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10 Places To Visit In Alberta In Summer 2024 For Nature And Adventure Lovers

27 Oct 2021

Do you fancy picturesque locations and a galore of enthralling activities? If yes, then you cannot ask for a better location than the Province of Alberta in Canada. This majestic place oozes sheer excitement and will take you to some of the most exotic places ranging from snow-capped mountains, lush green parks, crystal clear lakes, and sunny skies caressing your skin. All these heavenly traits combined make Alberta a paradise and give you some of the best places to visit in Alberta in summer that you’ll never forget. Take a look at some of the most precious ones right here.

10 Fascinating Places To Visit In Alberta In Summer

Given below are some of the most picture-perfect locales in Alberta that you cannot leave without seeing. You can experience the true essence of Canadian culture and natural beauty at these places.

1. Lake Louise

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If you are looking for a jaw-dropping escapade from the loud and clumsy lifestyle of cities, then this serene and magnificent lake would be ideal for you. The stunning turquoise water accompanied by humongous mountains in the backdrop is one experience you would not want to miss out on. The lake is well known for activities like kayaking and canoeing for a rejuvenating experience. You may also go hiking on the trails, which would certainly give you an adrenaline-pumping experience. If you are looking for a candid moment to capture the scintillating beauty of this place, then Sunrise would just be the solution. The stunning vibes of this place are unparalleled, which makes it one of the most famous places to visit in Alberta in summer.

Location: Banff National Park Best things to do: Hiking, kayaking, horse riding, canoeing Best time to visit: July-August

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2. Icefield Parkway And Columbia Icefield

If you are a travelling enthusiast, then riding amidst the towering snow-capped mountains would certainly be a jaw-dropping experience and a moment to savour for a lifetime. This mesmerising journey from Lake Louise to Jasper, would fill your heart with exuberance and enlighten your soul to the core. Witness the otherworldly magic of glaciers and waterfalls, which would make you feel like a paradise!

Water pouring into the lap of nature is one experience that you would not find anywhere else in the country. Witness the glorious place from 280 meters above the ground, at the Glacier Skywalk, an observation place. Many people from all over the world gather at the Icefields centre for a breathtaking experience! This is amongst the best family places to visit in Alberta in summer.

Location: Canadian Rockies Best things to do: Sightseeing, hiking, driving Best time to visit: June-September

Suggested Read: 9 Best Places To Visit In Alberta For A Slice Of Adventure

3. Athabasca Falls

This waterfall located at the Jasper National Park is an astonishing experience you should not miss out on. The incredible falls look mesmerising when the waters are poured into the Athabasca River, the 23-meter height might not intrigue you, but the ferocious flow of the water is something which would send chills through your spine for sure! And the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped landscape just adds to the grandeur of this exotic place. Make sure that you do not risk your life by seeking a nearby view, as it can have lethal consequences. Relish the view from the trail itself for a soul-warming experience! Athabasca Falls is one of the best tourist places to visit in Alberta in summer.

Location: Jasper National Park Best things to do: Rafting, sightseeing, strolling Best time to visit: June-August

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4. Maligne Canyon

If the adventure of strolling within the slot canyon excites you, then exploring this massive Canyon should be your ideal preference. The place displays two contrasting visual spectacles. In the summers, this place boasts of the verdant appeal of lush greens and soothing experience of witnessing the waterfalls. But in the winters, this place is covered by a thick blanket of Snow and Ice. Thus, you may opt for any compatible weather to relish the opportunity of exploring nature at its imperious best. This is the reason why it is listed amongst the best summer places to visit in Alberta.

Location: Jasper National Park Best things to do: Hiking, strolling Best time to visit: January-March

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5. Calgary Stampede

Calgary is one of the most sophisticated cities in Alberta and has been an amazing tourist destination for thousands of tourists from all around the world. Calgary Stampede is one enthralling spectacle that is cherished by all members of the family. Amazing weather conditions, delectable cuisines, and amusement rides make for an ideal blend of a perfect trip. County music events, exhibitions, and rodeo privileges with stunning places to dine, Calgary Stampede, is certainly one of the top places to visit in Alberta in May. The saga continues for ten days of an exhilarating experience.

Location: Calgary Best things to do: Amusement rides, horse riding, live country music performances Best time to visit: July

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6. Sunshine Village Ski Resort

This scenic beauty located in the town of Banff is certainly amongst the best places to visit in Alberta in June. It is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts as the massive landscape flaunts scenic backdrops of the towering mountains. Hiking and camping would be a perfect way to relish the natural essence of this place. The verdant greenery of this place oozes charm and class of its own, which has attracted a massive number of tourists from all around the globe.

As the summer approaches, the scorching heat of the sun melts, and the ice accumulates on the landscape. Thus, this place becomes ideal for sightseeing and other fascinating experiences. Gondola rides would give you the best experience of witnessing this serene landscape from the best view possible. The Sunshine Meadows would elevate your visual appeal to an otherworldly experience! This is amongst the ideal Alberta places in summer for couples.

Location: Banff Town Best things to do: Hiking, camping, sightseeing Best time to visit: June-August

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7. Moraine Lake

This Lake is one of the most stunning places to visit in Alberta in summer. The jaw-dropping view of the mountains in the backdrop complements the surreal shallows of this beautiful lake, witnessing the grandeur of this beautiful sight would leave a mark on your heart for the rest of your life. It would be ideal for you if you take a camera with you as well, as capturing these precious moments would immortalize them! You may also go for an adventurous hiking experience at the adjacent Larch valley, and here you would be cherished with some of the rarest species of Flora. Canoeing and kayaking at this sumptuous place just add to the arsenal of this stunning place. All these privileges make Moraine lake one of the best places to visit in Alberta.

Location: Banff National Park Best things to do: Hiking, kayaking, canoeing Best time to visit: June-July

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8. Drumheller

This mysterious place is a paradise for adventure-seeking tourists. Local people claim this small place, located in Red Deer River valley at the Badlands, is the “ The town of the Dinosaurs.” Exploring this massive place would give you a glimpse of historical essence, which prevailed in this part of the globe, millions of years ago. You may go for an adventurous drive towards the “ Dinosaur Trail” and seek for an intriguing experience.

Also, witness the fossils of the massive Dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. This place is amongst the most researched and explored places in Canada. Also, thousands of tourists travel this place for a majestic experience of witnessing the palaeontology displays.

Location: Red Deer River Valley, Badlands Best things to do: Museum visits, sightseeing Best time to visit: June-September

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9. Johnston Canyon

Strolling through this mesmerizing slot canyon would fill your soul with exuberance and adventure. Getting insights into the limestone cliffs and the abundant spaces between these towering canyons would be a perfect way to cherish the beauty of this magnificent place. But you must hire a tour guide, if you prefer this place for a visit in winter, as the snow might fill the vacant spaces between the canyons. Thus, Going for an ice walk at this exotic canyon place would be no less than a thrilling experience.

Also witness the Johnston Creek, the water pouring into the Bow River is one experience which you would remember for the rest of life. Majestic Upper Falls paving the way for the Bow River through the Waterfall would certainly enlighten your soul. All these privileges make this place one of the finest places to visit in Alberta in March.

Location: Banff National Park Best things to do: Hiking Best time to visit: June-August

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10. West Edmonton Mall

This massive mall is regarded as the biggest Mall in all of North America. Possessing some of the most enthralling activities like mini-golf, intriguing aquarium Shows, larger than life movie experience, and some of the most delicious cuisines in the country, West Edmonton Mall is a must-visit with family or with your loved ones, to explore the brilliance of Alberta. To give your children a cherishing experience, a visit to Galaxy land would be ideal. Other enthralling experiences are Alien outbreak escape room, ED’s Bowling experience, and a galore of lavish brand outlets for shopping purposes as well.

Location: Edmonton, Alberta Best things to do: Gaming, shopping, dining

Further Read: Canada In September: Your Personal Guide For A Tour Down The Best Experiences

With the authenticity of Canadian roots, these places to visit in Alberta in summer will truly offer an unforgettable experience that will urge you to visit again. Best part? You can visit these places in any summer month and discover endless adventures and lifelong memories with your loved ones. So, pack your bags and take a trip to Canada right away!

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Alberta In Summer

Which place in Alberta is ideal for a family visit in summer?

Visiting the biggest mall in North America would be perfect for a family visit. As West Edmonton mall possesses galore of exciting activities, amazing delicacies, and shopping places, this place would be the ideal most place to visit for a family.

Which place in Alberta would be perfect for adventure?

Exploring the Slot Canyons of the Maligne Canyon at the Jasper National Park would make for the best Adventure experience in Alberta. You may witness this place in Winters as well as in Summers.

What is Alberta famous for?

The province of Alberta holds one of the world’s largest oil reserves, and thus it is well known for its abundance of Gas and Coal compounds.

Which is the ideal month to visit Alberta?

As the weather conditions in July are extremely pleasant and vibrant, it makes it quite essential for the tourists to visit Alberta in July. Activities like Hiking, Kayaking and strolling, would be best cherished at this time of the year.

Which part of Alberta holds the most scenic places?

Banff National Park holds some of the most scenic places in Alberta. Johnston Canyon and Moraine Lake are two of the best places to visit for a memorable experience.

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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

59 of the Best Things To Do in Alberta

June 1, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 172 Comments

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Banff to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada

Updated: March 20th, 2022

From boreal forests to vast prairies and high mountain peaks, Alberta is an incredible province to explore. Born and raised in Alberta, I certainly feel that I know Alberta better than most. I’ve been to each major city and almost every small town in the province, giving me great insight into the province that I call home.

Although Alberta is one of only two provinces that are landlocked, Alberta is about as diverse as it gets. From looking at Dinosaur skeletons in the badlands and hiking some of the tallest mountain peaks in the country to splashing around in North America’s largest indoor waterpark and driving one of the world’s most scenic highways, Alberta is an incredible place to explore.

Whether you’re planning to explore the cities, the mountains, or everything in-between, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive travel guide to the wonderful province of Alberta.

Table of Contents

Things To Do in Calgary

Located right on the edge of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is such a beautiful city. This is my home city and it’s always great to explore, whether as a local or as a tourist.

Heritage Park Historical Village

Since opening its doors back in 1964, Heritage Park Historical Village has grown into one of Calgary’s premier tourist attractions and one of North America’s largest and most successful living history museums. There’s an active amusement park, a steam train, a sternwheeler, old-fashioned candy shops, heritage buildings, and a really cool museum featuring classic cars and gasoline pumps. It is the Park’s mission to preserve the history of the early West and to educate and entertain guests of all ages for many generations to come.

Tip: While visiting the National Music Centre, walk a couple of blocks west to see the Calgary Public Library, which was ranked by TIMES as their “100 Greatest Places of 2019”. You won’t need much time but it’s worth seeing and it’s worth stepping inside.

Heritage Park Steam Train, Calgary, Alberta

The Calgary Zoo

Home to the second-largest zoo in Canada, not to mention one of the most respected worldwide, the Calgary Zoo is a great place to visit for adults and kids alike. From Canada’s wild animals to penguins, gorillas, crocodiles, tigers, and more, all animal lovers will enjoy a day at this very central zoo.

Studio Bell National Music Center

Opened in 2016, the National Music Centre’s Studio Bell has become one of Calgary’s most beautiful buildings and is an incredible place to visit for anyone interested in music, as well as learning about the incredible talent that has come out of Canada. You’ll find over 2,000 rare instruments and artifacts, as well as the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame collections.

Glenbow Museum

As a key cultural cornerstone in Calgary for 50 years, Glenbow has surprised and engaged generations of Albertans and visitors to the province with remarkable connections between art, culture and the world around us. We learned all about Alberta’s history, the Calgary Stampede, some of the people who have shaped the province, and enjoyed one of the largest art collections in the country.

The Calgary Tower

Experience the city from 525 feet in the air. Calgary’s most iconic building is a great place to get a view of the city and the surrounding area. In fact, on a clear day, you can even see the Rocky Mountains. There’s also a glass floor for a birds-eye view of the streets below.

Prince’s Island Park and Peace Bridge

If you’re looking for some scenic nature in the heart of downtown Calgary, make your way to Prince’s Island Park. In the summer, there’s a variety of festivals that take place here including the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Expo Latino. There’s also a fine dining restaurant called the River Cafe. Aside from that though, it’s just a pretty park where locals go to hang out, play frisbee, go for a jog, and admire the Canadian geese and ducks that also call this place home.

While visiting Prince’s Island Park, don’t forget to visit one of the most iconic sights in Calgary. Peace Bridge is a beautiful red pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Bow River between Memorial Drive and Eau Claire Park. Walk across, bike across, or just sit back and take a photo. This is an Instagram hot spot.

Go Zip-lining

If you’re like me and you love speed, then zip-lining at WinSport should be high on your list. Starting from the top of an Olympic ski jump facility, it has become North America’s fastest zipline with speeds of up to 120 km/hr while enjoying beautiful views of the city.

Calgary skyline with the saddledome at night

The Calgary Stampede

If you happen to be in Calgary in July, you’ll want to experience the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. This century-old outdoor rodeo has become one of the biggest festivals in the world with world-class concerts, a mid-way, all the food truck food you could possibly want, educational programs, and of course – the biggest rodeo on Earth. This is when the city comes to life with lots of partying and lots of action.

Spruce Meadows

Speaking of rodeos, horse lovers will want to head out to Spruce Meadows, which is located on the southern outskirts of the city. This multi-sport facility is home to world-class equestrian show-jumping events where even celebrities have been spotted, such as the one and only Alec Baldwin.

Float Down the Bow

As a local, one of my favourite activities to do is to go floating down the Bow River. It’s a big river and it’s fairly calm, offering beautiful views of the city and a fairly relaxing 2-3 hour float. In the hot summer months, you’ll see anywhere from dozens to hundreds of people going down the river in kayaks, inflatable tubes, paddleboards, and more.

Dine at the Best Restaurants in Calgary

Another great thing about Calgary is that there’s no shortage of mouth-watering places to eat. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, quick bites, ethnic food, or something Canadian, we’ve got you covered in our guide to the best Calgary restaurants .

Drink Good Beer

If beer is your thing, you’re going to love Calgary. There are roughly 60 breweries in Calgary , many of which are located in popular places such as Inglewood, 17th Avenue, downtown, and more. It doesn’t matter if you’re into dark stouts, sours, IPAs, or blondes, there’s something for everyone here.

Looking for more info? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Calgary .

Things to Do In Banff National Park

Banff National Park is an absolute must-visit for anyone travelling to Alberta. With so much incredible scenery in Canada, there’s a reason why Banff National Park is the most visited park in the country. Just over an hour’s drive from Calgary, we never tire of visiting this beautiful slice of Western Canada.

Explore the Town of Banff

Although Banff National Park is famous for its natural landscapes, the town of Banff is also famous for its spectacular look and setting. Surrounded by mountains, this is quite possibly one of the most picturesque towns in the world. It’s also home to many hotels and delicious restaurants, as well as plenty of shopping, museums, hiking trails, and more.

Banff Gondola

For those wanting the experience of standing on top of the world, the Banff Gondola is a great thing to do. You can either take the gondola both ways or you can hike up or down. From the top, you’ll see incredible views of the surrounding area, the mountains, the valleys, and the town of Banff. Both summer and winter are equally stunning and it takes only 8-minutes to reach the top of Sulphur Mountain by gondola. In addition, there’s also an interpretive centre and fine dining.

Visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs

With all the outdoor activities, it sure helps to have natural hot springs nearby to soothe your tired muscles. In fact, did you know that it was the hot springs that helped create Banff National Park? The Banff Upper Hot Springs is located up near the Banff Gondola and the Rimrock Resort Hotel and features a pool-like setting with lockers, rentals, and more. There’s not much for views directly from the pools but the hot waters are incredible to soak in.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Did you know that this was the beginning of Canada’s national park system? That’s right! This is where it all started. Thanks to these hot springs, which date back thousands of years and were used by the Indigenous for important meetings and ceremonies, Banff National Park (Canada’s first) was created. While you can’t go to these particular hot springs anymore, you can learn a lot about the area and take a peek at the very rare Banff Springs snail .

Visit the Banff Castle

Like something out of a fairy tale, the Banff castle sits surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning scenery. While this was never actually a castle, it was one of the luxury railroad hotels that are now owned by Fairmont. Whether you simply drive up to the hotel to see it, go inside for a little tour or to eat at one of the restaurants, or actually stay a night, you’ll be happy you did. It’s not often that a hotel becomes an attraction in and of itself.

Lake Minnewanka Banff Lake Cruise

If you’re interested in a scenic lake cruise with some history of the area, consider the Lake Minnewanka cruise, which offers a 1-hour panoramic interpretive cruise around the lake. Situated on the largest lake in Banff, you’ll see the stunning scenery as well as learn about the underwater village, which is now a popular diving site.

Diving Lake Minnewanka

Speaking of diving, Lake Minnewanka is a popular scuba diving destination. This is because there’s an old “town” at the bottom of the lake, flooded out “back in the day”. So, if you want to see an underwater town, this is the place to do it. In addition, you can also go winter diving here. We haven’t been crazy enough to do this yet, but if you have your dry-suit certification and want to go diving through the ice, this is the place to do it!

Climb a Mountain at Mount Norquay

For those looking for thrills in the mountains, while being as safe as possible, you’ll want to check out the Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay. A Via Ferrata is where iron and steel is drilled into the mountain, allowing you to safely clip yourself into and skirt the edges of the mountains, getting the thrills of “mountain climbing” without the high risk.

With so many mountains, it should come as no surprise that Banff offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Between Mount Norquay, Sunshine, and Lake Louise, the opportunity to Ski Banff is a GREAT reason to visit in the winter months. You can take an introductory course to skiing here, or rent some skis and hit the slopes.

Even if you’re here in the summer, these resorts offer the opportunity to take the gondola up the mountains for some once-in-a-lifetime hiking opportunities.

Johnston Canyon

If you’re looking for a beautiful and free hike, hiking Johnston Canyon is a great way to see this impressive canyon and an array of waterfalls up close. There’s even a cave you can walk into. This hike is quite easy (although slippery in the winter) and is beautiful in all seasons. Our favourite season is winter but the most comfortable time to go is in the summer.

Lake Louise

This is easily one of Canada’s most popular lakes, not only for the scenery but also for the luxury hotel right next to it. There are also numerous hikes nearby, another stunning lake called Moraine Lake, and the option of paddling a canoe! Whether you come to simply admire the lake, go paddling, go hiking, or enjoy a beer at the neighbouring Fairmont, a visit to Lake Louise is a MUST.

Moraine Lake

Located close to Lake Louise, this is our favourite lake in the entire national park. The only problem is that it’s so popular and so tight for parking space that it often fills up before sunrise. To help with this issue, there’s now a shuttle bus that visits here from the village of Lake Louise. Either way, if you can make it here, your jaws will drop. It’s simply magical.

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Banff .

Things to Do in Kananaskis

Located just outside Banff National Park and just 20-minutes away from the town of Banff, Canmore is somewhat like a “local” version of Banff. The activities are similar and some people stay here rather than in Banff. However, there are things to do in Canmore as well, not to mention the surrounding areas.

Very few “outdoor activities” can be done year-round with almost the same temperatures, but caving in Grotto Mountain is one of them. We did a tour inside Rat’s nest cave and yes, we saw the cute little rat that called the cave home. We did the full adventure, allowing us to squeeze ourselves through tight crevices and feel the true thrill of caving. However, there are lighter tours as well for those who might be more claustrophobic.

Spray Lakes Provincial Park

As of now, Spray Lakes remains our favourite camping spot in the province. It’s a 30-minute drive from Canmore up into the mountains and is an extremely scenic place to go camping in Alberta . However, it can’t be booked in advance so it’s a bit of a game of luck to find a spot. Weekends are often full, so make sure you come early or come during the week.

Go Hiking in the Kananaskis

With towering mountains and beautiful pine forests, there’s really no better place to strap on the boots and go for a hike. From easy to difficult, there are all sorts of stunning hikes in Kananaskis Country. Many are day trips but some are multi-day adventures as well. Regardless of the one you choose, you’ll fall in love with the scenery and will always want to return.

Go Camping in the Mountains

While there are loads of incredible opportunities for camping in Alberta , few compare to the majestic Rocky Mountains. Imagine waking up and opening your tent to sparkling turquoise waters surrounded by tall mountain peaks! Whether you roll up in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of opportunities for camping in one of the most beautiful destinations in Canada.

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Canmore .

Jasper National Park from the Jasper Sky Tram

Things To Do In Jasper National Park

Jasper is another stunning national park, equally impressive to Banff National Park but much more isolated. It’s also at the top of the Icefields Parkway, which is known as one of the most scenic drives on Earth. We love Jasper and the array of delicious restaurants, accommodations, and wildlife.

Jasper Sky Tram

In 1960, Albertan adventurer William McGregor climbed to the summit of Whistlers Mountain, Jasper. Inspired by the incredible views, McGregor dreamed of sharing his experience with the rest of the world. Since opening the Sky Tram, over 6 million visitors have ridden to the top and experienced the same breathtaking Rocky Mountain views that first inspired McGregor over half a century ago. Jump aboard the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada and be prepared to view Jasper National Park from the top of Whistlers Mountain.

Athabasca Glacier Adventure

Where else can you ride a million-dollar all-terrain Ice Explorer on to a glacier? In fact, you can then get out and walk on it yourself! It’s a quick thrill but for many people, the opportunity to stand on top of a glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Jasper Skywalk

Located right next to the Athabasca Glacier and often bought as a package, the Jasper Skywalk allows you to walk out onto a glass-floored platform overlooking the 918-foot (280m) drop to the stunning Sunwapta Valley. For some, it’s quite the thrill and for others, it’s simply a chance to get beautiful views and that much-desired Instagram shot.

Maligne Lake Cruise

If you’re looking for a beautiful lake cruise in Jasper National Park, this is it! You’ll enjoy a panoramic tour across the crystal waters of Maligne Lake before arriving at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in the area. Afterward, go hiking in Maligne Canyon!

Gaze at the Stars

As one of the 17 designated Dark Sky Preserves in Canada, not to mention the darkest of them all, Jasper is an incredible place to gaze up at the cosmos. You can learn about the celestial bodies and planets at the Planetarium Dome Theatre and through powerful telescopes. In fact, if you can make it here in October, you don’t want to miss the annual Dark Sky Festival!

Go Golfing in the Mountains

If you’re looking for one of the top golf courses in the country, if not the world, make your way to The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, whose golf course has been listed as one of the best, many, many times. This 18-hole course offers dramatic bunkers and holes that line up with the many spectacular views.

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Jasper !

Things To Do In Edmonton

Canada’s most Northern major city is full of things to do. Most notably, the city is home to North America’s largest mall, one of the world’s largest indoor waterparks, and one of the world’s largest indoor amusement parks. There’s tons of culture in Edmonton as well, which makes for tons of festivals, especially in the summer!

West Edmonton Mall

Once known as the world’s largest mall, this epic indoor wonderland is home to enough attractions to keep you busy for a whole weekend! My favourite place is the waterpark but it’s also home to an indoor amusement park, which houses the world’s largest indoor triple-loop roller coaster! There are also more than 800 stores, a cinema, a mini-golf course, and so much more. West Edmonton Mall also holds a number of records, including North America’s largest indoor waterpark, North America’s largest indoor amusement park, and Canada’s largest parking lot.

Telus World of Science

This broad-based non-profit science centre is the perfect place for those wanting to mix education with fun. We had such a blast learning about the human body as well as learning all about Pixar through their new temporary exhibit focusing on the world’s most famous animation studio.

Explore the River Valley

Edmonton might be known for having North America’s largest mall, but it’s also home to Canada’s largest urban park. With more than 160 kilometres of maintained trails, as well as attractions such as the Fort Edmonton Zoo, Gold Bar Park, the Edmonton Valley Zoo, a golf course, skiing opportunities, skating, and more. There’s even wildlife, including hares, deer, skunks, and porcupines.

Muttart Conservatory

Home to one of Edmonton’s most iconic images, the Muttart Conservatory is more than just beautiful glass pyramid structures. It’s also home to a climate-regulated biome with three different zones, such as the tropical climate of Burma and Fiji and the temperate pavilion with its American redwoods and Australian eucalyptus, all with a mission of education and conservation. This premier horticultural facility features over 700 species of plants and has sweeping views of Edmonton’s skyline.

Visit a Brewery

For those who love great beer, you’re in luck. Edmonton has many incredible breweries to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a fruity sour, a thick stout, or just something to drink during the hot summer months, we’ve got you covered in our guide to the best Edmonton breweries .

Alberta Legislature Building

Whether you’re interested in history or just coming to look at the impressive design, the Alberta Legislature Building is well worth the visit. Built back n 1913, this attractive building is the active home of Alberta’s government and offers free tours of the building almost every day. Tours cover topics related to the levels of government, Alberta’s political history, and the art and architecture of the building.

Restaurants in Edmonton

Another great thing about Edmonton is that there’s no shortage of incredible restaurants. Whether you’re looking for something quick, a place to go with friends, a place to take a date, or anything in-between, we’ve got you covered in our guide to the best restaurants in Edmonton .

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Edmonton .

Things to Do in Drumheller

Known as the Dinosaur capital of the world, Drumheller is home to the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum and a variety of amazing badland scenery.

Royal Tyrrell Museum

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of paleontology. In addition to housing one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs, the Museum offers a wide variety of creative, fun, and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life. Outside the museum, you’ll find a 1.4km interpretive trail that makes its way through the badlands. For anyone interested in dinosaurs, this is the best place to go in all of Canada, if not the world.

Horseshoe Canyon

Located just 17 km (10.5 mi) west of Drumheller, Horseshoe Canyon is like a miniature replica of the Grand Canyon and a jaw-dropping sight to behold. The reddish-pink ribboned canyon walls change their colour with the sun, revealing the many layers of rock that have been here since the Dinosaurs called it home more than 70 million years ago. Whether you just admire the view or take a hike down into the canyon, this is not a place you want to miss.

Horsethief Canyon

Banff is to the mountains what Horsethief Canyon is to the badlands. It’s really beautiful. Similar to Horseshoe Canyon, but far from the same, this area is not only scenic but also steeped in history. In fact, the reason why it’s called Horsethief canyon is that it used to be a wild-west type of place where bandits would literally steal horses. Basically, they’d steal them from big ranches in the area and re-brand them as their own. Located just 16 km (10 mi) northwest of Drumheller on the east bank of the Red Deer River, just You can either stop at the car park and just admire the views from the edge or you can go for a variety of hikes in and around the coulees.

Walk the Hoodoos

Although hoodoos can be found in many areas in the region, the easiest place to see them is at Hoodoo Trail, just 10 kilometres east of Drumheller. They are super cool to see up close, but just not too close as they’re very fragile and protected.

Party with Ghosts

If you’re looking for a super interesting detour near the Hoodoo Trail, check out Wayne Ghost Town. Located just 6-kilometres away, you’ll cross over 11 one-lane bridges over the Rosebud River before finding yourself in an almost-deserted old town that was once a thriving coal-mining town. It’s also home to the infamous Last Chance Saloon, a bar that’s been featured in many articles and books for being haunted.

Go Camping with Dinosaurs

There are not many places in the world where you can go camping safely with dinosaurs. Thanks to this area being the dinosaur capital of the world, camping in Drumheller is as close as you can get, as new dinosaur fossils are found here all the time. In fact, if you drive a couple of hours east to Dinosaur Provincial Park, there are even active digs that you can witness! Either way, the views and attractions offered here in the Alberta Badlands are fit for any Alberta bucket list.

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Drumheller .

Things to Do in Lethbridge

If you’re continuing down to the far south, you might end up in Alberta’s third-biggest city! If so, there are lots of things to do in Lethbridge and it’s a great base for exploring other areas of Southern Alberta, including Crowsnest Pass, Castle Provincial Park, and so much more.

Galt Museum

Whether you’re looking to learn about the history of Lethbridge or simply get some of the best views the city has to offer, make your way to the Galt Museum. This museum is the largest in Southern Alberta, containing over 17,000 artifacts and more than 1 million archival documents and photographs. It’s also home to a variety of walking trails and two beautiful gardens containing over 40 species of native plants, including wildflowers, grasses, and woody plants.

Fort Whoop-Up

Not only is it smack dab in the middle of the beautiful coulee’s, but it’s also a great place to learn about the local history. Fort Whoop-Up is a replica of an original fur trading fort built back in the late 1800s. It was originally called Fort Hamilton and served as a centre for a variety of trading activities, the most infamous one being the illegal whiskey trade.

Hiking the Coulees

The coulees are the most striking feature of Lethbridge. They’re beautiful to admire from any angle and they’re a great place to go for a hike or a bike ride. You can hike down into them from places like the Galt Museum or drive down and park at places like Indian Battle Park or the Helen Schuller Centre. From there, you’ll find many paths that meander along the coulees, the train bridge, and Old Man River.

Lethbridge Viaduct

Another striking feature of the Lethbridge landscape is the High-Level Bridge. Constructed between 1907 – 1909, this massive steel trestle that sits above the Old Man River is still the largest of its type in the world. Whether you admire it from afar or hike under it, it’s a beautiful thing to see and an icon of the city.

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden

Located right next to Henderson Lake Park, which is a great place to go for a walk, you’ll find the stunning Nikko Yuko Japanese Garden. Designed by a garden Arctiect from Osaka as well as being constructed by artisans from Kyoto, this garden was built to symbolize the friendship between Canada and Japan. It’s an incredibly beautiful place to just meander through, but you can also partake in tea ceremonies, Sumo Sumo Sundays, or even yoga.

Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump

Another one of our favourite places in Alberta is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump , which is located around 70 kilometres west of Lethbridge and can easily be combined with Fort Macleod (see below). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a museum and interpretive centre featuring the Blackfoot indigenous culture and a place that preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture. The museum is truly excellent, the people are very friendly, and the surrounding area is beautiful for a stroll.

Fort Macleod

Just 30-minutes away on the drive between Lethbridge and Calgary is Fort Macleod, which is home to The Fort Museum and the RCMP Musical Ride . If you’re interested in learning about the history of the area and the RCMP, this is a great place to go. During the summer months, it’s also home to a replica of the RCMP Musical Ride, a popular ceremony featuring horses.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Just 100 kilometres southeast of Lethbridge is yet another gorgeous natural area and UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s perfect for hiking, camping, and learning about indigenous culture. In fact, you can see ancient carvings and rock paintings that date back to 1050 BCE! While camping can be hard to nab as it’s often booked well in advance, it can be visited as a day trip as well.

Looking for more things to do? Don’t forget to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE to the best things to do in Lethbridge .

Things to Do in Southwest Alberta

Castle provincial park.

Castle Provincial Park is Alberta’s newest provincial park and is a gorgeous place to go hiking, biking, boating, fishing, camping, and more. In fact, there’s also a popular Ski Resort in the winter months.

