Summer’s here, and Alberta’s ready to show off its sun-kissed side, revealing a whole new world of natural beauty and lively culture. With long, sunny days and clear blue skies, it’s the perfect time to explore everything this amazing region has to offer! 

Some of the best places to visit in Alberta in summer are its national parks: Banff and Jasper. In Banff National Park, visitors can do water activities in Lake Louise and Moraine lake or hike trails that showcase the park’s majestic landscapes. 

On the other hand, Jasper National Park offers visitors the opportunity to witness the serene beauty of Maligne Lake and the powerful Athabasca Falls.

Trust us, Alberta in summer is an absolute blast. Whether you’re all about outdoor thrills or just kicking back and enjoying the sunshine, these activities will have you daydreaming about a summer getaway. Read on!

Explore the Canadian Rockies in Jasper National Park

Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper 

Address: Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada

Contact details: +1 780-852-6176

Operating hours: 

• Open year-round – 9AM – 7PM

Prices:

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

Jasper National Park is like a hidden treasure in the Canadian Rockies, where you can dive right into the jaw-dropping beauty of nature. Let me tell you, it’s something you just have to experience for yourself!

You’ll find all sorts of wildlife hanging out in the park’s massive wilderness, from elk and moose to bears just going about their day. It’s seriously a nature lover’s dream come true.

The park’s got everything—clear lakes, sky-high mountains, and lush forests—making it the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts like us. There’s no shortage of things to do, like hiking, biking, camping, and, of course, watching the amazing wildlife.

And you can’t visit Jasper without driving along the world-famous Icefields Parkway that takes you right through some of the most incredible landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. Trust me, you’ll want to keep your camera handy for this one!

Experience the majesty of Maligne Lake

Website: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/maligne-lake-cruise/ 

Address: Maligne Lake, Improvement District No. 12, AB, Canada

Contact details: +1 888-900-6272

Operating hours: 

• Monday to Saturday – 9AM to 6PM

Prices:

• Canoe – $80 per hour
• Single Kayak – $65 per hour
• Double Kayak – $80 per hour
• Pedal Boat – $100 per hour

If you’re a nature lover, you’ve got to check out Maligne Lake! It’s the biggest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, and the views are just out of this world.

You can chill by the lake and soak in all that beauty, or get in on the action with activities like canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, or fishing. It’s no wonder this place is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Alberta.

Oh, and it’s right near Jasper National Park, so you know you’re in for some epic scenery. One super cool spot you’ll find here is Devil’s Gap, where you can walk along the canyon walls and maybe even see some mountain goats hanging out!

I’m telling you, the laid-back vibe and crystal-clear waters at Maligne Lake are going to stick with you long after you leave. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle soaring overhead, which just adds to the whole unforgettable experience.

Witness the beauty and power of Athabasca Falls

Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/itineraires-itineraries/athabasca 

Address: Athabasca Falls, Improvement District No. 12, AB

Contact details: +1 780-852-6176

Operating hours: 

• Open year-round – 9AM – 7PM

Prices:

• Adult – $9.80
• Senior – $8.30
• Youth – $4.90.
• Family (up to 7 people) – $19.60

Athabasca Falls is another gem in Jasper National Park. It’s this insanely awesome waterfall known for its raw power and natural beauty. 

Seriously, the water crashing down the tough quartzite is a sight you won’t forget. When you’re there, you can really feel the force of nature as the water thunders down into the deep gorge and carves through the rocks—it’s wild!

You can do a bunch of cool stuff at Athabasca Falls too, like hike the well-kept trails around the falls. There are tons of different viewpoints and vantage points to snap some epic pictures of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.

And if you’re up for a bit of adventure, you can join a guided canyoning tour that takes you through the gorge and lets you explore all the hidden gems of the area. I’ve been there, and trust me, it’s a total blast!

Take a Hoodoo Float Tour on the Bow River in Banff

Website: https://www.banffadventures.com/

Address: 211 Bear Street, Banff, Alberta 

Contact details: +1 800-644-8888

Operating hours: 

• Monday to Sunday – 10AM to 6PM

Prices:

• Adult – $70
• Child – $30

Exploring the quaint town of Banff just got a little more fun! One of the best things you can do in Banff is to take a Hoodoo floating tour on the Bow River.

