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12 Cool Road Trips in Alberta (for 2024)

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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last Updated on January 11, 2024

There’s a reason we humans are drawn to road trips.

There are the little things: like the feeling of movement, the wind in your hair, and singing along to your favourite tunes.

There are character-building things: like stretching your bladder, and fighting boredom and exhaustion as the kilometres slip by.

And there are those soul-colouring moments when you’re lost inside the forest of your thoughts: when that Bon Iver song raises the hair on your arms, and the rain glides across the windshield as you wind your way on a mountain road in the dark.

How very specific of us. 😉

Road trips, especially road trips in Alberta, are more than a vacation. They’re a romance all your own, with your faithful steed carrying you to the place you’ll discover a brand new part of yourself – be it in an ocean of waving prairie grass, or among jagged mountains of stone.

So let the urge to cruise that open road overtake you.

It’s About Your Journey

You don’t need a destination in mind when you hit the road. What you do need is a great playlist , some fun passengers, and a few odds and ends that will keep you safe (check our summer road trip packing to help with those).

However, if you’re looking for some inspiration to get you out the door, we’ve got a list of our fave destinations for cool Alberta road trips that will get you started. After that, the world (or at least Alberta) is your oyster.

Take the guesswork out of planning your Alberta trip!

We now offer two ways to help ease the burden of travel planning:

• We've developed ebook itineraries and travel guides for hot Alberta destinations and for a variety of 7-day trips. For one low price, you'll get local travel advice that you WON'T find elsewhere!
• Want a custom trip tailored exactly to your needs? We are pleased to also offer a custom service for planning your Alberta vacation .

12 Must-Do Road Trips in Alberta

Highwood pass.

The highest paved road in Canada, Highwood Pass is renowned for its beautiful views. The pass climbs through the Rocky Mountains, connecting the Trans-Canada Highway to Highway 22. Be sure to take your camera, along with some sturdy shoes/hiking boots, as opportunities for both are endless.

Where to Start/End

From Longview, take Highway 541 which will then connect with Highway 40. From here you will head through the Kananaskis Trail and connect with the Trans-Canada Highway (just west of Calgary). It is also possible to go from Canmore through Spray Lakes and then head south on Highway 40 and then connect with the 541.

The Kananaskis Trail is about 150km long, so you should budget about 2 hours, plus the time it will take to get back to your home base.

Things to Note

• Highwood Pass is closed from Dec. 1 to June 15 to protect bighorn sheep migration.
• Visitors to Kananaskis now require a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. The pass is $15 per day or $90 per year + GST per vehicle while visiting Kananaskis and the Bow Valley corridor. Details about the pass are available  here , and you can buy your pass  here .

Icefields Parkway

The 288 km Icefields Parkway connects Banff to Jasper , making it one of the most scenic drives in western Canada, end to end. It is the ultimate Rocky Mountain road trip and features passes over 2,000 metres above sea level, like the Sunwapta pass and Bow Summit.

You can start either from Banff and head to Jasper, or vice versa, depending on your home locale.

Without stopping (or getting caught behind a slow-moving tourist bus 😬), the Icefields Parkway takes about 3.5 hours to drive in good weather conditions. But with all there is to see and do, like touring the Columbia Icefield , stopping at scenic pull-outs, and even doing the Columbia Icefield Skywalk , we recommend leaving at least another hour or three to give yourself time to enjoy everything!

• There is one fuel station on the parkway, at Saskatchewan River Crossing – and that’s not open year-round. So, before leaving Banff (or Jasper ) make sure your vehicle has enough fuel to make the whole trip.
• You will need a National Park Pass which can either be ordered online in advance or purchased at the gate.
• Most importantly, if you are driving the Parkway in the winter or in snowy conditions, snow tires or chains are required by law for safety.
• Click through to our extensive guide of everything to see and do on the Icefields Parkway !

Cowboy Trail

At 700 km long, the full Cowboy Trail covers most of southwest Alberta, where the rolling golden prairies meet the Rocky Mountains. While the adventurous among us may want to take a couple of days in a camper van to fully experience everything (from antique shopping to horseback rides), those on a tighter timeline can enjoy the Cowboy Trail in smaller bites with quick day trips.

Depending on whether you’re starting from ( Edmonton , Calgary , Banff National Park, or Southern Alberta), the whole experience changes. The complete Cowboy Trail runs (north to south) from Mayerthorpe to Waterton Lakes National Park and ends in Cardston. Unless you’re planning on taking a week and seeing everything (and count on time to be distracted by all the things to do in Waterton ), we recommend finding one focus for your road trip and building the experience around that.

The Cowboy Trail is as open as the plains, so you get to decide how far you want to drive that cattle!

A handful of other road trips in Alberta listed in this article actually start/end on the Cowboy Trail (i.e. Highwood Pass, Ya Ha Tinda, David Thompson).

Dinosaur Trail and Hoodoo Trail

The Drumheller area has a ton to offer road trippers – from alien-looking hoodoos to museums chock-full of dinosaur bones. If you’re in the Drumheller area and want to hit the road, both the Dinosaur Trail (south and north) and the Hoodoo Trail (Highway 10) offer breathtaking sites and a variety of activities, including hiking near Drumheller and the aforementioned museum .

Drumheller is both the start and end point for the Dinosaur Trail and the starting point for the Hoodoo Trail. The Dinosaur Trail south begins at the intersection of 2nd St. NW and South Railway, heading west, and the loop ends/begins at the intersection of Hwy 9 and 56 in Drumheller. The Bleriot Ferry, a cool, cable-operated ferry that carries cars across the Red Deer River, connects the north and south trail. The Hoodoo Trail extends east for 22 km from that intersection.

The Dinosaur Trail is roughly a 56 km route that takes about an hour to drive – and even includes a ferry ride! The Hoodoo Trail is about 22 km and takes roughly a quarter of an hour for a one-way trip.

• The Bleriot Ferry , which connects the north and south sides of the Dinosaur Trail Loop, only operates from late April to November. The ride offers a brief respite from cruising giving drivers a built-in rest to enjoy the river.

Note that we have a whole other article dedicated to themed trips in the Alberta Badlands to help you even more!

