Get ready to pack your bags and head north, because Alberta, Canada, is calling your name! This place is an absolute gem, a must-see destination, and has a whole lot of Canadian charm—but there’s more to it than that.

In this article, we’ll tackle the best reasons why you should visit Alberta, from its world-class museums and galleries, plenty of cultural events, and more. Read on!

Canadian Rockies

Alberta is a stunning province, situated in Western Canada, and is home to the majestic Canadian Rockies — a definite must-see when you visit Alberta.

From the breath-taking views of the snow-capped peaks to the abundance of wildlife, there’s something unique and beautiful for you to explore in these mountains. 

In addition, you can explore glaciers, hikes, tranquil lakes and rivers, and camping areas. It’s pretty much a treat for nature lovers!

Glacier National Park

Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/glacier 

Address: P.O. Box 350, Revelstoke, Alberta

Contact details: +1 250-837-7500

Operating hours: 

• Open year-round

Prices:

• Adult – $10.50
• Senior – $9.00
• Youth – Free
• Family/Group – $21.00
• Commercial Group(per person) – $9.00

You’ve got to check out Glacier National Park because it’s seriously amazing! This place is huge, covering over a million hectares of jaw-dropping mountain views, awesome glaciers, and incredible wildlife.

But here’s the best part: this place is an adventurer’s paradise, with over 500 kilometres of trails just waiting for you to explore. From easy, breezy strolls to intense mountain hikes, there’s something for everyone, no matter your skill level.

Now, hold on tight because things are about to get wild as Glacier National Park offers activities that’ll have your heart racing. How about saddling up for a self-guided horseback ride through the foothills?It’s like a scene straight out of a cowboy movie!  

And if you want a view that’ll leave you breathless, hop on a helicopter tour. Seriously, you’ll get a bird’s-eye perspective of all those jaw-dropping natural wonders. It’s like flying over paradise!

Unique Festivals and Events Year-Round

Alberta has something for everyone when it comes to festivals and events all year round. From vibrant summer music festivals in Edmonton and Calgary to winter-time celebrations like the Calgary Stampede and Ice on Whyte.

There are also countless unique events that draw in visitors from all walks of life, making it the perfect destination for a getaway with friends or family.

• Music Festivals: Alberta sparkles with high-energy music festivals throughout the summer season. Edmonton’s K-Days and Calgary’s Folk Festival attract locals and visitors alike from all across the world. 

Or perhaps you’d like to attend the Lethbridge Jazz & Blues Festival or a host of other events hosted throughout Alberta.

• Cultural Celebrations: If you’re looking for some culture to mix into your vacation, have no fear: Alberta is full of historic, time-honoured traditions for you to experience. 

From National Aboriginal Day celebrations to the majestic and rich Ukrainian heritage found in Vegreville, there is something for everyone!

• Community Events: Not only does Alberta have its fair share of large urban festivals, but smaller communities host their own gatherings too! 

Whether it’s an opera in Grande Prairie or an art walk in Banff, no matter where you go, you’ll find something special that can only be experienced in Alberta.

Banff and Lake Louise

Website: https://banff.ca/ 

Address: 110 Bear Street, Box 1260, Banff, Alberta

Contact details: +1 403-762-1200

Operating hours: 

• Monday to Sunday – 8:20 AM to 4:30 PM

Prices:

• Adult – $10.50
• Senior – $9.00
• Youth – Free
• Family/Group – $21.00
• Commercial Group(per person) – $9.00

The fourth must-see on your Alberta itinerary is the charming towns of Banff and Lake Louise – the perfect places for a little rest and relaxation (or some outdoor thrill-seeking!). 

While these two towns are relatively small compared to Calgary, they’re both full of character and Canadian culture.

Banff, tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, is an absolute paradise for outdoor lovers like me. You can ski, snowboard, climb, or bike—there’s something for everyone in this popular spot. And the views? They’ll blow your mind!

Now, let me tell you about Lake Louise and why most Canucks can’t get enough of it. Nestled in a mountain valley with towering peaks all around, this turquoise gem is a must-visit when you’re in Alberta.

And, oh, the hiking trails nearby are just amazing! You’ll catch some seriously breathtaking views of the glacier from all sorts of angles so, you’ve got to see it for yourself!

Thrilling Outdoor Adventures in Every Season

With its unique landscapes, gorgeous nature, and endless possibilities for outdoor activities, Alberta is the perfect destination for those looking to stay active and explore the great outdoors. 

Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, here are just a few thrilling activities you won’t want to miss:

• Winter: Experience snowshoeing and cross-country skiing like you’ve never seen them before! With picturesque views of the prairies and perfect snow conditions to keep you cosy during your winter pursuits.

• Spring: Take advantage of the warmer temperatures by getting out on the lake for some amazing kayaking or canoeing. The still waters offer a peaceful getaway while still being close enough to enjoy all that Alberta has to offer.

• Summer: Hit the rapids with white-water rafting or try out some mountain biking—when you’re not busy devouring Alberta rib steak at one of our many local restaurants.

• Autumn: Marvel at the vibrant colours of Alberta’s autumnal foliage as you explore on foot or bike through its beautiful trails and parks. Or if you’re feeling brave, try out paragliding over Alberta’s breathtaking mountainside!

The Cowboy Country Culture Experience

If you’re looking for a unique Canadian experience, then Alberta is the place to be! With its massive sky and wide-open plains, Alberta is cowboy country, and experiencing the culture here is an amazing way to immerse yourself in Canada’s past.

