Alberta is Canada’s most lovely province. I could also be biased since I was born in Alberta and have returned numerous occasions however it’s onerous to compete with the Rocky Mountains, the badlands, and the glistening glacier lakes. So since we love visiting Alberta a lot, we wish to share essentially the most lovely locations to go to in Alberta to allow you to be the choose. House to the Canadian Rockies, Alberta boasts 5 nationwide parks with a number of the finest surroundings in Western Canada. If you’re planning a visit to Alberta, don’t miss these lovely locations.
Greatest Places to Visit in Alberta
We’ve traveled lots of Alberta throughout each season and might truthfully say, it’s an incredible year-round vacation spot and one of many most beautiful places in the world! Whether or not you go to Alberta in winter, summer time, spring, or fall, you’re going to be surprised by its pure magnificence.
The easiest way to get round Alberta is by automotive. You’ll need to give you the chance to cease on the scenic views, mountain climbing trails, and sights all through the province. You possibly can choose up your automotive rental on the Calgary Airport and set off for the journey of a lifetime. Check prices here.
There are such a lot of iconic locations to see in Alberta, it may be tough understanding the place to begin, however we’re right here to assist. These are essentially the most lovely locations in Alberta that we have now visited with photos to show it! Let’s get began.
Banff Nationwide Park
Banff Nationwide Park is Canada’s oldest nationwide park and has attracted visitors since 1885. Situated in the center of the Rocky Mountains there are unimaginable views, glacier lakes, and backcountry adventures to be had. If you set your eyes upon Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier regally reflecting into its turquoise waters you may’t assist however gasp in awe on the scene of one of the vital lovely locations in Canada.
Banff Nationwide Park is huge with towering mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies, turquoise lakes (apart from Lake Louise), and alpine meadows. The park can be dwelling to quite a few waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise. So, earlier than we transfer away from Banff Nationwide Park, let’s check out the entire prime sights in the realm, as a result of they only so occur to be one of the best locations to go to in Alberta as effectively.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is without doubt one of the most well-known vacationer sights in Alberta. A real Canadian bucket checklist exercise is to lease a canoe and head out onto the lake. You possibly can keep in Lake Louise Village which has loads of retailers and eating places or you may keep on the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise for pure luxurious and decadence.
The place to Keep in Lake Louise:
Lake Louise in Winter
Additionally it is top-of-the-line locations in Alberta to go to in Winter. Lake Louise Ski Resort is a world-class resort that hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics. Within the winter there are infinite adventures to be had at Lake Louise Ski Resort and past the ski hill from cross-country snowboarding, dog sledding, skijoring, pond hockey, and snowshoeing.
Within the winter Lake Louise freezes over making for essentially the most lovely outside skating rink settings on earth. Now’s your probability to ice skate at certainly one of Canada’s most iconic locations.
- Learn extra about what to see and do in Lake Louise:
In the summertime, Lake Louise is astounding with mountain climbing trails taking you out to Victoria Glacier and past. A well-liked hike is the Lake Agnes Tea Home Trek, the place you hike 3.5km (2.2 miles) to the historic tea home. Lake Agnes Tea Home has been in operation since 1905 and has a captivating rustic ambiance, with seating each inside and out of doors on the deck overlooking Lake Agnes.
This is without doubt one of the hottest hikes in the nationwide park, so it’s really helpful to arrive 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 may both retrace your steps again to Lake Louise alongside this widespread hike or proceed on to the Little Beehive or Massive Beehive trails for extra gorgeous 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 outdated Canadian $20 invoice and has been attracting outside lovers for many years.
Moraine Lake just isn’t removed from Lake Louise and is simply an hour’s drive from the city of Banff. One of the best time to go to Moraine Lake is unquestionably at dawn. When the solar hits the Valley of the Ten Peaks and displays off of the mirror-like lake why this is without doubt one of the most photographed areas in North America.
Be aware that there was a change in guidelines for 2023 and accessing Moraine Lake for dawn is not doable through the Parks Canada Shuttle. You should have to discover a tour that has entry to do that. In case you experience a motorbike or take an organized tour you may nonetheless go to Lake Moraine for dawn.
The Moraine Lake Shoreline hike provides you a shot of ten towering peaks side-by-side, together with Mount Tuzo, Mount Bowlen, and Wenkchemna Peak. That is the well-known “Twenty Greenback View.” Learn extra: 16 Best Banff Hikes To Discover
Banff Sizzling Springs
It was the Banff Sizzling Springs that first attracted vacationers to the nationwide park and when visiting Banff you could take a day to spend in these iconic waters. The new springs had been first found by employees on the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883.
This is without doubt one of the most gorgeous areas of any scorching spring surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. The water temperature ranges from 37°C to 40°C (98°F to 104°F), making it the right place to calm down and unwind.
The Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is the preferred and accessible in Banff Nationwide Park making it a simple place to go to. The ability consists of a big outside pool that’s open year-round. In truth, one of the best time to go to is in winter when the mountains are lined with snow. There are indoor change rooms the place you may lease an old-timers bathing go well with in the event you don’t have your personal, plus a café. There may be additionally a present store the place you should purchase souvenirs and different gadgets.
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is the biggest lake in Banff Nationwide Park stretching over 21 kilometers (13 miles) in size and reaching depths of up to 142 meters (466 ft). Like so lots of the lakes in the park, it’s surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.
The title “Minnewanka” comes from the Stoney Nakoda First Nations individuals, that means “Water of the Spirits” and there are many issues to do in the realm. Guests 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 certainly one of its boat excursions in the course of the summer time months. The guides are crammed with data and also you’ll be taught in regards to the legend of the Mermen that lived in Lake Minnewanka. Within the winter, the lake freezes over and turns into a well-liked spot for ice fishing and cross-country snowboarding. We’ve visited it in each winter and summer time and every season is gorgeous.
Citadel Mountain
One of the crucial recognizable Massifs is Citadel Mountain. Situated between Banff City and Lake Louise, its distinctive form resembles a citadel. (therefore its title). The realm gives alternatives for mountain climbing and mountaineering. For these with out alpine abilities, the mountain could be seen from the Trans Canada Freeway at Citadel Junction.
The place to keep in Banff:
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway hyperlinks Banff and Jasper nationwide parks and is without doubt one of the most lovely drives on earth. It actually is without doubt one of the best street journeys in the world. There are such a lot of 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 without doubt one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world and take in the view of the encompassing mountains on the Icefields Skywalk.
You possibly can learn extra at Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta however we’re additionally going to spotlight a number of the prime outside actions and viewpoints alongside this iconic route.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
The Columbia Icefields Skywalk has rapidly turn into essentially the most epic viewpoint in Alberta. Only a quick 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 good cease about midway between Banff and Jasper city and right here you may go to the museum, seize some lunch (meals is pricey although so be ready), and take in the views of the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. You possibly can guide excursions right here as effectively.
Athabasca Glacier
You possibly can view the glacier from the customer centre, however it’s also possible to guide a tour to get out onto it. In case you don’t need to guide a tour, you may stroll out on some trails for a better view of the glacier. However don’t go off the path and by no means enterprise out onto the glacier alone with no information. It’s harmful and could 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.
E-book this Columbia Icefield Half Day Tour 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 gorgeous reflections of Bow Lake. Situated on the foot of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake has essentially the most lovely lake reflection in all of Alberta. You possibly can hike across the lake or pause to keep at Num ti Jaw Lodge positioned straight on Bow Lake. It’s an excellent place to make a base.
Peyto Lake
There are such a lot of lakes alongside the Icefields Parkway to cease and take in the views. From Two Jack Lake to Peyto Lake which we have now determined to function. Why? As a result of, Peyto Lake is a shocking glacier-fed lake that’s is understood for its vibrant blue-green colour, which is brought on by the rock flour (nice 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 Path being a well-liked cease. Be certain to hold an eye fixed out for elk, moose deer, and even bears. Peyto Lake is definitely accessible from the close by Icefields Parkway, making it one of the vital widespread tops for individuals touring from Banff to Jasper Nationwide Park.
The place to Keep on the Icefields Parkway
Num Ti Jah Lodge is a historic Lodge positioned straight on Bow Lake. It is without doubt one of the most unusual locations to keep in Alberta and is positioned on the Glacier Parkway, it makes for an excellent place to make a base whereas exploring each Banff and Jasper Nationwide Parks in the event you don’t thoughts the drive.
Jasper Nationwide Park
After you’ve pushed the Icefields Parkway, Jasper Nationwide Park is your subsequent cease and is a spot you can not miss visiting in Alberta. It’s as lovely as Banff Nationwide Park in the event you can consider it! In truth, we like Jasper Nationwide Park higher than banff as a result of it’s much less crowded and extra rustic.
There are such a lot of locations to see in Jasper Nationwide Park that you just want to spend a couple of days up right here. It has an abundance of wildlife from grizzly bears to mountain goats, you may see the aurora borealis and waterfalls. Plus, like so many different locations in Alberta, there are mountain climbing trails, turquoise lakes, and canyons. Learn extra: Amazing Things to do in Jasper, Alberta
Northern Lights at Lake Annette
You possibly can see the northern lights throughout Alberta however Jasper is understood for its darkish sky pageant and it is without doubt one of the finest locations to see the Aurora Borealis in Alberta. Winter is one of the best time to view the darkish skies as a result of the times or shorter and you’ve got lengthy darkish nights to see the celebrities twinkle in the sky.