Smith Dorrien Trail

One of the more adventurous road trips in Alberta, the Smith Dorrien Trail is a lot closer to a trail than most of the highways that bear the name. The almost 70 km gravel road can take nearly 2 hours to drive but passes the famous Three Sisters mountains along with the Spray Lake Reservoir.

The trail starts just south of Canmore and finishes on the Kananaskis Trail. Depending on the season, and where you want to end up, drivers can: 

• Head north, back onto the Trans-Canada, which will take you back to Canmore or on to Calgary.
• Head south over the Highwood Pass , which finishes at Longview, one hour south of Calgary.

The Smith Dorrien Trail takes about 1.75 hours for drivers who are comfortable on gravel roads. For those who aren’t, or for those who want to take their time and see the sites, budget an extra hour or two for the drive.

• There are no services on the Smith Dorrien trail, so make sure to fuel up and check tire pressures before heading out.
• The road is completely gravel so give plenty of space between vehicles to avoid getting a cracked windshield.

Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway is the alternate route between Banff and Lake Louise and is the definition of ‘the scenic route’ . The road tacks on a couple of extra kilometres and takes almost twice as long to make the trip! However, the road snakes through gorgeous scenery and past the trailheads of amazing hikes, making those slower speeds a perk.

• If you’re coming from Banff , head north to Lake Louise , and exit onto Highway 1a, about 7 km outside of Banff (just before you cross over the Bow River).
• If you’re coming from downtown Lake Louise, take Whitehorn Rd./Highway 1a east, over Highway 1 (toward the ski hill), then turn right to take Highway 1a (about 500 m after the highway).

At just under 60 km, this drive takes about an hour due to its winding nature and lower speed limits. There are plenty of places to stop along the way to take in the breathtaking scenery, so we recommend budgeting at least another half hour for driving time.

• Though the parkway is open year-round, the section between Banff and Johnston Canyon does close nightly, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., from March 1 to June 25. 
• The Bow Valley Parkway is a favourite for both bicyclists and animals , so keep those eyes peeled!

Sheep River Falls

A gorgeous drive west from Turner Valley will put you at Sheep River Falls Provincial Recreation Area . The road dips and winds through Alberta’s foothills into Kananaskis with the Rocky mountains on the horizon. Once arriving to the park the main attraction is the falls themselves. It’s a simple 1km trail with a viewing area to showcase the water cascading through the rocks.

There are plenty of other things to do in the area as well. In the summer there are multiple hiking trails, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing spots and 2 large campgrounds. In the winter, it’s a cross-country skiers’ paradise with 37km of groomed trails.

From Calgary take Highway 22 south towards Turner Valley. From Turner Valley head west on AB-546. Follow the signs to Sheep River Falls.

From Turner Valley, it is 36km to Sheep River Falls. It should take no longer than 30 minutes to arrive at the falls. But with all the scenic photo spots it may take a bit longer ;).

• The road is open year-round, but in the winter months winter tires would be recommended. Take extra caution when the road is icy and snowy condition.
• Be sure to stop at Bighorn Lookout to take in the incredible view.

Iron Horse Trail

If you’re looking to get out of the vehicle and bike/walk/ride your way across the province, the Iron Horse Trail offers the perfect (off) road trip in Alberta. The Iron Horse Trail comprises over 300 km of the Trans Canada Trail , including an old railway right-of-way from Waskatenau to Cold Lake, with an arm branching off to Heinsburg.

There are five staging/rest points to start from, which feature maps, washrooms, picnic tables, off-loading ramps and plenty of parking. These include:

• Warspite Staging Area
• Town of Smoky Lake Staging Area Bellis Staging Area
• Ashmont Staging Area
• Town of St. Paul Staging Area Town of Elk Point Staging Area Lindbergh Staging Area
• Middle Creek Station Area Heinsburg Staging Area

With 300 km of trails connected to 27,000 km of trails across the nation, you can spend as many hours, days, or even years (?) seeing the raw, natural beauty of Alberta and Canada. Time to choose your own adventure, eh?

Boomtown Trail

Highway 2 does a fine job of getting you from Calgary to Edmonton (or vice versa) in good time – it is the most travelled road trip in Alberta! – but it doesn’t have a whole lot of character. If you prefer to take your time, we recommend taking the Boomtown Trail. This path takes you further east through quaint towns and villages that still retain the rustic charm of Alberta’s boomtown past.

• From Calgary: Head north on Highway 2 then take exit 340A, east on Highway 27 toward Trochu. 
• From Edmonton: Take exit 66 off Anthony Henday to Camrose and Wainwright.

From Anthony Henday in Edmonton to Deerfoot Trail in Calgary takes just over four hours of driving time if you don’t stop and don’t take any of the offshoots. However, with all the beautiful side-trip opportunities to Donalda, Rochon Sands, and Dry Island Buffalo Jump, you’re probably looking at 8+ hours or more!

The Road to Ya Ha Tinda

If you find yourself riding out along The Cowboy Trail near Sundre/Calgary, heading to the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch is worth the detour. The ranch itself covers nearly 4,000 hectares of land on the edge of Banff National Park, with near-endless opportunities to hike and horseback ride. Expect to see wild horses along the way and be sure to stop at Big Horn Falls.

The simplest place to start is to take Highway 584 west out of Sundre, then turn south on Township Road 324A. Signage on the road is limited, so get acquainted with the map above. From the north or south, Ya Ha Tinda Road is accessible from Highway 40, otherwise known as Forestry Trunk Road.

The road from Sundre to Ya Ha Tinda is about 85 km, which takes around 1.25 hours to drive. For an out-and-back trip, schedule at least 4.5 hours to allow yourself to get out, stretch your legs and see all the sights along the way.

• The gravel road can get rough, so budget extra time if you’re uncomfortable driving on gravel.
• Cell reception is spotty to unavailable, so plan accordingly.

David Thompson Highway

The David Thompson Highway extends from the prairies east of Red Deer to the heart of the Alberta Rockies, giving road trippers a great diversity of scenery which easily makes this a top road trip in Alberta. While it is possible to start at Red Deer and follow the road all the way to the parkway, we recommend starting near Rocky Mountain House for a quicker trip into the mountains.

