic in the Peace Country. It’s dotted with several important historic sites but is particularly popular with locals because of the Bridgeview Gardens. Let’s face it: there’s nothing quite like a piece of fresh ripe fruit, and U-Picks are a great option for those who don’t have a green thumb but would still like to enjoy the fruits of somebody’s labour.

Dig for Dinosaurs (Wembley)

When you think of dinos, you undoubtedly think of Drumheller and the Canadian Badlands, but now it’s time to turn your attention north. Opened in 2015 in the small town of Wembley, the location of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum was chosen because of the proximity to the River of Death which has been the source of many fossils. During summer months, you can literally rub shoulders with paleontologists and join them for a dig on the famous Pipestone Creek bonebed.

Stroll thru Muskoseepi Park (Grande Prairie)

A gem in the heart of Grande Prairie, and rated the #1 thing to do in the area, this 1100+ acre parkland is a great place to bask in the sun and adventure outdoors. After taking a wander, the alternate activities are endless! Bike, swim in the outdoor pool, play tennis or basketball, visit the skateboard park … the list goes on and on.

Spot Northern Lights (all over, but increase your odds in Fort McMurray)

It is sometimes possible to spot aurora borealis in the southern reaches of Alberta, but to increase your odds, head way north. The city of Fort McMurray is located within the auroral band that roughly centers on the 65th parallel which means that on most cold and clear nights (between October and March), chances are you will see at least some colours dance overhead. Watch in coming years for a resort of giant glass igloos to be built so that overnight visitors can be mesmerized throughout the night. Really, who needs to sleep when northern lights are present?

For more information, click through to our guide on how to see the northern lights in Alberta .

Tour the Oilsands (Fort McMurray)

Some may consider this a controversial visit, but you can only benefit from learning more about it! Gain a new perspective from the sky with an aerial tour or visit the Oilsands Discovery Centre and explore interactive displays, various educational films, and informative demonstrations about the history, science, and technology of the Alberta Oil Sands.

Float in, Hike, Paddle, and Camp (Wood Buffalo National Park)

The largest national park in Canada and the second-largest in the world, Wood Buffalo National Park was established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herds of bison in northern Canada. The number of activities to do are plentiful, including canoeing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, swimming, boating, snowshoeing, animal watching, and some of the best star gazing around!

Explore Jurassic Forest (Gibbons)

Take the kids just north of Gibbons to a prehistoric adventure just waiting to be had. Travel back millions of years in this 40-acre prehistoric preserve and experience gigantic, life-sized, and realistic-looking dinosaurs in their natural habitat! Enjoy an expert-guided safari, dig for ancient remains, peruse the gift shop, and much more!

Ride the Golden Triangle (Whitecourt)

Whitecourt is known as one of the premier snowmobiling stops in Canada and it is a perfect place to start the 350km Golden Triangle Trail. Connecting this small city with Fox Creek and Swan Hills, you’ll find warm-up shelters along this winter wonderland route. The best time to take on the trail is February through April.

Go Birding (Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park)

This is Alberta’s only island park surrounded by watery Lac La Biche. A 300-year-old boreal forest sits on the island and sandy beaches skirt its edges. Bring your binoculars to spot birds while walking through trees on over 3 km of trails. Camping is also available here year-round.

Spot a UFO (St. Paul)

The truth is out there. At least the fine folks in St. Paul sure believe it is. So much so that in 1967, the residents organized to build the world’s first UFO Landing Pad as a landmark for the town. Be sure to drop into the Visitor Centre and check out the UFO exhibit including actual UFO photographs and unexplained crop circles.

Visit a City Divided (Lloydminster)

Lloydminster has the unique situation of literally straddling the provincial border of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The border runs along the Fourth Meridian from north to south through the town on 50th Avenue. Addresses east of 50th Avenue are considered to be in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan and addresses west of 50th Avenue are considered to be in Lloydminster, Alberta. A monument of four 100-foot survey markers stands near the city’s downtown core to commemorate this distinctive and unique bi-provincial status.

Eat Ukranian (Glendon & Mundare)

Ukrainian heritage is so strong in northern Alberta that there are giant statues to make sure you remember that. And our favourites are in the towns of Glendon and Mundare because they are of food . Stop in Glendon to get a selfie in front of the world’s largest perogy, and then drive an hour and a half to Mundare to stand in front of the world’s largest kielbasa (and don’t forget to buy some delicious sausage at the famous Stawnichy’s).

Celebrate Easter Year-Round (Vergreville)

Add one more Ukrainian stop to your route with a visit to Vegreville, the home of a giant Pysanka sculpture (the second largest in the world). It is 31ft long and three and a half stories tall! Be one of the thousands who stop to see it every year.

Best things to do in Central Alberta

Go prehistoric (drumheller).

One of the indisputably coolest museums in the world is the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller. It features the world’s largest display of dinosaurs and a variety of fun interactive displays for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors also can get outside and follow the 1.4km interpretive trail that winds through the Badlands. And to get really interactive the museum hosts both a “Dinosite” where one can dig for fossils and see real dinosaur remains on this hike through the badlands.

Get an Epic Selfie at Horseshoe Canyon (near Drumheller)

Just 17km east of Drumheller, the top of this canyon is a marvel to view and appreciate the unique, prehistoric topography of the Canadian Badlands. You can stand on the edge of this U-shaped canyon for some epic selfies, or if you’re feeling adventurous, dip down into it for a scenic day hike. Each arm of the canyon extends approximately 5km.

Take a Short Hike in Horsethief Canyon (also near Drumheller)

Located on the Dinosaur Trail near Drumheller, this moderate 0.8-kilometer hike is a must-stop while exploring the Badlands. Admire the valley below as you gaze down from the top, or explore the canyon from below which was named after the outlaws who hid their stolen livestock there more than 100 years ago.

Throw One Back at the Last Chance Saloon (Wayne)

This saloon at the Rosedeer Hotel is just about all that keeps the hamlet of Wayne from being a ghost town, but it has stood the test of time. Relics from nearly 100 years ago still exist inside (like a piano from 1927); in those days when the bar was actually called the “Bucket of Blood” because of how rowdy its patrons were. It promotes a much more pleasant atmosphere now, including a menu of comfort food and regular live music performances.

Walk a Long Suspension bridge (near Drumheller)

Placed over the Red Deer River and located just east of Drumheller, the 117 m (384 ft) Star Mine Suspension Bridge was originally in the early 20th century, an aerial cable which transported buckets of coal from the east side of the river to the west.  When the mine shut down, the cable was converted into a suspension bridge and is now a popular tourist attraction, fishing stop and the gateway to great Badlands terrain.

Spot a Hoodoo (near Drumheller)

Technically, hoodoos can be found in many spots in eastern Alberta, but the easiest place to get up close and personal with this natural phenomenon is near Drumheller. Just outside of town (on Highway 10) is a small protected site where you can see some of the biggest hoodoos (averaging 5 to 7 feet tall). They are super cool but also extremely fragile, so please promise not to climb on them!

Looking for more info? Read our ultimate guide to visiting Drumheller for details on where to stay, what to eat, and more! We also have all the details on getting to Drumheller from Edmonton or Calgary.

Tube Down Discovery Canyon (near Red Deer)

Take a break from the summer heat and visit this hidden gem right near the city of Red Deer. Bring a tube or rent one on-site, and take a ride down this lazy river or chill in the beach area. Grab a snack at the concession, enjoy a picnic lunch, or head to one of these great Red Deer restaurants .

Try Not to Get Caught (Red Deer)

For the thrill-seekers that are looking for something out of the norm, nothing makes the blood pump faster than the thrill of being a pretend fugitive who is on the run at Heritage Ranch. The purpose? Try to not get caught for one hour as you try to capture four flags throughout the ranch. Bonus: Win or lose you get a ribeye steak dinner!

Visit a Secret(ish) Buffalo Jump (Dry Island Provincial Park)

As far as “secret gems” go in Alberta, this might be the secret-est and the gem-est . This Provincial Park is the site of an ancient buffalo jump where the Cree people drove bison over the cliffs in large numbers. Today, the area is popular with nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. It offers stunning views of the Red Deer River and a hand boat launch to experience the area by a paddle on the water.

Or, Get Robbed! (Stettler)

Head to Stettler for an unexpected adrenaline rush onboard a vintage passenger train from the 1920s. Hold onto your valuables, because the train is undoubtedly going to be halted by a robber during the excursion. Keep your head down while a short “gunfight” ensues! This is just a small part of the fun though, because the Alberta Prairie Railway also offers dinner, murder mystery parties, and more.

Attend a Long Table Dinner (Stettler)

This is a true Alberta farm-to-table experience for the whole family. The annual Stettler long table dinner takes place each August right on the main street downtown. 100 people can taste the diverse dishes that are locally sourced from the surrounding farms and cooked by chefs from the central region.

See a “Furry Freak Show” (Torrington)

The Torrington Gopher Hole Museum has been called a “furry freak-show”, and for good reason. This tiny museum, open since 1996, features stuffed gophers posed in a variety of dioramas that showcase local scenes (think: curling gophers, hunting gophers, a beauty shop, and more).

Beach it (Sylvan Lake)

Sylvan Lake is a thriving lakeside community just west of Red Deer. It’s known province-wide for its pleasant beaches and is a popular spot to camp in the summer (check out our article on Sylvan Lake campgrounds if this sounds appealing). But Sylvan Lake also offers fantastic amenities and activities as well. Most recent additions worth exploring: two craft breweries (Snake Lake Brewing Company and Undercurrent Brewing) that are worth a stop at. Snake Lake Brewing Company made our list of the best Alberta breweries for craft beer!

Splash in White Water (Sundre)

The Red Deer River runs right through Sundre, Alberta, and has actually been touted as the most fun rafting river in Western Canada! Get ready for the ride of your life as you traverse down exciting rapids with Mukwah Rafting Tours.

Hit a Backcountry Trail by Horse (Sundre)

The best way to view the foothills of the Canadian Rockies is undoubtedly by horseback. Crisp mountain air paired with an authentic western experience soothes the soul and instantly brings you back to Alberta’s roots. Witness rushing waters, high mountain meadows, and exquisite panoramas that are the perfect setting for horseback riding right outside Sundre, Alberta. 

Boost Your Outdoor Skills (near Sundre)

Visit Painted Warriors, an indigenous outdoor adventure company near Sundre, and experience the traditional and modern-day lifestyle of the Cree and Saulteaux people. Try your hand at animal tracking, snowshoeing, horse riding, and archery, or you can even spend the night in an authentic Métis-style trapper tent. This is one of many exceptional Indigenous experiences in Alberta !

Watch Ram Falls (near Nordegg)

Just south of Nordegg lies Ram Falls Provincial Park and the home of the beautiful Ram Falls.  Pack a picnic lunch and make use of the large picnic shelters or day-use area that include the use of fire pits.  Explore the area by way of several easy hiking trails that can be used for either walking or by bike.  If you would like to extend your stay in the area, Ram Falls Campground is a great place to hunker down for the night! 

Visit with Wolfdogs (Cochrane)

It’s often a desire for people to want a dog that looks like a wolf, but soon after they acquire a wolfdog, they realize that it doesn’t often behave like a regular dog. Enter the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, a non-profit rescue organization that rehabilitates and also rehomes displaced wolfdogs. It is open for visits and tours to learn about wolfdogs and interact with their beautiful “ambassador” dogs.

Seeing wildlife is a *must* experience for any visitor to this province. For a guide on how to do it safely, read this post on seeing wildlife in Alberta

Best Things to do in Southern Alberta

Celebrate national indigenous persons day (head-smashed-in buffalo jump).

This important day of June 21 would be the perfect time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump , but in truth, any time is a good time! The facility onsite preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of the fascinating Plains Buffalo culture. And if you visit any Wednesday from July to August, you can experience authentic First Nations culture by listening to Blackfoot drummers, singers, and dancers perform at this sacred location.

Stroll and Shop on Antique Row (Nanton)

You likely won’t leave without opening your wallet. On the main street through the small town of Nanton is a string of four well-appointed antique shops. Plan for a full day of it so that you can also stop in the miniature museum and the famous Candy Store that can’t be missed.

Spot the ‘Big Rock’ (Okotoks)

Southwest of the small city of Okotoks is a glacial ‘erratic’ that gave the city its name (Okotoks means ‘Big Rock). This large boulder sits seemingly in the middle of nowhere, left behind by a retreating glacier during the last ice age, about 30,000 years ago. It is roughly the size of a 3-storey apartment building, and well worth a look.

Taste Craft Spirits (Turner Valley)

Visit the Eau Claire Distillery in Turner Valley for a behind-the-scenes look into the world of how spirits are made. Tour their working distillery or visit their bottling warehouse to taste some Eau Claire products, some of which are exclusive to this location. Be sure to try their signature Equinox Mule cocktail and we promise you won’t be disappointed.

Go Balloon Spotting (High River)

Hot air balloon pilots from North America and Europe meet every year in September to take to the skies and put on the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival! Several pilots even compete in competitive flights during the festival which requires them to drop markers as near as possible to specific goals on the ground. The Balloon Night Glow is also a spectacular sight to see with balloons lit up like light bulbs throughout the night sky.

Live Long and Prosper (Vulcan)

The residents of the small town of Vulcan realized the potential they had by being named the same as the fictional Star Trek planet. They built a visitor center to look like a space station which features a large set of memorabilia from the popular TV show. The staff are all in character and ready to answer your questions about the town and the show.

Learn the Nitty-Gritty of Cowboy Life (Longview)

At Bar U Ranch near Longview, this National Historic Site has exciting offerings that allow visitors the chance to discover what the life of a ranching cowboy in the late 1800s was like. Learn cowboy skills and old-style ranching ways, and take in the gritty stories of Alberta’s humble ranching beginnings.

Watch the RCMP Musical Ride (Fort Macleod)

What started as relief for the officers from the daily drills and routine duties that were expected of members of the North-West Mounted Police turned into an intricate routine on horseback set to music that drew a crowd! Now it is recreated multiple times daily at The Fort Museum in the summer months.

Scout Filming Hot Spots (Fort Macleod)

We’re not saying that Fort Macleod is basically “Hollywood North”, but we’re not NOT saying it either! So many blockbuster films and TV have been shot here, including Ghostbusters: Afterlife , Brokeback Mountain, scenes from Fargo , and more. While many of these shows include shots from all over Alberta, Fort Macleod is often featured. If you want to learn about Alberta movie locations , expect to make a spot here. And you’ll also stop in Fort Macleod if you follow our road trip guide to see The Last of Us filming locations !

Detour to Lundbreck Falls (Lundbreck)

In the southern foothills of Alberta, you’ll find these sparkly falls near the small hamlet of Lundbreck. They only fall about 12ms but they sure are mighty, and very worth the quick little detour off of the main highway. Observe from above or hike down below and feel the spray!

Golf in Paradise (Lethbridge)

Surrounded by the hills and cliffs of the Old Man River lies an oasis which is the Paradise Canyon Golf Resort. This golfer’s dream is rated the number one course in southern Alberta and one of Canada’s top sixty courses by Golf Digest. It’s perfect for all ages and all skill levels!

Find A Moment of Zen (Lethbridge)

Nikka Yuko, a 3.75-acre garden was built to recognize the contributions made by citizens of Japanese ancestry to the multicultural community of Lethbridge. A symbol of international friendship, exploring this beautiful tranquil garden will sure to give you a sense of peace and serenity. Looking for something more adventurous? In summer months, watch for announcements of “Sumo Sumo Sundays” where you can see if you have what it takes to wrestle with the big guys. And don’t miss the popular Winter Lights Festival where the entire garden is lit up with colourful lights (one of our favourite spots in Alberta to enjoy lights at Christmas ).

Spot the Highest Train Bridge in the World (Lethbridge)

It’s pretty hard to miss it! The Lethbridge Viaduct (also known as the High Level Bridge) is a massive steel trestle over the Oldman River that divides the city and is the largest of its kind in the world. Trains from the Canadian Pacific Railway run over it, and the bridge has stood tall for over 100 years.

Looking for more info? Read our ultimate guide to visiting Lethbridge for details on where to stay, what to eat, and more!

