31 Most Lovely Locations to Go to in Alberta

Alberta is Canada’s most lovely province. I could also be biased since I used to be born in Alberta and have returned numerous instances however it’s laborious to compete with the Rocky Mountains, the badlands, and the glistening glacier lakes. So since we love visiting Alberta a lot, we wish to share probably the most lovely locations to go to in Alberta to allow you to be the decide. Residence to the Canadian Rockies, Alberta boasts 5 nationwide parks with a number of the finest surroundings in Western Canada. If you’re planning a visit to Alberta, don’t miss these lovely locations.

Prime Locations to Go to in Alberta

We have now traveled a variety of Alberta throughout each season and may actually say, it’s a tremendous year-round vacation spot and some of the lovely locations on the earth! Whether or not you go to Alberta in winter, summer time, spring, or fall, you’re going to be shocked by its pure magnificence.

The easiest way to get round Alberta is by automotive. You’ll need to have the ability to cease on the scenic views, mountain climbing trails, and sights all through the province. You may decide up your automotive rental on the Calgary Airport and set off for the journey of a lifetime. Test costs right here.

There are such a lot of iconic locations to see in Alberta, it may be troublesome understanding the place to start out, however we’re right here to assist. These are probably the most lovely locations in Alberta that we now have visited with footage to show it! Let’s get began.

Banff Nationwide Park

Banff Nationwide Park is Canada’s oldest nationwide park and has attracted guests to its scorching springs since 1885. Positioned in the course of the Rocky Mountains there are unimaginable views, glacier lakes, and backcountry adventures available. If you set your eyes upon Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier regally reflecting into its turquoise waters you may’t assist however gasp in awe on the scene of some of the lovely locations in Canada.

Banff Nationwide Park is huge with towering mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies, turquoise lakes (apart from Lake Louise), and alpine meadows. The park can be residence to quite a few waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise. So, earlier than we transfer away from Banff Nationwide Park, let’s check out the entire high sights within the space, as a result of they only so occur to be the perfect locations to go to in Alberta as effectively.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is likely one of the most well-known vacationer sights in Alberta. A real Canadian bucket listing exercise is to hire a canoe and head out onto the lake.

You may keep in Lake Louise Village which has loads of outlets and eating places or you may keep on the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise for pure luxurious and decadence.

Lake Louise in Winter

It’s also probably the greatest locations in Alberta to go to in Winter. Lake Louise Ski Resort is a world-class resort that hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics. In there winter there are countless adventures available at Lake Louise Ski Resort and past from cross-country snowboarding, canine sledding, skijorring, pond hockey, and snowshoeing.

Within the winter Lake Louise freezes over making for probably the most lovely out of doors skating rink settings on earth. Now could be your likelihood to ice skate at one among Canada’s most iconic locations.

The place to Keep in Lake Louise:

In the summertime, Lake Louise is astounding with mountain climbing trails taking you out to Victoria Glacier. Victoria Glacier stands proud over the turquoise waters of Lake Louise making it probably the most photographed place in all of Canada!

A preferred hike is the Lake Agnes Tea Home Trek, the place you hike 3.5km (2.2 miles) to the historic tea home. Lake Agnes Tea Home has been in operation since 1905 and has an enthralling rustic ambiance, with seating each inside and outdoors on the deck overlooking Lake Agnes. This is likely one of the hottest hikes within the nationwide park, so it’s really helpful to reach early to keep away from crowds and guarantee a spot on the tea home.

After having fun with your tea and snacks on the tea home, you may both retrace your steps again to Lake Louise alongside this fashionable hike or proceed on to the Little Beehive or Huge Beehive trails for extra beautiful views of the world.

Moraine Lake

No go to to Lake Louise could be full with out mountain climbing out to Moraine Lake. It unforgettable scene is featured on the again of our previous Canadian $20 invoice and has been attracting out of doors lovers for many years.

Moraine Lake shouldn’t be removed from Lake Louise and is simply an hour’s drive from the city of Banff. The very best time to go to Moraine Lake is certainly at dawn. When the solar hits the Valley of the Ten Peaks and displays off of the mirror-like lake you recognize why this is likely one of the most photographed places in North America.