The easiest place to start is Rocky Mountain House, on the Cowboy Trail. Head north on Highway 22/11 from downtown, then stay right on David Thompson Highway on the edge of town. During the spring/summer/fall, there’s both gas and lodging available at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, but it is closed through the winter months. We recommend taking the parkway either south to Banff or north to Jasper to round out the trip.

The David Thomson Day Trip is just shy of 2 hours (178 km) from Sundre to Saskatchewan Crossing. Continuing on to Jasper takes about 2 hours (156 km) or south to Banff is just over 1.5 hours (139 km).

• There is only one fuel station on the parkway, located at Saskatchewan River Crossing – and it’s not open year-round. Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel to make that drive during the winter months.

Crowsnest Highway

Starting in neighbouring British Columbia and finishing in the small city of Medicine Hat in eastern Alberta, this epic road trip of over 1,100 km is as notable for its history as it is for its majestic scenery. It’s home to some of Canada’s darker moments including the deadliest landslide and its most tragic mining accident but also delights with expansive mountain views that give way to vast prairies. It is certainly one of the most diverse road trips in Alberta (and can be a part of the journey from Vancouver to Calgary , if you need to make that trip)! Watch for mountain sheep in the east and elusive pronghorns in the west.

If we’re keeping all of our recommended road trips in Alberta, then you can start from the west in the town of Crowsnest on the Crowsnest Pass . If you’re starting in the east, then jump on Highway 3 westbound in Medicine Hat.

Medicine Hat to Coleman is just over 300km and thus just over a 3-hour drive. There are several stops to make along the way (don’t miss Lundbreck Falls or Frank Slide), so this is easily a full-day trip if you have the time.

• When in the eastern Crowsnest Pass or if you continue into BC (the highway ends at the city of Hope), be extra careful in winter as that range of the drive is entirely mountainous.
• Note that if driving into BC in the winter months, snow tires are mandatory for some roads.

Want to make your road trip a camping one? We’ve got a complete guide to RV rentals in Alberta that will help you find your home on wheels.

And nothing goes better with a cool road trip than rolling into a cool campground at the end of the day! Look into booking one of these campsites in Alberta before you hit the road.

Want more? Check out these cool Alberta Badlands road trips plus a 2-3 day itinerary for a southwest Alberta road trip .

Add to the fun on your road trips in Alberta by ticking off items on our Road Trip Alberta bingo cards along the way! They are free to download.

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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What to Do on a Day Trip to the Crowsnest Pass

Find mountain biking, museums and more in the Crowsnest Pass.

Tucked near the southern end of the Rocky Mountains, Crowsnest Pass is named for a mountain pass that crosses the Continental Divide and resembles, you guessed it, a giant crow’s nest. The municipality of Crowsnest Pass includes five towns — Blairmore, Bellevue, Coleman, Hillcrest and Frank — each with its own unique history and character. The area has a long history of coal mining and the community has experienced both natural and man-made disasters as a result. From museums to mountain biking, it’s easy to pack a full day of exploring into a visit to Crowsnest Pass.

Getting There

237 kilometres from the Calgary Tower | South on Hwy 2

Mountain biking

Its mountain pass location means the Crowsnest Pass offers some great mountain biking. Beginners can cruise the 23-kilometre Crowsnest Community Trail that connects the attractions and communities in the area. Experienced riders can tackle the trails at the Pass Powderkeg ski hill. Check out The United Riders of Crowsnest for tips and trail ideas.

The Heritage Trails system marries the Crowsnest’s interesting history with outdoor, non-urban hiking trails. You can hike The North York Creek Plane Crash Trail , a 12-kilometre loop to an actual plane crash site, or The Frank Slide Trail , a 1.5-kilometre wander that begins and ends at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre . Visit crowsnestheritage.ca  to learn more about the historic trails that also include driving options.

History Lessons

Bellevue underground mine.

Between 1902 and 1917, more than 400 miners lost their lives in underground explosions in the Crowsnest Pass, including the explosion in the Bellevue Mine in 1910. Take a wander 1,000 feet into the mine and learn more about how these miners worked and survived. It’s cold in the mines, between 0°C and 2°C, so bring a jacket for the tour. For safe social distancing and to ensure capacity, pre-booking tours is required.

2531 213 St., Bellevue, 403-564-4700, bellevuemine.com

Crowsnest Museum

Located in the old Coleman High School, the Crowsnest Museum offers a glimpse at the pioneers who settled the area and the miners who made, and lost, their fortunes.

7701 18 Ave., Coleman, 403-563-5434, crowsnestmuseum.ca

Coleman National Historic Site

After visiting the Crowsnest Museum, be sure to pick up a booklet about the historic Canadian mining town of Coleman that lasted from 1905 to 1950. The town served as an important transportation route and is divided by train tracks with the mining on one side and community housing on the other. You can do a self-guided walking or driving tour of the area and follow the various interpretive signs in the town. Otherwise, the museum offers a guided tour with advance booking.

7701 18 Ave., Crowsnest Pass, 403-562-8858, crowsnestheritage.ca

Frank Slide Interpretive Centre

Learn about Canada’s deadliest rock slide, the Frank Slide in 1903. The centre’s programming includes two award-winning docudramas about the natural disaster: On the Edge of Destruction and In the Mountain’s Shadow. Take a seat in the cool auditorium and learn about the night the mountain fell.

1.5 km off Hwy 3, Blairmore, 403-562-7388, history.alberta.ca/frankslide

Leitch Collieries Provincial Historic Site

Built in 1907, Leitch Colleries was the only Canadian owned and operated mine in the Crowsnest Pass. It was dogged by bad luck until it was forced to close in 1919. The historic site includes buildings, interpretive signs and listening posts. Take a self-guided tour through the site to learn more.

Located off Highway 3 in Crowsnest Pass, 403-562-7388, history.alberta.ca/leitch

Where to Eat

This restaurant is named for the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, but you can expect an Italian menu with some Latin American influences. The fusilli chipotle has steak and mushrooms with a creamy chipotle sauce while the main course salmone is classic wild salmon in creamy chorizo sauce over parmesan risotto. Frida’s also offers taco Thursdays and a Friday date night special. For dessert, you can get homemade sorbet and gelato.

