Categories > Guides and Tips
Top 10 Things to Do in Alberta
- Explore the scenic beauty of Banff National Park
- Marvel at the breathtaking Lake Louise
- Take a trip back in time at Heritage Park Historical Village
- Embrace the natural wonder of the Columbia Icefield
- See the Northern Lights in Wood Buffalo National Park
- Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Hike the iconic Maligne Canyon
- Get close to nature at Waterton Lakes National Park
- Explore the eclectic West Edmonton Mall
- Attend the world-famous Calgary Stampede
Alberta truly has got it all, from breathtaking national parks and crystal-clear glacial lakes nestled amidst the stunning Rocky Mountains to bustling cities with vibrant arts and culture scenes.
And of course, let’s not forget the sheer variety of activities that cater to just about any adventure you’re craving.
To help kick-start your Alberta adventure, we’ve compiled this list of top things you simply must do while visiting. So, read on, make a plan, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey
Explore the scenic beauty of Banff National Park
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
Banff National Park in Alberta has your name scrawled all over it. Picture jagged mountain peaks, crystalline turquoise lakes, and awe-inspiring wildlife, all mingling to craft a canvas like no other.
But Banff isn’t just about hiking. How about canoeing on a serene lake shimmering with the reflection of towering mountains? Yes, please!
Local tip: Keep your camera ready at all times; you’ll never know when you might spot a magnificent elk or a glorious glacier-capped peak!
Marvel at the breathtaking Lake Louise
Website: https://www.banfflakelouise.com/
Address: Samson Mall, 201 Village Road, Lake Louise, Alberta
Contact details: +1 403-762-8421
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
At Lake Louise, every moment is an Instagram-worthy snapshot. It is world-renowned for its astonishing turquoise waters, which is why this beautiful lake is no less than a painting come to life.
You can choose to paddle across its tranquil waters, hike to the Lake Agnes teahouse, or take the gondola ride for a mountaintop view that’ll leave you breathless.
The opportunities for adventure around Lake Louise are as boundless as the Alberta sky itself.
Local tip: Plan your visit on a sunny day to witness the turquoise colour of Lake Louise in all its glory.
Take a trip back in time at Heritage Park Historical Village
Website: http://www.heritagepark.ca/
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, Alberta
Contact details: +1 403-268-8500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Heritage Park Historical Village is the largest living history museum in Canada. Imagine interacting with costumed interpreters who introduce you to Western Canadian heritage while showcasing life as it was in the 1860s through the 1930s.
But don’t just take my word for it; come and see for yourself. You can even hop onto a horse-drawn wagon for a delightful ride or take a spin on an antique steam train as it chugs through the enchanting village.
Local tip: Don’t miss the riveting stories of an old-time blacksmith as he clinks, bends, and shapes metal into fascinating artefacts.
Embrace the natural wonder of the Columbia Icefield
Website: https://icefieldsparkway.com/
Address: Highway 93, Alberta, Canada
Contact details: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theicefieldsparkway
Spanning a whopping 230 square kilometres, the Icefield feeds eight major glaciers. There are crazy fun (and safe, of course) ways to get up close and personal with these ancient icy behemoths.
Ever heard of the Ice Explorer vehicle? It’s an all-terrain vehicle that’ll take you straight onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier.
Or for those who want a higher perspective, hop on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-bottomed viewing platform 280 metres above the Sunwapta Valley. It’s the kind of view you really have to see to believe.
Local tip: Definitely invest in a solid pair of binoculars for your trip. It’ll make wildlife spotting just a whole lot better.
See the Northern Lights in Wood Buffalo National Park
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nt/woodbuffalo
Address: Box 750, Fort Smith, NT X0E 0P0, Canada
Contact details: +1 867-872-7960
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9AM to 5PM
Prices:
- Pine Lake Rental Cabins(one night) – $106.50
- Kettle Point Group Camp – $5.25 per person
Wood Buffalo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest dark sky preserve in the world. So, not only do you get to witness the vibrant dance of the Aurora Borealis, but you also get killer views of the starry skies above!
You’ll be amazed at the diverse landscape—the park covers everything from boreal forests to wide-open plains. And let’s not forget about the wildlife!
The park is packed with amazing creatures such as bison, wolves, and bears. So, there’s plenty to see and do, even when those mesmerising lights aren’t dancing across the sky.
Local tip: If you’re staying a few days, consider renting a houseboat on Pine Lake—it’s a unique and relaxing experience that you won’t forget.
Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs
Website: https://www.hotsprings.ca/banff
Address: Mountain Ave, Banff, Alberta
Contact details: +1 800-767-1611
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10AM to 10PM
Nestled in Alberta’s stunning Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 1,585 metres, Banff Upper Hot Springs have been luring visitors since the 1880s. Besides the obvious relaxation, soaking in hot springs has some pretty solid health benefits.
The hot water helps increase blood circulation and supply oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. Ah, doesn’t that sound like just the ticket after a long day of hiking or skiing in the mountains?
Local tip: After your relaxing soak, pop over to the onsite café for a snack. Their homemade soup with a view of the mountains is the perfect way to end this undoubtedly refreshing encounter.
Hike the iconic Maligne Canyon
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper/canyonmaligne
Address: Jasper, AB
Contact details: +1 780-852-6176
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, and the sights you’ll see here are honestly otherworldly.
What really makes Maligne Canyon special, aside from that impressive depth (we’re talking over 50 metres at the deepest point), are the rock formations shaped by thousands of years of water erosion.
You’ll cross a number of footbridges (six, to be exact), each offering a unique perspective of the canyon. In winter, the frozen waterfalls turn into stunning ice sculptures, and guided ice walks are also available.
Local tip: Don’t skip the fourth bridge! Many people turn around after the third, but the fourth offers spectacular views with way fewer crowds.
Get close to nature at Waterton Lakes National Park
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/
Address: Waterton Park, AB
Contact details: +1 403-859-5133
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Waterton is a unique mix of mountain and prairie ecosystems, which means one heck of a diverse experience for park visitors. It’s home to over 60 species of mammals, not to mention countless bird, fish, and plant species.
There are over 200 kilometres of trails here, ranging from leisurely strolls to more challenging climbs. Into boating? Navigating Waterton Lake is a breeze, literally and figuratively.
Local tip: Head up to the Prince of Wales Hotel for a sunset—trust me, the breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains are worth it!
Explore the eclectic West Edmonton Mall
Website: http://www.wem.ca/
Address: 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta
Contact details: +1 780-444-5321
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10AM to 9PM
- Sunday – 11AM to 6PM
The West Edmonton Mall is an absolute extravaganza, folks. With over 800 stores, a waterpark, an amusement park, and an ice rink, WEM is more like a city of its own—what else would you expect from the largest mall in North America?
With attractions such as Galaxyland and World Waterpark (the world’s largest indoor wave pool), you’re never short of thrilling experiences. Oh, and did I mention the mall also has a minigolf, a movie theatre, and even an underground aquarium? Yep.
Local tip: Take advantage of West Edmonton Mall’s multi-play pass options—you can save some cash while enjoying multiple attractions.
Attend the world-famous Calgary Stampede
Website: https://www.calgarystampede.com/
The Calgary Stampede began over a century ago as a celebration of Alberta’s western heritage. Today, it still showcases this proud culture through events like rodeos, chuckwagon races, and the iconic Grandstand Show.
But don’t worry, they’ve added some modern fun too, with an epic midway, live music, and enough food options to put that stretchy waistband to the test!
Kids will even love the midway rides and cotton candy, while adults can enjoy live music, beer gardens, and the phenomenal nightly fireworks display.
Local tip: Swing by the free early-morning pancake breakfasts that take place all over Calgary during the Stampede—it’s the authentic way to kick off your day of fun!