Word that there was a change in guidelines for 2023 and accessing Moraine Lake for dawn is now not attainable by way of the Parks Canada Shuttle. You’ll have to discover a tour that has entry to do that. If you happen to trip a motorcycle or take an organized tour you may nonetheless go to Lake Moraine for dawn. Learn extra: 16 Greatest Banff Hikes To Uncover

• Learn extra about what to see and do in Lake Louise:

Banff Sizzling Springs

It was the Banff Sizzling Springs that first attracted vacationers to the nationwide park and when visiting Banff it’s essential to take a day to spend in these iconic waters. The recent springs have been first found by employees on the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883.

This is likely one of the most beautiful places of any scorching spring surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. The water temperature within the scorching springs ranges from 37°C to 40°C (98°F to 104°F), making it the right place to loosen up and unwind.

The Banff Higher Sizzling Springs is the preferred and accessible of the recent springs in Banff Nationwide Park making it a simple place to go to. The power contains a big out of doors pool that’s open yr spherical. In reality, the perfect time to go to is in winter when the mountains are lined with snow. There indoor change rooms the place you may hire an previous timers bathing go well with should you don’t have yours, and a café. There may be additionally a present store the place you should buy souvenirs and different gadgets.

Vermilion Lakes

Visiting the Vermilion Lakes at dawn in winter creates some of the lovely scenes we now have ever witnessed. The sky is ablaze as God’s fingers simply out from behind the mountain peaks. Photographers line up each day for this view and with good purpose. Learn extra: Uncover Banff Canada in Photographs

Don’t miss photographing the Vermilion Lakes at dawn for superior reflections of Mount Rundle and Lake Minnewanka at night time for astrophotography.

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is the most important lake in Banff Nationwide Park stretching over 21 kilometers (13 miles) in size and reaching depths of as much as 142 meters (466 toes). Like so most of the lakes within the park it’s surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.

The title “Minnewanka” comes from the Stoney Nakoda First Nations individuals, which means “Water of the Spirits” and there are many issues to do within the space.

Guests can take a scenic drive alongside the Minnewanka Loop, which provides a number of viewpoints and stops for mountain climbing trails and picnic areas.

We extremely suggest taking one among its boat excursions in the course of the summer time months. The guides are stuffed with data and also you’ll be taught in regards to the legend of the Mermen that lived in Lake Minnewanka. Within the winter, the lake freezes over and turns into a preferred spot for ice fishing and cross-country snowboarding. We have now visited it in each winter and summer time and every season is gorgeous.

The place to remain in Banff:

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway hyperlinks Banff and Jasper nationwide parks and is likely one of the most lovely drives on earth. It really is likely one of the biggest street journeys on the earth. There are such a lot of issues to see alongside Icefields parkway you’ll wish to take a few days to discover it. Don’t miss stopping on the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefields which is likely one of the largest non-polar ice fields on the earth and take within the view of the encircling mountains on the Icefields Skywalk.

You may learn extra at Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta however we’re additionally going to spotlight a number of the high out of doors actions and viewpoints alongside this iconic route.

Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefields Skywalk has shortly turn out to be probably the most epic viewpoint in Alberta. Only a brief drive from the Columbia Icefield customer middle the Skywalk is a must-see attraction. The glass-bottomed walkway over the Columbia Icefields dangles 280m (918 toes) above the canyon surrounded by glaciers and mountains creating an superior view!

The Columbia Icefield Customer Middle is a good cease about midway between Banff and Jasper city and right here you may go to the museum, seize some lunch (meals is dear although so be ready), and take within the views of the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. You may guide excursions right here as effectively.

Athabasca Glacier

You may view the glacier from the customer centre, however you can too guide a tour to get out onto it. If you happen to don’t wish to guide a tour, you may stroll out on some trails for a more in-depth view of the glacier. However don’t go off the path and by no means enterprise out onto the glacier alone with out a information. It’s harmful and could be lethal, that is the scariest glacier we’ve ever been on with deep crevasses and we adopted our information’s directions to a tea.

• E-book this Columbia Icefield Half Day Tour right here from Jasper. It contains transportation from Jasper, picture stops at Athabasca Falls and Stutfield Glacier, Ice Cat tour of the Athabasca Glacier and the Icefield Skywalk with lunch!