11217 21 Ave., Blairmore, 403-393-6489, fridablairmore.com

Old Dairy Ice Cream Shoppe

There’s no better way to end a trip than with a delicious scoop of ice cream from the Old Dairy Ice Cream Shoppe. With over 40 different flavours to choose from, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit more than just once. Try its homemade waffle cones, a scoop of the Coal Miner Special or sample one of the decadent ice cream cupcakes.

2138 213 St., Crowsnest Pass, 403-753-2600, facebook.com

The Pass Beer Co.

This small-batch brewery is in Blairmore. The beer includes classic IPAs, ales and stouts. It also has a food menu that includes nachos, poutine and wings. If you go on Sunday, you can order potato skins, which happen to pair well with the 12 types of wood-fired pizzas. If you want a themed slice, try the quarantine pizza with truffle oil, mushrooms, dates, blue cheese and mozzarella. Enjoy it all on the patio and get a growler filled to take home.

10801 20th Ave., Blairmore, 403-753-1100, thepassbeer.ca

The Rum Runner

The Rum Runner pub and restaurant has tasty pub-style fare, including half-pound burgers. The poutine burger comes smothered in fries, gravy, cheese curds and onion rings. The restaurant is named after Crowsnest Pass resident Emilio Picariello. Picariello made a name for himself exporting and bootlegging booze during the prohibition era — he was the area’s rumrunner.

7902 20 Ave., Coleman, 403-562-7552, facebook.com

Stone’s Throw Café

Grab a sandwich, fresh baking or all-day breakfast at this family-owned café before you hit the mountain biking trails. Try the sticky cinnamon buns and fresh scones or a pita melt stuffed with meat and veggies . The Stone’s Throw has a green policy and encourages diners to bring their own mugs for to-go coffee. It’s also a great place to get advice on how to explore the area.

13019 20 Ave., Blairmore, 403-562-2230, stonesthrowcafe.ca

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Endless Wonder

Your guide to travel and exploring the endless wonders of life

ALBERTA , CANADA , NORTH AMERICA , TRAVEL DESTINATIONS · October 7, 2021 updated on March 30, 2024

Travel Alberta: Your Guide & Everything You Need to Know

Alberta is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada. There is so much that it has to offer – the amazing rocky mountains of Banff, Jasper, and Waterton National Park, the rolling prairies, the dinosaur capital of the world and the badlands, the chance to see the Northern Lights, buffalo watching at Elk Island National Park, and SO MUCH more!! This is your guide to travel Alberta, and includes everything you have to see when traveling this amazing place!

I have lived in Alberta my entire life, and have spent my free time exploring this beautiful province! Every year I get to visit new places and re-visit some of my favourite spots here.

In this article, we will talk about everything that has to do with Alberta travel! Including the best time to visit and what it’s like in each season, as well as how to get around, where to stay and what to see, the National Parks in Alberta, and things to know before visiting.

Please know this website is reader supported and includes some affiliate links. I earn a small commission when you click on or purchase from affiliate links at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support! !

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Alberta

Alberta is truly beautiful in each season, although there are pros and cons to visiting during each season as well! In Alberta, the summers can be incredibly hot, and with the increasing amount of wildfires each year, they can be smoky as well. Summer is also an incredible time to get outside and see all of the nature has to offer. Whereas winter can get incredibly cold and snowy! But winter can also be magical.

November – Late March: Winter

Winter is an amazing time to visit Alberta if you are interested in visiting frozen waterfalls, playing any winter sports ( ice skating on frozen lakes , snowboarding, skiing…), dog-sledding in the Rockies , snowshoeing, or hoping to see the mountains covered in snow.

During the winter the Northern Lights are also out a lot more, although they are still unpredictable during this time of year and require a bit of luck to see them on a short visit.

In Alberta, wintertime can also be freeeezing, so make sure you bundle up and come prepared with snow boots, jackets, toques, and mittens. The temperatures can fluctuate to around 0C, all the way down to feelinf like -40C.

Read more: The 12 Best Places to Ice Skate in Banff National Park

Late March – May: Spring

Spring is a beautiful time of the year to visit Alberta. The snow is melting and trees are starting to get their leaves back. Animals are waking up from a long winter and wildlife babies are starting to come out! It can get pretty slushy in the spring, but because of the melting snow, the waterfalls are at their best.

The crowds are also just starting to pick up in the Canadian Rockies, but it still isn’t as busy as the peak summer season.

The temperature in Alberta during Spring typically ranges from +2C to +20C (the weather can be wild!). Sometimes if winter is hanging around longer the temperatures can still be below 0C, but typically the weather averages around +10C.

June – September: Summer

Summer is another amazing time to visit Alberta. It is actually warm out, which makes it perfect for getting outside and enjoying the stunning nature in the province.

Summertime in Alberta is great for seeing the wildflowers while on hikes, camping, swimming in glacial lakes, and just enjoying Alberta while it’s nice out.

There is the risk of wildfires during the summer season, so sometimes the air can get very smoky around the province. Unfortunately, this can make it hard to get outside when the air quality isn’t great.

As summer continues on, the lakes of the Rockies turn bluer and bluer in colour.

Temperatures in the summer can get up to around 35C in Alberta!

September – Late October: Fall

If you’re after the golden larch trees in the Rockies, you’ll want to visit Alberta in the fall time.

Yellow trees are so so sooo pretty to see all over the province as everything starts to turn golden, but the larch trees do it best (in my opinion). Larches are a type of tree that look like pine trees, but they are actually deciduous, so their needles turn yellow and fall during autumn. They grow mainly at high elevations in the Rockies, so if you’re wanting to see the larches in the fall, you’ll have to either hike up to see them or take one of the gondolas!

The fall is the perfect time to visit for fall hikes, or for autumn festivals around the province. It starts to get chilly in the fall though and there is a risk of snow, so come prepared!!

Read more: This is the Perfect Fall Hike to do in Banff National Park

How to Get Around Alberta

Alberta isn’t the most “public transit friendly” place, just because it is quite big and takes a long time to drive from place to place, everything is pretty spread out. But really, it depends where you are.