Frank Slide

Canada’s deadliest landslide is a spectacular sight to witness. Not only is it utterly mind-boggling to see the amount of rock that slid down Turtle Mountain that fateful night back in 1903 but they have a truly incredible interpretive centre where you can learn all about it. Those in good fitness can also hike to the top of Turtle Mountain whereas anyone can walk around the paved trails in the area and see what the aftermath of a landslide looks like.

Crowsnest Pass

This beautiful mountain area, which includes Frank Slide , is composed of 5 small mining communities and lots of stunning scenery. While the mines have since closed down, one of them – the Bellevue Mine Tour – is open for tours. If you’re into small towns, this is a great place to explore. It’s hard to believe that just a few decades ago, all of these towns were staunch rivals. Now, they’re even connected by a 23-km Community Trail, which is a great way to walk or bike between all the communities, taking time to talk with the locals and try out various coffee shops, ice cream shops, and restaurants. Don’t miss the famous Burmis Tree, which has stood in the area for 450 years.

The Remington Carriage Museum

Located in Cardston, Alberta is the Remington Carriage Museum , which is home to more than 270 carriages and is the largest of its kind in the world. Upon entering the museum, you’ll be transported back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, getting a glimpse of carriages that carried pioneers as well as the rich and famous.

Getting to Alberta

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Alberta, here’s some practical advice on how to get here.

Getting to Alberta by Car

If you’re planning to drive to Alberta, it’s sandwiched in-between British Columbia, the Northwest Territories , Saskatchewan, and Montana. Most people arrive driving in from BC through the Rocky Mountains, from Saskatchewan , or up from Montana. Although it’s a large province, it’s fairly under-populated and easy to drive around. If driving from the US, please note that you will have to go through customs.

The Trans-Canada Highway, which goes coast to coast, cuts right through Calgary, Alberta heading west from Regina or east from Banff.

Getting to Alberta by Plane

Alberta is home to two international airports, both of which are some of the biggest airports in the country. These two airports are the Calgary International Airport (YYC) and the Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Once you arrive, you can easily rent a car, take a taxi, hop on public transportation, or perhaps, jump on a tour. There are smaller regional airports in Alberta as well, but most people, especially those visiting from outside the province or country will arrive to one of the two airports mentioned above.

For convenience, Edmonton is best for those exploring the North or perhaps heading to Jasper National Park whereas Calgary is more convenient for Banff National Park, Drumheller , and Southern Alberta. However, both airports are less than three hours apart by drive time.

Getting Around Alberta

Alberta is a large province and is best explored by private vehicles. There are some tours, especially for popular areas such as Banff, and there are some buses, but those are very limited in destinations. Without a doubt, if your goal is to explore various parts of the province, the best way is to rent a car.

Fun Fact: Alberta is home to Canada’s largest urban park, Canada’s first national park, Canada’s largest parking lot, North America’s largest mall, North America’s largest indoor amusement park, North America’s largest indoor amusement park, and one of the largest oil reserves in the world.

Best Time to Visit Alberta

One of the great things about Alberta is that it’s a year-round destination for the most part. Alberta is very weather extreme. Summer days in July and August can reach up to 35 degrees Celcius whereas, in the winter, days can be the exact opposite, easily reaching -35 degrees Celcius. Edmonton has days where it’s the coldest city on Earth. However, thanks to the Canadian Rockies, Alberta is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding, not to mention incredible snow-covered vistas. Still, there are times we like better than others, so here are our recommendations.

Our peak travel time is from mid-June to mid-September. This is when the weather is at its warmest temperatures, all the trees and flowers are looking their best, and all the famous activities and attractions are open for business. However, this is also the time when hotels can be at full capacity, roads are busiest, and everything is more expensive.

For those wanting to go skiing and snowboarding, or perhaps snowmobiling, ice fishing, or snowshoeing, the best time to come would be from January to March. These are the coldest months but also the best time for lots of snow. Despite the world-class skiing, this is actually a much quieter time than the summer, and accommodations are much cheaper and much more available, except on holidays and such.

The spring months, from April to mid-June can also be a nice time to visit but be prepared for rain. The weather is very hit-or-miss and we’ve seen spring days reach up to +25 degrees. Tourism is lower during this time, and some of the trees and flowers still look “dead”, but it’s relatively mild for the weather.

Last but not least is the fall. This is a great time to visit as well, especially in the earlier months of late September and October. Generally, the weather is still quite warm and the changing fall colours are beautiful to see. Tourists are lesser in numbers than in the peak summer months but most things are still open. We prefer the fall over the spring. The only exception here would be if you want to go white water rafting. In that case, spring is generally the better time to do so.

Road to 150 – Alberta Road Trip

Back in 2017, we produced one of the largest independent media campaigns the country has ever seen. The Road to 150 was a 150-day road trip across Canada to produce a 12-part video series and mini-documentary about what makes Canada special. Alberta was our last leg of the trip, mostly because it’s home, and became one of the most beautiful tourism videos of the whole campaign. We had 14-days to explore the province and came up with a perfect itinerary that can easily be shortened if you’re not capturing video all day long.

Coming from British Columbia , we started our trip off in Banff National Park, one of Canada’s most scenic areas. Here we visited the beautiful towns of Banff and Canmore, hiked through Johnston Canyon, paddled a canoe on Lake Louise, rode a gondola to the top of a mountain and drove the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper National Park. We also stood on a glacier, took a variety of boat rides, saw a bunch of wildlife, and admired the colours of the fall season. We then drove to Edmonton to experience North America’s largest mall, visited Drumheller to learn about dinosaurs, and ended our trip in Calgary, where we rode a steam train, learned about Canadian music icons, and admired the views from the Calgary Tower.

We highly recommend watching the video above and then heading over to our Canadian Youtube Channel to see more videos about Alberta and about the country as well.

(Check out this article about 89 Cool, Fun, and Interesting Alberta Facts !)

Where to Stay in Alberta

When it comes to choices of accommodation in Alberta, there really is something for everyone. From the luxury of the Fairmont Banff Springs to the charm of a local bed & breakfast, there’s something for any budget and any taste. There are also a lot of excellent cabins in Alberta that you can rent, including cabins in the mountains, in the badlands, or lakeside on one of Alberta’s many lakes. We’ve written a variety of articles about accommodation, including where to stay in Calgary , where to stay in Banff , the best Jasper accommodations , and some of the best campsites in Alberta .

What to Do in Alberta

As you can see, there are loads of things to do in Alberta. There’s a reason why it’s one of the top places to visit in Canada. From badlands and dinosaurs to waterfalls and mountains, Alberta is wonderful from north to south. We hope this article helps you plan your trip and if you’d like even more inspiration, make sure to subscribe to Must Do Canada and follow us on YouTube where we post a new video every two weeks!

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About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

January 7, 2018 at 4:26 pm

Thank you so much guys for your videos, advice and guidance. My 8 year old son and I are looking forward to our first trip to Alberta, September 2018. Very excited. Looking forward to the honor of meeting you guys some time in the not too distant future. Wishing you guys the very best for 2018 and beyond.

January 9, 2018 at 2:55 am

Thank you so much, Nigel! Meeting up would be great!

April 1, 2021 at 10:09 pm

Hey, just found out about you guys a few days ago. I’ll be doing a deep dive into your site/YouTube aswe look to plan trips to Yukon/Tuk and Saskatchewan.

Home is Calgary for us too.

April 2, 2021 at 9:03 am

awesome! Yeah, we’re hoping travel opens up by summer. Sask still seems closed but not sure about the north

April 11, 2021 at 7:35 am

What a great list of things to explore in Alberta this summer. I am going to have my kids each choose an “adventure” for us to go on this summer.

May 17, 2021 at 12:11 am

Make sure you add Waterton Lakes National Park to your list!

May 25, 2021 at 6:41 pm

We love Waterton…. we try to get there as often as we can but haven’t been there since early summer 2018. We need to get back there. It holds a huge piece of my heart. Even after the Kenow fire, Waterton stands proud and her beauty and spirit remains.

April 4, 2022 at 11:01 pm

Even the next spring after the fire things were already recovering – it’s a new Waterton – because of the change in climate, there’s a difference in the trees and flowers that are repopulating. Weekend just before Victoria Day weekend is a great time to go – it’s generally nice enough weather and you beat even the small crowds that Waterton gets.

April 5, 2022 at 7:11 pm

Good tips! You live there?

May 5, 2022 at 9:10 am

June 3, 2022 at 5:08 pm

We live in a beautiful country!

April 1, 2021 at 11:42 am

Born and bred Albertan and sadly I haven’t made a big enough dent on this list!

April 1, 2021 at 11:54 am

Thank you so much guys for the great ideas!

April 1, 2021 at 1:33 pm

Will be using this website to help my family figure out how to see the country during COVID.

May 19, 2022 at 8:26 pm

April 1, 2021 at 5:18 pm

I love Alberta. So much to do and explore. With this website you’ll always find a new adventure. Love it

April 2, 2021 at 8:48 am

This is awesome. Thanks so much!

April 3, 2021 at 12:20 pm

Drumheller is definitely a must visit. Especially with kids. Atlas Coal Mine isn’t mentioned, but is worth a visit if you have the time.

April 4, 2021 at 11:04 am

Oh, we’ll add that. I think it’s in our Drumheller article

April 3, 2021 at 1:26 pm

So many various things to do in winter and summer in Alberta.

April 3, 2021 at 9:48 pm

I have lived from the tip of Vancouver Island (Holberg) to the coast of Labrador (Goose Bay) courtesy of the military – both as a child and as a wife. And though I have visited places that others could only imagine . . . I have NEVER spent any time in our National Parks. Now that we’re retired, we live close to Waterton Lakes and would love the chance to hike, bike and explore this Canadian masterpiece. To stay in our province and get to experience nature at its finest would be amazing. Maybe . . . just maybe.

April 5, 2021 at 6:29 pm

Looks like another summer with limited travel possibilities so this might help to stay in AB.

April 5, 2021 at 11:48 pm

Great list! There’s a few that I’ll definitely need to cross off this year!

April 6, 2021 at 9:48 am

We have such a beautiful country. A lot of people have no idea. Thanks for showing what it has to offer!

April 6, 2021 at 11:21 pm

Cant wait to start exploring my province even more!

April 7, 2021 at 10:28 am

Awesome post!

April 8, 2021 at 7:38 am

April 8, 2021 at 11:57 am

Kananaskis is my all time favorite place to explore! So beautiful

April 8, 2021 at 12:27 pm

So many great places to visit within my own province…thanks for sharing.

April 8, 2021 at 1:26 pm

Hello! We love Alberta!!! You can also visit my city, here in Alberta: Airdrie!!! You will find beautiful parks, man-made lakes and a beautiful recreation centre! Cheers, Claudia 🙂

April 9, 2021 at 11:10 am

Amazing! Can’t wait for another summer of Adventure here in Alberta 😍

April 10, 2021 at 9:42 am

Icefield Parkway is on my Bucket List to do with my parents.

April 10, 2021 at 11:44 am

Lots of great staycation ideas 🤎

April 10, 2021 at 8:15 pm

The past year has been a great opportunity to see all of the hidden gems in Alberta. I can’t wait to see more of this beautiful province.

April 14, 2021 at 11:50 am

I live in alberta and it is beautiful!! <3

April 15, 2021 at 11:30 am

Thank you for this! I’m sure I’ll be referring back to this list now the weather is nice!

April 18, 2021 at 8:05 am

Thanks for all the great tips!

April 21, 2021 at 11:23 am

Awesome stuff way to keep giving great tips

April 23, 2021 at 4:53 pm

This is great! Thanks for the all the tips!

April 21, 2021 at 1:23 pm

There really are so many amazing places to visit in Alberta. Some I’ve heard of and some I haven’t. So it will be fun to explore over the years.

April 25, 2021 at 1:43 pm

So many great ideas here!

April 26, 2021 at 8:18 pm

Omg I didn’t realize how many amazing thing I can do in Alberta and I have lived her my whole life

April 26, 2021 at 8:53 pm

haha us too. We’ve seen a lot and still not everything

May 24, 2022 at 2:02 pm

Beautiful parks here

April 28, 2021 at 9:27 am

Looking forward to a great summer

May 9, 2021 at 8:01 am

So many great ideas, I am a native Albertan and haven’t done all of these yet!

May 9, 2021 at 9:11 pm

Yes, Alberta is great! For those who’d like to explore more you could mention and include links to such places as Fort Chippewan, Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Grande Prairie, Wetaskiwin, Camrose, Red Deer, Medicine Hat etc., etc., etc. Yes, I’m commenting to get more chances to win the National Parks pass.

May 10, 2021 at 12:42 pm

Excited to visit some of these places during the summer! Thanks!!

May 10, 2021 at 2:22 pm

Love to see what we can do in our home province

May 10, 2021 at 2:23 pm

Alberta is great!

May 12, 2021 at 9:14 am

Wow, really cool, can’t wait to check it out

May 12, 2021 at 9:50 am

I have been to Alberta many times and though Banff is beautiful, I feel that Canmore is a hidden gem and just a little nicer.

May 12, 2021 at 10:10 am

This summer we plan on exploring a lot of Alberta and Saskatachewan. We are looking forward to hiking in Jasper, Waterton, Nordegg, and the Kananaskis. We are also visited Waskesiu in SK. Lets hope for great weather this year!

May 12, 2021 at 3:25 pm

Be sure to go hiking in the Badlands, visit the Tyrell Museum, and Stop in at the Donut Mill in Gasoline Alley on Highway 2! ❤️

May 12, 2021 at 4:08 pm

Great list!

May 30, 2021 at 1:12 am

Awesome list!

May 26, 2022 at 12:54 pm

I’ve lived in Alberta for 20 years and have lived in most of these features cities, and yet haven’t even been to half of these places! Such a great reminder that there’s so much to do and so much to see ☺️

May 13, 2021 at 7:31 am

Johnson Canyon and Morraine Lake are amazing!

May 13, 2021 at 2:10 pm

I can’t wait to explore more of the beautiful province of Alberta

May 13, 2021 at 2:15 pm

Great list of attractions for Alberta! Can’t wait to see some of them!

May 14, 2021 at 1:43 pm

I’d love to try the Road to 150!

May 14, 2021 at 3:18 pm

Thanks for all the tips

May 14, 2021 at 5:02 pm

I’ve stayed in Alberta the last 10 years and have only done a few things on your list. I’m excited to see what I’m missing!

May 14, 2021 at 5:56 pm

Thanks for the get ideas for places to see in Alberta. Looking forward to discovering some new places. Also looking forward to checking out other lists for other provinces.

May 14, 2021 at 6:47 pm

Great resource.

May 14, 2021 at 11:47 pm

So many new opportunities to visit

May 15, 2021 at 3:36 pm

Ive done most of these already but thanks for some extra ideas for fun this summer!

May 16, 2021 at 6:27 pm

The mountain views in Jasper National Park

May 19, 2021 at 2:18 pm

Love this! I was born and raised in Alberta, but I always love learning more about places I may not have visited yet <3

May 26, 2021 at 8:38 am

I am in my 60’s and needed to get in shape, so last summer I started hiking more regularly. As long as I get the reward of a beautiful view I don’t mind the hard work. Last summer while on a hike with my athlete daughter, the last part of the hike got so hard, I didn’t think I’d be able to finish. My daughter coaxed me the rest of the way up!!!!! 💪

May 26, 2021 at 10:38 am

haha it’s awesome to have someone who can encourage us eh! Sometimes thats all it takes

May 30, 2021 at 1:22 pm

I love a good road trip. Some of my favourite places are Grand Prairie, Jasper (Athabasca Falls, the valley of the five lakes, and the Jasper sky tram are just a few), Calgary, Elbow falls, downsouth: Lundbreck Falls, Frank Slide, Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, Waterton,

May 30, 2021 at 5:29 pm

Great ideas!!

May 30, 2021 at 6:51 pm

Lots of wonderful places to visit in Alberta

June 9, 2021 at 11:58 am

My home! Thank you for this!

June 9, 2021 at 3:41 pm

So many things to do in Alberta. Love my province beauty.

June 9, 2021 at 6:09 pm

Thank you for showing so many places.

June 10, 2021 at 6:30 am

So much fun to explore our own backyard! Added some new things for the summer bucket list!

June 10, 2021 at 11:55 am

Hey guys!! My daughter, granddaughter and I live in Hinton, Alberta and we try to explore new places near us about once a month or whenever we can afford to. We absolutely LOVE Alberta and Canada 🇨🇦❤

June 11, 2021 at 12:44 am

The dome dining experience at Fairmont Banff was expensive but such an amazing experience! Spectacular views from a private dome with a mimosa bar all to ourselves for brunch.

June 11, 2021 at 9:22 pm

Looks amazing. Great suggestions to visit.

June 22, 2021 at 8:14 am

Great article. Thanks for some great ideas!

June 24, 2021 at 9:27 pm

Information is interesting and informative

June 29, 2021 at 10:47 pm

Great ideas!!!

August 21, 2021 at 6:27 am

So many great places to visit that we haven’t yet!! Thanks for this list for Alberta!! Adventures are out there!!

February 9, 2022 at 1:54 pm

Great blog!

February 9, 2022 at 2:29 pm

I absolutely love living in Alberta and doing all the great things in my backyard

February 10, 2022 at 4:50 pm

Travelling through Southwestern Alberta along Cowboy Trail amongst the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains is an amazingly beautiful journey. So much to see and do absolutely love it!

February 13, 2022 at 6:38 am

Thanks for all the great info!

February 14, 2022 at 12:28 pm

Alberta truly is the best!

February 16, 2022 at 9:50 am

I love ❤️ Alberta! We moved here from Ontario 6 years ago and we just love it, from the small town locals, the riverboat cruise in Edmonton, several getaways to Jasper and Banff area as well as adventure day trips to towns with “big things”. Our next adventure is next week where we’ll (moi, my husband, one of our daughters and the oldest of our granddaughters coming from Ontario) be staying at Dead Man’s Flats for a few days. The girls definitely want to visit Johnston Canyon and go skating on lake Louise.

February 16, 2022 at 1:21 pm

Johnston Canyon is super beautiful in the winter! Bring ice cleats if you can. Even the simple little ones help as it can be slippery.

February 16, 2022 at 10:05 am

I find this site extremely helpful when it to finding out about new adventures and also with figuring out what to do in a city.

February 16, 2022 at 9:09 pm

32 years in Alberta, Canada, and counting… and yet still so many things to do. Thank you for travel ideas. Going to Abraham Lake soon, soooo exciting

February 19, 2022 at 7:50 am

Thanks for the info! A good reminder that there are great things to check out close to home.

February 19, 2022 at 8:30 pm

Thanks for all the great tips! Last trip through 3 years ago, hubby planned a very tight itinerary and the line ups and wait times were long, so we didn’t see many of the top attractions. Our next trip west is being planned by myself, with much more time to explore.

February 20, 2022 at 6:10 am

This was such an amazing post, I’m taking my boyfriend to Alberta for his birthday in October and now we have a whole list of things to do.

February 20, 2022 at 2:30 pm

Such a beautiful province!

February 21, 2022 at 12:37 pm

The hot springs are on my bucket list

March 10, 2022 at 11:13 am

A great list with some things I didn’t know about!

March 10, 2022 at 4:30 pm

Alberta is a beautiful diverse province. I love travelling here.

March 10, 2022 at 5:19 pm

We are going to Canmore in a few weeks and I can’t wait!!!

March 11, 2022 at 7:29 am

Can’t wait to visit Alberta again

March 12, 2022 at 9:25 am

So many things to do in Alberta.

March 12, 2022 at 9:53 am

Looking forward to visiting Alberta again.

March 13, 2022 at 6:08 pm

Good description of a beautiful province! I didn’t know Winsport had a zip line, looks fun!

March 14, 2022 at 2:37 pm

I am from Alberta and still have so many places to explore yet.

March 16, 2022 at 7:44 am

Don’t forget all the top rated restaurants. Edmonton is foodie heaven!

March 18, 2022 at 7:23 pm

Thanks for the great suggestions within my own backyard!

March 20, 2022 at 12:51 am

Thank you for the great suggestions

March 22, 2022 at 10:51 am

It’s mind boggling how many places you two have gone. You’ve seen more than many see in a lifetime. More than many put together see in their lifetimes!

March 22, 2022 at 11:42 am

Thanks, Robin. It is pretty crazy when we stop to think about it

May 4, 2022 at 9:47 pm

Time to make a list!

May 5, 2022 at 6:16 am

We have done a 4000km tour with a Campervan accross Alberta parks, just fantastic.

May 5, 2022 at 9:51 am

So cool! ! Thank you for all your advises 😁

May 6, 2022 at 8:09 am

Waterton is our favourite place to go in the summer. Heritage Park is also an awesome place to visit for a day! We are planning on visiting the charmed playhouse guest houses this summer as well.

May 7, 2022 at 7:41 pm

So helpful. Looking to try some of these this summer.

May 16, 2022 at 1:28 pm

Horseshoe and Horsethief Canyon are great hidden gems and wonderful alternatives to the lakes and mountains. Thank you!

May 16, 2022 at 7:21 pm

I used a ton of your suggestions for a stellar summer in 2021. Can’t wait to plan 2022 with you!

May 17, 2022 at 8:14 pm

That’s awesome! Where did you go?

May 17, 2022 at 12:55 am

My home away from home is Alberta. So much to do. Thank you for featuring this article.

May 18, 2022 at 8:57 am

Wow I would love to come visit Alberta. !! Never been to a rodeo and The Calgary stampede would be so much fun. Also would love the Calgary Zoo. So many things to do and I also have a friend who I could visit while visiting. Keeping my fingers crossed to come one day soon!!

May 19, 2022 at 3:04 pm

I definitely need to do more of these on the list!

May 20, 2022 at 7:59 am

Thanks for the info!

May 20, 2022 at 8:19 am

Alberta is always worth a visit. So many beautiful sights to see… thank you for sharing those spots with us…

May 20, 2022 at 2:41 pm

Hoping to go to banff beginning of July, unless gas goes to and above $2.00 a litre. Just wish I knew where to find this arched wooded foot bridge with the bluest water I’ve ever seen. Have seen picture people have taken there but couldn’t find this place 5 years ago

May 20, 2022 at 2:52 pm

hmm is it right in the town of BanfF?

May 21, 2022 at 9:07 pm

Thanks for the great ideas! Can’t wait to float down The Bow this Summer!

May 23, 2022 at 9:44 pm

You need to add Abraham Lake, just outside of Nordegg. It is sooo beautiful in the summer and such blue water!! And in the winter, it actually freezes clear!!! So whenever you go…I TS very cool to see! Thank you for all the suggested places!

May 24, 2022 at 5:14 am

Great ideas! Can’t wait to try these this summer

May 24, 2022 at 2:12 pm

Definitely need to visit the mountains around Banff and surrounding areas! Great article here!

May 25, 2022 at 11:04 am

Good reminder of things that are right in our backyard for us locals 🙂

May 26, 2022 at 2:19 pm

It’s great to have an amazing list of places to explore

May 26, 2022 at 7:19 pm

Took my Manitoba friend and her daughter to Banff the other day while she was visiting and we had an amazing time!

May 27, 2022 at 11:34 am

Love Alberta, thanks for the ideas

May 27, 2022 at 6:34 pm

Great Staycation

May 27, 2022 at 11:40 pm

I definitely agree with what others have said regarding Waterton. The park is beautiful with new growth following the fire. And so close for those living anywhere in southern Alberta. Well worth the short drive there

May 29, 2022 at 1:38 pm

Alberta is amazing I moved here 14 years ago from Ontario and haven’t thought about moving back!!

May 29, 2022 at 9:19 pm

Great list! Thank you

May 30, 2022 at 9:48 am

Looking forward to visiting some soon!

May 30, 2022 at 10:38 am

Thank you for posting these! Definitely help us with our long drive!😊

June 1, 2022 at 8:55 am

Thank-you!!!!

June 1, 2022 at 9:52 pm

Thank you for posting these. Lots of great places to see in Alberta.

June 2, 2022 at 5:55 am

Thank you for summer travel ideas.

June 3, 2022 at 2:29 pm

Excited to try some of these this summer

June 3, 2022 at 11:11 pm

Nice to see all the things we can do in our own backyard!

June 5, 2022 at 7:57 am

That’s for the list!!

June 5, 2022 at 2:11 pm

So much to do in Alberta!

June 5, 2022 at 5:28 pm

Love Alberta and all it has to offer

June 6, 2022 at 9:51 am

Great list, there lots to do north of Edmonton and Jasper as well!

June 7, 2022 at 7:35 am

Great content. I am Alberta born and raised and still have lots of local exploring to do. Thanks for the amazing tips.

June 7, 2022 at 9:00 am

Wow so much to do’

June 7, 2022 at 8:28 pm

Great list! Lived here for over 50 years and you’ve created a wonderful list of the top hits. Hope maybe you’ll follow up with some ‘hidden gems.’ 😉

June 8, 2022 at 10:47 am

We will! Any you recommend?

June 8, 2022 at 9:34 am

I love living in Alberta! We just did a weekend trip south, Rowley, Torrington and Drumheller, absolutely beautiful!

June 8, 2022 at 9:38 am

Does anyone know if the kananaskiss pass and the parks Canada pass will be amalgamated at some point?

June 8, 2022 at 10:46 am

Unlikely as one is provincial and one is federal.

June 9, 2022 at 7:59 am

Thank you for a comprehensive list!! Will check off some places this summer. But Waterton lakes national park is also a mustvisit destination of Alberta.

June 9, 2022 at 11:09 am

Excellent information! Huge thanks!

June 10, 2022 at 1:18 pm

Loved this!

June 10, 2022 at 8:02 pm

Love this! Thanks for the great ideas!

June 12, 2022 at 8:00 am

Great list!!!

June 12, 2022 at 5:16 pm

So many great tips here!!! We’re definitely making use of this to plan our trip to Edmonton. Thank you!!!!

August 24, 2022 at 8:07 am

I Have lived here all my life, and this is a great reminder of why Alberta rocks!!!

August 24, 2022 at 6:35 pm

Very comprehensive! Thanks for the info!

August 25, 2022 at 8:34 am

Love the photos of the beautiful parks and cities in Alberta!

August 26, 2022 at 9:03 am

Thank you for this. i am going to Alberta for the first time Sept 3 – Now I am going to book another trip next year to do more of these

September 4, 2022 at 1:03 pm

We had a great road trip to Alberta this summer. We did a number of the ideas you suggested. Thanks for this!

September 5, 2022 at 7:59 pm

We are very fortunate to have so many things to do in Alberta. Great list.

September 12, 2022 at 8:01 pm

I’ve lived in Alberta my whole life and there are still so many things I haven’t done yet.

September 13, 2022 at 12:16 pm

Great article yes we have so many great things to do and see in AB.

[…] Between beautifully restored carriages, an education in carriages and history, as well as their horse stables, I can see why the Remington Carriage Museum has become such a big attraction in Southern Alberta. […]

100+ BEST Things To Do in Alberta (updated 2024)

Disclaimer: this page may contain affiliate links. please review our full terms and conditions for more information and our privacy policy. note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication..

Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on January 26, 2024

There is no other province in Canada that invites visitors to explore such diverse scenery and activities. In the span of one day, you can climb a mountain and a hoodoo or watch a world-class rodeo and then shop at the largest mall in North America. And that’s just for starters. Consider this your essential guide to the best things to do in Alberta .

We didn’t stop at just 100 things – the list currently clocks in at 126! We’ve divided the post up into sights and activities in the two biggest cities – Edmonton and Calgary – and then into the mountains, north, central, and south.

Use this to plan your ultimate Alberta outing ! And whatever you do – don’t you dare say you’re bored.

Best Things to Do in Edmonton

Playing in the edmonton river valley.

Edmonton is home to the largest urban park in Canada, with 160 km of maintained trails and 20 major parks, all nestled up to the North Saskatchewan River that runs from the Rocky Mountains and right through the city. You can play in the Edmonton river valley all year round by walking/running/biking the trails in summer and even taking fat-tire Segways in winter!

Get Artsy in the City

Discover some of Edmonton’s most diverse and controversial art in the heart of the city. Choose from a variety of self-driven tours found online to experience the diverse sculptures and more throughout the downtown core. There’s also plenty of street art perfect for your Instagram feed!

Visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Experience the history and life of the Ukrainian pioneers who settled in Alberta from 1892-1930 by exploring this town alongside people in costume portraying the lives of actual pioneers. Explore more than 30 restored buildings including a school, grain elevator, blacksmith shop and three churches.

Stroll and Shop on Whyte Ave and in Old Strathcona

In one of Edmonton’s trendiest neighbourhoods – the Heritage District – lies one-of-a-kind boutiques, trendy art galleries and music shops, and unique restaurants and cafés. If you happen to be in the area on a Saturday, make sure to also take in the year-round Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market and find over 130 vendors selling only the freshest local food and handmade arts and crafts!

The always busy Strathcona Farmers Market in Edmonton, Alberta

Take an Alberta Legislature Tour

Alberta became a province in 1905 and the impressive five-story Legislature Building was built and completed in 1912. It is recommended (but not required) to get a Heritage Interpreter guide for a booked visit, which can include a standard Legislature Building tour, a visit to the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre and watching Session from the galleries in the Chamber. All tours at the Legislature are free to visitors but a reservation in advance is required.

Experience Life as a Pioneer

Nestled along Edmonton’s river valley in wooded parkland, Fort Edmonton Park is a unique place to experience the evolution of Edmonton’s early history. Travel back 150 years in time and experience the fur trade and the life of the pioneers, dating as far back as 1885.

Stroll Through the Neon Sign Museum

The City of Edmonton gathered 20 historic neon signs, restored them, affixed them on downtown buildings (to the Mercer Warehouse and the TELUS building), and introduced a very unique-to- Edmonton museum . The first of its kind in North America, it is open 24/7, requires no admission fee, and is a hot spot for Instagram photos.

Segway Like a Pro – in Winter!

Yes, Segways come with fat tires, too! Dress the part (layer up) and take a cruise through the Edmonton River Valley on a trusty segway with River Valley Adventure Co . While you’re at it, they also have snowshoes for rent to allow you to tramp around in the area as well.

Shop ’til you Drop

One of Edmonton’s biggest attractions is the iconic West Edmonton Mall – the largest shopping mall in North America. There are over 800 stores to drop money in and the famous Fantasyland Hotel to crash in after. Bored of shopping? Then splash in the World Waterpark, ride all the rides in Galaxyland, go for a skate at the Ice Palace, and sate your appetite at one of over a hundred dining venues

Take on the Telus World of Science

Experience science like never before! Fun for all ages, the Telus World of Science has no shortage of activities. Marvel at Canada’s largest planetarium, watch an IMAX movie on the biggest screen in Alberta, take part in interactive galleries and experiments or explore feature exhibitions that happen several times a year and have included Harry Potter, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Body Worlds.

Glamp on an Island

Glamping on an island near Edmonton? You bet! Just opened in 2020, book a night (or more) with Urban River Adventures and you can stay in a dome tent, bell tent, or tree tent! Price includes Jetboat transportation on the South Saskatchewan River to your spot, and you can also book river adventures like kayaking, paddle boarding, gold panning, and more for a truly unique adventure.

