Alberta is Canada’s most stunning province. I could also be biased since I used to be born in Alberta and have returned numerous instances nevertheless it’s arduous to compete with the Rocky Mountains, the badlands, and the glistening glacier lakes. So since we love visiting Alberta a lot, we need to share probably the most stunning locations to go to in Alberta to allow you to be the decide. House to the Canadian Rockies, Alberta boasts 5 nationwide parks with a number of the finest surroundings in Western Canada. If you’re planning a visit to Alberta, don’t miss these stunning locations.
Finest Locations to Go to in Alberta
We now have traveled numerous Alberta throughout each season and may truthfully say, it’s a tremendous year-round vacation spot and one of many most stunning locations on this planet! Whether or not you go to Alberta in winter, summer season, spring, or fall, you’re going to be shocked by its pure magnificence.
One of the simplest ways to get round Alberta is by automobile. You’ll need to have the ability to cease on the scenic views, mountain climbing trails, and points of interest all through the province. You’ll be able to decide up your automobile rental on the Calgary Airport and set off for the journey of a lifetime. Examine costs right here.
There are such a lot of iconic locations to see in Alberta, it may be tough understanding the place to begin, however we’re right here to assist. These are probably the most stunning locations in Alberta that we have now visited with photos to show it! Let’s get began.
Banff Nationwide Park
Banff Nationwide Park is Canada’s oldest nationwide park and has attracted guests since 1885. Situated in the course of the Rocky Mountains there are unimaginable views, glacier lakes, and backcountry adventures available. Once you set your eyes upon Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier regally reflecting into its turquoise waters you possibly can’t assist however gasp in awe on the scene of one of the crucial stunning locations in Canada.
Banff Nationwide Park is huge with towering mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies, turquoise lakes (in addition to Lake Louise), and alpine meadows. The park can also be residence to quite a few waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise. So, earlier than we transfer away from Banff Nationwide Park, let’s check out the entire high points of interest within the space, as a result of they only so occur to be one of the best locations to go to in Alberta as nicely.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is without doubt one of the most well-known vacationer points of interest in Alberta. A real Canadian bucket record exercise is to lease a canoe and head out onto the lake. You’ll be able to keep in Lake Louise Village which has loads of retailers and eating places or you possibly can keep on the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise for pure luxurious and decadence.
The place to Keep in Lake Louise:
Lake Louise in Winter
It is usually among the best locations in Alberta to go to in Winter. Lake Louise Ski Resort is a world-class resort that hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics. Within the winter there are countless adventures available at Lake Louise Ski Resort and past the ski hill from cross-country snowboarding, canine sledding, skijoring, pond hockey, and snowshoeing.
Within the winter Lake Louise freezes over making for probably the most stunning outside skating rink settings on earth. Now could be your likelihood to ice skate at one in every of Canada’s most iconic locations.
- Learn extra about what to see and do in Lake Louise:
In the summertime, Lake Louise is astounding with mountain climbing trails taking you out to Victoria Glacier and past. A preferred hike is the Lake Agnes Tea Home Trek, the place you hike 3.5km (2.2 miles) to the historic tea home. Lake Agnes Tea Home has been in operation since 1905 and has a captivating rustic ambiance, with seating each inside and outdoors on the deck overlooking Lake Agnes.
This is without doubt one of the hottest hikes within the nationwide park, so it’s really helpful to reach early to keep away from crowds and guarantee a spot on the tea home. After having fun with your tea and snacks on the tea home, you possibly can both retrace your steps again to Lake Louise alongside this in style hike or proceed on to the Little Beehive or Huge Beehive trails for extra gorgeous views of the realm.
Moraine Lake
No go to to Lake Louise can be full with out mountain climbing out to Moraine Lake. It unforgettable scene is featured on the again of our previous Canadian $20 invoice and has been attracting outside lovers for many years.
Moraine Lake isn’t removed from Lake Louise and is simply an hour’s drive from the city of Banff. The very best time to go to Moraine Lake is certainly at dawn. When the solar hits the Valley of the Ten Peaks and displays off of the mirror-like lake you understand why this is without doubt one of the most photographed places in North America.
Be aware that there was a change in guidelines for 2023 and accessing Moraine Lake for dawn is now not potential through the Parks Canada Shuttle. You’ll have to discover a tour that has entry to do that. In case you experience a motorcycle or take an organized tour you possibly can nonetheless go to Lake Moraine for dawn.