Places like Edmonton, Calgary, and even Banff are very easy to get around using public transportation such as busses.

Other places, like Jasper, do not have public transportation options.

If you’re looking to travel far distances, I would highly recommend renting a car to drive yourself.

Or, check out Sundog Transportation . They have a couple of buses and charters to connect cities together (including a connection to Jasper National Park).

In the bigger cities (Edmonton & Calgary) uber is a very popular service to use as well.

Because of the lack of public transportation, Alberta can be a hard place to backpack around.

Read more: Visiting the Canadian Rockies Without a Car

Where to Stay

You can find accommodation to match your budget no matter where you’re heading in Alberta. Prices do vary depending on where you are planning to go, though.

Staying in Edmonton

Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta and is the closest city with an airport to Jasper National Park (small towns that are close to Jasper are Edson and Hinton). If you’re looking to stay in Edmonton and explore for a day or two, I would recommend checking out these places –

• Metterra Hotel
• Fantasyland Hotel (inside West Edmonton Mall)
• Air BNBs are also a great option in Edmonton

I would recommend booking a hotel nearby what you want to do and see while in Edmonton, because things can be spread out, and some areas of the city don’t really have a lot to offer!

Staying in Calgary

Calgary has the biggest airport in Alberta and is only an hour drive from Banff, which makes it one of the most popular cities to stop at when heading to the mountains.

• Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
• Westin Hotel
• Air BNBs are great all over Alberta!

If you are spending time in Calgary, I would recommend finding a hotel nearby what you are planning to do and see! If you are just staying overnight between flights and then driving to the Rockies the next day, it may be better to find an airport hotel and grab your car rental directly from the airport.

Staying in Canmore

Canmore is a cute little mountain town that is super close to Banff, but it isn’t as expensive to stay in (usually). It’s a great place to look into if you’re planning to visit Banff National Park .

Hostels are a great option in the mountains too (if you’re a hostel person), as they are all over the national parks!

• MTN House by Basecamp
• Mountain View Inn (not as modern, but can be a more affordable option)
• Canmore Downtown Hostel

Staying in Banff

Banff is the place everyone wants to visit when they are traveling Alberta. For this reason, Banff can usually get pretty pricey to stay in! (I usually stay in Canmore or camp during the summer, to save some money).

• Moose Hotel & Suites
• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Banff International Hostel

Staying in Jasper

Jasper is not as popular as Banff is in the Rockies, but it is becoming more and more popular throughout the years. Either way, it is an awesome place to visit in Alberta, and I would recommend checking out these places if you’re looking to stay in Jasper –

• Forest Park Hotel
• Pyramid Lake Lodge
• Jasper Downtown Hostel
• Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Things to Know About Traveling Alberta

• Weather can change at any moment, come prepared with a jacket no matter the season!
• Wildlife is everywhere (even in the prairies). If you’re driving on highways or in National Parks, always watch for deer and moose that can jump out of nowhere
• You will need a Canada National Park Pass if you are stopping in a National Park (you can get them at the entrance to National Parks)
• If you are visiting Kananaskis Country, you will need a separate, Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park there
• Distances between places of interest can be quite far, so make sure you google map distances of places you’re hoping to visit, and factor in the time it takes to get there
• There is more to Alberta than just Banff and Jasper National Park! Although the Canadian Rockies are absolutely amazing!

National Parks in Alberta

Alberta is home to 5 National Parks, and they are all worth a visit if you are traveling Alberta for a while! If you have a vehicle and are stopping in one of these parks, you will need a proper Canadian National Parks pass.

Waterton National Park

Located in Southern Alberta, right by the border to Montana in the United States, Waterton National Park is an incredibly beautiful place to visit! In Waterton, there are mountains, they are just a little bit different than the mountains you see in the Rockies.

Waterton is also home to a bunch of amazing hikes, including the Crypt Lake hike – which National Geographic named one of the most thrilling hikes in the world!

Banff National Park

Of course, everyone knows Banff National Park. And just in case you don’t, you need to! Banff National Park is one of the best places you can add to your itinerary. It is the main spot to visit in the Rocky Mountains, with the cutest little mountain town, Banff, as the main and really only city in the National Park.

Here you will also find infamous Lake Louise , Moraine Lake , and so many incredible outdoor adventures like hiking to the Lake Agnes Teahouse , swimming in Banff’s glacial lakes , one of the world’s most beautiful drives (the Icefields Parkway) , and more!

Jasper National Park

Often overshadowed by Banff is Jasper National Park. Another mountain town in the Canadian Rockies that is just North of Banff! There is so much to do in Jasper National Park , including incredible hikes, outdoor adventures like canoeing to Spirit Island , and exploring Maligne Canyon (in the winter, you can explore the interior by doing a Maligne Canyon ice walk !),

Wood Buffalo National Park

This is the one National Park in Alberta that I have yet to visit! It is located in Northern Alberta is quite a distance from any major airport here.

Nontheless, Wood Buffalo National Park seems like the perfect place for an outdoor adventure. It is the largest national park in Canada and the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve, meaning they limit the amount of light pollution allowed here, making it the perfect spot to stargaze and see the Northern Lights.

You can also camp here, hike, and keep your eyes peeled for herds of bison!

Elk Island National Park

Around a 30 minute drive from the city of Edmonton is Elk Island National Park!

This is a great place to get out in nature, go on a walk through pretty forests, and try to see bison! They roam free around Elk Island National Park, although you always don’t get a chance to see them (since they roam wherever they want to!).

In the winter time, Astotin Lake freezes and there is a path cleared for ice skating. You can also sign up for Snowshoe and Stargaze with Parks Canada during the winter time.

In the summer you can swim, although the lake usually gets overrun by blue-green algae, and when this happens, swimming isn’t really advisable!

But, it is a great place to spend the day out in nature on a daytrip from Edmonton!

Top 5 Things to do in Alberta

1. Explore the mountains –

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are the main thing that bring so many visitors to Alberta each year! They are absolutely stunning and cannot be missed during your trip to Alberta!

