Alberta vacations

You’ll find beauty at every turn in this western Canadian province, home to turquoise lakes, snowy mountains and fossil-filled badlands. Trips to Alberta are all about the great outdoors, whether you ski at world-class resorts, soak in hot springs or take a road trip among glaciers. But its cities have their own unique charm, from Calgary’s cowboy spirit to Edmonton’s rich Indigenous heritage and vibrant food scene.

Top destinations in Alberta

Banff

Flanked by snow-capped mountains, Banff is a charming resort-town base for hiking, biking and some of the continent’s best skiing adventures in Canada’s Rocky Mountains.

Calgary

A gateway to the Rockies that wears its cowboy culture with pride, Alberta’s largest city invites you to take a walk on the wild side.

Edmonton

Alberta’s low-key capital is on a roll. From wildlife spotting and brewery hopping to a festival calendar that’s the envy of Canada, Edmonton pulls out all the stops.

Lake Louise

The crown jewel of Banff National Park, this tiny hamlet is home to one of the most stunning alpine lakes on the planet. Come say hello to Lake Louise.

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat isn’t just Canada’s sunniest city — it also boasts the world’s tallest tipi. Cozy coffee shops, 19th-century buildings and colorful murals add to its charms.

Lethbridge

This leafy Canadian city combines farm-to-table feasts with spectacular parks, hiking trails and Indigenous sites. Experience it all, along with a hearty dose of Alberta charm.

Alberta: fast facts

Language

English, French

Currency

Canadian dollar (C$)

Time zone

Calgary - UTC−7 (MST) and UTC−6 (MDT)

High season

June – August; December – March

Low season

April – May; September – November

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Alberta vacation highlights

Banff
Lukasz Warzecha

Take a scenic drive

One of the world’s most beautiful roads, the 144-mile Icefields Parkway passes iconic landscapes like Lake Louise, Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier. The drive takes around three hours, but allow yourself at least a day to enjoy the scenic stops. For a stark contrast, cruise through Dinosaur Valley’s rocky badlands. Hop out to explore dinosaur museums, ghost towns and hoodoo-crammed canyons.

Explore Indigenous cultures

Learning about First Nations and Métis cultures is a great thing to do in Alberta. In Edmonton, the Indigenous Peoples Experience in Fort Edmonton Park highlights the diverse cultures that have shaped this region. Visit Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park to experience a tipi village, see a cultural dance performance and take in exhibits focusing on Blackfoot history, crafts and traditions.

Hit the hiking trails

Banff National Park is a hiker’s dream, with over 1,000 miles of trails. Get epic views of Lake Louise from Lake Agnes Trail, or hike past waterfalls in Johnston Canyon. For a challenging hike through towering peaks and alpine meadows, try the 11-mile Healy Pass. Or hike among prehistoric fossils at Horseshoe Canyon in the Canadian Badlands.

Things to do in Alberta

Lake Louise
Reuben Krabbe

Top attractions

You can’t visit Alberta without driving the Icefields Parkway, an epic road that takes you past some of the province’s top attractions. Along the way, stop to feel the sheer power of Athabasca Falls, which cascades down into a steep limestone canyon. And the impossibly turquoise waters of Moraine Lake have to be seen to be believed. It’s only accessible from June to October, so plan accordingly.

Beaches

You may not have pictured lounging on a beach in Alberta, but the province’s rivers and lakes offer stunning shorelines. Families love Kinosoo Beach on Cold Lake for its water sports and activities. Devonshire Beach is a pristine stretch of sand and features wheelchair access and a dog-friendly area. And Quarry Lake’s serene beach is flanked by crystal-clear waters and craggy mountains.

Nature

Alberta’s rugged natural beauty goes beyond the big-name attractions. Wood Buffalo National Park is home to iconic Canadian wildlife like bison, buffalo, moose and bears — just be sure to watch from a safe distance. It also offers incredible stargazing. To experience the striking contrast between sweeping prairies and soaring peaks, head to Waterton Lakes National Park.

Cuisine

The restaurants in Alberta showcase the region’s farming heritage, from locally sourced bison, beef and elk to farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. The steak here is world renowned, while ‘pierogies’ (cheese and potato dumplings) are popular thanks to Alberta’s large Eastern European population. The province also has a thriving craft brewing scene, so sample a local pint wherever you go.

Culture and museums

Calgary is nicknamed ‘Cow-Town’ for its cattle ranching roots, and you can relive the Wild West at Heritage Park Historical Village. This living history museum features costumed reenactors, a vintage railway and artifacts from the 1860s. Explore Western and Indigenous history at Fort Edmonton Park. Or return to the dinosaur age at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta’s badlands.

Nightlife

The best nightlife in Alberta can be found in big cities. Calgary puts live music front and center with blues clubs, concerts and DJ sets. For sleek cocktail bars, speakeasies and historic pubs, take a stroll down 17th Avenue. Beer fan? You’ll find craft breweries all over the province, from family-run joints to innovative newcomers making their mark on the scene.

