Things to do in Alberta

Things to do in  Alberta

Recharge in the energy province

Home to shimmering lakes, soaring peaks, dense pine forests, and some of Canada's most impressive unspoiled wilderness, the western province of Alberta is an outdoor explorer's paradise, with spots such as Banff and Jasper drawing nature lovers from across the globe. A helicopter sightseeing flight provides an unconventional look at the Rocky Mountains, as does a via ferrata mountain tour, in which fixed iron ropes assist climbers of all abilities. Paddle through the swirling currents of Kicking Horse River on a white-water rafting trip or, for something a little more sedate, spot native Canadian wildlife on a dusk safari in Banff National Park. Don't miss Alberta's top sights, which include Columbia Icefield in both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, as well as Banff's UNESCO-listed Lake Louise, where the crystal-clear waters reflect the mighty Rockies. Edmonton, the capital, and Calgary have plenty to offer travelers looking for a more cosmopolitan experience, too. Urban explorers can spin through diverse Edmonton neighborhoods such as Glenora and Old Strathcona by Segway, and take in top landmarks such as Whitemud Park and 124th Street with ease on a tour led by a local. To get to know Calgary, take a culinary walking tour, a brewery tour, or use the city as a base for alfresco trips to Bow River, Fort Calgary, Inglewood, St. Patrick's Island, or the Trans Canada Trail and get back to the nature for which Alberta is so well known.

Top 15 attractions in Alberta

Calgary Stampede

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The Calgary Stampede is a grand celebration of Canada’s Western heritage that has been attracting visitors every year since 1923. Visit to experience small-town fun in a big way. The Stampede includes rodeo events, chuckwagon races, blacksmithing competitions, a midway, 300 performers on five stages, and First Nations cultural events.More

Calgary Tower

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Standing sentinel over the city’s downtown since 1968, Calgary Tower features an observation deck with a glass floor and a revolving restaurant 627 feet (191 meters) above ground. Both afford 360-degree views across the city to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains in the distance.More

Fort Calgary

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In 1875, the North West Mounted Police built a wooden fort—and it became the birthplace of Calgary. Visit Fort Calgary today to learn more about the city's formative years from 1875 to 1914 through interactive exhibits, replica barracks, guided tours, and an interpretive center.More

Moraine Lake

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Hemmed in by the dramatic Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff National Park’s glacier-fed Moraine Lake is renowned for its bright blue-green waters. The surreally vivid color results from light refracting off of tiny glacial rock particles. Stunning Lake Moraine was famously featured on the back of Canada’s $20 bill between 1969 and 1979.More

Bow Falls

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Dropping off a 30-foot (9-meter ledge, Bow Falls is not particularly high though it is powerful, with the strong flow creating a dramatic frothy torrent. Easy trails along the Bow River lead to scenic viewpoints from where the falls can be observed, with the glacier-carved valley and the Canadian Rockies visible in the background.More

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre

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Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, is a state-of-the-art cultural center in Calgary. Spanning 160,000 square feet (14,865 square meters), the architecturally notable center includes a museum, performance hall, live music venue, recording studios, radio station, classrooms, and media center.More

Maligne Canyon

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Carved out of the limestone bedrock by a rushing river, this narrow and steep canyon—which reaches depths of up to 160 feet (50 meters)—is one of the most striking geological features of Jasper National Park. In summer, hikers flock here to follow trails that span the gorge, while in winter, the canyon freezes into an icy wonderland.More

Maligne Lake

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With its vivid aquamarine waters and impressive backdrop of jagged, glacier-studded peaks, Maligne Lake has visitors to the Canadian Rockies reaching for their cameras. The glacier-fed lake is the largest in Jasper National Park. Tiny tree-topped Spirit Island stands in the middle of the lake and is the subject of countless postcards.More

Lake Minnewanka

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Just outside of Banff, Lake Minnewanka is everything a mountain lake should be: crystal clear, glacier fed, and surrounded by alpine forests and imposing peaks. A visit to Lake Minnewanka is a perfect introduction to the beautiful Canadian Rockies. It’s also the only lake in Banff National Park that allows privately operated motorboats.More

Yoho National Park

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The unofficial slogan for UNESCO World Heritage–listed Yoho National Park, “rock walls and waterfalls,” aptly describes the stunning Canadian Rockies scenery here. Yoho in the indigenous Cree language may not be as descriptive, but it’s more fitting—as an expression of wonder and awe, it can roughly be translated as, “Wow!”More

Banff National Park

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Within the boundaries of Banff National Park lie some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. The park, which showcases Canada’s Rocky Mountains in all their glory, offers world-class skiing, hiking, biking, and outdoor attractions. It’s a year-round haven for day-trippers from nearby Calgary and for international visitors galore.More

Johnston Canyon

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The jewel-blue water of Johnston Creek streams through the sheer-sided canyon, foaming white as it careens down waterfalls into pools below. A well-maintained trail—including a cliff-affixed walkway with incredible views—makes Johnston Canyon one of Banff National Park’s most accessible and beloved day hikes.More