The Moraine Lake Shoreline hike offers you a shot of ten towering peaks side-by-side, together with Mount Tuzo, Mount Bowlen, and Wenkchemna Peak. That is the well-known “Twenty Greenback View.” Learn extra: 16 Finest Banff Hikes To Uncover
Banff Scorching Springs
It was the Banff Scorching Springs that first attracted vacationers to the nationwide park and when visiting Banff you should take a day to spend in these iconic waters. The new springs had been first found by staff on the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883.
This is without doubt one of the most gorgeous places of any sizzling spring surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. The water temperature ranges from 37°C to 40°C (98°F to 104°F), making it the proper place to loosen up and unwind.
The Banff Higher Scorching Springs is the preferred and accessible in Banff Nationwide Park making it a simple place to go to. The ability contains a big outside pool that’s open year-round. The truth is, one of the best time to go to is in winter when the mountains are coated with snow. There are indoor change rooms the place you possibly can lease an old-timers bathing swimsuit for those who don’t have your personal, plus a café. There’s additionally a present store the place you should purchase souvenirs and different gadgets.
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is the biggest lake in Banff Nationwide Park stretching over 21 kilometers (13 miles) in size and reaching depths of as much as 142 meters (466 ft). Like so lots of the lakes within the park, it’s surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.
The identify “Minnewanka” comes from the Stoney Nakoda First Nations folks, that means “Water of the Spirits” and there are many issues to do within the space. Guests can take a scenic drive alongside the Minnewanka Loop, which provides a number of viewpoints and stops for mountain climbing trails and picnic areas.
We extremely advocate taking one in every of its boat excursions in the course of the summer season months. The guides are stuffed with information and also you’ll study concerning the legend of the Mermen that lived in Lake Minnewanka. Within the winter, the lake freezes over and turns into a well-liked spot for ice fishing and cross-country snowboarding. We now have visited it in each winter and summer season and every season is gorgeous.
Citadel Mountain
One of the vital recognizable Massifs is Citadel Mountain. Situated between Banff City and Lake Louise, its distinctive form resembles a fort. (therefore its identify). The world provides alternatives for mountain climbing and mountain climbing. For these with out alpine abilities, the mountain may be considered from the Trans Canada Freeway at Citadel Junction.
The place to remain in Banff:
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway hyperlinks Banff and Jasper nationwide parks and is without doubt one of the most stunning drives on earth. It actually is without doubt one of the biggest street journeys on this planet. There are such a lot of issues to see alongside Icefields parkway you’ll need to take a few days to discover it. Don’t miss stopping on the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefields which is without doubt one of the largest non-polar ice fields on this planet and take within the view of the encompassing mountains on the Icefields Skywalk.
You’ll be able to learn extra at Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta however we’re additionally going to focus on a number of the high outside actions and viewpoints alongside this iconic route.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
The Columbia Icefields Skywalk has rapidly grow to be probably the most epic viewpoint in Alberta. Only a quick drive from the Columbia Icefield customer middle the Skywalk is a must-see attraction. The glass-bottomed walkway over the Columbia Icefields dangles 280m (918 ft) above the canyon surrounded by glaciers and mountains creating an superior view!
The Columbia Icefield is a good cease about midway between Banff and Jasper city and right here you possibly can go to the museum, seize some lunch (meals is pricey although so be ready), and take within the views of the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. You’ll be able to e book excursions right here as nicely.
Athabasca Glacier
You’ll be able to view the glacier from the customer centre, however you may also e book a tour to get out onto it. In case you don’t need to e book a tour, you possibly can stroll out on some trails for a better view of the glacier. However don’t go off the path and by no means enterprise out onto the glacier alone with out a information. It’s harmful and may be lethal, that is the scariest glacier we’ve ever been on with deep crevasses and we adopted our information’s directions to a tea.
E-book this Columbia Icefield Half Day Tour right here from Jasper. It contains transportation from Jasper, photograph stops at Athabasca Falls and Stutfield Glacier, Ice Cat tour of the Athabasca Glacier and the Icefield Skywalk with lunch!
Bow Lake
There are numerous pullovers and viewpoints on the Icefields Parkway to see iconic Alberta lakes equivalent to Peyto Lake, and the gorgeous reflections of Bow Lake. Situated on the foot of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake has probably the most stunning lake reflection in all of Alberta. You’ll be able to hike across the lake or pause to remain at Num ti Jaw Lodge positioned immediately on Bow Lake. It’s an awesome place to make a base.
Peyto Lake
There are such a lot of lakes alongside the Icefields Parkway to cease and take within the views. From Two Jack Lake to Peyto Lake which we have now determined to function. Why? As a result of, Peyto Lake is a surprising glacier-fed lake that’s is thought for its vibrant blue-green colour, which is brought on by the rock flour (high quality sediment) that’s carried into the lake by melting glaciers.