Banff, Alberta is full of amazing things to do. During Alberta’s winter, you can go wild ice skating , dog sledding, skiing, and snowboarding in Banff. In the fall you can hike and be surrounded by amazing golden alpine larches . In the summertime, you can hike around popular places like Lake Louise (with a teahouse in the mountains), swim in glacial lakes, or head out on a canoe tour. Springtime in Banff gives visitors incredible opportunities to beat the crowds (especially to Moraine Lake) , and see waterfalls at their peak as the snow melts.

Read more: Your 4 Day Banff Itinerary

Jasper National Park is another incredible place to visit in Alberta. Surrounded by mountains (just like Banff), there are so many amazing things to do in this National Park. One of my favourite adventures is renting a canoe to visit iconic Spirit Island , or taking the Jasper Sky Tram up the mountain to get amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Jasper is also home to so many amazing hikes, you could spend a lifetime exploring the nature here.

Read more: Your Jasper National Park Bucket List: 25 Things to See & Do

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is another incredible stop to make on a trip across Alberta. This is the road that connects the town of Banff to the town of Jasper and is rated as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. You’ll have to budget quite a bit of time to drive this road because you’ll want to stop every 5 minutes to look at the amazing viewpoints and lakes along the way.

Read more: Where to Stop Along the Icefields Parkway

Read more: How to see the Frozen Methane Bubbles of Abraham Lake

Hike, swim, and camp at Waterton National Park. It is located at the very southern end of Alberta and is an awesome (and a little lesser known) place to visit. Waterton National Park is basically the Canadian side of Glacier National Park in Montana, which makes it the perfect place to hike if you’re trying to stay in Alberta.

Kananaskis Provincial Park

Kananaskis Provincial Park is located just outside of Banff and is a hikers dream. There are soo many amazing places to hike and camp here, it is worth a stop on any Alberta itinerary. One of my favourite spots in Kananaskis is the Blackshale Suspension Bridge , which isn’t too bad of a hike to visit! (and it is also free).

Tip: If you’re stopping in Kananaskis, you will need to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.

Read more: Hiking Chester Lake in Kananaskis, Alberta

Read more: The Ptarmigan Cirque Hike in Kananaskis Country

2. See the Bison

If you’re looking to see Alberta’s bison, the two best places to see them are at Elk Island National Park (about 35 minutes out of Edmonton) or up North at Wood Buffalo National Park .

Bison are an important part of Alberta’s past. If you do end up exploring Southern Alberta, I would highly recommend checking out Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump while there. It is a great way to learn about the Indigenous connection with the bison, and Alberta’s bison history!

3. Explore Alberta’s Cities

There are quite a few cities and towns in Alberta, but the two main ones are Edmonton and Calgary!

If you’re visiting one of these cities and there is a hockey game happening, they can be so fun attend! The fans in Alberta can go crazy for hockey!

The City of Edmonton is Alberta’s capital and is one of two cities with a major airport. Edmonton is a cool place to explore if you have the time, although I honestly wouldn’t go out of my way to visit!

Some popular spots to check out include the Muttart Conservatory, University of Alberta Botanical Gardens , Fort Edmonton Park , and the river valley.

If visiting in the summer, there are a ton of festivals in Edmonton, such as K-Days, The Fringe, Taste of Edmonton, and Heritage Days.

You can also take a day trip to Elk Island National Park from Edmonton!

Calgary is the city that most people will fly into when visiting Alberta, and is a good base to explore from!

The City of Calgary is only an hour drive from Banff, an hour and a half to Drumheller (Alberta’s badlands), and just under 3 hours to Waterton National Park.

If you’re spending some time in Calgary, I would recommend checking out Prince’s Island Park, the Calgary Zoo , or go to the top of the Calgary Tower .

4. See the Badlands in Dinosaur Country

Drumheller is a town located in the heart of dinosaur country and is a pretty close drive from Calgary. Here you’ll find landscapes of the badlands, the world’s largest dinosaur, and the chance to discover fossils.

Another provincial park nearby Calgary where you can see the badlands is Dinosaur Provincial Park. You can camp at both of these spots and it is a really cool landscape to see!

Drumheller also has a super cool dinosaur museum called the Royal Tyrell Museum. It is one of the world’s largest places where you can see dinosaur fossils, and is an awesome spot to explore whether you are an adult or a kid!

Read more: The Top Things to see in Drumheller, Alberta

5. Hunt for the Northern Lights

There are dark sky preserves (places with little to no light pollution) in Alberta which are perfect for seeing the Aurora. Popular ones include Jasper National Park and Elk Island National Park, but if you can get out of the city you have a high chance of seeing the lights (if they’re out that night). Fort McMurray and up North(like Wood Buffalo National Park) are also great places to go Northern Lights hunting.

Tip: Check out Aurorawatch for the Northern Lights forecast

Other Areas in Alberta to Mention:

There is SO much to see and do in Alberta, it cannot possibly fit in one blog post!

A few other spots you might be interested in exploring are:

• Big Knife Provincial Park
• Medicine Hat and Southern Alberta
• Frank Slide
• Rochon Sands Provincial Park

Alberta Travel Guide Summary

Alberta is truly a beautiful place to visit in Canada, with so much to offer (especially if you love to be outside!). From the Canadian Rockies to Southern Alberta and the badlands, there is so much to see and do here.

I feel lucky to live in a place that has so many interesting spots to explore! Each season is super unique, with different activities and things to do in each month.

Getting around can be difficult if you don’t have a car – so I highly recommend renting one when visiting Alberta! Or, sign up for a tour or book seats on shuttle busses if you can.

Accommodation prices can really vary all over the province, but the earlier you look the more likely you are to find something in your price range! And if you’re visiting Banff, look into staying just outside of the National Park in Canmore instead.

Always be prepared for changing weather because it can be hard to predict, especially in the mountains!

And don’t forget to budget in the cost of a Canadian National Parks Pass if you’re planning to head to one of Alberta’s 5 national parks.

Hopefully, this guide helps you travel Alberta! Please let me know if you have any questions about your Alberta trip (or travel in general!).

Other Resources to Help Plan Your Trip to Alberta

• TravelAlberta.com
• Parks Canada
• All Trails (for hiking)

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Hey! I’m Kat. Based in Alberta, Canada I love to travel to the Rockies and explore new places around the world. Follow along on my adventures and find inspiration and tips for your own travels.

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I'm Kat. Based in Alberta, I'm currently exploring and documenting my adventures in Alberta's Rocky Mountains. I'm also taking smaller international travel every now and then when I get the chance! Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Save up to 40% in the Rockies with a Pursuit Pass

High-altitude wonder. Awe-inspiring tours. Stunning lake cruises. Glacier-top explorations.

The Canadian Rockies are full of unforgettable adventures waiting to be discovered. With a Pursuit Pass, you can save on alpine fun by bundling single-visit tickets to Banff, Jasper and Golden’s best attractions in one purchase.

Do more, see more and make more memories this season with a Pursuit Pass.

More Tours. More Sights. More Rockies.

*Compared to same-day attraction tickets purchased separately on-site.

Learn everything you need to know about each of our passes.

Discover the power of nature on the Columbia Icefield Adventure — the must-do experience in the Canadian Rockies. At the heart of the incredible Icefields Parkway is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Here, you’ll travel onto the Athabasca Glacier aboard a massive Ice Explorer before disembarking to explore the stunning location for yourself.

Step out on a cliff-edge walkway where giant glaciers perch above you and the spectacular Sunwapta Valley spreads out below. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk experience features waterfalls, wildlife, fossils and more on an exciting 1-kilometre walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 918-foot (280 m) drop.

Explore iconic alpine beauty beyond the shoreline aboard a Maligne Lake Cruise. Join us on a panoramic tour across the crystal waters of magical Maligne Lake, fed by the glaciers of Jasper National Park. Glide past the jagged mountain peaks as we cruise to Spirit Island, a world-famous destination only accessible by boat.

This is one sky-high destination you do not want to miss. Take a scenic drive from Banff to Golden, and experience true wonder 426 feet above roaring waterfalls and rugged canyon floor. Home to Canada’s highest suspension bridges, a thrilling mountain coaster, canyon-spanning ziplines, treetop ropes courses and much more, Golden Skybridge has an adventure for everyone.

See the Rocky Mountains from a new perspective while touring beautiful Lake Minnewanka on a panoramic 1-hour interpretive cruise. Beginning from the western end of the largest lake in Banff, the Lake Minnewanka Cruise sets sail under towering peaks as you keep a watchful eye on forested slopes and rocky shorelines for wildlife and waterfalls. 

Climb aboard a 1930s-inspired vehicle to explore the people, places and moments that have shaped the Rocky Mountain town of Banff into what it is today. You can expect rich characters, fascinating stories, gorgeous views and photo opportunities at every turn.

Package Details

• Each Pursuit Pass consists of single-visit tickets to the included attractions.
• We recommend guests book experiences located in Banff (Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Open Top Touring) a minimum of three hours apart from each other .
• We recommend guests book Jasper and Golden experiences (Golden Skybridge, Columbia Icefield Adventure, Maligne Lake Cruise) on dedicated days .
• Northern Lights - Banff Gondola
• Black Anchor - Lake Minnewanka
• Village Grill - Golden Skybridge
• Altitude - Columbia Icefield Adventure
• The View and Lake House Café - Maligne Lake
• Purchased Pursuit Passes are non-refundable.
• Pursuit Passes do not include transportation. Please see our sightseeing tours if you require transportation.
• Pursuit Pass Rockies and Rockies Value are valid all season, so you have flexibility to plan multiple Banff and Jasper trips. We do, however, recommend booking your tickets early to reserve your ideal timeslots.
• Pursuit Pass Lite is valid for seven days only, meaning advanced planning is essential. Available attractions span across Banff, Jasper and Golden — make sure you take travel time into account while booking.  

Plan your visit

Check each attraction's operating dates and hours in advance. We recommend booking experiences located in Banff at least three hours apart and experiences outside of Banff on their own dedicated days.

Please select the time you want to arrive at the attraction at least a day before you head out. By committing to a time, you'll avoid line-ups and be guaranteed to start right when you are ready to do so. That means you can head straight for adventure!

Choose the right pass for you. Our Pursuit Pass Rockies Value provides extra savings for those looking to visit attractions after peak hours.

Pursuit Pass Rockies and Rockies Value can be used throughout the summer season. 

Weather in the mountains can be highly variable. We recommend dressing in layers, bringing a hat to shield yourself from sun, wearing sunscreen and having a rain jacket handy in case the weather changes.

Save your appetite for the good stuff. Pursuit Pass Rockies and Rockies Value ticket holders receive a 10% discount at select attraction cafes, grab-and-go counters and sit-down restaurants.

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Banff national park.

Entry and service fees help support visitor services and facilities. This means that every time you visit, you are investing in the park — and in a legacy for future generations!

Have questions about park passes for Banff National Park? What is a park pass and why is it needed? Learn more.

Indigenous connections

Parks Canada is working with Indigenous groups with longstanding connection to Banff National Park to strengthen connections with traditionally used...

Provides entry to Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Waterton Lakes and Elk Island national parks.

Valid until 4:00 p.m. on the day after purchase.

Available online at:

National park gates, information centres, campgrounds and at the following partner locations

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Discovery Pass

Provides entry into more than 100 National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites across Canada,

Valid for a full year until the end of the calendar month of purchase.

Discovery passes must be signed by the pass holder to be valid; are non-refundable; not transferable and rendered void if resold. Full terms of use.

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A new travel pass launched Tuesday to help Canadians explore their own backyard.

The Canada Attractions Pass is like a national ticket to travel offers and experiences in a smartphone app. Various events and attractions are loaded on the app all year long with deals and savings.

Launching in Western Canada, pass holders will find savings at dozens of places like the Calgary Tower, TELUS Spark, Many Chief Tours in Calgary, the Columbia Icefields, Maligne Rafting Adventures, Banff Trail Rides, Western Canyoning Adventures at Abraham Lake and Alberta Reynolds Museum. There are also new adventures like the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, Hydrofly Kelowna, Vespa YEG, Journey Bike Guides in Jasper, and exploring northern Saskatchewan on horseback at the Sturgeon River Ranch in Prince Albert National Park.