Alberta has a proud rodeo tradition, with world-class rodeos held throughout the summer months. These are typically held in small towns across the province and feature open rodeo events, jackpot barrel racing competitions, and wild cow milking. 

Plus, these events aren’t just about watching; many offer opportunities for hands-on experiences like team writing and team sorting.

You can even book yourself on a horseback or wagon ride that takes you along forest trails or historic sites—or visit one of Alberta’s many dude ranches for a truly memorable experience.

Delicious Local Cuisine and Craft Brews

You know what they say: “When in Alberta, eat like the Albertans!” Alberta is not just full of natural beauty; its locals also have an appreciation for delicious food and drinks. 

Let me tell you, Alberta breweries have been serving up some seriously unique beer experiences since 1999. No matter if you’re into pilsners or ales, you’ll definitely find your go-to craft beer here.

And the food? Oh, it’s something else! From bison hotdogs to elk medallions, Alberta’s got some truly unique local treats. 

But don’t worry, if you’re craving something more familiar, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. 

Not much of a foodie? No problem! You can still have a blast taking some creative cooking classes. I had so much fun learning to whip up a feast with classic Alberta recipes, all tailored to my tastes and preferences.

Unique Dinosaur Fossils and Attractions

Website: https://traveldrumheller.com/attraction/dinosaur-adventures/ 

Address: Badlands, Alberta, Canada

Contact details: [email protected] 

Alberta is like a treasure trove of archaeological wonders and dinosaur fossils that’ll blow your mind. We’re talking about the famous ‘Albertosaurus,’ a beast that stomped around over 70 million years ago—how cool is that?

Here, we’ve got the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum, where you can geek out over their massive collection of fossils and minerals. Trust me, it’s like stepping into a real-life Jurassic Park, minus the danger, of course!

But wait, there’s more dino fun to be had as you can actually visit an active dig site in Dinosaur Provincial Park. Yeah, you heard me right! You might even uncover a fossil of your own if you’re lucky!

On top of that, Alberta also has numerous historic sites such as Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Writing-on-Stone (the largest collection of rock art on the continent), and Writing-in-Stone Park, which is home to several ancient petroglyphs.

Stunning Night Skies and the Northern Lights

You seriously can’t miss the amazing night skies and northern lights when you’re in Alberta. The super dark skies here make it perfect for spotting the mesmerising aurora borealis, or Northern Lights.

Do yourself a favour and spend a night under the stars away from city lights. I’ve been to some of Alberta’s Dark Sky Preserves like Wood Buffalo National Park and Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, and they’re just perfect for stargazing and catching the Northern Lights.

Oh, and if you want to learn more about the stars and stuff, you can even join a guided tour with a professional astronomer! Trust me, it’s an unforgettable experience you don’t want to miss.

Friendly Locals and Western Hospitality

Visiting Alberta is the perfect way to experience Western hospitality and friendliness. From the moment you arrive, you can expect to be welcomed with open arms, because Albertans treat their guests as if they were one of their own!

And why wouldn’t they? After all, Alberta is a vibrant mix of people from all walks of life, so you won’t feel like a stranger while you’re here. 

In fact, it’s no wonder that Alberta has been coined the “friendliest province” in Canada! Here are some ways that Albertans make it even better:

• They are proud of their province and culture and love to share it with visitors.
• They are incredibly accommodating, always trying to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
• Their spirit of volunteerism is infectious; they are passionate about getting involved in the community.
• They practise “neighbourliness,”  providing support and assistance wherever they can.
• They celebrate diversity—everyone is welcome in Alberta!

Mountain Golf at Kananaskis Golf Course

Website: http://www.kananaskisgolf.com/ 

Address: Lorette Rd, Kananaskis Village, Alberta

Contact details: +1 403-591-7070

Prices: 

• Out of province rate (Mon to Wed) – $140
• Out of province rate (Thur to Sun) – $144

Located in the gorgeous Canadian Rockies, Kananaskis Golf Course is a must-visit for any golf fan like me. With 36 holes designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones Sr., you’re in for a treat!

Let me tell you, the course is absolutely stunning—perfect greens, challenging fairways, and jaw-dropping mountain views everywhere you look. Playing through Kananaskis Country is like golfing on a postcard!

And it’s not just the golf that’s amazing—the on-site amenities are top-notch, too. I remember hanging out at the clubhouse, which has a pro shop, rental services, and a fantastic restaurant. 

You gotta take my word for it, there’s nothing like enjoying a tasty meal while soaking up those incredible views. Don’t miss it!

Road Trips on the Icefields Parkway

Website: https://icefieldsparkway.com/ 

Address: Highway 93, Alberta, Canada

Contact details: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theicefieldsparkway 

Forget those boring highway rides and level up your Alberta, Canada adventure with an epic road trip on the Icefields Parkway! 

This 230 km (143 mile) stunner connects Jasper and Lake Louise, and is packed with ancient glaciers, cool wildlife, and colourful wildflowers – you won’t wanna miss it!

The highlight of this drive is undoubtedly the sight of ancient glaciers. You can explore the Athabasca Glacier—the most visited glacier in North America—or admire the beauty of Peyto Glacier from a viewpoint along the Bow Valley.

The parkway also provides some of the best wildlife viewing in Alberta. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and even grizzly bears!

Along with sightseeing, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities too! Go on an easy hike along Wilcox Pass to get up close and personal with nature, or brave a more challenging ascent up to Mt. Edith Cavell for unforgettable views of Angel Glacier.

So hop in your car and get ready for an amazing road trip!