alberta tourist attractions

Things to Do in Alberta, Canada - Alberta Attractions

Things to do in alberta.

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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Southwest Calgary
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Banff Gondola

2. Moraine Lake

3. Athabasca Falls

4. Maligne Canyon

5. Peyto Lake

6. Lake Louise

7. Royal Tyrrell Museum

8. Canmore Cave Tours

9. Heritage Park Historical Village

10. Lake Minnewanka

11. Icefields Parkway

12. Calgary Stampede

13. The Calgary Zoo

14. Columbia Ice Field

15. Bow Falls

16. West Edmonton Mall

17. Sunshine Village

18. Johnston Canyon

19. Calgary Tower

20. Grassi Lakes

21. Jasper SkyTram

22. Maligne Lake

23. Prince's Island Park

24. The Lake Louise Ski Resort

25. Bow Valley Parkway

26. Pyramid and Patricia Lakes

27. Banff Avenue

28. Sunshine Meadows

29. Banff National Park

30. Fort Edmonton Park

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The Best Things to Do in Canada

59 of the Best Things To Do in Alberta

June 1, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 172 Comments

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Updated: March 20th, 2022

From boreal forests to vast prairies and high mountain peaks, Alberta is an incredible province to explore. Born and raised in Alberta, I certainly feel that I know Alberta better than most. I’ve been to each major city and almost every small town in the province, giving me great insight into the province that I call home.

Although Alberta is one of only two provinces that are landlocked, Alberta is about as diverse as it gets. From looking at Dinosaur skeletons in the badlands and hiking some of the tallest mountain peaks in the country to splashing around in North America’s largest indoor waterpark and driving one of the world’s most scenic highways, Alberta is an incredible place to explore.

Whether you’re planning to explore the cities, the mountains, or everything in-between, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive travel guide to the wonderful province of Alberta.

Table of Contents

Things To Do in Calgary

Located right on the edge of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is such a beautiful city. This is my home city and it’s always great to explore, whether as a local or as a tourist.

Heritage Park Historical Village 

Since opening its doors back in 1964, Heritage Park Historical Village has grown into one of Calgary’s premier tourist attractions and one of North America’s largest and most successful living history museums. There’s an active amusement park, a steam train, a sternwheeler, old-fashioned candy shops, heritage buildings, and a really cool museum featuring classic cars and gasoline pumps. It is the Park’s mission to preserve the history of the early West and to educate and entertain guests of all ages for many generations to come.

Tip: While visiting the National Music Centre, walk a couple of blocks west to see the Calgary Public Library, which was ranked by TIMES as their “100 Greatest Places of 2019”. You won’t need much time but it’s worth seeing and it’s worth stepping inside.

The Calgary Zoo

Home to the second-largest zoo in Canada, not to mention one of the most respected worldwide, the Calgary Zoo is a great place to visit for adults and kids alike. From Canada’s wild animals to penguins, gorillas, crocodiles, tigers, and more, all animal lovers will enjoy a day at this very central zoo.

Studio Bell National Music Center

Opened in 2016, the National Music Centre’s Studio Bell has become one of Calgary’s most beautiful buildings and is an incredible place to visit for anyone interested in music, as well as learning about the incredible talent that has come out of Canada. You’ll find over 2,000 rare instruments and artifacts, as well as the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame collections.

Glenbow Museum

As a key cultural cornerstone in Calgary for 50 years, Glenbow has surprised and engaged generations of Albertans and visitors to the province with remarkable connections between art, culture and the world around us. We learned all about Alberta’s history, the Calgary Stampede, some of the people who have shaped the province, and enjoyed one of the largest art collections in the country.

The Calgary Tower 

Experience the city from 525 feet in the air. Calgary’s most iconic building is a great place to get a view of the city and the surrounding area. In fact, on a clear day, you can even see the Rocky Mountains. There’s also a glass floor for a birds-eye view of the streets below.

Prince’s Island Park and Peace Bridge

If you’re looking for some scenic nature in the heart of downtown Calgary, make your way to Prince’s Island Park. In the summer, there’s a variety of festivals that take place here including the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Expo Latino. There’s also a fine dining restaurant called the River Cafe. Aside from that though, it’s just a pretty park where locals go to hang out, play frisbee, go for a jog, and admire the Canadian geese and ducks that also call this place home.

While visiting Prince’s Island Park, don’t forget to visit one of the most iconic sights in Calgary. Peace Bridge is a beautiful red pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Bow River between Memorial Drive and Eau Claire Park. Walk across, bike across, or just sit back and take a photo. This is an Instagram hot spot.

Go Zip-lining

If you’re like me and you love speed, then zip-lining at WinSport should be high on your list. Starting from the top of an Olympic ski jump facility, it has become North America’s fastest zipline with speeds of up to 120 km/hr while enjoying beautiful views of the city.

The Calgary Stampede

If you happen to be in Calgary in July, you’ll want to experience the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. This century-old outdoor rodeo has become one of the biggest festivals in the world with world-class concerts, a mid-way, all the food truck food you could possibly want, educational programs, and of course – the biggest rodeo on Earth. This is when the city comes to life with lots of partying and lots of action.

Spruce Meadows

Speaking of rodeos, horse lovers will want to head out to Spruce Meadows, which is located on the southern outskirts of the city. This multi-sport facility is home to world-class equestrian show-jumping events where even celebrities have been spotted, such as the one and only Alec Baldwin.

Float Down the Bow

As a local, one of my favourite activities to do is to go floating down the Bow River. It’s a big river and it’s fairly calm, offering beautiful views of the city and a fairly relaxing 2-3 hour float. In the hot summer months, you’ll see anywhere from dozens to hundreds of people going down the river in kayaks, inflatable tubes, paddleboards, and more.

Dine at the Best Restaurants in Calgary

Another great thing about Calgary is that there’s no shortage of mouth-watering places to eat. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, quick bites, ethnic food, or something Canadian, we’ve got you covered in our guide to the best Calgary restaurants .

Drink Good Beer

If beer is your thing, you’re going to love Calgary. There are roughly 60 breweries in Calgary , many of which are located in popular places such as Inglewood, 17th Avenue, downtown, and more. It doesn’t matter if you’re into dark stouts, sours, IPAs, or blondes, there’s something for everyone here.

Looking for more info? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Calgary .

Things to Do In Banff National Park

Banff National Park is an absolute must-visit for anyone travelling to Alberta. With so much incredible scenery in Canada, there’s a reason why Banff National Park is the most visited park in the country. Just over an hour’s drive from Calgary, we never tire of visiting this beautiful slice of Western Canada.

Explore the Town of Banff

Although Banff National Park is famous for its natural landscapes, the town of Banff is also famous for its spectacular look and setting. Surrounded by mountains, this is quite possibly one of the most picturesque towns in the world. It’s also home to many hotels and delicious restaurants, as well as plenty of shopping, museums, hiking trails, and more.

Banff Gondola

For those wanting the experience of standing on top of the world, the Banff Gondola is a great thing to do. You can either take the gondola both ways or you can hike up or down. From the top, you’ll see incredible views of the surrounding area, the mountains, the valleys, and the town of Banff. Both summer and winter are equally stunning and it takes only 8-minutes to reach the top of Sulphur Mountain by gondola. In addition, there’s also an interpretive centre and fine dining.

Visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs

With all the outdoor activities, it sure helps to have natural hot springs nearby to soothe your tired muscles. In fact, did you know that it was the hot springs that helped create Banff National Park? The Banff Upper Hot Springs is located up near the Banff Gondola and the Rimrock Resort Hotel and features a pool-like setting with lockers, rentals, and more. There’s not much for views directly from the pools but the hot waters are incredible to soak in.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Did you know that this was the beginning of Canada’s national park system? That’s right! This is where it all started. Thanks to these hot springs, which date back thousands of years and were used by the Indigenous for important meetings and ceremonies, Banff National Park (Canada’s first) was created. While you can’t go to these particular hot springs anymore, you can learn a lot about the area and take a peek at the very rare Banff Springs snail .

Visit the Banff Castle

Like something out of a fairy tale, the Banff castle sits surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning scenery. While this was never actually a castle, it was one of the luxury railroad hotels that are now owned by Fairmont. Whether you simply drive up to the hotel to see it, go inside for a little tour or to eat at one of the restaurants, or actually stay a night, you’ll be happy you did. It’s not often that a hotel becomes an attraction in and of itself.

Lake Minnewanka Banff Lake Cruise 

If you’re interested in a scenic lake cruise with some history of the area, consider the Lake Minnewanka cruise, which offers a 1-hour panoramic interpretive cruise around the lake. Situated on the largest lake in Banff, you’ll see the stunning scenery as well as learn about the underwater village, which is now a popular diving site.

Diving Lake Minnewanka

Speaking of diving, Lake Minnewanka is a popular scuba diving destination. This is because there’s an old “town” at the bottom of the lake, flooded out “back in the day”. So, if you want to see an underwater town, this is the place to do it. In addition, you can also go winter diving here. We haven’t been crazy enough to do this yet, but if you have your dry-suit certification and want to go diving through the ice, this is the place to do it!

Climb a Mountain at Mount Norquay

For those looking for thrills in the mountains, while being as safe as possible, you’ll want to check out the Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay. A Via Ferrata is where iron and steel is drilled into the mountain, allowing you to safely clip yourself into and skirt the edges of the mountains, getting the thrills of “mountain climbing” without the high risk.

With so many mountains, it should come as no surprise that Banff offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Between Mount Norquay, Sunshine, and Lake Louise, the opportunity to Ski Banff is a GREAT reason to visit in the winter months. You can take an introductory course to skiing here, or rent some skis and hit the slopes.

Even if you’re here in the summer, these resorts offer the opportunity to take the gondola up the mountains for some once-in-a-lifetime hiking opportunities.

Johnston Canyon

If you’re looking for a beautiful and free hike, hiking Johnston Canyon is a great way to see this impressive canyon and an array of waterfalls up close. There’s even a cave you can walk into. This hike is quite easy (although slippery in the winter) and is beautiful in all seasons. Our favourite season is winter but the most comfortable time to go is in the summer.

Lake Louise

This is easily one of Canada’s most popular lakes, not only for the scenery but also for the luxury hotel right next to it. There are also numerous hikes nearby, another stunning lake called Moraine Lake, and the option of paddling a canoe! Whether you come to simply admire the lake, go paddling, go hiking, or enjoy a beer at the neighbouring Fairmont, a visit to Lake Louise is a MUST.

Moraine Lake

Located close to Lake Louise, this is our favourite lake in the entire national park. The only problem is that it’s so popular and so tight for parking space that it often fills up before sunrise. To help with this issue, there’s now a shuttle bus that visits here from the village of Lake Louise. Either way, if you can make it here, your jaws will drop. It’s simply magical.

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Banff .

Things to Do in Kananaskis

Located just outside Banff National Park and just 20-minutes away from the town of Banff, Canmore is somewhat like a “local” version of Banff. The activities are similar and some people stay here rather than in Banff. However, there are things to do in Canmore as well, not to mention the surrounding areas.

Very few “outdoor activities” can be done year-round with almost the same temperatures, but caving in Grotto Mountain is one of them. We did a tour inside Rat’s nest cave and yes, we saw the cute little rat that called the cave home. We did the full adventure, allowing us to squeeze ourselves through tight crevices and feel the true thrill of caving. However, there are lighter tours as well for those who might be more claustrophobic.

Spray Lakes Provincial Park

As of now, Spray Lakes remains our favourite camping spot in the province. It’s a 30-minute drive from Canmore up into the mountains and is an extremely scenic place to go camping in Alberta . However, it can’t be booked in advance so it’s a bit of a game of luck to find a spot. Weekends are often full, so make sure you come early or come during the week.

Go Hiking in the Kananaskis

With towering mountains and beautiful pine forests, there’s really no better place to strap on the boots and go for a hike. From easy to difficult, there are all sorts of stunning hikes in Kananaskis Country. Many are day trips but some are multi-day adventures as well. Regardless of the one you choose, you’ll fall in love with the scenery and will always want to return.

Go Camping in the Mountains

While there are loads of incredible opportunities for camping in Alberta , few compare to the majestic Rocky Mountains. Imagine waking up and opening your tent to sparkling turquoise waters surrounded by tall mountain peaks! Whether you roll up in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of opportunities for camping in one of the most beautiful destinations in Canada.

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Canmore .

Things To Do In Jasper National Park

Jasper is another stunning national park, equally impressive to Banff National Park but much more isolated. It’s also at the top of the Icefields Parkway, which is known as one of the most scenic drives on Earth. We love Jasper and the array of delicious restaurants, accommodations, and wildlife.

Jasper Sky Tram

In 1960, Albertan adventurer William McGregor climbed to the summit of Whistlers Mountain, Jasper. Inspired by the incredible views, McGregor dreamed of sharing his experience with the rest of the world. Since opening the Sky Tram, over 6 million visitors have ridden to the top and experienced the same breathtaking Rocky Mountain views that first inspired McGregor over half a century ago. Jump aboard the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada and be prepared to view Jasper National Park from the top of Whistlers Mountain.

Athabasca Glacier Adventure 

Where else can you ride a million-dollar all-terrain Ice Explorer on to a glacier? In fact, you can then get out and walk on it yourself! It’s a quick thrill but for many people, the opportunity to stand on top of a glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Jasper Skywalk

Located right next to the Athabasca Glacier and often bought as a package, the Jasper Skywalk allows you to walk out onto a glass-floored platform overlooking the 918-foot (280m) drop to the stunning Sunwapta Valley. For some, it’s quite the thrill and for others, it’s simply a chance to get beautiful views and that much-desired Instagram shot.

Maligne Lake Cruise 

If you’re looking for a beautiful lake cruise in Jasper National Park, this is it! You’ll enjoy a panoramic tour across the crystal waters of Maligne Lake before arriving at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in the area. Afterward, go hiking in Maligne Canyon!