“There is no doubt this pandemic has dramatically impacted the tourism industry. We decided to provide a boost for tourism with a mechanism that helps our tourism partners promote their venues for free. This is a time when resources will be tight. The Pass also becomes a tool that makes finding fun easy and affordable for our pass holder,” says Sandra Kam, director of venues and tourism for Canada Attractions Pass.

Learn more at www.canadaattractionspass.com

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This Indigenous-owned Property in Canada Has a Boutique Lodge, Cultural Gatherings, Sustainability Programs, and New Glamping Sites for Stargazing

Métis Crossing is one of the first destinations in the world to showcase Métis cultural pride.

Amber Bracken

The sky is big in Smoky Lake, Alberta — so big you can catch retreating storms and rays of sun in one glance. The old prairie saying about being able to see your dog run away for three days came to mind as I sat in Len Hrehorets’s truck at the Visions, Hopes and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park. Through the open windows, we watched bison graze. The soft-spoken rancher switched on country music and turned up the volume. “Keeps ’em calm,” he said. The bison watched us with mild interest as they ambled past. Spring calves skittered playfully between mothers and aunties, whose thick, rectangular bodies didn’t look entirely stable on their spindly legs. I don’t speak bison, but they did seem to be enjoying the radio’s cowboy drawl. 

I had traveled from my home in Vancouver to the province of Alberta to spend a couple of days at Métis Crossing , a 688-acre stretch of Indigenous-owned land that includes the wildlife park, located on the North Saskatchewan River. For most of the 20th century, the area was organized into narrow lots where Métis families could access water, fields, and forest; now it holds a cultural center, a 40-room lodge, campgrounds, and Sky Watching Domes, glamping-style accommodations that debuted this summer. Sustainability-focused projects such as a solar farm and a permaculture garden are also in the works. 

The Métis people are one of the three Indigenous groups in Canada , along with First Nations and Inuit. The community was formed during the 1700s by the descendants of marriages between European fur traders and First Nations people, who evolved into a unique ethnic group. After more than a century of repression, the Métis people today find themselves on the verge of new opportunity: in Canada, Indigenous tourism is growing so rapidly that it’s projected to contribute more than $125 million to Alberta’s economy in 2024. 

Métis Crossing is one of the first destinations in the world to showcase Métis cultural pride. Helmed by powerhouse CEO Juanita Marois, its purpose is to celebrate and educate Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors on Métis heritage and contemporary culture — and, crucially, act as an incubator for new ideas.

Back in 2020, Marois partnered with Hrehorets, who is not Indigenous, to bring bison to this part of Alberta and help them thrive. The animals are known as li bufloo in the Métis Michif language, which in Alberta is a mix of mostly French and Cree. They were central to the Métis economy and politics, in addition to being sustenance. In the wildlife park, which spans 320 acres and is located a five-minute drive from the lodge, they’re a keystone species, meaning their presence benefits all other forms of life in their ecosystem. As they dig down with their hooves and make space for plants, “they’re naturally sharing and spreading seeds across the plains,” Marois told me as we walked the lodge grounds. Birds line their nests with bison fur, and prairie dogs take advantage of the shorter grass found in grazing areas to dig their burrows. 

For this decidedly urban Métis girl, li bufloo were a highlight of my visit, but there were many activities on offer, too. Métis knowledge-holder and teacher Lilyrose Meyers showed me the basics of tufting, a traditional craft for which moose or caribou hair is gathered, dyed, and stitched to create three-dimensional art or to decorate clothing. As my clumsy fingers struggled to keep up, she inevitably asked, “Where are you from?” The question sounds simple, but it’s an invitation to share details of our ancestry: Métis love to talk about lineage. While I dutifully listed family names aloud, she pulled out her cell phone to show me historical photos. The feeling of inclusion was powerful — and made up for the fact that I am clearly not a born tufter. Métis also love to laugh; Meyers and I joked a lot. By the time we were finished the sun was low in the sky, and I left Meyers to find where I’d be spending the night. 

The Lodge at Métis Crossing , designed by Métis architect Tiffany Shaw-Collinge, strikes a balance between high design and homespun comfort. The lobby has vaulted ceilings and sweeping views of the grounds and that big Alberta sky. Presiding over it all is a massive stone fireplace. My room had a handmade quilt on the bed and a private patio facing the river. 

Each day, breakfast was served in a small café on the ground floor, where staffer Beth Braucht brought me cappuccinos. The meals were unfussy and delicious, with local touches like saskatoon-berry coulis, bison sausage, and bannock, a type of bread that was introduced by European fur traders in the 18th century and adopted into Métis culture. 

While visitors can comfortably cocoon in their rooms, the property is clearly structured around group events, with an outdoor performance stage and plenty of legroom for dancing, both indoors and out. The Cultural Gathering Center has spaces for craft demonstrations and talks; the dining hall can easily seat hundreds. In the summer, visitors can take a guided canoe tour or picnic on the lawn, and in the winter there’s cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. During my stay, crews were preparing for Métis Fest, a June celebration that typically attracts around 2,000 people — Indigenous and non-Indigenous — from across Canada. 

On my last day, I walked a few minutes down a quiet path to take photos of the new Sky Watching Domes. Set in a clearing, the shiny green-and-white structures looked a bit like a friendly Mars colony: six domes with king beds and two family suites, all with plenty of space between them. 

While the domes are designed for year-round use, their igloo-like shape suggests a coziness factor ideal for cold weather, with the viewing windows set high on the ceilings for maximum privacy. Here in the land of the big skies, 75 miles away from the nearest city lights in Edmonton, stargazing is a prime activity — at the right time of year, guests might be lucky enough to see the aurora borealis. “Our nights are long and our days are short,” Marois said of winters in Alberta. “We wanted to build these domes so that people have a chance to connect with the land and sky.” 

When the temperatures drop and the prairie winds whistle down the North Saskatchewan, a night under the stars in the place of our ancestors may conjure up stories of trappers, hunters, traders, and farmers. Or it might just lull you gently to sleep. 

A version of this story first appeared in the October 2023 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "A Long Look Forward ."