Alberta is Canada’s most stunning province. I could also be biased since I used to be born in Alberta and have returned numerous occasions however it’s exhausting to compete with the Rocky Mountains, the badlands, and the glistening glacier lakes. So since we love visiting Alberta a lot, we need to share probably the most stunning locations to go to in Alberta to allow you to be the choose. Home to the Canadian Rockies, Alberta boasts 5 nationwide parks with a number of the finest surroundings in Western Canada. If you might be planning a visit to Alberta, don’t miss these stunning locations.
Best Places to Visit in Alberta
We have traveled a variety of Alberta throughout each season and might actually say, it’s a tremendous year-round vacation spot and one of many most stunning locations on the earth! Whether you go to Alberta in winter, summer time, spring, or fall, you’ll be shocked by its pure magnificence.
The finest option to get round Alberta is by automobile. You’ll need to have the ability to cease on the scenic views, mountain climbing trails, and sights all through the province. You can choose up your automobile rental on the Calgary Airport and set off for the journey of a lifetime. Check costs right here.
There are so many iconic locations to see in Alberta, it may be tough understanding the place to start out, however we’re right here to assist. These are probably the most stunning locations in Alberta that now we have visited with footage to show it! Let’s get began.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest nationwide park and has attracted guests since 1885. Located in the midst of the Rocky Mountains there are unbelievable views, glacier lakes, and backcountry adventures available. When you set your eyes upon Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier regally reflecting into its turquoise waters you possibly can’t assist however gasp in awe on the scene of one of the stunning locations in Canada.
Banff National Park is huge with towering mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies, turquoise lakes (apart from Lake Louise), and alpine meadows. The park can be house to quite a few waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise. So, earlier than we transfer away from Banff National Park, let’s check out all the prime sights within the space, as a result of they only so occur to be the most effective locations to go to in Alberta as effectively.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is likely one of the most well-known vacationer sights in Alberta. A real Canadian bucket checklist exercise is to hire a canoe and head out onto the lake. You can keep in Lake Louise Village which has loads of retailers and eating places or you possibly can keep on the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise for pure luxurious and decadence.
Where to Stay in Lake Louise:
Lake Louise in Winter
It can be the most effective locations in Alberta to go to in Winter. Lake Louise Ski Resort is a world-class resort that hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics. In the winter there are infinite adventures available at Lake Louise Ski Resort and past the ski hill from cross-country snowboarding, canine sledding, skijoring, pond hockey, and snowshoeing.
In the winter Lake Louise freezes over making for probably the most stunning out of doors skating rink settings on earth. Now is your likelihood to ice skate at considered one of Canada’s most iconic locations.
- Read extra about what to see and do in Lake Louise:
In the summer time, Lake Louise is astounding with mountain climbing trails taking you out to Victoria Glacier and past. A preferred hike is the Lake Agnes Tea House Trek, the place you hike 3.5km (2.2 miles) to the historic tea home. Lake Agnes Tea House has been in operation since 1905 and has an enthralling rustic ambiance, with seating each inside and outdoors on the deck overlooking Lake Agnes.
This is likely one of the hottest hikes within the nationwide park, so it’s beneficial to reach early to keep away from crowds and guarantee a spot on the tea home. After having fun with your tea and snacks on the tea home, you possibly can both retrace your steps again to Lake Louise alongside this well-liked hike or proceed on to the Little Beehive or Big Beehive trails for extra beautiful views of the realm.
Moraine Lake
No go to to Lake Louise can be full with out mountain climbing out to Moraine Lake. It unforgettable scene is featured on the again of our previous Canadian $20 invoice and has been attracting out of doors lovers for many years.
Moraine Lake will not be removed from Lake Louise and is simply an hour’s drive from the city of Banff. The finest time to go to Moraine Lake is certainly at dawn. When the solar hits the Valley of the Ten Peaks and displays off of the mirror-like lake why this is likely one of the most photographed areas in North America.
Note that there was a change in guidelines for 2023 and accessing Moraine Lake for dawn is now not doable through the Parks Canada Shuttle. You must discover a tour that has entry to do that. If you journey a motorcycle or take an organized tour you possibly can nonetheless go to Lake Moraine for dawn.