See a Dinosaur Egg (Warner)

In 1987, a young girl found what she believed was a dinosaur egg along the Milk River Ridge. She actually had stumbled upon a Hadrosaur (duck-billed dinosaur) nesting site! The full story, along with a reconstructed nest and embryo is on display at the Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur & Heritage Museum just south of Lethbridge.

Learn From Birds (Coaldale)

Get up close and personal with feathered friends at the Birds of Prey Foundation. Active since 1982, this exemplary conservation centre rescues and rehabilitates all kinds of birds. Visitors can wander through the complex, learning about hawks, owls, eagles, and more.

Go Backcountry Hiking with Hoodoos (Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park)

The sandstone rock formations called hoodoos provide a fun “do it yourself” hiking adventure just beyond the river (ask for a map at the Visitor Center). Rumour has it there is a slot canyon there! Dress for a river cross and beware of rattlesnakes. Bring plenty of water for your adventure too. (If you prefer more of a guided experience, there are three well-groomed trails near the Visitor Center as well.)

We’re so sure you’ll fall in love with this area that we urge you to bring your camping gear too! Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is one of our picks for the coolest campsites in Alberta .

Take a Rock Art Tour (Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park)

First Nations people camped at Writing-on-Stone as far back as 3,500 years ago – the steep sandstone cliffs have a deep spiritual meaning and are still regarded as a sacred place. In fact, Writing-on-Stone contains the highest density of rock art anywhere in the plains of North America.  Bonus info: Áísínai´pi (the traditional name of this spot) means “where the drawings are”.

Go to the Corn Source (Taber)

Every summer, the Corn Capital of Canada hosts the largest free family festival in western Canada. “Corn is King” at Cornfest, and the famous Taber vegetable is celebrated in displays, events, and of course food. The festival also has live music, carnival rides, chilli cookoff, a corn-eating contest, and even a skateboard corn -test.

Visit Red Rock Coulee (near Medicine Hat)

But how? This is the first thing you’ll ask yourself when arriving at the Red Rock Coulee Natural Area. Dotting the landscape are many rust-coloured spherical boulders (called “concretions”), some of which are as wide as 10ft. Some are near-perfect circles, and others have been split over time. This is designated a Provincial Natural Area and can be found 54 km southwest of Medicine Hat.

Get Fully Caffeinated (Medicine Hat)

This sixth-largest city in Alberta has an unmatched love for coffee with a surprisingly strong (pun intended!) café culture. Take a walking tour and tasting with Indy Coffee Tours – start by roasting your own beans and come away with a caffeine jolt to last you all day.

See the World’s Largest Teepee (Medicine Hat)

It weighs 800 tons and stands at the height of a 20-storey building. This tribute to Canada’s Indigenous heritage was built for the 1988 Winter Olympics held in Calgary, and its assembly was astoundingly completed in less than one week. The Saamis Archeological Site is within walking distance in the coulee below, where experts believe there are upwards of 80 million artifacts buried.

Catch the Big One (Medicine Hat)

Cast a line in the South Saskatchewan River for Alberta’s largest game fish – the powerful sturgeon. This fish does not give up easily so prepare for the fight of your life! Other fish varieties that you could hook are walleye, sauger, goldeye, pike, mooneye, and burbot. For more info, read our guide to fishing in Alberta .

Learn from Clay (Medicine Hat)

The Medalta Museum is situated against the dramatic cliffs of the South Saskatchewan River in the Hat. It was this river that provided the expanse of clay giving the factory its resource. What was once home to some of the earliest industries in Western Canada is now an impressive interactive museum. You can tour the old factory floors, pick up some of the old bricks, peer into the old kilns that were once fired up, and of course, hear the stories of the importance of industrial history. Included in admission is access to the number of galleries set up by local and Indigenous artists.

Click through to read more in our guide to visiting Medicine Hat !

Dine in a Train Car (Mossleigh)

An 1887 Pullman Dining Car that was once the private business car for Prime Minister John Diefenbaker sits at Aspen Crossing, near the small town of Mossleigh. Everything on the menu is made from scratch and many of the ingredients are locally sourced. Book a table in advance and dine in a piece of history throughout the year (closed January through March).

Get Your Grill On (Patricia)

How do you like your steak cooked? Rare? Well done? The famous steak pit at the Patricia Hotel Restaurant gives you the chance to cook your own juicy beef or buffalo steak to your liking. The hotel was originally built in 1915 and since then it has added extra rooms plus the famous Steak Pit.

SUP (and More) in Cypress (Elkwater)

As you drive in the southeast of Alberta across flat plains towards Saskatchewan, the area of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park can come as a bit of a surprise. In the middle of prairie land, this large region boasts a unique mix of forests, rolling hills, grasslands, and an outstanding array of plants and animals. On the Alberta side of the park (it also stretches into Saskatchewan), spending a few days in the small town of Elkwater can open up an array of adventures. Camp, hike, eat well, kayak, and finally, get up on that SUP board to enjoy Elkwater Lake at your leisure.

Learn Important History (Blackfoot Crossing)

The language, culture, and history of the Siksika (Blackfoot) people are presented and preserved at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Site. The entire building pays homage to the vast range of Blackfoot culture through various metaphors and concepts utilizing sacred icons and stories of the people. Immerse yourself in traditional Blackfoot culture through the many interactive exhibits, yearly Powwows, and even partake in a Tipi sleepover in Chief Crowfoot’s Tipi Village.

Glamp Among Dinos (Dinosaur Provincial Park)

This UNESCO World Heritage Site takes you back to the time of the dinosaurs while providing all the amenities for a good night’s sleep. Comfort camping takes place in one of the Park’s high-quality canvas tents that have wooden floors, plenty of ventilation, and even an electric fireplace, mattress, and a mini-fridge! Take to the Badlands by day, looking for dinosaur fossils, and relax in comfort by night. Dinosaur Provincial Park is home to some of the most important fossil discoveries – specifically 35 species of dinosaur – which date back 75 million years.

PHEW! That was a massive list of things to do in Alberta. Although we are sure that some of you have more suggestions of what should be on this list, so let us know!

And…don’t forget to download our fun and free Road Trip Alberta bingo cards to track how much of the province you’ve seen, or to help you plan your next road trip!

Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up in the Peace Country, and has ventured to almost every corner of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 countries)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Marketing , co-creator of the Trip Chaser card game, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Alberta

Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Sep 16, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Alberta is home to some of Canada's most impressive scenery and five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is where the prairies meet the mountains, and spectacular snowcapped peaks dominate the skyline.

The glaciers and turquoise lakes of Banff and Jasper National Parks are the main attractions in summer, drawing millions of tourists each year to the province. These parks are also home to some of Alberta's top ski resorts , offering some of the best skiing in Canada . To the east, the plains and badlands hold important historical and cultural attractions.

The main cities in Alberta are Calgary and Edmonton . Calgary is a modern city with a wealth of things to do. It's most famous for the annual Calgary Stampede. Farther north, the provincial capital of Edmonton is home to West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping center in Canada, along with numerous other cultural attractions.

A visit to Alberta should definitely be on your western Canada itinerary . For a better understanding of the province and ideas for things to do here, see our guide to the top tourist attractions in Alberta.

1. Banff National Park

2. lake louise, 3. icefields parkway and the columbia icefield, 4. moraine lake, 5. waterton lakes national park (waterton-glacier international peace park), 6. jasper national park, 7. lake louise ski resort, 8. sunshine village ski resort, 9. calgary stampede, 10. drumheller and the royal tyrrell museum of paleontology, 11. kananaskis country, 12. west edmonton mall, 13. calgary tower, 14. canmore, 15. wood buffalo national park, 16. head-smashed-in buffalo jump, map of tourist attractions in alberta.

Banff National Park is the most visited tourist attraction in Alberta and arguably the most impressive national park in Canada. Just 130 kilometers west of Calgary , the area encompasses spectacular mountain scenery, major ski resorts, beautiful lakes, and the tourist town of Banff.

Wildlife is abundant here, with grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, caribou, and elk, many of which are frequently sighted along the main highway through the park.

Hiking is one of the main summer activities in Banff , and there are many frontcountry and backcountry trails to choose from. Many people explore the park from the comfort of their car, stopping at the numerous roadside lookouts that offer impressive views over the mountains, lakes, and glaciers.

One of the top attractions in the town of Banff is the Sulphur Mountain Gondola . Take a ride to the top and enjoy the spectacular views out in all directions, made even better by recent renovations and improvements to the building at the top.

Banff National Park is a large area to explore, and it definitely makes sense to either stay a few nights in a hotel or set up camp in one of the excellent campgrounds in the park. If you prefer something a bit more refined than a nylon tent and a patch of dirt in the trees, consider checking in at the world famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Dating from 1888, this iconic Banff hotel has been hosting discerning customers for generations.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Banff National Park

Lake Louise, the jewel of Banff National Park , is famous for its beautiful turquoise colored water that reflects the surrounding mountains and Victoria Glacier. Located just a short drive north of the town of Banff, the lake is an easy day trip from Calgary.

From the grand Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a fabulous view across the lake. A walkway runs along the shoreline allowing visitors a lovely place for a leisurely stroll to absorb the atmosphere. Canoe rentals are also available for those who want to paddle out on the lake.

From the lakeside path, there are excellent hiking trails leading either up the mountain or beyond the lake towards the glacier. One of the most popular hiking trails is the hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House .

In winter, the lake is frozen, and trails are covered deep in snow. Many people come to Lake Louise during this time of year to enjoy the nearby Lake Louise Ski Resort , one of Canada's most popular ski destinations.

Lake Louise Village , just a short distance from the lake, has some tourist-related retail shops, small restaurants, and coffee shops. However, there is not much here beyond the main plaza. Nearby, is a large campground in a lovely natural setting.

During the busy summer months, from May to October, parking is extremely limited. You can take a Roam Transit shuttle from the town of Banff to Lake Louise, or book a Parks Canada Shuttle from the park and ride outside of Lake Louise. These now must be booked in advance, walk-up seat sales are not available. There are several ways to get from Banff to Lake Louise .

The Icefields Parkway runs from Lake Louise to Jasper and is one of the most beautiful drives in Canada. This 230-kilometer stretch of highway leads past lakes, mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls, with stopping points for visitors to get out and experience the landscape. Numerous hiking trails along the way , most of which are day hikes, lead to scenic lookouts over surrounding glaciers or lakes.

One of the main attractions along the Icefields Parkway is the Icefields Centre . This large visitor's center features excellent displays on the Columbia Icefields and looks out over the Athabasca Glacier . From the road, it is difficult to comprehend the layout and size of the icefields, but models and photos at the center offer a unique perspective.

Across from the center, it's possible to walk up to the toe of the glacier. Alternatively, tours in specially outfitted buses are available, which drive visitors out onto the glacier. One of the newest attractions is the Glacier Skywalk , a huge observation platform standing 280 meters above the valley below, with a glass floor and glass railings. A shuttle service runs from the Icefields Center to the Glacier Skywalk.

You can also do a full-day Columbia Icefield Tour from Banff , which includes the Glacier Skywalk, a trip out onto the glacier in an all-terrain vehicle, and the scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway.

To fully explore this area, you'll likely need a few days, and most people stay in nearby Lake Louise. Alternatively, and substantially cheaper, is camping. Along the Icefields Parkway are a number of wonderful campgrounds, some with incredible views and excellent hikes nearby.

Beyond Lake Louise , at the end of a scenic 13-kilometer-long twisty mountain road, is Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks . Like Lake Louise, this is another scenic setting with similar turquoise water and snow-capped peaks. It was for many years the location of the image on the reverse side of the old Canadian twenty dollar bill and is one of the most popular places to photograph in Canada .

Moraine Lake is surrounded by ten peaks, each more than 3,000 meters high, containing the Wenkchemna Glacier. There is a great view across the lake from an overlook reached by hiking up a short path known as the Rockpile Trail , located near the parking lot. In the spring, the thunder of falling glaciers or landslides can be heard in the distance.

From Moraine Lake, there is a day hike to Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass , one of the best hikes in Banff National Park. It is a somewhat exhausting day hike, but the reward is the stunning view back towards the lake and down into Paradise Valley. This hike is often snow covered in the upper region even into July. The area is particularly beautiful in autumn when the larches are changing color. The hike to the Sentinel Pass (elevation 2,611 meters) involves climbing a total of six kilometers and ascending 520 meters.

Like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is an extremely popular area, and parking will likely be unavailable if you arrive in your own vehicle between spring and fall. The Parks Canada Shuttle from the Park and Ride outside Lake Louise is the best option for visiting the lake.

The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park in the Rocky Mountains straddles the border between Alberta and the U.S. state of Montana. On the Canadian side of the border is Waterton Lakes National Park, while on the American side is Glacier National Park .

Waterton Lakes is the smaller of the two parks but features some fantastic scenery with mountains and Waterton Lake . Overlooking the lake, from a fabulous position on the north shore is the Prince of Wales Hotel , a National Historic Site of Canada. Nearby, is the town site with tourist amenities. Many people come to the park to hike on the alpine trails, camp, or take a sightseeing tour.

Official site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton/index

Much like Banff, the name Jasper is associated with both the national park and the town of Jasper , which lies at the heart of this stunning park. Jasper is the biggest national park in Canada, covering an area of 10,878 square kilometers. It is an area of lakes, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and forests, but has a slightly different appearance than the parks and natural areas farther south.

Both the park and the town of Jasper are less visited than Banff and have a more remote feel, particularly in winter when many facilities in the area are closed. Unlike Banff, the town of Jasper sees very few tourists outside of the peak summer season giving it a much more seasonal character.

Some of the key highlights in Jasper National Park are Maligne Lake , which is frequently pictured in advertisements for the Canadian Rockies, Mount Edith Cavell with the stunning Angel Glacier , and Maligne Canyon . Hiking trails and scenic lookouts can be found throughout the park. In winter, locals enjoy the Marmot Basin Ski Resort .

Official site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper/index

• From Banff to Jasper: Best Ways to Get There
• From Lake Louise to Jasper: Best Ways to Get There

Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Canada and is known around the world as a stop on the World Cup of skiing. Home to 164 named runs, plus a few through the trees that only locals know about, this ski hill has something for everyone.

Lake Louise Ski Resort is a popular family ski vacation destination for its well-regarded ski school, varied terrain, and good facilities. The resort is only a couple of hours from Calgary International Airport, making it easy to get to from destinations near and far.

Skiers take note: the resort has made significant investments in infrastructure over the past two years that include a new lift opening up the West Bowl area and a new quad chair at the base area to alleviate the morning crush.

In the summer, the ski resort operates its gondola. In mere minutes, it will whisk you to the top of the mountain where you'll enjoy spectacular views out to the surrounding mountains and across the valley to Lake Louise. If you are lucky, you may spot a grizzly bear on the way up; they enjoy grazing in the open grassy areas where the ski runs are in the winter.

Official site: https://www.skilouise.com/

Sunshine Village, located just outside the town of Banff , is one of Alberta's most popular ski resorts, but it is also a beautiful area for hiking and walking in summer. In winter, the mountain, which offers a good mix of intermediate and advanced runs, attracts skiers from all over the world. It's one of the best ski resorts in Canada and one of the best ski resorts in Alberta .

In summer, following the snowmelt, the area is open to hikers. Take the gondola from the base of the mountain to the Village terminal to explore Sunshine Meadows . From here, trails of varying lengths lead into the mountains. Hike on your own or join a guided hike.

Official site: http://www.skibanff.com/

Calgary takes particular pride in its cowboy roots. This becomes most apparent during the city's biggest event, the annual Calgary Stampede. This is a ten-day event held in early July, drawing rodeo participants and over 1 million fans from across North America. Calgary becomes the center of attention for all Wild West fans, with rodeo attractions, cultural exhibits, country music, and a range of other outdoor spectacles.

In addition to what goes on at the Stampede Grounds, local establishments around Calgary also participate in the festivities by offering free "Stampede breakfasts" throughout the week. Stores decorate their windows, cowboy hats and boots become the primary fashion, and temporary petting zoos and midway rides pop up in parking lots.

Official site: http://www.calgarystampede.com/

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Calgary

Located approximately 140 kilometers northeast of Calgary is the small town of Drumheller, which proudly calls itself the "Town of the Dinosaurs." Around 75 million years ago, various species of dinosaurs inhabited this region, and many fossils have been discovered in and around Drumheller. The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology displays some of the finds and offers an in-depth look at the history of the area.

