Alberta is Canada’s most stunning province. I could also be biased since I was born in Alberta and have returned numerous instances but it surely’s laborious 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 probably the most stunning locations to go to in Alberta to allow you to be the decide. Dwelling to the Canadian Rockies, Alberta boasts 5 nationwide parks with a few of the finest surroundings in Western Canada. If you’re planning a visit to Alberta, don’t miss these stunning locations.
Greatest Locations to Go to in Alberta
We’ve got traveled loads of Alberta throughout each season and might actually 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 will 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, mountaineering trails, and sights all through the province. You may 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 figuring out 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 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 midst of the Rocky Mountains there are unbelievable views, glacier lakes, and backcountry adventures available. If 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 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 all the high sights within the space, as a result of they simply so occur to be the very best locations to go to in Alberta as properly.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is among the most well-known vacationer sights in Alberta. A real Canadian bucket record exercise is to lease a canoe and head out onto the lake. You may keep in Lake Louise Village which has loads of outlets and eating places or you possibly can 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 finest 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 limitless 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 probably the most stunning out of doors skating rink settings on earth. Now could be your likelihood 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 mountaineering 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 outdoors on the deck overlooking Lake Agnes.
This is among the hottest hikes within the nationwide park, so it’s advisable 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 common hike or proceed on to the Little Beehive or Massive Beehive trails for extra beautiful views of the world.
Moraine Lake
No go to to Lake Louise could be full with out mountaineering out to Moraine Lake. It unforgettable scene is featured on the again of our outdated 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. One of the best 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 you realize why this is among 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 attainable by way of the Parks Canada Shuttle. You’ll have to discover a tour that has entry to do that. When you trip a motorcycle or take an organized tour you possibly can 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 need to take a day to spend in these iconic waters. The recent springs have been first found by staff on the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883.
This is among the most beautiful 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 most well-liked and accessible in Banff Nationwide Park making it a simple place to go to. The power consists of a big out of doors pool that’s open year-round. The truth is, the very best time to go to is in winter when the mountains are lined with snow. There are indoor change rooms the place you possibly can lease an old-timers bathing go well with when you don’t have your personal, 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 folks, that 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 provides a number of viewpoints and stops for mountaineering trails and picnic areas.
We extremely advocate taking certainly one of its boat excursions throughout the summer time months. The guides are stuffed with information 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 got visited it in each winter and summer time and every season is gorgeous.
Fort Mountain
One of the vital recognizable Massifs is Fort Mountain. Positioned between Banff City and Lake Louise, its distinctive form resembles a citadel. (therefore its title). The realm provides alternatives for mountaineering and mountain climbing. For these with out alpine expertise, the mountain will be seen from the Trans Canada Freeway at Fort Junction.
The place to remain in Banff:
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway hyperlinks Banff and Jasper nationwide parks and is among the most stunning drives on earth. It actually is among the best highway journeys on this planet. There are such a lot of issues to see alongside Icefields parkway you’ll wish to take a few days to discover it. Don’t miss stopping on the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefields which is among the largest non-polar ice fields on this planet and take within the view of the encircling mountains on the Icefields Skywalk.
You may learn extra at Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta however we’re additionally going to spotlight a few of the high out of doors actions and viewpoints alongside this iconic route.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
The Columbia Icefields Skywalk has shortly turn out to be probably the most epic viewpoint in Alberta. Only a quick drive from the Columbia Icefield customer middle 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 possibly can go to the museum, seize some lunch (meals is pricey although so be ready), and take within the views of the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. You may guide excursions right here as properly.
Athabasca Glacier
You may view the glacier from the customer centre, however you too can guide a tour to get out onto it. When you don’t wish to guide a tour, you possibly can 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 with no information. It’s 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.
Ebook 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 reminiscent of Peyto Lake, and the beautiful reflections of Bow Lake. Positioned on the foot of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake has probably the most stunning lake reflection in all of Alberta. You may hike across the lake or pause to remain at Num ti Jaw Lodge positioned straight 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 now we have 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 shade, which is attributable to the rock flour (tremendous sediment) that’s carried into the lake by melting glaciers.
It has spectacular views of the encircling mountains, there are a number of mountaineering trails with The Bow Summit Path being a well-liked cease. Make certain 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 common tops for folks 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 among the most original 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 when 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 when you can consider it! The truth is, 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 possibly can see the aurora borealis and waterfalls. Plus, like so many different locations in Alberta, there are mountaineering trails, turquoise lakes, and canyons. Learn extra: Amazing Things to do in Jasper, Alberta
Northern Lights at Lake Annette
You may see the northern lights throughout Alberta however Jasper is understood for its darkish sky pageant and it is among the finest locations to see the Aurora Borealis in Alberta. Winter is the very 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 celebs twinkle within the sky.
We made our manner 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 very best place to remain in Jasper with stunning views of Lac Beauvert and choices to remain in log cabins, enormous lake homes, and fundamental 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 among the hottest locations to go to in Jasper and for good cause. It’s the deepest canyon in Jasper Nationwide Park and there are stunning mountaineering trails alongside the canyon providing extraordinary views. Arrive early within the morning to beat the crowds!
In the summertime it’s a excellent 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 may guide ice stroll excursions to see the frozen waterfalls and ice caves.
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is among the most visited locations in Jasper Nationwide Park. There are mountaineering trails and scenic lookouts however the high factor to do right here is to take a ship cruise to Spirit Island for a picture-perfect picture alternative.
Additionally, this will provide you with 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 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 beautiful Athabasca Falls. Take a look at: 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 stuffed 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 facet of the highway as you drive from Dinosaur Provincial Park to Drumheller. The hoodoos have been fashioned over a whole lot of years by means 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 laborious rock “hat” retains it from fully eroding away. They’re one of the distinctive locations in Alberta. If you wish to know extra, take a look at our publish 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 among the finest dinosaur museums on this planet. We may have spent hours having fun with its shows. The truth is, it homes the biggest and most various assortment of fossils on this planet, with over 160,000 specimens on show. Guests can see all the pieces from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to historic marine creatures and prehistoric vegetation.
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 it is usually 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 enormous focus of dinosaur fossils. This was an precise excavation website, however scientists received all they wanted from there and left the remainder for us to see. It’s an interactive tour and the information assessments your information as you attempt to keep in mind all the pieces you discovered in class about dinosaurs. You may guide excursions on the park customer middle. 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 america border and shares its land with Glacier Nationwide Park.
Collectively they’re the one nationwide parks on this planet which can be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, an Worldwide Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve rolled multi functional. You may see a herd of untamed buffalo, purple 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 middle of Waterton Nationwide Park. It is among 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 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 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’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. Take a look at all of the sights at The Many Sights of Pincher Creek.
Burmis Tree
After I noticed The Burmis Tree in pictures, I had to verify I put it on the high of my record 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 outdated. It’s an ominous sight,
Head Smashed in Buffalo Bounce
Positioned simply quarter-hour from Fort MacLeod is the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, Head Smashed in Buffalo Bounce. Courting 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’s a lot extra to do than simply watch chuck wagon races and bull using. Calgary hosted the 1988 Olympics and simply exterior town is Canada Olympic Park the place you possibly can 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 sights, however it is usually a classy city vacation spot with a incredible meals scene. Learn 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 things to do in Calgary, however we do want to the touch on no less than certainly one of its high sights. If you go to Calgary, the primary place it’s best to go is up the Calgary Tower is among the most recognizable constructions 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 provides guests a few of the finest views in Calgary.
We’ve got 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 out of doors lover’s playground. Positioned between Calgary and Banff, it has heaps of mountaineering, biking, and snowshoe trails in addition to incredible viewpoints of the Three Sisters. It’s a terrific spot for mountain climbing 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 absorb 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 stuffed 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 but it surely is among the most stunning locations to go to in Alberta with simply as beautiful views. Positioned between Calgary and Banff, it’s a nice weekend getaway vacation spot. Make 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 occurring metropolis to go to! When you love spending time outdoor admiring wildlife this can be a nice jumping-off level to go to Jasper Nationwide Park, but it surely additionally has a terrific meals scene, and loads of festivals, in actual fact, Edmonton hosts the second-largest Fringe Competition on this planet.
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 high draw with all the pieces inside you possibly can 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 among the largest malls on this planet, protecting an space of roughly 5.3 million sq. ft. Moreover 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 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, but it surely must be excessive in your record. 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. Among the best issues to do right here is to guide an evening at a ranch and go on a path trip to discover the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.
The Cowboy Path is an excellent Alberta highway 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 once you make your method to Canada’s most stunning province. We’ve got a complete 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
Tips on 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 supply direct flights to those airports from cities world wide. 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 america, 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 means of the province. You may enter the province from British Columbia to the west or Saskatchewan to the east.
By Bus: Greyhound Canada offers bus service to varied cities in Alberta from different Canadian provinces and a few American cities. Different bus corporations additionally supply providers throughout the province. Each Dave and I’ve taken the bus throughout Canada by means of Alberta and let me inform you, it’s an journey.
By Practice: Through Rail offers 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 common choice. The scenic practice trip by means of the Canadian Rockies that stops in Banff and Jasper.
Journey instances and distances in Alberta will be important so ensure that to plan forward and determine wheter the bus, practice or automotive rental is best for you.
Alberta actually 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 highway journey at the moment!
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