alberta travel guide book

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

Alberta is where the Canadian Rockies meet the Great Plains in a series of spectacular landscapes. The province is all about wide-open spaces. From the mountains to the Badlands, there are five UNESCO World Heritage sites and four national parks that protect the province’s natural wonders and abundant wildlife. Mountain towns like Jasper and Banff celebrate mountain culture, while both Edmonton and Calgary host a cosmopolitan character that’s growing in pace with the booming economy. And quintessential western Canadian culture shines through at the annual Calgary Stampede.

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Photo by karamysh/Shutterstock

When’s the best time to go to Alberta?

Alberta enjoys the most sunshine of all the Canadian provinces, so it’s always a good time to visit. Spring is short and sweet, lasting only April to May, but this is when Alberta’s diverse wildflowers bloom in Waterton National Park. Summer is when Alberta is at its peak. The days are long, and warmer than most would expect. In Banff and Jasper national parks, it’s the time to explore the mountains by visiting Spirit Island or hiking above Moraine Lake. The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the world’s most scenic ski areas, and since they’re located in the great white north, the resorts enjoy long seasons that last from November to May. Winter enthusiasts may still prefer to visit between December and March, when it’s also possible to skate on Lake Louise or venture along the Malinge Canyon Icewalk.

How to get around Alberta

Both Edmonton and Calgary have international airports, with daily flights arriving from just about everywhere. Because Alberta is so large, and its attractions so spread out, make sure to fly into the right airport. The Alberta Badlands, the Cowboy Trail, and Banff and Waterton national parks are closer to Calgary, while Jasper National Park is closest to Edmonton. Another scenic way to arrive in Alberta is by train. VIARail’s Canada Line runs between Toronto and Vancouver, via Jasper and Edmonton. Rocky Mountaineer runs from Seattle and Vancouver to Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary.

Alberta is massive, but regional flight services are limited. While airport shuttles to Jasper and Banff national parks are available from both Calgary and Edmonton, it’s often easiest to get around the province by car. For the most part, roads are paved and navigation is easy, but make sure to check your fuel gauge before leaving rural towns, as it can be several hundred kilometers between service stations. The bonus, however, is fuel prices that are typically the most inexpensive in Canada. Throughout the summer, many visitors opt to rent RVs and stay at campgrounds in the Canadian Rockies. In the winter, make sure to request an AWD rental car with winter tires to make the most of driving on snow-covered roads.

Food and drink to try in Alberta

“I love Alberta Beef” stickers adorn pickup-truck bumpers throughout the province, and much of the local diet features hearty servings of red meat. But don’t go thinking it’s limited to beef, as farm-raised venison, elk, and bison appear on many menus. The province is currently experiencing a farm-to-table movement that takes advantage of its proximity to locally grown food. From downtown Calgary, it’s less than 20 kilometers to sprawling ranches. Craft beer is booming throughout the province, too, with the opening of dozens of microbreweries, including Jasper Brewing Company, the first-ever in a Canadian national park. As for cocktails, the Caesar is Alberta’s signature drink. Invented in Calgary, a traditional Caesar contains vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire and is served in a celery salt–rimmed glass.

Culture in Alberta

Much of Alberta’s culture is celebrated in the province’s five UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks site protects the abundant wildlife of the Canadian Rockies, while the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, located in the southwest corner of the province, was formed to commemorate goodwill between the USA and Canada. At Dinosaur Provincial Park, 75 million years of fossilized history has been discovered in the dramatic landscapes of the Badlands. Wood Buffalo National Park is home to the world’s largest bison herd, and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump celebrates aboriginal culture by portraying how the Plains Indians hunted buffalo for thousands of years.

The Calgary Stampede is Alberta’s most famous annual event, drawing over 700,000 visitors to the province for 10 days each July. More than the just world’s richest rodeo, the event’s live music performances and Stampede Midway draw crowds equal to the rodeo itself. After the Stampede, the province sees many summer music festivals, such as the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Calgary’s Sled Island Festival, and Hinton’s Wild Mountain Music Fest. The Banff Mountain Film Festival brings adventure filmmaking into the limelight each October, while Jasper in January is dubbed the Canadian Rockies’ hottest winter festival.