The landscape around Drumheller consists mainly of badlands . Interesting hiking trails lead past hoodoos and through unique rock formations. The " Dinosaur Trail " is a driving tour that leads through some of the area's main attractions.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Drumheller

About 80 kilometers west of Calgary is a beautiful area known as Kananaskis Country. This is a favorite spot for hikers in the summer with trails that lead to peaks, meadows, and lakes. Kananaskis Village has resort facilities and a popular golf course.

Kananaskis Country has an amazing collection of wonderful campsites . You'll generally find them set among pine trees and near crystal-clear lakes or rivers. They are popular in the high season, so be sure to book well in advance.

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is one of the main highlights of Kananaskis, particularly for those who want to spend some time immersed in nature. The park forms the very heart of the Kananaskis region where elk, bighorn sheep, mountain-goats, grizzly bears, and black bears roam free.

The park covers 508 square kilometers, which makes it the largest provincial park in Alberta. In summer, locals and visitors are attracted here by the superb mountain scenery, traversed by various trails and dotted with alpine lakes.

Official site: http://www.albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country.aspx

The West Edmonton Mall is more than just shops. Contained within this huge complex is the World Waterpark , the Ice Palace ice rink, mini golf, an aquarium with live shows, a bowling alley, a mirror maze, indoor electric go-kart racing, and movie theaters. Of course shopping is important, too. The mall has all kinds of stores for everything you could imagine.

The mall is a destination within Alberta, particularly in winter, where families can come to escape the cold and enjoy some indoor fun and shopping.

Official site: http://www.wem.ca

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Edmonton

The Calgary Tower is one of the prime tourist attractions in Calgary. Standing tall on the city skyline, the tower offers the highest 360-degree observation deck in the world. On clear days, there are outstanding views to the mountains, and on any day, the glass floor offers a direct view down over the city. Depending on the event or celebration, the Calgary Tower will light its massive torch mounted on the very top.

The Sky 360 is a revolving restaurant located at an elevation of 155 meters, and directly above this is Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.

Official site: http://www.calgarytower.com/

Just outside the entrance to Banff National Park, Canmore is a lively small town with restaurants, shops, and services. This growing community attracts people who are interested in enjoying a mountain lifestyle. In the surrounding area are hiking and mountain biking trails, and Alberta's best ski resorts are just a short drive away. Calgarians use the town as an escape, and many have second homes or condos here. Some people prefer to camp in one of the fine campgrounds nearby.

For visitors, one of the key attractions are the Canmore Cave Tours . These tours last about 4.5 hours and take you to Rats Nest Cave, known for being one of the longest in Canada.

If you are interested in hiking trails, the hike to Grassi Lakes is one of the most popular and it's relatively easy. The trail was closed and significantly upgraded in summer 2022, the new improvements are expected to make this already amazing hike even better.

You can also base yourself in Canmore and explore the hiking trails in nearby Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country.

Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest park in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its remote location on the border of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, the park sees fewer visitors but holds a number of treasures.

Wood Buffalo extends across the Athabasca-Peace River Delta , one of the largest inland deltas in the world, but the main attraction here is the wildlife, including the park's wood bison . The park was established in 1922 to protect the last herds of these beautiful animals, often called wood buffalo, which now thrive here. Moose, black bear, caribou, and beaver also call the park home, and whooping cranes breed here.

While most people visit in the summer, the park is open all year, and you can find an assortment of winter activities. Wood Buffalo National Park is a dark-sky preserve , making it a good place to see the northern lights in winter.

• Read More: Exploring Wood Buffalo National Park

On the edge of the prairies, a rise in the landscape terminates at the edge of a cliff. For thousands of years, indigenous peoples in the area used this natural feature to drive herds of buffalo over the edge.

The 11-meter fall would break their legs and injure them enough for the Blackfoot hunters to move in and kill them. The bodies were then processed and used for food and other purposes. Buffalo jumps were also used in other areas of the plains but this site is the largest, oldest, and best preserved in North America .

The area is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Center offers detailed information on the site and the Plains Buffalo culture.

Official site: https://headsmashedin.ca/

More on Canada

The 62 Best Things to do in Alberta, Canada – The Ultimate Guide

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 8, 2024

Whether you visit Alberta in winter or summer its beauty shines through. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Alberta on several occasions in all seasons and trust me, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you occupied year-round. In fact, a lot of the province comes to life in the dead of winter. We have rounded up the best things to do in Alberta, Canada from our half-dozen trips to our favourite province in Western Canada.

Table of Contents

Top Things to do in Alberta, Canada

We have broken down this Alberta travel guide into different areas so you can plan your trip in an easily organized manner. This guide shares the very best things to do in Alberta that we have done over the past 10 years of traveling to all corners of the province.

1. Banff National Park

Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and its most beautiful. This year-round destination has countless outdoor activities from hiking trails into the backcountry, ski resorts, glacier lakes, and a great food scene. The Banff Springs Hotel was opened in 1888 to attract tourists to the area and has continued to draw visitors from around the world making Banff Alberta’s most visited tourist attraction. Read more: Things to do in Banff

2. Canoe Lake Louise

Lake Louise is the most famous of all tourist attractions in Alberta and the first place most people stop when visiting Banff. Victoria Glacier and the surrounding mountains are reflected in the still turquoise waters making it truly one of the most beautiful places in Alberta . The legendary Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits on its shores, and one could spend hours just taking in the views. A bucket list item for anyone visiting Lake Louise is to rent a canoe and experience a true Canadian tradition . When visiting Alberta in the summer months, this is a great way to take in the fantastic scenery away from the crowds. Read more: Canoe Lake Louise and Banff National Park, Alberta

3. Pond Hockey on Lake Louise

There is absolutely nothing more Canadian than playing pond hockey on a frozen lake. When the temperature drops, Canadians seek outdoor activities like pond hockey and if you visit Alberta in winter, you better skate on the world’s most beautiful skating rink! Imagine dropping a puck surrounded by Canada’s most impressive scenery. Located directly in front of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the rink attracts visitors from around the world whether they can skate or not! You can rent hockey gear from the hotel or from  Wilson Mountain Sports .

4. Moraine Lake

Located just a short distance from Lake Louise within the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is considered one of the most beautiful places in Alberta. With hiking trails leading to views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, it is not to be missed. Plus, a fun fact, Moraine Lake is the famous lake that was on our 20 dollar bill! Moraine Lake can be very busy in the summer months, so get there early to avoid the crowds. For more hiking trails in Banff and information on Moraine Lake Read: 12 Best Hikes in Banff National Park

5. Lake Agnes

The Lake Agnes Teahouse has been serving tea since 1905. The teahouse was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901 as a place where hikers could stop and rest. In 1905 it started serving tea and hasn’t stopped since. This popular hike starts out on a paved path before getting into the rugged forest. The Lake Agnes Teahouse hike is a 4.5-mile hike is considered a moderate hike and you can get to it from Chateau Lake Louise which is a mile outside of Lake Louise village. The trailhead is right off the parking lot of Chateau Lake Louise. 

6. Backcountry Lodges

There are several backcountry lodges in Alberta that make for an amazing active adventure that ends with a luxurious stay in a remote lodge surrounded by snow-capped peaks. We visited  Sundance Lodge  when exploring Banff and fell in love with the beauty of the area.

In the winter you can head out to lodges by cross country skiing or snowshoeing. In the summer you can hike or go by horse. Whichever season you visit Alberta in, a backcountry lodge is an experience you’ll never forget. Read more: Where to Stay in Banff

7. Explore Cave n’ Basin

Discovered by railway workers back in 1883, Cave n Basin is where Canada’s National Park System began. To attract visitors to Banff, Canada opened the first National Park and visitors flocked to swim and relax in the hot springs. Soon after the Banff Springs Hotel opened and the rest is history. Today it is a national historic site and there is no swimming in the pool to protect the endangered snails that inhabit the pool. Read: Best Canada National Parks – That We’ve Seen

8. The Banff Hot Springs

The Banff Upper Hot Springs is world-famous for its natural springs and outstanding view! The upper hot springs are named so because at one time the springs were located lower down the mountain at Cave n’ Basin and the historic pool. Today the springs have moved up the mountain to the Upper Banff Springs. You may also like: Discover Banff Canada – 24 Photos Inspire Wanderlust

9. The Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola gives you incredible views of the snowcapped peaks and the village of Banff. If you don’t have the chance to ski or snowboard at Lake Louise or Sunshine Resort, this is a perfect way to get up into the mountains. The gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain and you can either take the hiking trails back down or ride the gondola back. Sulphur mountain got its name from two sulfurous springs at the base of the mountain. It is this spring that made Banff famous. There’s a museum, and restaurant at the top and there are hiking trails to get outside.

10. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is one of the most historic hotels in Canada. Even if you are not staying there, make sure to stop in for high tea. You can go inside to see this luxury resort so have a look around, grab a coffee, or book dinner at the hotel if you are not going to splurge on a room. If you want to splurge on a room, we highly recommend it. See rates and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking

11. Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Lake Minnewanka is a popular spot in Banff for hiking, night photography, and for taking a scenic cruise. We took a Lake Minnewanka Cruise and it was a fun way to learn about the history of Banff and see views from a different point of view. The guides are fantastic and you learn all about the monster that drew visitors to this lake in the early 1900s.

12. Banff Town

The town of Banff is located right in the heart of Banff National Park. This tourist town is an amazing place to make a base when exploring Banff with many of the top tourist attractions within walking distance of downtown Banff. There are micro brewpubs, distilleries, plenty of eateries, and countless hotels, hostels, and apartment rentals. Boutiques line the streets and it’s a great place to sit back and relax after a day exploring the Rocky Mountains. Read more at: Where to Stay in Banff in 2022 – 17 Best Banff Hotels

13. Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is open in winter and summer and is beautiful no matter what time of year you go. In fact, we think it truly comes to life in the winter! Enjoy the hiking trails through the canyon for gorgeous views of the high canyon walls with waterfalls plunging down. In the winter the waterfalls freeze creating a winter wonderland.

Discover Banff Tours  offers guided scenic winter walks and let me tell you, this is one of the most stunning walks we’ve ever taken. The steel catwalk runs 2.5 miles through a picture-perfect limestone canyon.

14. the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world and with good reason! Surrounded by the Rockies, this drive connects Banff and Jasper National Parks with lookouts at every turn! It is a short drive that can be done in a day, but there are so many things to see and do, it requires a few passes to see it all. These are a few of the must-stop places along the highway. For a full itinerary of the Icefields Parkway read: Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta

15. Reflections of Bow Lake

Our favourite lookout along the Parkway is Bow Lake with the most extraordinary reflections you’ll ever see. Located at Num Ti Jah Lodge, this is one of the first stops on the Icefields Parkway when driving from Banff National Park. You can go for a hike around the lake to take in different views.

There are plenty of other stops along the main highway to Jasper with hiking trails to lookouts and other lakes such as Peyto Lake, The Saskatchewan River Crossing, Sunwapta Falls, and The Weeping Wall. Peyto Lake is the most popular stop on this drive as people hike up to Bow Summit for views of the surrounding area.

16. Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is North America’s largest sheet of ice and on it, you can discover the Athabasca Glacier located directly on the highway. Take a tour to see this massive glacier in all its glory. You can even drive on a glacier vehicle to go out and witness the giant crevasses up close! There’s a great visitor’s center where you can grab a bite to eat and see the glacier from the viewing platform as well.

17. The Glacier Skywalk

The Glacier Skywalk is one of Alberta’s newest attractions and it is definitely the most eye-catching. Walk along a glass floor that drops  280 m (918-foot) over the Sunwapta Valley if you dare. You can catch the bus from the Columbia Icefield visitor center and then spend an hour or so admiring the view and daring to walk along the glass floor.

18. Jasper National Park

When you come to the end of the Icefields Parkway drive, you arrive at the incredible Jasper National Park. Famous for its dark sky festival and dark sky preserve plus gorgeous rocky mountain views, this is a place to spend a few days. There is an abundance of outdoor activities including amazing hiking trails, backcountry lodges, the Marmot Basin Ski Resort , and beautiful mountain lakes. The town of Jasper is a pleasant small town located within Jasper National Park with plenty of eateries and coffee shops The Rocky Mountaineer train ride also leaves from here. Read: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada

19. Hike Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is my top recommendation for things to do in Jasper National Park. It is a stunning hike through a canyon dropping 50 meters (154 feet). With waterfalls and bridges, hiking trails, and scenic views, this is not to be missed! Read more: Amazing Things to do in Jasper, Alberta

20. Maligne Lake

Just a little farther along the road is Malign Lake. It is the longest lake in the Canadian Rockies. Take a boat cruise to Spirit Island and witness this beautiful view surrounded by emerald water of the glacier lake. Or go for a walk along the hiking trails lining the lake.

21. Pyramid Lake

Maligne Lake is the top lake for visitors to see in Jasper, but our favourite was certainly Pyramid Lake. With beautiful reflections of a pyramid-shaped mountain twinkling in the still waters, it’s easy to understand how it got its name. Go in the morning at sunrise to see for yourself.

22. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge  is an attraction unto itself. The rustic setting of luxurious and chic log cabins is set on the shores of Lac Beauvert. There are canoes, hiking trails, and wildlife on the premises. You’ll see elk, moose, and whitetail deer scurrying about in the woods. The Queen of England has graced these grounds. If it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for us!

23. Northern Lights at Lake Annette

Alberta has many places to see dark skies, night stars, and the Aurora Borealis. Jasper is known for its dark sky preserve. It has unrivaled clear skies, and when staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, we went to Lake Annette to photograph the night sky. That was when we were treated to the beautiful auroras ( northern lights ) dancing in the sky.

24. Side Car Motorcycle Tour

Our favourite excursion in Jasper is hands down the sidecar motorcycle tour. This is the coolest way to explore the roads of Jasper National Park. Hop in a Harley Davidson Motorcycle and take off to the high viewpoints of the Rocky Mountains from downtown Jasper. It’s one of the coolest and most unique things to do in Alberta that is for sure.

When driving to Jasper from Edmonton, keep an eye out for animals along the main highway. We saw bighorn sheep, bears and mountain goats on our way. This drive offered some of the best wildlife viewing in Alberta.

25. Canmore

Canmore is located just outside Banff National Park and has turned into a destination unto itself. It can be used as a base to explore Banff National Park and Kananaskis but now Canmore has turned into a tourist town that has a lot of the attractions in Alberta in its own right. There are plenty of hiking trails, cross-country ski trails, and gorgeous viewpoints. There are so many things to do in Canmore you will need to split your time between here and Banff.

26. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is a rescue center for wolfdogs to rehabilitate abandoned and neglected wolf dogs. Wolfdogs are part wolf and part dog and often end up being too much for dog owners who don’t realize what is involved in owning a wild animal.

The sanctuary rehabilitates the dogs and finds them new homes. Visitors can sit with the wolfdogs and watch them interact and behave in their natural habitat. The wolfdog sanctuary is a magical experience visit their website for more details. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

27. Rock Climbing

Alberta is home to some of the best rock climbing and mountaineering experiences on earth. When in Canmore, be sure to get out on a wall for some great sport climbing routes. Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in Canmore offers guided ice climbing and rock climbing excursions with professional Rock Climbers.

28. Ice Climbing

If you are looking for an adventure that gives you the ultimate adventure travel bragging rights, ice climbing in Alberta is a must. Canmore is the ice-climbing mecca of the world drawing top athletes to its routes each year to train and explore.

We’ve done both Rock Climbing and Ice Climbing in Canmore and they are both a thrill of a lifetime. Read more about ice climbing at  Ice Climbing Adventure in Canmore

29. Skijoring

What on earth is skijoring you ask? It’s a mix between cross country skiing and dog sledding. Skijoring was invented in Norway, but Alberta has embraced it. We met Russell Donald of Mad Dog and Englishman Sled Dog Expeditions at Spray Lake outside of Canmore.

Skijoring was a thrill of a lifetime as two sled dogs pull you across the lake at breakneck speeds. Looking for more things to do in Alberta that involve dogs? See the Best Place to go Dogsledding in Banff

30. Scenic Flight over the Canadian Rockies

Located just an hour from Calgary and a short drive from Canmore or Banff, Rockies Heli is one of the premier helicopter tour companies in Alberta. Our helicopter tour took over Banff National Park to witness the famous peaks like Mt. Assiniboine, The Three Sisters, and Mount Lougheed.

