The first of its kind in North America, it is open 24/7, requires no admission fee, and is a hot spot for Instagram photos. Looking for more info? What are the top attractions to visit in Alberta? The top attractions to visit in Alberta are: What are the best outdoor activities in Alberta? This spot is especially spectacular in autumn colours. Travel back 150 years in time and experience the fur trade and the life of the pioneers, dating as far back as 1885. Sylvan Lake is a thriving lakeside community just west of Red Deer. These bubbles trapped by methane gas in Abraham Lake (and others in the area) cause quite a sensation in the winter months within Banff National Park and are definitely a sight to see. This tiny museum, open since 1996, features stuffed gophers posed in a variety of dioramas that showcase local scenes (think: curling gophers, hunting gophers, a beauty shop, and more). Rumor has it there is a slot canyon there! You can explore preserved heritage buildings and homesteads, take a tour of the park on an antique steam train, make yourself some old fashion ice cream, help build a tipi in a First Nations’ Encampment, and so much more. We're here to help you plan your Alberta vacation with real, local advice! It is not an uncommon desire for people to want a dog that looks like a wolf, but soon after they acquire a wolfdog, they realize that it doesn’t often behave like a regular dog. First Nations people camped at Writing-on-Stone as far back as 3,500 years ago – the steep sandstone cliffs have deep spiritual meaning and are still regarded as a sacred place. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. This is a once-in-a-lifetime type stay that is totally worth the experience. Budget – Save your budget for exploring all that Banff has to offer and stay at the Banff International Hostel. Staff are all in character and ready to answer your questions about the town and the show. Budget – Close to Whyte Ave and West Edmonton Mall, Travelodge by Wyndham Edmonton South gives you access to Edmonton sightseeing without breaking the bank. You can tour the old factory floors, pick up some of the old bricks, peer into the old kilns that were once fired up and of course, hear the stories of the importance of the industrial history. Visit the Eau Claire Distillery in Turner Valley for a behind the scenes look into the world of how spirits are made. You can’t miss this hotel as it offers spectacular views of the Edmonton river valley and features a restaurant and spa. Initially built to store Canada’s most important documents and keep them safe in case of any nuclear fallout during the Cold War, the large tunnel carved deep into Mt. Norquay. Discover the hot water that seeps from the rocks with the distinct smell of minerals straight from the earth. When you think of dinos, you undoubtedly think of Drumheller and the Canadian Badlands, but now it’s time to turn your attention north. Enjoy an expert-guided safari, dig for ancient remains, peruse the gift shop, and much more! Official streetcar service in Edmonton ended in 1951, but reopened again over the bridge in 1979 to celebrate Edmonton’s 75th anniversary. Fun for all ages, this science centre has no shortage of activities. If you don’t own your own raft, don’t worry, there are plenty of places to rent one. Explore the area by way of several easy hiking trails that can be used for either walking or by bike. In fact, you could spend an entire weekend in the West Edmonton Mall, and only scratch the surface of what there is to discover. Step onto the lake in either winter with your ice skates or when it’s thawed for a gentle canoe or kayak ride and get your own picturesque snapshot. Lloydminster has the unique situation of literally straddling the provincial border of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Most recent adds worth exploring: two craft breweries (Snake Lake Brewing Company and Undercurrent Brewing) that are worth a stop at. The sandstone rock formations called hoodoos provide a fun “do it yourself” hiking adventure just beyond the river (ask for a map at the Visitor Center). It is now a Provincial Historical Site and home to a popular interpretive center. Mid-range – We booked at the recently renovated Canalta Lodge and really enjoyed our stay amid its eclectic design. Click through to read more in our guide to visiting Medicine Hat! Jasper’s most famous long hike is the Skyline Trail, popular because so much of it is above the treeline, providing a spectacular view. Book a table in advance and dine in a piece of history throughout the year (closed January through March). Budget – A good budget hotel option in Jasper is Maligne Lodge. Experience the history and life of the Ukrainian pioneers that settled in Alberta from 1892-1930 by exploring this town alongside people in costume portraying the lives of actual pioneers. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. At Bar U Ranch near Longview, this National Historic Site has exciting offerings that allows visitors the chance to discover what life of a ranching cowboy in the late 1800s was like. The entire building pays homage to the vast range of Blackfoot culture through various metaphors and concepts utilizing sacred icons and stories of the people. Its construction was a contentious topic for locals as it was being built (with an over $20 million price tag), but the Calgary Peace Bridge quickly became an iconic symbol for the city and is well used by pedestrians and bicycle enthusiasts alike to get across the Bow River into downtown. Each arm of the canyon extends approximately 5km. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and some family fun, try jumping on an inflatable snow tube to slide, spin and speed across the snow at Banff’s Mt. The full story, along with a reconstructed nest and embryo is on display at the Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur & Heritage Museum just south of Lethbridge. Whitecourt is known as one of the premier snowmobiling stops in Canada and it is a perfect place to start the 350km Golden Triangle Trail. With its endless supply of mountain views and scenic trails, Canmore lends itself as a picturesque Alberta destination to explore this heart-pumping activity. Enter the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, a non-profit rescue organization that rehabilitates and also rehomes displaced wolfdogs. Take in a traditional High Tea experience at the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park. Note that some of the places and activities in this article may not yet be available. It’s perfect for all ages and all skill levels! If you are feeling even more adventurous, make sure to venture 3kms further to experience the ink pots – seven mineral springs that bubble to the surface in the open meadows beside Johnston Canyon Creek. Canada’s official cocktail (YES, that is a thing!) Accessible only by the Waterton Shoreline Cruise, this hike is bucket list worthy, and one that should not be missed! Trains from the Canadian Pacific Railway run over it, and the bridge has stood tall for over 100 years. Apart from the stunning mountain views, the lodge has a sauna, an indoor pool, and an outdoor hot tub! In 1987, a young girl found what she believed was a dinosaur egg along the Milk River Ridge. They are super cool but also extremely fragile, so please promise us not to climb on them! In one of Edmonton’s trendiest neighbourhoods – the Heritage district – lies one-of-a-kind boutiques, trendy art galleries and music shops, and unique restaurants and cafés. The largest national park in Canada and the second-largest in the world, Wood Buffalo National Park was established in 1922 to protect the last remaining herds of bison in northern Canada. Up to 90 residents perished, most of whom remain buried under the rubble. This is a place where time is measured in millennia and yet the present moment is incredibly powerful. When the mine shut down, the cable was converted into a suspension bridge and is now a popular tourist attraction, fishing stop and the gateway to great Badlands terrain. Camping is also available here year-round. Four campgrounds are onsite, and a large number of outdoor activities are available onsite: hiking, fishing, mountain biking, hunting, and even skiing at nearby Castle Mountain Resort. This golfer’s dream is rated the number one course in southern Alberta and one of Canada’s top sixty courses by Golf Digest. Mid-range – Surrounded by mountain views and just a 14-minute walk from Athabasca River and a 30-minute drive from Jasper town center, relax in your own wood cabin at Jasper East Cabins! You’ll be walking distance to some of the city’s most renowned shops, entertainment, and restaurants! Consider this your essential guide to the best things to do in Alberta. This Canadian brunch-time classic was invented by beverage manager Walter Chell at what is now The Westin hotel. Gain a new perspective from the sky with an aerial tour or visit the Oilsands Discovery Centre and explore interactive displays, various educational films, and informative demonstrations about the history, science, and technology of the Alberta Oil Sands. It features the world’s largest display of dinosaurs and a variety of fun interactive displays for the whole family to enjoy. Head to Stettler for an unexpected adrenaline rush onboard a vintage passenger train from the 1920s. The best outdoor activities in Alberta according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the best day trips from Alberta? As far as “secret gems” go in Alberta, this might be the secret-est and the gem-est. Also, skating makes you feel like a kid again and you know we love all things … It really doesn't get much better. Rated among National Geographic’s “World’s 20 Most Thrilling Trails”, you will be required to climb a ladder, scale a portion of the mountain using a cable, crawl through a tunnel, and trek a total of 17 kms before reaching your destination – a beautiful pristine mountain lake. Several pilots even compete in competitive flights during the festival which requires them to drop markers as near as possible to specific goals on the ground. The famous steak pit at the Patricia Hotel Restaurant gives you the chance to cook your own juicy beef or buffalo steak to your liking. See Lake Louise. Enjoying this hot tea is one of the hottest things to do in Waterton, and is perfectly paired with petite finger sandwiches and a stunning view of Upper Waterton Lake. We’re so sure you’ll fall in love with this area that we urge you to bring your camping gear too! Norquay’s Tube Park. On the main street through the small town of Nanton is a string of four well-appointed antique shops. The residents of the small town of Vulcan realized the potential they had by being named the same as the fictional Star Trek planet. So much so that in 1967, the residents organized to build the world’s first UFO Landing Pad as a landmark for the town. This museum has no limits, except for what can fit into its tiny space. Feast your eyes six mountain ranges, glacially fed lakes, rivers and the town of Jasper. It is now a place to experience and learn about the history of mining in the area as you walk in miners’ footsteps and adventure 1,000 feet into the mine and 150 below the surface. Another perk? The iconic Banff Springs Hotel is one of Canada’s grand railway hotels and dates back to the inception of Banff National Park.