Alberta is a province
that caters to a wide range of interests. For nature lovers, it’s a haven. The Canadian Rockies pierce the sky, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Alberta boasts Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Jasper National Park, known for its vast wilderness. But Alberta isn’t all mountains. The province also encompasses prairies, forests, and even badlands, creating a diverse landscape to explore.
Explore the vast prairies, teeming with wildlife, or delve into dinosaur history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Drumheller.
Beyond the scenery, Alberta offers vibrant cities like Calgary and Edmonton. These urban centers provide world-class museums, art galleries, and a thriving culinary scene. You can also delve into Alberta’s rich history, from dinosaur fossil beds to sites that tell the story of the fur trade. Whether you crave outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or a taste of city life, Alberta has something special to offer.
Alberta Must-Sees and Must-Dos
| Attraction/Activity | Description | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (Banff, Jasper) | Hike through stunning mountain scenery, see glaciers and lakes, spot wildlife. Banff and Jasper National Parks are world-renowned jewels nestled in the Canadian Rockies. Banff, the older and slightly smaller park, boasts iconic sights like turquoise Lake Louise and the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Jasper, the wilder and larger one, is known for its dark sky preserve, vast wilderness areas, and abundant wildlife like bears and moose. Both offer opportunities for hiking, skiing, and soaking in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. | June-September (for warm weather hiking) or December-March (for winter sports) |
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake | Canoeing on Moraine Lake and Lake Louise offers a unique way to experience the majestic beauty of Banff National Park. Glide across the turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, glaciers, and lush forests. At Moraine Lake, the iconic Moraine Lake Lodge rents canoes, while at Lake Louise, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise operates the bright red canoes that are a staple of the lake’s scenery. Both lakes offer breathtaking views and a tranquil escape on the water. | June-September (when lakes are thawed and accessible) |
Banff Gondola | The Banff Gondola whisks you up Sulphur Mountain in a comfortable, glass-enclosed cabin, offering stunning views of the Bow Valley and six mountain ranges as you ascend. In just 8 minutes, you’ll be at the 7,486-foot summit where you can explore observation decks, interpretive exhibits, and restaurants, all while surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. | Year-round (enjoy summer views or winter wonderland scenery) |
Athabasca Falls | Athabasca Falls, located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, is a powerful waterfall on the Athabasca River, the largest river system in the park. While not the highest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies at 23 meters, it makes up for it in width and the immense volume of water thundering over a layer of hard quartzite, carving a short canyon and intricate features like potholes in the softer limestone below. | May-September (when water flow is highest) |
Maligne Canyon | Maligne Canyon is one of Jasper National Park’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. This dramatic canyon, carved by the Maligne River over thousands of years, features waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and a series of six bridges that offer stunning views of the canyon from different angles. The trail is relatively easy and enjoyable for hikers of all abilities, making it a great option for families and those who want a scenic walk in the Canadian Rockies. | May-September (trails can be icy outside these months) |
Icefields Parkway | The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, is a 232-kilometer scenic route connecting Lake Louise in Banff National Park to Jasper in Jasper National Park, both in Alberta, Canada. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, winding through the Canadian Rockies with stunning mountain views, glaciers, and pristine lakes. Be sure to fill up on gas and pack refreshments before you go, there’s only one gas station along the entire route and limited services are available. | June-September (for best weather conditions) |
Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure | The Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies, draped over the continental divide along the Alberta and British Columbia border. It’s a massive area of 325 square kilometers, with ice that’s up to 365 meters deep! The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most popular parts of the icefield, and you can even ride on top of it in a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle. | June-September (glacier tours not available in winter) |
Calgary Stampede | The Calgary Stampede is a ten-day rodeo, exhibition, and festival held every July in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Nicknamed “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, it attracts over a million visitors a year. It features one of the world’s largest rodeos, a parade, midway with games and rides, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon racing, and First Nations exhibitions. | July (10-day rodeo held every year) |
Royal Tyrrell Museum | The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is Canada’s only museum dedicated to the science of paleontology. It’s located in Drumheller, Alberta, and houses one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, programs, and guided hikes that bring the prehistoric past to life. It is a popular destination for both kids and adults interested in learning more about dinosaurs and fossils. | Year-round (great indoor activity in any weather) |
Edmonton River Valley | Explore nature trails, parks, and museums along the river valley. Nicknamed the “Ribbon of Green,” Edmonton’s River Valley is a massive urban park system stretching along the North Saskatchewan River. It’s the largest of its kind in Canada, boasting over 160 kilometers of trails, 20 major parks, and diverse wildlife. Whether you want to hike, bike, or simply relax surrounded by nature, the Edmonton River Valley offers a green escape right in the heart of the city. | Year-round (enjoy outdoor activities or festivals throughout the year) |
West Edmonton Mall | North America’s largest shopping mall with rides, attractions, and water park. West Edmonton Mall is a giant shopping and entertainment complex in Edmonton, Alberta, boasting over 800 stores, restaurants, and attractions. Nicknamed “North America’s Largest Shopping Mall”, it features a water park, amusement park, Sea Life Caverns aquarium, casino, movie theaters, and even a place to go indoor roller skating – all under one roof! | Year-round (great for a rainy day or winter escape) |
Note: This table is not exhaustive, but it highlights some of the most popular attractions in Alberta. The best time to visit will depend on your interests and preferences. If you’re looking for warm weather activities like hiking and boating, summer is the best time to go. However, winter offers opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying winter festivals.
Here are some additional factors to consider when planning your trip to Alberta:
- Crowds: The Canadian Rockies are especially busy in July and August. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October).
- Wildlife viewing: Spring and fall are the best times to see bears, while elk and moose are most active in the fall.
- Prices: Accommodation and flights tend to be cheaper in the shoulder seasons and winter.
Alberta Tours
Travel Guides
Travel Guide
Fodor’s Canadian Rockies guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time.
Travel Guide
Top 150 Unusual Things to See in Alberta is the ultimate guide for travelers looking for the quirky, unique and inspiring side of Alberta.
Travel Guide
Each hot spot entry includes a detailed destination profile, color photographs and a sidebar of at-a-glance information featuring all the activities one can expect to enjoy.
Travel Guide
The Alberta Nature Guide lets you discover the wondrous diversity of nature that lies right outside your front door.
Travel Guide
Lonely Planet’s Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Hike the Skyline Trail, watch for bears, and ride the rapids; all with your trusted travel companion.
Travel Guide
From the breathtaking Badlands and turquoise freshwater lakes to the bustling metros and the mesmerizing Canadian Rockies, Alberta boasts some of the most epic locales that provide everything you need for the ultimate adventure!
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