Are you a frequent glamper? Check out our post on the best glamping in Alberta .

Go Bison Spotting

Nearby, Elk Island National Park has some of the best wildlife viewing in Alberta and is widely known for its bison and wildlife conservation efforts. Packed with hundreds of free-roaming bison, there is a good chance you might just catch a glimpse of a herd grazing in a meadow or you could end up getting stuck in a bison traffic jam.

Explore the world’s plant life by visiting the Muttart Conservatory which is nestled in the Edmonton River Valley and home to three glass pyramid biomes: arid, temperate, and tropical. Take a guided or self-guided tour to learn and experience more than 700 species of plants.

Spot Some Big Balls

(Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) We’re referring, of course, to the Talus Dome – a sculpture composed of nearly 1,000 handcrafted stainless steel spheres forming an abstract talus shape. The Dome will take on different colours with the changing seasons and hours of the day which make it a very fun spot to get a photograph or two. It is on a major junction of the river valley trail system, so it’s easily accessible (at Quesnell Bridge and Fox Drive).

From spring through fall, take a ride on the historic heritage street car on top of the Edmonton High Level Bridge. Official streetcar service in Edmonton ended in 1951 but reopened again over the bridge in 1979 to celebrate Edmonton’s 75th anniversary. Follow it up with a visit to the Streetcar Museum in the nearby Strathcona neighbourhood.

An old streetcar at the Whyte Avenue stop in Edmonton

Where to stay in Edmonton

Luxury – Nothing beats the iconic Fairmont Hotel MacDonald . You can’t miss this hotel as it offers spectacular views of the Edmonton river valley and features a restaurant and spa. This hotel is worth the splurge even if it’s just for one night!

Mid-range – The Meterra Hotel on Whyte is close to the shopping and vibrant amenities Whyte Ave is known for. Fitting in with the funky vibe of Old Strathcona, it offers rooms decorated in fire, earth, air, or water themes.

Budget – Close to Whyte Ave and West Edmonton Mall, Travelodge by Wyndham Edmonton South gives you access to Edmonton sightseeing without breaking the bank. Great for kids, it also has a hot tub and pool and also includes a complimentary continental breakfast.

Best Things to Do in Calgary

Start with a cocktail.

Canada’s official cocktail (YES, that is a thing!) – the Caesar – was born in Calgary in 1969. This Canadian brunch-time classic was invented by beverage manager Walter Chell at what is now The Westin Hotel . Many restaurants in Calgary now offer their own version, but we recommend trying one at The Beltliner and choosing your own accompanying skewers from chicken and waffles to chocolate cake and many more!

Go to Where the Wild Things Are

The Calgary Zoo is the second-largest in Canada. Visit the penguins at the Penguin Plunge, discover the animals that call Canada home at Canadian Wilds, take a walk through the tropical rainforest pathways, view gorillas, snakes and crocodiles at Destination Africa, or explore Eurasia and say hello to the tigers and the red pandas.

Make Peace with the Calgary Peace Bridge

Its construction was a contentious topic for locals as it was being built (with an over $20 million price tag), but the Calgary Peace Bridge quickly became an iconic symbol for the city and is well used by pedestrians and bicycle enthusiasts alike to get across the Bow River into downtown. Take a stroll in it to see what all the fuss is about, and don’t forget to take a selfie in this Instagram hot spot.

Explore the Heritage

Visit Canada’s largest living history museum at the Heritage Park Historical Village , one of the best museums in Calgary . With so many activities available, it will be hard to decide which to do first! You can explore preserved heritage buildings and homesteads, take a tour of the park on an antique steam train, make yourself some old-fashioned ice cream, help build a tipi in a First Nations’ Encampment, and so much more.

Heritage Park Historical Village steam engine train

Horse Around at Spruce Meadows

This multi-sport facility situated just south of Calgary is best known as the home to world-class equestrian show-jumping events. Each year it hosts six outdoor and eight indoor tournaments, offering lots of options for equestrian event lovers. ATCO Field was also constructed on site in 2019 and is home to the Calvary FC, a soccer team in the Canadian Premier League.

Rise Above at the Calgary Tower

Originally built to honour Canada’s centennial celebrations as well as to promote the downtown core, the Calgary Tower soars a whopping 191 metres and arguably provides the best view in Calgary from its observation deck. You’ll be able to see the Rocky Mountains to the west, the prairies to the east and stand on a glass floor while looking straight down on a busy 9th avenue below. A visit to Calgary is only complete when you take a trip up the tower!

Take a Self-Guided Food Tour

Stroll through Kensington and sample good eats via the Alberta Food Finder Game from Alberta Food Tours . It is Canada’s first such tour delivered on a GPS-enabled mobile device – clues to help you complete your mission will pop up on a map of the area. Not only will you have access to food samples that no one else will, but you’ll also receive valuable discounts while having a great time sleuthing!

Live Your “Cool Runnings” Dream

** Note that it is currently under repair and unavailable.

The bobsled track from the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary is open and waiting for you to take a run on it. Strap on a helmet, squeeze into the sled, and let a professional driver race you to the bottom in just over a minute. Try counting the turns as you go and we bet you’ll lose track after turn four. (Warning: you may also forget your own name by the end of it!)

Indulge Your Need for Speed

Imagine soaring down a ski jump but without skis. This is absolutely possible at the WinSport facility during summer months, where you fly down a zipline that starts at the top of the ski jump. It is North America’s fastest zipline: you can reach speeds of 120 km/hr as you travel 500ms with a vertical drop of 100ms.

Downhill Karting

Race your family and friends by ripping downhill in a kart at Calgary Winsport’s Downhill Karting . The track is 1.8km long and has 50 twists and turns to get the heart pumping. The best part is when your first rip is done, is that you can take the chairlift to the top (elevation at 1250m) and do it all over again!

Get Thrilled at Calaway Park

Release your inner child at Western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park. With 32 rides, 24 food locations, 23 fair games, live entertainment and a 3D theatre, you are sure to find fun for the whole family.

Go for the Books, Stay for the Architecture

Opened in 2018, the Calgary Central Library is a marvel of design and has taken home multiple big awards and was even named by TIME magazine as one of the “100 Greatest Places of 2019”.

Fly Without Actually Flying

Skydive without the fear of SPLAT! At iFLY in northeast Calgary, you can try indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel and get the feel of flying through the air for 60 seconds without actually being that far off the ground. Upgrade to get the photos and videos of this memorable experience.

Name That Tune

Experience music like you never have before in a building that is out of this world. With five floors of exhibitions to explore at the Bell National Music Centre , you can celebrate music icons at the Canadian Halls of Fame, bring out your inner rockstar with their interactive instrument installations, sing along to your favourite song in a vocal booth, and so much more.

Explore the Dynamic Glenbow Museum

**The Glenbow Museum is currently under restoration and is set to reopen in 2024

This independent, non-profit, downtown Calgary museum is perfect for the art lover, pop culture enthusiast, and history buff as they can all find something inspiring. Immerse yourself in historical galleries and exhibitions of art and culture from around the world. And thanks to the $25 million donation from the Shaw Family Foundation, you can visit the museum for FREE when it reopens in 2024.

Get Hooked on Fish

The Bow Habitat Station in Calgary is the perfect place for the fish enthusiast, or for those wanting a unique experience that features Alberta’s fish, wildlife, and water. Explore the Discovery Centre with hands-on exhibits, feed thousands of fish in the hatchery, fish in a Trout Pond, or stroll the trails of the Interpretive Wetland.

Are you an avid angler and want to spend a day catching your dinner? The Bow River, connecting the Rocky Mountains and Calgary, is a very popular spot for fishing in Alberta and an excellent source of trout (and other species).

Float Down the Bow River

Admire Calgary’s skyline while lounging in an inflatable raft and coasting down the Bow River that runs through the heart of the city. Whether you want to float for an hour or make it a whole day trip, it’s the perfect summer activity. If you don’t own your own raft, don’t worry, there are plenty of places to rent one.

Where to stay in Calgary

Luxury – Stay in the heart of downtown Calgary in the historic Fairmont Palliser Hotel . You’ll be walking distance to some of the city’s most renowned shops, entertainment, and restaurants! There is a spa with a pool to pamper yourself too.

Mid-range – Hotel Arts offers a beautiful and eclectic space. Sip cocktails and eat world-class food around the poolside (open to non-hotel guests too). The hotel features two superb local restaurants and it sports its own commuter bike program to help you explore the city.

Budget – If you’re looking to budget more for excursions than where you rest your head, check out Canada’s Best Value Inn . It’s close to the transit system and great shopping at nearby Chinook Centre.

Home away from home – Airbnb is always one of our favourite ways to stay in new places and Calgary has many options to choose from .

Best Things to Do in the Rocky Mountains

Rise above (banff).

Experience a whole new side of the Canadian Rockies and take this 8-minute journey to the top of Sulphur Mountain by way of an amazing Banff gondola experience year-round. Once you have arrived, enjoy a mountaintop experience by walking the boardwalk and stopping at the 360-degree rooftop observation deck. Step indoors and visit the interpretive centre and theatre or grab lunch or dinner at one of the dining options that offer an unforgettable view.

The viewing platform from Sulphur Mountain in Banff, Alberta

Go Caving (Canmore)

Explore the Rat’s Nest cave year-round. This full-day tour is not for the faint of heart – it includes rappelling, hiking uphill, sliding, shimmying, crawling, and ending at a crystal-clear pool with stalactites and stalagmites. It is one of the longest caves in Canada (at 4km) and is actually a Provincial Historic Resource because of its archaeological importance.

Walk on the Edge (Mount Norquay)

Via Ferrata means “Iron Road” in Italian, and it is indeed thin pieces of iron and steel that will keep you clipped in and safe along narrow paths that skirt the edge of Mount Norquay near Banff. Get your adrenaline rush on these challenging paths you could not walk otherwise that offer views you would not otherwise see!

Dive into a Ghost Town (Lake Minnewanka)

Although on the surface Lake Minnewanka looks serene and much like the other lakes in the area, underneath the depths lay an old resort hotel that is a popular scuba diving destination! The popular Minnewanka Landing resort was purposely flooded under nearly 100 feet of water for wartime necessity to bring more hydroelectric power to the area in 1941. The remnants of the resort, several houses, and wharves were abandoned to be frozen in time beneath the glacial meltwater and now the only visitors are divers and curious fish.

Tour Through an Iconic Hotel (Banff)

The iconic Banff Springs Hotel is one of Canada’s grand railway hotels and dates back to the inception of Banff National Park. The hotel is steeped in history; tales of ghosts, celebrity visitors, and secret passageways which make this hotel not only impressive to look at but incredible to walk through. Want to “Eat the Castle” with a food tour through the Banff Springs? You can do that too .

Hike a Canyon (near Banff)

Johnston Canyon is a moderately rated hike and is one of the busiest known trails in the Canadian Rockies. Explore both the upper and lower falls during any season as you wind your way through the canyon. If you are feeling even more adventurous, make sure to venture 3 km further to experience the ink pots – seven mineral springs that bubble to the surface in the open meadows beside Johnston Canyon Creek. Trek it in winter for a totally different (and frozen) view – try it with an informative guide for a daytime or nighttime tour to enhance your new perspective.

Snowshoe on a Mountain Top (Sunshine Village)

Nothing beats the crunch of snow under your feet while trekking on the epitome of Canadian transportation – snowshoes. Journey above the treeline at Sunshine Village Ski Resort via gondola and chairlift and enjoy crisp powder and a guided tour that gives you a true backcountry snowshoe experience complete with 360 views of Mt. Assiniboine.

Skate on or Canoe in a Postcard (Lake Louise)

With stunning blue waters and surrounding snow-capped peaks, it is easy why Lake Louise is one of the world’s most photographed glacial lakes and one of the greatest natural wonders in Alberta . Step onto the lake in either winter with your ice skates or when it’s thawed for a gentle canoe or kayak ride and get your own picturesque snapshot.

Go by Dog Sled (Canmore)

Drive your team or snuggle in tight as your guide and pack of excited husky dogs guide you through the Rockies just outside Canmore. This is a unique opportunity for the romantic, adventurer, and thrill-seeker.

Soak in Springs (Banff & Jasper)

Stories of hot springs in Alberta and within Banff National Park go back thousands of years and these pools of hot mineral water have Indigenous significance and importance. Cave and Basin is called the birthplace of Canada’s National Parks and the guided tours offer a natural and cultural history of the mountains that you can take in before or after a dip in the pool. Discover the hot water that seeps from the rocks with the distinct smell of minerals straight from the earth. For a more luxurious experience without the history, visit Banff Upper Hot Springs. If you’re in Jasper, nearby Miette Hot Springs will help you soak away sore muscles earned in all your adventures.

Strap on Cross-Country Skis (Canmore)

One of the top-rated things to do in Canmore , cross-country skiing is an excellent way to take in a winter destination. With its endless supply of mountain views and scenic trails, Canmore lends itself as a picturesque Alberta destination to explore this heart-pumping activity. The Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, with over 100km of trails to trek, is the place to go for cross-country skiing in Alberta.

Seek out Ice Bubbles (near Banff)

Imagine millions of bubbles visible just under the surface of a frozen lake. These bubbles trapped by methane gas in Abraham Lake (and others in the area) cause quite a sensation in the winter months. Closer to Banff, check out Lake Minnewanka . They are definitely a sight to see.

Take a Sleigh Ride

Live out your Canadian winter fantasy by taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the Canadian Rockies. Snuggle up in the backseat with a loved one as you glide over meadows in Banff National Park. With the white snow sparkling and the mountains towering overhead, this will give you fond memories to last for ages. (Want some more ideas for guided tours in the area? See our guide to the best Banff Tours .)

Ski the Big3 (near Banff)

Canada’s first National Park is home to not one, not two, but THREE world-class ski resorts! Conveniently, with a SkiBig3 Pass, you can easily ski the breathtaking and exhilarating runs at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay. Another perk? The resorts found in Banff & Lake Louise have the longest ski seasons in North America. For more information, see our full guide to skiing in Alberta .

Tube Down a Mountain (Mount Norquay)

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and some family fun, try jumping on an inflatable snow tube to slide, spin and speed across the snow at Banff’s Mt. Norquay’s Tube Park.

Go Knordic (Kananaskis)

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is the first of its kind in Alberta, and this alpine sanctuary invites you to spa-like the Nordics do. Go from a sauna to a cold pool and back to the hot tub to feel an invigoration like never before, and it’s good for your heart! Entrance to the spa is on a first-come-first-serve basis (check their Twitter account for wait times), or consider also booking a massage to guarantee your spa spot.

Find a Cold War Bunker (Kananaskis)

Yes, it’s true! Initially built to store Canada’s most important documents and keep them safe in case of any nuclear fallout during the Cold War, the large tunnel carved deep into Mt. McGillivray leads to two chambers that are roughly 80 feet by 25 feet. The original plans called for a system of impenetrable chambers and vaults that were climate-controlled and protected from all elements and dangers from mildew to a hydrogen bomb. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt before the plans could be finished and so the tunnels sit unfinished within the north-facing slope of Mt. McGillivray and have become a favourite spot for amateur hikers and cavers.

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Soar over the Rockies (Canmore)

You can walk on them and you can ski down them, but how about soaring over them? A helicopter ride in the Rockies doesn’t have to break the bank – Alpine Helicopters in Canmore offers a 12-minute tour for just $150. It’s a quick ride, but a truly unforgettable thing to do in Alberta.

Visit the Smallest Museum in the World (Canmore)

The Curbside Museum is the world’s smallest museum, tucked inside a fence along a public sidewalk in Canmore. This ongoing project changes its exhibit every 7-8 weeks, exploring ideas both large and small, on subjects that are factual or fictional and can range from whimsical to serious. This museum has no limits, except for what can fit into its tiny space.

Hike to the Tea House (Lake Louise)

Situated near Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Lake Agnes Tea House rests at an altitude of 2,135 m right on the shores of Lake Agnes. After a 3.5 km hike through the forest and an elevation gain of 400 m, enjoy a cup of fine loose-leaf tea at one of the ‘Lakes in the Clouds’ like others have done since 1905. If the hike is too daunting, rent a horse for the trek!

Drive (or Cycle!) the Icefields Parkway

Spanning 230 km (142 mi), the Icefields Parkway connects Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. It may seem like a short drive, but trust us and make a full day of it. This stretch of highway is perfect for taking in the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains including abundant wildlife sightings, roadside waterfalls (some of the most stunning waterfalls in Alberta !), and breathtaking glaciers. There are plenty of viewpoints along the way so make sure to stop and breathe in the fresh mountain air while drinking in the landscape.

The aqua blue waters of Peyto Lake, Alberta

Where to stay in the Banff/Canmore area

Luxury – For over 130 years, the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs has been the epitome of class and a must-see destination in Banff National Park. This is a once-in-a-lifetime type stay that is totally worth the experience. (We’ve stayed once, so can say that!)

Mid-range – We booked at the recently renovated Canalta Lodge and really enjoyed our stay amid its eclectic design. In a small town such as Banff, the underground parking feature that this property offers is a huge perk. Additionally, this property has been recognized as the best value in Banff.

Budget – Save your budget for exploring all that Banff has to offer and stay at the Banff International Hostel . It’s located on the beautiful property of the Banff Centre, has a fully equipped kitchen for all to use, free breakfast, and is highly rated.

Walk on a Glacier (Columbia Icefield)

The Columbia Icefield is rich in stories and standing on the ancient sheets of ice of the Athabasca Glacier, history comes alive. Discover glaciology and learn about the past and how the glaciers may look serene but continue to form and shape the regional landscape as you trek on a giant Ice Explorer. This is a place where time is measured in millennia and yet the present moment is incredibly powerful. Go explore hidden spots in the Athabasca Glacier with a half-day tour .

Walk on the Edge (Columbia Icefield)

At the Jasper Skywalk, encounter waterfalls, wildlife, fossils, and more as you walk along the 1 km walkway that leads to a lookout that you have never experienced before! Step out on a glass-floored platform which is the only thing that separates you from the Sunwapta Valley and a 918-foot (280m) drop.

Rise up in a Sky Tram (Jasper)

Hop aboard the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada and be prepared to view Jasper National Park in a whole new way. After your seven-minute, one-way trip has concluded and you have reached the top, make sure to get out and have a look around. Feast your eyes on six mountain ranges, glacially fed lakes, rivers, and the town of Jasper.

Kayak/Canoe to Spirit Island (Jasper)

Spirit Island is only accessible by water which lends itself to a mysterious and tranquil air as it sits nestled in the heart of a turquoise alpine lake and surrounded by majestic mountains. You could take the 14km journey from the docks at Maligne Lake by tour boat, but we highly recommend taking a half-day and doing the journey via canoe or kayak.

Go Star Spotting (Jasper)

Jasper National Park is one of 17 designated Dark Sky Preserves in Canada and is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world. Learn about the celestial bodies and planets in the solar system at the Planetarium Dome Theatre and through the powerful telescope from astronomy experts. If possible, try to plan your visit during October and take part in the annual Dark Sky Festival !

Try Ice Climbing (Jasper)

Within the national parks are hundreds of ice climbing opportunities, but the largest concentration of them can be found along the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper. Within this cluster of world-class ice climbing opportunities, arguably the most popular climb is in Maligne Canyon (very near Jasper) as it is accessible to a wide range of ice climbing opportunists from novice to expert.

Dine on a Mountaintop (Jasper)

Enjoy a three-course meal atop a mountain overlooking the Jasper townsite. Included in the ticket is a gondola ride up the mountain, a meal at Sky Bistro, and a complete panoramic view of the valley and surrounding peaks. If you’re feeling adventurous when arriving at the top, take a hike all around, and after dinner take some more time to gaze at the stars above.

Ride in Style (Jasper)

From the comfort of a sidecar attached to a Harley Davidson, take in the fresh mountain air and have unobstructed views of Jasper National Park. On this tour with Jasper Motorcycle Tours , you’ll drink in the fresh air while cruising by stunning scenery including snow-capped mountains, emerald green lakes, and bright blue glaciers.

Swing Clubs at One of Canada’s Best Courses (Jasper)

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge hosts one of the best Alberta golf courses ; it has made many “top” lists in Canada and across the world, and for good reason. Set in the rugged majesty of Jasper National Park, this 18-hole course offers dramatic bunkers and holes that line up with spectacular views. The wide fairways will also make it pleasurable for beginners and competitors alike.

Where to stay in Jasper

Luxury – If you are going to splurge during your vacation to Jasper National Park, we highly recommend staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge . This luxurious hotel has tons of amenities such as 8 on-site restaurants, a spa, and an award-winning golf course while providing breathtaking lakefront views of Beauvert Lake.

Mid-range – Surrounded by mountain views and just a 14-minute walk from Athabasca River and a 30-minute drive from Jasper town center, relax in your own wood cabin at Jasper East Cabins ! You get the amenities of a hotel room stay but with enough quiet and serenity that it kind of feels like you are “roughing it”.

Budget – A good budget hotel option in Jasper is Maligne Lodge . Apart from the stunning mountain views, the lodge has a sauna, an indoor pool, and an outdoor hot tub!

Want more options? Check out our entire guide dedicated to accommodations in Jasper

Discover a Town Buried in a Slide (Crowsnest Pass)

In April of 1903, with no warning in the wee hours of the morning, 110 million tons of rock slid down from Tunnel Mountain and consumed most of the town of Frank in the Crowsnest Pass. Up to 90 residents perished, most of whom remain buried under the rubble. It is now a Provincial Historical Site and home to a popular interpretive center.

Take an Underground Mine Tour (Crowsnest Pass)

One of Canada’s underground coal mines, the Bellevue mine was active from about 1905 until 1961. It is now a place to experience and learn about the history of mining in the area as you walk in miners’ footsteps and adventure 1,000 feet into the mine and 150 below the surface.

Explore Alberta’s Newest Provincial Park (Castle Provincial Park)

Designation for this park was just approved in 2017, protecting a massive amount (>25,000 hectares) of stunning land. Four campgrounds are on site, and a large number of outdoor activities are available onsite: hiking, fishing, mountain biking, hunting, and even skiing at nearby Castle Mountain Resort. Don’t miss splashing around at Castle Falls, or climbing the arduous (but very rewarding!) Table Mountain.

Hike Crypt Lake (Waterton)

Accessible only by the Waterton Shoreline Cruise, this hike is bucket list-worthy and one that should not be missed! Rated among National Geographic’s “World’s 20 Most Thrilling Trails”, you will be required to climb a ladder, scale a portion of the mountain using a cable, crawl through a tunnel, and trek a total of 17 km before reaching your destination – a beautiful pristine mountain lake. This hike may not be for the faint of heart, but if you are feeling adventurous, you will embark on an experience of a lifetime.

Go International (Waterton)

Join in a 30+ year tradition by beginning a hike in Waterton all the way to Glacier National Park, USA. The 13km one-way hike is led by both a Canadian Park Interpreter and an American Park Ranger. At the end of the hike, you return to Waterton by boat. The hike is free, but the boat transfers are not and reservations must be made in advance. Most importantly, don’t forget your passport!

Take Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel (Waterton)

Take in a traditional High Tea experience at the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park. Enjoying this afternoon tea is one of the hottest things to do in Waterton , and is perfectly paired with petite finger sandwiches and a stunning view of Upper Waterton Lake.

Looking for more info? Read our ultimate guide to visiting Banff for details on where to stay, what to eat, and more! We also have one for what to do in Jasper .

And if you do plan to make a drive along the incredible Icefields Parkway, we also have a detailed guide on where to stop along the way from Banff to Jasper (or vice versa)!

Best things to do in Northern Alberta

Paddle the mighty peace river (peace river).

Climb aboard a canoe and relive the feeling of discovery like the explorers who used this water route to traverse the Canadian wilderness in the 1800s. Stay on the riverbank in your own cabin through Peace River Cabins and Outdoors and take the time to connect with nature and maybe even reconnect with yourself in the vast northern Alberta wilderness

Drive the Dunvegan Valley (Dunvegan)

This iconic spot southwest of Fairview is home to Alberta’s only driveable suspension bridge. Cruise over the mighty Peace River and visit the historic Provincial Park. Walk along the many scenic riverside trails and take a tour of the former trading post side and Indigenous gathering place. This spot is especially spectacular in autumn colours.

Visit a U-pick Farm (Shaftesbury Trail)

The Shaftesbury Trail, running along the Peace River for 26km, is one of the most scenic in the Peace Country. It’s dotted with several important historic sites but is particularly popular with locals because of the Bridgeview Gardens. Let’s face it: there’s nothing quite like a piece of fresh ripe fruit, and U-Picks are a great option for those who don’t have a green thumb but would still like to enjoy the fruits of somebody’s labour.

Dig for Dinosaurs (Wembley)

When you think of dinos, you undoubtedly think of Drumheller and the Canadian Badlands, but now it’s time to turn your attention north. Opened in 2015 in the small town of Wembley, the location of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum was chosen because of the proximity to the River of Death which has been the source of many fossils. During summer months, you can literally rub shoulders with paleontologists and join them for a dig on the famous Pipestone Creek bonebed.

Stroll thru Muskoseepi Park (Grande Prairie)

A gem in the heart of Grande Prairie, and rated the #1 thing to do in the area, this 1100+ acre parkland is a great place to bask in the sun and adventure outdoors. After taking a wander, the alternate activities are endless! Bike, swim in the outdoor pool, play tennis or basketball, visit the skateboard park … the list goes on and on.

Spot Northern Lights (all over, but increase your odds in Fort McMurray)

It is sometimes possible to spot aurora borealis in the southern reaches of Alberta, but to increase your odds, head way north. The city of Fort McMurray is located within the auroral band that roughly centers on the 65th parallel which means that on most cold and clear nights (between October and March), chances are you will see at least some colours dance overhead. Watch in coming years for a resort of giant glass igloos to be built so that overnight visitors can be mesmerized throughout the night. Really, who needs to sleep when northern lights are present?

For more information, click through to our guide on how to see the northern lights in Alberta .

Tour the Oilsands (Fort McMurray)

Some may consider this a controversial visit, but you can only benefit from learning more about it! Gain a new perspective from the sky with an aerial tour or visit the Oilsands Discovery Centre and explore interactive displays, various educational films, and informative demonstrations about the history, science, and technology of the Alberta Oil Sands.

Float in, Hike, Paddle, and Camp (Wood Buffalo National Park)

The largest national park in Canada and the second-largest in the world, Wood Buffalo National Park was established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herds of bison in northern Canada. The number of activities to do are plentiful, including canoeing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, swimming, boating, snowshoeing, animal watching, and some of the best star gazing around!

Explore Jurassic Forest (Gibbons)

Take the kids just north of Gibbons to a prehistoric adventure just waiting to be had. Travel back millions of years in this 40-acre prehistoric preserve and experience gigantic, life-sized, and realistic-looking dinosaurs in their natural habitat! Enjoy an expert-guided safari, dig for ancient remains, peruse the gift shop, and much more!

Ride the Golden Triangle (Whitecourt)

Whitecourt is known as one of the premier snowmobiling stops in Canada and it is a perfect place to start the 350km Golden Triangle Trail. Connecting this small city with Fox Creek and Swan Hills, you’ll find warm-up shelters along this winter wonderland route. The best time to take on the trail is February through April.

Go Birding (Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park)

This is Alberta’s only island park surrounded by watery Lac La Biche. A 300-year-old boreal forest sits on the island and sandy beaches skirt its edges. Bring your binoculars to spot birds while walking through trees on over 3 km of trails. Camping is also available here year-round.

Spot a UFO (St. Paul)

The truth is out there. At least the fine folks in St. Paul sure believe it is. So much so that in 1967, the residents organized to build the world’s first UFO Landing Pad as a landmark for the town. Be sure to drop into the Visitor Centre and check out the UFO exhibit including actual UFO photographs and unexplained crop circles.

Visit a City Divided (Lloydminster)

Lloydminster has the unique situation of literally straddling the provincial border of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The border runs along the Fourth Meridian from north to south through the town on 50th Avenue. Addresses east of 50th Avenue are considered to be in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan and addresses west of 50th Avenue are considered to be in Lloydminster, Alberta. A monument of four 100-foot survey markers stands near the city’s downtown core to commemorate this distinctive and unique bi-provincial status.

Eat Ukranian (Glendon & Mundare)

Ukrainian heritage is so strong in northern Alberta that there are giant statues to make sure you remember that. And our favourites are in the towns of Glendon and Mundare because they are of food . Stop in Glendon to get a selfie in front of the world’s largest perogy, and then drive an hour and a half to Mundare to stand in front of the world’s largest kielbasa (and don’t forget to buy some delicious sausage at the famous Stawnichy’s).

Celebrate Easter Year-Round (Vergreville)

Add one more Ukrainian stop to your route with a visit to Vegreville, the home of a giant Pysanka sculpture (the second largest in the world). It is 31ft long and three and a half stories tall! Be one of the thousands who stop to see it every year.

Best things to do in Central Alberta

Go prehistoric (drumheller).

One of the indisputably coolest museums in the world is the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller. It features the world’s largest display of dinosaurs and a variety of fun interactive displays for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors also can get outside and follow the 1.4km interpretive trail that winds through the Badlands. And to get really interactive the museum hosts both a “Dinosite” where one can dig for fossils and see real dinosaur remains on this hike through the badlands.

Get an Epic Selfie at Horseshoe Canyon (near Drumheller)

Just 17km east of Drumheller, the top of this canyon is a marvel to view and appreciate the unique, prehistoric topography of the Canadian Badlands. You can stand on the edge of this U-shaped canyon for some epic selfies, or if you’re feeling adventurous, dip down into it for a scenic day hike. Each arm of the canyon extends approximately 5km.

Take a Short Hike in Horsethief Canyon (also near Drumheller)

Located on the Dinosaur Trail near Drumheller, this moderate 0.8-kilometer hike is a must-stop while exploring the Badlands. Admire the valley below as you gaze down from the top, or explore the canyon from below which was named after the outlaws who hid their stolen livestock there more than 100 years ago.

Throw One Back at the Last Chance Saloon (Wayne)

This saloon at the Rosedeer Hotel is just about all that keeps the hamlet of Wayne from being a ghost town, but it has stood the test of time. Relics from nearly 100 years ago still exist inside (like a piano from 1927); in those days when the bar was actually called the “Bucket of Blood” because of how rowdy its patrons were. It promotes a much more pleasant atmosphere now, including a menu of comfort food and regular live music performances.

Walk a Long Suspension bridge (near Drumheller)

Placed over the Red Deer River and located just east of Drumheller, the 117 m (384 ft) Star Mine Suspension Bridge was originally in the early 20th century, an aerial cable which transported buckets of coal from the east side of the river to the west. When the mine shut down, the cable was converted into a suspension bridge and is now a popular tourist attraction, fishing stop and the gateway to great Badlands terrain.