The Moraine Lake Shoreline hike offers you a shot of ten towering peaks side-by-side, together with Mount Tuzo, Mount Bowlen, and Wenkchemna Peak. This is the well-known “Twenty Dollar View.” Read extra: 16 Best Banff Hikes To Discover
Banff Hot Springs
It was the Banff Hot Springs that first attracted vacationers to the nationwide park and when visiting Banff you need to take a day to spend in these iconic waters. The sizzling springs have been first found by staff on the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883.
This is likely one of the most beautiful areas of any sizzling spring surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. The water temperature ranges from 37°C to 40°C (98°F to 104°F), making it the proper place to calm down and unwind.
The Banff Upper Hot Springs is the most well-liked and accessible in Banff National Park making it a simple place to go to. The facility consists of a big out of doors pool that’s open year-round. In truth, the most effective time to go to is in winter when the mountains are lined with snow. There are indoor change rooms the place you possibly can hire an old-timers bathing swimsuit should you don’t have your individual, plus a café. There can be a present store the place you should buy souvenirs and different gadgets.
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is the most important lake in Banff National Park stretching over 21 kilometers (13 miles) in size and reaching depths of as much as 142 meters (466 ft). Like so most of the lakes within the park, it’s surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.
The identify “Minnewanka” comes from the Stoney Nakoda First Nations folks, that means “Water of the Spirits” and there are many issues to do within the space. Visitors can take a scenic drive alongside the Minnewanka Loop, which gives a number of viewpoints and stops for mountain climbing trails and picnic areas.
We extremely suggest taking considered one of its boat excursions throughout the summer time months. The guides are crammed with information and also you’ll be taught in regards to the legend of the Mermen that lived in Lake Minnewanka. In the winter, the lake freezes over and turns into a well-liked spot for ice fishing and cross-country snowboarding. We have visited it in each winter and summer time and every season is gorgeous.
Castle Mountain
One of probably the most recognizable Massifs is Castle Mountain. Located between Banff Town and Lake Louise, its distinctive form resembles a citadel. (therefore its identify). The space gives alternatives for mountain climbing and mountain climbing. For these with out alpine expertise, the mountain will be seen from the Trans Canada Highway at Castle Junction.
Where to remain in Banff:
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway hyperlinks Banff and Jasper nationwide parks and is likely one of the most stunning drives on earth. It really is likely one of the best street journeys on the earth. There are so many issues to see alongside Icefields parkway you’ll need to take a few days to discover it. Don’t miss stopping on the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefields which is likely one of the largest non-polar ice fields on the earth and take within the view of the encompassing mountains on the Icefields Skywalk.
You can learn extra at Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta however we’re additionally going to focus on a number of the prime out of doors actions and viewpoints alongside this iconic route.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
The Columbia Icefields Skywalk has shortly turn into probably the most epic viewpoint in Alberta. Just a brief drive from the Columbia Icefield customer heart the Skywalk is a must-see attraction. The glass-bottomed walkway over the Columbia Icefields dangles 280m (918 ft) above the canyon surrounded by glaciers and mountains creating an superior view!
The Columbia Icefield is a superb cease about midway between Banff and Jasper city and right here you possibly can go to the museum, seize some lunch (meals is dear although so be ready), and take within the views of the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. You can e-book excursions right here as effectively.
Athabasca Glacier
You can view the glacier from the customer centre, however you too can e-book a tour to get out onto it. If you don’t need to e-book a tour, you possibly can stroll out on some trails for a better view of the glacier. But don’t go off the path and by no means enterprise out onto the glacier alone and not using a information. It is harmful and will be lethal, that is the scariest glacier we’ve ever been on with deep crevasses and we adopted our information’s directions to a tea.
Book this Columbia Icefield Half Day Tour right here from Jasper. It consists of transportation from Jasper, photograph stops at Athabasca Falls and Stutfield Glacier, Ice Cat tour of the Athabasca Glacier and the Icefield Skywalk with lunch!
Bow Lake
There are numerous pullovers and viewpoints on the Icefields Parkway to see iconic Alberta lakes comparable to Peyto Lake, and the beautiful reflections of Bow Lake. Located on the foot of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake has probably the most stunning lake reflection in all of Alberta. You can hike across the lake or pause to remain at Num ti Jaw Lodge positioned straight on Bow Lake. It’s an ideal place to make a base.