Bow Lake

There are numerous pullovers and viewpoints on the Icefields Parkway to see iconic Alberta lakes akin to Peyto Lake, and the beautiful reflections of Bow Lake. Positioned on the foot of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake has probably the most lovely lake reflection in all of Alberta. You may hike across the lake or pause to remain at Num ti Jaw Lodge positioned straight on Bow Lake. It’s an excellent place to make a base.

Peyto Lake

There are such a lot of lakes alongside the Icefields Parkway to cease and take within the views. From Two Jack Lake to

The place to Keep on the Icefields Parkway

• Num Ti Jah Lodge – Historic Lodge positioned straight on Bow Lake. One of the crucial distinctive locations to remain in Alberta.

Jasper Nationwide Park

After you’ve pushed the Icefields Parkway, Jasper Nationwide Park is your subsequent cease and is a spot you can not miss visiting in Alberta. It’s as lovely as Banff Nationwide Park should you can consider it! In reality, we like Jasper Nationwide Park higher than banff as a result of it’s much less crowded and extra rustic. There are such a lot of locations to see in Jasper Nationwide Park that you have to spend just a few days up right here. It has an abundance of wildlife from grizzly bears to mountain goats, you may see the northern lights, and frozen waterfalls within the winter and like so many different locations in Alberta, there are mountain climbing trails, turquise lakes and canyons. Learn extra: Superb Issues to do in Jasper, Alberta

Northern Lights at Lake Annette

You may see the northern lights throughout Alberta however Jasper is understood for its darkish sky competition and it is likely one of the finest locations to see the Aurora Borealis in Alberta. Winter is the perfect time to view the darkish skies as a result of the times or shorter and you’ve got lengthy darkish nights to see the celebs twinkly within the sky.

We made our approach out to Lake Annette from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge within the wee hours of the morning and noticed probably the most extraordinary show of northern lights reflecting within the nonetheless waters. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the perfect place to remain in Jasper with lovely views of Lac Beauvert and choices to remain in log cabins, large lake homes and major constructing resort rooms.

Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is a beautiful river canyon stroll that plunges 50 meters (154 toes) into the earth. Arrive early within the morning to beat the crowds!

In the summertime it’s a nice locations for a hike to see the waterfalls cascading down the canyon, however within the winter it turns right into a wonderland with frozen waterfalls filling the scene.

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is likely one of the most visited locations in Jasper Nationwide Park. There are mountain climbing trails and scenic lookouts however the high factor to do right here is to take a ship cruise to Spirit Island for a picture-perfect picture alternative.

Additionally, this will provide you with sufficient time to drive out to Maligne Lake. It’s the longest pure lake within the Canadian Rockies.

The place to Keep in Jasper Nationwide Park

Different highlights of Jasper embrace taking a meals tour of Jasper City, a go to to Pyramid Lake at dawn, a hike to Sunwapta Falls, and stopping to view the beautiful Athabasca Falls. Take a look at: 14 Greatest Hikes in Jasper Nationwide Park – Alberta Canada

Alberta Badlands

The Alberta Badlands are a stark distinction to the Rocky Mountains area. The lunar-like panorama is stuffed with distinctive locations to see in Alberta. There may be additionally some lovely scenic lookouts like Horse Thief Canyon and Horseshoe Canyon. The Hoodoos of Drumheller are to not be missed. Learn extra: Issues to do in Drumheller, Alberta

Hoodoos of Drumheller

These historical hoodoo rock formations are a tiny cluster on the facet of the street as you drive from Dinosaur Provincial Park to Drumheller.

The place to remain within the Alberta Badlands

Royal Tyrrell Museum

Positioned within the city of Drumheller, The Royal Tyrrell Museum is likely one of the finest dinosaur museums on the earth. We might have spent hours having fun with its shows. In reality, it homes the most important and most numerous assortment of fossils on the earth, with over 160,000 specimens on show. Guests can see every thing from dinosaur skeletons and fossils to historical marine creatures and prehistoric vegetation.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Whereas driving alongside the dinosaur path, you can not miss taking a tour of Dinosaur Provincial Park. Not solely is is totally lovely, however it’s also some of the fossil-rich locations on the planet and you’ll see actual fossils which were dug from excavations.