Medicine Lake

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An alpine lake surrounded by the rugged mountains of Jasper National Park, Medicine Lake is not only a wildlife watching and recreation destination, it is also a geological anomaly. In summer, the pristine lake is brimming with glacial water. Come fall, sinkholes at the bottom of the lake drain the water, leaving nothing but mudflats.More

Icefields Parkway (Highway 93)

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Every twist and turn of the spectacular 143-mile (230-kilometer) Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) reveals cloud-piercing peaks, valley-carving glaciers, teal lakes, and dense forests. Running from Jasper to Lake Louise, this scenic Alberta drive offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies, with lots of roadside lookouts and trailheads along the way.More

Columbia Icefield Skywalk

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Jutting out from the side of a Jasper National Park cliff, the elevated, glass-bottomed Columbia Icefield Skywalk, also known as Glacier Skywalk, is an exhilarating—if somewhat unnerving—way to experience the epic, untouched landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. From this vantage point, the view of the park’s ice-hatted peaks and glacial valleys is nothing short of spectacular.More

Top activities in Alberta

Lake Louise & Banff & Moraine Lake Tour from Calgary or Banff
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Banff Gondola Ride Admission

Banff Gondola Ride Admission

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US$48.55
Columbia Icefield Adventure
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Columbia Icefield Adventure

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US$79.57
Maligne Lake Cruise
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Maligne Lake Cruise

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US$63.66
1 Hour Bow River Ride
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1 Hour Bow River Ride

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US$70.15
Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway - Full-Day Tour
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Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff
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Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour
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Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour

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US$60.01
Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Small Group Adventure
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Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

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US$63.26
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All about Alberta

When to visit

Alberta is 1.5 times larger than California, spanning the high peaks of the Rockies to stark badlands, prairies, canyons, and forests. Given its size, there’s no one time to visit. Hikers headed to the province’s high-elevation national parks—like Banff—find great weather (and crowds) from late June to mid-September, and snowshoers and skiers show up December through March. The province’s two biggest cities, Edmonton and Calgary, pop with year-long energy, though Calgary’s epic winter festival, Chinook Blast is noteworthy.

Getting around

Once in Calgary or Edmonton, most visitors find that renting a car is the simplest way to get around, no matter the destination. But for something a bit more memorable, consider the train: VIA Rail service from Edmonton to Jasper (at the edge of Jasper National Park) runs regularly, and the ultra-luxurious Rocky Mountaineer runs from several cities—including Vancouver—to Jasper and Banff/Lake Louise. Tours, from chauffeured scenic drives to guided hiking adventures, also abound out of Edmonton and Calgary.

Traveler tips

Often Canada’s provincial parks are as worthy of your time as their “national” counterparts, and that stands true for Alberta. Kananaskis Country used to be a part of Banff National Park, but its designation change has given it far fewer crowds. For an effort-to-reward ratio you just can’t beat, the 2.1-mile Grassi Lakes Trail gets you a Lake Louise-esque experience but with serenity and a lack of crowds, something you won’t find at Lake Louise.

Local Currency
Canadian Dollar (CA$)
Time Zone
MDT (UTC -7)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
68
Tours
457
Reviews
15,204

People Also Ask

What is Alberta, Canada, known for?

Canada’s western prairie province, Alberta is known for the presence of the rugged Rocky Mountains and as a host of the Calgary Stampede. It’s not all hikers and cowboys—famous fossils have been found at Dinosaur Provincial Park, while one of the largest malls in North America is in Edmonton.

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How many days do I need in Alberta, Canada?

Four days gives you time to see the highlights. Stay in a lodge in one of the national parks to explore the outdoors, or spend your time discovering Calgary’s blend of urban comfort and Western chill. Just remember—it’s a big province, and distances feel a lot longer when you’re driving.

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What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Alberta?

Banff National Park is the most popular tourist destination in Alberta—the park is home to soaring, craggy mountains, turquoise lakes, and peaceful resorts. Whether you’re planning to hike every mountain in the park, or you prefer soaking in the outdoor hot springs, the park is picture-perfect in every way.

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How are the popular things to do in Alberta?

Alberta is a land of renowned natural beauty, making outdoor activities a natural choice. Whether you hike, mountain bike, ski, or go horseback riding, you’ll find that Alberta brings out the adventurer in you. Five of Canada’s 37 national parks are in Alberta, so there are numerous exploration options.

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What is the prettiest place in Alberta?

Lake Louise in Banff National Park is the perfect spot to take in Alberta’s natural scenery. The glacial-blue lake and the tall mountains are idyllic in every way. Hiking trails wrap around the lake so you can explore to get the best view and photographs.

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Is Alberta, Canada, always cold?

No, it’s not always cold in Alberta—in fact, the city of Calgary is the sunniest in Canada. Alberta’s warm season starts in mid-May and ends in mid-September, with summer temperatures hovering in the 68°F–77°F (20°C–25°C) range.

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