10 Best Places to Visit in Alberta

Nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff is Canada’s first national park. It encompasses crystal-clear lakes, rugged peaks, enormous glaciers, and hundreds of miles of maintained trails. Among the most iconic destinations in this park are Lake Louise, a turquoise lake hemmed in by soaring mountains, and the remote, sapphire-hued Moraine Lake.

Banff is a haven for outdoor activities. You can camp, paddle, and hike in summer, and go skiing or snowshoeing in winter. As you explore the park, watch out for creatures such as deer, elk, and mountain goats. The park is accessible year-round. Late June, when the wildflowers bloom, is a great time to visit. It’s also beautiful in autumn, when the larch trees turn gold.

Jasper National Park – the largest in the Canadian Rockies – is known for its untouched wilderness, diverse flora, and fauna, and over 600 miles of trails. Punctuated with mountains, woodlands, meadows, rivers, lakes, and glaciers, the landscape is dynamic. Highlights include Miette Hot Spring, which features pools with natural hot spring water, and Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in the Rockies.

Paddling, fishing, rafting, hiking, and canyoning are just some of the ways you can enjoy this pristine park. Thrill-seekers can attempt activities like glacier walks or off-road cycling. If you’re lucky, you may spot caribou, moose, marmots, or pikas during your visit.

Calgary is where cowboy culture and urban conveniences come together. It’s more than just the gateway to the Canadian Rockies – this lively city features skyscrapers, museums, parks, and historic sites. Don’t miss Heritage Park Historical Village, where you can take a deep dive into western Canadian History, and the Olympic Plaza in downtown. For amazing views of the city, head to Calgary Tower.

In the summer, the city hosts the Calgary Stampede, one of the world’s largest rodeos, featuring contests, parades, and live music. Calgary is nicknamed Cowtown, so be sure to savor some Alberta beef while you’re there.

This 232-km stretch of highway linking Lake Louise with Jasper is renowned for its unparalleled views. It winds past soaring peaks, enormous glaciers, and lush woodlands with plenty of attractions along the way.

Be sure to stop by some of the roadside viewpoints along the way – such as Crowfoot Glacier, Weeping Wall, and Big Bend – to snap some photos. You’ll also find numerous lakes and waterfalls throughout the journey. Note that you need a Parks Canada Pass to drive Icefields Parkway. Full-day guided tours are also available if you prefer not to drive.

The eastern part of Alberta is a hot spot for dinosaur fossils – over 50 kinds of dinosaurs have been unearthed here. Drive the 30-kilometer Dinosaur Trail loop that begins in Drumheller to observe the landscape that was once home to these prehistoric creatures.

The Dinosaur Trail takes you past canyons, rivers, and desolate plains, and there are plenty of fascinating sights along the way. Stop by the Royal Tyrrell Museum for its remarkable collection of dinosaur bones and skeletons. Hike the trail to the hoodoos – surreal freestanding rock formations made of sand and clay. To learn more about dinosaurs, take a guided dino bone-bed tour with a paleontologist.

Edmonton – the capital of Alberta – is a vibrant metropolis teeming with entertainment and culture. The city is dotted with trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes, offering plenty to do for an urban getaway.

Catch a Canadian Football League match at the Commonwealth Stadium or go on a shopping spree at West Edmonton Mall. With over 800 stores, it’s the largest mall in North America. History buffs can visit Old Strathcona to admire the city’s heritage buildings or peruse the impressive exhibits inside the Royal Alberta Museum. Alternatively, people-watch or enjoy a stroll along Churchill Square, the main public gathering spot in downtown Edmonton.

Waterton Lakes National Park is where the Rocky Mountains intersect with the prairies. Its pristine lakes and streams, cascading waterfalls, and spectacular mountain vistas will delight nature-loving tourists and avid hikers alike.

Spring is a wonderful time to visit, when the meadows are covered by a variety of wildflowers. A host of activities are available throughout the year, from kayaking and cruises to cycling, golf, and ice skating. Hikers can choose from over 700 miles of trails. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – bighorn sheep, pika, and beavers are among the inhabitants of this picturesque park.

Kananaskis Country is a collection of parks, preserves, and cultural zones that cover over 1,500 square miles. The region’s stunning landscape is made up of lush coniferous forests, clear streams and lakes, and rugged mountains.

Kananaskis provides a picturesque backdrop for an array of activities – you can paddle, bike, hike, or fish in the warmer months and in winter you can go skiing or snowshoeing. This region also offers easy access to the nearby Banff National Park.

This charming town is set in the beautiful Bow Valley in the Canadian Rockies. The downtown area is lined with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and breweries. Bookworms shouldn’t miss a trip to Cafe Books, an independent bookstore and cafe where you can find all kinds of books, new and used.

Canmore’s nature-packed location means that you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, golf, skiing, snowboarding, and golf. It’s also a great base if you’re planning to visit Banff National Park.

Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest national park in Canada. The landscape is unique, featuring boreal forests, caves, karst landforms, and salt plains. The park is best known as a sanctuary for large herds of free-roaming wood bison and a nesting ground for the endangered whooping crane.

Popular spots include Pine Lake, where you can swim, picnic, paddle, and camp. Outdoor enthusiasts can also do some backcountry hiking along the Peace River. There are several giant sinkholes where you can take a refreshing dip. Bring your binoculars to get a good look at some of the creatures that inhabit this unspoiled paradise.