The Centrosaurus Quarry Hike is the easiest way to see this large focus of dinosaur fossils. This was an precise excavation web site, however scientists received all they wanted from there and left the remainder for us to see. It’s an interactive tour and the information assessments your data as you attempt to bear in mind every thing you discovered at school about dinosaurs. You may guide excursions on the park customer middle. Learn extra: A Go to to Dinosaur Provincial Park

Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park

Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park (often known as Waterton – Glacier Worldwide Peace Park) is a tremendous place to go to in Alberta. It’s positioned on the USA border and shares its land with Glacier Nationwide Park.

Collectively they’re the one nationwide parks on the earth which can be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, an Worldwide Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve rolled multi function. You may see a herd of untamed buffalo, purple rocks canyon, and the Prince Albert Lodge. Plan your go to: The Wonders of Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park

The place to Keep in Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park

Pincher Creek – Southern Alberta

Southern Alberta is a cowboy nation. Taking you thru the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the panorama and surroundings is as numerous because it will get. A fantastic place to make a base to discover round Crowsnest Cross for just a few days in Pincher Creek.

Burmis Tree

Once I noticed The Burmis Tree in pictures, I had to ensure I put it on the high of my listing of locations to go to in Alberta. Positioned at Crowsnest Cross (One other must-visit place in Alberta) the Burmis Tree is estimated to be 600 to 750 years previous. It’s an ominous sight,

Head Smashed in Buffalo Soar

Positioned simply quarter-hour from Fort MacLeod is the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, Head Smashed in Buffalo Soar. Courting again 6000 years, the early Aboriginal peoples would lure herds of buffalo over the sting of a cliff. Learn: Well-known Canada Landmarks so as to add to your bucket listing

Calgary Peace Bridge

Calgary is Alberta’s largest metropolis and no go to to Alberta could be full with out spending at the very least two days within the metropolis. It’s residence to the annual Calgary Stampede however there’s a lot extra to do than simply watch chuck wagon races and bull driving.

There are such a lot of issues to do in Calgary we suggest spending a few days. Positioned on the Bow River, Calgary has loads of out of doors sights, however it’s also an elegant city vacation spot with a incredible meals scene. Learn extra: 21 Greatest Issues to do in Calgary, Alberta

Calgary Tower

As proven above, we now have a complete article devoted to all of the issues to do in Calgary, however we do want to the touch on at the very least one among its sights. The Calgary Tower is likely one of the most recognizable constructions within the metropolis and going up the tower is as a lot part of town because the CN Tower is to Toronto.

Upon completion in 1968, the Calgary Tower was the tallest constructing in Calgary. Though it was dethroned in 1984, the tower nonetheless provides guests a number of the finest views in Calgary.

Different locations to go to in Calgary are Canada Olympic Park, Mannequin Milk. Learn extra: 21 Greatest Issues to do in Calgary, Alberta

The place to remain in Calgary:

Canmore

We will’t write about all of the locations to go to in Alberta with out mentioning Canmore. That is the out of doors lover’s playground. It has a number of mountain climbing, biking, and snowshoe trails in addition to incredible viewpoints of the Three Sisters. It’s an excellent spot for mountain climbing in the summertime and mountaineering within the winter.

The Yamnuska Wolf Canine Sanctuary is to not be missed and ensure to do some climbing to soak up the birds-eye views.

Johnston Canyon

The scenic Johnston Canyon Icewalk is as lovely (if no more) within the winter as it’s in the summertime.

The place to Keep in Canmore

Kananaskis

Folks usually overlook Kananaskis for Banff or Jasper however it is likely one of the most lovely locations to go to in Alberta with simply as beautiful views. Positioned between Calgary and Banff, it’s a nice weekend getaway vacation spot. You should definitely go to the spa at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

Edmonton

Edmonton is commonly neglected when visiting Alberta, however it’s a funky city that has one of many the youngest populations in Canada making for a classy and occurring metropolis to go to!

West Edmonton Mall

The West Edmonton Mall is a high draw with every thing inside you may think about. It’s the dimension of a small metropolis and makes for an excellent year-round vacation spot. You should definitely spend a day or two in Edmonton to make the most of its burgeoning cocktail bar and meals scene, artwork galleries, and museums.

The humanities and theatre scene is rising quick with Edmonton internet hosting the second-largest Fringe Competition on the earth!

Cowboy Path

Alberta really is a dream vacation spot. With numerous picture alternatives and adventures available, it’s one of many biggest locations in Canada to go to. So get in your automotive and begin that Alberta street journey as we speak!

Learn Extra Alberta Journey Planning: