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10 Unique Things To Do in Alberta

10 Unique Things To Do in Alberta

Alberta, Canada, is a place where unique and thrilling experiences awaits you! This diverse province offers a treasure trove of adventures that will captivate your senses and leave you with memories that last a lifetime. 

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or a history buff, there’s something in Alberta that will spark your curiosity and make your trip truly unforgettable. So read on, and let’s uncover the amazing experiences that await you!

Take a Buffalo Safari at Elk Island National Park

Take a Buffalo Safari at Elk Island National Park's Homepage

Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/elk?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=elk 

Address: 54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta

Contact details: +1 780-922-5790

Operating hours: 

  • Open 24hrs

Escape from the city and embark on an incredible adventure with the animals of this beautiful park!  Here, you can join knowledgeable naturalists as they drive you through the park in search of large bison herds in their natural habitat. 

The safari car is open-air and has plenty of space for cabin occupants to easily observe and take pictures of these majestic beasts. 

As you gaze upon these incredible creatures, your naturalist will give you educational information about the various species in the park and their histories. 

It’s also the perfect chance to learn more about conservation efforts at Elk Island National Park and how your visit helps contribute to them.

Local Tip: Join a guided tour to witness majestic bison up close and learn about their conservation efforts in this pristine wilderness.

Spot bighorn sheep and mountain goats in Banff National Park

Spot bighorn sheep and mountain goats in Banff National Park's Homepage

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

This World Heritage Site is home to an incredible array of unique species, including bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Seeing these majestic animals in their natural habitat is an amazing feeling.

They’re so awe-inspiring that you simply cannot take your eyes off them. You can observe them from the roadside, take a guided nature walk, or even go on a rock-climbing adventure.

Keep your camera handy, by the way, as it will be hard not to snap photos of these majestic creatures roaming around in the clear mountain air! So grab your hiking boots and get going; these wild animals are simply too mesmerizing to miss out on.

Local Tip: Hike up to high alpine meadows for the best chances of spotting these elusive and impressive creatures amidst Banff’s stunning landscapes.

Explore the Canadian Badlands

Explore the Canadian Badlands' Homepage

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

Address: Badlands, Alberta, Canada

Contact details: [email protected] 

Alberta’s Canadian Badlands are cloaked in mystery! If the history of the area doesn’t pique your interest, then perhaps the captivating scenery will. 

Wander around the rugged beauty of these stunning, sweeping landscapes—they practically take your breath away. The Canadian Badlands are a great way to explore Alberta with a unique twist. 

Here are some of our favorite activities for an unforgettable experience:

  • Camping: Bring your camping gear and explore the incredible terrain. Plus, you’ll get to sleep under the stars with some of Alberta’s most spectacular views.
  • Sightseeing: From deep canyons to dunes and valleys, there is something for everyone! Don’t forget to bring your camera so you can capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories.
  • Horseback Riding: Gallop into adventure on horseback! Experience Albertan nature up close while steering a noble steed through the rolling hills and rocky terrain. This is one activity that won’t be forgotten in a hurry!

So what are you waiting for? Leave behind your everyday life and explore Alberta’s incredible Canadian Badlands—it’ll be worth it!

Check out the hoodoos in Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Check out the hoodoos in Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park's Homepage

Website: https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/writing-on-stone-pp/ 

Address: 5NW 36 TW1 range 13, Milk River, Alberta

Contact details: +1 403-647-2364

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 4PM

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, head to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park in Alberta! Located between the Milk and Oldman Rivers, this park is home to some of Canada’s most stunning landscapes, most notably the hoodoos.

Hoodoos are natural sandstone formations that were created by thousands of years of erosion and wind. And you won’t believe your eyes when you see them in person! 

They come in all shapes and sizes, from towering giants to small rocks, and it’s an amazing sight to behold. Not only can you admire these geological wonders, but you can also explore the area around them. 

Nature lovers will rejoice at the opportunity to observe wildlife like deer, bison, black bears, elk, and more. Plus, with over 5,000 petroglyphs scattered throughout the park, history buffs will have plenty of fascinating stories to uncover.

Local Tip: Be respectful of the fragile hoodoos and ancient rock art, and remember to leave no trace during your visit to this sacred site.

Stargaze at the Dark Sky Preserve

Stargaze at the Dark Sky Preserve's Homepage

Have you ever wanted to gaze at the night sky while admiring the stars? If so, then you’ll be glad to know that Alberta has its very own Dark Sky Preserve! 

Nestled deep in the Alberta Foothills, the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve is the perfect spot for all of your stargazing needs. 

Not only does Beaver Hills have 6,000 years of incredible cultural history, but it also boasts breathtaking views of starry skies and dazzling auroras. Plus, it’s not only one of Canada’s darkest spots, but it’s one of the world’s darkest places too!

Take advantage of Alberta’s Dark Sky Preserve and witness one of nature’s greatest wonders from a truly unique perspective. Enjoy these experiences while they last—they will be nothing short of spectacular!

Local Tip: Find a cozy spot away from city lights and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring celestial display of stars, planets, and the shimmering Northern Lights.