Gaze at the Stars

As one of the 17 designated Dark Sky Preserves in Canada, not to mention the darkest of them all, Jasper is an incredible place to gaze up at the cosmos. You can learn about the celestial bodies and planets at the Planetarium Dome Theatre and through powerful telescopes. In fact, if you can make it here in October, you don’t want to miss the annual Dark Sky Festival!

Go Golfing in the Mountains

If you’re looking for one of the top golf courses in the country, if not the world, make your way to The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, whose golf course has been listed as one of the best, many, many times. This 18-hole course offers dramatic bunkers and holes that line up with the many spectacular views.

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Jasper !

Things To Do In Edmonton

Canada’s most Northern major city is full of things to do. Most notably, the city is home to North America’s largest mall, one of the world’s largest indoor waterparks, and one of the world’s largest indoor amusement parks. There’s tons of culture in Edmonton as well, which makes for tons of festivals, especially in the summer!

West Edmonton Mall 

Once known as the world’s largest mall, this epic indoor wonderland is home to enough attractions to keep you busy for a whole weekend! My favourite place is the waterpark but it’s also home to an indoor amusement park, which houses the world’s largest indoor triple-loop roller coaster! There are also more than 800 stores, a cinema, a mini-golf course, and so much more. West Edmonton Mall also holds a number of records, including North America’s largest indoor waterpark, North America’s largest indoor amusement park, and Canada’s largest parking lot.

Telus World of Science

This broad-based non-profit science centre is the perfect place for those wanting to mix education with fun. We had such a blast learning about the human body as well as learning all about Pixar through their new temporary exhibit focusing on the world’s most famous animation studio.

Explore the River Valley

Edmonton might be known for having North America’s largest mall, but it’s also home to Canada’s largest urban park. With more than 160 kilometres of maintained trails, as well as attractions such as the Fort Edmonton Zoo, Gold Bar Park, the Edmonton Valley Zoo, a golf course, skiing opportunities, skating, and more. There’s even wildlife, including hares, deer, skunks, and porcupines.

Muttart Conservatory

Home to one of Edmonton’s most iconic images, the Muttart Conservatory is more than just beautiful glass pyramid structures. It’s also home to a climate-regulated biome with three different zones, such as the tropical climate of Burma and Fiji and the temperate pavilion with its American redwoods and Australian eucalyptus, all with a mission of education and conservation. This premier horticultural facility features over 700 species of plants and has sweeping views of Edmonton’s skyline.

Visit a Brewery

For those who love great beer, you’re in luck. Edmonton has many incredible breweries to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a fruity sour, a thick stout, or just something to drink during the hot summer months, we’ve got you covered in our guide to the best Edmonton breweries .

Alberta Legislature Building

Whether you’re interested in history or just coming to look at the impressive design, the Alberta Legislature Building is well worth the visit. Built back n 1913, this attractive building is the active home of Alberta’s government and offers free tours of the building almost every day. Tours cover topics related to the levels of government, Alberta’s political history, and the art and architecture of the building.

Restaurants in Edmonton

Another great thing about Edmonton is that there’s no shortage of incredible restaurants. Whether you’re looking for something quick, a place to go with friends, a place to take a date, or anything in-between, we’ve got you covered in our guide to the best restaurants in Edmonton .

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Edmonton .

Things to Do in Drumheller

Known as the Dinosaur capital of the world, Drumheller is home to the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum and a variety of amazing badland scenery.

Royal Tyrrell Museum 

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of paleontology. In addition to housing one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs, the Museum offers a wide variety of creative, fun, and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life. Outside the museum, you’ll find a 1.4km interpretive trail that makes its way through the badlands. For anyone interested in dinosaurs, this is the best place to go in all of Canada, if not the world.

Horseshoe Canyon

Located just 17 km (10.5 mi) west of Drumheller, Horseshoe Canyon is like a miniature replica of the Grand Canyon and a jaw-dropping sight to behold. The reddish-pink ribboned canyon walls change their colour with the sun, revealing the many layers of rock that have been here since the Dinosaurs called it home more than 70 million years ago. Whether you just admire the view or take a hike down into the canyon, this is not a place you want to miss.

Horsethief Canyon

Banff is to the mountains what Horsethief Canyon is to the badlands. It’s really beautiful. Similar to Horseshoe Canyon, but far from the same, this area is not only scenic but also steeped in history. In fact, the reason why it’s called Horsethief canyon is that it used to be a wild-west type of place where bandits would literally steal horses. Basically, they’d steal them from big ranches in the area and re-brand them as their own. Located just 16 km (10 mi) northwest of Drumheller on the east bank of the Red Deer River, just You can either stop at the car park and just admire the views from the edge or you can go for a variety of hikes in and around the coulees.

Walk the Hoodoos

Although hoodoos can be found in many areas in the region, the easiest place to see them is at Hoodoo Trail, just 10 kilometres east of Drumheller. They are super cool to see up close, but just not too close as they’re very fragile and protected.

Party with Ghosts

If you’re looking for a super interesting detour near the Hoodoo Trail, check out Wayne Ghost Town. Located just 6-kilometres away, you’ll cross over 11 one-lane bridges over the Rosebud River before finding yourself in an almost-deserted old town that was once a thriving coal-mining town. It’s also home to the infamous Last Chance Saloon, a bar that’s been featured in many articles and books for being haunted.

Go Camping with Dinosaurs

There are not many places in the world where you can go camping safely with dinosaurs. Thanks to this area being the dinosaur capital of the world, camping in Drumheller is as close as you can get, as new dinosaur fossils are found here all the time. In fact, if you drive a couple of hours east to Dinosaur Provincial Park, there are even active digs that you can witness! Either way, the views and attractions offered here in the Alberta Badlands are fit for any Alberta bucket list.

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Drumheller .

Things to Do in Lethbridge

If you’re continuing down to the far south, you might end up in Alberta’s third-biggest city! If so, there are lots of things to do in Lethbridge and it’s a great base for exploring other areas of Southern Alberta, including Crowsnest Pass, Castle Provincial Park, and so much more.

Galt Museum

Whether you’re looking to learn about the history of Lethbridge or simply get some of the best views the city has to offer, make your way to the Galt Museum. This museum is the largest in Southern Alberta, containing over 17,000 artifacts and more than 1 million archival documents and photographs. It’s also home to a variety of walking trails and two beautiful gardens containing over 40 species of native plants, including wildflowers, grasses, and woody plants.

Fort Whoop-Up

Not only is it smack dab in the middle of the beautiful coulee’s, but it’s also a great place to learn about the local history. Fort Whoop-Up is a replica of an original fur trading fort built back in the late 1800s. It was originally called Fort Hamilton and served as a centre for a variety of trading activities, the most infamous one being the illegal whiskey trade.

Hiking the Coulees

The coulees are the most striking feature of Lethbridge. They’re beautiful to admire from any angle and they’re a great place to go for a hike or a bike ride. You can hike down into them from places like the Galt Museum or drive down and park at places like Indian Battle Park or the Helen Schuller Centre. From there, you’ll find many paths that meander along the coulees, the train bridge, and Old Man River.

Lethbridge Viaduct

Another striking feature of the Lethbridge landscape is the High-Level Bridge. Constructed between 1907 – 1909, this massive steel trestle that sits above the Old Man River is still the largest of its type in the world. Whether you admire it from afar or hike under it, it’s a beautiful thing to see and an icon of the city.

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden

Located right next to Henderson Lake Park, which is a great place to go for a walk, you’ll find the stunning Nikko Yuko Japanese Garden. Designed by a garden Arctiect from Osaka as well as being constructed by artisans from Kyoto, this garden was built to symbolize the friendship between Canada and Japan. It’s an incredibly beautiful place to just meander through, but you can also partake in tea ceremonies, Sumo Sumo Sundays, or even yoga.

Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump

Another one of our favourite places in Alberta is  Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump , which is located around 70 kilometres west of Lethbridge and can easily be combined with Fort Macleod (see below). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a museum and interpretive centre featuring the Blackfoot indigenous culture and a place that preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture. The museum is truly excellent, the people are very friendly, and the surrounding area is beautiful for a stroll.

Fort Macleod

Just 30-minutes away on the drive between Lethbridge and Calgary is Fort Macleod, which is home to  The Fort Museum and the RCMP Musical Ride . If you’re interested in learning about the history of the area and the RCMP, this is a great place to go. During the summer months, it’s also home to a replica of the RCMP Musical Ride, a popular ceremony featuring horses.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Just 100 kilometres southeast of Lethbridge is yet another gorgeous natural area and UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s perfect for hiking, camping, and learning about indigenous culture. In fact, you can see ancient carvings and rock paintings that date back to 1050 BCE! While camping can be hard to nab as it’s often booked well in advance, it can be visited as a day trip as well.

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Lethbridge . 

Things to Do in Southwest Alberta

Castle provincial park.

Castle Provincial Park is Alberta’s newest provincial park and is a gorgeous place to go hiking, biking, boating, fishing, camping, and more. In fact, there’s also a popular Ski Resort in the winter months.

Frank Slide

Canada’s deadliest landslide is a spectacular sight to witness. Not only is it utterly mind-boggling to see the amount of rock that slid down Turtle Mountain that fateful night back in 1903 but they have a truly incredible interpretive centre where you can learn all about it. Those in good fitness can also hike to the top of Turtle Mountain whereas anyone can walk around the paved trails in the area and see what the aftermath of a landslide looks like.

Crowsnest Pass

This beautiful mountain area, which includes Frank Slide , is composed of 5 small mining communities and lots of stunning scenery. While the mines have since closed down, one of them – the Bellevue Mine Tour – is open for tours. If you’re into small towns, this is a great place to explore. It’s hard to believe that just a few decades ago, all of these towns were staunch rivals. Now, they’re even connected by a 23-km Community Trail, which is a great way to walk or bike between all the communities, taking time to talk with the locals and try out various coffee shops, ice cream shops, and restaurants. Don’t miss the famous Burmis Tree, which has stood in the area for 450 years.

The Remington Carriage Museum

Located in Cardston, Alberta is the Remington Carriage Museum , which is home to more than 270 carriages and is the largest of its kind in the world. Upon entering the museum, you’ll be transported back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, getting a glimpse of carriages that carried pioneers as well as the rich and famous.

Getting to Alberta

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Alberta, here’s some practical advice on how to get here.

Getting to Alberta by Car

If you’re planning to drive to Alberta, it’s sandwiched in-between British Columbia, the Northwest Territories , Saskatchewan, and Montana. Most people arrive driving in from BC through the Rocky Mountains, from Saskatchewan , or up from Montana. Although it’s a large province, it’s fairly under-populated and easy to drive around. If driving from the US, please note that you will have to go through customs.

The Trans-Canada Highway, which goes coast to coast, cuts right through Calgary, Alberta heading west from Regina or east from Banff.

Getting to Alberta by Plane

Alberta is home to two international airports, both of which are some of the biggest airports in the country. These two airports are the Calgary International Airport (YYC) and the Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Once you arrive, you can easily rent a car, take a taxi, hop on public transportation, or perhaps, jump on a tour. There are smaller regional airports in Alberta as well, but most people, especially those visiting from outside the province or country will arrive to one of the two airports mentioned above.

For convenience, Edmonton is best for those exploring the North or perhaps heading to Jasper National Park whereas Calgary is more convenient for Banff National Park, Drumheller , and Southern Alberta. However, both airports are less than three hours apart by drive time.

Getting Around Alberta

Alberta is a large province and is best explored by private vehicles. There are some tours, especially for popular areas such as Banff, and there are some buses, but those are very limited in destinations. Without a doubt, if your goal is to explore various parts of the province, the best way is to rent a car.

Fun Fact: Alberta is home to Canada’s largest urban park, Canada’s first national park, Canada’s largest parking lot, North America’s largest mall, North America’s largest indoor amusement park, North America’s largest indoor amusement park, and one of the largest oil reserves in the world. 

Best Time to Visit Alberta

One of the great things about Alberta is that it’s a year-round destination for the most part. Alberta is very weather extreme. Summer days in July and August can reach up to 35 degrees Celcius whereas, in the winter, days can be the exact opposite, easily reaching -35 degrees Celcius. Edmonton has days where it’s the coldest city on Earth. However, thanks to the Canadian Rockies, Alberta is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding, not to mention incredible snow-covered vistas. Still, there are times we like better than others, so here are our recommendations.

Our peak travel time is from mid-June to mid-September. This is when the weather is at its warmest temperatures, all the trees and flowers are looking their best, and all the famous activities and attractions are open for business. However, this is also the time when hotels can be at full capacity, roads are busiest, and everything is more expensive.

For those wanting to go skiing and snowboarding, or perhaps snowmobiling, ice fishing, or snowshoeing, the best time to come would be from January to March. These are the coldest months but also the best time for lots of snow. Despite the world-class skiing, this is actually a much quieter time than the summer, and accommodations are much cheaper and much more available, except on holidays and such.

The spring months, from April to mid-June can also be a nice time to visit but be prepared for rain. The weather is very hit-or-miss and we’ve seen spring days reach up to +25 degrees. Tourism is lower during this time, and some of the trees and flowers still look “dead”, but it’s relatively mild for the weather.

Last but not least is the fall. This is a great time to visit as well, especially in the earlier months of late September and October. Generally, the weather is still quite warm and the changing fall colours are beautiful to see. Tourists are lesser in numbers than in the peak summer months but most things are still open. We prefer the fall over the spring. The only exception here would be if you want to go white water rafting. In that case, spring is generally the better time to do so.

Road to 150 – Alberta Road Trip

Back in 2017, we produced one of the largest independent media campaigns the country has ever seen. The Road to 150 was a 150-day road trip across Canada to produce a 12-part video series and mini-documentary about what makes Canada special. Alberta was our last leg of the trip, mostly because it’s home, and became one of the most beautiful tourism videos of the whole campaign. We had 14-days to explore the province and came up with a perfect itinerary that can easily be shortened if you’re not capturing video all day long.