This adventure offers the added bonus of landing on a peak just outside the park to go snowshoeing where nobody else dares to go. When landing a helicopter on the top of a mountain, you can be sure you won’t see crowds of people during your hike! Book your Alberta Helicopter tour with Rockies Heli located in two locations for your convenience

31. Snowshoeing

Canmore became popular as the population grew in Banff National Park. It’s now a town filled with outdoor lovers and very healthy people. You can do a lot of activities directly from town and we went snowshoeing from Canmore. It wasn’t long before we were surrounded by mountains and treated to spectacular views of the Three Sisters. If you are new to snowshoeing, hire a guide to take you out to the backcountry safely.

32. Southern Alberta

The south of Alberta will surprise and delight you. It is completely different from the more popular Banff and Jasper National Parks, but no less breathtaking or exciting. A road trip through this part of Alberta should be put at the top of every Alberta bucket list.

33. Bar U Ranch

The Bar U Ranch is a National Historic Site and a very cool place to learn about Alberta’s Cowboy Heritage. This was once the largest ranch in North America spanning 160,000 acres and had 30,000 heads of cattle. The Sundance Kid worked on the Bar U Ranch and the Prince of Wales loved the setting so much, he bought a ranch right next door! Have a cowboy coffee, try your hand at the lassoo and learn everything about Ranch Life.

• Cool Fact: Deb lived on the Bar U Ranch when she was born. Her dad was the head ranch hand!
• Read about it here: Back to my Roots at the Bar U Ranch in Alberta Canada

34. Waterton Lakes National Park

It may not be as famous as the national parks of Banff and Jasper, but Waterton Lakes National Park is one of the most extraordinary. This park is unique in the fact that it shares a border with Glacier National Park in the United States. Together, the two parks create the only UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve rolled all in one. It is here that you can see herds of buffalo roaming and head out on one of the extraordinary hikes into the foothills of the mountains. Book a night at the Prince of Wales Hotel located within the park for a truly royal experience.

35. Red Rock Canyon

Make sure to visit Red Rock Canyon, the grand canyon of Alberta. There are some great hikes here and if you pair it with Waterton, you can easily spend a few days here. Read more: Things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park

36. High Mountain Trail Ride

No trip to Alberta would be complete without riding a horse. This is horse country and in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, you can take one of the best trail rides you’ll ever have in your life. Sure, you’ve taken a trail ride in other places, but in Black Diamond Alberta, a high mountain trail ride takes you into the foothills. Hop on a sure-footed horse and bushwhack your way up a mountain trail pass to the backcountry of Alberta. If there is one time in your life to go horseback riding, this is it! Read about it here A High Mountain Trail Ride, Black Diamond Alberta

37. Crowsnest Pass

Crows Nest pass is a mountain pass along the continental divide where Alberta meets British Columbia . It is an interesting drive along this route with some cool sites to see! Read more: Things to do in Pincher Creek, Alberta

38. Frank Slide

When stopping at the home of one of Canada’s most deadly natural disasters, you really see the power of Mother Nature. In 1903 the town of Frank was buried under 110 tons of rocks that broke off from Turtle Mountain. Looking out from the interpretive center shows just how far the rock slide traveled and how the town never stood a chance. 90 people lost their lives that fateful day. You can walk along paved trails to see the devastation up close.

39. Photograph the Burmis Tree

One of the most unique things to see in Alberta is the lone Burmis Tree standing at the entrance to Crowsnest Pass. This tree is a symbol of endurance for the people of the region. At years old, it is hanging on by a thread. Or I should say wire. The tree died years ago, but residents loved it so much, they saved it by wiring it together with stainless steel brackets to stabilize the roots. See it before it is too late!

40. Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump

Although it isn’t the most exciting thing to see in Alberta, it is a very historic place to visit. Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre, It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an interesting stop. 6000 years of history of Plains Buffalo culture happened on this site where prehistoric plains people lured herds of buffalo to the edge of a cliff where they met their fate.

41. Writing on Stone Provincial Park

Writing on Stone Provincial Park is sacred to the First Nations of Alberta as it is a nature preserve containing many First Nations carvings. Located in the Milk River Valley, these carvings show evidence of life dating back 9000 years. It is a beautiful park with hoodoos and towering cliffs. There is a recreation of an RCMP outpost in the park commemorating the mounted police who patrolled the border in the late 1800s to prevent whisky smuggling

42. Canadian Badlands

Often overshadowed by Banff and Jasper when planning things to do in Alberta, the Alberta Badlands are one of the most beautiful places to visit in the province. There are so many attractions in Alberta and these are the best in the badlands!

43. Dinosaur Provincial Park

Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing one of the largest dinosaur excavations sites on the planet. Around 75 million years ago, dinosaurs ruled this land. You can take a guided hiking tour to an excavation site to see dinosaur fossils. Be sure to stay in the park in one of the glamorous camping tents. It’s an amazing experience. Read about it here: Dinosaur Provincial Park – Glamping Tour in the Alberta Badlands

44. Drumheller Valley

One of the best drives in the province is the Dinosaur Trail from Dorothy to Drumheller. Drumheller is a small town located just 90 minutes from Calgary and there is so much to do there. Spend a day or two in town to explore all of the sights of the Drumheller Valley like Horsethief Canyon, the Atlas Coal Mine, and the last chance saloon. This is where you’ll really feel like you’ve stepped into the wild west.

45. Hoodoos of Drumheller Valley

One of the most amazing sites in Alberta is the Hoodoos of Drumheller Valley. There are hoodoos throughout the badlands, but these are the most distinct and perfect hoodoos you’ll ever see in your life. Located directly on the side of the road, these fragile formations are formed over hundreds of years through erosion. This tiny cluster is a wonderful display of the beauty of Mother Nature. Read more about The Hoodoos of Drumheller

46. Royal Tyrrell Museum

One of the best museums we’ve ever been to is the Royal Tyrrell Museum. We’ve seen a lot of dinosaur bone recreations in museums around the world, but this one has the real deal on display! Here you’ll see one of the best-preserved authentic T-Rex skulls in the world among the large dinosaur collection on display in Dinosaur Hall. And there are archeologists working in a lab on sight. Read more: Things to do in Drumheller, Alberta

47. Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is the biggest city in Alberta and there are a ton of things to do downtown Calgary. It warrants its own article which we have right here: 21 Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta . This Western Canada city has plenty of outdoor activities, urban adventures, an excellent food scene and it hosts the annual Calgary Stampede. This is a city that you must visit when exploring Alberta.

48. Bobsleigh – Canada’s Olympic Park

Who thought they’d ever get the chance to hop in a bobsleigh and barrel down the pipe with an Olympic athlete at steering the sled?  Bobsledders from around the world train at Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park and to make some money on the side, they take tourists down their home track! Feel the G-force push you down as you reach speeds of 125km per hour while banking the icy turns as you plunge down the World Cup track. See our experience at Whipping Through the Olympic Village in Calgary

49. World’s Fastest Zipline

At the park you’ll also be able to ride the world’s fastest zipline. This zipline is so fast you need to pull a parachute out when you land! Taking off from the top of the big Olympic ski jump, this zip line is a thrilling experience! I can only imagine the courage ski jumpers have flying off this ramp. A Zipline was enough for me! We also took the luge down to the parking lot once we finished our extreme sports. There’s mountain biking at the park, a museum and hiking trails, so make a day out of it! Read more: Canada Olympic Park – Fun in Calgary Alberta

50. Calgary Tower

Like all world cities, Calgary has its own tower that makes for a superb lookout over the city. Make sure to go up and enjoy its view from the top floor. With beautiful views of the city, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Alberta, let alone Calgary. Book this bus tour to see the best of Calgary. This sightseeing tour includes stops at Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada Olympic Park, The Stampede Grounds, downtown Calgary, the Calgary Tower and more!

51. Calgary Peace Bridge

The Calgary Peace Bridge spans the Bow River from Downtown to communities across the river. It’s become a popular path for cycling and an iconic symbol of the city.

52. Calgary Stampede

If you are in the city in June, check out the greatest outdoor show on earth. Calgary hosts the annual Calgary Stampede – the world’s largest rodeo has been running since 1912 and is the biggest ticket in town. Besides all the rodeo activities like bull riding and chuckwagon races, there are midway rides, food stands and performances at the grandstand show. Read more: 21 Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta

53. Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park Historical Village in Calgary provides a glimpse into Alberta’s past. The buildings cover four key periods in Calgary’s history from a 1860s fur-trading fort to the 20th century. There’s an old steam engine that you can hop on for a ride around the village to explore a series of historic buildings from the pioneer era with ample costumed interpreters to help you travel back in. Other activities include a paddlewheel tour on the scenic Glenmore Reservoir and a visit to Gasoline Alley Museum.

54. Edmonton

Edmonton is often overlooked when visiting Alberta, but it is worth adding to the list. With the world’s largest indoor amusement park, plenty of outdoor activities including Canada’s largest urban park and cultural activities, you’ll find something for everyone. Plus there is a festival in Edmonton for nearly every week of the year. Read more: The Best Things to do in Edmonton, Alberta

55. West Edmonton Mall

It is North America’s largest mall and probably what first put Edmonton on the map. The West Edmonton Mall is way more than a mall, it’s the lifeblood of Edmonton. If you like amusement parks, you’ll love this mall. With the world’s largest indoor amusement park, The World Waterpark, and an indoor skating rink, it is the original super mall! As Edmonton’s temperatures dip far below freezing in the Canadian winters, this mall is an oasis of warmth and fun.

56. Edmonton River Valley

The North Saskatchewan River Valley Park System covers 18,000 acres combining 20 different parks. It is Canada’s largest urban park. Anything outdoors that your heart desires is available in this green space. Hiking and cycling trails, a golf course, ravines and lakes and if you are into zoos, the Edmonton Valley Zoo is within the parks system. In the winter, there’s cross country skiing and even a downhill ski slope.

57. Fort Edmonton Park

Time has stopped at Fort Edmonton Park where the streets are frozen in time depicting Edmonton’s early history. The 150 acre wooded parkland traces history from the Indigenous People’s experience to the 1920s. Costumed performers walk the replica of an 1885 street and you can tour an 1846 fort from the days of the Hudson Bay fur traders. If you want a look at bits and pieces of Alberta and Canadian historythe heritage park offers memorable experiences for everyone. This is also Canada’s largest living history museum.  Visit the fort for details.

58. Kananaskis

A great day trip from Calgary or Banff is a visit to Kananaskis Country. Its views rival Banff National Park. You can stay overnight at the luxurious Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and use the spa, hike its trails and enjoy the luxury accommodation. It was one of our favourite places in Alberta.

59. Nordik Spa

The spa is a year-round outdoor Scandinavian Spa with hot pools, saunas, and cold plunge pools. It’s the perfect place to soothe travel-weary muscles.

60. Ski Alberta

There is no going to Alberta in winter without going skiing or snowboarding. Banff National Park houses three different ski resorts alone! We love Sunshine Village because it has the  Sunshine Mountain Lodge  located right at the side of the hill offering the only ski in ski out adventures in Banff. It also has Banff’s largest hotel hot tub where after a day on the boards, you can soothe your aching muscles in the tub. Read more at 15 Top Ski Resorts in Canada For Winter Fun

Lake Louise is Alberta’s premier ski hill with 4200 skiable areas in one of the largest ski destinations in North America and one of Canada’s top ski destinations. There are trails for all levels of Skiing and Snowboarding. Lake Louise is on the World Cup Circuit with a Terrain Park and a Snowcross Course. It was also home to the Calgary Olympics, and you can be sure to carve actual Olympic runs! It’s Epic.

Norquay is the closest ski hill to Banff and is great for a day trip or for families. If you want to try something different, head over to do some snow tubing. It’s the ultimate couch potato thrill ride. You ride the magic carpet to the top, let them put you on the tube, and push you down the hill. All you have to do is hoot and holler all the way down!

61. Wood Buffalo National Park

If you are looking for out of the ordinary things to do in Alberta, Canada make your way up to the far north to visit Wood Buffalo National Park. It is the largest national park in Canada and it is a national historic site. Established in 1922, Wood Buffalo National Park was designed to protect one of the last surviving herds of Bison.

62. the Rocky Mountaineer

We took the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Calgary, but you can hop aboard in either Banff Town of Jasper. The one-way luxury train journey takes you through the Rockies and it is a rip-roaring good time with fine dining and outstanding views of some of the top attractions in Alberta. Note, you’ll be eating and drinking a lot so get ready!

Alberta has five national parks that include, Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, Wood Buffalo National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, and Elk Island.

The top attractions in Alberta are Banff and Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, the Icefields Parkway, Waterton Lakes National Park, Drumheller and its hoodoos, The West Edmonton Mall and Wood Buffalo National Park.

Exploring Alberta is one of the greatest places to visit in Canada. With five national parks, world-class cities, the Rockies, glacier lakes and extraordinary beauty, Alberta is a destination that is second to none. These are our favourite things to do in Alberta, but we know we have not yet scratched the surface. What did we miss and what should we do next? Leave your recommendations in the comments below.

Plan Your Trip to Alberta with These Resources

• Ice Climbing : Ice Climbing Adventure in Canmore
• Lake Louise: Pond Hockey on Lake Louise- A Good Old Hockey Game
• Winter Adventures: Banff Helicopter Tours and Snowshoe
• Banff National Park : The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta
• Canmore: The Best Things To Do In Canmore, Alberta
• Calgary: Canada Olympic Park – Fun In Calgary Alberta
• Edmonton: The Best Things To Do In Edmonton, Alberta
• Southern Alberta: Things To Do In Drumheller, Alberta
• Jasper National Park: Amazing Things To Do In Jasper, Alberta

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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10 thoughts on “The 62 Best Things to do in Alberta, Canada – The Ultimate Guide”

Well at least you mentioned Edmonton. My goodness, the second largest Fringe Theater in the world, world class casinos, Elk Island is far easier to see Buffalo and about 45 minutes from Edmonton. The Ukrainian Village just 15 minutes from Elk Island Park Gates. Wood Buffalo and Elk Island are both dark preserves as well. My goodness Wood Buffalo is bigger than the Country of Switzerland! There are 5 golf courses in our river valley, boat cruising from Devon to Ft. Saskatchewan. Edmonton gets overlooked because for some strange reason people take the simple way out and don’t see what this amazing City has to offer. The Capital City has way more to offer than West Edmonton Mall. Do your homework!!

Perhaps you should have clicked on the link to the article where we discuss all of these great things to do in Edmonton and more than you have actually included yourself. This article is meant to touch on the highlights of places. Please don’t accuse us of not doing our research until you have actually done yours.

Very beautiful and cool video guide! I really liked it, and it is also very useful – thank you very much.

Great guide! – Many thanks to the author for this super useful material. I will keep this guide bookmarked so as not to lose, and not to forget what to do in Alberta when traveling as a family.

Winter in Alberta is not something everyone can manage. But, this guide is a pretty fantastic guide, and if you are looking to stay in Alberta for winter, this guide will help you get through the season without any problem.

Calgary is a cool place but freezing brutal cold winters ! I remember when the Olympics were there so cool.! I agree with getting regular massages ?

Thanks for sharing nice content with us. Keep on sharing such article, I love it lot.

“A bunch of happiness and excitement”. This might be one of the best winter experience I’ve seen. Glad you’ve shared this. Anyhow, Looking forward to more of this.

I made it to Banff and Jasper this summer for the first time. Visiting in winter would be a lot of fun. I didn’t know you could play hockey on Lake Louise!

wow, beautiful winter guide at Alberta. Those videos were nice an I like the 1st video the most. Good Work Guys… Keep on TRAVELLING…

The 15 Best Places in Alberta to Visit

Over in the west of Canada lies a beautiful province by the name of Alberta. This is by far my favourite part of Canada, namely due to it having the most dramatic landscapes and endless road trip potential. I spent two weeks exploring the province, in search of the best places in Alberta to visit. These are my top 15 picks!

1. Bow Lake

This small lake in western Alberta is one of our favourite sites, especially because it is so underrated. There are endless lakes to explore throughout the province but for some reason, Bow Lake remains one of the least visited. The lake is a pristine shade of blue in the summer time and throughout the winter, is covered in a deep blanket of snow.

2. Maligne Canyon

This beautiful slot canyon in Alberta is best visited in winter for a dramatic scene that is difficult to believe with the naked eye. I would recommend joining a guided tour for the hike, as the canyon requires ice cleats to visit and can be dangerous if you don’t know where to walk. It is equally beautiful in the summer time, however there is something so special about seeing the waterfall frozen in time.

3. Abraham Lake

The natural phenomenon of frozen methane bubbles at Abraham Lake is easily one of the best natural sightings I have had over the years. The bubbles freeze alongside the lake and it creates an incredible sight with dramatic mountain landscapes as the backdrop. You can also skate on the lake so be sure to pack accordingly!

4. Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls is one of the first stops on the Icefields Parkway if you are travelling southbound from Edmonton to Calgary. Seeing frozen falls is just as beautiful as you would imagine and covered in a deep layer of snow, this was one of my favourite spots to visit in al of Alberta.

Read more: The best stops on the Icefields Parkway

5. Go Tubing at Mt. Norquay

There are plenty of winter activities on offer in Alberta but one of the most underrated is to go tubing at Mt. Norquay. Sliding down the ice is as fun as it looks: especially if you’re a big kid at heart!

Banff is a ski resort town located inside the Banff National Park. It is an incredibly popular spot to visit year-round, especially for young people venturing to Canada as an overseas gap year. In fact, I met more Australians in Banff than I did Canadians! The town is much bigger than I had imagined: with shops, restaurants and many winter sports shops renting and selling gear. This is a great place to base yourself if you wish to ski the nearby slopes.

7. Jasper Ski Field

As much as I loved Banff, I loved Jasper even more. Jasper is a much smaller ski resort town and reserved mostly for locals. The ski slopes are much quieter and equally as impressive. Because the slopes are quieter and mostly enjoyed by locals, the lift prices are also quite a bit cheaper.

8. Athabasca Glacier

While you are visiting the Canadian Rockies, be sure to stop at the Athabasca Glacier. This is the most visited glacier in North America, mostly due to its direct access. You won’t need to walk far from the car park to visit.

9. Edmonton Ice Cave

Before my journey through Alberta began, I flew into the capital city of Edmonton. One of my favourite things to do in Edmonton was to take a fat tire bike tour to the Ice Caves, a man-made attraction that exists every year through winter.

10. Lake Louise

No list of the best attractions in Alberta would be complete without mention of Lake Louise. I was lucky enough to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and spend a few days here during winter. The lake is more popular through the summer months, however, there are some great winter activities on offer, too. Ice skating on Lake Louise was one of my fondest memories of my time here in Alberta.

11. Peyto Lake

This glacier-fed lake exists inside Banff National Park and has quickly become the poster child for the region. Peyto Lake is a beautiful turquoise colour in the warmer months and through winter, it is even more surreal. If you are up for a hike be sure to make your way to Bow Summit and see the lake from above.

12. Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is not too far from the town of Jasper and is a beautiful photo opportunity for the photography enthusiasts among us. There is an iconic wooden bridge leading to a small island where you can get this shot.

13. Icefields Parkway

Sometimes it is not the destination, but the journey that really makes a trip. If you are visiting Alberta you will no doubt travel along the Icefields Parkway. The stretch of road takes around 3 hours to drive in full during the warmer months, however, during the winter you will want to take it a bit more slowly. There are also a lot of places to stop and take photos (many of which are listed here), so you may want to break up the journey over a few days.

Read more: The must visit stops on the Icefields Parkway

14. Dog Sledding

Another great winter activity is to meet the local K-9 population of dog sledding champions! These beautiful creatures are enthusiastic about hosting their guests and it is a great way to better understand the culture of the North. Kingmik run tours from Lake Louise throughout the winter season.

15. Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

If your budget allows for a night of luxury, consider splurging on a night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This beautiful old hotel has been welcoming guests since 1890 and is an experience in itself. There are plenty of attractions inside and outside of the hotel, so this is the perfect place to base yourself overlooking Lake Louise.

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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10 Best Places to Visit in Alberta

By Carl Austin · Last updated on November 2, 2023

Alberta, a province in western Canada, has scenery to delight everyone, from vast prairies to gorgeous snow-capped mountains. Its largest cities, Edmonton and Calgary, are cosmopolitan yet retain a frontier atmosphere.

The arts rule in Alberta, which cherishes its ethnic heritage; film and music festivals abound. Whether you’re into winter or summer outdoors recreation, Alberta is where it’s happening. And if you have budding paleontologists in your family, they’ll love seeing some of the world’s richest dinosaur fossil beds. An overview of the best places to visit in Alberta:

10. Lethbridge [SEE MAP]

Lethbridge, in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, is heart of southern Alberta. The region’s largest city with 93,000 residents, Lethbridge was once known as Fort Whoop-Up because of illegal activities there.

It was named a Cultural Capital of Canada because of its ethnic heritage and promotion of arts across many cultures. It has three major museums, the contemporary Southern Alberta Art Gallery, the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery, and Casa, a community arts center. The town is home to the Lethbridge Viaduct, the highest and longest steel trestle bridge in North America.

9. Drumheller [SEE MAP]

If you want to dig into the past, Drumheller is the place to go. It’s located 110 km (68 miles) northeast of Calgary in the Red Deer River Valley, which is also known as Dinosaur Valley. Just south of the town is the world’s largest dinosaur, a 26-meter (86-foot) high tyrannosaurus rex. Next to it is one of Canada’s largest water fountain.

Plus, you can learn more about dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, Canada’s largest fossil collection. But Drumheller is more than dinosaurs. Next to the ski hill is where the Canadian Badlands Passion Play takes place every July.

8. Canmore [SEE MAP]

Canmore is a pleasant town between Calgary and Banff National Park. It is named for Malcolm III of Scotland, whose nickname was Canmore. The former coal mining town gained fame when it hosted the Nordic events for the 1988 Calgary Olympics.

Movie buffs may be interested to know Brokeback Mountain, Shanghai Noon, or Yhe Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford are among the films shot in Canmore. If you’re on a budget, but still want to enjoy the delights of Banff and Lake Louise, Canmore accommodations are less expensive.

7. Waterton Lakes National Park [SEE MAP]

Waterton Lakes National Park, founded in 1895, is named after the Victorian naturalist Watertown. It’s located in southwest Alberta, just across the border from the U.S. Glacier National Park. Indeed, the two parks share the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

Like its American counterpart, Waterton Lakes showcases rugged mountains and wilderness terrain, with miles of scenic hiking trails. Its lakes are the deepest in the Canadian Rockies. The only services in the park are available at the Waterton Park town site, where you may see deer wandering the streets as if they owned the place.

6. Edmonton [SEE MAP]

Alberta’s capital, Edmonton , is the most northern city in North America with a population of more than one million people. At one time, the city was home to the largest mall in North America, the West Edmonton Mall, but another mall now claims that honor.

Edmonton is known for hosting festivals throughout the year; hence, its nickname: Canada’s festival city. Its biggest festival is K-Days; the K stands for Klondike. Its July street performers festival attracts artists from all over the world. Edmonton also hosts an international Fringe festival also as big as the one in Edinburgh, Scotland.

5. Dinosaur Provincial Park [SEE MAP]

If dinosaurs are your passion, you’ll love visiting Dinosaur Provincial Park, where more than 40 species of dinosaurs have been discovered. It’s one of the richest dinosaur finds in the world; specimens unearthed here can be found in museums around the world.

Dinosaurs aside, you’ll also see plant fossils, plus the park is a good place to see wildlife, such as coyotes, deer and pronghorns. Curlews and Canada geese are among 165 bird species found here. Near the visitor center, you’ll find the cabin of John Ware, an African-American who was a notable rancher in the area.

4. Calgary [SEE MAP]

Situated at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers, Calgary is Alberta’s largest city with 1.4 million people. Named for a village on the Scottish Isle of Mull, Calgary played a role in the early Northwest fur trade.

Though it hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, it is perhaps better known for its annual Calgary Stampede, one of the top rodeos in North America that attracts more than a million people annually. The city has an impressive skyline, one punctuated by skyscrapers. When it comes to the arts, Calgary is home to the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, a major performing arts center.

3. Elk Island National Park [SEE MAP]

Elk Island National Park is more than just a sanctuary elk, which was its original purpose long before it became a park. Located just over 30 km (20 miles) from Edmonton it was established to save bison. The park is not Canada’s largest, though it is the largest fully enclosed national park.

Besides elk, moose and bison, you may also see deer, beaver coyotes and lynx. Wolves and black bears inhabit the park but usually aren’t seen by visitors. Winter and summer outdoors recreation abounds. Inside the park, you’ll also see the Ukrainian Pioneer Home, the first Canadian museum dedicated to Ukrainian immigrants.

2. Jasper National Park [SEE MAP]

If you’re seeking awesome glacial scenery, Jasper National Park is the best place to visit in Alberta. The park is home to Columbia Ice Fields, the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains and one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world.

You can ride a special vehicle onto the ice fields, drink from glacial waters and then take a glass-floored skywalk out over the glacier. As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, so you might see moose, caribou, deer, wolverines and grizzly bears, among other animals.

1. Banff National Park [SEE MAP]

Alberta is filled with beautiful scenery, but it doesn’t get much better than Banff National Park. The gemstone of Canada’s oldest national park is the indisputably beautiful Lake Louise with its deep blue glacial waters. Not too far from Lake Louise is the equally pretty Moraine Lane, which has been featured on a Canadian $20 bill.

The park is a year-round tourist destination, drawing hikers in the summer and skiers in the winter. The town of Banff, which hosts an annual winter carnival, is located within the park. About three million people pass through the park annually.

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March 11, 2018 at 9:01 am

This is a great list! I want to travel to Banff and Jasper National Parks next year and so I am definitely saving this for later as a reference.A more detailed review could help new travelers like me Thank you!

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20 best places to visit in alberta, canada [2024 travel guide].

Alberta is one of the most remarkable provinces in Canada. It’s ripe with majestic mountains, dense forests, and stunningly turquoise lakes.

This part of the country is home to some of Canada's most famous destinations including Banff, Jasper, and Calgary so there's a lot on offer.

Whether you're looking to hike in the outdoors, look out for wildlife, or explore cities - this province has something for everyone! 

There are truly so many incredible places to visit in Alberta, and I’ve rounded up 20 of the best to help you plan your trip.  

Let’s jump right in, starting with…

Travellerspoint

How to get to Alberta

The two main ways to get to Alberta Canada are to fly, or drive.

Getting to Alberta Canada by flying

Alberta has three international airports, including Calgary, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray. You can easily fly into these three airports from most major cities! 

To find the best deal on flights, I recommend using Skyscanner.

‍ They always have the lowest prices, and if your travel plans are flexible, you can use them to figure out the cheapest way to fly!

Getting to Alberta Canada by driving

If you’re already in another region of Canada, or in the United States, you can easily get to Alberta by driving!

It’ll take a bit longer than flying, but road tripping through Canada is a unique and fun experience in itself.

You can either hire a car or you can choose to hire a campervan in Canada .

There are some fantastic motorhome rentals in other parts of Canada like Vancouver and Ontario , which is handy if you're planning a cross-country trip.

Getting around Alberta, Canada

Hiring a Campervan/Car:

If you have the chance, we 100% recommend driving in Alberta! We traveled all through Alberta in our converted campervan Helen, and it was an amazing experience. 

It’s also super easy to rent a campervan/motorhome in Alberta ! 

If you travel through Alberta in a campervan, you can camp out next to beautiful parks and lakes, and really embrace the nature of the region. 

There are also plenty of rental car options if you’d prefer to drive around and stay the night in hotels.

If you do decide to rent a campervan, I 100% recommend booking with Motorhome Republic ! 

They are the world’s largest campervan/motorhome price comparison website, where you can see all of the top rental firms side by side to easily select the best price for your travel dates! 

A few other reasons to book with Motorhome Republic:

• Lowest prices : Motorhome Republic always shows you the lowest possible prices for your trip dates. They even do a price match !
• Customer support: Motorhome Republic’s customer support team can handle any and all of your booking questions to make renting a campervan as seamless as possible. They also have 24/7 customer support !
• Vehicle Guarantee: If your rental firm ever lets you down and can’t deliver your chosen vehicle, Motorhome Republic will step in and find you a comparable vehicle at no extra cost . 

Other options for getting around Alberta

• Fly: Alberta is pretty big, and if you’re short on time and need to get from one area to another quickly, you can always fly between their three international airports. Skyscanner.com always has the cheapest prices for flights like this! 
• Train: Another option to get around Alberta is by train. Alberta is serviced by VIA Rail , and has stops in both Edmonton and Jasper . Some train routes go straight through the Rockies - a very scenic and unmissable experience. 
• Bus/Private Shuttle: If you don’t feel like driving or taking the train, another option for getting around in Alberta is to take private and shared shuttles from place to place. There are tons of shuttles running to/from popular places in Alberta , and you can find the best options on Viator !

Where to Stay in Alberta

Alberta is huge province and there are so many incredible places for you to visit! This in turn, means there are lots of places you could stay.

If I were to list all of them in this post, the article would go on forever...

However, some of the best places to base yourself include Banff town, Canmore, and Calgary! 

Although we believe hiring a campervan is the best (and cheapest) way to explore Alberta, it's not for everyone.

If you're looking for accommodation then you can find some great deals on Booking.Com , Airbnb , Vrbo , and Agoda . Between them all, you'll find a great range of luxury and budget-friendly properties.

If you do choose Banff, then you might find our guide on the best private hot tub hotels in Banff to be particularly enticing.

We've also got a guide on how to get cheap hotel rooms if you're interested.

20 best places to visit in Alberta

1. banff town.

Banff is nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and is a gateway to incredible lakes, forests, and hiking trails! 

Due to its central location, it's one of the best places in Alberta to use as a base for exploring the surrounding area.

The town of Banff itself is a fun resort town, with a stunning mountain backdrop and lots of little shops, bars, and restaurants. 

If you’re short on time, don’t want to drive, but still want to see all the highlights in the Banff area, consider taking a Banff National Park full one day tour ! You’ll get to see Sulphur Mountain , Bow Falls , and also check out the Johnston Canyon Walk .

Another great way to see Banff National Park is on a horseback riding tour that takes you alongside Bow River with your horse, as you look out at the beautiful mountains.

There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting right outside of Banff- you can go out on your own, or you can book a minibus wildlife sightseeing tour where expert tour guides will show you the best places to spot wildlife.

2. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the most picturesque sights in all of the province, and is easily one of the best places to visit in Alberta! 

The lake has vibrant turquoise blue waters, and is surrounded by regal mountains and the Victoria Glacier. 

It’s only a short drive from Banff Town too!

Aside from taking in the majestic views of the lake, there are plenty of hikes and places to hire canoes.

In the summertime, Lake Louise is extremely popular, and understandably so.

It’s quite enjoyable to paddle around the lake in the summer heat, and to hike around it. 

In winter, the lake transforms- it freezes, and many of the surrounding trails turn from hiking into cross-country skiing. 

If you're looking for beautiful places in Alberta then don't miss out on Lake Louise! 

3. Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is another insanely gorgeous lake in Alberta. 

Like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake also has stunning turquoise wears and a backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. 

Moraine Lake does have its own unique perks though- it’s surrounded by ten incredible mountain peaks, and those mountains with the vibrant waters, creates some utterly jaw dropping views.

Located a little past Lake Louise, Moraine Lake has some incredible hiking trails too! Some of the most popular include Sentinel Pass and Larch Valley. 

Due to its popularity, parking is known to be a bit of a nightmare at Moraine Lake. The easiest way to get in and not deal with parking is to book a shuttle or a park and ride. 

4. Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is another magnificent lake located in Banff National Park.

The lake is massive, and surrounded by forest and mountains. 

If you’re looking to go on a boat tour in Banff, Lake Minnewanka is the only lake in Banff that allows motorized boats, so this is the place to do it! 

The area surrounding the lake is brimming with wildlife too; there is the potential for spotting tons of animals, including grizzly bears, elk, coyote, and even wolves!

Like the other lakes in the area, Lake Minnewanka is quite popular, and if you're visiting in the summer then your best bet for parking is to arrive in the early morning, or book a shuttle!

Either way, you don't want to miss out on this beautiful place! 