The river’s perfect for a chill float; it’s calm and wide, but still has some faster spots if you’re in the mood for a few rapids. Trust us, you’ll have a blast just cruising down the river and getting splashed by the water.

And the views? You get to see some crazy, beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery as you drift downstream. It’s definitely an experience you don’t want to miss when you’re in Banff!

Visit the Moraine Lake Lodge and enjoy the Valley of the Ten Peaks

Website: https://morainelake.com/ 

Address: Moraine Lake Rd, PO Box 70, Lake Louise, AB

Contact details: +1 877-522-2777

Operating hours: 

• Open year-round

Moraine Lake is this crazy beautiful emerald lake surrounded by epic peaks and glaciers—seriously, it’s like a postcard come to life! It’s all frozen in winter, but when summer rolls around, it’s all bright colors and lush greenery.

The Valley of the Ten Peaks can be seen from many vantage points around Moraine Lake, so be sure to take advantage of all of them! Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep and grizzly bears.

This place will leave you speechless, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, or picnicking—it should definitely be on your bucket list if you’re planning on spending time in Alberta this summer.

Take a road trip on the Icefields Parkway

Website: https://icefieldsparkway.com/ 

Address: Highway 93, Alberta, Canada

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

This 230-kilometer stretch of highway between Lake Louise and Jasper National Park boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes you’ll ever see. Icy glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and jagged peaks create an unforgettable panorama. 

Plus, the highway is dotted with plenty of places to stop and explore, which will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this incredible stretch of road. Here are a few highlights along the way: 

• The Columbia Icefield: It is the largest icefield in North America that straddles the Continental Divide.
  
• Bow Lake: An idyllic alpine lake fed by the melting glacier nearby.
  
• Athabasca Falls: A powerful waterfall drops over 20 meters in height.

• Peyto Lake: A stunning glacier-fed lake with breathtaking views.

• Sunwapta Falls: This two-tiered waterfall tumbles over ancient rocks covered in moss.

Whichever route you take, we guarantee it’ll be a memorable journey for everyone—so if you’re planning on exploring Alberta this summer, make sure to add this epic adventure to your itinerary!

Explore the “Dinosaur Trails” at Drumheller

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

Address: Badlands, Alberta, Canada

Contact details: [email protected] 

If you’re looking for a unique summer adventure in Alberta, you should consider the “Dinosaur Trails” at Drumheller. I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for stepping into the past, and this is just the place to do it!

The Dinosaur Trails feature over 40 sites where you can hunt for fossilized dinosaur bones and footprints. It’s a great way to explore Alberta’s ancient history and learn all about dinosaurs up close and personal! 

You’ll also find some of the world’s most impressive dinosaur sculptures here. The fossil safari in particular is something not to be missed. On this tour, visitors get to go on a real dig site within the badlands—sounds exciting, right? 

Not only will this experiential activity give you a unique perspective on Alberta’s rich history, but it’ll also make an incredible memory that lasts long after your summer trip is done!

Check out the gorgeous Lake Louise Ski Resort

Website: https://www.skilouise.com/ 

Address: Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB

Contact details: +1 877-956-8473

Operating hours: 

• Monday to Friday – 8:30AM to 4:30 PM

In this world-renowned ski resort, you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic Lake Louise. With over 4,200 acres of skiable terrain, the resort caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.

But it’s not just about skiing and snowboarding; they’ve got other fun winter activities like snowshoeing, tubing, and guided mountain tours too.

And when you’re ready to grab a bite, they’ve got everything from casual cafes to fancy restaurants, so you can chill and refuel after a day on the slopes.

Ride a boat trip at Waterton Lakes National Park

Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=waterton 

Address: 404 Cameron Falls Drive Waterton Park, AB

Contact details: +1 403-859-5133

Operating hours:

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

Prices:

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

For anyone who loves nature, exploring Alberta’s gorgeous scenery is a must-do! One of the coolest places in our books is Waterton Lakes National Park, where you’ll find the stunning Lake McDonald and Waterton River. 

If you’re looking for a way to experience the sights and sounds of nature, we suggest taking a boat trip on either lake!

With the majestic Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, you can spend your day spotting wildlife or just take some time for yourself to relax and appreciate the beauty of the area.

Overall, taking a boat trip in Waterton Lakes National Park is an amazing way to experience its natural beauty without having to put too much effort into it.