Alberta is a province in western Canada and one of the country’s most scenic places. It boasts a breathtaking landscape – from snow-capped mountains, endless prairies, cascading waterfalls to dense national parks and pristine lakes; you will find a treasure-trove of outstanding attractions here. The two important cities in the province are Edmonton and Calgary, bustling with myriad entertainment options and several cultural and modern attractions. It is also home to two of the oldest national parks in the world – Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. Here is an overview of the top ten attractions in Alberta.
Icefields Parkway and the Columbia Icefield
The Icefields Parkway is a 230 km stretch from Lake Louis to Jasper. It is one of Canada’s most picturesque drives, brimming with lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, and abundant natural beauty. You can find more than 100 glaciers along this stretch of road, and it is almost impossible to select the best one. However, the highlight of this place is the Columbia Icefield, the most enormous and gorgeous icefield in the Rockies. Book a Glacier Adventure tour to see this splendid beauty up, close, and personal. The Ice Explorer vehicle takes you to the iconic Athabasca Glacier. Another attraction is the Glacier Skywalk, a massive viewing platform around 300 meters above the valley with a glass floor and glass railings offering jaw-dropping views.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Canada and the nation’s greatest treasures. It is endowed with marvelous scenery and blessed with the most remarkable landscapes you would have ever come across. It is home to beautiful lakes, notable mountain peaks, vast stretches of verdant rainforests, and several hot springs. The nearby town of Banff is a charming town lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes and surely worth exploring. It is one of the top things that must be part of your Alberta bucket list. The astounding beauty of this park is a sight to behold and something you will cherish throughout your life.
Moraine Lake
The spectacular Moraine Lake is one of the most sought-after lakes in Banff National Park. It is also one of the most photographed lakes in Canada, and you may have seen pictures of it on wallpapers, screensavers and on the Canadian currency. It is a glacier-fed lake situated in the Valley of Ten Peaks and has a brilliant blue color. One of the most popular activities here is to hike to the rockpile trail at sunrise or sunset and enjoy amazing lake views. In summer, canoeing on the lake is another activity people enjoy. The sheer beauty of this place is impossible to describe in words and can only be experienced in person.
Calgary
Nestled at the junction of the Bow and Elbow rivers, Calgary is Alberta’s largest city, with a population of approximately 1.4 million people. It is situated around 50 miles east of the majestic Canadian Rockies and is a popular destination for skiing. One of the biggest events here is the Calgary Stampede which takes place every July and is visited by millions of people. The city has a cool, urban vibe as most of the population here is under 40 years old. Some important attractions are the Calgary Zoo, Prince’s Island Park, Calgary Tower, and the Calgary Olympic Park.
Jasper National Park
The stunning Jasper National Park is great for exploring the Rockies mountains. With magnificent mountains, glistening glaciers, and vast stretches of forests, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly the jewel of Canada. Irrespective of what time of the year you visit, plenty of activities keep you engaged. Summer activities include hiking, paddleboarding, canoeing, river rafting, swimming, and spotting elks. In winter, you can indulge in cross-country skiing, ice climbing, and snowshoeing. This place’s picture-perfect beauty will tempt you to apply for a Canadian tourist visa.
Lake Louis
The treasured gem of Banff National Park, Lake Louis, is one of Alberta’s best places to visit. The lake is 2 km long and has a deep turquoise hue. It is flanked by magnificent snow-capped mountains and the famous Victoria Glacier. In summer, canoeing on the lake water is one of the favorite activities for both tourists and locals. It also consists of several hiking trails that offer an unparalleled view of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and greenery. During winters, the lake freezes, and thousands of people flock here to enjoy skiing. This place houses one of Canada’s most well-known skiing destinations – Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Edmonton
Edmonton is Alberta’s capital city, with more than one million population. It is famous for its culture, history, natural beauty, and impressive attractions. It has rightly earned its moniker as Canada’s festival city and is known for hosting several festivals all year round. It is Canada’s cultural hub with plenty of fantastic museums, top-notch art galleries, many professional sports teams, and a lively theatre scene. Shop to your heart’s content at the West Edmonton Mall, the country’s largest mall.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
If you are a fan of Jurassic Park movies or intrigued to know about these giant predators who once ruled the earth, do visit the Dinosaur Provincial Park. It is the world’s most extraordinary dinosaur destination, where excavators have found the remains of more than 50 species of dinosaurs. The specimens unearthed here can be found in museums around the globe. Apart from dinosaur fossils, you can see other wildlife, such as geese, deer, coyotes, and pronghorns. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has hiking trails, a cafe, a kids’ play area, and camping grounds.
Waterton Lakes National Park
The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park in the Rockies Mountains is nestled between the borders of Alberta and the American state of Montana. The Waterton Lakes National Park lies on the Canadian side of the border, while Glacier National Park is on the American side. Waterton Lakes National Park was founded in 1895 and is the smaller of the two parks. It was named after the Victorian naturalist Watertown. It is surrounded by incredible wilderness, striking mountains, many hiking trails, and the beautiful Waterton Lake.
Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is a natural marvel replete with rich flora and fauna and one of the highlights of Jasper National Park. It is the deepest canyon in the American Rockies Mountain with a depth touching 50 meters in some parts. It offers spellbinding views both in summer and winter and is a photographer’s delight. You can drive to Maligne Lake, another famous spot and the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. It is best to visit the canyon in the mornings to avoid crowds. You can also book a boat cruise to Spirit Island and spend some time admiring the beauty of this place.
Conclusion
Alberta is hands down one of the best places to visit in Canada. If you are traveling here for work, a Canadian business visa is what you need. Whether you want a summer holiday or a winter vacation, Alberta doesn’t cease to surprise you with its awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Meta description: Is a vacation to Alberta on the cards? Whether it is national parks, lakes, or cities, check out the list of awesome attractions in this beautiful province of Canada.
