When travelers imagine the Canadian Rockies, they might be picturing Alberta—a province in western Canada that wows with landscapes from mountains and lakes to glaciers and forests. The cities of Edmonton and Calgary are gateways to the best of Alberta’s nature, from the hiking trails of Banff to the dark sky preserve of Jasper National Park. Of all the things to do in Alberta, explore Lake Louise by boat, ride on the scenic Banff Gondola, and discover the local wildlife in Jasper.
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.
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.
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 510 | Reviews 18,353 |
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.
...MoreFour 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.
...MoreBanff 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.
...MoreAlberta 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.
...MoreLake 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.
...MoreNo, 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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