Coming from British Columbia , we started our trip off in Banff National Park, one of Canada’s most scenic areas. Here we visited the beautiful towns of Banff and Canmore, hiked through Johnston Canyon, paddled a canoe on Lake Louise, rode a gondola to the top of a mountain and drove the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper National Park. We also stood on a glacier, took a variety of boat rides, saw a bunch of wildlife, and admired the colours of the fall season. We then drove to Edmonton to experience North America’s largest mall, visited Drumheller to learn about dinosaurs, and ended our trip in Calgary, where we rode a steam train, learned about Canadian music icons, and admired the views from the Calgary Tower.

We highly recommend watching the video above and then heading over to our Canadian Youtube Channel to see more videos about Alberta and about the country as well.

(Check out this article about 89 Cool, Fun, and Interesting Alberta Facts !)

Where to Stay in Alberta

When it comes to choices of accommodation in Alberta, there really is something for everyone. From the luxury of the Fairmont Banff Springs to the charm of a local bed & breakfast, there’s something for any budget and any taste. There are also a lot of excellent cabins in Alberta that you can rent, including cabins in the mountains, in the badlands, or lakeside on one of Alberta’s many lakes. We’ve written a variety of articles about accommodation, including where to stay in Calgary , where to stay in Banff , the best Jasper accommodations , and some of the best campsites in Alberta .

What to Do in Alberta

As you can see, there are loads of things to do in Alberta. There’s a reason why it’s one of the top places to visit in Canada. From badlands and dinosaurs to waterfalls and mountains, Alberta is wonderful from north to south. We hope this article helps you plan your trip and if you’d like even more inspiration, make sure to subscribe to Must Do Canada and follow us on YouTube where we post a new video every two weeks!

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About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

January 7, 2018 at 4:26 pm

Thank you so much guys for your videos, advice and guidance. My 8 year old son and I are looking forward to our first trip to Alberta, September 2018. Very excited. Looking forward to the honor of meeting you guys some time in the not too distant future. Wishing you guys the very best for 2018 and beyond.

January 9, 2018 at 2:55 am

Thank you so much, Nigel! Meeting up would be great!

April 1, 2021 at 10:09 pm

Hey, just found out about you guys a few days ago. I’ll be doing a deep dive into your site/YouTube aswe look to plan trips to Yukon/Tuk and Saskatchewan.

Home is Calgary for us too.

April 2, 2021 at 9:03 am

awesome! Yeah, we’re hoping travel opens up by summer. Sask still seems closed but not sure about the north

April 11, 2021 at 7:35 am

What a great list of things to explore in Alberta this summer. I am going to have my kids each choose an “adventure” for us to go on this summer.

May 17, 2021 at 12:11 am

Make sure you add Waterton Lakes National Park to your list!

May 25, 2021 at 6:41 pm

We love Waterton…. we try to get there as often as we can but haven’t been there since early summer 2018. We need to get back there. It holds a huge piece of my heart. Even after the Kenow fire, Waterton stands proud and her beauty and spirit remains.

April 4, 2022 at 11:01 pm

Even the next spring after the fire things were already recovering – it’s a new Waterton – because of the change in climate, there’s a difference in the trees and flowers that are repopulating. Weekend just before Victoria Day weekend is a great time to go – it’s generally nice enough weather and you beat even the small crowds that Waterton gets.

April 5, 2022 at 7:11 pm

Good tips! You live there?

May 5, 2022 at 9:10 am

June 3, 2022 at 5:08 pm

We live in a beautiful country!

April 1, 2021 at 11:42 am

Born and bred Albertan and sadly I haven’t made a big enough dent on this list!

April 1, 2021 at 11:54 am

Thank you so much guys for the great ideas!

April 1, 2021 at 1:33 pm

Will be using this website to help my family figure out how to see the country during COVID.

May 19, 2022 at 8:26 pm

April 1, 2021 at 5:18 pm

I love Alberta. So much to do and explore. With this website you’ll always find a new adventure. Love it

April 2, 2021 at 8:48 am

This is awesome. Thanks so much!

April 3, 2021 at 12:20 pm

Drumheller is definitely a must visit. Especially with kids. Atlas Coal Mine isn’t mentioned, but is worth a visit if you have the time.

April 4, 2021 at 11:04 am

Oh, we’ll add that. I think it’s in our Drumheller article

April 3, 2021 at 1:26 pm

So many various things to do in winter and summer in Alberta.

April 3, 2021 at 9:48 pm

I have lived from the tip of Vancouver Island (Holberg) to the coast of Labrador (Goose Bay) courtesy of the military – both as a child and as a wife. And though I have visited places that others could only imagine . . . I have NEVER spent any time in our National Parks. Now that we’re retired, we live close to Waterton Lakes and would love the chance to hike, bike and explore this Canadian masterpiece. To stay in our province and get to experience nature at its finest would be amazing. Maybe . . . just maybe.

April 5, 2021 at 6:29 pm

Looks like another summer with limited travel possibilities so this might help to stay in AB.

April 5, 2021 at 11:48 pm

Great list! There’s a few that I’ll definitely need to cross off this year!

April 6, 2021 at 9:48 am

We have such a beautiful country. A lot of people have no idea. Thanks for showing what it has to offer!

April 6, 2021 at 11:21 pm

Cant wait to start exploring my province even more!

April 7, 2021 at 10:28 am

Awesome post!

April 8, 2021 at 7:38 am

April 8, 2021 at 11:57 am

Kananaskis is my all time favorite place to explore! So beautiful

April 8, 2021 at 12:27 pm

So many great places to visit within my own province…thanks for sharing.

April 8, 2021 at 1:26 pm

Hello! We love Alberta!!! You can also visit my city, here in Alberta: Airdrie!!! You will find beautiful parks, man-made lakes and a beautiful recreation centre! Cheers, Claudia 🙂

April 9, 2021 at 11:10 am

Amazing! Can’t wait for another summer of Adventure here in Alberta 😍

April 10, 2021 at 9:42 am

Icefield Parkway is on my Bucket List to do with my parents.

April 10, 2021 at 11:44 am

Lots of great staycation ideas 🤎

April 10, 2021 at 8:15 pm

The past year has been a great opportunity to see all of the hidden gems in Alberta. I can’t wait to see more of this beautiful province.

April 14, 2021 at 11:50 am

I live in alberta and it is beautiful!! <3

April 15, 2021 at 11:30 am

Thank you for this! I’m sure I’ll be referring back to this list now the weather is nice!

April 18, 2021 at 8:05 am

Thanks for all the great tips!

April 21, 2021 at 11:23 am

Awesome stuff way to keep giving great tips

April 23, 2021 at 4:53 pm

This is great! Thanks for the all the tips!

April 21, 2021 at 1:23 pm

There really are so many amazing places to visit in Alberta. Some I’ve heard of and some I haven’t. So it will be fun to explore over the years.

April 25, 2021 at 1:43 pm

So many great ideas here!

April 26, 2021 at 8:18 pm

Omg I didn’t realize how many amazing thing I can do in Alberta and I have lived her my whole life

April 26, 2021 at 8:53 pm

haha us too. We’ve seen a lot and still not everything

May 24, 2022 at 2:02 pm

Beautiful parks here

April 28, 2021 at 9:27 am

Looking forward to a great summer

May 9, 2021 at 8:01 am

So many great ideas, I am a native Albertan and haven’t done all of these yet!

May 9, 2021 at 9:11 pm

Yes, Alberta is great! For those who’d like to explore more you could mention and include links to such places as Fort Chippewan, Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Grande Prairie, Wetaskiwin, Camrose, Red Deer, Medicine Hat etc., etc., etc. Yes, I’m commenting to get more chances to win the National Parks pass.

May 10, 2021 at 12:42 pm

Excited to visit some of these places during the summer! Thanks!!

May 10, 2021 at 2:22 pm

Love to see what we can do in our home province

May 10, 2021 at 2:23 pm

Alberta is great!

May 12, 2021 at 9:14 am

Wow, really cool, can’t wait to check it out

May 12, 2021 at 9:50 am

I have been to Alberta many times and though Banff is beautiful, I feel that Canmore is a hidden gem and just a little nicer.

May 12, 2021 at 10:10 am

This summer we plan on exploring a lot of Alberta and Saskatachewan. We are looking forward to hiking in Jasper, Waterton, Nordegg, and the Kananaskis. We are also visited Waskesiu in SK. Lets hope for great weather this year!

May 12, 2021 at 3:25 pm

Be sure to go hiking in the Badlands, visit the Tyrell Museum, and Stop in at the Donut Mill in Gasoline Alley on Highway 2! ❤️

May 12, 2021 at 4:08 pm

Great list!

May 30, 2021 at 1:12 am

Awesome list!

May 26, 2022 at 12:54 pm

I’ve lived in Alberta for 20 years and have lived in most of these features cities, and yet haven’t even been to half of these places! Such a great reminder that there’s so much to do and so much to see ☺️

May 13, 2021 at 7:31 am

Johnson Canyon and Morraine Lake are amazing!

May 13, 2021 at 2:10 pm

I can’t wait to explore more of the beautiful province of Alberta

May 13, 2021 at 2:15 pm

Great list of attractions for Alberta! Can’t wait to see some of them!

May 14, 2021 at 1:43 pm

I’d love to try the Road to 150!

May 14, 2021 at 3:18 pm

Thanks for all the tips

May 14, 2021 at 5:02 pm

I’ve stayed in Alberta the last 10 years and have only done a few things on your list. I’m excited to see what I’m missing!

May 14, 2021 at 5:56 pm

Thanks for the get ideas for places to see in Alberta. Looking forward to discovering some new places. Also looking forward to checking out other lists for other provinces.

May 14, 2021 at 6:47 pm

Great resource.

May 14, 2021 at 11:47 pm

So many new opportunities to visit

May 15, 2021 at 3:36 pm

Ive done most of these already but thanks for some extra ideas for fun this summer!

May 16, 2021 at 6:27 pm

The mountain views in Jasper National Park

May 19, 2021 at 2:18 pm

Love this! I was born and raised in Alberta, but I always love learning more about places I may not have visited yet <3

May 26, 2021 at 8:38 am

I am in my 60’s and needed to get in shape, so last summer I started hiking more regularly. As long as I get the reward of a beautiful view I don’t mind the hard work. Last summer while on a hike with my athlete daughter, the last part of the hike got so hard, I didn’t think I’d be able to finish. My daughter coaxed me the rest of the way up!!!!! 💪

May 26, 2021 at 10:38 am

haha it’s awesome to have someone who can encourage us eh! Sometimes thats all it takes

May 30, 2021 at 1:22 pm

I love a good road trip. Some of my favourite places are Grand Prairie, Jasper (Athabasca Falls, the valley of the five lakes, and the Jasper sky tram are just a few), Calgary, Elbow falls, downsouth: Lundbreck Falls, Frank Slide, Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, Waterton,

May 30, 2021 at 5:29 pm

Great ideas!!

May 30, 2021 at 6:51 pm

Lots of wonderful places to visit in Alberta

June 9, 2021 at 11:58 am

My home! Thank you for this!

June 9, 2021 at 3:41 pm

So many things to do in Alberta. Love my province beauty.

June 9, 2021 at 6:09 pm

Thank you for showing so many places.

June 10, 2021 at 6:30 am

So much fun to explore our own backyard! Added some new things for the summer bucket list!

June 10, 2021 at 11:55 am

Hey guys!! My daughter, granddaughter and I live in Hinton, Alberta and we try to explore new places near us about once a month or whenever we can afford to. We absolutely LOVE Alberta and Canada 🇨🇦❤

June 11, 2021 at 12:44 am

The dome dining experience at Fairmont Banff was expensive but such an amazing experience! Spectacular views from a private dome with a mimosa bar all to ourselves for brunch.

June 11, 2021 at 9:22 pm

Looks amazing. Great suggestions to visit.

June 22, 2021 at 8:14 am

Great article. Thanks for some great ideas!

June 24, 2021 at 9:27 pm

Information is interesting and informative

June 29, 2021 at 10:47 pm

Great ideas!!!

August 21, 2021 at 6:27 am

So many great places to visit that we haven’t yet!! Thanks for this list for Alberta!! Adventures are out there!!

February 9, 2022 at 1:54 pm

Great blog!

February 9, 2022 at 2:29 pm

I absolutely love living in Alberta and doing all the great things in my backyard

February 10, 2022 at 4:50 pm

Travelling through Southwestern Alberta along Cowboy Trail amongst the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains is an amazingly beautiful journey. So much to see and do absolutely love it!

February 13, 2022 at 6:38 am

Thanks for all the great info!

February 14, 2022 at 12:28 pm

Alberta truly is the best!

February 16, 2022 at 9:50 am

I love ❤️ Alberta! We moved here from Ontario 6 years ago and we just love it, from the small town locals, the riverboat cruise in Edmonton, several getaways to Jasper and Banff area as well as adventure day trips to towns with “big things”. Our next adventure is next week where we’ll (moi, my husband, one of our daughters and the oldest of our granddaughters coming from Ontario) be staying at Dead Man’s Flats for a few days. The girls definitely want to visit Johnston Canyon and go skating on lake Louise.

February 16, 2022 at 1:21 pm

Johnston Canyon is super beautiful in the winter! Bring ice cleats if you can. Even the simple little ones help as it can be slippery.

February 16, 2022 at 10:05 am

I find this site extremely helpful when it to finding out about new adventures and also with figuring out what to do in a city.

February 16, 2022 at 9:09 pm

32 years in Alberta, Canada, and counting… and yet still so many things to do. Thank you for travel ideas. Going to Abraham Lake soon, soooo exciting

February 19, 2022 at 7:50 am

Thanks for the info! A good reminder that there are great things to check out close to home.

February 19, 2022 at 8:30 pm

Thanks for all the great tips! Last trip through 3 years ago, hubby planned a very tight itinerary and the line ups and wait times were long, so we didn’t see many of the top attractions. Our next trip west is being planned by myself, with much more time to explore.

February 20, 2022 at 6:10 am

This was such an amazing post, I’m taking my boyfriend to Alberta for his birthday in October and now we have a whole list of things to do.

February 20, 2022 at 2:30 pm

Such a beautiful province!

February 21, 2022 at 12:37 pm

The hot springs are on my bucket list

March 10, 2022 at 11:13 am

A great list with some things I didn’t know about!