It has spectacular views of the encompassing mountains, there are a number of mountain climbing trails with The Bow Summit Path being a well-liked cease. Make sure that to maintain a watch out for elk, moose deer, and even bears. Peyto Lake is well accessible from the close by Icefields Parkway, making it one of the crucial in style tops for folks touring from Banff to Jasper Nationwide Park.
The place to Keep on the Icefields Parkway
Num Ti Jah Lodge is a historic Lodge positioned immediately on Bow Lake. It is without doubt one of the most unusual locations to remain in Alberta and is positioned on the Glacier Parkway, it makes for an awesome place to make a base whereas exploring each Banff and Jasper Nationwide Parks for those who don’t thoughts the drive.
Jasper Nationwide Park
After you’ve pushed the Icefields Parkway, Jasper Nationwide Park is your subsequent cease and is a spot you can’t miss visiting in Alberta. It’s as stunning as Banff Nationwide Park for those who can imagine it! The truth is, we like Jasper Nationwide Park higher than banff as a result of it’s much less crowded and extra rustic.
There are such a lot of locations to see in Jasper Nationwide Park that it’s essential to spend a number of days up right here. It has an abundance of wildlife from grizzly bears to mountain goats, you possibly can see the aurora borealis and waterfalls. Plus, like so many different locations in Alberta, there are mountain climbing trails, turquoise lakes, and canyons. Learn extra: Wonderful Issues to do in Jasper, Alberta
Northern Lights at Lake Annette
You’ll be able to see the northern lights throughout Alberta however Jasper is thought for its darkish sky competition and it is without doubt one of the finest locations to see the Aurora Borealis in Alberta. Winter is one of the best time to view the darkish skies as a result of the times or shorter and you’ve got lengthy darkish nights to see the celebrities twinkle within the sky.
We made our method out to Lake Annette from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge within the wee hours of the morning and noticed probably the most extraordinary show of northern lights reflecting within the nonetheless waters. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is one of the best place to remain in Jasper with stunning views of Lac Beauvert and choices to remain in log cabins, large lake homes, and predominant constructing resort rooms.
Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is a beautiful river canyon stroll that plunges 50 meters (154 ft) into the earth. Maligne Canyon is positioned simply quarter-hour from downtown Jasper alongside the 46 km (miles) Maligne Lake Drive. This cease is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Jasper and for good cause. It’s the deepest canyon in Jasper Nationwide Park and there are stunning mountain climbing trails alongside the canyon providing extraordinary views. Arrive early within the morning to beat the crowds!
In the summertime it’s a great spot for a hike to see the waterfalls cascading down the canyon, however within the winter it turns right into a wonderland with frozen waterfalls filling the scene. You’ll be able to e book ice stroll excursions to see the frozen waterfalls and ice caves.
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is without doubt one of the most visited locations in Jasper Nationwide Park. There are mountain climbing trails and scenic lookouts however the high factor to do right here is to take a ship cruise to Spirit Island for a picture-perfect photograph alternative.
Additionally, this will provide you with sufficient time to drive out to Maligne Lake. It’s the longest pure lake within the Canadian Rockies. Learn extra: 14 Finest Hikes in Jasper Nationwide Park – Alberta Canada
The place to Keep in Jasper Nationwide Park
Different highlights of Jasper embrace taking a meals tour of Jasper City, a go to to Pyramid Lake at dawn, a hike to Sunwapta Falls, and stopping to view the attractive Athabasca Falls. Take a look at: 14 Finest Hikes in Jasper Nationwide Park – Alberta Canada
Alberta Badlands
The Alberta Badlands are a stark distinction to the Rocky Mountains area. The lunar-like panorama is stuffed with distinctive locations to see in Alberta. There’s additionally some stunning scenic lookouts like Horse Thief Canyon and Horseshoe Canyon. The Hoodoos of Drumheller are to not be missed. Learn extra: Issues to do in Drumheller, Alberta
Hoodoos of Drumheller
These historical hoodoo rock formations are a tiny cluster on the facet of the street as you drive from Dinosaur Provincial Park to Drumheller. The hoodoos had been shaped over lots of of years via erosion from freezing, frost, soften and wind.