Spot a Hoodoo (near Drumheller)

Technically, hoodoos can be found in many spots in eastern Alberta, but the easiest place to get up close and personal with this natural phenomenon is near Drumheller. Just outside of town (on Highway 10) is a small protected site where you can see some of the biggest hoodoos (averaging 5 to 7 feet tall). They are super cool but also extremely fragile, so please promise not to climb on them!

Looking for more info? Read our ultimate guide to visiting Drumheller for details on where to stay, what to eat, and more! We also have all the details on getting to Drumheller from Edmonton or Calgary.

Tube Down Discovery Canyon (near Red Deer)

Take a break from the summer heat and visit this hidden gem right near the city of Red Deer. Bring a tube or rent one on-site, and take a ride down this lazy river or chill in the beach area. Grab a snack at the concession, enjoy a picnic lunch, or head to one of these great Red Deer restaurants .

Try Not to Get Caught (Red Deer)

For the thrill-seekers that are looking for something out of the norm, nothing makes the blood pump faster than the thrill of being a pretend fugitive who is on the run at Heritage Ranch. The purpose? Try to not get caught for one hour as you try to capture four flags throughout the ranch. Bonus: Win or lose you get a ribeye steak dinner!

Visit a Secret(ish) Buffalo Jump (Dry Island Provincial Park)

As far as “secret gems” go in Alberta, this might be the secret-est and the gem-est . This Provincial Park is the site of an ancient buffalo jump where the Cree people drove bison over the cliffs in large numbers. Today, the area is popular with nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. It offers stunning views of the Red Deer River and a hand boat launch to experience the area by a paddle on the water.

The view of Dry Island Buffalo Jumpfrom above. From here you can see the coulee, winding river, ponds and trees.

Or, Get Robbed! (Stettler)

Head to Stettler for an unexpected adrenaline rush onboard a vintage passenger train from the 1920s. Hold onto your valuables, because the train is undoubtedly going to be halted by a robber during the excursion. Keep your head down while a short “gunfight” ensues! This is just a small part of the fun though, because the Alberta Prairie Railway also offers dinner, murder mystery parties, and more.

Attend a Long Table Dinner (Stettler)

This is a true Alberta farm-to-table experience for the whole family. The annual Stettler long table dinner takes place each August right on the main street downtown. 100 people can taste the diverse dishes that are locally sourced from the surrounding farms and cooked by chefs from the central region.

See a “Furry Freak Show” (Torrington)

The Torrington Gopher Hole Museum has been called a “furry freak-show”, and for good reason. This tiny museum, open since 1996, features stuffed gophers posed in a variety of dioramas that showcase local scenes (think: curling gophers, hunting gophers, a beauty shop, and more).

Beach it (Sylvan Lake)

Sylvan Lake is a thriving lakeside community just west of Red Deer. It’s known province-wide for its pleasant beaches and is a popular spot to camp in the summer (check out our article on Sylvan Lake campgrounds if this sounds appealing). But Sylvan Lake also offers fantastic amenities and activities as well. Most recent additions worth exploring: two craft breweries (Snake Lake Brewing Company and Undercurrent Brewing) that are worth a stop at. Snake Lake Brewing Company made our list of the best Alberta breweries for craft beer!

Splash in White Water (Sundre)

The Red Deer River runs right through Sundre, Alberta, and has actually been touted as the most fun rafting river in Western Canada! Get ready for the ride of your life as you traverse down exciting rapids with Mukwah Rafting Tours.

Hit a Backcountry Trail by Horse (Sundre)

The best way to view the foothills of the Canadian Rockies is undoubtedly by horseback. Crisp mountain air paired with an authentic western experience soothes the soul and instantly brings you back to Alberta’s roots. Witness rushing waters, high mountain meadows, and exquisite panoramas that are the perfect setting for horseback riding right outside Sundre, Alberta.

Boost Your Outdoor Skills (near Sundre)

Visit Painted Warriors, an indigenous outdoor adventure company near Sundre, and experience the traditional and modern-day lifestyle of the Cree and Saulteaux people. Try your hand at animal tracking, snowshoeing, horse riding, and archery, or you can even spend the night in an authentic Métis-style trapper tent. This is one of many exceptional Indigenous experiences in Alberta !

Watch Ram Falls (near Nordegg)

Just south of Nordegg lies Ram Falls Provincial Park and the home of the beautiful Ram Falls. Pack a picnic lunch and make use of the large picnic shelters or day-use area that include the use of fire pits. Explore the area by way of several easy hiking trails that can be used for either walking or by bike. If you would like to extend your stay in the area, Ram Falls Campground is a great place to hunker down for the night!

Visit with Wolfdogs (Cochrane)

It’s often a desire for people to want a dog that looks like a wolf, but soon after they acquire a wolfdog, they realize that it doesn’t often behave like a regular dog. Enter the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, a non-profit rescue organization that rehabilitates and also rehomes displaced wolfdogs. It is open for visits and tours to learn about wolfdogs and interact with their beautiful “ambassador” dogs.

Seeing wildlife is a *must* experience for any visitor to this province. For a guide on how to do it safely, read this post on seeing wildlife in Alberta

Best Things to do in Southern Alberta

Celebrate national indigenous persons day (head-smashed-in buffalo jump).

This important day of June 21 would be the perfect time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump , but in truth, any time is a good time! The facility onsite preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of the fascinating Plains Buffalo culture. And if you visit any Wednesday from July to August, you can experience authentic First Nations culture by listening to Blackfoot drummers, singers, and dancers perform at this sacred location.

Stroll and Shop on Antique Row (Nanton)

You likely won’t leave without opening your wallet. On the main street through the small town of Nanton is a string of four well-appointed antique shops. Plan for a full day of it so that you can also stop in the miniature museum and the famous Candy Store that can’t be missed.

Spot the ‘Big Rock’ (Okotoks)

Southwest of the small city of Okotoks is a glacial ‘erratic’ that gave the city its name (Okotoks means ‘Big Rock). This large boulder sits seemingly in the middle of nowhere, left behind by a retreating glacier during the last ice age, about 30,000 years ago. It is roughly the size of a 3-storey apartment building, and well worth a look.

Taste Craft Spirits (Turner Valley)

Visit the Eau Claire Distillery in Turner Valley for a behind-the-scenes look into the world of how spirits are made. Tour their working distillery or visit their bottling warehouse to taste some Eau Claire products, some of which are exclusive to this location. Be sure to try their signature Equinox Mule cocktail and we promise you won’t be disappointed.

Go Balloon Spotting (High River)

Hot air balloon pilots from North America and Europe meet every year in September to take to the skies and put on the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival! Several pilots even compete in competitive flights during the festival which requires them to drop markers as near as possible to specific goals on the ground. The Balloon Night Glow is also a spectacular sight to see with balloons lit up like light bulbs throughout the night sky.

Live Long and Prosper (Vulcan)

The residents of the small town of Vulcan realized the potential they had by being named the same as the fictional Star Trek planet. They built a visitor center to look like a space station which features a large set of memorabilia from the popular TV show. The staff are all in character and ready to answer your questions about the town and the show.

Learn the Nitty-Gritty of Cowboy Life (Longview)

At Bar U Ranch near Longview, this National Historic Site has exciting offerings that allow visitors the chance to discover what the life of a ranching cowboy in the late 1800s was like. Learn cowboy skills and old-style ranching ways, and take in the gritty stories of Alberta’s humble ranching beginnings.

Watch the RCMP Musical Ride (Fort Macleod)

What started as relief for the officers from the daily drills and routine duties that were expected of members of the North-West Mounted Police turned into an intricate routine on horseback set to music that drew a crowd! Now it is recreated multiple times daily at The Fort Museum in the summer months.

Scout Filming Hot Spots (Fort Macleod)

We’re not saying that Fort Macleod is basically “Hollywood North”, but we’re not NOT saying it either! So many blockbuster films and TV have been shot here, including Ghostbusters: Afterlife , Brokeback Mountain, scenes from Fargo , and more. While many of these shows include shots from all over Alberta, Fort Macleod is often featured. If you want to learn about Alberta movie locations , expect to make a spot here. And you’ll also stop in Fort Macleod if you follow our road trip guide to see The Last of Us filming locations !

Detour to Lundbreck Falls (Lundbreck)

In the southern foothills of Alberta, you’ll find these sparkly falls near the small hamlet of Lundbreck. They only fall about 12ms but they sure are mighty, and very worth the quick little detour off of the main highway. Observe from above or hike down below and feel the spray!

Golf in Paradise (Lethbridge)

Surrounded by the hills and cliffs of the Old Man River lies an oasis which is the Paradise Canyon Golf Resort. This golfer’s dream is rated the number one course in southern Alberta and one of Canada’s top sixty courses by Golf Digest. It’s perfect for all ages and all skill levels!

Find A Moment of Zen (Lethbridge)

Nikka Yuko, a 3.75-acre garden was built to recognize the contributions made by citizens of Japanese ancestry to the multicultural community of Lethbridge. A symbol of international friendship, exploring this beautiful tranquil garden will sure to give you a sense of peace and serenity. Looking for something more adventurous? In summer months, watch for announcements of “Sumo Sumo Sundays” where you can see if you have what it takes to wrestle with the big guys. And don’t miss the popular Winter Lights Festival where the entire garden is lit up with colourful lights (one of our favourite spots in Alberta to enjoy lights at Christmas ).

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Lethbridge Alberta

Spot the Highest Train Bridge in the World (Lethbridge)

It’s pretty hard to miss it! The Lethbridge Viaduct (also known as the High Level Bridge) is a massive steel trestle over the Oldman River that divides the city and is the largest of its kind in the world. Trains from the Canadian Pacific Railway run over it, and the bridge has stood tall for over 100 years.

Looking for more info? Read our ultimate guide to visiting Lethbridge for details on where to stay, what to eat, and more!

See a Dinosaur Egg (Warner)

In 1987, a young girl found what she believed was a dinosaur egg along the Milk River Ridge. She actually had stumbled upon a Hadrosaur (duck-billed dinosaur) nesting site! The full story, along with a reconstructed nest and embryo is on display at the Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur & Heritage Museum just south of Lethbridge.

Learn From Birds (Coaldale)

Get up close and personal with feathered friends at the Birds of Prey Foundation. Active since 1982, this exemplary conservation centre rescues and rehabilitates all kinds of birds. Visitors can wander through the complex, learning about hawks, owls, eagles, and more.

Go Backcountry Hiking with Hoodoos (Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park)

The sandstone rock formations called hoodoos provide a fun “do it yourself” hiking adventure just beyond the river (ask for a map at the Visitor Center). Rumour has it there is a slot canyon there! Dress for a river cross and beware of rattlesnakes. Bring plenty of water for your adventure too. (If you prefer more of a guided experience, there are three well-groomed trails near the Visitor Center as well.)

We’re so sure you’ll fall in love with this area that we urge you to bring your camping gear too! Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is one of our picks for the coolest campsites in Alberta .

Take a Rock Art Tour (Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park)

First Nations people camped at Writing-on-Stone as far back as 3,500 years ago – the steep sandstone cliffs have a deep spiritual meaning and are still regarded as a sacred place. In fact, Writing-on-Stone contains the highest density of rock art anywhere in the plains of North America. Bonus info: Áísínai´pi (the traditional name of this spot) means “where the drawings are”.

Go to the Corn Source (Taber)

Every summer, the Corn Capital of Canada hosts the largest free family festival in western Canada. “Corn is King” at Cornfest, and the famous Taber vegetable is celebrated in displays, events, and of course food. The festival also has live music, carnival rides, chilli cookoff, a corn-eating contest, and even a skateboard corn -test.

Visit Red Rock Coulee (near Medicine Hat)

But how? This is the first thing you’ll ask yourself when arriving at the Red Rock Coulee Natural Area. Dotting the landscape are many rust-coloured spherical boulders (called “concretions”), some of which are as wide as 10ft. Some are near-perfect circles, and others have been split over time. This is designated a Provincial Natural Area and can be found 54 km southwest of Medicine Hat.

Get Fully Caffeinated (Medicine Hat)

This sixth-largest city in Alberta has an unmatched love for coffee with a surprisingly strong (pun intended!) café culture. Take a walking tour and tasting with Indy Coffee Tours – start by roasting your own beans and come away with a caffeine jolt to last you all day.

See the World’s Largest Teepee (Medicine Hat)

It weighs 800 tons and stands at the height of a 20-storey building. This tribute to Canada’s Indigenous heritage was built for the 1988 Winter Olympics held in Calgary, and its assembly was astoundingly completed in less than one week. The Saamis Archeological Site is within walking distance in the coulee below, where experts believe there are upwards of 80 million artifacts buried.

Catch the Big One (Medicine Hat)

Cast a line in the South Saskatchewan River for Alberta’s largest game fish – the powerful sturgeon. This fish does not give up easily so prepare for the fight of your life! Other fish varieties that you could hook are walleye, sauger, goldeye, pike, mooneye, and burbot. For more info, read our guide to fishing in Alberta .

Learn from Clay (Medicine Hat)

The Medalta Museum is situated against the dramatic cliffs of the South Saskatchewan River in the Hat. It was this river that provided the expanse of clay giving the factory its resource. What was once home to some of the earliest industries in Western Canada is now an impressive interactive museum. You can tour the old factory floors, pick up some of the old bricks, peer into the old kilns that were once fired up, and of course, hear the stories of the importance of industrial history. Included in admission is access to the number of galleries set up by local and Indigenous artists.

Click through to read more in our guide to visiting Medicine Hat !

Dine in a Train Car (Mossleigh)

An 1887 Pullman Dining Car that was once the private business car for Prime Minister John Diefenbaker sits at Aspen Crossing, near the small town of Mossleigh. Everything on the menu is made from scratch and many of the ingredients are locally sourced. Book a table in advance and dine in a piece of history throughout the year (closed January through March).

Get Your Grill On (Patricia)

How do you like your steak cooked? Rare? Well done? The famous steak pit at the Patricia Hotel Restaurant gives you the chance to cook your own juicy beef or buffalo steak to your liking. The hotel was originally built in 1915 and since then it has added extra rooms plus the famous Steak Pit.

SUP (and More) in Cypress (Elkwater)

As you drive in the southeast of Alberta across flat plains towards Saskatchewan, the area of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park can come as a bit of a surprise. In the middle of prairie land, this large region boasts a unique mix of forests, rolling hills, grasslands, and an outstanding array of plants and animals. On the Alberta side of the park (it also stretches into Saskatchewan), spending a few days in the small town of Elkwater can open up an array of adventures. Camp, hike, eat well, kayak, and finally, get up on that SUP board to enjoy Elkwater Lake at your leisure.

Learn Important History (Blackfoot Crossing)

The language, culture, and history of the Siksika (Blackfoot) people are presented and preserved at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Site. The entire building pays homage to the vast range of Blackfoot culture through various metaphors and concepts utilizing sacred icons and stories of the people. Immerse yourself in traditional Blackfoot culture through the many interactive exhibits, yearly Powwows, and even partake in a Tipi sleepover in Chief Crowfoot’s Tipi Village.

Glamp Among Dinos (Dinosaur Provincial Park)

This UNESCO World Heritage Site takes you back to the time of the dinosaurs while providing all the amenities for a good night’s sleep. Comfort camping takes place in one of the Park’s high-quality canvas tents that have wooden floors, plenty of ventilation, and even an electric fireplace, mattress, and a mini-fridge! Take to the Badlands by day, looking for dinosaur fossils, and relax in comfort by night. Dinosaur Provincial Park is home to some of the most important fossil discoveries – specifically 35 species of dinosaur – which date back 75 million years.

PHEW! That was a massive list of things to do in Alberta. Although we are sure that some of you have more suggestions of what should be on this list, so let us know!

And…don’t forget to download our fun and free Road Trip Alberta bingo cards to track how much of the province you’ve seen, or to help you plan your next road trip!

Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up in the Peace Country, and has ventured to almost every corner of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 countries)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Marketing , co-creator of the Trip Chaser card game, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.

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The top 10 attractions in Alberta

Things to do

Many of the top attractions in Alberta are a testament to the power of nature, from the ancient glaciers that top the Rocky Mountains to the canyons, waterfalls, and lakes formed by their predecessors. For those of us who prefer a more urban experience, there’s also no shortage of impressive attractions in the province’s two major cities.

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Banff National Park External Link Title is home to two of the most beautiful lakes in the world. First, Moraine Lake is a glacier-fed lake located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Rent a canoe and slide across the bright blue lake, which gets its color from the silt brought in by the glacier water. If the weather's nice, grab your camera and enjoy a hike around the shoreline, taking in the incredible summits that circle Moraine. The more famous of the two lakes, however, is probably picturesque Lake Louise. The turquoise blue lake sits in front of a range of mountains and the Victoria Glacier, making it serious postcard fodder. You can paddle on the water, walk a trail along its edges, or simply do what tens of thousands of people have done before you: Instagram the heck out of it. Though it's very close to the city of Calgary, and makes for a great day trip, many people choose to stay nearby at the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise External Link Title .

Lake Minnewanka

The biggest lake in Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka External Link Title is 13 miles in length and requires an hour-long boat cruise External Link Title to see it from every angle. Of course, there are also a number of trails around the glacial lake which provide their own beautiful views of the serene blue-green water. Beyond the natural beauty, Minnewanka is also rich in history. It was named the "Lake of the Spirits" by the Aboriginal people that hunted and even lived along its shores as early as 10,000 years ago. The elk, mule deer, mountain goats and bears that they turned to for sustenance can still be found around the lake today.

Athabasca Falls

It was a glacier that slowly tore through the rocks and formed the canyon that now houses the Athabasca Falls. That same glacier now provides the water which falls 75 feet down this Jasper National Park External Link Title waterfall. Seventy-five feet might not seem that high, but what it lacks in height it makes up in sheer power. Designated paths in the area will bring you to safe lookouts where you can peer into the canyon, feel the spray of water on your face, and see the real force of this natural wonder in action.

Maligne Canyon

The 160-foot deep Maligne Canyon External Link Title , also in Jasper National Park, is a sight to behold in the summer. It plays home to fossils, waterfalls, unexpected animals and lush plant life. Take a self-guided tour, crossing the gorge on four different bridges, each with its own unique views. But you might want to wait until winter; this attraction really becomes otherworldly when the temperature drops below freezing. Strap on your sturdiest ice cleats, move through the frozen canyon and see if you can keep your jaw from dropping to the floor.

Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure

Once upon a time, the huge mountains of the Canadian Rockies were covered in ice. Some of that ice still rests in those mountains, and a journey along the Icefields Parkway External Link Title brings you right to their front door. More than 100 glaciers sit along this scenic stretch of road between Jasper and Lake Louise, each one more impressive than the last. The star of the show? The Columbia Icefield, which is the largest icefield in the Rockies. To see the icefield in all its glory, take a Glacier Adventure tour External Link Title . You'll board an Ice Explorer -- a huge bus-like vehicle specifically designed to take on the icefield terrain -- and head out onto the Athabasca Glacier. Walk out onto the ice and drink fresh glacial water. Then, head out onto the Glacier Skywalk, a cliff-edge walkway with only glass between you and the ground, 918-feet below.

Royal Tyrrell Museum

Around 75 million years ago, the town of Drumheller, Alberta, about an hour and a half north east of Calgary, was a hotbed of dinosaur activity. That, in turn, turned Drumheller into a hotbed of dinosaur fossils, and lead to the creation of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology External Link Title . The museum is located in the Canadian Badlands, where it collects, preserves and presents the paleontological (read: dinosaur) history of the region. With one of the biggest displays of dinosaur skeletons in the world, and over 160,000 individual specimens, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a must-see for both science lovers and fans of Jurassic Park.

National Music Centre

Calgary's National Music Centre External Link Title , based in the soon-to-be-opened Studio Bell, is a national organization devoted to all things music. This, of course, includes musical performances, which will be held in a 300-seat performance space. But it also includes the recording of music, in a number of state-of-the-art studios; it includes the study of music and music technology; and it includes the promotion of musical education and history, with the help of over 2,000 musical artifacts and 22,000 square feet of exhibitions telling stories of music in Canada. In other words, if you love music, the National Music Centre is a place to embrace your passion and find like-minded people to share it with.

Have you ever watched the Olympics and thought to yourself, "I want to try that!" Calgary's WinSport External Link Title is your chance to follow through. WinSport operates Canada Olympic Park, a primary venue for the 1988 Winter Olympics. The site now doubles as a world-class training facility and adventure park, where you can ride the fastest and longest single zipline in North America from the top of a ski jump, or grab a seat in the back of a bobsled and ride the course that made the Jamaican bobsled team famous. Luge, mountain biking and a climbing wall round out this adrenaline-packed attraction.

Edmonton's River Valley

Edmonton's River Valley External Link Title is the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America. Its 18,285 acres is 22 times the size of Central Park in New York. Appropriately, the Valley contains 22 major parks, each of which is home to outdoor activities and all the green space you could want. Cycle, walk, jog, snowshoe or ski over 90 miles of trails. For a different perspective of the park, take a Segway tour or head out on the North Saskatchewan River in a canoe, kayak or paddle board. Maybe you'd rather just lay down a blanket for a picnic in the park? Public barbecues are there to be used. If you enjoy escaping the city for a day amongst nature, the Edmonton River Valley is calling your name.

West Edmonton Mall

How many shopping malls can boast they have the world's largest indoor amusement park, largest indoor lake, largest indoor wave pool, a skating rink and a zoo? Oh, and over 800 shops and 100 eating establishments? Only one. The West Edmonton Mall External Link Title , at over 5.3 million square feet, is the biggest shopping mall in North America and is said to be the size of a small city. Whether you're learning to skate, playing mini-golf, riding a roller coaster or just shopping the day away, you're never short on things to see and do at this massive mall. In fact, you could spend an entire weekend in the West Edmonton Mall, and only scratch the surface of what there is to discover.

Get inspired

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How to Plan the Perfect Summer Trip to Alberta

By Stephanie Hood

We've all been there – browsing the endless reaches of the internet for tips on how to plan the perfect summer trip to Alberta. Home to cosmopolitan cities like Calgary and Edmonton, the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Canadian Rocky Mountains and jaw-dropping natural beauty, it's the perfect destination to visit, and we know just how to do it.

Whether you're planning a solo trip, family getaway, romantic vacation or week with friends, our Alberta itineraries contain only the very best experiences, all tried and tested by our experts. Even better? We can plan the ideal itinerary to your own budget and interests... read on for three easy steps on how to plan the perfect summer trip to Alberta.

Step 1: Research the Destination

A major part of planning any vacation is getting to know the destination. But that's why you're here, right? Our team is not only based right here in Canada, but regularly travels all over the country to find the best sights, tours and recommendations. As part of our passion to help travelers book their dream trips, allow us to share a little insight on everything Alberta:

Situated between the provinces of British Columbia and Saskatchewan and just north of the US state of Montana, Alberta is a land-locked province most famous for the Rocky Mountains . Small alpine towns like Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise see millions of visitors each year, however within the sprawling spaces of Jasper and Banff National Parks, you'll hardly ever notice a crowd. Picture mountains, lakes, prairies, desert badlands and lush coniferous forests as your playground. In summer, there are more activities than you'll likely have time to try, ranging from hiking, fishing, canoeing and golfing to horseback riding, cycling and whitewater rafting.

The alpine town of Jasper is the commercial center of Jasper National Park , and likely the first place you'll encounter if you're arriving to Alberta from BC. Amid the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, the park has glacier-fed lakes, forests and rivers – all of which you can soak up from the top of the Jasper SkyTram at Whistlers Mountain.

In town, a small community of 5200 people live amongst views of the Colin Range, Icefields Parkway, Mount Edith Cavell and Pyramid Mountain. The unique mountain culture permeates the town, and you'll notice its rich architectural style matches that of the mountain environment.

While the number of shops and restaurants may be fewer than what you're used to, there's still plenty of places to enjoy great atmosphere and flavor. We highly recommend booking Jasper Food Tours to get the inside scoop – led by a local, they'll take you to four different restaurants for delicious food and beverage pairings while sharing unique stories.

One of the most sought out places just outside of town would have to be the beautiful Maligne Canyon . A slot canyon in Jasper National Park measuring over 50 meters deep and 1.2km long, it houses waterfalls, fossils, potholes, underground stream outlets, lush plant life and many birds. Carved out by lime-secreting plankton some 365-million years ago, there are ample walking trails for a self-guided hike or you can book a tour .

While on the topic of Maligne Canyon, there is also a beautiful lake of the same name: Maligne Lake . The largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, it's here that you'll find the famously photographed Spirit Island, though you'll need to take a cruise to get there as there is no road or trail access. Luckily, we often include this cruise tour as part of our packages, alongside other choices like a Jasper river float or a nature walk to spot wildlife.

Connecting Jasper with Lake Louise is the iconic Icefields Parkway . Considered one of the top 10 scenic drives in the world, it's a 230 km stretch through awe-inspiring scenery like that of Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls. Both located at the Jasper end of the parkway, Sunwapta is a torrent of plunging water falling from broad u-shaped hanging valleys, while Athabasca Falls at 23-metres high is one of the most powerful falls found in the mountain national parks. Be sure to stop at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk for a cliff-edge walkway above the Sunwapta Valley.

Lake Louise

A hamlet in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is renowned for a reason. Famous for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks that reflect gorgeously on its surface, this is the one spot that you may find crowded – but trust us, it's totally worth it. Our best recommendation to have some lake time to yourself is by booking the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The only hotel situated directly on the lake, you'll have eyes on it after the crowds head home or before they even arrive.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy the lake through summer is by renting a canoe for a paddle. The icy temperatures typically keep swimmers at bay, so this is the best way to get out on the water. Should you prefer solid land, there are ample hiking and walking trails around the lake, some of which continue up the nearby mountains for spectacular views of the surrounds.

Just behind the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the Lake Louise Ski Resort . While the name of course implies winter activities, there is plenty to do in summer, too. Embrace the stunning scenery, grand glaciers, blooming wildflowers and crystal-clear springs on a hike, or roam the outdoors with a pair of binoculars for the chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. In fact, it's on the Lake Louise summer gondola that you have the best chance to spot grizzly bears in the wild!

The town of Banff also offers ways to view the Banff and Lake Louise region. Take a trip up the Banff Gondola to see outstanding panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies at 7,468 feet. While the gondola ride itself is only 8 minutes, there is plenty to do at the top – dine in one of the restaurants, hike a trail or simply soak up the sights from the observation deck. Again, we typically include this activity as part of our Alberta itineraries.

Like Jasper and Lake Louise, Banff is also home to an array of outdoor activities. Rent a canoe and paddle on the Bow River or Vermillion Lakes, cycle the Legacy Trail or along the Spray River, or cast a line at Lake Minnewanka for a little fishing. There are a number of beautifully-designed and challenging golf courses for all levels. One of these is part of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, otherwise known as 'Canada's Castle in the Rockies,' which is renowned for its panoramic beauty.

To get off your feet and see it all from above, we highly recommend booking a tour with Rockies Heli . Take a 6 Glacier Tour, the Epic Summit Tour or the Complete Colombia Tour to see gorgeous scenery like ancient glaciers, deep crevasses, cascading waterfalls and more. Whether you choose to land for a hike or stay airborne for the full tour, this is a spectacular way to see Banff National Park from a totally unique perspective.

Lastly, at the end of the day we suggest visiting Banff Upper Hot Springs . While temporarily closed for construction until late March 2022, it's set to reopen just in time for summer so you can include it in your trip. Here, the water is heated geothermally, bubbling up to the surface from 1.8 miles into the earth’s crust. As it slowly seeps through sedimentary rock layers it gets hotter and absorbs rich minerals; the benefits of which will soak into your skin as you relax.

Just a 90-minute drive away from Banff and the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a far more cosmopolitan destination than its nearby alpine towns. Offering more hours of sunshine than any other Canadian city, it's most famous for Calgary Stampede – 'The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth' – which occurs annually each July. This 10-day event attracts over a million visitors per year and features one of the world's largest rodeos, a parade, midway, stage shows, concerts, chuckwagon races and more. Book your trip around July 8-17 for an event you won't ever forget!

Even if you visit Calgary outside of Stampede, you won't be disappointed. The city's western heritage, culture and spirit lives on throughout the year and can be experienced in multiple ways, be it sampling prime Alberta beef at one of the many restaurants or learning Indigenous history at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump . A UNESCO World Heritage Site just south of Calgary, it offers a detailed look at the prehistoric life in the area, buffalo hunt ceremonies and the ecology of the region.

And while we may have briefly mentioned Alberta beef, don't think that was our only mention of the food scene. Calgary is bursting with cool craft breweries and award-winning restaurants including some of Canada's Best, Pigeonhole and Model Milk . The rapidly-growing number of restaurants are constantly evolving to introduce new flavors, and you won't struggle to find fare from Southeast Asia, South America, Africa and beyond.

With all that food to fuel you, be sure to get out to Calgary's outdoors. Boasting plenty of parks and green spaces alongside impressive architecture and landmarks like the Calgary Tower and Studio Bell , we highly recommend walking throughout the city's neighborhoods to get a feel for what it's all about. Our favorite? The East Village, known for its hip eateries, indie music venues, galleries and clothing stores. If nature is more your thing, be sure to hit the RiverWalk path along the Bow River for beautiful sights and fresh air.

You may already know Edmonton thanks to West Edmonton Mall, but that's not all there is to it. Summer in Edmonton is legendary, with 18 hours of sunlight per day, great festivals, outdoor activities and markets galore. Edmonton International Jazz Festival occurs annually from late June to early July, followed by Taste of Edmonton which offers dishes from over 50 locally owned restaurants and food trucks. Discover the world's largest outdoor celebration of multiculturalism at Edmonton Heritage Festival August 15 - 25, plus North America's biggest and oldest Fringe Festival from August 11 - 21.

When it comes to the outdoors, a great way to get a feel for the city is on a Segway tour. Along with a guide, you'll learn all about Edmonton's natural history and wonders while riding along the River Valley – North America's largest stretch of connected urban parkland. Other activities you can do in the great outdoors include canoeing, hiking, cycling, wildlife viewing, birding, fishing and browsing the open-air markets.

Of course when in Edmonton, you'd be remiss not to visit Elk Island National Park . A nature enthusiast's paradise, it's not only a refuge for bison, elk, moose, deer and more than 250 bird species, but a registered dark sky preserve ideal for stargazing or catching a glimpse of the northern lights. Through the summer months, keep an eye out for opportunities to join programming at the park and learn stories from the Indigenous people.

Step 2: Consider your Budget

While you may want to see and do it all in Alberta, it's important to consider your budget. Our itineraries always have moderate to deluxe grade options available, so you can find the one that suits your price point without worrying you'll miss out. For example, our deluxe grade option typically includes accommodation at the iconic Fairmont properties like the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Canada's 'Castle in the Rockies,' the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. While we highly recommend the experience, we understand that everyone's ideal price points and priorities are different. This is why we offer other, moderate-grade hotels that have been carefully vetted by us, so you don't have to be concerned about quality.

