Alberta is Canada’s most stunning province. I could also be biased since I was born in Alberta and have returned numerous instances 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 need to share essentially the most stunning locations to go to in Alberta to allow you to be the decide. 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 stunning locations.
Finest Locations to Go to in Alberta
Now we have traveled loads of Alberta throughout each season and might truthfully say, it’s a tremendous 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’ll be shocked by its pure magnificence.
The easiest way to get round Alberta is by automotive. You’ll need to have the ability to cease on the scenic views, climbing trails, and points of interest all through the province. You possibly can decide 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 realizing the place to begin, however we’re right here to assist. These are essentially the most stunning locations in Alberta that we’ve 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. Positioned in the course of the Rocky Mountains there are unimaginable views, glacier lakes, and backcountry adventures available. Whenever you set your eyes upon Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier regally reflecting into its turquoise waters you’ll be able to’t assist however gasp in awe on the scene of some of the stunning 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 also 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 points of interest within the space, as a result of they only so occur to be the perfect locations to go to in Alberta as properly.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is likely one of the most well-known vacationer points of interest 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’ll be able to keep on the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise for pure luxurious and decadence.
The place to Keep in Lake Louise:
Lake Louise in Winter
It’s also among the best 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 countless adventures available 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 stunning out of doors skating rink settings on earth. Now could be your likelihood to ice skate at one in every 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 climbing trails taking you out to Victoria Glacier and past. A preferred 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 outdoors on the deck overlooking Lake Agnes.
This is likely one of the hottest hikes within the nationwide park, so it’s really helpful 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’ll be able to both retrace your steps again to Lake Louise alongside this well-liked hike or proceed on to the Little Beehive or Large Beehive trails for extra gorgeous views of the world.
Moraine Lake
No go to to Lake Louise could be full with out 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 isn’t removed from Lake Louise and is simply an hour’s drive from the city of Banff. The most effective 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 you recognize why this is likely one of the most photographed areas in North America.
Observe that there was a change in guidelines for 2023 and accessing Moraine Lake for dawn is now not potential through the Parks Canada Shuttle. You’ll have to discover a tour that has entry to do that. When you experience a motorbike or take an organized tour you’ll be able to 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. 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 it’s essential to 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 likely 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 proper place to loosen up and unwind.
The Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is the preferred and accessible in Banff Nationwide Park making it a straightforward place to go to. The ability consists of a big out of doors pool that’s open year-round. In truth, the perfect time to go to is in winter when the mountains are lined with snow. There are indoor change rooms the place you’ll be able to lease an old-timers bathing go well with should you don’t have your individual, plus a café. There may be additionally a present store the place you should buy 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 as much as 142 meters (466 ft). Like so lots of the lakes within the park, it’s surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.
The title “Minnewanka” comes from the Stoney Nakoda First Nations individuals, which means “Water of the Spirits” and there are many issues to do within the space. Guests can take a scenic drive alongside the Minnewanka Loop, which affords a number of viewpoints and stops for climbing trails and picnic areas.
We extremely advocate taking one in every of its boat excursions in the course of the summer time months. The guides are crammed with information and also you’ll be taught concerning 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. Now we have visited it in each winter and summer time and every season is gorgeous.
Fortress Mountain
One of the recognizable Massifs is Fortress Mountain. Positioned between Banff City and Lake Louise, its distinctive form resembles a fortress. (therefore its title). The world affords alternatives for climbing and mountaineering. For these with out alpine abilities, the mountain may be seen from the Trans Canada Freeway at Fortress Junction.
The place 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 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 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 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 out of doors 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 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 good cease about midway between Banff and Jasper city and right here you’ll be able to 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 possibly can e-book excursions right here as properly.
Athabasca Glacier
You possibly can view the glacier from the customer centre, however it’s also possible to e-book a tour to get out onto it. When you don’t need to e-book a tour, you’ll be able to stroll out on some trails for a more in-depth view of the glacier. However don’t go off the path and by no means enterprise out onto the glacier alone and not using a information. It’s harmful and may 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.
Guide this Columbia Icefield Half Day Tour here from Jasper. It consists of transportation from Jasper, picture 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 equivalent to Peyto Lake, and the gorgeous reflections of Bow Lake. Positioned on the foot of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake has essentially the most stunning lake reflection in all of Alberta. You possibly can hike across the lake or pause to remain at Num ti Jaw Lodge positioned instantly on Bow Lake. It’s a terrific place to make a base.
Peyto Lake
There are such a lot of lakes alongside the Icefields Parkway to cease and take within the views. From Two Jack Lake to Peyto Lake which we’ve determined to characteristic. Why? As a result of, Peyto Lake is a surprising glacier-fed lake that’s is thought for its vibrant blue-green coloration, which is brought on by the rock flour (high-quality sediment) that’s carried into the lake by melting glaciers.
It has spectacular views of the encompassing mountains, there are a number of climbing trails with The Bow Summit Path being a well-liked cease. Be sure to maintain a watch out for elk, moose deer, and even bears. Peyto Lake is definitely accessible from the close by Icefields Parkway, making it some of the well-liked 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 instantly 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 a terrific place to make a base whereas exploring each Banff and Jasper Nationwide Parks should 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’t miss visiting in Alberta. It’s as stunning as Banff Nationwide Park should 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 it is advisable spend just a few days up right here. It has an abundance of wildlife from grizzly bears to mountain goats, you’ll be able to see the aurora borealis and waterfalls. Plus, like so many different locations in Alberta, there are 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 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 perfect 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 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 essentially the most extraordinary show of northern lights reflecting within the nonetheless waters. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the perfect place to remain in Jasper with stunning views of Lac Beauvert and choices to remain in log cabins, enormous lake homes, and most important 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 likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Jasper and for good motive. It’s the deepest canyon in Jasper Nationwide Park and there are stunning climbing trails alongside the canyon providing extraordinary views. Arrive early within 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 within the winter it turns right into a wonderland with frozen waterfalls filling the scene. You possibly 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 Nationwide Park. There are 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 picture alternative.