March 10, 2022 at 4:30 pm

Alberta is a beautiful diverse province. I love travelling here.

March 10, 2022 at 5:19 pm

We are going to Canmore in a few weeks and I can’t wait!!!

March 11, 2022 at 7:29 am

Can’t wait to visit Alberta again

March 12, 2022 at 9:25 am

So many things to do in Alberta.

March 12, 2022 at 9:53 am

Looking forward to visiting Alberta again.

March 13, 2022 at 6:08 pm

Good description of a beautiful province! I didn’t know Winsport had a zip line, looks fun!

March 14, 2022 at 2:37 pm

I am from Alberta and still have so many places to explore yet.

March 16, 2022 at 7:44 am

Don’t forget all the top rated restaurants. Edmonton is foodie heaven!

March 18, 2022 at 7:23 pm

Thanks for the great suggestions within my own backyard!

March 20, 2022 at 12:51 am

Thank you for the great suggestions

March 22, 2022 at 10:51 am

It’s mind boggling how many places you two have gone. You’ve seen more than many see in a lifetime. More than many put together see in their lifetimes!

March 22, 2022 at 11:42 am

Thanks, Robin. It is pretty crazy when we stop to think about it

May 4, 2022 at 9:47 pm

Time to make a list!

May 5, 2022 at 6:16 am

We have done a 4000km tour with a Campervan accross Alberta parks, just fantastic.

May 5, 2022 at 9:51 am

So cool! ! Thank you for all your advises 😁

May 6, 2022 at 8:09 am

Waterton is our favourite place to go in the summer. Heritage Park is also an awesome place to visit for a day! We are planning on visiting the charmed playhouse guest houses this summer as well.

May 7, 2022 at 7:41 pm

So helpful. Looking to try some of these this summer.

May 16, 2022 at 1:28 pm

Horseshoe and Horsethief Canyon are great hidden gems and wonderful alternatives to the lakes and mountains. Thank you!

May 16, 2022 at 7:21 pm

I used a ton of your suggestions for a stellar summer in 2021. Can’t wait to plan 2022 with you!

May 17, 2022 at 8:14 pm

That’s awesome! Where did you go?

May 17, 2022 at 12:55 am

My home away from home is Alberta. So much to do. Thank you for featuring this article.

May 18, 2022 at 8:57 am

Wow I would love to come visit Alberta. !! Never been to a rodeo and The Calgary stampede would be so much fun. Also would love the Calgary Zoo. So many things to do and I also have a friend who I could visit while visiting. Keeping my fingers crossed to come one day soon!!

May 19, 2022 at 3:04 pm

I definitely need to do more of these on the list!

May 20, 2022 at 7:59 am

Thanks for the info!

May 20, 2022 at 8:19 am

Alberta is always worth a visit. So many beautiful sights to see… thank you for sharing those spots with us…

May 20, 2022 at 2:41 pm

Hoping to go to banff beginning of July, unless gas goes to and above $2.00 a litre. Just wish I knew where to find this arched wooded foot bridge with the bluest water I’ve ever seen. Have seen picture people have taken there but couldn’t find this place 5 years ago

May 20, 2022 at 2:52 pm

hmm is it right in the town of BanfF?

May 21, 2022 at 9:07 pm

Thanks for the great ideas! Can’t wait to float down The Bow this Summer!

May 23, 2022 at 9:44 pm

You need to add Abraham Lake, just outside of Nordegg. It is sooo beautiful in the summer and such blue water!! And in the winter, it actually freezes clear!!! So whenever you go…I TS very cool to see! Thank you for all the suggested places!

May 24, 2022 at 5:14 am

Great ideas! Can’t wait to try these this summer

May 24, 2022 at 2:12 pm

Definitely need to visit the mountains around Banff and surrounding areas! Great article here!

May 25, 2022 at 11:04 am

Good reminder of things that are right in our backyard for us locals 🙂

May 26, 2022 at 2:19 pm

It’s great to have an amazing list of places to explore

May 26, 2022 at 7:19 pm

Took my Manitoba friend and her daughter to Banff the other day while she was visiting and we had an amazing time!

May 27, 2022 at 11:34 am

Love Alberta, thanks for the ideas

May 27, 2022 at 6:34 pm

Great Staycation

May 27, 2022 at 11:40 pm

I definitely agree with what others have said regarding Waterton. The park is beautiful with new growth following the fire. And so close for those living anywhere in southern Alberta. Well worth the short drive there

May 29, 2022 at 1:38 pm

Alberta is amazing I moved here 14 years ago from Ontario and haven’t thought about moving back!!

May 29, 2022 at 9:19 pm

Great list! Thank you

May 30, 2022 at 9:48 am

Looking forward to visiting some soon!

May 30, 2022 at 10:38 am

Thank you for posting these! Definitely help us with our long drive!😊

June 1, 2022 at 8:55 am

Thank-you!!!!

June 1, 2022 at 9:52 pm

Thank you for posting these. Lots of great places to see in Alberta.

June 2, 2022 at 5:55 am

Thank you for summer travel ideas.

June 3, 2022 at 2:29 pm

Excited to try some of these this summer

June 3, 2022 at 11:11 pm

Nice to see all the things we can do in our own backyard!

June 5, 2022 at 7:57 am

That’s for the list!!

June 5, 2022 at 2:11 pm

So much to do in Alberta!

June 5, 2022 at 5:28 pm

Love Alberta and all it has to offer

June 6, 2022 at 9:51 am

Great list, there lots to do north of Edmonton and Jasper as well!

June 7, 2022 at 7:35 am

Great content. I am Alberta born and raised and still have lots of local exploring to do. Thanks for the amazing tips.

June 7, 2022 at 9:00 am

Wow so much to do’

June 7, 2022 at 8:28 pm

Great list! Lived here for over 50 years and you’ve created a wonderful list of the top hits. Hope maybe you’ll follow up with some ‘hidden gems.’ 😉

June 8, 2022 at 10:47 am

We will! Any you recommend?

June 8, 2022 at 9:34 am

I love living in Alberta! We just did a weekend trip south, Rowley, Torrington and Drumheller, absolutely beautiful!

June 8, 2022 at 9:38 am

Does anyone know if the kananaskiss pass and the parks Canada pass will be amalgamated at some point?

June 8, 2022 at 10:46 am

Unlikely as one is provincial and one is federal.

June 9, 2022 at 7:59 am

Thank you for a comprehensive list!! Will check off some places this summer. But Waterton lakes national park is also a mustvisit destination of Alberta.

June 9, 2022 at 11:09 am

Excellent information! Huge thanks!

June 10, 2022 at 1:18 pm

Loved this!

June 10, 2022 at 8:02 pm

Love this! Thanks for the great ideas!

June 12, 2022 at 8:00 am

Great list!!!

June 12, 2022 at 5:16 pm

So many great tips here!!! We’re definitely making use of this to plan our trip to Edmonton. Thank you!!!!

August 24, 2022 at 8:07 am

I Have lived here all my life, and this is a great reminder of why Alberta rocks!!!

August 24, 2022 at 6:35 pm

Very comprehensive! Thanks for the info!

August 25, 2022 at 8:34 am

Love the photos of the beautiful parks and cities in Alberta!

August 26, 2022 at 9:03 am

Thank you for this. i am going to Alberta for the first time Sept 3 – Now I am going to book another trip next year to do more of these

September 4, 2022 at 1:03 pm

We had a great road trip to Alberta this summer. We did a number of the ideas you suggested. Thanks for this!

September 5, 2022 at 7:59 pm

We are very fortunate to have so many things to do in Alberta. Great list.

September 12, 2022 at 8:01 pm

I’ve lived in Alberta my whole life and there are still so many things I haven’t done yet.

September 13, 2022 at 12:16 pm

Great article yes we have so many great things to do and see in AB.

[…] Between beautifully restored carriages, an education in carriages and history, as well as their horse stables, I can see why the Remington Carriage Museum has become such a big attraction in Southern Alberta. […]

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31 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Alberta

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: November 22, 2023

Alberta is Canada’s most beautiful province. I may be biased since I was born in Alberta and have returned countless times but it’s hard to compete with the Rocky Mountains, the badlands, and the glistening glacier lakes. So since we love visiting Alberta so much, we want to share the most beautiful places to visit in Alberta to let you be the judge. Home to the Canadian Rockies, Alberta boasts five national parks with some of the best scenery in Western Canada. If you are planning a trip to Alberta, don’t miss these beautiful places.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Alberta

We have traveled a lot of Alberta during every season and can honestly say, it is an amazing year-round destination and one of the most beautiful places in the world! Whether you visit Alberta in winter, summer, spring, or fall, you are going to be stunned by its natural beauty.

The best way to get around Alberta is by car. You’ll want to be able to stop at the scenic views, hiking trails, and attractions throughout the province. You can pick up your car rental at the Calgary Airport and set off for the adventure of a lifetime. Check prices here.

There are so many iconic places to see in Alberta, it can be difficult knowing where to start, but we are here to help. These are the most beautiful places in Alberta that we have visited with pictures to prove it! Let’s get started.

1. Banff National Park

Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and has attracted visitors since 1885. Located in the middle of the Rocky Mountains there are incredible views, glacier lakes, and backcountry adventures to be had. When you set your eyes upon Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier regally reflecting into its turquoise waters you can’t help but gasp in awe at the scene of one of the most beautiful places in Canada.

Banff National Park is vast with towering mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies, turquoise lakes (besides Lake Louise), and alpine meadows. The park is also home to numerous waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise. So, before we move away from Banff National Park, let’s take a look at all of the top attractions in the area, because they just so happen to be the best places to visit in Alberta as well.

• 12 Best Hikes in Banff National Park
• Where to Stay in Banff
• The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta

2. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Alberta. A true Canadian bucket list activity is to rent a canoe and head out onto the lake. You can stay in Lake Louise Village which has plenty of shops and restaurants or you can stay at the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise for pure luxury and decadence.

Where to Stay in Lake Louise:

• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel is located directly on Lake Louise
• Deer Lodge – Located right next door to the Fairmont

Lake Louise in Winter

It is also one of the best places in Alberta to visit in Winter. Lake Louise Ski Resort is a world-class resort that hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics. In the winter there are endless adventures to be had at Lake Louise Ski Resort and beyond the ski hill from cross-country skiing, dog sledding , skijoring, pond hockey, and snowshoeing.

In the winter Lake Louise freezes over making for the most beautiful outdoor skating rink settings on earth. Now is your chance to ice skate at one of Canada’s most iconic destinations.

• Canoe Lake Louise
• Good Old Hockey Game on Lake Louise

In the summer, Lake Louise is astounding with hiking trails taking you out to Victoria Glacier and beyond. A popular hike is the Lake Agnes Tea House Trek, where you hike 3.5km (2.2 miles) to the historic tea house. Lake Agnes Tea House has been in operation since 1905 and has a charming rustic ambiance, with seating both inside and outside on the deck overlooking Lake Agnes.

This is one of the most popular hikes in the national park, so it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure a spot at the tea house. After enjoying your tea and snacks at the tea house, you can either retrace your steps back to Lake Louise along this popular hike or continue on to the Little Beehive or Big Beehive trails for more stunning views of the area.

3. Moraine Lake

No visit to Lake Louise would be complete without hiking out to Moraine Lake. It unforgettable scene is featured on the back of our old Canadian $20 bill and has been attracting outdoor lovers for decades.

Moraine Lake is not far from Lake Louise and is just an hour’s drive from the town of Banff. The best time to visit Moraine Lake is definitely at sunrise. When the sun hits the Valley of the Ten Peaks and reflects off of the mirror-like lake you know why this is one of the most photographed locations in North America.

Note that there has been a change in rules for 2023 and accessing Moraine Lake for sunrise is no longer possible via the Parks Canada Shuttle. You will have to find a tour that has access to do this. If you ride a bike or take an organized tour you can still visit Lake Moraine for sunrise.

The Moraine Lake Shoreline hike gives you a shot of ten towering peaks side-by-side, including Mount Tuzo, Mount Bowlen, and Wenkchemna Peak. This is the famous “Twenty Dollar View.” Read more:  16 Best Banff Hikes To Discover

4. Banff Hot Springs

It was the Banff Hot Springs that first attracted tourists to the national park and when visiting Banff you must take a day to spend in these iconic waters. The hot springs were first discovered by workers on the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883.

This is one of the most stunning locations of any hot spring surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. The water temperature ranges from 37°C to 40°C (98°F to 104°F), making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

The Banff Upper Hot Springs is the most popular and accessible in Banff National Park making it an easy place to visit. The facility includes a large outdoor pool that is open year-round. In fact, the best time to visit is in winter when the mountains are covered with snow. There are indoor change rooms where you can rent an old-timers bathing suit if you don’t have your own, plus a café. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and other items.

5. Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park stretching over 21 kilometers (13 miles) in length and reaching depths of up to 142 meters (466 feet). Like so many of the lakes in the park, it is surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.

The name “Minnewanka” comes from the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people, meaning “Water of the Spirits” and there are plenty of things to do in the area. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Minnewanka Loop, which offers several viewpoints and stops for hiking trails and picnic areas.

We highly recommend taking one of its boat tours during the summer months. The guides are filled with knowledge and you’ll learn about the legend of the Mermen that lived in Lake Minnewanka. In the winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a popular spot for ice fishing and cross-country skiing. We have visited it in both winter and summer and each season is beautiful.

6. Castle Mountain

One of the most recognizable Massifs is Castle Mountain. Located between Banff Town and Lake Louise, its distinctive shape resembles a castle. (hence its name). The area offers opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. For those without alpine skills, the mountain can be viewed from the Trans Canada Highway at Castle Junction.

Where to stay in Banff:

• Mount Royal Hotel – Located downtown and within walking distance of everything
• Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – The original Grand Dame of Banff.

7. Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway links Banff and Jasper national parks and is one of the most beautiful drives on earth. It truly is one of the greatest road trips in the world. There are so many things to see along Icefields parkway you’ll want to take a couple of days to explore it. Don’t miss stopping at the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefields which is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world and take in the view of the surrounding mountains at the Icefields Skywalk.