Step 3: Contact a Pro

Now that you've reached the last step of the process, you're also at the easy part – planning your trip! While yes, this typically entails a lot of technical details, our Travel Designers are seasoned pros who are available to do the work for you. Simply get in touch by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1 800 217 0973 (you can also schedule a call on our website ) with details on the number of travelers, ideal dates, budget and what you'd like to see and do, and one of our Travel Designers will happily create a custom quote based on your interests. Still not sure where to start? We've outlined a few of our most popular summer Alberta vacations below.

Canadian Rockies & Vancouver Island Road Trip

From $2,899 USD per person | View Full Itinerary Here

Explore the very best of Alberta and British Columbia on this 12-day Western Canada road trip between Calgary & Vancouver. Discover spectacular mountains, emerald lakes and charming mountain towns, then travel to Vancouver Island's rugged west coast for sensational scenery and wildlife excursions. This 12-day itinerary has been carefully created to take you through the most scenic highways in the regions, and allows you to choose your own tours in Victoria, Tofino, Jasper and Banff for a personalized experience.

Vancouver & the Canadian Rockies Train Vacation

From $4,480 USD per person | View Full Itinerary Here

Experience Western Canada & Vancouver on this popular 8-day Canadian Rockies train vacation. Start with your choice between a day excursion to Victoria or Whistler, then board VIA Rail's renowned Canadian train and travel overnight in a sleeper cabin to Jasper. Here you'll enjoy an Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier, then travel to Lake Louise by coach before continuing to Banff. Choose between wildlife watching, viewing grizzly bears or taking part in a cowboy cookout, then wrap up the trip in Calgary.

Road Trip through the Canadian Rockies

From $1,376 USD per person | View Full Itinerary Here

Experience the best of the Canadian Rockies on this week-long road trip to Alberta's iconic alpine towns. Discover the stunning scenery of Jasper and Banff National Parks, plus enjoy your choice of one-of-a-kind activities in Banff and Jasper. Observe wildlife in their natural habitat (think black bears, elk, and coyotes to name a few!), cruise Maligne Lake, take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain, embark on a river float or ride on horseback along the Bow River. We've made it easy for you to design your dream trip your way, so you can simply sit back & relax.

Calgary Stampede and the Canadian Rockies Train Tour

From $5,734 USD per person | View Full Itinerary Here

Combine the iconic rodeo, concerts and midway of Calgary Stampede with a Canadian Rockies train tour for the ultimate summer vacation in Canada. Witness 'The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,' stay in the alpine towns of Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper and travel by train in a sleeper berth onboard VIA Rail between Vancouver & Jasper. This 10-day Canadian Rockies train itinerary departs from either Calgary or Vancouver.

Feeling inspired? Chat with one of our travel designers to create a custom trip that's just for you, or visit our Canadian Rockies Train Trips page for trip ideas to take this summer. Prefer to simply stay in touch? Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date deals, trip ideas and more!

Hoping to design a once in a lifetime trip for the two of us. You have touched on the places and things we want to see and experience. Your help ips appreciated

Amy L Glascock , 01/06/2024

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31 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Alberta

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: November 22, 2023

Alberta is Canada’s most beautiful province. I may be biased since I was born in Alberta and have returned countless times but it’s hard to compete with the Rocky Mountains, the badlands, and the glistening glacier lakes. So since we love visiting Alberta so much, we want to share the most beautiful places to visit in Alberta to let you be the judge. Home to the Canadian Rockies, Alberta boasts five national parks with some of the best scenery in Western Canada. If you are planning a trip to Alberta, don’t miss these beautiful places.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Alberta

We have traveled a lot of Alberta during every season and can honestly say, it is an amazing year-round destination and one of the most beautiful places in the world! Whether you visit Alberta in winter, summer, spring, or fall, you are going to be stunned by its natural beauty.

The best way to get around Alberta is by car. You’ll want to be able to stop at the scenic views, hiking trails, and attractions throughout the province. You can pick up your car rental at the Calgary Airport and set off for the adventure of a lifetime. Check prices here.

There are so many iconic places to see in Alberta, it can be difficult knowing where to start, but we are here to help. These are the most beautiful places in Alberta that we have visited with pictures to prove it! Let’s get started.

1. Banff National Park

best places to visit in alberta banff national park

Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and has attracted visitors since 1885. Located in the middle of the Rocky Mountains there are incredible views, glacier lakes, and backcountry adventures to be had. When you set your eyes upon Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier regally reflecting into its turquoise waters you can’t help but gasp in awe at the scene of one of the most beautiful places in Canada.

Banff National Park is vast with towering mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies, turquoise lakes (besides Lake Louise), and alpine meadows. The park is also home to numerous waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise. So, before we move away from Banff National Park, let’s take a look at all of the top attractions in the area, because they just so happen to be the best places to visit in Alberta as well.

12 Best Hikes in Banff National Park
Where to Stay in Banff
The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta

2. Lake Louise

best places to visit in alberta lake louise

Lake Louise is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Alberta. A true Canadian bucket list activity is to rent a canoe and head out onto the lake. You can stay in Lake Louise Village which has plenty of shops and restaurants or you can stay at the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise for pure luxury and decadence.

Where to Stay in Lake Louise:

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel is located directly on Lake Louise
Deer Lodge – Located right next door to the Fairmont

Lake Louise in Winter

fairmont lake louise banff national park hotel

It is also one of the best places in Alberta to visit in Winter. Lake Louise Ski Resort is a world-class resort that hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics. In the winter there are endless adventures to be had at Lake Louise Ski Resort and beyond the ski hill from cross-country skiing, dog sledding , skijoring, pond hockey, and snowshoeing.

In the winter Lake Louise freezes over making for the most beautiful outdoor skating rink settings on earth. Now is your chance to ice skate at one of Canada’s most iconic destinations.

Canoe Lake Louise
Good Old Hockey Game on Lake Louise

things to do in alberta - lake agnes trail

In the summer, Lake Louise is astounding with hiking trails taking you out to Victoria Glacier and beyond. A popular hike is the Lake Agnes Tea House Trek, where you hike 3.5km (2.2 miles) to the historic tea house. Lake Agnes Tea House has been in operation since 1905 and has a charming rustic ambiance, with seating both inside and outside on the deck overlooking Lake Agnes.

This is one of the most popular hikes in the national park, so it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure a spot at the tea house. After enjoying your tea and snacks at the tea house, you can either retrace your steps back to Lake Louise along this popular hike or continue on to the Little Beehive or Big Beehive trails for more stunning views of the area.

3. Moraine Lake

Best Hikes in Banff National Park Moraine Lake Shoreline

No visit to Lake Louise would be complete without hiking out to Moraine Lake. It unforgettable scene is featured on the back of our old Canadian $20 bill and has been attracting outdoor lovers for decades.

Moraine Lake is not far from Lake Louise and is just an hour’s drive from the town of Banff. The best time to visit Moraine Lake is definitely at sunrise. When the sun hits the Valley of the Ten Peaks and reflects off of the mirror-like lake you know why this is one of the most photographed locations in North America.

Note that there has been a change in rules for 2023 and accessing Moraine Lake for sunrise is no longer possible via the Parks Canada Shuttle. You will have to find a tour that has access to do this. If you ride a bike or take an organized tour you can still visit Lake Moraine for sunrise.

The Moraine Lake Shoreline hike gives you a shot of ten towering peaks side-by-side, including Mount Tuzo, Mount Bowlen, and Wenkchemna Peak. This is the famous “Twenty Dollar View.” Read more: 16 Best Banff Hikes To Discover

4. Banff Hot Springs

It was the Banff Hot Springs that first attracted tourists to the national park and when visiting Banff you must take a day to spend in these iconic waters. The hot springs were first discovered by workers on the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883.

This is one of the most stunning locations of any hot spring surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. The water temperature ranges from 37°C to 40°C (98°F to 104°F), making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

The Banff Upper Hot Springs is the most popular and accessible in Banff National Park making it an easy place to visit. The facility includes a large outdoor pool that is open year-round. In fact, the best time to visit is in winter when the mountains are covered with snow. There are indoor change rooms where you can rent an old-timers bathing suit if you don’t have your own, plus a café. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and other items.

5. Lake Minnewanka

places to visit in alberta - lake minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park stretching over 21 kilometers (13 miles) in length and reaching depths of up to 142 meters (466 feet). Like so many of the lakes in the park, it is surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.

The name “Minnewanka” comes from the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people, meaning “Water of the Spirits” and there are plenty of things to do in the area. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Minnewanka Loop, which offers several viewpoints and stops for hiking trails and picnic areas.

We highly recommend taking one of its boat tours during the summer months. The guides are filled with knowledge and you’ll learn about the legend of the Mermen that lived in Lake Minnewanka. In the winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a popular spot for ice fishing and cross-country skiing. We have visited it in both winter and summer and each season is beautiful.

6. Castle Mountain

Best Places to Visit in Alberta Castle Mountain

One of the most recognizable Massifs is Castle Mountain. Located between Banff Town and Lake Louise, its distinctive shape resembles a castle. (hence its name). The area offers opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. For those without alpine skills, the mountain can be viewed from the Trans Canada Highway at Castle Junction.

Where to stay in Banff:

Mount Royal Hotel – Located downtown and within walking distance of everything
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – The original Grand Dame of Banff.

7. Icefields Parkway

places to visit in alberta icefield's parkway

The Icefields Parkway links Banff and Jasper national parks and is one of the most beautiful drives on earth. It truly is one of the greatest road trips in the world. There are so many things to see along Icefields parkway you’ll want to take a couple of days to explore it. Don’t miss stopping at the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefields which is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world and take in the view of the surrounding mountains at the Icefields Skywalk.

You can read more at Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta but we are also going to highlight some of the top outdoor activities and viewpoints along this iconic route.

8. Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Places to visit in Alberta Glacier Skywalk

The Columbia Icefields Skywalk has quickly become the most epic viewpoint in Alberta. Just a short drive from the Columbia Icefield visitor center the Skywalk is a must-see attraction. The glass-bottomed walkway over the Columbia Icefields dangles 280m (918 feet) above the canyon surrounded by glaciers and mountains creating an awesome view!

The Columbia Icefield is a great stop about halfway between Banff and Jasper town and here you can go to the museum, grab some lunch (food is expensive though so be prepared), and take in the views of the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. You can book tours here as well.

9. Athabasca Glacier

places to visit in alberta athabasca glacier

You can view the glacier from the visitor center, but you can also book a tour to get out onto it. If you don’t want to book a tour, you can walk out on some trails for a closer view of the glacier. But don’t go off the trail and never venture out onto the glacier alone without a guide. It is dangerous and can be deadly, this is the scariest glacier we’ve ever been on with deep crevasses and we followed our guide’s instructions to a tea.

Book this Columbia Icefield Half Day Tour here from Jasper. It includes transportation from Jasper, photo stops at Athabasca Falls and Stutfield Glacier, Ice Cat tour of the Athabasca Glacier, and the Icefield Skywalk with lunch!

10. Bow Lake

There are countless pullovers and viewpoints on the Icefields Parkway to see iconic Alberta lakes such as Peyto Lake, and the stunning reflections of Bow Lake. Located at the foot of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake has the most beautiful lake reflection in all of Alberta. You can hike around the lake or pause to stay at Num ti Jaw Lodge located directly on Bow Lake. It’s a great place to make a base.

11. Peyto Lake

There are so many lakes along the Icefields Parkway to stop and take in the views. From Two Jack Lake to Peyto Lake which we have decided to feature. Why? Because, Peyto Lake is a stunning glacier-fed lake that is is known for its vibrant blue-green color, which is caused by the rock flour (fine sediment) that is carried into the lake by melting glaciers.

It has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, there are several hiking trails with The Bow Summit Trail being a popular stop. Make sure to keep an eye out for elk, moose deer, and even bears. Peyto Lake is easily accessible from the nearby Icefields Parkway, making it one of the most popular tops for people traveling from Banff to Jasper National Park.

Where to Stay on the Icefields Parkway

Num Ti Jah Lodge is a historic Lodge located directly on Bow Lake. It is one of the most unique places to stay in Alberta and is located on the Glacier Parkway, it makes for a great place to make a base while exploring both Banff and Jasper National Parks if you don’t mind the drive.

12. Jasper National Park

places to visit in alberta jasper national park

After you’ve driven the Icefields Parkway, Jasper National Park is your next stop and is a place you cannot miss visiting in Alberta. It is as beautiful as Banff National Park if you can believe it! In fact, we like Jasper National Park better than banff because it is less crowded and more rustic.

There are so many places to see in Jasper National Park that you need to spend a few days up here. It has an abundance of wildlife from grizzly bears to mountain goats, you can see the aurora borealis and waterfalls. Plus, like so many other places in Alberta, there are hiking trails, turquoise lakes, and canyons. Read more: Amazing Things to do in Jasper, Alberta

13. Northern Lights at Lake Annette

You can see the northern lights all over Alberta but Jasper is known for its dark sky festival and it is one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis in Alberta. Winter is the best time to view the dark skies because the days or shorter and you have long dark nights to see the stars twinkle in the sky.

We made our way out to Lake Annette from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in the wee hours of the morning and saw the most extraordinary display of northern lights reflecting in the still waters. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the best place to stay in Jasper with beautiful views of Lac Beauvert and options to stay in log cabins, huge lake houses, and main building hotel rooms.

14. Maligne Canyon

places to visit in alberta maligne canyon

Maligne Canyon is a gorgeous river canyon walk that plunges 50 meters (154 feet) into the earth. Maligne Canyon is located just 15 minutes from downtown Jasper along the 46 km (miles) Maligne Lake Drive. This stop is one of the most popular places to visit in Jasper and for good reason. It is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park and there are beautiful hiking trails along the canyon offering extraordinary views. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds!

In the summer it is a great place for a hike to see the waterfalls cascading down the canyon, but in the winter it turns into a wonderland with frozen waterfalls filling the scene. You can book ice walk tours to see the frozen waterfalls and ice caves.

15. Maligne Lake

best things to do in jasper National Park Canada Maligne Lake View

Maligne Lake is one of the most visited places in Jasper National Park. There are hiking trails and scenic lookouts but the top thing to do here is to take a boat cruise to Spirit Island for a picture-perfect photo opportunity.

Also, this will give you enough time to drive out to Maligne Lake. It is the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Read more: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada

Where to Stay in Jasper National Park

Other highlights of Jasper include taking a food tour of Jasper Town, a visit to Pyramid Lake at sunrise, a hike to Sunwapta Falls, and stopping to view the gorgeous Athabasca Falls. Check out: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada

16. Alberta Badlands

The Alberta Badlands are a stark contrast to the Rocky Mountains region. The lunar-like landscape is filled with unique places to see in Alberta. There are also some beautiful scenic lookouts like Horse Thief Canyon and Horseshoe Canyon. The Hoodoos of Drumheller is not to be missed. Read more: Things to do in Drumheller, Alberta

17. Hoodoos of Drumheller

These ancient hoodoo rock formations are a tiny cluster on the side of the road as you drive from Dinosaur Provincial Park to Drumheller. The hoodoos were formed over hundreds of years through erosion from freezing, frost, melt and wind.

Over time, the sandstone eroded into long chimney-like formations that remain standing because the hard rock “hat” keeps it from completely eroding away. They are one of the most unique places in Alberta. If you want to know more, check out our post at The Hoodoos of Drumheller

Where to stay in the Alberta Badlands

Dinosaur Provincial Park Glamping and Campground
Heartwood Inn and Spa

18. Royal Tyrrell Museum

Places to visit in Alberta royal Tyrell museum drumheller

Located in the town of Drumheller, The Royal Tyrrell Museum is one of the best dinosaur museums in the world. We could have spent hours enjoying its displays. In fact, it houses the largest and most diverse collection of fossils in the world, with over 160,000 specimens on display. Visitors can see everything from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to ancient marine creatures and prehistoric plants.

19. Dinosaur Provincial Park

Beautiful places to visit in Alberta Dinosaur Provincial Park

While driving along the dinosaur trail, you cannot miss taking a tour of Dinosaur Provincial Park. Not only is is absolutely beautiful, but it is also one of the most fossil-rich destinations on the planet and you can see real fossils that have been dug from excavations.

The Centrosaurus Quarry Hike is the best way to see this huge concentration of dinosaur fossils. This was an actual excavation site, but scientists got all they needed from there and left the rest for us to see. It’s an interactive tour and the guide tests your knowledge as you try to remember everything you learned in school about dinosaurs. You can book tours at the park visitor center. Read more: A Visit to Dinosaur Provincial Park

20. Waterton Lakes National Park

places in Alberta Waterton lakes national park

Waterton Lakes National Park (also known as Waterton – Glacier International Peace Park) is an amazing place to visit in Alberta. It is located on the United States border and shares its land with Glacier National Park.

Together they are the only national parks in the world that are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve rolled all in one. You can see a herd of wild buffalo, red rocks canyon, and the Prince Albert Hotel. Plan your visit: 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 in the center of Waterton National Park. It is one of the most recognizable scenes from the park and is the perfect luxury escape. Check out the best places to visit in Wales

21. Pincher Creek – Southern Alberta

Pincher Creek is a small town in Southern Alberta that is a great jumping-off point for Waterton Lakes National Park which is about one hour away.

It is a place where the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains and it is an absolutely beautiful setting. Wind farms line the plains with stark mountains filling in the backdrop and cattle graze in the fields and giant bales of hay dot the landscape. It is the Quintessential Alberta travel destination. It’s a great place to make a base to explore Crowsnest Pass for a few days. Check out all the attractions at The Many Sights of Pincher Creek .

22. Burmis Tree

When I saw The Burmis Tree in photographs, I had to make sure I put it at the top of my list of places to visit in Alberta. Located at Crowsnest Pass (Another must-visit place in Alberta) the Burmis Tree is estimated to be 600 to 750 years old. It is an ominous sight,

23. Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump

Interesting places in Alberta Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump

Located just 15 minutes from Fort MacLeod is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump. Dating back 6000 years, the early Aboriginal peoples would lure herds of buffalo over the edge of a cliff. Read: Famous Canada Landmarks to add to your bucket list

24. Calgary

Calgary is Alberta’s largest city and no visit to Alberta would be complete without spending at least two days in the city. It is home to the annual Calgary Stampede but there is so much more to do than just watch chuck wagon races and bull riding. Calgary hosted the 1988 Olympics and just outside the city is Canada Olympic Park where you can enjoy countless outdoor activities in both winter and summer. Read more: Canada Olympic Park – Fun in Calgary Alberta

There are so many things to do in Calgary we recommend spending a couple of days. Located on the Bow River, Calgary has plenty of outdoor attractions, but it is also a chic urban destination with a fantastic food scene. Read more: 21 Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta

25. Calgary Tower

As shown above, we have an entire article dedicated to all the things to do in Calgary , but we do need to touch on at least one of its top attractions. When you visit Calgary, the first place you should go is up the Calgary Tower is one of the most recognizable structures in the city, and going up the tower is as much a part of the city as the CN Tower is to Toronto.

Upon completion in 1968, the Calgary Tower was the tallest building in Calgary. Although it was dethroned in 1984, the tower still offers visitors some of the best views in Calgary.

We have an entire article dedicated the Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta

Where to stay in Calgary:

Le Germain Hotel
Delta Hotels by Marriott
Westin Calgary

26. Canmore

We can’t write about all the places to visit in Alberta without mentioning Canmore. This former coal mining town is now an outdoor lover’s playground. Located between Calgary and Banff, it has heaps of hiking, biking, and snowshoe trails as well as fantastic viewpoints of the Three Sisters. It’s a great spot for rock climbing in the summer and ice climbing in the winter.

The Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary is not to be missed and make sure to do some climbing to take in the birds-eye views. Read more: The Best Things to do in Canmore, Alberta

27. Johnston Canyon

beautiful places in alberta johnston canyon

The scenic Johnston Canyon Icewalk is as beautiful (if not more) in the winter as it is in the summer. In the winter it is filled with frozen waterfalls. The sub-zero chill freezes the canyons, caves, and crevasses making for the bost beautiful scene. Ice climbers climb the glistening canyon walls while the rest of us can take the ice walk to explore ice caves and marvel at the frozen waterfalls. Read more: The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta

Where to Stay in Canmore

Stoneridge Mountain Resort

28. Kananaskis

People often overlook Kananaskis for Banff or Jasper but it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Alberta with just as stunning views. Located between Calgary and Banff, it is a great weekend getaway destination. Be sure to go to the spa at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

29. Edmonton

Edmonton is often overlooked when visiting Alberta, but it is a funky town that has one of the youngest populations in Canada making for a trendy and happening city to visit! If you love spending time outdoors admiring wildlife this is a great jumping-off point to visit Jasper National Park, but it also has a great food scene, and plenty of festivals, in fact, Edmonton hosts the second-largest Fringe Festival in the world.

In Edmonton, you’ll discover a vibrant, cosmopolitan city surrounded by wilderness. Check it out at: The Best Things to do in Edmonton, Alberta

30. West Edmonton Mall

places to visit in alberta west edmonton mall

The West Edmonton Mall is a top draw with everything inside you can imagine. It is the size of a small city and makes for a great year-round destination. I sometimes feel that people visit Edmonton simply to see this mall.

West Edmonton Mall is one of the largest malls in the world, covering an area of approximately 5.3 million square feet. Besides shopping, it has an indoor amusement park, mini golf, ice skating, a bowling alley, a movie theatre, and an aquarium.

The mall even has two hotels including the Fantasyland Hotel, which features rooms with unique themes such as the Polynesian Room and the Hollywood Room, and the West Edmonton Mall Inn.

31. Cowboy Trail

Southern Alberta is often overlooked with planning a trip to the province, but it should be high on your list. This is the Rocky Mountains meet the prairies. It is cowboy country is huge ranches and horses. It was where the buffalo roamed and the cattle graze-free. One of the best things to do here is to book a night at a ranch and go on a trail ride to explore the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.

The Cowboy Trail is an outstanding Alberta road trip from Calgary to the Rocky Mountains, into the prairies, and out of the Badlands. It was one of the best road trips we’ve ever taken and we want to give you your own itinerary to follow when you make your way to Canada’s most beautiful province. We have an entire itinerary for this loop and we will leave you here to read more about The Cowboy Trail – A Southern Alberta Road Trip

How to Get to Alberta, Canada

places to visit in alberta vermillion lakes

Alberta is located 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 located on the American Border at Montana.

The easiest way to get to Alberta is by air. The province has two international airports: Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Calgary International Airport (YYC). Many major airlines offer direct flights to these airports from cities around the world. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi, shuttle, or public transit to your destination. We highly recommend renting a car.

If you are traveling from within Canada or the United States, driving is another option. Alberta is accessible by several highways, including the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), which runs east-west through the province. You can enter the province from British Columbia to the west or Saskatchewan to the east.

By Bus: Greyhound Canada provides bus service to various cities in Alberta from other Canadian provinces and some American cities. Other bus companies also offer services within the province. Both Dave and I have taken the bus across Canada through Alberta and let me tell you, it is an adventure.

By Train: Via Rail provides train service to various cities in Alberta, including Edmonton and Jasper, from other Canadian provinces. We’ve taken the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff and it is a ver popular option. The scenic train ride through the Canadian Rockies that stops in Banff and Jasper.

Travel times and distances in Alberta can be significant so make sure to plan ahead and decide wheter the bus, train or car rental is right for you.

Alberta truly is a dream destination. With countless photo opportunities and adventures to be had, it’s one of the greatest places in Canada to visit. So get in your car and start that Alberta road trip today!

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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7 thoughts on “31 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Alberta”

Great article! Love the pictures and the thoroughness. Well done.

I own a local guiding company based in Crowsnest Pass and Waterton, and would be excited to show you around if you’re in the area. 🙂

Oh my God! Do such places really exist on earth and this is not photoshop? I can’t believe it… It’s a shock.

I love this guide to all these stunning spots in Alberta! I had no idea Canada had spots like the Alberta Badlands. I can’t wait to make this road trip to see all of Alberta’s beauty in the future. Thanks for sharing!

First off, the photos look astoundingly surreal and out of this world! It’s like the sceneries were only captured to be viewed on a movie screen! The beautiful art of nature plus great photography equals these masterpieces! Thank you for sharing these beautiful places with us even though it’s only through virtual but you made us inspired and motivated to work our asses off to even just visit this place!

Thanks for featuring my province and my hometown of Edmonton! Jasper, Canmore and Banff are my happy places! Truly blessed to have these beautiful and sacred places close to home! Edmonton is finally emerging as a happening place! Great food, theatre, music, shopping and variety of festivals throughout the year!

Wish to visit each one of them some day. Loved Canmore more…

Beautiful, love to visit these places soon.

Alberta Bucket List: 50+ EPIC Things to do in Alberta

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

Alberta is Canada’s most geographically diverse, and in my opinion, most beautiful province . Typically classified a “prairie province”, it offers so much more than that, from the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains and vast boreal forests to unending grasslands and arid, dinosaur fossil-bearing badlands.

Alberta’s scenic bounties and abundance of wildlife are the pride of locals, while Alberta’s five national parks (including Canada’s first as well as Canada’s largest!) attract tourists from every corner of the globe. Meanwhile, the province’s indigenous roots and modern-day multiculturalism are reflected in its wide range of cultural and historic attractions. There are so many things to do in Alberta that you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not see them all.

I was born and raised in Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, yet it took traveling to 50 countries and living abroad for 10+ years to fully appreciate just how magnificent my homeland is. I compiled this Alberta bucket list as much for myself as I did for the reader; I’ve personally only checked off most but not all of the entries on countless road trips from Edmonton , but my list will likely grow as I continue to uncover more amazing Alberta attractions that I MUST visit before I die.

The following Alberta attractions are arranged roughly from north to south.

Recommended reading: – For nature lovers: 125 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta – I recommend the Banff & Jasper Lonely Planet – See this super useful site on planning road trips in Alberta

Table of Contents

Wood Buffalo National Park

Spanning 44,807 square kilometers in Northeastern Alberta and the Northwest Territories is the largest of Canada’s 38 National Parks , and second largest in the world after Northeast Greenland National Park. Despite its sheer size, however, most of the park is remote and inaccessible.

Wood Buffalo National Park is home to the world’s largest herd of bison, endangered whooping cranes, loads of bears, salt flats, karst sinkholes filled with water, and the biggest beaver dam in the world. It is also the world’s largest dark-sky preserve, meaning that it is ideal for viewing aurora borealis.

Visiting this park is said to be the experience of a lifetime, and ranks highly not only on my Alberta bucket list, but my global one, too.

Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)

Aurora Borealis (Norther Lights), one of the top Alberta experiences

Speaking of aurora borealis, witnessing this peculiar natural phenomenon is so mind-blowing that it deserves its own spot on my list. You need some time and luck to witness the aurora; growing up in Edmonton, I’ve only seen them about a dozen times in my life, often on late-night family drives home from Christmas gatherings when I was a kid.

To increase your chances, you’ll need to come in winter, but I’ve even seen mild aurora while camping in Alberta in the summer.

Also, you’ll want to get as far away from the city lights, and as far north as possible; Wood Buffalo National Park is the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserve, but try visiting Jasper National Park in winter , which is much more accessible (and it’s the second largest Dark Sky Preserve!)

The Athabasca Oil Sands, Fort McMurray

Athabasca Oil Sands in Fort McMurray viewed from a plane

Did you know that the world’s largest bitumen reserve (and third largest oil deposit) lies in Northern Alberta? Called the Athabasca Oil Sands, it spawned an enormous and highly profitable oil industry centered on the oil boomtown of Fort McMurray. Controversial though the industry may be, you may be surprised to learn that Fort McMurray is actually an fascinating place to visit.

Fort Mac is a city rich in parks, green spaces, and wildlife. It is surrounded by immense boreal forests, and outdoor activities like skiing, ATVing, snowmobiling, canoeing, and more abound. To learn more about the oil sands, you can visit the Oil Sands Discovery Centre, Giants of Mining roadside attraction, or several oil industry land reclamation sites. But the best way to see the oil sands and mines for yourself is to fly over them.

Find out how I got the above photo in my guide to the best things to do in Fort McMurray .

Camping in Alberta

Campsite at a lake in Alberta; camping is one of the best things to do in Alberta

Albertans take camping very seriously. As a child, just about all of our family holidays revolved around camping, sometimes for weeks at a time. Nowadays enormous trailers and motor homes are practically the norm, but still nothing beats a good old-fashioned camping trip in a tent.

There are hundreds of campsites across Alberta, often but not necessarily beside lakes, and everyone has his or her favorite. Some are private, while others are provincially run. You can begin your search for your ideal campsite here or here .

West Edmonton Mall

Like many Edmontonians, I grew up hating on West Edmonton Mall for its ridiculous size and dazed crowds of shoppers. But there’s no denying that “The Mall” contains several of the most popular things to do in Edmonton , including many things to do in winter when it’s too cold outside. It was the world’s largest mall until 2004! In fact, many Edmontonians still think it is; sorry folks, it’s now sitting in spot #23, the last time I checked.

Still, WEM remains really, really big. Besides all the shops (800+) you’d expect, it also has a bad-ass waterpark (with bungee jumping and zip lining), the world’s largest indoor amusement park, night clubs, a hotel with themed rooms , a shooting range, a gym, a dinner-theater, a movie theater, a chapel, a Chinatown, a New Orleans-themed street, a European boulevard, a bowling alley, and even a replica of Christopher Columbus’ Santa María ship.

It goes without saying that WEM is one of the most kid-friendly places to visit in Edmonton . Also, because it is so large, I even included it on my list of the best Edmonton neighbourhoods to explore.

Read about our stay in the space-themed room at Fantasyland Hotel in West Edmonton Mall or book it here on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor !

Edmonton High Level Street Car

A girl looking out the window of the High Level Bridge Streetcar, with downtown Edmonton in the background

One of the coolest summer experiences to be had in Alberta is taking a ride across Edmonton’s vast North Saskatchewan River Valley in an old-time street car. The Edmonton High Level Bridge Streetcars are maintained and operated by the Edmonton Radial Society.

The ride connects Edmonton’s downtown area to Whyte Avenue, the city’s trendiest street, in Old Strathcona. The streetcars come from around the world. At the Strathcona end, there’s also a small museum covering the history of streetcars in Edmonton (learn more in my guide to Edmonton’s museums ).

Alberta Legislature Building

“The Leg” (pronounced “ledge”), as we Edmontonians call it, is where Alberta’s provincial government meets. But for us regular folk, the Leg grounds are one of the best places in the city to hang out. In summer we go there to play in the water fountains & pools out front, while in winter we can enjoy the ice sculptures and Christmas decorations on display.

As a teenager, I remember attending cannabis rallies on the huge lawn behind the Leg, or having picnics with friends there overlooking the River Valley. And who could forget experiencing “ Purple City ”?

Search for the best tours and best hotels in Edmonton .

Elk Island National Park

At 194 kilometers square, Elk Island National Park is the smallest of Alberta’s five national parks. Located 30 minutes’ drive east of the capital, it is one of the most popular day trips from Edmonton .