If you're looking to see this incredible spot (which you 100% should) then here's some more information about visiting Lake Minnewanka ...

5. The Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway is a scenic route that connects Banff to Lake Louise.

It’s approximately 50km long, and runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway. 

Driving the parkway is by far one of the best things to do in Alberta!

The windy road offers spectacular views of meadows, mountains, and forests. 

There are also a number of stops along the drive that make it well worth it. 

Some of the best stops along the Bow Valley Parkway include Castle Lookout, a lookout beneath Castle Mountain, as well as Johnston Canyon - an incredible canyon hike with a catwalk above the Bow River.

6. Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, and it’s DEFINITELY one of the best places to visit in Alberta! 

This national park is remarkable no matter what season you come to visit, and I'll explain why now! 

In the winter, you can experience cross country skiing and snowshoeing, lovely snow peaked mountains, and frozen lakes. 

In the spring, all of the meadows explode with blooming wildflowers. 

In the summer, you can hike, hang out on the lake, picnic, cycle, and more! 

If you’re hoping to see wildlife, you’re in the right place too- Jasper is teeming with wildlife, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot some elk while you’re there. 

To see the best of the park, including Maligne Lake, Medicine Valley, and Spirit Island, you can book an all-inclusive park tour on Viator!

For incredible views of the park, consider booking a ride on the Jasper SkyTram !

It’ll take you all the way up Whistler’s Mountain, and serve up some awesome views along the way.

7. Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway , also known as Highway 93, connects Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, and is known as one of the most scenic highways in the world. 

It takes about 3 hours to drive the whole parkway, but you should definitely give yourself more time than this to account for the stops you’ll surely want to take along the way! 

Some of the stops along the Icefield Parkway include the Columbia Icefield , Athabasca Glacier, and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk . 

One thing to keep in mind throughout this drive is that cell service is pretty spotty, so it’s a good idea to have a map on hand or download your maps offline! 

To enrich the drive, you may consider a smartphone audio driving tour . You can go at your own pace, and the tour will tell you all about the highlights and history of the drive.

8. Athabasca Glacier

Athabasca Glacier lies in the Columbia Icefield of Western Canada, and is the most visited glacier in North America! 

The Columbia Icefield is the last surviving part of a massive ice mass from the Rocky Mountains, and the Athabasca Glacier is located in the midst of it. 

The glacier has been slowly receding over the last 100 years, but it’s still impressively large. 

When you’re there, information stands will show you pictures of just how large the glacier used to be! 

It’s important to keep in mind that the glacier is just as dangerous as it is beautiful- for a fun and safe viewing, definitely stay behind the roped barrier. 

If you’re visiting from Banff, you can take a full-day ice explorer tour that includes transportation, lunch, tickets to the glacier skywalk, as well as an all-terrain ice tour! 

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alberta so isn't a place you want to miss.

9. Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk , also known as the Jasper Skywalk, is a magnificent viewing platform located above Sunwapta Valley. 

The glass viewing platform rests 280m above the ground, and offers incredible views of mountains, glaciers, fossils, and waterfalls! 

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing - mountain goats tend to frequent this area, and if you’re lucky, you may get to see them daringly traverse the mountainside! 

If you’re looking to score some awesome views of the Columbia Icefield , the skywalk is well worth it, and you can book your admission tickets right here.

10. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is one of the brightest, most stunning lakes in Canada and is one of the best places to visit in Alberta! 

This glacier-fed lake is located north of Lake Louise, and is a must-see stop along the Icefields Parkway.

With its brilliant blue water, and dense surrounding forests Peyto Lake is truly a magical place. 

Some of the most popular things to do here include hiking, fishing, and camping! 

The lake is open year round, so you can either come for deep blue hues in the summer, or for snow capped trees and a frozen lake in the winter. 

As Peyto Lake is one of the few lakes open year-round, this is also one of the best places to visit in Alberta in winter.

There are tons of hikes surrounding Peyto Lake, and hiking up to places like Observation Point or Peyto Lake Panorama Overlook is the way to score a fantastic view of the lake.

Here's some more information about visiting Peyto Lake ...

11. Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, and a true natural wonder. 

At its deepest points, the canyon is a whopping 55 meters deep! 

One of the best things to do in Maligne Canyon is to hike, as the canyon offers hiking for all different abilities and hiking levels. 

The main hike here is called the Maligne Canyon Trail, which takes about 2-4 hours to traverse. 

If you’re looking for an easier and less strenuous hike, feel free to only hike a portion of the loop and then turn back! You’ll still get great views, but it’ll be much quicker and easier.

Due to the water that flows through the canyon in the summer, in the wintertime, there are some awesome ice sculptures that form here.

You can also keep your eyes out on the canyon walls for fossils, which there are plenty of!

12. Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is a spectacular lake located in the heart of the Rockies and Jasper National Park. 

With its crystal blue waters and mountainous backdrop, it’s by far one of the best places to visit in Alberta! 

Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in the Rockies with an impressive length of 22km, so as you can imagine there's a lot to see! 

Some of the best activities to do here include hiking, kayaking, and visiting Spirit Island in the middle of the lake. 

The hikes surrounding Maligne Lake are great for all levels, including short nature walks and multi-day adventures too!

13. Spirit Island

Spirit Island is located in the middle of Maligne Lake, and it’s one of the most photographed sites in all of Canada!  

Despite its name, Spirit Island isn’t actually an Island- it’s connected to the shore during some parts of the year.

However, due to its geography it’s not accessible by land, only by boat. 

Because private boats aren’t allowed, the only way to get to the island (which is also a famous landmark!) is to book a boat tour , or to kayak there.

The island doesn’t have much to do on it per se , but it’s a pretty famous photo opportunity, and the boat trip is a really fun experience. 

Book a Spirit Island boat tour here!

14. Canmore

Canmore is a beautiful resort town and is one of the best places to visit in Alberta, Canada! 

Set amongst the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore has that classic, Western old-town look combined with a sense of adventure. 

It's also a great stepping stone to Banff National Park, and many other exciting natural landmarks. 

One of the highlights of Canmore is to walk along Main Street, which is littered with bars, souvenir shops, and restaurants. 

Other notable things worth checking out include Policeman’s Creek , Canmore Engine Bridge, and the Police Barracks Museum .

One of the best hikes near Canmore is the Grassi Lakes Hike Trail. It’s approximately 3.2 kilometers long, and a fun loop that showcases the brilliant blue water of the lake (in the summertime.)

If you're looking for more things to do in Canmore then I've included a link that you might find handy...

15. Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park is one of the best places to go in Alberta. It’s a beautiful park filled with lakes, meadows, and mountains. 

The valley of the park was formed over 10 thousand years ago when glaciers melted to carve it out. 

It's a great place for wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, and enjoying the various beaches in the area.

One of the best parts about Waterton Lake National Park is that it doesn’t suffer from the same overtourism of many other parks in Canada. 

If you’re really looking to get off the beaten path, then this is one of the best Alberta destinations. 

Here's some more information on the best things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park ...

16. Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is a stunning red canyon located in Waterton National Park. It’s popular for hiking, picnicking, and even simply for a scenic drive! 

The landscape here is unique in that it marks the dramatic change from the prairie, to the mountains. 

The Red Rock Canyon marks the end of the Red Rock Parkway , a scenic, 9 mile road. 

Driving along the parkway offers a great opportunity to spot wildlife like bears, sheep, moose, and more! 

Once you get to the end of the parkway, you’ll arrive at Red Rock Canyon. 

Red Rock Canyon has a solid trails system which offers plenty of hikes through waterfalls and creek beds. 

On hot summer days, the water levels are pretty low and the canyon is a fun place to hang out and cool off for the day.

17. Downtown Calgary

Downtown Calgary offers a fun change of pace from the national parks in Alberta. 

It’s a bustling, vibrant, and cultural area located in the heart of Calgary. 

One thing that Calgary is particularly well-known for is its art. A rich culture and history of art brings many galleries and exhibits, as well as theatre performances and indie music concerts! 

Aside from shopping and general exploring, some of the other fun things to do in Calgary include paying a visit to the Calgary Zoo, and the Calgary Tower.

The Calgary Tower offers sweeping, 360 degree views of the city - it’s an awesome experience, and you can buy admission tickets in advance.

The Calgary Zoo is another really fun place to visit in Alberta, and it's home to over 100 different species of animals! 

Although Downtown is one of the most popular areas, you'll find plenty of other fantastic places to visit in Calgary.

Many people choose to start their road trip of Alberta in this city too, and luckily there are lots of fantastic motorhome rentals here!

18. Dinosaur Provincial Park

For a totally different change of scenery, visit Dinosaur Provincial Park .

This park is located in the Alberta Badlands, and is home to incredible rock formations and dinosaur fossils! 

In fact, Dinosaur Provincial Park is so rich in history that it’s been named a UNESCO Heritage Site. 

To date, 50 complete dinosaur skeletons have been discovered in the park. 

If you’re fascinated by dinosaurs, you can book a tour to get up close to the fossils and learn even more about their discovery , and the specific species that existed here years and years ago.

There are also a TON of hiking opportunities in the park. Some notable trails include the Prairie Trail, a 15 minute walk that’s fairly easy, as well as the 0.9km Trail of the Fossil Hunters.

If this sounds like the place for you, then you should also head over to Drumheller and visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology ! 

19. Crowsnest Pass

Crowsnest Pass is a stretch of Canadian Highway that connects 5 historical mining towns: Bellevue, Hillcrest, Blairmore, Coleman, and Frank.

Back in the early 1900’s, these towns were booming with coal.

The prosperity didn’t last though, and eventually the settlers in this area were forced to change paths, and many got into the energy and ranching sectors. 

There is a lot to do in Crowsnest Pass, especially for history lovers! Some of the highlights include checking out Canada’s deadliest landslide, and the Bellevue underground mine tour . 

The landslide occurred in Frank, when over half a mountainside simply slid away, decimating everything in its path.

The Bellevue underground mine tour is an interesting and accessible tour that explains the history of Canadian mines. 

20. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

One of the most interesting places to visit in Alberta is the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary .

This sanctuary is dedicated to educate people on wolfdogs, as well as raise awareness for wolfdog conservation! 

There are three types of tours you can take at the sanctuary- the Sanctuary Walk, Intro Tour, and the Interactive Tour. 

During the Sanctuary Walk, you’ll take a self guided walk where you can see several packs of wolfdogs. 

During the Intro Tour, you’ll have a tour guide who can answer any of your questions about the wolfdogs, and you'll also get to go on the viewing platform which takes you closer to the dogs. 

The Interactive Tour is the most inclusive of the three, and includes all of the above plus a chance to interact close up with the dogs, including potentially feeding them a treat. 

One of the coolest things about visiting the sanctuary is that all proceeds go directly towards funding the Sanctuary’s rescue efforts.

If you're looking for fun places to visit in Alberta, then you NEED to visit the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary! 

Alberta Travel Tips & FAQ

When is a good time to visit alberta.

The answer to this question really depends on your interests! 

If you’re itching to see the brilliant blue lakes in Alberta, then the best time for you to visit will be in the summer! Overall, the summer is a popular time to visit Alberta and you’ll get to experience incredible views, the blue lakes, and lots of fun hiking. 

If you’re enchanted by snow, you’re pretty much guaranteed frozen lakes and snow in the winter- and if you like snow sports such as ice skating, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, you're in for a treat.

How long should you spend in Alberta?

You could spend MONTHS in Alberta and still find there are tons more places you want to see and explore. We don’t all have months though, so I’d recommend spending at least 10 days in Alberta.

What is a good budget for Alberta?

This greatly depends on your travel style, but I would say to budget at least $85 per day to travel in Alberta if you’re planning on doing some sightseeing, as well as paying for a campervan rental. 

If you're planning on staying in any of the beautiful campsites that Alberta has to offer, especially in the Rockies region, then you really need to book in advance if you're traveling between June-September. They WILL fill up!

And remember, you can't "freedom camp" in any of the national parks in Alberta, so if you don't have a campsite you will miss out.

Use this website to make your reservations.

Where to go after Alberta

Alberta is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Canada but this country has so much more to offer...

After exploring this incredible province, you’re probably going to want to check out British Columbia next! 

British Columbia is packed with rugged coastline, beautiful forests, and tons of lakes, and there are lots of awesome places to visit. This includes the resort town of Whistler, the bustling city of Vancouver , and the scenic Yoho National Park.

If you're planning a road trip around Canada then here are some other guides that you may find useful:

• The Best Things to do in Winnipeg
• The Best Places to Visit in Ontario
• The Best Things to do in Montreal

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5 million people can't be wrong

27 Incredible Things to Do in Alberta That are Bucket List Worthy

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: October 28, 2019  - Last updated: May 29, 2023

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Alberta is my home. And the more I travel around the world, it makes me appreciate my stunning province more and more. You start to see things differently and realize your own backyard is stunning.

My home province has so much to offer – this is exactly why I got into tourism in the first place. Alberta is so much more than its mountains.

While these jagged formations still take my breath away every time I visit, there are so many more bucket list experiences and things to do in Alberta that get missed on posts like this one.

From a born and raised Albertan, here is my Alberta travel guide for stunning places to see, signature experiences to enjoy and the best places to go to soak up the beauty of this province.

What is Alberta Known For?

On the world stage, Alberta is probably best known for being rich in natural resources, and more specifically its oil and gas industry.

Tourism in Alberta is a growing industry (almost $10 billion) and it should be. We have world-class natural landscapes, but often get overlooked by international visitors who think Toronto and Vancouver are the only worthwhile places to visit in Canada .

With overtourism becoming a growing global concern, I want to share the importance of the tourism industry in my province and give you all the best reasons to visit!

You see, our geography is vast and spreads far and wide. Half of our province is covered in boreal forest with very few inhabitants.

We have huge portions of fertile flat farmland which rewards us with incredible prairie views (and food).

Of course, we can’t forget our majestic rocky mountain ranges that provide us with freshwater and world class skiing and viewpoints.

Our major cities are becoming urban tech and startup hubs with incredible diversity. We have deserts and Mars-like landscapes.

And above all, we have all four seasons that produce different weather patterns beautiful in their own way. 

So, if you’re visiting Alberta anytime soon, here are my recommendations about what you should see and do. I bet you’ll be blown away by some of these bucket list experiences, and things you didn’t know you could do in Alberta!

And, contrary to what you might have heard, Alberta (and Canada) offers so much more than cold snowy days (although we do winter pretty epic here).

Everything on this list would make for the perfect Alberta road trip, so pick and choose what interests you. Almost anywhere you go in the province, there are tons of attractions all within a few hours’ drive.

Be sure to keep reading to the end of the post, where I provide information and tips about how to navigate around the province over the course of your Alberta vacation.

This post contains some affiliate links, including hotels and Airbnb. Meaning I may make a small commission if you make a purchase through them, but at no extra cost to you. I only share products and services that I know, love and trust.

Marvel at the Famous Alberta Skies

Catch a spectacular sunset.

From cotton candy to glowing orange, the evening sunset colors are incredible, making Alberta one of the most colorful places on earth.

Because we are so far north, in the middle of summer, it’s light out until at least 11:00 pm.

After a day spent outdoors hiking, boating or fishing, a relaxing evening watching the sun go down is the way us locals do it!

Find views like this by renting a lakefront cottage on any northern Alberta lake!

Did you know Alberta is home to the two largest dark sky preserves in the world? And a third one that is very accessible and just outside of the capital city, Edmonton.

Whether you’re a star fanatic or not, our night skies offer some of the most incredible views in the world.

Pitch your tent at one of the many campgrounds located within designated dark sky preserves in southern Alberta and near Edmonton.

Or head to Jasper National Park to immerse yourself in the world’s largest accessible dark sky preserve . 

Watch the Northern Lights

In addition to the sunsets and stars, the northern lights shine bright here, too! This one is tough because you can’t really plan for when they’ll show up, but there are certain times during the year when they’re most likely to occur.

On a clear, dark night (usually between the months of September to April), there is no better feeling than being surprised by the swirling ribbons of green, purple and pink dancing in the sky above. 

Since Alberta is home to two major cities (making the north easily accessible) many people travel hear specifically to photograph the aurora .

Travel Tip : if you do happen to spot them, here’s a super Canadian way to do it. Grab a friend whose got a pickup truck, throw on your touque, stop at a Tim Horton’s (national coffee shop chain) pick up some hot chocolate and head out of the city on an empty backroad.