Explore the historic Galt Gardens in Lethbridge

Explore the historic Galt Gardens in Lethbridge's Homepage

Website: https://visitlethbridge.com/profile.asp?bPageID=1510 

Address: Downtown Lethbridge, Alberta

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

Exploring the Galt Gardens in Lethbridge is a must-do when visiting Alberta! Located on the riverbanks of the Oldman River, this historic park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with friends.

What makes this spot particularly special? First, it’s one of the oldest parks in Alberta, established in 1891. 

Plus, it features over 3 kilometers of walking trails, two playgrounds with modern equipment, and many stunning flowers that bloom throughout the year.

If you’re looking to add some history to your visit, be sure to check out the unique sculptures made by local artists and artisans that are scattered across the park. 

After all, Galt Gardens is more than just a place for recreation; it’s an important part of our province’s history and culture.

Visit a Hutterite Colony

Visit a Hutterite Colony's Homepage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-K6vzdU8GQ

Did you know that Alberta is home to some of the oldest Hutterite colonies in Canada? For those unfamiliar, Hutterites are a branch of traditional Anabaptist Christians who live and work together communally, and they can be found in over 350 colonies.

Visiting an Alberta Hutterite colony is a unique opportunity to gain insight into their culture. Some colonies even offer tourists the chance to take part in a guided tour or seasonal activities, such as hay rides or harvesting. 

It’s a chance to meet the people, learn about their lifestyle, and, of course, sample some of their delicious home-cooked meals. You’ll also have the chance to observe how much of Alberta’s agricultural industry relies on Hutterite innovation. 

The colonies have become renowned for their successful farming techniques thanks to efficient irrigation systems and greenhouses. 

Local Tip: Gain insight into the Hutterite community’s way of life, traditions, and agricultural practices by visiting one of their welcoming colonies.

See the Northern Lights

See the Northern Lights' Homepage
From CityNews

For the ultimate Alberta experience, you can’t miss an opportunity to see the Northern Lights! Every year, from late fall to early spring, you can watch these awe-inspiring lights dance and swirl across the night sky; it’s truly a breathtaking sight.

The best part is that you don’t have to travel far in Alberta to catch a glimpse of them. The cities of Edmonton and Calgary both offer plenty of places where you can marvel at this natural phenomenon safely and securely.

The light show usually starts around 9 p.m. and continues until dawn. And with luck, you might even catch some glimpses of the aurora borealis during the day as well! 

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, here are some pointers:

  • Time your trip: The peak viewing months for the northern lights are from mid-August to mid-April, so plan accordingly if possible.
  • Choose the right location: Pick an area that’s free from light pollution, like dark sky preserves or, if possible, the Alaska Highway or Peace River region in Alberta, for an even better view.
  • Dress warmly: Temperatures during winter nights can get very low, so make sure to bring proper attire and stay warm while admiring the show!
  • Be patient: The Northern Lights are unpredictable, so give yourself enough time to observe them and enjoy their beauty.

Local Tip: Venture to remote locations with clear skies, such as Elk Island National Park or Jasper National Park, for a chance to witness the captivating dance of the Northern Lights.

Visit a “living” dinosaur museum

Visit a living dinosaur museum's Homepage

Website: http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/ 

Address: 1500 N Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller, Alberta

Contact details: +1 403-823-7707

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Sunday -10 AM to 5 PM

Dinosaurs are pretty cool, right? Well, if you’ve ever wanted an up-close-and-personal encounter with some of Alberta’s prehistoric creatures, you can learn all about them at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller!

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is known as a “living” dinosaur museum because it offers more than just skeletons and bones on display; it also boasts a collection of interactive exhibits that will take you back to the days when dinosaurs roamed the land. 

Here, you can observe fossil specimens from all over Canada, explore educational displays about paleontology, and even touch real pieces of dinosaur skin!

It’s a great way to get your hands on history—you can even try your hand at being a real paleontologist by participating in some of their field activities when they’re open. So why not take a trip to the Royal Tyrrell Museum for a unique experience?

Local Tip: Bring your curiosity and sense of wonder as you explore the interactive exhibits and learn about prehistoric creatures that once roamed the earth.

Take a dog-sledding ride

Take a dog-sledding ride's Homepage

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and embark on a thrilling dog sledding ride in the Alberta Rockies! Not only is it an exciting way to explore the area, but it’s also one of the most unique activities the province has to offer.

So what can you expect from this experience? Here is a glimpse of what’s in store:

  1. An authentic experience through the scenic Alberta wilderness on a traditional Finnish-style wooden sled, pulled by powerful huskies (seriously, they can do up to 20 kilometers in just two hours!).
  2. A knowledgeable guide who will teach you about safety and the basics of mushing before your journey.
  3. An opportunity to learn how to command and control your sledding team.
  4. A chance to interact with some cute huskies—after all, who doesn’t love playing with these adorable companions?
  5. A scrumptious lunch break alongside a frozen night sky and snow-covered fir trees!

And don’t forget—no matter what season you’re in, there’s something truly magical about dog mushing in Alberta. So make sure you include this fun activity on your list when you visit the province!

Local Tip: Dress warmly and hold on tight as you experience the thrill of being pulled through the snow by a team of energetic sled dogs.

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