The park has played a pivotal role in international efforts to preserve the bison, and has the highest concentration of them in the world. Visit the park anytime of the year and you are practically guaranteed to see herds of these bulky beasts.

Elk Island is a perfect natural retreat right on the doorstep of Edmonton. Visitors there can enjoy camping, cross country skiing, skating & hiking. The park is split in two by Highway 16, with plains bison occupying the northern section of the park, where most of the park’s visitor facilities are located, and wood buffalo found on the southern side.

Giants of the Prairies

Giant Easter Egg in Vegreville, Alberta, one of the most unusual roadside attractions in Alberta

Somehow, sometime in the past, the Canadian prairie provinces began a tradition of making the world’s largest random things, and Alberta has the highest concentration of them. It would take dozens of hours of driving to see all of them, but we’ve all got extra time right now, right?

Some of the best Giants of the Prairies in Alberta include the Vegreville Easter Egg, Lloydminster border crossing, Wabamun dragonfly, Vulcan Star Trek USS Enterprise, Beaverlodge Beaver, Glendor pyrogie, Mundare sausage, and Drumheller T-Rex (see #37).

In this guide to the Giants of the Prairies , I lay out five possible road trips to visit these unusual roadside attractions.

Grain Elevators

Towering grain elevators are a ubiquitous sight in the North American prairies, and Alberta has dozens of beautiful examples . These structures are designed to stockpile grains after they are harvested. Often they are adjacent to railway lines so that they can convey grains directly onto train cars.

Many old grain elevators now house museums, including those at Acadia Valley, Castor, Meeting Creek, Nanton, Paradise Valley, Spruce Grove, and St. Albert, while the ones at Esther and Rowley belong to ghost towns. The grain elevator in Raley, southwest of Lethbridge in Southern Alberta, is the oldest in the province.

Canola (Rapeseed) Fields

Another quintessential sight in the Alberta prairies are the flowering canola (rapeseed) fields, which paint entire plots of farmland vibrant yellow. The best time to see them is at the peak of summer in late July.

You can’t miss the canola fields if you drive out of the city from Edmonton or Calgary at that time. Lacombe, between Edmonton and Calgary, even hosts an annual CanolaPalooza event.

Miette Hot Spring, Jasper National Park

We are jumping now over to the Canadian Rockies, where nearly half the entries on my Alberta bucket list are located. This should come as no surprise, as the mountains which form the border between Alberta and British Columbia are home to some of Canada’s best and most famous national parks.

The Rockies are also a dream come true for wildlife watchers; you are practically guaranteed to spot elk and deer, while lucky visitors may also see bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, coyotes, wolves, lynxes, cougars, and more.

We will begin in the north with Jasper National Park. One of the top experiences in Jasper is having a soak at Miette Hot Springs . If you’re driving from Edmonton, the turnoff for Miette Hot Springs is just inside Jasper National Park near the excellent Pocahontas Cabins . Note that the springs are usually closed from mid-October to late April.

Find the best tours and hotel deals in Jasper National Park .

Pyramid Lake

There are too many beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies to include all of them, but I will try to focus on the ones that stand out the most. In Jasper National Park, we’ll start with Pyramid Lake, just north of Jasper Town. For more gems like it, read my guide to the most beautiful lakes in Jasper .

Pyramid Lake is backed by Pyramid Mountain, which can often be seen reflecting on the lake. Don’t miss the wooden footbridge to Pyramid Lake Island, which houses a Federal Heritage Building. In winter, there’s even a skating rink on the lake, one of the many fun things to do in Jasper with kids .

Also be sure to stop at Patricia Lake on the drive in, which is equally beautiful.

Maligne Canyon, Icewalk & Lake

Spirit Island on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park

On the opposite side of Highway 16 from Pyramid Lake, Maligne Canyon is said to be the deepest in the Rockies, and hiking through it is an absolute must.

The walk through the canyon takes visitors past three bridges, with countless waterfalls and views along the way. For something really special, come in winter and walk right on the frozen canyon floor, called the Maligne Canyon Icewalk .

Further along the same road, the view of Spirit Island on Maligne Lake is a classic postcard view of the Canadian Rockies.

The Icefields Parkway

Cirrus Mountain on the Alberta Icefield Parkway drive

Linking Jasper Townsite to Lake Louise in Banff National Park, the north-to-south Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The drive takes about three hours, but that’s not counting the many stops at glaciers, lakes, and other scenic attractions you’ll want to make along the way.

Several of the following entries are all located along or a short drive off the Icefields Parkway, but I feel this most epic of Alberta road trips deserves its own entry.

Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Falls, Jasper National Park, Canada

Just like there are too many gorgeous lakes in Alberta to list all of them here, the same can be said about Alberta’s waterfalls . Two of the best, however, are Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls .

Athabasca Falls lies 30 kilometers south of Jasper townsite. While it is surely not the highest in Alberta Rockies, at a mere 23 meters, it is one of the most powerful, inspiring awe in those who overlook it.

Twenty minutes’ drive south of Athabasca Falls, 18-meter Sunwapta Falls is accessed via a short hike, and stands out for its sheer volume and the unique island that divides the river just above it.

Visit these waterfalls in winter for a truly mesmerizing experience.

Athabasca Glacier & Columbia Icefield

Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefield

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most popular stops along the Icefields Parkway. It is one of six toes of the mighty Columbia Icefield , the largest in the entire Rocky Mountains.

What’s special about Athabasca Glacier is that you can walk right on it, peering down icy blue cracks so deep that they disappear hundreds of meters below your feet. Besides walking on the glacier, you can venture further onto it on snowcoaches or skis.

A short drive north of the main glacier access point, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a 280-meter elevated platform with a view, though many people feel it’s not worth the steep entrance fee.

Ice Bubbles at Abraham Lake

We are now hopping 30 minutes’ drive east off the Icefields Parkway down the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11) into the Nordegg region, formed by the North Saskatchewan River valley as it makes its way toward Edmonton, for two Alberta bucket list-worthy sights.

Abraham lake is an artificial one formed by a dam on the river, but has the same incredible blue color as other glacial lakes in the area (see below). But in recent years, the lake has exploded on social media for its frozen bubbles trapped in layers of ice in winter. The bubbles are created by rising methane gas from decaying plants on the lake bed. Find out everything you need to know in my guide to experiencing the frozen ice bubbles at Abraham Lake .

Crescent Falls

Another 20 minutes drive east of Abraham Lake will bring you to Crescent Falls, the third and final waterfall that makes my Alberta bucket list, and one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Edmonton . Crescent Falls is a 27-meter, 2-tiered waterfall on Bighorn River, a tributary of the North Saskatchewan. The falls spill majestically over rocky ledges, and you can peer down from the top of them or hike down the base. There is also a basic campsite on site.

Crescent Falls makes my list because it holds personal memories for me. When I was a kid, my father and I hiked down to the base of the waterfall, forded the river somewhere downstream (in the dark…don’t try this, kids!), and camped on the opposite riverbank for two nights. My father loved the Nordegg region, and we did a lot of exploring and hiking in the area growing up.

Peyto Lake, Banff National Park

Heading back to tourist central–the Icefields Parkway, we have lakes, lakes, and more lakes as we enter Banff National Park. There are so many gorgeous ones that I’ve written this separate post on the most beautiful Banff lakes .

The following eight entries are essential stops when visiting Banff. Find out how to put it all together in my recommended 3 day Banff itinerary or this one from a dedicated Banff blog !

Peyto Lake is special because you don’t even have to hike to enjoy the above view; it is taken from the famous viewpoint along the highway!

Find the best tours and hotel deals in Banff National Park .

Lake Louise

Located at the southern terminus of the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, and arguably the most famous lake in all of Canada, Lake Louise fittingly borrows its name from royalty herself. Despite the tourist masses, the “Jewel of the Rockies” is a vista that you must take in at least once in your life.

Besides gazing longingly at the lake and its incredible mountainous backdrop, Lake Louise also offers ice skating if you’re visiting Banff in winter (how’s that for a bucket list item?), and canoeing, hiking, and horseback riding in summer.

You also can’t help but admire the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (or dine/stay there if you can afford it, and let’s not forget skiing, or in summer riding the gondola, at Lake Louise Ski Resort (see below).

Moraine Lake

Overshadowed by Lake Louise nearby, Moraine Lake is actually more beautiful, according to most Albertans, myself included. Moraine Lake is especially known for its sunrises.

Once you arrive, climb the rock pile beside the lake, and take in the jaw-dropping view of the lake amidst the Valley of the Ten Peaks . Then you’ll know what we’re talking about. Morraine Lake was also famously featured on the Canadian $20 bill from 1969 to 1979.

However, it’s important to note that the access road is only open from June to September and private vehicles are no longer allowed. The only way you can get there is by shuttle bus such as this one – the only one that goes early enough for sunrise.

Skiing/Snowboarding in the Rockies

Skiing or snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains is such an essential Alberta experience that it must be included on my list. If you haven’t been skiing in the Rockies, then you haven’t been to Alberta. Alberta’s ski resorts have some of the highest slopes, best powder, and longest ski seasons in the world, guaranteeing an epic experience.

The big 5 ski resorts in the Alberta Rockies are Marmot Basin in Jasper, Norquay , Sunshine , and Lake Louise in Banff, and Nakiska in Kananaskis (see #30). Every Albertan has his or her favorite, but as an Edmontonian I’m partial to Marmot simply because it’s closest so I know it best.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is to Banff what Maligne Canyon is to Jasper. This easy walk takes countless visitors through an stunning narrow canyon, with turquoise waters, some of the best waterfalls near Calgary , and a unique collection of ink pots at the end.

Just like Maligne Canyon, you can visit in winter for a different experience altogether, and even climb ice waterfalls with the right equipment. If you’re visiting Banff with kids , this hike is doable with kids, even in winter!

Banff Springs Hotel

If Lake Louise is Canada’s most famous lake, then Banff Springs Hote l ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ) is surely its most recognizable hotel. The castle-like hotel was opened in 1888, three years after Banff became Canada’s first national park.

For the most epic view of Banff Springs Hotel, head to Surprise Corner on the edge of Banff town. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can pop in for a visit or to enjoy afternoon tea .

Upper & Lower Springs

Hot spring cave at Cave and Basin in Banff

The hot springs pouring out of Sulfur Mountain beside Banff Townsite are the raison d’être for Banff National Park, and the origin of the Canadian national parks system.

To soak in the springs as people have for 135 years before you, head up the mountain to Upper Springs, the second major hot spring in the Alberta Rockies (along with Miette, #12). At the bottom of the mountain across the Bow River from Banff town, don’t miss the “Lower Springs”, officially the Cave & Basin National Historic Site , where the springs were first discovered.

Banff Gondola

Just up the road from Upper Springs, Banff Gondola whisks passengers to the peak of Sulfur Mountain for unparalleled views over Banff townsite and the surrounding mountains.

While not cheap, Banff Gondola is a rewarding experience, including viewing boardwalks, an interpretive center, multi-sensory theater, and two restaurants. Make sure to book online on the website above in advance.

Bankhead Ghost Town

For something a little more off-the-beaten-track in Banff, check out Bankhead Ghost Town , the remains of a formerly bustling coal mining town on the loop road to Lake Minnewanka (yet another stunning lake) just north of Banff town.

The mining town went into decline after Parks Canada forbade mining in the national park in 1930. Today you can explore the ruins on a fascinating interpretive trail.

Canmore is where many locals stay when they visit the Banff area. Located just outside of the national park, it has the same awesome mountain scenery, but with cheaper accommodations and a less touristy vibe.

In winter, the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is one of the best places to go cross-country skiing in Alberta. Just past the Nordic Centre, hiking trails lead to Grassi Lakes, two stunningly turquoise lakes Canmore lakes . For more information, see my guide to the best things to do in Canmore, Alberta .

Find the best tours and hotel deals in Canmore .

Kananaskis Country

Named after the two Kananaskis Lakes , Kananaskis Country is a large region of the Alberta Rockies and their foothills, stretching south from Canmore and encompassing several provincial, wildland, and ecological parks. The best way to get to know the area is through its huge network of cross-country skiing trails and hiking trails (here’s my guide to the best hiking trails in Kananaskis ). For even more fun ideas, here’s my guide to the best things to do in Kananaskis .

For something really special, check out the Kananaskis Nordic Spa at Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge , an adults-only, alpine-style spa with indoor & outdoor facilities. A day pass gives you access to 50,000+ square feet of dedicated relaxation space, including hot pools, steam cabins & winter hammocks. Prenatal, couples, & solo massage is also available. Sound luxurious? You deserve it!

Indigenous Cultural Experiences

Approximately 6.5% of Alberta’s population are indigenous people including the Métis, Inuit, and members of approximately 45 First Nations bands. They are ethnically diverse, with main languages including Blackfoot, Cree, Chipewyan, Dene, Sarcee, and Stoney.

There are multiple opportunities for experiencing indigenous culture in Alberta. Indigenous Tourism Alberta is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting sustainable, authentic indigenous tourism experiences in Alberta and works with indigenous-run attractions and experiences all over the province.

Some of the best indigenous attractions in Alberta include Metis Crossing, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, and Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park.

Sylvan Lake

Of the more than 600 lakes in Alberta, Sylvan Lake is one of the most beautiful and well-know outside of the Rockies. Just 20 minutes west of Red Deer (see my guide to the best things to do in Red Deer ), it was once famous for its huge waterpark on the lake, which is now closed.

There are still many reasons to pay a visit to Sylvan Lake, though. The long stretch of beach at the southern end of the lake, lighthouse included, is very popular. In town, don’t miss Snake Lake Brewing , one of the province’s best. Last but not least, stop in at Sylvan Star Cheese on the way to pick up some fine locally made gouda!

Torrington Gopher Hole Museum

If you’ve never been to the Gopher Hole Museum in the tiny town of Torrington, then you are missing out on one of Alberta’s best weirdest roadside attractions (and we’ve got a lot of them, see “giants of the prairies” above).

The museum features dozens of stuffed gophers in exhibits doing human-like things, from getting married to picking up mail at the local post office. It’s as funny as it is creepy, and definitely worth the detour if you like odd attractions.

Calgary Stampede

Sorry for putting you so low on my list, Calgary; that’s just the way it turned out! Calgary is in fact slightly larger than Edmonton by population. It is also more known internationally because they’ve hosted the Winter Olympics (I speak from experience; most of the world has never heard of Edmonton, unless they happen to be into hockey), and more frequently visited by tourists due to its proximity to Banff National Park (you can actually see the Rockies from Calgary) and location on the Trans-Canada (Highway 1).

Calgary’s biggest claim to domestic fame is its annual summer cowboy rodeo, the Calgary Stampede . It’s much more than just a rodeo, though, with concerts, parades, carnivals, and much more, and has a history going back to 1912. While cowboy culture is an aspect of Alberta I personally struggle to identify with, there’s no denying its importance to Alberta’s culture, and I promise that someday I will check it out!

Search for the best hotels deals and tours in Calgary .

Calgary Tower

Calgary’s most iconic landmark is the 190-meter Calgary Tower in the downtown core. Ascend to the observation deck for 360-degree view over the entire city and surrounding mountains & plains.

The Observation Deck also includes a 55-screen curved theater as well as fine dining with a view at Sky 360 Restaurant and Lounge.

Peace Bridge, Calgary

A newer addition to the Calgary landscape that has quickly become another iconic Calgary attraction is the pedestrian Peace Bridge , which spans Bow River just west of Prince’s Island Park . The bridge notably doesn’t have a single support. The bright red color is a tribute to the Canadian flag, while its design is tube-like with a crisscrossing pattern.

Bar U Ranch & the Cowboy Trail

One of the most beautiful drives in Alberta is along Highway 22, also known as the cowboy trail. The highway runs over 500 km from Mayerthorpe near Edmonton to beautiful Lunbreck Falls in southern Alberta, parallel to the Highway 2 from Edmonton to Calgary, but a far more beautiful drive.

The highway runs through gorgeous Alberta ranch land, with the Rockies visible to the west the entire way. Some of the best stops along the way include Bar U Ranch, a National Historic Site , cute Western towns like Longview, and Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.

Dry Island Buffalo Jump

Like the more well known Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (see #44), this provincial park protects an area where Cree indigenous people once drove bison over cliffs as a mass hunting method.

This remote park features stunning badlands scenery similar to Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Parks (see the next six entries), but minus the tourist crowds. You could also stop here en route from Edmonton to Drumheller.

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology

Triceratops skeleton at Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology in Drumheller, Alberta

For the next six items on my Alberta bucket list, we head over to the Alberta badlands, a barren, arid region of deep gullies that have produced some of the world’s greatest dinosaur fossil finds. The town of Drumheller is a dinosaur-loving kid’s paradise, complete with the largest T-Rex statue in the world (yet another Giant of the Prairies, see #10 above), into whose mouth visitors can climb up. Here are my 25 recommended things to do in Drumheller !

The Royal Tyrell Museum , just outside of town, is the world’s best dinosaur museum (feel free to prove me wrong). There are over 800 fossils on permanent display in 13 huge exhibits, including life-sized displays of all the big-name Alberta dinos. You’ll want to set aside half a day for this one! I don’t mean to brag, but when I was in boy scouts, we once got to have a sleepover on the floor of one of the dinosaur rooms!

When visiting Drumheller, we stayed at the Ramada by Wyndham ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ) because it has the best swimming pool in town. I also highly recommend Heartwood Spa & Inn (see on Booking / Agoda / Tripadvisor ), a lovingly run and top-rated local guesthouse.

Drumheller Little Church

Practically next door to the Tyrell Museum, Little Church is exactly what it sounds like: a miniature (but fully functioning) church. The door is usually open, so pop in and have a look! The church was built by inmates of the local prison.

Horseshoe & Horsethief Canyons

Horsethief Canyon in the Alberta badlands

To fully appreciate the badlands scenery around Drumheller, you have to head to Horseshoe Canyon 15 minutes’ drive west of town or Horsethief Canyon 15 minutes north of town. You can hike right down into the canyons to admire the impressive layers in this out-of-this-world landscape.

To complete your tour of the Drumheller badlands (also known as the Dinosaur Trail ), make your way to the collection of hoodoos 15 minutes’ drive south of town. These peculiar columns of rock with a large flat pinnacle are the result of hundreds of years of weathering, and are a quintessential Alberta sight.

Atlas Coal Mine

Continuing a few minutes past the hoodoos will bring you to my next Alberta bucket list destination: Atlas Coal Mine . This national historic site preserves what’s left of 139 coal mines that operated in the region from 1911 to 1979. I laughed at my Dad for once dragging my mother on a holiday there, but now that I read about it, I wanna go too!

Besides general admission, a variety of unique tours are available, from photography-focused ones including local badlands landscapes to experiencing the working life of miners and enjoying Hungarian-style family miner’s meals.

Last Chance Saloon, Wayne

To cap my selection of Drumheller-area entries, don’t miss stopping in for a beer at Alberta’s most quintessential saloon: the Last Chance Saloon in the hamlet of Wayne, once surrounded by coal mines. The old-timey saloon is connected to historic Rosedeer Hotel , so die-hard saloon fans (or anyone who gets too drunk to drive back to Drumheller) can spend the night.

Adding to the adventure, you’ll need to cross no less than 11 small bridges to get there.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 2.5 hours’ drive east of Calgary or 1 hour 45 minutes southeast of Drumheller. The park is known for its impressive badlands topography, with hiking trails and an excellent campground providing the best access. More than 50 dinosaur species have been discovered in the area, and you can even find dinosaur fossils while hiking around the park!

Read my about our experience camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park , hiking and taking a tour in the park , and the top 15 things to do there .

Crowsnest Pass

Frank Slide, Alberta with fall foliage in the foreground

Crowsnest Pass is a 1358-meter Rocky Mountain Pass on the border between Alberta and BC. The region is rich in First Nations and coal mining history. In 1903, the Frank Slide covered the coal mining town of Frank, killing up to 100 people.

The Crowsnest Pass area is full of outdoor activities to be enjoyed. Some of the best hikes include North York Creek Plane Crash Trail (to an actual plane crash site!) and the easy Frank Slide Trail from the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre .

You can also learn more about local coal mining history at Belleview Mine , Crowsnest Museum , and Coleman National Historic Site .

Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump

Head-Smashed-In is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the foothills of Southern Alberta showcasing 6000 years of plains indigenous people’s way of life. The name is derived from the buffalo jump on site, where plains people killed masses of buffalo by driving them off an 11-meter cliff (pictured above).

The informative interpretive center at Head-Smashed-In is built naturally into a sandstone cliff and hosts a variety of programs, performances, and events.

Lethbridge High Level Bridge

Another sight in Southern Alberta that makes my Alberta bucket list is High Level Bridge in Lethbridge, the fourth largest city in Alberta. The impressive steel structure over the Oldman River supports a viaduct and dates back to 1907-09, but trains still use it today. It is the largest of its type in the world, and quite a sight to behold.

Learn more about it and other attractions in the city in my guide to Lethbridge .

Saamis Teepee, Medicine Hat

Saamis Teepee, one of the most famous attractions in Medicine Hat

Another “Giant of the Prairies”, but this one is special enough to get its own entry. The 65.5-meter Saamis Teepee was originally constructed for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and later bought and donated to the city of Medicine Hat in southeastern Alberta, where it stands today. The teepee is a sacred structure honoring the region’s indigenous past.

You can read about Saamis Teepee and other unique attractions in the area in my guide to Medicine Hat .

Red Rock Coulee

This unique landscape features a collection of red spherical boulders called concretions strewn about an arid coulee. Each one is 1.5-2.5 meters in diameter and in varying states of decay. This off-the-beaten-track journey is about 30 minutes’ drive south of Medicine Hat, on the way to Writing-on-Stone provincial park

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Wintry view of a lake and forest in Cypress Hills, one of the best places to visit in Alberta

Cypress Hills is a highland region spanning the Alberta and Saskatchewan border. The Alberta side of the park, which is centered on Elkwater, is about 45 minutes’ drive southeast from Medicine Hat.

Due to the area’s elevated position, it was never glaciated and thus has a totally different environment than the surrounding hot, arid plains. There visitors will find a milder climate, high concentration of wildlife, and numerous forests and lakes perfect for camping and other outdoor activities.

Waterton Lakes National Park

The smallest and least-known of Alberta’s Rocky Mountain national parks in Waterton Lakes National Park in the southwest corner of the province. It is geographically connected to Glacier National Park in Montana, USA.

The national park centers on Waterton Lakes, three connected lakes, with its most iconic view being of the landmark Prince of Wales Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ) near the point where they connect, built in the 1920s, and backed by dramatic peaks. The Waterton Lake Townsite serves as a base for further explorations in the park, which offers much for its relatively small size.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Two hours to the east of Waterton Lakes, and also just a stone’s throw from the US border, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park brings us to the end of my Alberta bucket list.

This UNESCO-listed park encompasses a beautiful section of prairies with picturesque sandstone outcrops and hoodoos. As the name suggests, there are numerous indigenous rock paintings preserved, a higher concentration than anywhere else on the North American Great Plains, and the site is sacred to the local Blackfoot people.

Well, fellow Albertans, what did I miss on my Alberta bucket list? Please let me know in the comments below!

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Here's an absolutely epic Alberta bucket list, including 45 MUST things to do in Alberta, Canada. Written by a local Alberta, the article covers everything from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Prairies. | Alberta road trip | canada bucket list | alberta photography spots | alberta travel #alberta #canada

Planning to visit Banff in three days? Here you'll find the ultimate Banff three day itinerary!

7 thoughts on “Alberta Bucket List: 50+ EPIC Things to do in Alberta”

Makes me want to spend much more time traveling through Alberta!

That was the goal!

Frank Slide Waterton National Park (ferry into Montana, lakes) Rosebud (take in the live theatre) Sir Winston Churchill Prov Park (Lac la Biche) Pierre Greys Lakes / Grande Cache (amazing hikes)

Thanks for these ideas! More things for me to add to the list. Sir Winston Churchill Prov Park looks really cool!

Amazing and wonderful reviews can’t wait to get exploring. Hope all is well cousin.

Great list, thanks! You forgot about the beautiful Crowsnest Pass! Lille, Burmis Tree, Frank Slide, Old Frank Road, Star Creek Falls, Rainbow Falls, Miners Path etc.

Thank you Desiree, I’ll add it to the list! I must admit that, being from Edmonton, I am less familiar about Southern Alberta, but time to change that!

50 BEST Things To Do In Banff In Summer

It’s hard to get anything better than Banff in the summer. The temperature is perfect, the sun is shining, and the famous glacial-fed blue lakes are sparkling. People flock from all over the world to see the Canadian Rockies in the summer months.

June through September is a busy time in the park, but there’s a good reason for it, as all adventure activities are on offer. After spending many summers in this stunning part of the world, here are my favorite summer activities in Banff.

How to Enjoy Banff in the Summer

Stroll downtown banff.

If you’re visiting Banff, and especially if you are staying on Banff Ave you will without a doubt, go for a stroll on Banff Avenue. You could easily spend half a day here relaxing under the summer sun!

What is there to do in Downtown Banff? Plenty! If you want a day of shopping, cappuccinos, and breweries, stay in the Banff downtown area and venture right out from your hotel – no driving involved. Banff Ave has plenty of restaurants, cafes, boutique shops, and cheesy souvenir stores to entertain all.

During the summer season, the Town of Banff closes its main street to vehicles in the downtown core between Wolf and Buffalo streets, and the adjacent sections of Caribou Street . Between May 19 and October 13th (tentative dates), this section of Banff Avenue will be exclusive to pedestrians, cyclists, and skateboarders! It’s one of our favorite things that came out of the pandemic that stuck around.

The vehicle restriction means restaurants have full patios spilling into the street. People everywhere are getting their legs moving and enjoying walking spaced out on the street and not bumper-to-bumper on the sidewalks!

Enjoy Lake Minnewanka

So what is there to do in Banff National Park in the summer? First up, is to visit Lake Minnewanka. One of the top things to do in Banff National Park is to stroll along the lakeshore or take a boat ride on Lake Minnewanka . Lake Minnewanka is one of the largest lakes in Canada and is just a ten-minute drive away from the town of Banff.

This man-made lake is 21 km long and 142 meters deep and helps power Banff with hydroelectric power. In the summer it’s a busy place to hike, picnic, canoe on, or even rent a motorboat. You can also hop on the popular boat cruises that take you to the lake’s start, called the Devil’s Gap.

The mountains towering over Lake Minnewanka are seriously impressive all year round. Oh, yeah, and there’s also a Canadian resort ghost town under the lake. (Psst, a great easy hike in the area is called the C-Level Cirque and gives amazing views over Minnewanka for low effort.)

Beer Voyage

Speaking of Lake Minnewanka, why not enjoy the scenery with a cold beer? Beer lovers can only enjoy the Lake Minnewanka Beer Voyage Cruise in the summer. This 90-minute cruise runs daily at 5pm and allows guests to enjoy local craft brews while enjoying the views. It’s the perfect après adventure cruise for those 18 and up!

Stand Up Paddleboard on Two Jack Lake

Just a five-minute drive away from Lake Minnewanka is Two Jack Lake . It’s another fantastic lake with stunner Mount Rundle Views. Two Jack is one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies, due to its proximity to Downtown Banff and relative ease of accessing. It’s also my favorite spot to take the stand-up paddleboard out on during the summer. It has scenic views and isn’t as wind-affected as nearby Minnewanka, plus just look at that clear water!

If you need to rent a paddleboard, you can do so at the Banff Canoe Club located at the Corner of Bow Ave and Wolf St in Downtown Banff.

Keep in mind , to prevent the spread of Aquatic invasive species, visitors must now fill out a Self Certification Permit with Parks Canada for any nonmotorized watercraft entering the water. This includes kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The Self Certification Permits and full rules can be found online.

Go For a Bike Ride

If you enjoy a particular style of biking, you’ll find an abundance of scenic places to ride in Banff. Your skill level doesn’t matter, either, as there truly is everything in the area. Head up the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise on a road bike for one of the best rides of your life.

Seriously, it’s an amazing paved road that is great for cyclists. During the summer, Banff runs an awesome “Parkway to Pint” Trail. This is where you can ride the 58 km on the Bow Valley Parkway any day this summer, between Banff and the Summer Gondola in Lake Louise via the Bow Valley Parkway! Once finished, show your Strava or Garmin activity to the staff at Banded Peak Base Camp for a free beer and Parkway to Pint t-shirt.

If all of that sounds too much, hop on the Legacy Trail (multi-use trail connecting Canmore to Banff ) and ride to Canmore for some beers at the Grizzly Paw Brewery. Or just rent some simple cruisers or an e-bike and enjoy the scenery around Banff town, like Bow Falls or Vermilion Lakes.

If you want to mountain bike in Banff there are a few okay mountain bike trails, Look up Star Wars and Top Notch on Trailforks for an idea of what they are like. Though if you are a decent mountain biker, I would suggest heading to the Canmore Nordic Center for a much better trail network .

If you don’t have your own bike with you, you can rent one at Banff Cycle on Bear Street.

Banff Farmers’ Market

Every summer until early October, the Banff Farmers Market runs from May 29th to October 9th on Wednesdays from 10-6. It’s a fantastic place to stop by and pick up some fresh fruits, vegetables, food trucks, jewelry and anything else you could want from local vendors. The Farmers’ Market is held at Banff Central Park at 110 Bear Street.

Enjoy a Gondola Experience

There are multiple Banff gondolas to enjoy in the summertime. There is the Lake Louise Gondola , which provides stunning views over Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. Then you have the Banff Gondola , which is easily the most popular gondola and one of the top things to do in Banff. Crowds here are high in the summer, but there are plenty of facilities on top of Sulphur Mountain. Including a incredible boardwalk you can walk around and soak up the views out towards Cascade Mountain and down to the Town of Banff.

Lastly there is the Sunshine Gondola, the Sunshine Village Gondola is Banff National Park’s largest gondola, holding up to an impressive 8 people per cabin, and is a fun thing to do if you plan on hiking Sunshine Meadows.

Ultimate Banff Gondola Comparison Guide: Which is Best?

Mount Norquay Chairlift

While it may not be as popular as some of Banff’s other attractions, we believe that the Mt. Norquay chairlift is a hidden gem that should not be overlooked. Unlike many of Banff’s tourist hotspots, which can be crowded and expensive, this chairlift experience offers a unique and affordable way to take in the stunning scenery.

Soak up the unparalleled views of the mountains and valleys as you glide up the chairlift, soaring 7000 feet up. Look behind you for the best views of Mount Rundle, and try to make out the Town of Banff below!

Have a Meal With a View

There are plenty of restaurants in Banff with a view, and for a special day or night out we recommend trying one while you’re on your vacation. A few of our favorites are the Sky Bistro (reservations needed as it books up well in advance), Whitehorn Bistro, and the Cliffhouse Bistro. We break down all the best restaurants in Banff with a view here.