You can read more at Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta but we are also going to highlight some of the top outdoor activities and viewpoints along this iconic route.

8. Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefields Skywalk has quickly become the most epic viewpoint in Alberta. Just a short drive from the Columbia Icefield visitor center the Skywalk is a must-see attraction. The glass-bottomed walkway over the Columbia Icefields dangles 280m (918 feet) above the canyon surrounded by glaciers and mountains creating an awesome view!

The Columbia Icefield is a great stop about halfway between Banff and Jasper town and here you can go to the museum, grab some lunch (food is expensive though so be prepared), and take in the views of the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. You can book tours here as well.

9. Athabasca Glacier

You can view the glacier from the visitor center, but you can also book a tour to get out onto it. If you don’t want to book a tour, you can walk out on some trails for a closer view of the glacier. But don’t go off the trail and never venture out onto the glacier alone without a guide. It is dangerous and can be deadly, this is the scariest glacier we’ve ever been on with deep crevasses and we followed our guide’s instructions to a tea.

Book this Columbia Icefield Half Day Tour here from Jasper. It includes transportation from Jasper, photo stops at Athabasca Falls and Stutfield Glacier, Ice Cat tour of the Athabasca Glacier, and the Icefield Skywalk with lunch!

10. Bow Lake

There are countless pullovers and viewpoints on the Icefields Parkway to see iconic Alberta lakes such as Peyto Lake, and the stunning reflections of Bow Lake. Located at the foot of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake has the most beautiful lake reflection in all of Alberta. You can hike around the lake or pause to stay at Num ti Jaw Lodge located directly on Bow Lake. It’s a great place to make a base.

11. Peyto Lake

There are so many lakes along the Icefields Parkway to stop and take in the views. From Two Jack Lake to Peyto Lake which we have decided to feature. Why? Because, Peyto Lake is a stunning glacier-fed lake that is is known for its vibrant blue-green color, which is caused by the rock flour (fine sediment) that is carried into the lake by melting glaciers.

It has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, there are several hiking trails with The Bow Summit Trail being a popular stop. Make sure to keep an eye out for elk, moose deer, and even bears. Peyto Lake is easily accessible from the nearby Icefields Parkway, making it one of the most popular tops for people traveling from Banff to Jasper National Park.

Where to Stay on the Icefields Parkway

Num Ti Jah Lodge is a historic Lodge located directly on Bow Lake. It is one of the most unique places to stay in Alberta and is located on the Glacier Parkway, it makes for a great place to make a base while exploring both Banff and Jasper National Parks if you don’t mind the drive.

12. Jasper National Park

After you’ve driven the Icefields Parkway, Jasper National Park is your next stop and is a place you cannot miss visiting in Alberta. It is as beautiful as Banff National Park if you can believe it! In fact, we like Jasper National Park better than banff because it is less crowded and more rustic.

There are so many places to see in Jasper National Park that you need to spend a few days up here. It has an abundance of wildlife from grizzly bears to mountain goats, you can see the aurora borealis and waterfalls. Plus, like so many other places in Alberta, there are hiking trails, turquoise lakes, and canyons. Read more: Amazing Things to do in Jasper, Alberta

13. Northern Lights at Lake Annette

You can see the northern lights all over Alberta but Jasper is known for its dark sky festival and it is one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis in Alberta. Winter is the best time to view the dark skies because the days or shorter and you have long dark nights to see the stars twinkle in the sky.

We made our way out to Lake Annette from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in the wee hours of the morning and saw the most extraordinary display of northern lights reflecting in the still waters. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the best place to stay in Jasper with beautiful views of Lac Beauvert and options to stay in log cabins, huge lake houses, and main building hotel rooms.

14. Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is a gorgeous river canyon walk that plunges 50 meters (154 feet) into the earth. Maligne Canyon is located just 15 minutes from downtown Jasper along the 46 km (miles) Maligne Lake Drive. This stop is one of the most popular places to visit in Jasper and for good reason. It is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park and there are beautiful hiking trails along the canyon offering extraordinary views. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds!

In the summer it is a great place for a hike to see the waterfalls cascading down the canyon, but in the winter it turns into a wonderland with frozen waterfalls filling the scene. You can book ice walk tours to see the frozen waterfalls and ice caves.

15. Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is one of the most visited places in Jasper National Park. There are hiking trails and scenic lookouts but the top thing to do here is to take a boat cruise to Spirit Island for a picture-perfect photo opportunity.

Also, this will give you enough time to drive out to Maligne Lake. It is the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada

Where to Stay in Jasper National Park

Other highlights of Jasper include taking a food tour of Jasper Town, a visit to Pyramid Lake at sunrise, a hike to Sunwapta Falls, and stopping to view the gorgeous Athabasca Falls. Check out: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada

16. Alberta Badlands

The Alberta Badlands are a stark contrast to the Rocky Mountains region. The lunar-like landscape is filled with unique places to see in Alberta. There are also some beautiful scenic lookouts like Horse Thief Canyon and Horseshoe Canyon. The Hoodoos of Drumheller is not to be missed. Read more: Things to do in Drumheller, Alberta

17. Hoodoos of Drumheller

These ancient hoodoo rock formations are a tiny cluster on the side of the road as you drive from Dinosaur Provincial Park to Drumheller. The hoodoos were formed over hundreds of years through erosion from freezing, frost, melt and wind.

Over time, the sandstone eroded into long chimney-like formations that remain standing because the hard rock “hat” keeps it from completely eroding away. They are one of the most unique places in Alberta. If you want to know more, check out our post at The Hoodoos of Drumheller

Where to stay in the Alberta Badlands

• Dinosaur Provincial Park Glamping and Campground
• Heartwood Inn and Spa

18. Royal Tyrrell Museum

Located in the town of Drumheller, The Royal Tyrrell Museum is one of the best dinosaur museums in the world. We could have spent hours enjoying its displays. In fact, it houses the largest and most diverse collection of fossils in the world, with over 160,000 specimens on display. Visitors can see everything from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to ancient marine creatures and prehistoric plants.

19. Dinosaur Provincial Park

While driving along the dinosaur trail, you cannot miss taking a tour of Dinosaur Provincial Park. Not only is is absolutely beautiful, but it is also one of the most fossil-rich destinations on the planet and you can see real fossils that have been dug from excavations.

The Centrosaurus Quarry Hike is the best way to see this huge concentration of dinosaur fossils. This was an actual excavation site, but scientists got all they needed from there and left the rest for us to see. It’s an interactive tour and the guide tests your knowledge as you try to remember everything you learned in school about dinosaurs. You can book tours at the park visitor center. Read more: A Visit to Dinosaur Provincial Park

20. Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park (also known as Waterton – Glacier International Peace Park) is an amazing place to visit in Alberta. It is located on the United States border and shares its land with Glacier National Park.

Together they are the only national parks in the world that are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve rolled all in one. You can see a herd of wild buffalo, red rocks canyon, and the Prince Albert Hotel. Plan your visit: The Wonders of Waterton Lakes National Park

Where to Stay in Waterton Lakes National Park

• Prince of Wales Hotel is a National Historic Site that stands in the center of Waterton National Park. It is one of the most recognizable scenes from the park and is the perfect luxury escape. Check out the best places to visit in Wales

21. Pincher Creek – Southern Alberta

Pincher Creek is a small town in Southern Alberta that is a great jumping-off point for Waterton Lakes National Park which is about one hour away.

It is a place where the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains and it is an absolutely beautiful setting. Wind farms line the plains with stark mountains filling in the backdrop and cattle graze in the fields and giant bales of hay dot the landscape. It is the Quintessential  Alberta travel  destination. It’s a great place to make a base to explore Crowsnest Pass for a few days. Check out all the attractions at The Many Sights of Pincher Creek .

22. Burmis Tree

When I saw The Burmis Tree in photographs, I had to make sure I put it at the top of my list of places to visit in Alberta. Located at Crowsnest Pass (Another must-visit place in Alberta) the Burmis Tree is estimated to be 600 to 750 years old. It is an ominous sight,

23. Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump

Located just 15 minutes from Fort MacLeod is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump. Dating back 6000 years, the early Aboriginal peoples would lure herds of buffalo over the edge of a cliff. Read: Famous Canada Landmarks to add to your bucket list

24. Calgary

Calgary is Alberta’s largest city and no visit to Alberta would be complete without spending at least two days in the city. It is home to the annual Calgary Stampede but there is so much more to do than just watch chuck wagon races and bull riding. Calgary hosted the 1988 Olympics and just outside the city is Canada Olympic Park where you can enjoy countless outdoor activities in both winter and summer. Read more: Canada Olympic Park – Fun in Calgary Alberta

There are so many things to do in Calgary we recommend spending a couple of days. Located on the Bow River, Calgary has plenty of outdoor attractions, but it is also a chic urban destination with a fantastic food scene. Read more: 21 Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta

25. Calgary Tower

As shown above, we have an entire article dedicated to all the things to do in Calgary , but we do need to touch on at least one of its top attractions. When you visit Calgary, the first place you should go is up the Calgary Tower is one of the most recognizable structures in the city, and going up the tower is as much a part of the city as the CN Tower is to Toronto.

Upon completion in 1968, the Calgary Tower was the tallest building in Calgary. Although it was dethroned in 1984, the tower still offers visitors some of the best views in Calgary.

We have an entire article dedicated the Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta

Where to stay in Calgary:

• Le Germain Hotel
• Delta Hotels by Marriott
• Westin Calgary

26. Canmore

We can’t write about all the places to visit in Alberta without mentioning Canmore. This former coal mining town is now an outdoor lover’s playground. Located between Calgary and Banff, it has heaps of hiking, biking, and snowshoe trails as well as fantastic viewpoints of the Three Sisters. It’s a great spot for rock climbing in the summer and ice climbing in the winter.

The Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary is not to be missed and make sure to do some climbing to take in the birds-eye views. Read more: The Best Things to do in Canmore, Alberta

27. Johnston Canyon

The scenic Johnston Canyon Icewalk is as beautiful (if not more) in the winter as it is in the summer. In the winter it is filled with frozen waterfalls. The sub-zero chill freezes the canyons, caves, and crevasses making for the bost beautiful scene. Ice climbers climb the glistening canyon walls while the rest of us can take the ice walk to explore ice caves and marvel at the frozen waterfalls. Read more:  The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta

Where to Stay in Canmore

• Stoneridge Mountain Resort

28. Kananaskis

People often overlook Kananaskis for Banff or Jasper but it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Alberta with just as stunning views. Located between Calgary and Banff, it is a great weekend getaway destination. Be sure to go to the spa at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

29. Edmonton

Edmonton is often overlooked when visiting Alberta, but it is a funky town that has one of the youngest populations in Canada making for a trendy and happening city to visit! If you love spending time outdoors admiring wildlife this is a great jumping-off point to visit Jasper National Park, but it also has a great food scene, and plenty of festivals, in fact, Edmonton hosts the second-largest Fringe Festival in the world.

In Edmonton, you’ll discover a vibrant, cosmopolitan city surrounded by wilderness.  Check it out at: The Best Things to do in Edmonton, Alberta

30. West Edmonton Mall

The West Edmonton Mall is a top draw with everything inside you can imagine. It is the size of a small city and makes for a great year-round destination. I sometimes feel that people visit Edmonton simply to see this mall.

West Edmonton Mall is one of the largest malls in the world, covering an area of approximately 5.3 million square feet. Besides shopping, it has an indoor amusement park, mini golf, ice skating, a bowling alley, a movie theatre, and an aquarium.

The mall even has two hotels including the Fantasyland Hotel, which features rooms with unique themes such as the Polynesian Room and the Hollywood Room, and the West Edmonton Mall Inn.

31. Cowboy Trail

Southern Alberta is often overlooked with planning a trip to the province, but it should be high on your list. This is the Rocky Mountains meet the prairies. It is cowboy country is huge ranches and horses. It was where the buffalo roamed and the cattle graze-free. One of the best things to do here is to book a night at a ranch and go on a trail ride to explore the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.

The Cowboy Trail is an outstanding Alberta road trip from Calgary to the Rocky Mountains, into the prairies, and out of the Badlands. It was one of the  best road trips  we’ve ever taken and we want to give you your own itinerary to follow when you make your way to Canada’s most beautiful province. We have an entire itinerary for this loop and we will leave you here to read more about The Cowboy Trail – A Southern Alberta Road Trip

How to Get to Alberta, Canada

Alberta is located in Western Canada bordered by the provinces of British Columbia to the West, Saskatchewan to the East, and south of The Northwest Territories. It is located on the American Border at Montana.

The easiest way to get to Alberta is by air. The province has two international airports: Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Calgary International Airport (YYC). Many major airlines offer direct flights to these airports from cities around the world. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi, shuttle, or public transit to your destination. We highly recommend renting a car.

If you are traveling from within Canada or the United States, driving is another option. Alberta is accessible by several highways, including the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), which runs east-west through the province. You can enter the province from British Columbia to the west or Saskatchewan to the east.

By Bus: Greyhound Canada provides bus service to various cities in Alberta from other Canadian provinces and some American cities. Other bus companies also offer services within the province. Both Dave and I have taken the bus across Canada through Alberta and let me tell you, it is an adventure.

By Train: Via Rail provides train service to various cities in Alberta, including Edmonton and Jasper, from other Canadian provinces. We’ve taken the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff and it is a ver popular option. The scenic train ride through the Canadian Rockies that stops in Banff and Jasper.

Travel times and distances in Alberta can be significant so make sure to plan ahead and decide wheter the bus, train or car rental is right for you.

Alberta truly is a dream destination. With countless photo opportunities and adventures to be had, it’s one of the greatest places in Canada to visit. So get in your car and start that Alberta road trip today!

