Categories > Guides and Tips
Top 10 Things to Do in Alberta at Night
- Visit the Northern Lights Theatre
- Try the nightly bobsled run at WinSport
- Make your way through the Neon Sign Museum
- Take a walk by the Peace Bridge
- Relax in the Miette Hot Springs
- Hike to Peyto Lake
- Stargaze at the Jasper Planetarium
- Dine in at The Melting Pot Edmonton
- Go stargazing at the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve
- Go on a night skiing trip at Lake Louise
Alberta isn’t just limited to its sunlit hour—it transforms into an absolute paradise for the nocturnally inclined. From the lights of the energetic cities to the serene calmness of the freckly lit night sky, nighttime is nothing short of an adventure in this Sunshine Province.
To get you started on this nocturnal journey, we’ve curated a list of the top things to do in Alberta once the sun decides to hit the hay. So buckle up and read on, because the night is young and full of adventures.
Visit the Northern Lights Theatre
Website: https://northernlighttheatre.com/
Address: 10816A 82 Ave NW #203, Edmonton, AB
Contact details: +1 780-471-1586
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Northern Lights Theatre showcases a variety of performances that range from local productions to big-name touring shows. Whatever your favourite genre might be, be it comedy, drama, musical, or mystery, you’ll always find something for you.
Of course, a trip to the theatre would not be complete without some delightful snacks, right? Northern Lights Theatre has you covered in that aspect as well!
They offer a selection of gourmet treats and drinks that you can enjoy during the performance. So, you’re not just feeding your mind and soul with high-quality entertainment, but also indulging your taste buds.
Local tip: Don’t forget to explore the neighbouring area after the show. There’s an absolute trove of local diners and dessert shops that make the perfect cap to your theatre night!
Try the nightly bobsled run at WinSport
Website: https://www.winsport.ca/
Address: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary, AB
Contact details: +1 403-247-5452
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
The bobsled run in Calgary Olympic Park takes you through twists, turns, and down those steep slopes at heart-thumping speeds. It’s like strapping yourself to a roller coaster that’s constantly one-upping itself with each curve and zigzag.
I don’t know about you, but that definitely sounds like something I want to add to my bucket list. Oh, and that’s not all. After the electrifying bobsled run, you can take a stroll around the park and marvel at the iconic Olympic landmarks.
Local tip: Drop by the nearby eateries for a well-deserved meal after your thrilling ride.
Make your way through the Neon Sign Museum
Website: http://www.edmonton.ca/neon-sign-museum.aspx
Address: 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB
Contact details: +1 780-496-5281
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Whyte Ave isn’t just any ordinary street, buddy! It’s brimming with an eclectic mix of boutiques, bookstores, and shops where you can buy anything from vintage records to locally made crafts.
This street also turns into an entertainment playground at night. With its numerous pubs, bars, and clubs, the street offers a wealth of live music, dance, and entertainment options.
Local tip: Don’t miss out on having a slice at the pizza joints -they are local faves and are known to serve the perfect late-night snack.
Take a walk by the Peace Bridge
Website: http://calgary.ca/
Address: Calgary, AB
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Peace Bridge is a functional and highly accessible pedestrian bridge that perfectly embodies the spirit of Calgary—a perfect blend of functionality and design. And it’s open 24/7, so you can plan your visit whenever the mood strikes!
The bridge’s brilliant red and white lights provide a stark contrast to the ebony canvas of the sky, making for a mesmerising sight. Its strategic location over the stunning Bow River and its proximity to downtown make it a central point of attraction.
Local tip: Be sure to head towards the Bow River Pathway after your bridge stroll. The serene riverside trail is the perfect place to wind down your night walk.
Relax in the Miette Hot Springs
Website: https://www.hotsprings.ca/miette
Address: Miette Rd Jasper, Miette Hotsprings, AB
Contact details: +1 800-767-1611
Operating hours:
- May 12 to June 15, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- June 16 to September 4, 2023 – 9 AM to 11 PM
- September 5 to October 9, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
Miette Hot Springs are naturally heated to a cosy 40°C (104°F), which is then cooled to a more comfortable 38°C (100°F) for visitors—perfect for a dip, even on cooler nights.
They also have world-class facilities, including a cafe, a gift shop, and two cool pools (just in case you need a quick, refreshing plunge after the hot springs).
As magical as it sounds, Miette Hot Springs are indeed a delightful oasis. Unfortunately, they sometimes close for a period of time due to inclement weather conditions.
But worry not, as during the break, they gear up and welcome back visitors in all their balmy glory. So keep an eye on their website or social media channels for updates on the reopening date in case you chance upon them being temporarily closed.
Local tip: Be sure to get there early in the evening—the hot springs can get a tad bit busy, and you’ll want to beat the crowd to grab the most scenic spot!
Hike to Peyto Lake
The hike to Peyto Lake is relatively short and doesn’t demand too much in terms of technicalities—perfect for adventurers of all levels. But still, the rewards are absolutely out of this world.
The winding trails take you through lush forests and along slopes decorated with wildflowers, as the anticipation of reaching the lake keeps you charging ahead.
After soaking in the surreal beauty of the lake, you can always head back to the Bow Summit Lookout Point and wait until night to gaze at the stars.
Local tip: Don’t forget to bundle up during your nighttime adventure, as the temperatures can drop significantly. It’s always better to stay warm and cosy while soaking in the wonders of nature!
Stargaze at the Jasper Planetarium
Website: http://www.jasperplanetarium.com/
Address: 1 Old Lodge Rd, Jasper, AB
Contact details: +1 780-931-3275
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 4 PM – 11:45 PM
At the Jasper Planetarium, you get a golden ticket to the universe. Here’s how it works: You take a seat under the 40-foot dome theatre, and before you know it, the whole cosmos opens up right before your eyes.
The state-of-the-art projection system lets you gaze at stars, planets, galaxies, and more with a level of detail that’s pretty hard to believe.
The planetarium also offers telescope stargazing experiences that are led by knowledgeable guides. You’ll get a chance to see the Milky Way, the Northern Lights, and umpteen celestial objects through the most powerful telescopes in the Rockies.
Local tip: Grab a coat, even if it seems warm out. It can get pretty chilly as you stargaze into the wee hours of the night.
Dine in at The Melting Pot Edmonton
Website: https://www.meltingpot.com/edmonton-ab/
Address: 2920 Calgary Trail NW #117, Edmonton, AB
Contact details: +1 780-465-4347
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 4 PM – 10 PM
The Melting Pot offers an incredible interactive dining adventure where you get to cook your own food right at the table while relishing the company of your loved ones.
You can start off with some mouth-watering cheese fondue, where the gooey goodness keeps you coming back for more.
The main course is simply divine, and of course, can we ever forget dessert? The pièce de résistance is their legendary chocolate fondue.
Local tip: Make sure to book your table in advance; this place can get pretty busy on weekends and special occasions.
Go stargazing at the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve
Website: https://www.jasper.travel/dark-sky/
Famous for being one of the largest accessible dark sky preserves in the world—yes, the world—Jasper constitutes a kind of stellar sanctuary, untouched by light pollution.
The Preserve offers guided tours led by Night Sky Ambassadors who’ll blow your mind with stories, myths, and facts about our cosmos. To top it off, they have all the top-notch gear to enhance your stargazing—telescopes, binoculars, you name it!
Local tip: Bring a blanket or a reclining lawn chair so you can enjoy the cosmic show in absolute comfort.
Go on a night skiing trip at Lake Louise
Lake Louise’s slopes, which were already enchanting during the day, take on an otherworldly aura in the night—trust us, you’ve got to see it to believe it.
Your downhill trip is a dizzying blend of adrenaline and surreal beauty as you navigate the snowy trails under the cosmic canopy. The run remains perfectly groomed and lit, setting you up for an amazing ride.
Local tip: Don’t forget to bring an extra pair of dry socks, because nothing can dampen your spirits faster than wet feet!