Peyto Lake
There are so many lakes alongside the Icefields Parkway to cease and take within the views. From Two Jack Lake to Peyto Lake which now we have determined to function. Why? Because, Peyto Lake is a surprising glacier-fed lake that’s is thought for its vibrant blue-green coloration, which is attributable to the rock flour (fantastic sediment) that’s carried into the lake by melting glaciers.
It has spectacular views of the encompassing mountains, there are a number of mountain climbing trails with The Bow Summit Trail being a well-liked cease. Make positive to maintain a watch out for elk, moose deer, and even bears. Peyto Lake is well accessible from the close by Icefields Parkway, making it one of the well-liked tops for folks touring from Banff to Jasper National Park.
Where to Stay on the Icefields Parkway
Num Ti Jah Lodge is a historic Lodge positioned straight on Bow Lake. It is likely one of the most unusual locations to remain in Alberta and is positioned on the Glacier Parkway, it makes for an ideal place to make a base whereas exploring each Banff and Jasper National Parks should you don’t thoughts the drive.
Jasper National Park
After you’ve pushed the Icefields Parkway, Jasper National Park is your subsequent cease and is a spot you can’t miss visiting in Alberta. It is as stunning as Banff National Park should you can imagine it! In truth, we like Jasper National Park higher than banff as a result of it’s much less crowded and extra rustic.
There are so many locations to see in Jasper National Park that it is advisable to spend a couple of days up right here. It has an abundance of wildlife from grizzly bears to mountain goats, you possibly can see the aurora borealis and waterfalls. Plus, like so many different locations in Alberta, there are mountain climbing trails, turquoise lakes, and canyons. Read extra: Amazing Things to do in Jasper, Alberta
Northern Lights at Lake Annette
You can see the northern lights throughout Alberta however Jasper is thought for its darkish sky competition and it is likely one of the finest locations to see the Aurora Borealis in Alberta. Winter is the most effective time to view the darkish skies as a result of the times or shorter and you’ve got lengthy darkish nights to see the celebs twinkle within the sky.
We made our method out to Lake Annette from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge within the wee hours of the morning and noticed probably the most extraordinary show of northern lights reflecting within the nonetheless waters. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the most effective place to remain in Jasper with stunning views of Lac Beauvert and choices to remain in log cabins, big lake homes, and predominant constructing lodge rooms.
Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is a beautiful river canyon stroll that plunges 50 meters (154 ft) into the earth. Maligne Canyon is positioned simply quarter-hour from downtown Jasper alongside the 46 km (miles) Maligne Lake Drive. This cease is likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Jasper and for good purpose. It is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park and there are stunning mountain climbing trails alongside the canyon providing extraordinary views. Arrive early within the morning to beat the crowds!
In the summer time it’s a great spot for a hike to see the waterfalls cascading down the canyon, however within the winter it turns right into a wonderland with frozen waterfalls filling the scene. You can e-book ice stroll excursions to see the frozen waterfalls and ice caves.
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is likely one of the most visited locations in Jasper National Park. There are mountain climbing trails and scenic lookouts however the prime factor to do right here is to take a ship cruise to Spirit Island for a picture-perfect photograph alternative.
Also, this gives you sufficient time to drive out to Maligne Lake. It is the longest pure lake within the Canadian Rockies. Read extra: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada
Where to Stay in Jasper National Park
Other highlights of Jasper embrace taking a meals tour of Jasper Town, a go to to Pyramid Lake at dawn, a hike to Sunwapta Falls, and stopping to view the attractive Athabasca Falls. Check out: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada
Alberta Badlands
The Alberta Badlands are a stark distinction to the Rocky Mountains area. The lunar-like panorama is crammed with distinctive locations to see in Alberta. There can be some stunning scenic lookouts like Horse Thief Canyon and Horseshoe Canyon. The Hoodoos of Drumheller are to not be missed. Read extra: Things to do in Drumheller, Alberta
Hoodoos of Drumheller
These historic hoodoo rock formations are a tiny cluster on the aspect of the street as you drive from Dinosaur Provincial Park to Drumheller. The hoodoos have been fashioned over lots of of years by way of erosion from freezing, frost, soften and wind.
