Overview

Alberta is a land of spectacular contrasts — towering Rocky Mountains, wide-open prairies, dinosaur fossils, turquoise lakes, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re hiking through Banff National Park, attending the Calgary Stampede, or exploring Indigenous heritage in Edmonton and beyond, Alberta offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, culture, and outdoor adventure.

  • Capital: Edmonton
  • Largest City: Calgary
  • Other Major Cities: Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie
  • Population: ~4.8 million (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (UTC−7) / MDT (Daylight Saving)
  • Climate: Continental — cold winters, warm summers, and dramatic seasonal changes

Top Destinations in Alberta

Banff National Park

Canada’s first national park, known for its mountain peaks, turquoise lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and postcard-worthy hiking trails.

Jasper National Park

A wilderness gem offering glaciers, canyons, hot springs, and dark sky preserves — ideal for stargazing and spotting wildlife.

Calgary

A modern city with western roots, famous for the Calgary Stampede, vibrant dining, and views of the Rocky Mountains.

Edmonton

Alberta’s capital is home to one of the world’s largest malls, a thriving arts scene, and scenic river valley parks.

Drumheller & the Badlands

Step back in time in the “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” with fossil-filled landscapes and the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Must-See Attractions

  • Lake Louise & Moraine Lake – Two of the most photographed lakes in the world
  • Calgary Stampede – The “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” (July)
  • West Edmonton Mall – Over 800 stores, a waterpark, and amusement rides
  • Athabasca Glacier (Icefields Parkway) – Explore this living glacier by bus or foot
  • Royal Tyrrell Museum (Drumheller) – World-class paleontology exhibits

Things to Do

  • Ski or snowboard in Banff, Jasper, or Lake Louise in winter
  • Drive the Icefields Parkway — one of the most scenic routes in the world
  • Go hiking or biking in the Rockies or prairies
  • Visit Indigenous cultural centres like Blackfoot Crossing or Métis Crossing
  • Soak in hot springs like Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs

Getting There & Around

Airports

  • Calgary International Airport (YYC), Edmonton International Airport (YEG), plus regional airports in Lethbridge, Fort McMurray, and more

Transport

  • Car rentals are ideal for exploring national parks and rural areas
  • Public transit available in major cities
  • Shuttle services connect Calgary to Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Best for hiking, road trips, and festivals
  • Fall (Sep–Oct): Fewer crowds, golden larch trees, crisp air
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Skiing, snowboarding, winter festivals, and northern lights in Jasper
  • Spring (Mar–May): Great for shoulder-season travel and seeing wildlife emerge

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: Alberta is known for beef, craft beer, local produce, and multicultural flavors
  • Specialties: Alberta beef steak, bison burgers, Saskatoon berry pie, green onion cakes (Edmonton), and craft spirits
  • Markets: Calgary Farmers’ Market, Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market (Edmonton)
  • Events:
    • Calgary Stampede (July)
    • Edmonton Fringe Festival
    • Ice Magic Festival (Lake Louise)
    • Canmore Folk Music Festival
  • Indigenous Culture: Learn from First Nations and Métis communities through storytelling, powwows, and heritage sites

Souvenirs from Alberta

  • Alberta beef jerky and bison meat
  • Local honey, jams, and handmade soaps
  • Indigenous crafts, beadwork, and dreamcatchers
  • Fossil replicas from Drumheller
  • Cowboy hats, western wear, and Calgary Stampede gear

Fun Facts

  • Alberta has more than 600 lakes and five national parks
  • The Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper with 230 km of alpine scenery
  • Calgary is one of the sunniest cities in Canada
  • Edmonton’s river valley is 22 times larger than Central Park
  • Dinosaurs once roamed Alberta — and their fossils still do in the Badlands!

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Banff & Lake Louise Adventure

  • Day 1: Arrive in Calgary + drive to Banff, explore the town
  • Day 2: Visit Lake Louise + Moraine Lake, hike or canoe
  • Day 3: Hot springs, gondola ride + return to Calgary

5-Day Alberta Highlights

  • Day 1: Explore Calgary – downtown + Stampede Grounds
  • Day 2: Drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper – glacier tour
  • Day 3: Jasper National Park – wildlife spotting + lake day
  • Day 4: Head to Edmonton – museums + River Valley
  • Day 5: Detour to Drumheller – Badlands + Royal Tyrrell Museum

Cities

  • Calgary