Grab a seat on the edge of the tailgate and look up and try and keep your jaw closed as you marvel at the natural light show.

Enjoy Room to Breathe in the Wide Open Spaces

Our prairies, fields and plains provide space and breathing room like no where else in the world. Hop in a car and cruise the backroads to find peace, quiet and tranquility.

Between the farmers’ fields with oddly beautiful derelict barns and the golden yellow canola crops in July, Alberta is a photographer’s dream.

Summer storm clouds provide added texture for some amazing shots. Take a moment to bask in the endless horizons. 

Visit Rural Alberta

In contrast to Vancouver and Toronto, Alberta is sometimes known as cowboy country and for good reason.

We have tons of ranches in Alberta and many of them are located in the southwest portion of the province.

You can find agritourism experiences in every corner, and would make for a great weekend getaway.

Check out Highway 22, known as the Cowboy Trail for a scenic western style Alberta road trip. 

The Calgary Stampede is the world-famous rodeo festival that takes over the entire city for 11 days. They call it the greatest outdoor show on earth! Visit Calgary in early-July if you want to be a part of it!

You can experience even more of Alberta’s western rural culture by visiting a local farm. From grain crops, dairy farms, livestock and fruit and vegetables, Alberta offers incredible agritourism opportunities.

From milking a cow to tasting fresh honey to learning how to put a horseshoe on a Clydesdale, visiting an Alberta farm is an experience not to be missed when you visit! 

Stay at this off-grid wilderness cabin in the foothills near Sundre for an awesome rural Alberta experience.

And if you visit the foothills area just west of Sundre (about an hour and a half north of Calgary), you might have the opportunity to spot the wild horses that roam free.

Another great spot is near Horsethief Canyon in the Canadian Badlands.

Recent Travel Alberta commercials have shown the beauty of a herd of feral horses galloping in the wild at the edge of the rocky mountains.

You can even pay a visit to the Wild Horses of Alberta Society , a nonprofit organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured wild horses. 

On a similar note, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary near Canmore welcomes visitors to their centre to learn about their rehabilitation efforts on neglected and abandoned wolfdogs.

This is a great side activity if you’re planning to visit Banff National Park and have a soft spot for animals who get a second chance at life. 

Unique Craft Breweries

Canadians are well-known for our love of beer, and Alberta is no exception! If you love beer tasting, the local craft brew industry is booming here.

No matter what region of the province you are exploring, visiting a nearby craft brewery should always be on your list of things to do in Alberta.

There are so many that offer interactive and hands-on tours that showcase their unique brews and techniques.

Many of them have adorable patios to test your favorites after the tour – another favorite local Albertan activity you should partake in on your trip to Alberta! 

Learn About Alberta’s Amazing History

Even though Canada is still a very young country, we do have some incredible history. 

The Town that Got Buried

The Frank Slide was known as one of Alberta’s most catastrophic disasters. In the early 1900s, a section of a mountain let go and created a massive rock slide that buried the entire mining town below.

It’s now designated as a provincial historic site and when you drive passed it along the highway you can still see all of the rocks and boulders that haven’t moved since that fateful day.

Stay at this cozy red cabin nearby to visit all the sites in the Crowsnest Pass area.

Dinosaur Capital of the World

If you’re a dinosaur enthusiast, Alberta has tons of options for you to explore.

Alberta is home to the richest source of dinosaur fossils in the world. They can be found all over the province but are predominantly in the southeast portion of the province.

Drumheller is best known for the many dinosaur bones and fossils that have been dug up here.

And the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a world class destination for paleontology and holds the world’s largest display of full dinosaur skeletons.

Take a tour to learn all about the history and uncover real fossils (just don’t take any fossil out from the ground as it is illegal). 

Where to Stay in Drumheller

The Purple Door is an adorable 2 bedroom house if you prefer your own place.

The Heartwood Inn and Spa is a quaint cottage style boutique hotel and the owners have put a lot of heart into making this place cozy.

Or try riverfront glamping in the hoodoos!

If you’re near Edmonton you can visit the Jurassic Forest which has several walking trails with large scale animatronic dinosaurs hidden throughout the forest.

Whether you’re a family with young kids or a kid at heart, it’s a pretty neat spot. 

Or if you’re in northern Alberta, the Philip J. Currie Museum is only a couple of years old and offers tons of interactive and experiential displays about the dinosaurs that once roamed our province. This museum is located near Grande Prairie.

And you might even find dinosaurs lurking around at the Calgary Zoo…

Indigenous Culture

About 60 miles (100 kms) south of Lethbridge is a very important Indigenous site. It’s called Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park because of the petroglyphs carved into the rocks and stone.

They tell the story of what life was like for the Blackfoot people going back almost 10,000 years ago. In 2019 the park was finally designated as a UNESCO world heritage site to preserve the important history for many years to come.

You can do all kinds of trail hikes and camping is pretty epic here as well. 

Another interesting Alberta attraction is a place called Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump , and yes, it’s exactly what is sounds like. It’s a massive cliff where the Indigenous hunters would herd the buffalo over the edge.

It sounds a little graphic but the buffalo were their livelihood. They harvested the meat for food, made clothing and shelter out of the hides and weapons out of their bones. 

Canada’s First National Park

Founded in the late 1800s, Banff National Park is now Alberta’s most visited destination. But did you know it was Canada’s first national park, and among one of the first in the world?

As the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was building a railway across Canada, they had to blast their way through the Rocky Mountains and quickly discovered the natural beauty of the area.

This also led to the discovery of geothermal mineral waters which were later developed into the Banff Upper Hot Springs that we know today. 

Tour Trains and Locomotives

Speaking of railways, train enthusiasts will love Alberta. Just north of Edmonton is the Alberta Railway Museum which is an open air museum with incredible displays of old locomotives.

On weekends in the summer they usually have the old steam engines running for a demonstration as well. 

Incredibly Unique Landscapes

Some of the best things to do in Alberta is to explore the surreal landscapes we have here.

One of my favorite areas is in southeastern Alberta, in and around Drumheller.

This area is referred to as the Canadian Badlands and it makes you feel like you’re either in the wild west or on Mars!

Here you can check out all kinds of trails through the Hoodoo formations and explore the landscape up close and personal. 

Check out Horsethief Canyon and the Hoodoo trail for breathtaking viewpoints. Then stop for a stretch break at the Rosedale Suspension Bridge (if your nerves can handle it)!

And for a fun beverage stop, travel down Highway 10x to Wayne, Alberta at the Last Chance Saloon, where bullet holes from the wild west days are still in the walls!

Travel tip : most people visit Drumheller, but you should actually head a little further south to Dinosaur Provincial Park which has a way bigger area to explore and the scenery is so much more breathtaking.

And for a real cowboy experience, head to the tiny village of Patricia, where you will find the hotel restaurant in which you get to cook your own Alberta beef steak.

Epic Waterfalls

Alberta is full of some of some pretty epic flowing water, and while there are some bangers that can be found in the Rockies, you don’t always have to travel to the mountain national parks to find them.

In the David Thompson area of Highway 11 near Nordegg, you can find Crescent Falls along the Big Horn River(easier access) and Ram Falls (a little harder to get to).

This whole area is one of the best places to go camping in Alberta right now, and is nearby the milky-turquoise colored Abraham Lake.

Don’t feel like camping? Rent this adorable log cabin in the woods (view on Airbnb) and unplug in the wilderness.

Or if you keep heading toward Jasper National Park, especially along the Icefields Parkway, you can visit Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls and Tangle Creek Falls.

For easy access to these falls (including walking distance to Sunwapta), stay at the Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge .

There are even waterfalls that can be found in the middle of rural Alberta – like Hard Luck Canyon . It’s geologically fascinating.

The Canadian Rocky Mountains

Obviously this is the number one attraction and likely the reason you’re visiting Alberta.

Located just over an hours’ drive from Calgary, Banff National Park has plenty of things to do – my guide has dozens of things to do in Banff for a more specific list.

From the adorable mountain town nestled in the mountains, to hot springs, turquoise lakes and incredible hiking, you can easily spend 3 or 4 days here.

Whether you want to experience it as a magical winter snow globe or hike some world class trails in the summer, Banff is a beautiful place to visit any time of year .

Stunning Lake Louise

If you’re looking for the best places to see in Alberta in the mountains, the iconic Lake Louise is about 40 minutes away from the town of Banff and is my number one favorite spot.

As it lies perfectly turquoise and tranquil between the mountain peaks, its beauty is like no other. For a closer look, rent a canoe for a or take a simple stroll around the lake.

If you’ve got a couple hours, I highly recommend the Lake Agnes Tea House hike.

Lake Louise Travel Tips:

To avoid disappointment, arrive at Lake Louise as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Or better yet, stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise which overlooks the lake.

You can also head up to the Lake Louise Ski Resort (10 minute drive) and take the gondola up the mountain for views of the lake, too!

Canoe rentals at Lake Louise can run upwards of $100 per hour and long wait/queue times. For a similar experience with fewer crowds, head to Lake Minnewanka!

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is another spot frequented by tourists because of its incredible turquoise color. But if you’ve got a car, go a little further and search for Peyto Lake, which is just as stunning and a little less busy. 

Take a Road Trip On the World’s Most Beautiful Highway

If you love winding mountain roads with legendary and breathtaking views, travel Highway 93 from Banff to Jasper (or visa versa). It’s arguably one of the most scenic drives in the world, and you can experience it on your trip to Alberta.

On this trip you can visit the Athabasca Glacier and experience the Columbia Icefield Skywalk – a glass floor observation deck that pokes out over the massive gorge below.

Read More: Banff vs. Jasper – how to choose which national park to visit

Jasper National Park

On the northern tip of the Icefields Parkway is Jasper National Park. It is equally as stunning, more spread out, less busy and offers breathtaking things to do .

Some of the signature attractions here are Maligne Lake, gorgeous hikes and the Miette hot springs. 

The Jasper SkyTram is also a must-do experience, and better than the Banff Gondola in my opinion! It’s one of of the many dog-friendly activities in Jasper .

Travel tip: June is my favorite month to visit Jasper. The weather is perfectly pleasant and the summer crowds aren’t quite in full swing.

However, mid-July is when all the alpine wildflowers are in full bloom.

Check out the Mount Edith Cavell trail for some gorgeous wildflower meadows among the mountains.

Plus there are many other hikes in Jasper that offer huge reward payoffs for minimal effort.

You Might Also Like: Best Places to Stay in Jasper for a Cozy Mountain Getaway (all budgets!)

Magical Winter Experiences

As I mentioned earlier, we have all 4 seasons here, and that includes winter! Sure it gets cold, but fresh white snow and pure blue sky days are beautiful. And we get a lot of days like this. 

Outdoor Ice Skating

Ice skating on any frozen lake or pond is a must do signature experience in Alberta in the winter.

Travel Tip : if you’re lucky and traveling to the mountains in early-December, you might be able to hit some frozen lakes before the snow covers them. 

Magic Ice Bubbles

My number one recommendation for places to see in Alberta in the winter i s Abraham Lake . This is where the little ice bubbles get trapped in the water when it freezes and it makes for some beautiful scenery.

What happens is that organic matter at the bottom of the lake starts to break down and produces methane gas.

But in November/December, the water freezes faster than the gas can escape, and this is what causes the bubbles to freeze.

Travel Tip : any Google or Instagram search will show you dreamy turquoise images of this place. While it’s absolutely stunning, this place gets frigid cold because of the wind that travels through here.

If you want to spend some time and enjoy it, bundle up because it will be much colder than you think! 

Complete your Alberta vacation by staying in this log cabin near Abraham Lake. Or choose from a selection of cottages near Nordegg.

Cozy Cabins

Another favorite thing to do in Alberta is to rent a cozy cabin in the mountains , and this is especially fun in the winter.

What’s more magical than sitting near a wood burning fire place  in your log cabin sipping tea or hot chocolate as you look out the window at the snowflakes covering the mountain tops? 

Winter Festivals

There are lots of ice carving festivals to check out as well. Lake Louise is probably the most famous, where they host the Ice Magic Festival.

Edmonton also puts on fun ice activities, like the Ice on Whyte Festival, the giant Ice Castle and the Silver Skate Festival each February. 

World Class Skiing and Snowboarding

Alberta has several world class mountain ski resorts that rival those found in Europe. Sunshine Village is the most popular resort close to Banff and many celebrities visit here, too.

Lake Louise Ski Resort is about 45 minutes further and hosts many world cup ski races and events throughout the season.

Or you could go skiing in Jasper at Marmot Basin , which was ranked the best North American ski resort in 2018 by USA today.

Attend an NHL Game

Us Canadians love our hockey, and especially in Alberta. We’ve got two NHL teams in Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.

Even if you don’t know much about hockey, the atmosphere is a blast. You can usually find last minute tickets on Ticketmaster and StubHub.

Thriving Urban Cities

Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta but Calgary is more well-known. Both cities have a very young population and have really started to become urban artsy hubs.

From adorable plant-based cafes like the Moth Cafe in Edmonton to basement brewpubs like the Last Best in Calgary, there are tons of fun things to check out.

Calgary has an epic zoo and some fantastic bridges and scenic pedestrian areas.

Edmonton has a thriving farmers market scene and its river valley is the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America. Yes, it’s more than Central Park in New York City if you can believe it! 

Where to Stay in Calgary

Hotel Arts is in downtown and offers pool parties in the summer.

The Hotel Fairmont Palliser is also downtown and half a block from Stephen Avenue which the pedestrian area with great shops and restuarants.

Where to Stay in Edmonton

The Matrix is a popular choice and great boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. There’s a great restaurant and Starbucks on site, too.

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Tips About Planning Your Trip to Alberta

There are two international airports, one in Edmonton and one in Calgary. If you can swing it, I would recommend flying into either one, then renting a car and flying out of the other airport.

For example, fly into Edmonton, rent a car and tour around and then fly out of Calgary.

I mentioned we get all 4 seasons here, so make sure you know what season you will be traveling in.

Summer is the most popular time to visit, which is June to August. The days are warm and receive lots of sunshine. It’s also the busiest and most expensive.

Either way, whenever you visit Alberta, the weather always provides you with something to do!

Ready to Explore More Alberta?

Check out 6 Iconic and Unique Road Trips Through Alberta

16 Romantic Getaways in Alberta (unique & affordable ideas)

7 Day Trips from Edmonton Within 2 Hours That You’ll Love

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15 Best Places In Alberta To Visit

Arguably one of the most scenic provinces in all of Canada , Alberta is stunning! Not only that, but it’s also home to two of the oldest national parks in the world. This alone makes this province incredible, but there are so many epic and best places in Alberta that are too incredible to miss. 

There’s so much outdoorsy stuff to do here all year round (even for people who aren’t usually keen on time outdoors) that Alberta is just the perfect holiday destination, regardless of the time of year you visit.

For starters, they do seasons here properly. Winter is winter, complete with heaps of snow, frozen bubble lakes and more ice skating than you can handle. That being said, in summer it’s scorching, just as summer should be.

All in all, Alberta is incredible at any time of the year. And, truth be told, this is exactly why we’ve headed to visit the best places in Alberta in all the seasons. The whole province changes so much with the seasons as it’s incredible. 

Now, this then begs the question; where should you visit in Alberta? Obviously, you’ve got some iconic places like Banff , Jasper and the cities like; Edmonton and Calgary , but there is so much more to Alberta. 

Oh, and take a little look at our one-week itinerary to explore Banff and the surroundings, here .

Anyway, I’m rambling on but I really wanted to show you some of our favourite and best places in Alberta you should really think of visiting.

1.) Banff (region and town)

Banff constantly tops the list of the world’s most beautiful national parks and it’s easy to see why. It really is one of the best places in Alberta to explore. 

Established in 1885, it is Canada’s oldest national park and is located in the ruggedly wild Canadian Rockies. With trails, lakes, forests and mountains to keep you enthralled, Banff is every outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination.

Honestly, the whole area is incredible and it’s hard to bullet point into a few sentences. That being said, check out our full 1-week Banff itinerary to explore Banff National Park. It really is incredible. 

Read more: 1-week itinerary to explore Banff

2.) Medicine Lake

Located not far from Jasper town (it’s actually in the National Park), Medicine Lake is often described as a sinking lake that has holes in the bottom of its bed.