Over time, the sandstone eroded into lengthy chimney-like formations that stay standing as a result of the exhausting rock “hat” retains it from fully eroding away. They are one of the distinctive locations in Alberta. If you need to know extra, take a look at our put up at The Hoodoos of Drumheller
Where to remain within the Alberta Badlands
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Located within the city of Drumheller, The Royal Tyrrell Museum is likely one of the finest dinosaur museums on the earth. We may have spent hours having fun with its shows. In truth, it homes the most important and most various assortment of fossils on the earth, with over 160,000 specimens on show. Visitors can see every thing from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to historic marine creatures and prehistoric crops.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
While driving alongside the dinosaur path, you can’t miss taking a tour of Dinosaur Provincial Park. Not solely is is totally stunning, however additionally it is one of the fossil-rich locations on the planet and you’ll see actual fossils which were dug from excavations.
The Centrosaurus Quarry Hike is one of the simplest ways to see this big focus of dinosaur fossils. This was an precise excavation web site, however scientists obtained all they wanted from there and left the remainder for us to see. It’s an interactive tour and the information checks your information as you attempt to bear in mind every thing you realized in class about dinosaurs. You can e-book excursions on the park customer heart. Read extra: A Visit to Dinosaur Provincial Park
Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park (also called Waterton – Glacier International Peace Park) is a tremendous place to go to in Alberta. It is positioned on the United States border and shares its land with Glacier National Park.
Together they’re the one nationwide parks on the earth which can be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve rolled multi functional. You can see a herd of untamed buffalo, pink rocks canyon, and the Prince Albert Hotel. Plan your go to: The Wonders of Waterton Lakes National Park
Where to Stay in Waterton Lakes National Park
- Prince of Wales Hotel is a National Historic Site that stands within the heart of Waterton National Park. It is likely one of the most recognizable scenes from the park and is the proper luxurious escape.
Pincher Creek – Southern Alberta
Pincher Creek is a small city in Southern Alberta that could be a nice jumping-off level for Waterton Lakes National Park which is about one hour away.
It is a spot the place the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains and it’s a fully stunning setting. Wind farms line the plains with stark mountains filling within the backdrop and cattle graze within the fields and large bales of hay dot the panorama. It is the Quintessential Alberta journey vacation spot. It’s an ideal place to make a base to discover Crowsnest Pass for a couple of days. Check out all of the sights at The Many Sights of Pincher Creek.
Burmis Tree
When I noticed The Burmis Tree in images, I had to ensure I put it on the prime of my checklist of locations to go to in Alberta. Located at Crowsnest Pass (Another must-visit place in Alberta) the Burmis Tree is estimated to be 600 to 750 years previous. It is an ominous sight,
Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump
Located simply quarter-hour from Fort MacLeod is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump. Dating again 6000 years, the early Aboriginal peoples would lure herds of buffalo over the sting of a cliff. Read: Famous Canada Landmarks so as to add to your bucket checklist
Calgary
Calgary is Alberta’s largest metropolis and no go to to Alberta can be full with out spending no less than two days within the metropolis. It is house to the annual Calgary Stampede however there’s a lot extra to do than simply watch chuck wagon races and bull driving. Calgary hosted the 1988 Olympics and simply outdoors the town is Canada Olympic Park the place you possibly can get pleasure from numerous out of doors actions in each winter and summer time. Read extra: Canada Olympic Park – Fun in Calgary Alberta
There are so many issues to do in Calgary we suggest spending a few days. Located on the Bow River, Calgary has loads of out of doors sights, however additionally it is an elegant city vacation spot with a unbelievable meals scene. Read extra: 21 Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Tower
As proven above, now we have a complete article devoted to all of the issues to do in Calgary, however we do want to the touch on no less than considered one of its prime sights. When you go to Calgary, the primary place you must go is up the Calgary Tower is likely one of the most recognizable buildings within the metropolis, and going up the tower is as a lot part of the town because the CN Tower is to Toronto.
Upon completion in 1968, the Calgary Tower was the tallest constructing in Calgary. Although it was dethroned in 1984, the tower nonetheless gives guests a number of the finest views in Calgary.
We have a complete article devoted the Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta
Where to remain in Calgary:
Canmore
We can’t write about all of the locations to go to in Alberta with out mentioning Canmore. This former coal mining city is now an out of doors lover’s playground. Located between Calgary and Banff, it has heaps of mountain climbing, biking, and snowshoe trails in addition to unbelievable viewpoints of the Three Sisters. It’s an ideal spot for mountain climbing in the summertime and mountain climbing within the winter.
The Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary is to not be missed and ensure to do some climbing to soak up the birds-eye views. Read extra: The Best Things to do in Canmore, Alberta
Johnston Canyon
The scenic Johnston Canyon Icewalk is as stunning (if no more) within the winter as it’s in the summertime. In the winter it’s crammed with frozen waterfalls. The sub-zero chill freezes the canyons, caves, and crevasses making for the bost stunning scene. Ice climbers climb the glistening canyon partitions whereas the remainder of us can take the ice stroll to discover ice caves and marvel on the frozen waterfalls. Read extra: The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta
Where to Stay in Canmore
Kananaskis
People usually overlook Kananaskis for Banff or Jasper however it is likely one of the most stunning locations to go to in Alberta with simply as beautiful views. Located between Calgary and Banff, it’s a nice weekend getaway vacation spot. Be positive to go to the spa at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.
Edmonton
Edmonton is usually ignored when visiting Alberta, however it’s a funky city that has one of many youngest populations in Canada making for a classy and occurring metropolis to go to! If you’re keen on spending time open air admiring wildlife this can be a nice jumping-off level to go to Jasper National Park, however it additionally has an ideal meals scene, and loads of festivals, in truth, Edmonton hosts the second-largest Fringe Festival on the earth.
In Edmonton, you’ll uncover a vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis surrounded by wilderness. Check it out at: The Best Things to do in Edmonton, Alberta
West Edmonton Mall
The West Edmonton Mall is a prime draw with every thing inside you possibly can think about. It is the dimensions of a small metropolis and makes for an ideal year-round vacation spot. I typically really feel that individuals go to Edmonton simpy to see this mall.
West Edmonton Mall is likely one of the largest malls on the earth, masking an space of roughly 5.3 million sq. ft. Besides buying, it has an indoor amusement park, mini golf, ice skating, a bowling alley, a film theatre, and an aquarium.
The mall even has two inns together with the Fantasyland Hotel, which options rooms with distinctive themes such because the Polynesian Room and the Hollywood Room, and the West Edmonton Mall Inn.
Cowboy Trail
Southern Alberta is usually ignored with planning a visit to the province, however it ought to be excessive in your checklist. This is the Rocky Mountains meet the prairies. It is cowboy nation is big ranches and horses. It was the place the buffalo roamed and the cattle graze-free. One of the most effective issues to do right here is to e-book an evening at a ranch and go on a path journey to discover the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.
The Cowboy Trail is an excellent Alberta street journey from Calgary to the Rocky Mountains, into the prairies, and out of the Badlands. It was one of many finest street journeys we’ve ever taken and we need to provide you with your individual itinerary to observe while you make your option to Canada’s most stunning province. We have a complete itinerary for this loop and we’ll depart you right here to learn extra about The Cowboy Trail – A Southern Alberta Road Trip
How to Get to Alberta, Canada
Alberta is positioned in Western Canada bordered by the provinces of British Columbia to the West, Saskatchewan to the East, and south of The Northwest Territories. It is positioned on the American Border at Montana.
The best option to get to Alberta is by air. The province has two worldwide airports: Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Calgary International Airport (YYC). Many main airways supply direct flights to those airports from cities around the globe. From the airport, you possibly can hire a automobile or take a taxi, shuttle, or public transit to your vacation spot. We extremely suggest renting a automobile.
If you might be touring from inside Canada or the United States, driving is another choice. Alberta is accessible by a number of highways, together with the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), which runs east-west by way of the province. You can enter the province from British Columbia to the west or Saskatchewan to the east.
By Bus: Greyhound Canada gives bus service to varied cities in Alberta from different Canadian provinces and a few American cities. Other bus corporations additionally supply providers throughout the province. Both Dave and I’ve taken the bus throughout Canada by way of Alberta and let me inform you, it’s an journey.
By Train: Via Rail gives practice service to varied cities in Alberta, together with Edmonton and Jasper, from different Canadian provinces. We’ve taken the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff and it’s a ver well-liked possibility. The scenic practice journey by way of the Canadian Rockies that stops in Banff and Jasper.
Travel occasions and distances in Alberta will be vital so be certain to plan forward and resolve wheter the bus, practice or automobile rental is best for you.
Alberta really is a dream vacation spot. With numerous photograph alternatives and adventures available, it’s one of many best locations in Canada to go to. So get in your automobile and begin that Alberta street journey immediately!
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