Over time, the sandstone eroded into lengthy chimney-like formations that stay standing as a result of the arduous rock “hat” retains it from utterly eroding away. They’re one of the crucial distinctive locations in Alberta. If you wish to know extra, take a look at our put up at The Hoodoos of Drumheller
The place to remain within the Alberta Badlands
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Situated within the city of Drumheller, The Royal Tyrrell Museum is without doubt one of the finest dinosaur museums on this planet. We may have spent hours having fun with its shows. The truth is, it homes the biggest and most numerous assortment of fossils on this planet, with over 160,000 specimens on show. Guests can see all the pieces from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to historical marine creatures and prehistoric crops.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Whereas driving alongside the dinosaur path, you can’t miss taking a tour of Dinosaur Provincial Park. Not solely is is completely stunning, however it is usually one of the crucial fossil-rich locations on the planet and you’ll see actual fossils which were dug from excavations.
The Centrosaurus Quarry Hike is one of the simplest ways to see this large focus of dinosaur fossils. This was an precise excavation website, however scientists acquired all they wanted from there and left the remaining for us to see. It’s an interactive tour and the information exams your information as you attempt to bear in mind all the pieces you discovered in class about dinosaurs. You’ll be able to e book excursions on the park customer middle. Learn extra: A Go to to Dinosaur Provincial Park
Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park
Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park (also referred to as Waterton – Glacier Worldwide Peace Park) is a tremendous place to go to in Alberta. It’s positioned on america border and shares its land with Glacier Nationwide Park.
Collectively they’re the one nationwide parks on this planet which might be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website, an Worldwide Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve rolled multi function. You’ll be able to see a herd of untamed buffalo, pink rocks canyon, and the Prince Albert Resort. Plan your go to: The Wonders of Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park
The place to Keep in Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park
- Prince of Wales Resort is a Nationwide Historic Website that stands within the middle of Waterton Nationwide Park. It is without doubt one of the most recognizable scenes from the park and is the proper luxurious escape.
Pincher Creek – Southern Alberta
Pincher Creek is a small city in Southern Alberta that could be a nice jumping-off level for Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park which is about one hour away.
It’s a place the place the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains and it’s a completely stunning setting. Wind farms line the plains with stark mountains filling within the backdrop and cattle graze within the fields and large bales of hay dot the panorama. It’s the Quintessential Alberta journey vacation spot. It’s an awesome place to make a base to discover Crowsnest Move for a number of days. Take a look at all of the points of interest at The Many Sights of Pincher Creek.
Burmis Tree
Once I noticed The Burmis Tree in images, I had to verify I put it on the high of my record of locations to go to in Alberta. Situated at Crowsnest Move (One other must-visit place in Alberta) the Burmis Tree is estimated to be 600 to 750 years previous. It’s an ominous sight,
Head Smashed in Buffalo Bounce
Situated simply quarter-hour from Fort MacLeod is the UNESCO World Heritage Website, Head Smashed in Buffalo Bounce. Courting again 6000 years, the early Aboriginal peoples would lure herds of buffalo over the sting of a cliff. Learn: Well-known Canada Landmarks so as to add to your bucket record
Calgary
Calgary is Alberta’s largest metropolis and no go to to Alberta can be full with out spending at the least two days within the metropolis. It’s residence to the annual Calgary Stampede however there’s a lot extra to do than simply watch chuck wagon races and bull driving. Calgary hosted the 1988 Olympics and simply exterior town is Canada Olympic Park the place you possibly can take pleasure in numerous outside actions in each winter and summer season. Learn extra: Canada Olympic Park – Enjoyable in Calgary Alberta
There are such a lot of issues to do in Calgary we advocate spending a few days. Situated on the Bow River, Calgary has loads of outside points of interest, however it is usually an elegant city vacation spot with a unbelievable meals scene. Learn extra: 21 Finest Issues to do in Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Tower
As proven above, we have now a complete article devoted to all of the issues to do in Calgary, however we do want to the touch on at the least one in every of its high points of interest. Once you go to Calgary, the primary place it is best to go is up the Calgary Tower is without doubt one of the most recognizable buildings within the metropolis, and going up the tower is as a lot part of town because the CN Tower is to Toronto.
Upon completion in 1968, the Calgary Tower was the tallest constructing in Calgary. Though it was dethroned in 1984, the tower nonetheless provides guests a number of the finest views in Calgary.
We now have a complete article devoted the Finest Issues to do in Calgary, Alberta
The place to remain in Calgary:
Canmore
We are able to’t write about all of the locations to go to in Alberta with out mentioning Canmore. This former coal mining city is now an out of doors lover’s playground. Situated between Calgary and Banff, it has heaps of mountain climbing, biking, and snowshoe trails in addition to unbelievable viewpoints of the Three Sisters. It’s an awesome spot for mountain climbing in the summertime and mountain climbing within the winter.