Local travel tips for Alberta

• Wildlife viewing is easiest at sunrise or sunset, so locals hoping to spot a grizzly bear or mountain goat (or any of the dozens of species native to Alberta, like elk, moose, deer, bighorn sheep, or black bears) hit the road earlier than most visitors.
• The weather is unpredictable. Freezing-cold winter days turn mild when Chinook winds blow. And hot summer days can quickly turn cold, especially in the Canadian Rockies.
• Make sure to pack an extra layer, just in case.
• September is usually the most stable weather-wise. Sunny days with surprisingly warm temperatures coincide with the end of tourist season, so don’t be afraid to visit in the low season.

Guide Editor

Jeff Bartlett

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Pete Seaward

Alberta does lakes and mountains like Rome does cathedrals and chapels, but without the penance. For proof head west to Jasper and Banff, two of the world’s oldest national parks; despite their wild and rugged terrain, they remain untrammeled and easily accessible. They're majestic, breathtaking, awesome. No one should leave without first laying eyes on Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield, nor before traveling east to the fossil-encrusted badlands around Drumheller, south to the Crypt Lake trail in Waterton Lakes National Park, and north to spot bison in the vast, empty northern parklands.

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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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Hulking great mountains, sprawling ice fields and emerald lakes are Alberta’s star attractions, but equally thrilling are its dinosaur-strewn Badlands and cowboy heritage.

You’d swear they’ve added a drop of dye to the lakes in the Rocky Mountains. Could they really be such a startling colour? Yes they could, and you need to supercharge your camera battery if you’re going to capture every snap-worthy scene that comes your way.

Whether you’re spotting grizzlies and elk alongside the Icefields Parkway, soaking in Banff’s hot springs, hiking around Maligne Lake or skiing fresh powder at Lake Louise, you’d have to be a Martian not to be bowled over.

This pristine nature sits uneasily next to the controversial oil sands of Alberta’s north, whose modern-day gold rush has fuelled the province’s booming economy. This wealth is evident in cities like Calgary and Edmonton, home to shiny new skyscrapers, flashy restaurants and ever-expanding suburbs.

While much of Alberta beyond the Rockies seems to be an endless vista of prairies topped with a generous sprinkling of lakes, the Badlands pop out like a Christmas cracker surprise. Stripy hills and sandstone hoodoos like giant mushroom stalks conceal many dinosaur bones – in its day this must have been the Cretaceous equivalent of Tokyo or Delhi.

Get your own bones rocking at Edmonton’s summer fiesta, K Days, a 10-day jamboree featuring whirring fairground rides and big-name bands. Or join the cowboy extravaganza that is the Calgary Stampede, when chuckwagon races, bull riding and dazzling stage shows make you yee-haw till you’re hoarse.

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Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad , which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

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If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Canada’s High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK Health Security Agency) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Travel to Canada

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for passengers entering Canada. Avoid travelling if you have symptoms of COVID-19. See the Government of Canada’s website for more information on COVID-19 and travel.

Public spaces and services

The Government of Canada recommends that all travellers wear a face mask on public transport.

You may be asked to wear a face mask indoors, such as in hospitals or on public transport. You may need proof of vaccination to visit settings such as care homes.

Local authorities in Canada can introduce restrictions or measures at short notice. Comply with the rules and advice of the local authorities. Check the COVID-19 guidance for each province and territory .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Visa requirements

Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada – not both.

You do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to six months). You will need an eTA instead. Check entry requirements and find out if you need a visa or an eTA for your visit using this tool.

You may need to provide fingerprints and photos at a visa application centre to apply for permanent residence or a study or work permit. Find out if you need to give biometrics. If you do need to give biometrics, see the list of biometrics collection points .

When you arrive, you must show that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay, even if you are staying with family or friends.

Contact Canada’s High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country, for example, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

You must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter or transit Canada by air, unless you’re exempt. Read the list of exemptions on the ETA website . If you enter Canada by land or sea, you don’t need an eTA. However, you must travel with acceptable travel documents and identification .

If you have British-Canadian dual nationality, you cannot apply for an eTA. You need a valid Canadian passport instead.

The eTA website has information about the eTA system and how to apply .

Visa and eTA scams

Some  unauthorised websites  charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not associated with the Government of Canada.

If you think you may have been a victim of a scam, use the eTA Check Status tool to confirm if your eTA is valid. If it has been 72 hours since you applied, and you have not received a confirmation of your application, complete this enquiry form .

Transiting through Canada

You must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to transit Canada, unless you are exempt.

If you have questions, contact:

• your airline
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• your nearest Canadian high commission, embassy or consulate

Find out more about transiting Canada .

Travelling with children

If only one parent is present, carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.