We made our method out to Lake Annette from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in the wee hours of the morning and noticed essentially the most extraordinary show of northern lights reflecting in the nonetheless waters. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is one of the best place to keep in Jasper with lovely views of Lac Beauvert and choices to keep in log cabins, big lake homes, and fundamental constructing resort 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 without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Jasper and for good purpose. It’s the deepest canyon in Jasper Nationwide Park and there are lovely mountain climbing trails alongside the canyon providing extraordinary views. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds!
In the summertime it’s a excellent place for a hike to see the waterfalls cascading down the canyon, however in the winter it turns right into a wonderland with frozen waterfalls filling the scene. You possibly can guide ice stroll excursions to see the frozen waterfalls and ice caves.
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is without doubt one of the most visited locations in Jasper Nationwide 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.
Additionally, this provides you with sufficient time to drive out to Maligne Lake. It’s the longest pure lake in the Canadian Rockies. Learn extra: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada
The place to Keep in Jasper Nationwide Park
Different highlights of Jasper embody taking a meals tour of Jasper City, a go to to Pyramid Lake at dawn, a hike to Sunwapta Falls, and stopping to view the attractive Athabasca Falls. Try: 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 may be additionally some lovely scenic lookouts like Horse Thief Canyon and Horseshoe Canyon. The Hoodoos of Drumheller will not be to be missed. Learn 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 had been shaped over a whole lot of years by 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 onerous rock “hat” retains it from fully eroding away. They’re one of the vital distinctive locations in Alberta. In order for you to know extra, try our put up at The Hoodoos of Drumheller
The place to keep in the Alberta Badlands
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Situated in the city of Drumheller, The Royal Tyrrell Museum is without doubt one of the finest dinosaur museums in the world. We may have spent hours having fun with its shows. In truth, it homes the biggest and most various assortment of fossils in the world, with over 160,000 specimens on show. Guests can see all the things from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to historic marine creatures and prehistoric crops.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Whereas driving alongside the dinosaur path, you can not miss taking a tour of Dinosaur Provincial Park. Not solely is is totally lovely, however it’s also one of the vital fossil-rich locations on the planet and you may see actual fossils which have been dug from excavations.
The Centrosaurus Quarry Hike is one of the best ways to see this big focus of dinosaur fossils. This was an precise excavation website, however scientists obtained all they wanted from there and left the remainder for us to see. It’s an interactive tour and the information exams your data as you strive to bear in mind all the things you realized in faculty about dinosaurs. You possibly can guide excursions on the park customer heart. Learn extra: A Visit to Dinosaur Provincial Park
Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park
Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park (also referred to as Waterton – Glacier Worldwide Peace Park) is an incredible place to go to in Alberta. It’s positioned on the USA border and shares its land with Glacier Nationwide Park.
Collectively they’re the one nationwide parks in the world which might be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website, an Worldwide Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve rolled all in one. You possibly can see a herd of untamed buffalo, crimson rocks canyon, and the Prince Albert Resort. Plan your go to: The Wonders of Waterton Lakes National Park
The place to Keep in Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park
- Prince of Wales Hotel is a Nationwide Historic Website that stands in the middle of Waterton Nationwide Park. It is without doubt one of the most recognizable scenes from the park and is the right luxurious escape.
Pincher Creek – Southern Alberta
Pincher Creek is a small city in Southern Alberta that may be a nice jumping-off level for Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park which is about one hour away.
It’s a place the place the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains and it’s a fully lovely setting. Wind farms line the plains with stark mountains filling in the backdrop and cattle graze in the fields and big bales of hay dot the panorama. It’s the Quintessential Alberta travel vacation spot. It’s an excellent place to make a base to discover Crowsnest Go for a couple of days. Try all of the sights at The Many Sights of Pincher Creek.
Burmis Tree
After I noticed The Burmis Tree in pictures, I had to make certain I put it on the prime of my checklist of locations to go to in Alberta. Situated at Crowsnest Go (One other must-visit place in Alberta) the Burmis Tree is estimated to be 600 to 750 years outdated. It’s an ominous sight,
Head Smashed in Buffalo Leap
Situated simply quarter-hour from Fort MacLeod is the UNESCO World Heritage Website, Head Smashed in Buffalo Leap. Relationship again 6000 years, the early Aboriginal peoples would lure herds of buffalo over the sting of a cliff. Learn: Famous Canada Landmarks to add to your bucket list
Calgary
Calgary is Alberta’s largest metropolis and no go to to Alberta can be full with out spending at the very least two days in town. It’s dwelling 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 exterior town is Canada Olympic Park the place you may get pleasure from numerous outside actions in each winter and summer time. Learn extra: Canada Olympic Park – Fun in Calgary Alberta
There are such a lot of issues to do in Calgary we suggest spending a few days. Situated on the Bow River, Calgary has loads of outside sights, however it’s also an elegant city vacation spot with a incredible meals scene. Learn extra: 21 Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Tower
As proven above, we have now a whole article devoted to all of the things to do in Calgary, however we do want to contact on at the very least certainly one of its prime sights. If you go to Calgary, the primary place it is best to go is up the Calgary Tower is without doubt one of the most recognizable buildings in town, and going up the tower is as a lot part of town because the CN Tower is to Toronto.