Find the best time to visit Alberta

Weather in Alberta through the year

March – May: Spring is a great time to explore Alberta’s mountains, lakes and canyons with hardly anyone around. But you’ll have to wrap up warm. Highs are around 50°F, and lows hover near freezing.

June – August: This is the best time to visit Alberta for pleasant temperatures and long, sunny days. Just book ahead, as summer is the busiest season.

September – November: Fall offers similar temperatures to spring. The Rockies glow gold with larch trees, Canada’s only color-changing conifer species.

December – February: Most winter trips to Alberta revolve around skiing and snowboarding. But you can also hike, snowshoe and sled through its frozen landscapes. Be prepared for temperatures well below freezing.

Events in Alberta

SnowDays Festival (January): This lively wintertime celebration dials up the festive vibes with snow sculptures, sleigh rides and apres-ski nights in Banff and Lake Louise.

Chinook Blast (February): Celebrate local music, arts, sports and theater scenes with over two weeks of free events in downtown Calgary.

Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival (August): North America’s largest fringe festival features more than 220 grassroots theater shows across 11 days, plus live music, street performances and outdoor dining.

Jasper Dark Sky Festival (October to November): This annual astronomy celebration takes stargazing to new heights, with science talks, live music and planetarium shows. You might even catch the Northern Lights!

Know before you go

Budget

With a little bit of planning, you can have a cheap trip to Alberta. Visiting outside of the peak summer months and prioritizing low-cost activities will go a long way toward keeping costs down. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around 30 Canadian dollars ($), while a local beer is usually under $10, and coffee is about $5.

Health and safety

Forest fires are a risk in Alberta, so check the Wildfire Status Dashboard and Air Quality Health Index before heading out. Stay at least 100 feet from wildlife and don’t stop to look at animals when driving. If you plan to hike, go in a group, carry bear spray and make a noise near blind corners to keep bears at bay.

Free things to do

If you’re visiting Calgary, say hello to the local birdlife at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, an enormous ecological reserve in the heart of the city. Or marvel at the impressive modern architecture of Calgary Central Library. Staying in Edmonton? Explore the parks and walking trails along the North Saskatchewan River Valley, or get a local history lesson at the Alberta Legislature Building.

Family friendly

Give little legs a rest and enjoy the views on the Banff Gondola. Arrive during the first two hours of the day, and you’ll get one free kids’ ticket per paying adult. At Edmonton’s TELUS World of Science, explore immersive Northern Lights shows and see a lump of moon rock. And dino fans can’t miss Dinosaur Provincial Park, home to fossil-filled walking trails and an interactive visitor center.

Getting around Alberta

Calgary
Heritage Park Historical Village

Public transportation

Buses: Companies like Red Arrow, Ride Express and FlixBus run intercity buses between top spots like Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise and Edmonton. Calgary’s public transportation network consists of buses and the CTrain light rail.

Trains: Via Rail connects Jasper and Edmonton with the rest of the country. On the 19-hour Vancouver to Jasper route, you can choose between three cabin classes and enjoy endless mountain views.

Boats: Ferries cross the Red Deer, Peace and Athabasca rivers. You’ll also find scenic cruises on Lake Minnewanka and the North Saskatchewan River.

Domestic flights

Alberta hosts three international airports (Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray) plus a few regional hubs (Grand Prairie, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and more). Air Canada and WestJet are the leading domestic carriers.

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Driving and car rental

With majestic views at every turn, Alberta is a dream road trip destination. A few tips — watch out for wildlife, drive on the right and remember that speed limits are in kilometers. Besides the iconic Icefields Parkway, top routes include the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Lake Louise and the Boomtown Trail from Calgary to Edmonton.

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FAQs about Alberta vacations

For a classic Albertan getaway filled with mountain scenery and outdoor adventures, you can’t beat the Canadian Rockies. Banff has a wider range of hotels and activities, while Lake Louise is known for its more secluded and tranquil vibe. For a city break filled with history and culture, head to Calgary.
Set aside about a week to explore the Rockies, including Edmonton, Calgary, the Icefields Parkway and Banff National Park. Allow even more time to check out underrated spots like the Canadian Badlands.
Alberta shines year-round, from winter skiing and snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies to summer hiking in the national parks. But spring might just be the best time to visit Alberta, with blooming wildflowers and traces of lingering snow. Fall is also great, when the mountains are carpeted with golden foliage. But pack warm layers, as temperatures can be chilly.
Alberta is a safe destination, though there are some risks related to outdoor activities. Check the weather before hiking, and bring layers and a basic safety kit. Stay at least 330 feet from bears and 100 feet from other large animals like moose or elk.
English is the most commonly spoken language in Alberta. Indigenous languages like Blackfoot, Chipewyan, Cree and Sarcee are spoken by First Nations communities throughout the province. Keep an ear out for localisms like ‘toque’ (beanie hat), ‘loonie’ (dollar coin) and ‘toonie’ (two-dollar coin).
Alberta uses the Canadian dollar ($). ATMs are available throughout the province, and while most places take cards, you should have some cash on hand for tipping. Add around 15% to your restaurant bill and a dollar or two for bartenders, baristas and hotel porters.

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