Read More Alberta Travel Planning:

• The 52 Best Things to do in Alberta, Canada – The Ultimate Guide
• Discover Banff Canada – 24 Photos Inspire Wanderlust
• The Rocky Mountaineer Experience – Vancouver to Banff
• The Best Things to do in Banff
• A Spectacular Helicopter Tour in Banff
• The Best place to go Dog Sledding in Banff National Park
• Ice Climbing in Banff – The Ultimate Winter Adventure

Travel Planning Resources

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

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

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:

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

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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7 thoughts on “31 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Alberta”

Great article! Love the pictures and the thoroughness. Well done.

I own a local guiding company based in Crowsnest Pass and Waterton, and would be excited to show you around if you’re in the area. 🙂

Oh my God! Do such places really exist on earth and this is not photoshop? I can’t believe it… It’s a shock.

I love this guide to all these stunning spots in Alberta! I had no idea Canada had spots like the Alberta Badlands. I can’t wait to make this road trip to see all of Alberta’s beauty in the future. Thanks for sharing!

First off, the photos look astoundingly surreal and out of this world! It’s like the sceneries were only captured to be viewed on a movie screen! The beautiful art of nature plus great photography equals these masterpieces! Thank you for sharing these beautiful places with us even though it’s only through virtual but you made us inspired and motivated to work our asses off to even just visit this place!

Thanks for featuring my province and my hometown of Edmonton! Jasper, Canmore and Banff are my happy places! Truly blessed to have these beautiful and sacred places close to home! Edmonton is finally emerging as a happening place! Great food, theatre, music, shopping and variety of festivals throughout the year!

Wish to visit each one of them some day. Loved Canmore more…

Beautiful, love to visit these places soon.

Alberta Tourism Information

Why visit alberta.

Alberta , the largest of Canada’s three  prairie provinces , contains a large portion of the Rocky Mountains and most tourism to the province centers around visiting the beautiful parks that surround them. The province’s two main cities, Calgary and Edmonton , are Canada’s largest outside the Toronto-Montreal-Vancouver axis, though they’re much less popular as tourist destinations. The larger city, Calgary, is generally acknowledged to contain more to see and do, though Edmonton contains a few famous attractions, as well.

Orientation

Most Albertans live in either Calgary or Edmonton and the cities are about three hours apart, with Calgary in the south and Edmonton in the north. The Rocky Mountain region is on the province’s far west, along the border with British Columbia . Everywhere else is largely rural, home to small farm towns and oil fields.

Lake Louise in Banff National Park. kavram/Shutterstock

The rocky mountain parks.

The most iconic tourist destination in Alberta — and possibly the entire country — is the beautiful Banff National Park and its emerald-green Lake Louise . Containing over 6,000 square kilometers of unspoiled Rocky Mountain scenery, Canada’s most popular outdoor resort is home to virtually every activity you could imagine, with over 1,000 km of hiking trails, a dozen campgrounds, numerous ski hills, a 27-hole golf course , three hot springs, and a wild river (the Kicking Horse ) that’s ideal for white water rafting . There are no shortages of shops, hotels, and restaurants in the village of Banff Town , which is usually packed with tourists.

Three hours north of Banff is Jasper National Park , which is broadly similar to Banff in terms of natural beauty, but is harder to get to, has fewer activities and is thus slightly less popular. Some prefer its more laid-back vibe. Even more laid-back are the smaller-still mountain communities of Canmore Kananaskis , which is near Banff, and Waterton Lakes National Park which is in Alberta’s most south-west corner. All of the Rocky Mountain parks are a couple hours from the two big cities. Banff, Canmore, and Waterton are closer to Calgary while Jasper is closer to Edmonton.

Calgary's Peace Bridge, over the Bow River that divides the city. Its eccentric design, though controversial at first, has now become an icon of the city.

Calgary Tourism

The largest city in Alberta.

Calgary is split in half by the Bow River , which has a pleasant coastline for walking and in the summer is popular for “floating” — what locals call riding in inner tubes. The river is crossed by multiple bridges, with the recently-completed Peace Bridge the most architecturally interesting.

The 160 meter tall  Calgary Tower is the city’s most famous landmark, and like most buildings of its sort, it contains a rotating restaurant and observation deck at the top. It’s no longer the tallest building in Calgary, however — that honor goes to the uniquely curved Bow Building , recognizable from afar with its criss-cross design. Equally iconic is the sloping roof of the Scotiabank Saddledome , home of the city’s NHL team, as well as other sports events and concerts.

Within walking distance of downtown is the massive Calgary Zoo which encompasses over 159 hectares and houses a vast assortment of Canadian and foreign animals, as well as exhibits on Alberta’s dinosaur-filled past.

Calgary postcards often feature pictures of the Ski Jump Towers , a relic of the 1988 Olympics found on the edge of the city limits. The surrounding  Olympic Park  is now run by a company named WinSport that offers a variety of public activities, including a Zipline and bobsled.

• Official Website, Tourism Calgary
• The Top 10 Things to Do in Calgary, TripAdviso r

" Wonderland ," a sculpture by famed Spanish artist Jaume Plensaat (b. 1955) at the base of downtown Calgary's Bow Building.

Museums and Galleries

The Glenbow Museum is Alberta’s largest museum, featuring an extensive history of the province from aboriginal times to the present, as well as contemporary artwork and traveling exhibits from around the world.

Spanning over 127 acres, Heritage Park Historical Village is a vast village of antique buildings containing re-creations of Canadian life from the Victorian era to the 1950s, complete with costumed actors.

Shopping and Restaurants

8th Ave SE, better known as Stephen Ave (Calgary streets often have two names) is the primary shopping district. Closed to car traffic in the summer and weekends, it contains a vast array of shops, restaurants, and vendors, many of which are housed in iconic Victorian-era sandstone buildings. An enormous shopping mall known as the CORE runs parallel to a portion of 8th, and contains most major retail chains, as well as a large indoor park, the Devonian Gardens , on the top floor.

Many blocks away, 17th Ave SW, also known as the Red Mile , is the other trendy shopping area, but is better known for its bars and restaurants. A 15 minute drive from the downtown core is the city’s largest mall, the Chinook Centre , which has everything the CORE doesn’t.

The Red Mile is Calgary’s iconic drinking and party zone, named after the color of Calgary’s hockey team, the Flames, which appears in considerable abundance on game nights. The Mile is home to many of the city’s oldest and most iconic bars and lounges.

Chuckwagon races at the 2016 Stampede. Bill Marsh/Calgary Stampede

A T-Rex skeleton display at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller.

The Calgary Stampede is Canada’s biggest party, and takes over much of the city for 10 days every July. Though the 100-year-old festival is officially supposed to revolve around watching traditional cowboy sports like bronco riding and steer wrestling, the modern-day Stampede has grown to offer something for everyone, including live concerts, carnival rides, shopping, and plenty of hot, greasy food.

Spectator Spots

Calgary has an NHL team, the Calgary Flames who play in the Scotiabank Saddledome  and a CFL team, the Calgary Stampeders , who play in the  McMahon Stadium .

Outside Calgary

An hour and a half from Calgary, the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller houses a vast collection of exhibits on life in prehistoric Canada, including an array of dinosaur skeletons uncovered from the Alberta badlands. The bizarre landscape of the  badlands themselves, which surround the museum, are fun to explore as well.

The skyline of Edmonton on the base of the Saskatchewan River .

Edmonton Tourism

Alberta’s second-biggest city and provincial capital.

Edmonton is split in half by the North Saskatchewan River and ample parklands surround the coasts. The downtown area is located on the north side.

The city’s most iconic building is the enormous sandstone structure that houses the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and four glass pyramids on the south side of the river that house the Muttart Conservatory , a massive indoor garden and museum. An equally grand glass pyramid can be found on the roof of the distinctive City Hall building. Surrounding city hall is Sir Winston Churchill Square , a large public plaza.

The gigantic Hotel Macdonald is Edmonton’s fanciest hotel, and the city’s most prominent example of Victorian-era architecture. Outside of downtown, the neighborhood of Old Strathcona contains most other historic buildings of note.

• Official Website, Tourism Edmonton
• The Top 10 Things to Do in Edmonton, TripAdvisor

The World Waterpark at the West Edmonton Mall. Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock

Edmonton City Hall and the Friendship Tower clock.

Most of Edmonton’s shops and restaurants are concentrated around the long Jasper Ave. (also known as 101st Ave) which runs through the downtown core, and the Old Strathcona neighborhood, centered around Whyte Ave (also known as 82nd Ave), which has a more bohemian character.

More than anything else, however, shopping in Edmonton is synonymous with the enormous West Edmonton Mall , which was at one time the largest mall in the world. Though the 1980s-era building is hardly state-of-the-art by today’s standards, its size remains awe-inspiring. It contains over 800 shops and countless other gimmicky attractions, including a roller coaster, a waterpark, a petting zoo, mini-golf, and a re-created 16th Spanish galleon. It’s about a half-hour drive from downtown.

The Art Gallery of Alberta is a wild-looking building containing the province’s largest collection of historic and contemporary art from both Canadian and international artists, with constantly changing exhibits.

Fort Edmonton Park  is an outdoor “living history” museum offering recreated streets and buildings from Edmonton’s past. It’s popular with schoolchildren on field trips.

Spectator sports

Edmonton has an NHL team, the Edmonton Oilers , who play in Rogers Place . Edmonton’s CFL team, the Edmonton Eskimos , play at  the Brick Field  in  Commonwealth Stadium .

Edmonton is unexpectedly home to the world’s third-largest fringe festival , run by a local outfit called  Fringe Theatre Adventures . Held in August, Edmonton Fringe is an 11-day celebration of independent plays, story slams, comedy, magic, busking, and all other forms of public performance. A global assortment of talent stage shows all over town. Ticket prices are quite cheap.

Fan of more conventional performances can check out a play at the  Citadel Theater , or a concert by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at the beautiful Winspear Centre .

Outside Edmonton

As Edmonton is not exactly a major tourist destination unto itself, the surrounding area offers limited appeal for visitors. Parks and campgrounds are the main attractions, primarily Jasper National Park (see above), and to a lesser extent  Elk Island National Park , which, though beautiful, has the dubious distinction of being Alberta’s only national park not recognized as a World Heritage Site by the U.N.

Alberta Tourism Resources

• Alberta Tourism Official Website
• Alberta, Lonely Planet
• Alberta Travel Guide, Fodor's

The top 10 attractions in Alberta

Things to do

Many of the top attractions in Alberta are a testament to the power of nature, from the ancient glaciers that can still be found on top of the Rocky Mountains to the canyons, waterfalls, and lakes formed by their predecessors. But for those of us who prefer a more urban experience, there’s no shortage of impressive attractions in the province’s two major cities.

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Banff National Park External Link Title  is home to two of the most beautiful lakes in the world. First, Moraine Lake is a glacier-fed lake located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Rent a canoe and paddle across the bright blue lake, which gets its stunning colour from the silt brought in by the glacier water. If the weather's nice, pack your camera and enjoy a hike around the lakeside, taking in the incredible peaks that circle Moraine. The more famous of the two lakes is probably picturesque Lake Louise; the turquoise-blue lake sits in front of a range of mountains and the Victoria Glacier, making it serious picture postcard material. You can paddle on the water, walk the trail along its shore, or simply do what tens of thousands of people have done before you -- Instagram the heck out of it! Though it's very close to the city of Calgary, and makes for a great day trip, many people choose to stay nearby at the stunning  Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise External Link Title .

Lake Minnewanka

The biggest lake in Banff National Park,  Lake Minnewanka External Link Title  is 28 kilometres long and you'll need to take an  hour-long boat cruise External Link Title  to see it from every angle. Of course, there are also a number of trails around the glacial lake which provide their own beautiful views of the serene blue-green water. Beyond its natural beauty, Minnewanka is also rich in history, it was named the "Lake of the Spirits" by the First Nations who hunted and lived along its shores as early as 10,000 years ago. The elk, mule deer, mountain goats, and bears that they relied on for sustenance can still be found around the lake today.

Athabasca Falls

Thousands of years ago, a glacier slowly tore through the rocks and formed the canyon that now houses the Athabasca Falls. That same glacier now provides the water which falls 23 metres down this  Jasper National Park External Link Title  waterfall. That may not seem so high, but what it lacks in height it makes up for in sheer power. Take a stroll along the designated paths in the area to safe look-out spots where you can peer into the canyon, feel the spray of water on your face, and see the real force of this natural wonder in action.

Maligne Canyon

In summertime, the 50-metre-deep  Maligne Canyon External Link Title in Jasper National Park, is a sight to behold. It's home to fossils, waterfalls, animals, and leafy plant life. Take a self-guided tour and cross the gorge along four different bridges, each with its own unique view. But you might want to wait until winter; this attraction really becomes otherworldly when the temperature drops below freezing. Strap on sturdy spiked ice cleats to explore the frozen canyon and see if you can keep your jaw from dropping to the floor!

Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure

Once upon a time, the huge mountains of the Canadian Rockies were covered in ice. Some of that ice can still be found in those mountains, and a journey along the  Icefields Parkway External Link Title  brings you right to its front door. More than 100 glaciers sit along this scenic stretch of road between Jasper and Lake Louise, each one more impressive than the last. The star of the show? The Columbia Icefield, which is the largest icefield in the Rockies. To see the icefield in all its glory, take a  Glacier Adventure tour External Link Title . You'll board an Ice Explorer -- a huge vehicle specifically designed to take on the icefield terrain -- and head out onto the Athabasca Glacier. Walk out onto the glacier and see flashes of sparkling blue ice more than 20,000 years old. Then, head out onto the Glacier Skywalk, a cliff-edge walkway with only glass between you and the ground, almost 300 metres below.

Royal Tyrrell Museum

Around 75 million years ago, the town of Drumheller, Alberta, about an hour and a half north east of Calgary, was a hotbed of dinosaur activity. This eventually turned Drumheller into a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils and led to the creation of the  Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology External Link Title . The museum is located in the Canadian Badlands, where it collects, preserves and presents the paleontological (AKA dinosaur) history of the region. With one of the biggest displays of dinosaur skeletons in the world, and over 160,000 individual specimens, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a must-see for both science lovers and fans of Jurassic Park.