Hike Healy Pass

One of the finest hikes in the Banff National Park is Healy Pass. The hike starting point is a short drive from the town of Banff and climbs a gradual pass until unveiling a pristine alpine meadow. It’s a relatively easy hike with not much elevation gain that spans many kilometers. It is ultimately a great day out and where you can get all your wildflower feels in.

The meadow is resplendent for hiking and famed for wildflowers in the summer and is well worth a hike. There are quite a few storybook vistas in the park, but Healy Pass rivals the best of them. You can read all about the Healy Pass hike here.

Eat The Castle Food Tour

If you want a bit of an indoor time and are a historian/foodie then embark on a culinary journey and explore the magnificent Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel with a small-group tasting tour . With four locations within the sprawling complex to visit, indulge in “fork and knife” tastings and beverage pairings at the Vermillion Room and 1888 Chop House.

Gain insights into the hotel’s history, art, and architecture from your knowledgeable guide as you explore the national historic site. This personalized experience offers a unique opportunity to discover Banff’s culinary delights while learning about this iconic hotel’s rich heritage. This is a pretty new experience, but we expect it to be a hit this summer in Banff!

Walk the Art in Nature Trail

The Art in Nature Trail is a unique art installation right near the heart of Banff and along the Nancy Pauw Bridge. The Art in Nature Trail meanders along the Bow River’s banks, inviting admirers of the Rockies to discover creativity from a fresh vantage point. From July to September, you’ll see 30 art installations along a walking trail.

Regional artists created each of the installations. This is a fun, free summer activity for the entire family in Banff.

Go Deep in the Backcountry on Horseback

One of the best things to do in Banff in the summer is to hop on a horseback and get deep into Banff National Park. It’s a huge park that very few people really get out in, most stick to the main sites. But having a horse will help you get far back into some unknown passes.

Banff Trail Riders is a local company that can take visitors deep into the backcountry via horseback in the summer. It’s one of those bucket list experiences I would recommend to anyone who truly wants to live out those old Western dreams. We spent a week in the backcountry with Banff Trail Riders and it was marvelous. Read all about horseback riding in Banff.

Obvio usly, we know that not everyone has the kind of time for a multiple-day trip on horseback, but if riding a horse still interests you, we can’t recommend this one-hour ride along the Bow River enough!

Canoe on Vermilion Lakes

There are plenty of lakes to canoe on in Banff National Park . The closest one to town is Vermilion Lakes , which sits right below beautiful Mount Rundle and is so fun to canoe on.

There are always some curious ducks and geese on the water, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a beaver. It’s a pretty shallow spot to canoe, making it great for beginners who want to canoe in Banff. Check out Banff Canoe Club for rentals!

Big Canoe Tour

Banff Canoe Club runs “Big River Tours” on the Bow River during the summer. On a Big Canoe Tour , you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Bow River and soak in the breathtaking surroundings.

As you paddle upstream, their expert guides will regale you with fascinating tales of the past, enlightening insights into the history of canoeing, and captivating local trivia. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, every tour comes equipped with life jackets, paddles, and comprehensive instructions on how to paddle as a team.

Visit Bankhead Ghost Town

Bankhead is a tiny coal mining town that thrived in Banff National Park in the early 1900s. The town’s coal mine was situated under Cascade Mountain, which harbored superior-quality anthracite coal reserves.Pacific Coal Company, a Canadian Pacific Railway subsidiary, operated the Bankhead Coal Mine, as the railway required the coal to power its steam engines. In 1903, the mine commenced operations and contributed significantly to the local economy.

The Pacific Coal Company owned and constructed all buildings in Bankhead, which were then rented to residents. Eventually, in 1926, several structures were relocated to nearby Banff and Canmore.

The Lower Bankhead area is off of Lake Minnewanka Loop Road and now features an interpretive trail with signs that highlight key buildings and provide interesting facts about the area. Visitors can easily identify the remaining structures, as well as explore the foundations of buildings that are still visible. It’s one of the best things to do in Banff with kids if you’re looking for a bit of history in the area you’re visiting.

One of the best things to do during the summer season in Banff is to go hiking. Seriously, you cannot visit the Canadian Rockies and not go hiking at least once, I personally think it’s the best place to hike in the world. Almost every hike gives you amazing views of something gorgeous, be it mountains, lakes, or beautiful valleys. You can see some of my favorite Banff hikes here.

Some great hikes to enjoy in Banff:

Tunnel Mountain (Easy)
Parker Ridge (Easy)
Helen Lake (Moderate)
Sulphur Mountain (Moderate)
Plain of Six Glaciers (Moderate)
Sentinel Pass (Moderate)
Cascade Mountain (Hard) (Scramble)
Egypt Lake (Hard)

Try Scrambling

If you are a good hiker and want to try something more challenging, try your hand at scrambling. Scrambling is a walk up steep terrain involving the use of one’s hands. Three points of contact with your body are needed to classify a hike as a scramble. I love scrambling as it’s more challenging than hiking, and it’s typically required to access some of the big peaks in the Rockies.

It’s a very popular sport in Banff, but it should not be confused with hiking. Some scrambles are dangerous, and you should have proper experience with harder hikes and maybe even some beginner scrambling. August is the best time to scramble as most of the snow has melted off the mountain peaks. Some of my favorite scrambles in the Canadian Rockies are Jimmy Simpson , The Onion , EEOR, and Mist Mountain.

Go for a Dip in a Glacier Fed Lake

If you’re gonna go for a swim in one of the Canadian Rockies lakes , the summer is the time to do it. I particularly like August as it’s the warmest month, and getting in the water will take your breath away slightly less than it would in other months. But it’s still the Canadian Rockies, and submerging yourself in the water is still incredibly cold, with the water temperature around 5°C. I wouldn’t plan to spend too long in the water or go for a long swim.

Have a BBQ at Cascade Ponds

Cascade Ponds is a quiet area right off the Trans Canada that has plenty of picnic benches and BBQ pits to enjoy on a nice summer day. It’s the perfect place to head to with friends and family with some burgers and beer and enjoy the surroundings with food and company. If you’re going to have a BBQ, please remember to pick up after yourself. There are plenty of bear-safe trash cans around for you to discard trash.

Mt Norquay Via Ferratta

Want to get into the mountains and try scrambling as I mentioned above, but have the safety of harnesses and a mountain guide? Mt. Norquay’s Via Ferrata is the perfect thing to do in the summer for those looking for a real adventure in the Canadian Rockies. This is an assisted climbing experience up Mount Norquay. Four different routes vary in length and difficulty. It is perfect for any visitor to Banff, and there are many different options for families, too.

Explore Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of the top attractions in Banff year-round and can attract a crowd. We love the hike in the winter as you don’t have to deal with summer crowds, but there is good reason to visit in the summer.

A summer hike is visceral as the roaring water reverberates through the canyon and into your chest. As a hiker, you get up close and personal with the canyon thanks to a series of suspended walkways. Along the way, hikers catch scenic glimpses of the mountains, multiple waterfalls , and a chance to spot wildlife.

The waterfalls in the canyon are roaring come July as the snow melts high in the surrounding mountains. No matter the season, it’s an easy hike in Banff along a well-maintained trail suitable for all ages. For an extended hike, continue on to the Ink Pots.

More Information On The Hike

Bike and hike.

Ride a bike past Vermilion Lakes and on the Bow Valley Parkway via ebike on a guided tour . The bike portion ends at Johnston Canyon, where bikers will start their hike along Johnston Canyon. Once you’re done exploring the lower and upper falls at Johnston Canyon, you don’t have to worry about riding back to Banff, as there’s a convenient shuttle waiting to transport you back!

Go to Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is the most popular thing to do in Banff, and arguably the most popular sight to see in all of Canada, perhaps only behind Niagara Falls. This iconic lake is a picturesque picture of Canada (seriously, just Google image “Canada” and see what comes up). With the ten peaks rising high over the glacier waters, Lake Moraine is certainly a Banff attraction to see.

Moraine Lake is about an hour’s drive away from Banff town, and only twenty minutes further than Lake Louise . With its rising popularity and millions of Instagram location tags you used to have to arrive well before 6 am to grab a parking spot between June and September. Though all that has changed and personal vehicles are no longer allowed to travel to Moraine Lake. We break down exactly how to get to Moraine Lake here .

Once you get to Moraine Lake, head up the Rockpile Trail for unreal views or rent a canoe from Moraine Lake Lodge and take to the water ! If you want to do a bit of hiking, we touch on that below.

Tours to Moraine Lake

Now that personal vehicles are no longer allowed at Moraine Lake, a plethora of tour operators have popped up. Here are some popular options:

Hop on Hop off Bus: Explore the most popular spots in Banff at your own pace. Hop on and off when you please!
Moraine Lake Bus Company : An alternative option to the Parks Canada shuttle, the Moraine Lake Bus Company provides early access to Moraine Lake with shuttles starting as early as 4am.
Radventures Earlybird Explorer : offers small group (max 14 guests) guided tours, starting and ending with hotel pick up in Banff, with local interpretation and an amazing guide on hand to answer questions. Enjoy complimentary hot drinks, see the best spots at Moraine Lake to view the sunrise, and get our guests set up for sunrise photos (as their guiding team has photography training). After guests can get an optional hot cafe breakfast at Trailhead Cafe, before heading to Lake Louise, where you get front-of-the-line access to canoe rentals (something unique to only a Radventures tour). Book that tour here.
From Banff: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour

Hike Around Moraine Lake

I’d say 90% of the people who head to Moraine Lake stay for an hour or so, take photos, and leave. But there is so much more to do at Moraine Lake than this. If you want an easy activity you can rent a canoe, but the more adventurous should consider a few of the hikes around Moraine Lake.

The easiest one is the Consolation Lakes . This follows the path up the Lake Moraine Rockpile and into the valley. This hike is only 6km roundtrip and has a 60m elevation gain. However, the classic hike is Sentinel Pass , a 12 km moderate hike (732m elevation) that guarantees tremendous views (pictured above). The Tower of Babel scramble and Eiffel Peak hike are much harder and should be reserved for experienced hikers, but they provide epic views over Moraine Lake.

Drive the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) is one of the most beautiful road trips in the world. It connects Lake Louise with Jasper in Jasper National Park. The drive itself is stunning, but there are so many pull-offs along the way. Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Herbert Lake, Hector Lake, Sunwapta Falls , Mistaya Canyon , Athabasca Falls , and Athabasca Glacier are just to name a few.

To make the most of driving the Icefields Parkway, I would start early (6 am) and allocate at least two days. And yes, this even includes summer, when we have well over 15 hours of daylight.

Athabasca Glacier Tour

Get up close to a Glacier with the Ice Explorer at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. Here you can get some history around the beautiful Athabasca Glacier and experience the fun without much physical effort.

The glacier experience is on the border of Banff and Jasper, and is best done when driving between Banff and Jasper on the Icefields Parkway. Once here, you take these massive vehicles with wheels taller than a person onto the center of the Athabasca Glacier. There are also ice walk experiences you can book! Everything you need to know is noted here!

Athabasca Glacier Tours To Book

Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff
Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks
Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure: Ice Explorer Experience & Skywalk Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks

Climb Mount Athabasca

If you have plenty of time in the Canadian Rockies and really want an extreme experience you can summit Mount Athabasca. Mount Athabasca looms over one of the most popular attractions on the famed Icefields Parkway, but only a few get to see the view from the top.

To reach the summit requires a long hike to a technical glacier crossing and then up an exposed face or couloir. The views are breathtaking in more ways than one. You can spot countless glaciers, ice fields, and many of Alberta’s highest peaks from the top.

The peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies, famous for reaching an altitude of 11,000 feet. Many climbers in the Rockies have the lifetime goal of summiting all 54 (58) of the peaks, and they are considered classic mountaineering objectives. At 11,453 feet in elevation with a massive glacier and convenient location, Athabasca proves to be a tremendous first “11,000er.”

You cannot attempt this on your own without mountaineering and glacier travel experience; it is a serious mountain. We did a three-day mountaineering course with Yamnuska and summited on the third day – the experience was epic. This is probably not for everyone, but definitely one of the more adventurous things to do in the summer.

Jasper Skywalk

If you’re already visiting Athabasca Glacier, you can consider adding the Glacier Skywalk to your day, as it’s located just a few kilometers away. Although this skywalk is technically in Jasper, it’s just a few kilometers past the Banff/Jasper border.

This cliff-edge walk offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and the Sunwapta Valley. Additionally, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk features views of wildlife, waterfalls, and fossils, making it a great family-friendly activity. * Note that all Columbia Icefield Adventure tickets include admission to the Skywalk.

Soak in the Views at Bow Lake

Bow Lake is another stunner that’s a brilliant aquamarine color on a summer day. The scale of the lake is impressive as it’s one of the largest in the park and the giant mountains that surround the lake humble visitors with scale. It makes a great place for a nice picnic, canoe, or you can hike to wonderful Bow Glacier Falls, one of our favorites in Banff.

Hike to Bow Glacier Falls

If you have time, I highly suggest hiking to Bow Glacier Falls behind Bow Lake. Then you get up close to the falls that fall from the Wapta Icefield and feed Bow Lake.

The hike to Bow Glacier Falls isn’t particularly long at around 9 km round trip, but the terrain is varied and keeps things exciting as you skirt your way around Bow Lake, up wooden stairs, and into what feels like another world. The hike is a great way to stretch your legs after some time in the car, and should take between 3-4 hours to complete.

Take a Dip in Johnson Lake

Johnson Lake is one of our favorite lakes in Banff because it’s often overlooked by the more popular Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. Take a nice stroll around Johnson Lake and enjoy the mountain scenery.

Alternatively, Johnson Lake is one of the best lakes in Banff to take a dip in. It’s *warmer* and not super wind-affected like so many other lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Plus, there is a hidden rope swing on this lake!

Banff Hop On Hop Off Bus

The Banff Hop on Hop Off Bus has become quite popular recently. The hop-on-hop-off bus is exactly what it sounds like – a bus that lets you hop on and off when you want! The bus starts in Banff and stops at Johnston Canyon, the Lake Louise Gondola, Lake Louise, and finally Moraine Lake. It’s the best tour for those who are short on time but still want to see as much as possible in one day. We recommend utilizing your time to enjoy a Moraine Lake hike, like up to Sentinel Pass, or some of the Lake Louise hikes, like the Plain of Six Glaciers or Lake Agnes.

Buses depart seven days a week from either the Moose Hotel and Suites on Banff Avenue or The Banff Heritage Train Station. Just note that the later you depart, the fewer places you can explore. The buses come back to Banff at 4:55 PM and 6:00 PM. Book that bus here.

Enjoy a Beer at a Banff Brewery

having a beer on the patio at banff avenue brewing

One of the best things to do on a sunny day in Banff is head to Banff Ave Brewery for a drink. This Banff brewery was opened by the same crew who opened the Jasper Brewing Co (Canada’s first National Park Brewery) after great success.

Located on Banff Avenue this two-story restaurant and bar serve up delicious food and great beer. It’s well worth a stop for anyone visiting Banff. Try to get a seat outside in the summer and watch life go by! Warning, the deck space is pretty limited so you’re lucky if you snag a seat on the weekend. If you are looking for other great breweries, check out Three Bears Brewery on Bear Street or Grizzly Paw and Sheepdog in Canmore.

Head to the Waldhaus Restaurant & Pub

Another one of our favorite places to have a beer in the summer is the Waldhaus Pub near the Banff Springs Hotel . I love coming here when the weather is nice and grab a beer, pretzel, and watch golfers tee off under the mountains.

Have a Picnic!

A holiday to Banff is not cheap. Banff is a tourist town with higher prices than many other places in Canada. If you go out to eat for every meal, you’ll put a bit of a dent in your wallet. I recommend grabbing some bread and cheese and a cooler and enjoying a picnic lunch (just remember to leave no trace).

There are so many lakes and rivers to pull off in the summer and enjoy a meal in the mountains. If you want to save money on your food, try Save On Foods or Safeway in Canmore , where prices are lower than in Banff.

You don’t have to stay at a hotel when you visit Banff in the summer! There are plenty of backcountry and frontcountry camping options if you want to spend all your time in the sweet, sweet outdoors! Two Jack Lake Campgrounds and Tunnel Mountain Campground are some of the most popular campgrounds. But there are many around Banff, Canmore, Jasper, and Kananaskis.

Open Top Touring

One of the newest experiences in Banff is taking a vintage tour! Pursuit Collection is now booking their Open Top Touring tour which allows visitors to roam the streets of Banff in style. A 1930s vintage automobile takes visitors to sights like Surprise Corner, Vermilion Viewpoint, Tunnel Mountain and Mount Norquay Viewpoint.

The vehicle is open glass and has a great canvas top roof so you get to enjoy the views with storyteller guides in period costume the whole time, telling stories from 1938 to today. It’s great for small groups and wedding parties!

Surprise Corner

Surprise Corner offers a breathtaking vantage point showcasing the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the picturesque Spray Valley, making it one of Banff’s renowned photography locations. “The Castle of The Rockies,” as it’s called, is complemented by the powerful Bow Falls in the foreground. Conveniently located just a few minutes outside of town along Tunnel Mountain Road, it is a convenient and must-visit spot for Banff visitors.

Climb Cascade Mountain

Cascade Mountain towers over the town of Banff and has been on every postcard of Banff National Park for years. It’s beautiful to look at, but you don’t just have to stop there! Did you know you can actually climb Cascade Mountain? It will require work and a long 20km day with a lot of elevation gain, but the rewards are fantastic views over Lake Minnewanka and the glory of saying you summited Cascade!

It’s not the most exciting hike in Banff, but it is easily accessible from the town if you don’t want to venture far. Plan a full day for Cascade Mountain and pack appropriately. This is a serious mountain and should not be taken lightly.

Canoe on Lake Louise

Lake Louise is the other iconic lake that millions from around the world flock to Banff to see. It is certainly a highlight of any trip to Canada. Lake Louise is a glacier-fed lake that sparkles bright turquoise blue under the sun. The mountains of Banff rise up around it and provide the perfect backdrop to any photo.

Lake Louise is frozen solid from late October to early June, but during Lake Louise in the summer you can take a canoe out and enjoy the fresh air. If you’re brave, you can jump in for a few seconds! Lake Louise, while not AS scenic as Moraine Lake is still pretty darn mesmerizing. The good news is it’s slightly easier getting to Lake Louise than Moraine Lake!

Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont

From 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM daily* in the Fairview Restaurant at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise you can indulge in the time-honored tradition of Afternoon Tea and savor a delectable assortment of pastries, tea sandwiches, and delightful desserts.

Sit back and take in the stunning views of Lake Louise through the floor-to-ceiling windows as you enjoy your treats. With breathtaking views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier, I can’t think of a better place to have this elegant experience. Whether you’re a registered hotel guest or a day visitor, you can now make a reservation for Afternoon Tea at the hotel. To secure your spot, simply make a reservation online.

Lake Agnes Teahouse Trek

The Lake Agnes Teahouse trek is a popular thing to do in Banff for visitors to Lake Louise. This is an easy hike above Lake Louise suitable for all visitors to Banff. When you reach the top of the 7.6 kilometers (round trip) heavily trafficked out-and-back trail, you’ll find a teahouse and stunning Lake Agnes.

This is an easy hike that can be accomplished in just a few hours and is an iconic thing to do in Banff. However, be warned it is a busy one in the summer. To escape the crowds (and get better views) keep climbing to the Little Beehive, Big Beehive, Mt. St. Piran, or Devil’s Thumb . If you’re an experienced scrambler, you can keep going past to summit Mount Niblock (moderate scramble) or Mount Whyte (difficult exposed scramble!).

Beehive Circuit

One of my favorite hikes in Banff involves two epic viewpoints. The Beehive Circuit refers to the Little Beehive and Big Beehive in the Lake Louise area, near the Lake Agnes Teahouse. So if you are already considering hiking to Lake Agnes, consider adding these two hikes to your day. Both are moderate hikes that provide a different viewpoint over Lake Louise.

The Little Beehive hike is 9km in distance with 535 meters of elevation gain (from Lake Louise trailhead, not Lake Agnes), while the Big Beehive is slightly more difficult. To hike the Big Beehive, you will need to hike 10.3 km and gain 647 meters.

Plain of Six Glaciers

The Plain of Six Glaciers hike is one of the most incredible Lake Louise hikes and is beloved by everyone who tackles it. The trail starts out strong with a walk along Lake Louise Lakeshore and finishes in an open plain of glaciers.

If you are already hiking the Lakeshore Trail, you can consider adding this to your day. However, it’s almost 14km and has nearly 500 meters of elevation gain, so ensure you are prepared for a longer hike. The good news is there’s a great rest stop in the form of a tea house. The historic Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse rewards hikers with a cup of tea or a fresh-baked goodie before continuing to the end of the trail.

At one point, this massive valley was the convergence of six glaciers that have all since retreated due to warming temperatures. All that is left now is the monstrous debris field that will leave hikers in all of their earth-shaping capability. It’s also possible to combine this hike with the Lake Agnes / Big Beehive hike for an incredible day in the mountains.

Wait for the Train at Morant’s Curve

Morant’s Curve is a scenic viewpoint near Lake Louise of a dramatic bend along the Bow River where trains pass through the Canadian Rockies. If you’ve been researching your Canadian Rockies trip for awhile, you’ve likely seen photos! As trains pass around the bend, they have a spectacular backdrop of Mount Temple and Mount Fairview. The famed photo spot is along the Bow Valley Parkway and is a hot spot for photographers.

Photographers must plan their time here strategically, and to catch a shot of a train heading west in the morning light is sure to be a winner. However, anyone can appreciate the spectacular view, so it’s well worth a stop for anyone driving along the parkway, even if you don’t plan on waiting for a train.

If you are trying to time your visit with a train passing, you may want to give up. There is no set train schedule, and seeing one while you visit Morant’s Curve is a complete happenstance. They pass by every 1-2 hours, so you can possibly catch one if you are patient.

Canoe on Emerald Lake

The Canadian Rockies have many canoe options, but the most famous and iconic places are at Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Emerald Lake . Now, Emerald Lake is located in neighboring Yoho National Park and not Banff. However it’s under an hour’s drive from Lake Louise, so we recommend everyone venture to the stunning lake if they have time.

Once at Emerald Lake, you can loop around the lakeshore, have lunch at Cilantro Cafe, and get out on the water. Emerald Lake is one of my favorite places to paddle in the Rockies! It’s more affordable to rent a canoe at the Boathouse here than at other lakes, and it sees fewer crowds.

Explore More of Yoho National Park

Now that you’re in Yoho, you might as well make the most of it! There’s plenty to do and see in Yoho, depending on your time. For starters, we recommend everyone see Tak Falls , one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada and easily accessible. Tak Falls is only accessible during the summer months as the road leading up to it, the Yoho Valley Road, closes in the winter. While you’re at Tak Falls you can go on one of our favorite Yoho hikes to Laughing Falls (keep venturing to Twin Falls).

Another great hike nearby is the Iceline Trail , which gets you up close and personal with glaciers. Beyond that, we recommend hiking to Wapta Falls , or enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Sherbrooke Lake.

Venture into Kootenay National Park

Nestled in British Columbia, Kootenay National Park spans over 1,406 square kilometers of breathtaking natural scenery and shares a border with Banff National Park. Many travelers may not even realize they have entered a new park when driving along the Banff-Windermere Highway, so I wanted to include it on this list of things to do in Banff in the summer!

To fully appreciate the park’s splendor, take a leisurely drive down Hwy 93S, which connects Banff to Radium Hot Springs , and plan a day of scenic stops. At every turn, be mesmerized by panoramic mountain vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and lush Douglas Fir trees.

Hiking enthusiasts can rejoice as there are plenty of trails for all skill levels to explore. One of the best family friendly things to do in the park is walk along Marble Canyon . Another easy hike is the hike to the colorful Paint Pots!

If you are really looking for a big day out, you will not be disappointed with beautiful Floe Lake . You’ll have to hike 10km to reach the lake with just about 1000 meters of elevation gain, so this is a full-day trip involving 20km+ of hiking, or an overnight stay at one of the coveted campsites (hard to secure in the summer season). However the reward is enjoying one of the pristine lakes in the area, without all the crowds!

Stroll Through the Cascade Gardens

If you’re strolling around Downtown Banff in the summer you can’t miss a stop at Cascade Gardens . It’s located behind Park Canada’s building right at the end of Banff Ave. From the garden, you get great views of Mount Rundle and Cascade. This should go without saying, but don’t pick the flowers, please.

Head to Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake (PEE-toh) is yet another glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park. This is probably the third most popular lake to visit in Banff, after Louise and Moraine. The reason is its unique shape that resembles a fox and has absolutely mind-blowingly blue water. Peyto Lake is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway. To get a great view, all you have to do is park and hike up a simple 10-minute path to the viewpoint.

Canyoning at Heart Creek

Have you heard of Canyoning before? Canyoning, also known as canyoneering, is an outdoor adventure activity that involves traveling through canyons using a variety of techniques including hiking, scrambling, climbing, rappelling, and swimming.

If this sounds like something you want to try, Heart Creek Canyon, just outside of Canmore, is a great place to start. It offers incredible scenery, and the canyoning experience features an easy approach where you can safely try rappeling with rope before you even begin the experience!

There are a total of five rappels, interspersed with some scrambling and hiking, but all are suitable for beginners. There are introductory short rappels that allow you to ease into rappelling and increase in length as you progress down the canyon. Your adventure finale is rappeling an exciting 60-foot wet waterfall rappel and slide.

Banff Summer FAQ

Is banff crowded in summer.

Yes, Banff is very busy during the summer months – there’s no sugarcoating it.

Which Summer Months Are the Busiest?

The park starts to get pretty busy around May Long Weekend, which falls around the third week of May. After that, Banff crowds pick up steadily through June, and then by July and August, pretty much every day is a busy one throughout the park’s highlights. The park stays pretty busy until around Labor Day (in the US) in September. It also picks up again come larch season , the third week in September.

How Warm is Summertime in Banff?

The weather during summer is pretty pleasant. The average highs throughout July and August are between 20-25º C (70º F), with lows around 7-10º C (45º F). That being said, there’s usually an Alberta heat wave every summer that lasts for a few days. This is when temps rise past 30ºC – yikes! Not many people, businesses, or hotels have AC. So if you are someone who can’t sleep without air conditioning, it is best to book a Banff hotel that advertises having it. We recommend Elk+Avenue on Banff Avenue.

What is the Best Month to Visit?

The best month to visit Banff all depends on what you are looking for. We personally think there’s nothing better than being in the Rockies in July and August ,and September . We break down every month in the Rockies here!

Is Summer Expensive?

I’m not going to sugarcoat this one either, the summertime is the most expensive time to visit the Canadian Rockies. July and August are when you’ll find some hotel rooms go for over well over $750 a night! Don’t worry, yhere are some ways to visit Banff on a budget.

How to Avoid Crowds

Avoiding the crowds in Banff in the summer is actually easier than you would think. Banff is huge—the second largest park in Canada, to be exact. This means you just have to get off the beaten path a little bit to avoid the crowds. That means staying away from extremely popular places like Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Sulphur Mountain, and Peyto Lake.

Instead, opt for hiking in Banff. The more difficult the hike, the fewer people you’ll see. If you want to enjoy a day at the lake, head to some of the less popular ones, like Waterfowl Lakes or Chephren Lake. They take a little more work to get to, but you’ll be rewarded with fewer people around.

Also, avoiding the crowds is all about timing. Before 8:30 a.m. and after 6 p.m. are what I like to call quiet hours in the park, and these are when you will find fewer people out and about.

This is by no means all the things you can do in Banff in the summer. For our full Banff attractions guide, see here!

The Best Places to Stay in Banff in Summer

Do You Need a Parks Pass to Visit Banff?

All visitors to Banff National Park need a Parks Canada pass to recreate. The Parks Canada pass covers all national parks in Canada. This includes Jasper, Yoho, Glacier, and Kootenay National Park. Note that the Parks Canada Pass does not cover recreation in Kananaskis Provincial Park.

Daily Admission Fees Are As Follows

Discovery pass fees (annual pass).

Our Guide To Purchasing A Banff Park Pass (Parks Canada Pass)

This is not all you can do in Banff in summer, but this should help you start planning your trip. If you have any other questions, leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.

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The Banff Blog Facebook Group is your headquarters for Canadian Rockies travel advice and information, including hike and off-season travel information. You can also meet new adventure buddies.

About Natasha

Natasha calls Canmore, Alberta home. After traveling across seven continents and 90 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. She loves to help others travel and make their planning easier. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. You can find her in the mountains or enjoying a coffee by the river. Learn more on the about us page! If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

6 thoughts on “50 BEST Things To Do In Banff In Summer”

Truly enjoy your blog! Very informative

Thank you so much for all of the information you provide! I’m in the planning stage for a 6 night stay in Canmore in July and your site is my go to for info!

So glad it has helped, Sherry! Enjoy your trip!

Wow! So glad I stumbled across your blog. I was already excited planning to explore Banff with my family this summer, but this post is definitely helping take our adventure to the next level! Thank you for taking the time to provide so much info and advice. Will be back for more throughout the remaining planning stages!

You’re welcome, Autumn! Hope you have the best trip this summer!

I found this page so helpfull and full of interesting information and guides. We are doing a group travel in August and cant wait to explore this beautiful part of Canada. Thank you!!

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17 Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Calgary

Written by Chloë Ernst and Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Despite being Alberta's largest city and Canada's oil capital, Calgary has never shaken off its "Cowtown" nickname. It's a reference to the city's long history as the center of a vast cattle-rearing region and is a name that has been of immense value to tourism marketers, conjuring up romantic ideas of cowboys, cattle drives, and an untamed Wild West.

Peace Bridge across the Bow River in Calgary

This is why, when you pay a visit to this dynamic city, you'll find many related things to do, from catching the famous Calgary Stampede each July to exploring the city's pioneer-era Heritage Park, an especially fun activity for families.

It's also a particularly stunning place to visit for those who enjoy beautiful vistas, too. Look to the western horizon and the Rocky Mountains appear like an insurmountable barrier rising up from the plains. The proximity of these mountains, with their well-known national parks , makes Calgary an excellent choice for skiing, hiking, or sightseeing vacations.

For those seeking entertainment right in the city itself, there are also plenty of tourist attractions to include on your Calgary itinerary. Walking the city's huge Prince's Island Park and across the iconic Peace Bridge is especially fun at night, either before or after enjoying a great restaurant in the downtown core.

To help you cram as much as possible into your travel itinerary, be sure to read our detailed list of the top attractions and things to do in Calgary, Alberta.

1. Visit during the Calgary Stampede

2. take a day trip to banff & lake louise, 3. take the kids to calgary zoo, 4. learn about calgary's past at heritage park, 5. see the views from calgary tower, 6. winsport: canada olympic park, 7. take a walk to prince's island park, 8. take the train: rocky mountaineer rail journey, 9. visit the glenbow museum, 10. studio bell, home of the national music centre, 11. hike around fish creek provincial park, 12. enjoy the seasons at bowness park, 13. see the planes at the hangar flight museum, 14. visit the home of the mounties at fort calgary, 15. visit the military museums of calgary, 16. tour the stables at spruce meadows, 17. take a seat in the devonian gardens, where to stay in calgary for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in calgary.