Additionally, this offers you sufficient time to drive out to Maligne Lake. It’s the longest pure lake within 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 embrace 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 stunning scenic lookouts like Horse Thief Canyon and Horseshoe Canyon. The Hoodoos of Drumheller are to not 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 lots of 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 some of the distinctive locations in Alberta. If you wish to know extra, take a look at our put up at The Hoodoos of Drumheller
The place to remain within the Alberta Badlands
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Positioned within the city of Drumheller, The Royal Tyrrell Museum is likely one of the finest dinosaur museums on the earth. We might have spent hours having fun with its shows. In truth, it homes the biggest and most various assortment of fossils on the earth, with over 160,000 specimens on show. Guests can see all the pieces from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to historic marine creatures and prehistoric crops.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Whereas 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 some of the 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 simplest ways to see this enormous focus of dinosaur fossils. This was an precise excavation website, however scientists received all they wanted from there and left the remaining for us to see. It’s an interactive tour and the information exams your information as you attempt to keep in mind all the pieces you realized at school about dinosaurs. You possibly can e-book 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 a tremendous place to go to in Alberta. It’s positioned on the US border and shares its land with Glacier Nationwide Park.
Collectively they’re the one nationwide parks on the earth which can be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, an Worldwide Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve rolled multi function. 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 Web site that stands within the heart of Waterton Nationwide 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 Nationwide Park which is about one hour away.
It’s a place the place the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains and it’s a completely stunning setting. Wind farms line the plains with stark mountains filling within the backdrop and cattle graze within the fields and big bales of hay dot the panorama. It’s the Quintessential Alberta travel vacation spot. It’s a terrific place to make a base to discover Crowsnest Move for just a few days. Try all of the points of interest at The Many Sights of Pincher Creek.
Burmis Tree
Once I noticed The Burmis Tree in images, I had to verify I put it on the prime of my checklist of locations to go to in Alberta. Positioned at Crowsnest Move (One other must-visit place in Alberta) the Burmis Tree is estimated to be 600 to 750 years previous. It’s an ominous sight,
Head Smashed in Buffalo Leap
Positioned simply quarter-hour from Fort MacLeod is the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, 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 could be full with out spending no less than two days within the metropolis. It’s dwelling to the annual Calgary Stampede however there may be a lot extra to do than simply watch chuck wagon races and bull using. Calgary hosted the 1988 Olympics and simply outdoors town is Canada Olympic Park the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in numerous out of doors 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 advocate spending a few days. Positioned on the Bow River, Calgary has loads of out of doors points of interest, however additionally it is an elegant city vacation spot with a improbable meals scene. Learn extra: 21 Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Tower
As proven above, we’ve a complete article devoted to all of the things to do in Calgary, however we do want to the touch on no less than one in every of its prime points of interest. Whenever you go to Calgary, the primary place it is best to 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 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 affords guests a number of the finest views in Calgary.
Now we have a complete article devoted the Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta
The place to remain 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 outside lover’s playground. Positioned between Calgary and Banff, it has heaps of climbing, biking, and snowshoe trails in addition to improbable viewpoints of the Three Sisters. It’s a terrific spot for mountaineering in the summertime and mountaineering within the winter.
The Yamnuska Wolf Canine Sanctuary is to not be missed and ensure to do some climbing to soak up the birds-eye views. Learn 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. Within 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. 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 likely one of the most stunning locations to go to in Alberta with simply as gorgeous views. Positioned between Calgary and Banff, it’s a nice weekend getaway vacation spot. Be sure you 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! When you love spending time outside admiring wildlife it is a nice jumping-off level to go to Jasper Nationwide Park, however it additionally has a terrific meals scene, and loads of festivals, in actual fact, Edmonton hosts the second-largest Fringe Competition on the earth.
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 pieces inside you’ll be able to think about. It’s the dimension of a small metropolis and makes for a terrific 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, overlaying an space of roughly 5.3 million sq. ft. In addition to purchasing, it has an indoor amusement park, mini golf, ice skating, a bowling alley, a film theatre, and an aquarium.
The mall even has two motels 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 big ranches and horses. It was the place the buffalo roamed and the cattle graze-free. Probably the greatest issues to do right here is to e-book 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 need to provide you with your individual itinerary to comply with if you make your solution to Canada’s most stunning province. Now 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 one can 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 solution 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 those airports from cities around the globe. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi, shuttle, or public transit to your vacation spot. We extremely advocate renting a automotive.
If you’re touring from inside Canada or the US, 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 supplies bus service to varied cities in Alberta from different Canadian provinces and a few American cities. Different bus corporations 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 Prepare: By way of Rail supplies prepare 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 prepare experience by the Canadian Rockies that stops in Banff and Jasper.
Journey instances and distances in Alberta may be vital so be sure that to plan forward and determine wheter the bus, prepare or automotive rental is best for you.
Alberta really is a dream vacation spot. With numerous picture alternatives and adventures available, it’s one of many best locations in Canada to go to. So get in your automotive and begin that Alberta street journey at the moment!
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