National Music Centre

Calgary's  National Music Centre External Link Title , based in Studio Bell, is a national organisation devoted to all things music. This, of course, includes musical performances, which are held in a 300-seat performance space, but it also takes in state-of-the-art studios to record music, the opportunity to study music and music technology, and an exploration of musical education and history--all with the help of over 2,000 artifacts across 22,000 square feet of exhibitions which help tell the stories of music in Canada. In other words, if you love music, the National Music Centre is a place to embrace your passion and find like-minded people to share it with.

Have you ever watched the Olympics and thought to yourself, "I want to try that!" Calgary's  WinSport External Link Title  is your chance to make the dream a reality. WinSport operates Canada Olympic Park, a primary venue for the 1988 Winter Olympics. The site now doubles as a world-class training facility and adventure park, where you can ride the fastest and longest single zipline in North America from the top of a ski jump, or grab a seat in the back of a bobsled and ride the course that made the Jamaican bobsled team famous. Luge, mountain biking, and a climbing wall round out this adrenaline-packed attraction.

Edmonton's River Valley

Edmonton's River Valley External Link Title  is the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America. Its 18,285 acres is 22 times the size of New York's Central Park. Come and explore: the Valley contains 22 major parks, each of which is home to all the outdoor activities and green space you could possibly want. Cycle, walk, jog, snowshoe or ski over 160 kilometres of pathways. For a different perspective, take a Segway tour or head out on the North Saskatchewan River in a canoe, kayak or on a stand up paddle board. Or maybe you'd rather just relax on a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the park? The public barbecues are there to be used. If you enjoy escaping the city for a day surrounded by nature, the Edmonton River Valley is calling your name.

West Edmonton Mall

How many shopping malls can boast they have the world's largest indoor amusement park, largest indoor lake, largest indoor wave pool, a skating rink, and a zoo? Oh, and over 800 shops and 100 eating establishments? Only one. The  West Edmonton Mall External Link Title (at over 5.3 million square feet) is the biggest shopping mall in North America and is the size of a small city. Whether you fancy learning to ice skate, want to play mini-golf, ride a roller coaster or just shop the day away, you're never short on things to see and do at this massive shopping centre. In fact, you could spend an entire weekend in the West Edmonton Mall, and only scratch the surface of what there is to discover.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Alberta

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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12 Best Things to Do in Calgary, Alberta

10 Most Amazing Destinations in Western Canada

12 Best Places to Visit in Canada

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12 Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

12 Most Beautiful Lakes in Canada

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Reader interactions.

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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17 Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Calgary

Written by Chloë Ernst and Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Despite being Alberta's largest city and Canada's oil capital, Calgary has never shaken off its "Cowtown" nickname. It's a reference to the city's long history as the center of a vast cattle-rearing region and is a name that has been of immense value to tourism marketers, conjuring up romantic ideas of cowboys, cattle drives, and an untamed Wild West.

This is why, when you pay a visit to this dynamic city, you'll find many related things to do, from catching the famous Calgary Stampede each July to exploring the city's pioneer-era Heritage Park, an especially fun activity for families.

It's also a particularly stunning place to visit for those who enjoy beautiful vistas, too. Look to the western horizon and the Rocky Mountains appear like an insurmountable barrier rising up from the plains. The proximity of these mountains, with their well-known national parks , makes Calgary an excellent choice for skiing, hiking, or sightseeing vacations.

For those seeking entertainment right in the city itself, there are also plenty of tourist attractions to include on your Calgary itinerary. Walking the city's huge Prince's Island Park and across the iconic Peace Bridge is especially fun at night, either before or after enjoying a great restaurant in the downtown core.

To help you cram as much as possible into your travel itinerary, be sure to read our detailed list of the top attractions and things to do in Calgary, Alberta.

1. Visit during the Calgary Stampede

2. take a day trip to banff & lake louise, 3. take the kids to calgary zoo, 4. learn about calgary's past at heritage park, 5. see the views from calgary tower, 6. winsport: canada olympic park, 7. take a walk to prince's island park, 8. take the train: rocky mountaineer rail journey, 9. visit the glenbow museum, 10. studio bell, home of the national music centre, 11. hike around fish creek provincial park, 12. enjoy the seasons at bowness park, 13. see the planes at the hangar flight museum, 14. visit the home of the mounties at fort calgary, 15. visit the military museums of calgary, 16. tour the stables at spruce meadows, 17. take a seat in the devonian gardens, where to stay in calgary for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in calgary.

The 10-day Calgary Stampede can trace its roots all the way back to the 1880s and is the highlight of Calgary's summer calendar of events. Having cemented the Alberta capital's reputation as Canada's "Stampede City," this famous rodeo is now widely regarded as one of the top attractions in Alberta . It is held each July and includes all kinds of cowboy- and rodeo-style entertainment and exhibitions.

Billed as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," the Calgary Stampede now attracts millions of visitors who join the local population to dress up for the event in blue jeans and brightly colored Stetsons. Highlights of this must-visit event include a huge parade, rodeo competitions, thrilling chuck wagon races, and an authentic First Nations village . Numerous concerts and stage shows are also held here, along with a fun fair, pancake breakfasts, as well as agricultural shows.

Getting to Stampede Park, the festival's permanent home, is easy either by public transit or car, with plenty of parking available. And even if you're here in the off-season, a visit and tour, or possibly taking in a concert, remain one of the top things to do in Calgary.

Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary

Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Canada due to its picture-perfect mountain setting, Banff National Park and the town of Banff make for a perfect day trip from Calgary.

While there are a variety of ways to get from Calgary to Banff , if you prefer to take your time and have the opportunity to stop and see the sites whenever the urge strikes, taking a car (either your own or a rental) may be the best option.

Drivable in under 90 minutes, the route itself is nothing short of spectacular. You'll take in incredible mountain vistas shortly after leaving the city, and they never let up along the way. After passing Canmore , another great place to stop for some sightseeing , you'll enter the park gates to find yourself in the town of Banff, the only community located in the magnificent Banff National Park.

It's a great place to explore either before or after touring the park, and features plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. You'll also find a wide range of first-rate accommodation options in Banff, too.

One of the highlights of your visit, though, will be seeing Lake Louise . Famous for its dazzling turquoise waters framed by stunning snowcapped mountains, the tallest reaching heights of over 3,000 meters, it's the ultimate safe selfie spot, especially with the handsome Fairmont Château Lake Louise in the background. It's also a great place to pause and reflect on the splendor and natural beauty of this beautiful part of the world.

Other fun things to do in Lake Louise include strolling along the lovely lakeshore trail or enjoying a canoe ride. You can also take the Lake Louise Gondola for the chance to enjoy some great views of the lake.

If you find yourself wanting to cram as much as possible into a single day's visit to this beautiful area, you may want to consider joining a fun full-day tour of Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway . Including round-trip travel from Banff, your adventure takes in some of the area's most spectacular scenery in comfort and style, and under the guidance of a professional tour guide. Along the way, you'll take in such sightseeing highlights as spectacular Bow Falls and Moraine Lake.

• Best Hikes in Banff National Park
• Best Hikes at Lake Louise

Tracing its roots back as far as 1917, Calgary Zoo is one of the city's most popular family attractions and Canada's largest and most visited zoological park. Spread across a 120-acre site on St. George's Island in the Bow River, the zoo is home to over 1,000 animals representing some 272 species, including many examples of rare and endangered species.

There are also botanical gardens on the property, which are always fun to visit in spring. Spring's also a good time to visit due to the arrival of newborn animals; check the zoo's website for news and details of its animal residents.

Popular must-see sections include the Land of Lemurs, Destination Africa, and the Canadian Wilds. It's at the latter that you'll enjoy up-close views of fascinating creatures, including grizzly bears and the newest arrivals, a pair of pandas.

Other fun things to do include spending time exploring the six-acre prehistoric park attraction with its full-size replica dinosaurs. For those traveling in winter, be sure to visit the nighttime Zoolights Christmas festival held here each year.

Address: 210 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary, Alberta

Calgary's Heritage Park is a typical village from the pioneering period, with dozens of reconstructed historical buildings and lively costumed interpreters from four different time periods. Along with exhibits and buildings ranging from an 1860 fur-trading fort to a 1930s town square, a highlight of a visit is riding the old steam engine, which provides transport around the park.

There's also a paddlewheel tour boat that offers scenic cruises across the Glenmore Reservoir, which offers plenty of great sightseeing and photo ops. The reservoir is also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as sailing, canoeing, and rowing.

Be sure to allocate a little extra time in your Heritage Village itinerary to visit the Gasoline Alley Museum . This fun attraction is popular for its hands-on, interactive experiences and one-of-a-kind vintage vehicles.

Address: 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary

At the top of the Calgary Tower , a viewing platform with a glass floor and revolving restaurant enables sightseers to enjoy the thrilling sensation of being 191 meters above the city in one of its landmark buildings.

Opened in 1968 and until 1984 the tallest structure in the city, the tower still offers excellent views out over the city and beyond to the mountains. It is particularly beautiful at night, and the tower itself is lit up each evening to stunning effect.

In 1988, the tower's giant torch bore witness to the spirit of the Olympics, and is still lit on special occasions. A fun movie, shown regularly in the building, highlights the construction of the tower.

Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary

In the foothills of the mountains to the west of the city rise the strange-looking towers of WinSport, home to the Calgary Olympic Park . In 1988, this was the primary site for the XV Olympic Winter Games.

Today, the hill is still open to skiing and snowboarding, and there are opportunities to bobsled, zipline, toboggan, snow tube, and mountain bike down the slopes and hills. Indoor ice skating is also available, including professional competitions, casual sessions, and programming for tourists and locals to enjoy.

Guided Ski Jump Tower Tours give a panoramic view of the Calgary skyline from the top of the ski-jump slope. Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is located in the park as well.

Address: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary

Prince's Island Park is a large 50-acre green space located to the north of downtown Calgary. Set on an island in the Bow River, the park is adjacent to Eau Claire Market , and many tourists make a joint visit to these two top attractions.

Connected to the mainland by three pedestrian bridges, the park offers walking and biking areas, as well as outdoor concerts and plays during the summer months. A popular restaurant is located on the island.

Address: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary

The award-winning, luxuriously appointed, and privately owned Rocky Mountaineer rail tour runs between Calgary or Jasper and Vancouver, the company's base, cutting westward on the historic Canadian Pacific line through the soaring mountain wall of the Rockies. At Canmore , providing the weather is good, there is a fine view of the snow-capped Three Sisters, a grouping of mountain peaks that make for a stunning backdrop to your journey.

Soon afterward, the popular resort of Banff is reached. Other highlights in this mountainous section, where peaks top 3,600 meters, are Lake Louise , Kicking Horse Pass , and Rogers Pass . A variety of day trip options are also available, and you can even break your trip up. A popular option for outdoor enthusiasts is to stop over in Banff for a few days of hiking in Banff National Park .

However you choose to tackle this epic rail journey, a word of warning: as one of North America's busiest scenic rail adventures, it's a good idea to plan your excursion well in advance, especially if you have a hankering to ride the first-class GoldLeaf dome car.

Established in 1966, the Glenbow Museum features some rare exhibits illustrating the historical development of Western Canada. The museum travels back in time, exploring the lives of early fur traders and the North West Mounted Police, Métis uprisings under Louis Riel, and the development of the oil industry.

This fascinating art and history museum also hosts temporary exhibitions from around the world. Guided tours and educational programming are also available.

Another good museum to visit is Telus Spark . Perfect for families to explore together, this first-rate science museum features a variety of fascinating interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, as well as lectures and educational workshops.

Address: 130 9 Ave SE, Calgary

Situated in Calgary's East Village area, Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre , opened in its new state-of-the-art facility in 2016. Able to trace its roots back as far as 1987, the huge structure houses a number of music-related attractions, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Collection.

Together, these museums boast an impressive collection of 2,000 music-related artifacts, including numerous old and rare instruments. Among the larger exhibits are a mobile recording studio that once belonged to the Rolling Stones and a piano once owned by Elton John.

The building itself is simply stunning, especially its interior, which features more than 226,000 attractive terra-cotta tiles. In addition to its many exhibits-many of them hands-on and interactive-Studio Bell offers a diverse program of educational events and workshops, daily performances, as well as concerts.

Guided tours are available, along with a fun backstage pass tour that includes time playing some of the instruments you'll see.

Address: 850 4 Street SE, Calgary, Alberta

Canada's second-largest urban park, Fish Creek Provincial Park covers an area of nearly 14 square kilometers. Located in Calgary's far south, this huge green space is popular for its many pleasant walking and hiking trails, which lead through forest areas and along the creek, and some of which connect to other trails that crisscross the city.

Fish Creek Park has been designated a natural area, and as such is perfect for people looking for a taste of nature. It's a popular spot for bird-watching, with some 200 different species identified as living here.

Other fun things to do include fishing, swimming, biking, and participating in an organized nature tour. There are also a number of heritage buildings within the park that are fun to explore, as well as a visitor center and a restaurant.

Address: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary

If there's time left in your Calgary travel itinerary for another park visit, try to also squeeze in Bowness Park . Located in the city's northwest corner, this large 74-acre urban green space is especially popular for families and is a great spot for picnics or barbecues, with fire pits provided.

There's even a fun paddleboat ride in summer. Traveling with kids? They'll want to climb aboard the great little train that's available for kids to enjoy.

Come winter, the fun revolves around skating, as well as a fun new experience called "ice biking" (yes, it's literally a bike on skates!). Other winter activities include hockey, curling, and cross-country skiing. It's an especially nice place to visit in the fall when the leaves change color.

Address: 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary

The Hangar Flight Museum focuses on the history of Canadian aviation and Western Canada in particular. Canadian pilots who fought in WWII started the museum, which has now grown dramatically since to exhibit a variety of aircraft. At last count, 24 planes and helicopters were on display here-simulators, aviation art prints, radio equipment, and information on aviation history.

There's also a fascinating display of artifacts and information related to Canada's space programs. The museum is located in a large building near the Calgary Airport. A variety of programming is also available, including lectures, tours, events, and aircraft-related movie nights.