For further information, check with Canada’s High Commission in the UK or the Canada Border Services Agency .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be taken into - and out - of Canada . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Banned food products will be confiscated and you could be fined. Check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website for more information.

If you visited a farm, or had contact with wild animals before entering Canada, and intend to visit a farm during your stay, you must complete the relevant section in your Customs Declaration Card. For more information, see the Government of Canada’s website on biosecurity .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on  staying safe abroad  and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from  terrorism  while abroad.

Terrorism in Canada

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Canada.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Recent attacks include:

• in 2023, one person was stabbed and injured in Surrey, British Columbia
• in 2021, 4 people were killed and one injured by a vehicle in London, Ontario
• in 2020, one person was killed with a hammer in Scarborough, Ontario
• in 2020, one person was killed and 2 wounded in a machete attack in Toronto, Ontario

See the  Government of Canada’s national terrorism threat level .

Take precautions to protect yourself from petty crime, including:

• not leaving your bag or luggage unattended
• keeping luggage out of sight in cars
• keeping valuables and passport in a hotel safe
• leaving copies of important documents with family and friends in the UK
• carrying a photocopy of your passport for ID

Laws and cultural differences

Recreational cannabis is legally available in Canada. Local laws vary depending on the province or territory you are visiting . It is illegal to carry any form of cannabis into the UK without a valid licence issued by the Home Office. This includes cannabis and cannabinoid oils prescribed for medicinal purposes in Canada. It is illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border without a permit or exemption authorised by Health Canada.

There is more information on the  Canadian Border Services Agency website .

If you are hiking or camping, be considerate and cautious of local wildlife. You should:

take all rubbish with you including food items to avoid attracting animals to your site

be careful around animals with nearby young or nests – they may be aggressive when protecting their territory

research the region to learn about the local wildlife

take particular care if you’re in an area where bears have been sighted

keep a safe distance from any wildlife including marine animals and birds

follow park regulations

Transport risks

Road travel.

Traffic and safety laws vary between provinces and territories. This includes laws on whether you are allowed to turn right on a red light. See more information on driving in Canada.

Follow speed limits and take extra care when travelling on country roads. Watch out for wild animals.

For more information on road conditions and road safety, see Transport Canada , the Canadian Automobile Association and Travel Canada .

Driving in winter

In winter, highways are often closed because of snowstorms and avalanches in Alberta, British Columbia and other provinces. Check local weather conditions on  The Weather Network .

Driving conditions can be dangerous, even when roads remain open during a winter storm. Take care, follow local restrictions or guidelines, and make sure your vehicle has snow tyres and emergency supplies.

Car hire in Canada

You can drive a car in Canada using a full UK driving licence. However, some car hire companies may require you to have an International Driving Permit . Check your car hire company’s requirements before you travel. Always carry your driving licence and take out full insurance cover if you hire a vehicle.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

From July to November, coastal areas can be affected by hurricanes. Check the  National Hurricane Centre ,  Environment Canada  and  The Weather Network  websites for the latest weather conditions. See FCDO advice on tropical cyclones.

Avalanches can happen in mountainous regions, including Alberta and British Columbia. Always follow avalanche advice and stay away from closed trails. Follow the directions of local guides or instructors. For more information and avalanche news, visit the  Canadian Avalanche Foundation.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. The Government of Canada has more information about emergency preparedness .

Thunderstorms

Summer thunderstorms are frequent in most parts of Canada, particularly between April and September. They can cause property damage and threaten lives.

Winterstorms

Winter storms, which can involve severe freezing rain, blizzards and hail are frequent in many parts of Canada, particularly between November and April. They can cause perilous driving conditions, property damage and threaten lives. Follow local warnings or news for details.

Tornadoes can occur anywhere in Canada between May and September, but June to July is the peak season in:

• Southern Ontario
• southeastern Quebec
• Southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba through to Thunder Bay
• the interior of British Columbia and western New Brunswick

Follow instructions from Canadian officials or law enforcement. Check the  National Hurricane Centre  for weather updates.

Forest fires

Forest fires can start at any time, whatever the season. There is more risk of fire in the grasslands and forests of western Canada, although in summer 2023 there were also significant fires in parts of Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Follow local warnings or news for details on latest outbreaks.

For more information about active wildfires and forecasts, visit the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System website .

Arctic travel

Parts of Canada are in the Arctic Circle, including some very remote areas of land and sea. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in these areas. See Arctic travel safety advice .