The Yamnuska Wolf Canine Sanctuary is to not be missed and ensure to do some climbing to absorb the birds-eye views. Learn extra: The Finest Issues to do in Canmore, Alberta
Johnston Canyon
The scenic Johnston Canyon Icewalk is as stunning (if no more) within the winter as it’s in the summertime. Within the winter it’s stuffed with frozen waterfalls. The sub-zero chill freezes the canyons, caves, and crevasses making for the bost stunning scene. Ice climbers climb the glistening canyon partitions whereas the remainder of us can take the ice stroll to discover ice caves and marvel on the frozen waterfalls. Learn extra: The Finest Issues to do in Banff, Alberta
The place to Keep in Canmore
Kananaskis
Folks usually overlook Kananaskis for Banff or Jasper nevertheless it is without doubt one of the most stunning locations to go to in Alberta with simply as gorgeous views. Situated between Calgary and Banff, it’s a nice weekend getaway vacation spot. You’ll want to go to the spa at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.
Edmonton
Edmonton is commonly ignored when visiting Alberta, however it’s a funky city that has one of many youngest populations in Canada making for a stylish and occurring metropolis to go to! In case you love spending time outside admiring wildlife it is a nice jumping-off level to go to Jasper Nationwide Park, nevertheless it additionally has an awesome meals scene, and loads of festivals, actually, Edmonton hosts the second-largest Fringe Competition on this planet.
In Edmonton, you’ll uncover a vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis surrounded by wilderness. Test it out at: The Finest Issues to do in Edmonton, Alberta
West Edmonton Mall
The West Edmonton Mall is a high draw with all the pieces inside you possibly can think about. It’s the measurement of a small metropolis and makes for an awesome year-round vacation spot. I typically really feel that folks go to Edmonton simpy to see this mall.
West Edmonton Mall is without doubt one of the largest malls on this planet, masking an space of roughly 5.3 million sq. ft. Moreover procuring, it has an indoor amusement park, mini golf, ice skating, a bowling alley, a film theatre, and an aquarium.
The mall even has two motels together with the Fantasyland Resort, which options rooms with distinctive themes such because the Polynesian Room and the Hollywood Room, and the West Edmonton Mall Inn.
Cowboy Path
Southern Alberta is commonly ignored with planning a visit to the province, nevertheless it needs to be excessive in your record. That is the Rocky Mountains meet the prairies. It’s cowboy nation is large ranches and horses. It was the place the buffalo roamed and the cattle graze-free. Among the finest issues to do right here is to e book an evening at a ranch and go on a path experience to discover the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.
The Cowboy Path is an impressive Alberta street journey from Calgary to the Rocky Mountains, into the prairies, and out of the Badlands. It was one of many finest street journeys we’ve ever taken and we need to offer you your personal itinerary to comply with once you make your method to Canada’s most stunning province. We now have a complete itinerary for this loop and we are going to depart you right here to learn extra about The Cowboy Path – A Southern Alberta Highway Journey
Tips on how to Get to Alberta, Canada
Alberta is positioned in Western Canada bordered by the provinces of British Columbia to the West, Saskatchewan to the East, and south of The Northwest Territories. It’s positioned on the American Border at Montana.
The best method to get to Alberta is by air. The province has two worldwide airports: Edmonton Worldwide Airport (YEG) and Calgary Worldwide Airport (YYC). Many main airways supply direct flights to those airports from cities all over the world. From the airport, you possibly can lease a automobile or take a taxi, shuttle, or public transit to your vacation spot. We extremely advocate renting a automobile.
If you’re touring from inside Canada or america, driving is an alternative choice. Alberta is accessible by a number of highways, together with the Trans-Canada Freeway (Freeway 1), which runs east-west via the province. You’ll be able to enter the province from British Columbia to the west or Saskatchewan to the east.
By Bus: Greyhound Canada offers bus service to varied cities in Alberta from different Canadian provinces and a few American cities. Different bus firms additionally supply providers throughout the province. Each Dave and I’ve taken the bus throughout Canada via Alberta and let me let you know, it’s an journey.
By Prepare: By way of Rail offers prepare service to varied cities in Alberta, together with Edmonton and Jasper, from different Canadian provinces. We’ve taken the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff and it’s a ver in style possibility. The scenic prepare experience via the Canadian Rockies that stops in Banff and Jasper.
Journey instances and distances in Alberta may be important so be sure to plan forward and resolve wheter the bus, prepare or automobile rental is best for you.
Alberta actually is a dream vacation spot. With numerous photograph alternatives and adventures available, it’s one of many biggest locations in Canada to go to. So get in your automobile and begin that Alberta street journey at the moment!
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