Address: 4629 McCall Way NE, Calgary

The first outpost of the North West Mounted Police, Fort Calgary was set up in 1875 at the confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers. The foundations of the original fort can still be seen, and the Fort Calgary Museum helps interpret the founding of the city. On the other side of the bridge stands Deane House, built in 1906 for the fort commandant.

Also on-site is a gift shop, which sells souvenirs and RCMP collectibles, and a theater showing related movies. If visiting on a Sunday, arrive early and partake in the facility's popular brunch (reservations recommended).

Address: 750 9th Ave SE, Calgary

The Military Museums of Calgary is an impressive collection of Canadian Forces museums that explore the history of Canada's Navy, Army, and Air Force. Exhibits emphasize interactive experiences, whether it's walking through WWI trenches or steering a ship from a wheelhouse.

A variety of military vehicles are located on-site, including several tanks, and there's also a library that's available for public use. The museum hosts events and lectures throughout the year, and a gift shop is located on-site.

Address: 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary

A world-renowned equestrian facility, Spruce Meadows welcomes visitors throughout the year to tour the stables, watch show jumping and dressage champions in training, and stroll the pleasant grounds.

Outdoor tournaments take place in the spring, with indoor competitions in other seasons. There's also a football stadium located on the 505-acre site, as well as retail vendors and dining options.

Address: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary

On the 4th level of the Core Shopping Centre, visitors will come somewhat unexpectedly upon the floral paradise of Devonian Gardens . Covering about 2.5 acres, the indoor gardens feature some 550 trees, including lovely tropical palms, along with sculptures, fish ponds, fountains, and a 900-square-foot living wall.

About 10,000 plants make up the displays, and despite Calgary's cold winters, they thrive under a glass ceiling. A children's play area is located on-site. The Devonian Gardens are free for the public to wander.

Address: 400 - 317 7 Ave SW, Calgary

The best places to stay when visiting Calgary are in the vibrant downtown area, which is central to many of the major attractions. Staying near the Bow River, which runs right through the city center, will put you near walking trails and lovely parks. Another popular area of downtown is 17th Avenue, with plenty of fun things to do, such as shopping in its trendy shops and dining in its world-class restaurants. Below are some highly rated Calgary hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• The elegant Hotel Le Germain Calgary , located in the central business district, is within walking distance of the Calgary Tower and EPCOR Center for the Performing Arts.
• The modern and conveniently located Hyatt Regency Calgary features rooms with city views, a rooftop sundeck, and an indoor pool, and is connected to the Telus Convention Center.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Right downtown, just a short walk from Prince's Island Park in the Bow River and offering large suites at an affordable price, is the upscale International Hotel.
• The award-winning, boutique Hotel Arts , an easy stroll from the Calgary Tower, has custom contemporary décor in all its rooms.
• South of downtown, but very close to Fish Creek Provincial Park, is the Wingate by Wyndham Calgary . With an indoor pool and waterslide, this hotel is a good choice for families.

Budget Hotels:

• A good downtown budget option is the BEST WESTERN PLUS Suites Downtown , with extra-large rooms that include either a full kitchen or kitchenette.
• The Fairfield Inn & Suites offers large suites with city views and a complimentary breakfast.
• Just south of downtown, near the Stampede grounds, is the BEST WESTERN PLUS Calgary Centre Inn with very reasonable rates.

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Canada's Big Cities : Canada's largest city of Toronto hosts countless visitors each year, drawn here for its many exciting tourist attractions perfect for families, such as the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the huge Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. In Quebec, the old historic district of Montreal is a taste of old Europe that's a delight to explore on foot. Not to be outdone, beautiful Vancouver , on the country's west coast, is where you'll enjoy the natural splendor of the excellent (and vast) Stanley Park, along with the traditional market place vibe of Granville Island.

The Great Outdoors : Canada is known the world over for its vast stretches of wilderness, none more impressive than the outstandingly beautiful area around Tofino BC , popular for adventure seekers including hikers, bikers, and surfers. Of its many parks, perhaps the best known is Banff National Park , famous for its proximity to the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Although more remote, the rugged splendor of Nahanni National Park Reserve in the spectacular Mackenzie Mountains straddling the Yukon and the Northwest Territories has much to attract adventure seekers.

Canada Vacation Ideas : No visit to Ontario should be considered without a day or two being spent in Niagara Falls , famous for thrilling, timeless attractions including the Maid of the Mist and the Journey Behind the Falls. Canada's capital of Ottawa is also a must-visit and features the amazing Rideau Canal, which, come winter, is transformed into the world's longest skating rink. The center of Quebec City is another great place to visit, any time of year, especially around historic Place Royale.

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The ULTIMATE Guide to Alberta Roadside Attractions

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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last Updated on January 5, 2024

Roughly 100 years ago, when long trips in cars started to become a thing, North America’s love affair with the roadside attraction began. And it continues today in many spots around the world. Large novelty architecture not only brings in tourists but also often helps display the personality of the region that surrounds it.

Alberta roadside attractions are no exception. Sometimes they are seemingly random (why is there a UFO landing pad in St. Paul ?), but the cluster of Ukrainian heritage structures east of Edmonton speaks to the large number of settlers arriving from Ukraine starting in the late 19th century. ( Hot tip: the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village nearby is worth a visit too.)

And there are lots! Every corner of the province offers something to woo travellers in pursuit of a selfie with an oddity of curious proportions. Luckily enough, we’ve mapped them all out for you below.

Start your engines! And follow this definitive guide to roadside attractions in Alberta.

We’ve divided it into three sections:

• North includes Edmonton and all things north of there.
• Central heads south from Edmonton until (and including) Calgary.
• South includes everything south of Calgary to the USA border.

Northern Alberta Roadside Attractions

World’s Largest Mallard (Andrew) – An hour east of Edmonton, this massive mallard weighs a literal tonne and has a wingspan of 23 feet.

World’s Largest Cowboy Boot (Edmonton) – It’s not the world’s largest but it certainly is a big one, standing at 40 feet tall and weighing 20 tonnes. It stands in front of the Western Boot Factory.

Giant Beaver (Beaverlodge) – Endless jokes can be made about venturing way north to Beaverlodge to catch a glimpse of this giant beaver. This 18-foot-long rodent was erected in 2004 to celebrate the town’s 75th anniversary.

Giant Baseball Bat (Edmonton) – Standing at almost 50 feet tall, the bat on the corner of 97th Street and 118th Avenue was once Canada’s largest but that title was scooped by a bigger one in Saskatoon in 2014.

Eddie the Squirrel (Edson) – In the centre of Edson stands Eddie the Squirrel, a large red squirrel grasping a spruce cone. The statue has always been a popular spot for travellers and locals, especially for a selfie. The story of Eddie is a funny one too. In short, the town came together and thought, “If Jasper can claim a Bear, then we’ll claim a squirrel. Everyone thinks we’re nuts anyway, pun intended!”

World’s Largest Bee (Falher) – It will be a long drive north to see this massive Alberta roadside attraction, but this giant bee stands in celebration of the self-proclamation of Falher as the honey capital of Canada.

World’s Largest Blue Heron (Barrhead) – Often seen along the shores of local lakes are Blue Herons, and Barrhead has selected the beautiful bird as its town mascot. In fact, they’ve named it Aaron the Blue Heron and it stands tall in the centre of town. *Note that Aaron the Heron is currently taken down to be repainted.

World’s Largest Wagon Wheel and Pickaxe (Fort Assiniboine) – This hamlet was a big trade and supply point during the fur trade days and the Klondike Gold Rush. This Paul Bunyan-sized wheel and pickaxe are symbolic of the town’s rich past.

World’s Largest Perogy (Glendon) – At 27 feet tall and weighing 6,000 lbs, we really hope that it’s potato and cheese flavoured. It stands in tribute to the largest Eastern European population in the area.

World’s Largest Border Markers (Lloydminster) – Straddling the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, this is Canada’s only border city. Erected in 1994, these 100-foot-high markers sit next to city hall.

World’s Largest Sausage (Mundare) – Not far from the giant perogy, this kielbasa cost about $120,000 to build and was spearheaded by the Stawnichy family. Their nearby sausage factory is reputed to produce the best Ukrainian sausages in Canada. (We’ve tried them, and YUM.)

World’s First UFO Landing Pad (St Paul) – Built in 1967 as a Canadian Centennial project, a sign near the pad reads: “The area under the World’s First UFO Landing Pad was designated international by the Town of St. Paul as a symbol of our faith that mankind will maintain the outer universe free from national wars and strife.” (Hmmm. We have our doubts.)

12 Foot Davis (Peace River) – Henry Fuller Davis was a real man who lived in the Peace Country in the late 1800s. He earned his nickname by ingeniously claiming a 12-foot stretch of gold-rich land that netted him a tidy sum. Oddly enough, the statue stands 15 feet tall.

World’s Largest Easter Egg (Vegreville) – That is one big egg. Weighing in at over 5,000lbs, it is the largest Ukrainian pysanka in the world, and the town of Vegreville even hosts an annual pysanka festival every summer.

Bear Marking the Geographical Middle of Alberta (Swan Hills) – This is less of an actual roadside attraction in Alberta, as you’ll have to make a bit of a hike to get there. But if you do make the effort, you’ll be in the direct centre of Alberta.

World’s Largest Mushrooms (Vilna) – Mushroom hunting has been a big tradition in Vilna for a long time, and thus, this large replica Tricholoma Ustale mushrooms (the real thing grows wild in the area) were built in Mushroom Park.

World’s Largest Chuckwagon (Dewberry) – This small town is known as the Chuckwagon Capital of Alberta and thus deserves the world’s largest chuckwagon! (Although to be honest, when we saw it, we thought it was rather small to be the world’s largest.)

World’s Largest Railway Spike (Hines Creek) – The town itself has become known as “the end of steel” because construction on a railway line in northern Alberta was forced to stop in Hines Creek when WWII broke out. The rail line has been long finished since then, but a large railroad spike was erected to mark that momentous time.

Canada’s Dragonfly (Wabamum) – This giant dragonfly took one man three months to build, and it measures 30 feet long and the wings are 30 feet wide. It’s made from aircraft wings, a light standard, and propane tanks.

Central Alberta Roadside Attractions

A Lovable Skunk (Beiseker) – Standing 13 feet tall, Squirt the Skunk was anointed the town mascot to welcome tourists. Chosen by a town-wide contest, Squirt is accompanied by the slogan: “It makes scents to stop in Beiseker”.

Korean Totem Poles (Airdrie) – The city of Airdrie was gifted these totem poles by Gwacheon, Korea, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of their sister(city)hood.

Giant Blue Ring (Calgary) – A much-disputed public art piece in northern Calgary, it is a light standard that is literally just a very large blue ring on the side of a road. We don’t get it either. 

World’s Largest Dinosaur (Drumheller) – This T-Rex, built of fibreglass and steel, stands at a whopping 86 feet high (and 4 times higher than a real T-Rex). You can even climb 100 steps inside of it to reach the mouth!

World’s Largest Softball (Chauvin) – Suzie the Softball is 6 feet wide and was built from an old fibreglass tank in celebration of an annual softball tournament.

World’s Largest Oil Lamp (Donalda) – Completed in 2000, this massive 42-foot high lamp took four years to build and lights up at night.

Giant Geese (Hanna) – There are three of them throughout this small town. The flying goose stands over 11 feet high. They are the most interesting creatures to come out of the town of Hanna (sorry, Nickelback).

Canada’s Largest Baseball Glove (Heisler) – This is a wee town that has a big love for baseball. The glove, standing at 13.5 feet high, is the perfect size for a good selfie!

World’s Largest Fishing Lure (Lacombe) – The newest Alberta roadside attraction, this 40-foot fishing lure was installed in May of 2019 and recently accepted into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Giant Golf Tee (Trochu) – Standing tall just outside the Trochu Golf and Country Club, there is some dispute over whether or not this is the world’s tallest. World record holder or not – it’s ginormous!

World’s Largest Bucking Saddle Bronc and Rider (Ponoka) – This 20-foot-tall bronze statue was installed in 2004 to commemorate the town’s centennial.

Southern Alberta Roadside Attractions

Giant Pinto Bean (Bow Island) – This small town is well known for its edible bean industry. The Pinto MacBean mascot greets everyone driving through town and stands at a towering 18 feet tall.

World’s Largest Tepee (Medicine Hat) – The Saamis Tepee is easily the most recognized landmark in the city (and probably the largest Alberta roadside attraction), with the main masts of the tepee measuring over 215 feet. It was originally built for the 1988 Olympics in Calgary but moved to this eastern Alberta city in 1991.

World’s Largest Wind Gauge (Lethbridge) – Spoiler alert: the gauge doesn’t actually work. This is surprising, actually, considering how windy Lethbridge gets, you’d think anything could be blown around in that city!

Giant Corn Stalk (Taber) – Everyone in Alberta (maybe even Western Canada) knows how good the corn from Taber is. This 36-foot stalk stands in celebration of that and was built in 1994.

Giant Potatoes (Vauxhall) – Sammy and Samantha Spud are not in contention to be the world’s largest but instead stand just as a cute fixture of the town, noting its claim of being the “Potato Capital of the West”.

Starship Enterprise Replica (Vulcan) – The residents of the town of Vulcan take their name seriously and have embraced their relation to Star Trek. Not only is there a large replica of the Starship Enterprise, but their local tourism centre is also fashioned after a space station.

Other awesome Alberta road trip ideas

• This list of 11 cool Alberta road trips is a perfect place to get started!
• We’ve also got all of the Alberta destination guides you need so that you know what to do (plus where to stay and what to eat) when you get there.
• Need to know the best way to get from one city to another? We have a stack of Alberta route guides to help with that, too.
• You’ll note that many of these are in a specific region of Alberta – and we have a whole blog post on the east of Edmonton that includes those and more!

An epic road trip like this – to see all of the Alberta roadside attractions – can be made even more fun if you download our FREE Road Trip Alberta bingo cards ! (We even have a whole card dedicated to this topic!)

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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