Upon completion in 1968, the Calgary Tower was the tallest constructing in Calgary. Though it was dethroned in 1984, the tower nonetheless gives guests a number of the finest views in Calgary.
We’ve a whole article devoted the Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta
The place to keep in Calgary:
Canmore
We will’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. Situated between Calgary and Banff, it has heaps of mountain climbing, biking, and snowshoe trails in addition to incredible viewpoints of the Three Sisters. It’s an excellent spot for mountaineering in the summer time and mountaineering in the winter.
The Yamnuska Wolf Canine Sanctuary just isn’t to be missed and ensure to do some climbing to take in the birds-eye views. Learn extra: The Best Things to do in Canmore, Alberta
Johnston Canyon
The scenic Johnston Canyon Icewalk is as lovely (if no more) in the winter as it’s in the summer time. Within the winter it’s crammed with frozen waterfalls. The sub-zero chill freezes the canyons, caves, and crevasses making for the bost lovely 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. Learn extra: The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta
The place to Keep in Canmore
Kananaskis
Individuals usually overlook Kananaskis for Banff or Jasper however it is without doubt one of the most lovely locations to go to in Alberta with simply as gorgeous views. Situated between Calgary and Banff, it’s a nice weekend getaway vacation spot. Make certain to go to the spa at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.
Edmonton
Edmonton is usually neglected when visiting Alberta, however it’s a funky city that has one of many youngest populations in Canada making for a stylish and taking place metropolis to go to! In case you love spending time open air admiring wildlife it is a nice jumping-off level to go to Jasper Nationwide Park, however it additionally has an excellent meals scene, and loads of festivals, in truth, Edmonton hosts the second-largest Fringe Pageant in the world.
In Edmonton, you’ll uncover a vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis surrounded by wilderness. Test it out at: The Best Things to do in Edmonton, Alberta
West Edmonton Mall
The West Edmonton Mall is a prime draw with all the things inside you may think about. It’s the dimension of a small metropolis and makes for an excellent year-round vacation spot. I generally really feel that folks go to Edmonton simpy to see this mall.
West Edmonton Mall is without doubt one of the largest malls in the world, protecting an space of roughly 5.3 million sq. ft. In addition to procuring, it has an indoor amusement park, mini golf, ice skating, a bowling alley, a film theatre, and an aquarium.
The mall even has two resorts together with the Fantasyland Resort, which options rooms with distinctive themes such because the Polynesian Room and the Hollywood Room, and the West Edmonton Mall Inn.
Cowboy Path
Southern Alberta is usually neglected with planning a visit to the province, however it must be excessive in your checklist. That is the Rocky Mountains meet the prairies. It’s cowboy nation is large ranches and horses. It was the place the buffalo roamed and the cattle graze-free. Among the finest issues to do right here is to guide an evening at a ranch and go on a path experience to discover the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.
The Cowboy Path is an impressive Alberta street journey from Calgary to the Rocky Mountains, into the prairies, and out of the Badlands. It was one of many best road trips we’ve ever taken and we wish to offer you your personal itinerary to observe if you make your method to Canada’s most lovely province. We’ve a whole itinerary for this loop and we are going to go away 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’s positioned on the American Border at Montana.
The simplest method to get to Alberta is by air. The province has two worldwide airports: Edmonton Worldwide Airport (YEG) and Calgary Worldwide Airport (YYC). Many main airways provide direct flights to these airports from cities all over the world. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi, shuttle, or public transit to your vacation spot. We extremely suggest renting a automotive.
If you’re touring from inside Canada or the USA, driving is an alternative choice. Alberta is accessible by a number of highways, together with the Trans-Canada Freeway (Freeway 1), which runs east-west by the province. You possibly can enter the province from British Columbia to the west or Saskatchewan to the east.
By Bus: Greyhound Canada gives bus service to numerous cities in Alberta from different Canadian provinces and a few American cities. Different bus firms additionally provide companies inside the province. Each Dave and I’ve taken the bus throughout Canada by Alberta and let me inform you, it’s an journey.
By Practice: By way of Rail gives prepare service to numerous 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 widespread possibility. The scenic prepare experience by the Canadian Rockies that stops in Banff and Jasper.
Journey occasions and distances in Alberta could be vital so make certain to plan forward and determine wheter the bus, prepare or automotive rental is best for you.
Alberta actually is a dream vacation spot. With numerous photograph alternatives and adventures to be had, it’s one of many best locations in Canada to go to. So get in your automotive and begin that Alberta street journey right now!
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