Before you travel, check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 911 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check:

• the latest information on health risks and what vaccinations you need for Canada on TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre)
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Canada, including the ski and hiking destinations in the Canadian Rockies, such as Banff and Lake Louise. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

TravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Canada

The cost of medical treatment can be very expensive. There are no special arrangements for British visitors. 

For emergency healthcare, go to a hospital emergency room or a walk-in clinic.

If you have dual British-Canadian citizenship, you may still have to pay for medical treatment if you don’t meet provincial residency requirements for healthcare. Check with the relevant province or territory for more information .

COVID-19 healthcare in Canada

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Canada on TravelHealthPro.

Seek medical assistance if you develop COVID-19 symptoms while in Canada. Follow the advice from Public Health Canada   for updates and guidance. These Twitter accounts are also official sources of information and guidance:

• @GovCanHealth
• @CPHO_Canada

The TravelHealthPro website has more advice on  travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Canada

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)

Coastguard maritime emergencies

Telephone: 1-800-463-4393

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Canada
• dealing with a death in Canada
• being arrested in Canada
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Find more support for British nationals abroad .

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission .

You can also contact FCDO online .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks Paperback – April 19, 2016

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Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher

Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper & Glacier National Parks is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Go hiking and camping in the Backcountry in Banff, mountain-biking and horseback riding in Jasper, or wildlife spotting in Glacier -all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Banff, Jasper & Glacier National Parks and begin your journey now!

Inside the Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper & Glacier National Parks Travel Guide:

• User-friendly highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
• Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
• Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices, emergency information, park seasonality, hiking trail junctions, viewpoints, landscapes, elevations, distances, difficulty levels, and durations
• Focused on the best - hikes, drives, and cycling tours
• Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, camping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, summer and winter activities, and hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
• Contextual insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, geology, wildlife, and conservation
• Over 52 full-color trail and park maps and full-color images throughout
• Useful features - Travel with Children, Clothing and Equipment, and Day and Overnight Hikes
• Covers Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Glacier National Park, Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka, Bow Valley, Backcountry, Kananaskis Country, Lake O'Hara, Jasper Town, Blackfeet Indian Reservation and more

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper & Glacier National Parks, our most comprehensive guide to these Canadian national parks, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.

Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet.

About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveler community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travelers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves.

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards winner in Favorite Travel Guide category for 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

• Part of series National Parks
• Print length 288 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Lonely Planet
• Publication date April 19, 2016
• Dimensions 5.1 x 0.7 x 7.7 inches
• ISBN-10 1742206182
• ISBN-13 978-1742206189
• See all details

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Banff, Jasper and Glacier offer outdoor experiences at their simplest and best.

Sit atop a mountain, hike through the forest, feel the spray of a waterfall.

Welcome to Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks

Editorial reviews, book description, about the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lonely Planet; 4th edition (April 19, 2016)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1742206182
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1742206189
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.1 x 0.7 x 7.7 inches
• #32 in Banff Travel Guides
• #84 in Canadian National Parks Travel Guides
• #284 in General Canada Travel Books

About the authors

Brendan sainsbury.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Michael Grosberg

After a childhood spent stateside in the Washington DC area, mostly because of his father's unanalyzed fear of flight (which restricted family trips to small train compartments or cramped cars - both fertile territory for close-hand combat with his brother), Michael spent a year studying and traveling in Israel. His world now open to other shores and the pleasures of international flight, especially the meals (always fish or chicken, never beef), Michael continued to travel.

After college, and with a valuable philosophy degree in hand, he took a job vaguely related to developing a resort on the island of Rota in the Northern Marianas. Guam, Saipan and Tinian were not enough to ease his travel fever, so he left for a long overland trip through Asia that ended in semi-disaster - if judged by the fact that his things were being hauled around in his laundry bag when he arrived in Amman, Jordan.

An aborted attempt at graduate school was followed by an exploration of the country of his birth, the USA, driving a beat-up truck full of books. Cliches piling up like tacky roadside museums in the western part of the country, Michael decided to try his hand at the classic romantic gig, working in a fishery in Alaska, only to be told on arrival that he was too early.

He found his way to South Africa, where he investigated and wrote about political violence and other fun issues and then helped train newly elected local government officials. But, feeling the call of New York City, he went to graduate school in comparative literature, received a Masters but stopped just short of the coveted doctorate (he realized he wasn't willing to move to Kansas for a job) before teaching literature and writing as an adjunct professor at several NYC colleges.

Michael has worked on over 50 Lonely Planet books. His most memorable so far is easily the Myanmar book, though each experience has both added to his rich and complicated psyche and also taken years from his no longer young life.

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