The 10-day Calgary Stampede can trace its roots all the way back to the 1880s and is the highlight of Calgary's summer calendar of events. Having cemented the Alberta capital's reputation as Canada's "Stampede City," this famous rodeo is now widely regarded as one of the top attractions in Alberta . It is held each July and includes all kinds of cowboy- and rodeo-style entertainment and exhibitions.

Billed as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," the Calgary Stampede now attracts millions of visitors who join the local population to dress up for the event in blue jeans and brightly colored Stetsons. Highlights of this must-visit event include a huge parade, rodeo competitions, thrilling chuck wagon races, and an authentic First Nations village . Numerous concerts and stage shows are also held here, along with a fun fair, pancake breakfasts, as well as agricultural shows.

Getting to Stampede Park, the festival's permanent home, is easy either by public transit or car, with plenty of parking available. And even if you're here in the off-season, a visit and tour, or possibly taking in a concert, remain one of the top things to do in Calgary.

Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary

Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Canada due to its picture-perfect mountain setting, Banff National Park and the town of Banff make for a perfect day trip from Calgary.

While there are a variety of ways to get from Calgary to Banff , if you prefer to take your time and have the opportunity to stop and see the sites whenever the urge strikes, taking a car (either your own or a rental) may be the best option.

Drivable in under 90 minutes, the route itself is nothing short of spectacular. You'll take in incredible mountain vistas shortly after leaving the city, and they never let up along the way. After passing Canmore , another great place to stop for some sightseeing , you'll enter the park gates to find yourself in the town of Banff, the only community located in the magnificent Banff National Park.

It's a great place to explore either before or after touring the park, and features plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. You'll also find a wide range of first-rate accommodation options in Banff, too.

One of the highlights of your visit, though, will be seeing Lake Louise . Famous for its dazzling turquoise waters framed by stunning snowcapped mountains, the tallest reaching heights of over 3,000 meters, it's the ultimate safe selfie spot, especially with the handsome Fairmont Château Lake Louise in the background. It's also a great place to pause and reflect on the splendor and natural beauty of this beautiful part of the world.

Other fun things to do in Lake Louise include strolling along the lovely lakeshore trail or enjoying a canoe ride. You can also take the Lake Louise Gondola for the chance to enjoy some great views of the lake.

If you find yourself wanting to cram as much as possible into a single day's visit to this beautiful area, you may want to consider joining a fun full-day tour of Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway . Including round-trip travel from Banff, your adventure takes in some of the area's most spectacular scenery in comfort and style, and under the guidance of a professional tour guide. Along the way, you'll take in such sightseeing highlights as spectacular Bow Falls and Moraine Lake.

Best Hikes in Banff National Park
Best Hikes at Lake Louise

Tracing its roots back as far as 1917, Calgary Zoo is one of the city's most popular family attractions and Canada's largest and most visited zoological park. Spread across a 120-acre site on St. George's Island in the Bow River, the zoo is home to over 1,000 animals representing some 272 species, including many examples of rare and endangered species.

There are also botanical gardens on the property, which are always fun to visit in spring. Spring's also a good time to visit due to the arrival of newborn animals; check the zoo's website for news and details of its animal residents.

Popular must-see sections include the Land of Lemurs, Destination Africa, and the Canadian Wilds. It's at the latter that you'll enjoy up-close views of fascinating creatures, including grizzly bears and the newest arrivals, a pair of pandas.

Other fun things to do include spending time exploring the six-acre prehistoric park attraction with its full-size replica dinosaurs. For those traveling in winter, be sure to visit the nighttime Zoolights Christmas festival held here each year.

Address: 210 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary, Alberta

Calgary's Heritage Park is a typical village from the pioneering period, with dozens of reconstructed historical buildings and lively costumed interpreters from four different time periods. Along with exhibits and buildings ranging from an 1860 fur-trading fort to a 1930s town square, a highlight of a visit is riding the old steam engine, which provides transport around the park.

There's also a paddlewheel tour boat that offers scenic cruises across the Glenmore Reservoir, which offers plenty of great sightseeing and photo ops. The reservoir is also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as sailing, canoeing, and rowing.

Be sure to allocate a little extra time in your Heritage Village itinerary to visit the Gasoline Alley Museum . This fun attraction is popular for its hands-on, interactive experiences and one-of-a-kind vintage vehicles.

Address: 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary

At the top of the Calgary Tower , a viewing platform with a glass floor and revolving restaurant enables sightseers to enjoy the thrilling sensation of being 191 meters above the city in one of its landmark buildings.

Opened in 1968 and until 1984 the tallest structure in the city, the tower still offers excellent views out over the city and beyond to the mountains. It is particularly beautiful at night, and the tower itself is lit up each evening to stunning effect.

In 1988, the tower's giant torch bore witness to the spirit of the Olympics, and is still lit on special occasions. A fun movie, shown regularly in the building, highlights the construction of the tower.

Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary

In the foothills of the mountains to the west of the city rise the strange-looking towers of WinSport, home to the Calgary Olympic Park . In 1988, this was the primary site for the XV Olympic Winter Games.

Today, the hill is still open to skiing and snowboarding, and there are opportunities to bobsled, zipline, toboggan, snow tube, and mountain bike down the slopes and hills. Indoor ice skating is also available, including professional competitions, casual sessions, and programming for tourists and locals to enjoy.

Guided Ski Jump Tower Tours give a panoramic view of the Calgary skyline from the top of the ski-jump slope. Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is located in the park as well.

Address: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary

Prince's Island Park is a large 50-acre green space located to the north of downtown Calgary. Set on an island in the Bow River, the park is adjacent to Eau Claire Market , and many tourists make a joint visit to these two top attractions.

Connected to the mainland by three pedestrian bridges, the park offers walking and biking areas, as well as outdoor concerts and plays during the summer months. A popular restaurant is located on the island.

Address: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary

The award-winning, luxuriously appointed, and privately owned Rocky Mountaineer rail tour runs between Calgary or Jasper and Vancouver, the company's base, cutting westward on the historic Canadian Pacific line through the soaring mountain wall of the Rockies. At Canmore , providing the weather is good, there is a fine view of the snow-capped Three Sisters, a grouping of mountain peaks that make for a stunning backdrop to your journey.

Soon afterward, the popular resort of Banff is reached. Other highlights in this mountainous section, where peaks top 3,600 meters, are Lake Louise , Kicking Horse Pass , and Rogers Pass . A variety of day trip options are also available, and you can even break your trip up. A popular option for outdoor enthusiasts is to stop over in Banff for a few days of hiking in Banff National Park .

However you choose to tackle this epic rail journey, a word of warning: as one of North America's busiest scenic rail adventures, it's a good idea to plan your excursion well in advance, especially if you have a hankering to ride the first-class GoldLeaf dome car.

Established in 1966, the Glenbow Museum features some rare exhibits illustrating the historical development of Western Canada. The museum travels back in time, exploring the lives of early fur traders and the North West Mounted Police, Métis uprisings under Louis Riel, and the development of the oil industry.

This fascinating art and history museum also hosts temporary exhibitions from around the world. Guided tours and educational programming are also available.

Another good museum to visit is Telus Spark . Perfect for families to explore together, this first-rate science museum features a variety of fascinating interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, as well as lectures and educational workshops.

Address: 130 9 Ave SE, Calgary

Situated in Calgary's East Village area, Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre , opened in its new state-of-the-art facility in 2016. Able to trace its roots back as far as 1987, the huge structure houses a number of music-related attractions, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Collection.

Together, these museums boast an impressive collection of 2,000 music-related artifacts, including numerous old and rare instruments. Among the larger exhibits are a mobile recording studio that once belonged to the Rolling Stones and a piano once owned by Elton John.

The building itself is simply stunning, especially its interior, which features more than 226,000 attractive terra-cotta tiles. In addition to its many exhibits-many of them hands-on and interactive-Studio Bell offers a diverse program of educational events and workshops, daily performances, as well as concerts.

Guided tours are available, along with a fun backstage pass tour that includes time playing some of the instruments you'll see.

Address: 850 4 Street SE, Calgary, Alberta

Canada's second-largest urban park, Fish Creek Provincial Park covers an area of nearly 14 square kilometers. Located in Calgary's far south, this huge green space is popular for its many pleasant walking and hiking trails, which lead through forest areas and along the creek, and some of which connect to other trails that crisscross the city.

Fish Creek Park has been designated a natural area, and as such is perfect for people looking for a taste of nature. It's a popular spot for bird-watching, with some 200 different species identified as living here.

Other fun things to do include fishing, swimming, biking, and participating in an organized nature tour. There are also a number of heritage buildings within the park that are fun to explore, as well as a visitor center and a restaurant.

Address: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary

If there's time left in your Calgary travel itinerary for another park visit, try to also squeeze in Bowness Park . Located in the city's northwest corner, this large 74-acre urban green space is especially popular for families and is a great spot for picnics or barbecues, with fire pits provided.

There's even a fun paddleboat ride in summer. Traveling with kids? They'll want to climb aboard the great little train that's available for kids to enjoy.

Come winter, the fun revolves around skating, as well as a fun new experience called "ice biking" (yes, it's literally a bike on skates!). Other winter activities include hockey, curling, and cross-country skiing. It's an especially nice place to visit in the fall when the leaves change color.

Address: 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary

The Hangar Flight Museum focuses on the history of Canadian aviation and Western Canada in particular. Canadian pilots who fought in WWII started the museum, which has now grown dramatically since to exhibit a variety of aircraft. At last count, 24 planes and helicopters were on display here-simulators, aviation art prints, radio equipment, and information on aviation history.

There's also a fascinating display of artifacts and information related to Canada's space programs. The museum is located in a large building near the Calgary Airport. A variety of programming is also available, including lectures, tours, events, and aircraft-related movie nights.

Address: 4629 McCall Way NE, Calgary

The first outpost of the North West Mounted Police, Fort Calgary was set up in 1875 at the confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers. The foundations of the original fort can still be seen, and the Fort Calgary Museum helps interpret the founding of the city. On the other side of the bridge stands Deane House, built in 1906 for the fort commandant.

Also on-site is a gift shop, which sells souvenirs and RCMP collectibles, and a theater showing related movies. If visiting on a Sunday, arrive early and partake in the facility's popular brunch (reservations recommended).

Address: 750 9th Ave SE, Calgary

The Military Museums of Calgary is an impressive collection of Canadian Forces museums that explore the history of Canada's Navy, Army, and Air Force. Exhibits emphasize interactive experiences, whether it's walking through WWI trenches or steering a ship from a wheelhouse.

A variety of military vehicles are located on-site, including several tanks, and there's also a library that's available for public use. The museum hosts events and lectures throughout the year, and a gift shop is located on-site.

Address: 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary

A world-renowned equestrian facility, Spruce Meadows welcomes visitors throughout the year to tour the stables, watch show jumping and dressage champions in training, and stroll the pleasant grounds.

Outdoor tournaments take place in the spring, with indoor competitions in other seasons. There's also a football stadium located on the 505-acre site, as well as retail vendors and dining options.

Address: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary

On the 4th level of the Core Shopping Centre, visitors will come somewhat unexpectedly upon the floral paradise of Devonian Gardens . Covering about 2.5 acres, the indoor gardens feature some 550 trees, including lovely tropical palms, along with sculptures, fish ponds, fountains, and a 900-square-foot living wall.

About 10,000 plants make up the displays, and despite Calgary's cold winters, they thrive under a glass ceiling. A children's play area is located on-site. The Devonian Gardens are free for the public to wander.

Address: 400 - 317 7 Ave SW, Calgary

The best places to stay when visiting Calgary are in the vibrant downtown area, which is central to many of the major attractions. Staying near the Bow River, which runs right through the city center, will put you near walking trails and lovely parks. Another popular area of downtown is 17th Avenue, with plenty of fun things to do, such as shopping in its trendy shops and dining in its world-class restaurants. Below are some highly rated Calgary hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

The elegant Hotel Le Germain Calgary , located in the central business district, is within walking distance of the Calgary Tower and EPCOR Center for the Performing Arts.
The modern and conveniently located Hyatt Regency Calgary features rooms with city views, a rooftop sundeck, and an indoor pool, and is connected to the Telus Convention Center.

Mid-Range Hotels:

Right downtown, just a short walk from Prince's Island Park in the Bow River and offering large suites at an affordable price, is the upscale International Hotel.
The award-winning, boutique Hotel Arts , an easy stroll from the Calgary Tower, has custom contemporary décor in all its rooms.
South of downtown, but very close to Fish Creek Provincial Park, is the Wingate by Wyndham Calgary . With an indoor pool and waterslide, this hotel is a good choice for families.

Budget Hotels:

A good downtown budget option is the BEST WESTERN PLUS Suites Downtown , with extra-large rooms that include either a full kitchen or kitchenette.
The Fairfield Inn & Suites offers large suites with city views and a complimentary breakfast.
Just south of downtown, near the Stampede grounds, is the BEST WESTERN PLUS Calgary Centre Inn with very reasonable rates.

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Things to do this Summer in Edmonton

Your summer bucket list starts here! Experience 18 hours of daily sunlight in the world's largest northernmost metropolis. Feel the rush of Edmonton's summer festival season, embark on awe-inspiring sunset canoe tours, encounter roaming plains Bison at Elk Island National Park, and catch some rays on one of the city's legendary patios.

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Festivals on festivals, canada's festival city.

Summer in Edmonton isn't complete without a full line-up of exciting festivals! From the world-renowned Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival , to the delicious Taste of Edmonton , and the cultural hotbed that is the Edmonton Heritage Festival & Cariwest , you're guaranteed a great time. Stop by the Whyte Avenue Art Walk , pop over to the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival and The Works Art & Design Festival or jam out on the iconic hill at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival .

Soundtrack Music Festival

This two-day, multi-genre festival is bringing back the 2000's to the river valley. Get your butterfly clips and low-rise jeans ready for some epic throwback jams. The 2023 festival features Nelly, Third Eye Blind, Mother Mother, T.I., Ashanti, Everclear, Said The Whale, Boy Golden & more!

Nonstop Fun at K-Days

There’s nothing like screaming at the top of your lungs as your roller coaster cart reaches the peak of its climb and starts to zip down the track. The coasters at K-Days really deliver the thrills. Too scared to take the plunge? Check out the awesome concert series! When you’ve ridden every ride you can handle, cap off the day with a candy apple and watch as fireworks fill the sky above the fairgrounds.

The Summer of PRIDE

June in Edmonton is Pride Month, meaning there are countless 2SLGBTQ+ events to experience around the city! Celebrate with local organizations like Fruit Loop , spend the evening at Evolution Wonderlounge , and check out our 2SLGBTQ+ section for more great events around the city!

Celebrate love and diversity at PRIDE Fest in Churchill Square this August! Don't miss the chance to witness Alberta's first 2-Spirit Powwow , then step back in time at Y2K @ Churchill , featuring a 90s-themed dance party with the legendary PROZZAK. Finally, wrap up the festivities with Pride @ Churchill , the biggest Pride event in Edmonton, featuring performances by Ria Mae, Stereos, Hyphen Hyphen, and more!

August 18-26

Savory Bites & Sips Under the Sun

Take a delicious tour.

Indulge in the fine local foods and beverages of Edmonton while touring around the city on a Food Bike Tour with Chef Table Living — stop by historical buildings and breweries under the warm sun. Or take a tipsy ride through the streets as you pedal your way around Edmonton's top craft beer taprooms and breweries on an Urban Pedal Tour . Alberta Food Tours also offer a variety of guided culinary exhibitions around the city.

Farmer's Markets Galore

Support local growers, makers, and vendors at these stand-out Edmonton markets: Edmonton Downtown Farmers' Market , Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market and the 124 Grand Market . You’ll find everything Edmontonians love about summer — food trucks, live entertainment, fresh local produce, one-of-a-kind clothing and more. Looking for more farmers markets in Edmonton?

Livin' That Patio Life

There’s nothing quite like the fresh air on an open patio and a cold pint. Try out small but mighty patios like The Next Act , Sugar Bowl or Three Boars/High Dough . The patio at Julio’s Barrio is an Edmonton staple (perfect for people watching), while Café Bicyclette is an ideal place to enjoy a pastry and catch up with friends. The patio at Craft Beer Market is a must visit, and you'll love the eclectic look of the rooftop patio at Spotlight Cabaret .

All Aboard!

See city vistas from a new perspective on the Edmonton Street Car with a glass of cask beer in hand! Running from late May to October, The Common is hosting Street Car Cask Parties , and it's a summer experience that you don't want to miss. Enjoy a different Alberta Brewery for each journey, food from local restaurants, and entertainment at The Common after you return from your trip.

May 25-October

Outdoor Adventure

Explore the city by water.

Paddle your way along the North Saskatchewan River, spotting wildlife and taking in Edmonton's beautiful skyline. Raft rentals from River Valley Adventure Co . come with everything you need for a day out on the water including an inflatable raft, oars, a pump, bailer, personal floatation devices and a repair kit. Paddle your way along the river with Haskin Canoe 's Voyageur Canoe Tours , a one-of-a-kind opportunity to transport through Edmonton's backyard. Edmonton Canoe also offers canoe or kayak experiences, plus paddleboards ! RiverWatch 's Summer EcoFloats offer guided urban river floats down the North Saskatchewan River while taking in stunning scenery and learning about the river's history, culture, and biodiversity.

Discover Elk Island

Elk Island National Park is also a designated dark sky preserve and the cornerstone of Canada’s bison conservation. Camping at Elk Island is a perfect summer activity. Take a trip to Elk Island Retreat , located 45 minutes east of Edmonton and 5 minutes from Elk Island National Park. This private campground features a variety of accommodation options from tipis, geo domes, trapper cabins, yurts and 36 full-service RV sites. Talking Rock Tours provides interactive experiences that reveal the history of the land with a Métis guide and geologist who combines his culture and knowledge of geology. You'll see Edmonton's landscapes in a whole new light!

Climb New Heights

Gather your crew and hit the biggest and most intricate jungle gym you've ever seen at the Snow Valley Aerial Park . Are you ready for the "Ninja Warrior" course? Or are you looking for something a little closer to the ground? Either way, you'll have the best afternoon ever exploring the off-the-ground games and obstacles. You can also find Target Golf and the Whitemud Creek Mining Company at Snow Valley this summer.

Get Your Head in the Clouds

Take flight with Edmonton Regional Helicopters and explore Edmonton from a bird's eye view, or swoop through Edmonton's picturesque, sprawling river valley during a one-hour Discovery Flight + City Tour with the Namao Flying Club! These views are one of a kind. For even more high-flying fun, let your imagination take flight at The Alberta Aviation Museum . With over 30 historical aircraft exhibits, there is something for everyone to explore!

Iconic Attractions

History lovers, rejoice.

Depart on a journey through Edmonton's rich history at Fort Edmonton Park , and explore life through the diversity of First Nations' and Métis Peoples' histories and perspectives at the park's Indigenous People's Experience . The Royal Alberta Museum ’s expansive galleries will immerse you in stories of Alberta. History is brought to life at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Villag e , an open-air museum depicting early settlement in east central Alberta from 1892-1930. A short drive away, Métis Crossing celebrates the story of the Métis through traditional crafts, tours, and food experiences. 

The ICE District

Located at the north end of the 4th Street Promenade, the ICE District features Rogers Place , an architectural and technological marvel that hosts the biggest names in music and is home to the Edmonton Oilers and Oil Kings hockey teams. What’s more, ICE District is gearing up to be one of Canada’s largest mixed-use sports and entertainment districts. The Grandvilla Casino and luxury hotels like the JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District are just the beginning. Take in events like Sustainival , BOMFEST , and a lengthy list of superstar concerts!

Muttart Conservatory

Breathe in colourful and exotic life at this enchanting attraction. Each of the four iconic pyramids holds a themed garden representing a different world biome and species that hail from Mexico to Madagascar. Make sure to leave time to stop in at Cafe Bloom onsite for a delicious homemade meal before you head out! Pro tip: keep your eyes peeled for the resident superstar, a giant Amorphophallus titanium, also known as the corpse flower.

photo credit: @tosomeplacenew

A Sporty Summer

Canadian road cycling championships.

The 2023 Canadian Road Cycling Championships are the most prestigious cycling events on the domestic racing calendar, with the winners of each event awarded the “National Champion” maple leaf jersey to wear in competition around the world in the year following the event. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride like a pro at our 3rd annual Edmonton Urban Fondo . Join Edmonton's only urban, closed course, bike event on June 25!

Volleyball World Beach Full Tour

Feel the heat as Volleyball World turns Edmonton's ICE District into a beach paradise! Watch the world's best athletes compete for big bucks and ranking points in this thrilling global circuit.

FIBA 3X3 Masters & Women's Series

Basketball's greatest 3x3 athletes return to downtown Edmonton this summer for the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Tour and FIBA 3x3 Women's Series in ICE District Plaza! The prestigious 3x3 event will take place at the same time as Taste of Edmonton, so be sure to fuel up and choose from an array of over 50 Edmonton-owned restaurants before heading over to catch the games!

Commonwealth Stadium

With a seating capacity for 56,400 fans and home of the Edmonton Elks football club and FC Edmonton soccer team, Commonwealth Stadium is a must-visit venue for world-class events including major sports events and concerts. This 42-acre complex just minutes from the city centre promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.

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10 Places To Visit In Alberta In Summer On Your Canada Trip In 2023
Alberta : Alberta Chapter Royal Architectural Institute Of Canada / Managed by the social media
Top 15 Things To Do in Alberta
Summer in Alberta: 6 of Calgary's Best Attractions
12 Top-Rated Attractions in Alberta:
15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Alberta

COMMENTS

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Alberta
2023. 7. Royal Tyrrell Museum. 3,133. Speciality Museums. Set in the rugged Alberta badlands, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology displays one of the world's largest collections of dinosaurs. With ever-changing exhibits and self-guided experiences year-round, there is always something new to discover.
16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Alberta
The glaciers and turquoise lakes of Banff and Jasper National Parks are the main attractions in summer, ... For a better understanding of the province and ideas for things to do here, see our guide to the top tourist attractions in Alberta. On This Page: 1. Banff National Park; 2. Lake Louise; 3. Icefields Parkway and the Columbia Icefield
10 Places To Visit In Alberta In Summer On Your Canada Trip In 2023
Athabasca Falls is one of the best tourist places to visit in Alberta in summer. Location: Jasper National Park. Best things to do: Rafting, sightseeing, strolling. Best time to visit: June-August. Suggested Read: Shopping In Vancouver: 8 Spots For Shopaholics Staying In Canada. 4.
22 BEST Places to Visit in Alberta, Canada
Once there, you can see the falls from the lookout at the top or make your way down the hill to the plateau between the falls for a spectacular view. 13. The Calgary Zoo. You can do some pretty neat animal watching at the Calgary Zoo, it is one of the top-rated attractions in Alberta.
59 of the Best Things To Do in Alberta
Spray Lakes Provincial Park. As of now, Spray Lakes remains our favourite camping spot in the province. It's a 30-minute drive from Canmore up into the mountains and is an extremely scenic place to go camping in Alberta. However, it can't be booked in advance so it's a bit of a game of luck to find a spot.
50 Outdoor Summer Adventures in Alberta
Alberta is cowboy country and true to its redneck roots, there is always a rodeo happening in the summer. Visit a small town rodeo to intimately experience the Cowboy Culture. Details. 6. Go Swimming at Long Lake Provincial Park. Beat the dry summer heat with a day at Long Lake Provincial Park located an hour and a half outside of Edmonton.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Travel paths forged in HBO's The Last of Us. Explore the incredible sights and eerie locations of HBO's Alberta-filmed series, The Last of Us, for yourself. The first season was filled with iconic shots from across the province, including downtown Calgary, the Legislature Building in Edmonton, Fort Macleod, Canmore and Calgary's SAIT and ...
100+ BEST Things To Do in Alberta (updated 2024)
Take an Alberta Legislature Tour. Alberta became a province in 1905 and the impressive five-story Legislature Building was built and completed in 1912. It is recommended (but not required) to get a Heritage Interpreter guide for a booked visit, which can include a standard Legislature Building tour, a visit to the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre and watching Session from the galleries in ...
Summer Getaways
Summer Getaways. Our summers are famous for long, sunny days. The nights are pretty good, too. Summer in Alberta is a whole new ball game. The buds come out on the trees — and all over the province as friends head off on Outdoor Adventures. Go for a hike, sleep under the stars or paddle a canoe — whatever floats your boat.
The top 10 attractions in Alberta
Lake Louise - Credit: Finn Beales. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Banff National Park is home to two of the most beautiful lakes in the world. First, Moraine Lake is a glacier-fed lake located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Rent a canoe and slide across the bright blue lake, which gets its color from the silt brought in by the glacier water.
How to Plan the Perfect Summer Trip to Alberta
Image Courtesy of Travel Alberta and Tourism Edmonton. Edmonton. You may already know Edmonton thanks to West Edmonton Mall, but that's not all there is to it. Summer in Edmonton is legendary, with 18 hours of sunlight per day, great festivals, outdoor activities and markets galore.
31 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Alberta
Lake Louise is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Alberta. A true Canadian bucket list activity is to rent a canoe and head out onto the lake. ... Calgary hosted the 1988 Olympics and just outside the city is Canada Olympic Park where you can enjoy countless outdoor activities in both winter and summer. Read more: Canada Olympic Park ...
33 BEST Things to do in Alberta (2024 Bucket List!)
Kids (6-12): $14 CAD. Children 5 and under: free. Banff Sunshine Gondola. A lengthier ride at 22 minutes, the Banff Sunshine Gondola takes you to Sunshine Village, where there are restaurants, some shops, and the Sunshine Mountain Lodge - the only mountain-top hotel in Banff.
50+ Bucket List Ideas For Summer Adventures and Unique Activities in
Sylvan Lake - One of the most popular summer destinations in Alberta, the town offers plethora of summer fun. Alberta Beach - Set on the shores of Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta Beach is a popular tourist destination. The village is aptly named as the beach is a huge draw to the area for kids and adults alike. 29.
Alberta Bucket List: 50+ EPIC Things to do in Alberta
Lethbridge High Level Bridge. Another sight in Southern Alberta that makes my Alberta bucket list is High Level Bridge in Lethbridge, the fourth largest city in Alberta. The impressive steel structure over the Oldman River supports a viaduct and dates back to 1907-09, but trains still use it today.
50 BEST Things To Do In Banff In Summer
Go Deep in the Backcountry on Horseback. One of the best things to do in Banff in the summer is to hop on a horseback and get deep into Banff National Park. It's a huge park that very few people really get out in, most stick to the main sites. But having a horse will help you get far back into some unknown passes.
30 Fun Things to Do in Calgary in Summer
Tour de Bowness Street Festival - a free one-day event with artisans, food trucks, musicians and a bike race. Marda Grass Street Festival - a free, family-friendly event inspired by the New Orleans festival. Expo Latino - largest Latin festival in Western Canada. 5. Global Fest.
77 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Alberta
Explore Alberta. National Parks 9. Nature 7. Animals 7. Water 6. Geology 6. Mountains 6. Geological Oddities 6. Museums And Collections 6.
17 Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Calgary
3. Take the Kids to Calgary Zoo Calgary Zoo . Tracing its roots back as far as 1917, Calgary Zoo is one of the city's most popular family attractions and Canada's largest and most visited zoological park. Spread across a 120-acre site on St. George's Island in the Bow River, the zoo is home to over 1,000 animals representing some 272 species, including many examples of rare and endangered species.
20+ Must Visit Nature Attractions in Southern Alberta
2. Cypress Hills Provincial Park Dark Sky Reserve/ Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. The Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is a beautiful park straddling the Alberta/Saskatchewan border. The Cypress Hills Provincial Park Dark Sky Reserve is the first dark sky reserve in Alberta, thanks to its high elevation and lack of light pollution.
Things to do this Summer in Edmonton
All Aboard! See city vistas from a new perspective on the Edmonton Street Car with a glass of cask beer in hand! Running from late May to October, The Common is hosting Street Car Cask Parties, and it's a summer experience that you don't want to miss.Enjoy a different Alberta Brewery for each journey, food from local restaurants, and entertainment at The Common after you return from your trip.
Things to Do in the Summer
There's space for you here. Canmore and Kananaskis have the freedom you need to experience unfiltered nature at its finest. Lace up your hiking shoes, dig out your fishing pole, or grab a paddle - whether you're exploring our great outdoors for the first time or the hundredth, there's space for all levels of adventure here in the mountains.
Sizzling and searing: Alberta's summer forecast is out and it's HOT
A sizzling hot summer is on its way for most of Canada, according to an extended weather forecast by the Farmers' Almanac, and Alberta is set to catch some serious rays. June 20 will officially mark the first day of summer in Alberta, and it is shaping up to be a warm one for the entire province.

10 Fascinating Places To Visit In Alberta In Summer

1. Lake Louise

2. Icefield Parkway And Columbia Icefield

3. Athabasca Falls

4. Maligne Canyon

5. Calgary Stampede

6. Sunshine Village Ski Resort

7. Moraine Lake

8. Drumheller

9. Johnston Canyon

10. West Edmonton Mall

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Alberta In Summer

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Things To Do in Calgary

Heritage Park Historical Village

The Calgary Zoo

Studio Bell National Music Center

Glenbow Museum

The Calgary Tower

Prince’s Island Park and Peace Bridge

Go Zip-lining

The Calgary Stampede

Spruce Meadows

Float Down the Bow

Dine at the Best Restaurants in Calgary

Drink Good Beer

Things to Do In Banff National Park

Explore the Town of Banff

Banff Gondola

Visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Visit the Banff Castle

Lake Minnewanka Banff Lake Cruise

Diving Lake Minnewanka

Climb a Mountain at Mount Norquay

Johnston Canyon

Lake Louise

Moraine Lake

Things to Do in Kananaskis

Spray Lakes Provincial Park

Go Hiking in the Kananaskis

Go Camping in the Mountains

Things To Do In Jasper National Park

Jasper Sky Tram

Athabasca Glacier Adventure

Jasper Skywalk

Maligne Lake Cruise

Gaze at the Stars

Go Golfing in the Mountains

Things To Do In Edmonton

West Edmonton Mall

Telus World of Science

Explore the River Valley

Muttart Conservatory

Visit a Brewery

Alberta Legislature Building

Restaurants in Edmonton

Things to Do in Drumheller

Royal Tyrrell Museum

Horseshoe Canyon

Horsethief Canyon

Walk the Hoodoos

Party with Ghosts

Go Camping with Dinosaurs

Things to Do in Lethbridge

Galt Museum

Fort Whoop-Up

Hiking the Coulees

Lethbridge Viaduct

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden

Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump

Fort Macleod

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Things to Do in Southwest Alberta

Frank Slide

Crowsnest Pass

The Remington Carriage Museum