It’s something of an anomaly and it’s so much more fascinating than I can describe on here. Also, mostly because, I’m pretty sure my attempt at describing the geological/geographical phenomenon that makes this lake disappear would actually be quite bad. Ha! 

Think of it as a bathtub without a plug that’s essentially constantly filled faster than it can drain off.

As a result, Medicine Lake has two distinct “looks” one where the lake fills with more water than it can drain away and it appears deep and bottomless. Whilst the other is when it all disappears through an underground system leaving the lake to shrink to the size of a stream.

Read more: Best hikes in Alberta

3.) Calgary

Often overlooked for Canadian hard hitters like Montreal and Vancouver , Calgary manages to combine big-city cool with understated charm.

It has heaps of tasty restaurants, like Native Tongues (for the best Mexican food and cocktails), plus Studio Bell and the Old Mattress Factory for a bite to eat. 

Calgary is also a great entry spot for Banff National Park so if you plan on visiting Banff, you might as well spend some time making the most of city life in Calgary.

After all, it’s only around 180-minutes away (tiny in Canadian terms). Ha! 

Read more: Best things to do in Calgary

4.) Waterton Lakes National Park

What do you get when flat prairies meet the Canadian Rockies?

The amazing Waterton Lakes National Park; it’s easily one of the best places in Alberta to visit as it’s totally beautiful.

For me, the jewel in the park’s crown is the sparkling sapphire lake and hilltop castle that make it look like something out of a movie.

Now, while Banff and Jasper are often more popular with visitors, Waterton seems to have escaped some people’s radars.

So, if you looking to escape the crowds and still make the most of that stunning Canadian natural scenery, Waterton is really where you should visit.

5.) Jasper National Park

First off, I totally love Jasper National Park!

It’s absolutely stunning and such a great place to visit. If you ever wondered what Nature showing off looks like, then come to Jasper National Park and you’ll soon find out. It really is one of the best places in Alberta to visit in any season. 

Deep canyons sliced by roaring waterfalls ( Hey Maligne Canyon ), jade-coloured forests, frosty mountain peaks and emerald lakes. Jasper National Park is nature untamed and quite the showstopper.

Read more: Exploring Maligne Canyon in Jasper

6.) Lake Louise

Sculpted out of liquid sapphires, Lake Louise is the Prima Donna of Banff National Park (so much so that it gets a separate highlight from the afore-mentioned Banff National Park).

Plus, the whole region is surrounded by fantastic hiking trails and tea houses that you can’t miss. If you fancy a luxurious few days, check into the Fairmont Lake Louise and relax on the lake edge.

In winter, this place is totally magical and the rooms are gorgeous inside, too. We loved staying here! 

Oh yeah, you can also organise the Fairmont’s guide to take you out to explore some of the wider area, too. We headed out to hike Johnston Canyon with them and loved the frozen waterfalls. It really is one of the best places in Alberta to visit.

Read more: Exploring Lake Louise 

7.) Canmore

Once a hidden gem and underground alternative to popular Banff, the town of Canmore has become increasingly popular over the years and has expanded more and more as travellers start to take note and visit this fun place.

A former coal-mining town, it lies about 26km from Banff and sits at the threshold of some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. Less ritzy and flashy than Banff, Canmore has managed to retain its edge despite its burgeoning popularity.

We took a helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies from here and totally loved it.

It’s so easy to see why it’s one of the best places in Alberta to visit. It’s also a great place to explore Grotto Canyon and see wolf dogs that have been saved within a sanctuary, too.

Read more: Taking a helicopter over the Canadian Rockies

8.) Drumheller

Just when you thought that Alberta couldn’t surprise you anymore. You see, Drumheller is so different from the other snowy and glacial landscapes you might be familiar with.

Drumheller dips down into Red Deer Valley and links Alberta with Dinosaur Trail, an area rich in paleontological secrets that’s too amazing to miss. 

Prairies abound, there’s a heap of museums and excursions on all things dinosaur-related that I’m sure you’ll love. It’s honestly one of the best places in Alberta to visit if you love natural history. 

9.) Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is part of the Icefield Parkway between Banff and Jasper. This unfathomably vast icefield covers an area the size of Vancouver and is easily one of the best places in Alberta to see in the milder seasons.

Even more mind-boggling is that this is the remnant of the last ice age and covers a large plateau (the largest in the Rockies) that feeds into eight glaciers.

You absolutely have to check out the Athabasca Glacier when you’re here, too. It’s totally iconic. 

10.) Lethbridge

Nestled in the heart of Alberta farm country, Lethbridge is a former coal-mining town and provides a good base from which to explore the Oldman River Valley.

This 100m deep is bisected by the crème de la crème of steel railway bridges – The Lethbridge Viaduct (the largest railway structure in Canada and the largest of its kind in the entire world. It’s definitely worth a stop when you’re in the area driving south to Glacier National Park in the US. 

11.) Edmonton

If all the hiking, fresh air and fun have left you feeling weak of limb, kick back, relax and eat your weight in delicious food in the ultra-modern city of Edmonton , Alberta’s second-largest city and capital.

With a trendy downtown area that’s guaranteed to give you that much-needed fix of good old-fashioned Canadian city fun, a trip to Edmonton is one that definitely needs to be on your travel plans.

Don’t forget, if you visit in winter, you’ll also get to see the city’s iconic Ice Castles , too. They are stunning and can’t be missed. 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, if you’re looking to visit Jasper National Park, then you’ll probably need to fly into Edmonton . This means you should definitely set some time to enjoy the city, too.

Read more: Best things to do in Edmonton

12.) Lake Minnewanka

An ideal fun and an activity-filled area set in the heart of Banff National Park (another park offshoot totally worth a mention in its own right).

You see, Lake Minnewanka is an excellent place to go swimming, fishing, sailing and boating in the summer. Though, it’s just as beautiful to see in the winter, too. It really is one of the best places in Alberta to see at any time of the year.

Some of the easiest (and most beautiful trails) straddle its shorelines and the azure waters make the perfect spot to take a rest and admire the ridiculously picturesque views.

13.) Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a glacially-fed lake located about 14km outside of Lake Louise Village (yes, I know this is another Banff spot but it’s totally worth a mention).

It is (rather ideally, I might add) located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks at an elevation of 6,183 feet!

More rugged and remote than its well-known sister Lake Louise, the hike there takes you down a narrow winding path that offers dazzling views of the imposing peaks. It’s stunning.

14.) Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is one spot you definitely don’t want to miss when you’re in Jasper National Park. 

Maligne Canyon is impressive to see at any time of the year but when it gets really special is in the middle of winter where the Canyon freezes over which not only allows you to walk through it and explore it properly but also filled the canyon with frozen waterfalls.

We loved it; even in the freezing cold! 

Read more: How to hike in Maligne Canyon

15.) Banff Upper Hot Springs

The final item on this list is the thoroughly relaxing hot springs located in Banff National Park.

Gushing out from Sulphur Mountain, the warm waters are the perfect panacea for soothing your poor, overworked muscles. This is especially good if you’ve been skiing at Banff’s Sunshine Village and need some time to just chill.

It really is one of the best places in Alberta to just chill out and not break the bank, either. 

Read more: Best things to do in Alberta

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13 Awesome Places to Visit in Alberta (Besides Banff & Jasper)

Alberta, one of Canada’s 10 provinces, is a vast land of diverse landscapes. If it were a country, it would be the 40 th largest in the world! With so many awesome places to visit in Alberta, you can find snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks, rolling grasslands, dinosaur-bearing badlands, and unending boreal forests.

When visitors come to Alberta, they gravitate to Jasper and Banff National Parks. Banff is Canada’s first and most popular national park, and the two parks combined receive over six million tourists per year. While Jasper & Banff’s turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain landscapes, and world-class ski hills are undeniably bucket list-worthy, there is so much more to Alberta.

Places to Visit in Alberta, Canada

Authored by local travel expert Nick Kembel.

In this article I’m going to introduce 15 of my home province’s other worthwhile attractions. So go ahead and visit Jasper & Banff, but make sure you go the extra mile in Alberta to find out what this compelling Canadian province is really all about!

If you’re interested in Arctic destinations, you may like these useful related posts: * A 7-day Alaska itinerary ; * An Iceland nature itinerary ; * A once-in-a-lifetime visit to Greenland ; * Travelling on Greenland’s coastal ferry .

1. Drumheller

Billed as the ‘dinosaur capital of the world’, Drumheller is a dinosaur lover’s dream. Set in the midst of the fossil-rich badlands, this small town is home to a whole host of dino-related attractions. These include the world’s largest T-Rex (4.5 times larger than a real one), dino statues galore, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, arguably the world’s best.

But Drumheller isn’t just for kids. You can’t experience the badlands without seeing a hoodoo, a flat-topped tower of stone eroded on the sides by the wind. Drive the Dinosaur Trail to the awe-inspiring Horsethief Canyon, and don’t miss Little Church, a functioning church that only holds a handful of people. South of town, Atlas Coal Mine is national historic site.

2. Dinosaur Provincial Park

Speaking of dinosaurs, true aficionados must also include lesser-known Dinosaur Provincial Park , two hours away from Drumheller by car. Dinosaur Provincial Park is like Drumheller minus all the tacky shops, restaurants, and tourists. It also produces even more dinosaur fossils than the Drumheller area, and you are quite likely to find some (just don’t take them home!).

The best way to experience Dinosaur Provincial Park is by spending the night in the excellent campground, which is surrounded by gorgeous badlands scenery. Much of the park is inaccessible to the public for conservation reasons, unless you join one of the tours led by a park ranger, including some aimed at kids. We aren’t usually the tour-type family, but we loved it.

3. Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is Alberta’s sixth largest city and lies in the southeast corner of the province, a region of arid grasslands. Probably more non-Albertans visit Medicine than locals, since it sits right on the Trans-Canada highway, but is quite a way from other major cities in the province.

Having made the 5.5 hour drive from my city to Medicine Hat, though, I loved it. The city features a lovely historic center, the Medalta pottery district, huge murals all over town, some excellent breweries and the world’s largest teepee. There are some magnificent parks in and around town too, some of which occupy coulees (ravines formed by glaciers which once covered the land).

4. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Just a stone’s throw from the US border, remote Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is one of Alberta’s relatively unknown gems. The name is derived from the fact that the park protects some of the best indigenous rock carvings and paintings in North America.

While Drumheller is more famous for its hoodoos, I found the ones in Writing-on-Stone to be more stunning. The network of trails following the Milk River takes you right through the towering stone giants, and the sunsets here are out-of-this-world. There’s also lots of cool wildlife to spot, including turkey vultures, pronghorns, and rattlesnakes. The excellent campsite in the park is highly recommended.

5. Waterton Lakes National Park

Alberta’s far lesser-known Rocky Mountain National Park is Waterton Lakes National Park in the province’s southwest corner. A lot of Americans are familiar with the park, as it is connected to Glacier National Park in Montana. Together they form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, and in normal times, it is easy to travel between the two.

Waterton features stunning alpine scenery, lakes, waterfalls, outdoors activities galore, abundant wildlife, and the impressive Red Rock Canyon. The iconic Prince of Wales Hotel rivals Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise.

6. Kananaskis

Where do local Albertans go when they want to visit the Rockies, but without the tourist crowds of Jasper and Banff? Kananaskis!

Kananaskis ‘country’ is a vast (4,000 km 2 ) region of foothills and mountains offering year-round nature focused activities. Caving, dogsledding, snowshoeing, skiing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking – you name it, it can be done in Kananaskis. At the end of the day, don’t miss going for a soak in the adults only Kananaskis Nordic Spa.

The hottest local tip for visiting in Banff is to not stay in Banff. Instead, stay in Canmore. This lovely mountain town is only 20 minutes away from Banff town and just outside of Banff National Park. Canmore has a way less touristy vibe than Banff, some great restaurants and breweries, and far more reasonably priced accommodations.

It’s so close to Banff that you can easily visit all of Banff’s attractions from Canmore. But you don’t have to, as Canmore has enough of its own to keep you occupied, including the excellent Canmore Nordic Centre , Grassi Lakes, and the popular hike to Ha Ling peak.

In addition to Kananaskis and Canmore, the best kept secret in Alberta is the Nordegg region. Highway 11 traverses the region from Red Deer (halfway between Edmonton and Calgary) to the famed Icefields Parkway (this gorgeously scenic road connects Jasper and Banff).

Along this uncrowded highway, you’ll pass numerous lakes perfect for fishing and camping, the very impressive Crescent Falls, and stunning Abraham Lake (actually a made-made reservoir), which is especially famous in winter for its methane ice bubbles .

9. Lethbridge

Lethbridge , Alberta’s 4 th largest city, is not typically considered a tourist attraction but I think it should be. Some of its biggest draws are the Lethbridge Viaduct (the longest of its kind in the world), the serene Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden (where you can take part in the Japanese tea ceremony), and the lovely historic town center.

Lethbridge also has an unbelievable amount of green space; you could spend days strolling the many huge parks and coulees around town, especially in the gorgeous Old Man River Valley.

10. Edmonton

Alberta’s capital city, and the place I call home, has a lot going for it. Visit in summer, when the ‘city of festivals’ really comes alive. The North Saskatchewan River Valley is the largest urban green space in Canada while in winter inhumanly low temperatures don’t stop us from skiing, ice skating, and more.

The city’s biggest attraction, but one that many locals loathe, is West Edmonton Mall , once the world’s largest. WEM, or ‘The Mall’, features an enormous indoor waterpark, amusement park, bungee jumping, Chinatown, European boulevard, bowling alley, and replica of Christopher Columbus’ Santa María. We loved our stay in a space-themed room at the mall‘s Fantasyland Hotel.

11. Elk Island National Park

Little Elk Island National Park is Edmontonians’ favorite escape. Just 30-minutes from the city center by car, the park is a natural oasis. The park has played an important role in the international conservation of plains and wood bison, and it preserves a beautiful slice of Alberta’s plains ecosystem, showing what it looked like before much of it was converted to farmland.

The best thing to do at Elk Island is to stroll one of the 11 well-marked trails. In winter, it’s an ideal place for snowshoeing, while in summer, kayaking or canoeing are a must. There are also some excellent back and frontcountry campgrounds, the latter of which has oTENTiks (A-frame tent cabins) you can stay in.

In terms of wildlife, expect beavers, elk, moose, porcupines, woodpeckers, and you are pretty much guaranteed to see bison.

12. Calgary

Alberta’s largest city is more frequently visited by non-Albertans than the capital, because unlike Edmonton, it is located on the Trans-Canada highway and doesn’t require a lengthy detour to visit. Calgary is so close to the Rockies you can see them from town, and Banff National Park is only an hour away.

Banff’s claim to international fame was that it hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, and the Canada Olympic Park is still in use. Calgary also has the enormously popular Calgary Stampede rodeo and one of the country‘s best zoos. Last but not least, the Calgary Tower and the relatively new Calgary Peace Bridge are two iconic attractions.

13. Fort McMurray

I’m finishing with an entry that may surprise some people. Fort McMurray, an isolated community in wild northern Alberta, is practically synonymous with the oil industry in Canada. The area is home to the world’s largest bitumen (and third largest oil) reserve, producing millions of barrels of oil per day. If you really want to understand how vast the oil sands are, you can take a scenic flight over them like we did.

While Fort Mac has a bad rep in other parts of Alberta, it is a surprisingly beautiful and fascinating place to visit. You can learn all about the oil industry by visiting the Oil Sands Discovery Centre and the impressively large Giants of Mining.

The town is surrounded by nature, with opportunities for every type of outdoor activity you can think if, and bears regularly make their way through town. Last but not least, Wood Buffalo National Park, the second largest national park in the world, can be accessed by a winter-only ice road from Fort Mac.

That brings us to the end of my list awesome but lesser-known places to visit in Alberta. I hope you’ve found some inspiration and ideas for planning an epic road trip across this vast, rewarding Canadian province!

Nick Kembel is an Edmonton native who has spent much of his adult life backpacking and living abroad, but now finds himself back in his hometown and getting to know Alberta more.

He blogs, mainly about Canada and Taiwan, at nickkembel.com .

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So many things to do and see in Alberta! I’d definitely have to visit Kananaskis for a trekking trip – The greenery looks so beautiful!

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