Entertaining older kids over summer break can be a challenge. Luckily, Alberta, its beautiful landscapes, and the local guides who operate here can help you tackle a bored teenager. There is a long list of thrilling adventures you can take with your teen in Alberta this summer; below are just a few ideas to get the planning started.
Alberta Rockies
Raft the Sulphur Gates with Wild Blue Yonder
Rafting can be an extremely adventurous way to get out on the water. Luckily, Wild Blue Yonder has a great introductory experience for riders aged 8-18 years. The Canyon Whitewater will bring you and your family down the Sulphur River, through the Gates, and over the waves.
Wild Blue Yonder
When: bookings open June 3
Where: 11113 Hoppe Avenue, Grande Cache
How much: $110 Adults Ages 12 and up
$72 Children Ages 8 to 11
More places to go for similar adventures: Places to Go Guided Whitewater Rafting in Alberta
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See Banff From Up above on Via Ferrata
Mt. Norquay Banff
Visit Mt. Norquay to enjoy a completely different view of the ski resort and the town of Banff in summer. Ride up the North American chairlift to enjoy the stunning scenery and view of the mountain vistas and then lead by a certified guide, make your way up the cliffs above the ski area assisted by a fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge. Enjoy the spectacular views and Big Horn Sheep grazing the sweet greenery enroute!
When: Opens on June 11th, 2022 to Thanksgiving.
Where: Mt. Norquay Resort, Banff
How much: $189.00 for Via Ferrata; Sightseeing: Adult (16+) $43.05; Child (6-15) $27.30
Completely Disconnect with Random Camping
For a low annual rate, you and your family can camp on any crown land in Alberta. There are many popular spots for this in Alberta, namely around Abraham Lake, Ram Falls, or Bragg Creek. This type of camping offers no amenities, but gorgeous scenery, and a great chance to teach your kids wilderness skills.
When: year-round
Where: various areas
How much: $20 per person 18+ for a 3-day pass
$30 per person 18+ for an annual pass
Sightsee in Jasper with Maligne Adventures
The sightseeing tours by Maligne Adventures offer their own unique attractions, like waterfalls, or the chance to take a cruise.
The Maligne Adventures rafting tours are suitable for kids 5+, or for kids 12+, and offer a thrilling adventure for teenagers. It’s a great learning experience and fun for most kids and adults.
When: May-October
Where: 604 Connaught Dr, Jasper
How much: various packages and prices
Explore down under with Canmore Cave Tours
Both Canmore Cave Tours offered are suitable for either ages 12+ and make a thrilling trip for any older kid. You can explore deep into the caves with equipment, an experienced and guide, and their knowledge, for 4.5- or 6-hour adventures.
When: year-round
Where: Elk Run Blvd., Canmore
How much: $135 or $175 per person
Experience the Bow by Horseback
Take your teen to see the Rockies and Bow River in a new and unique style. You can book a 1-Hour Bow River Ride for you and your kids this summer, and take in Banff National Park, the Spray River valley, and all the stunning mountain scenery.
When: May-Mid October
Where: Warner Stables – 100 Sundance Rd, Banff
How much: $88.31 per person
Take an Evening Wildlife Safari in Banff
Stroll the Rockies for an evening with an experienced guide who knows where to spot all the wildlife. The Evening Wildlife Safaris are a perfect way to provide older kids with a mix of education, excitement, and recreation. They’ll also get to see some Banff’s most beautiful views along the way.
When: bookings open May 12, 2022
Where: exact location provided upon booking
How much: $62.47
Ride the Jasper/Hinton Trails
With Old Entrance B&B Cabins, you can create your own adventure and use their country-style accommodations (cabins or teepees). Or you can choose from Old Entrance’s own guided horseback tours. You may even have time to do both with your teen and show them the best of the northern foothills.
When: June 24 to September 10, 2022
Where: 26118 Old Entrance Road, Hinton
How much: Cabins $200 per night, Rustic Cabin $135 per night, Teepees $100 per night
Northern Alberta
Kakwa Falls
See Alberta’s tallest waterfall at Kakwa Falls Wildland Provincial Park. To catch a glimpse of the Kakwa Falls you can take a quick 1.2 km walk from the campground and parking lot. The water rushes over a 30 m-tall cliff surrounded by towering pines and firs. Remember a 4-wheel drive is essential beyond Lick Creek.
Where: Kakwa Falls Wildland Provincial Park
How much: Free
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Kayak the Shores of Cold Lake/French Bay Provincial Park
The expansive Cold Lake has many smaller bay areas along the Provincial Park that are sheltered, and which make for excellent kayak spots. If you don’t own a kayak, you can rent one from Wicked Water Sports who offer a variety of kayaks.
Where: 1915 1 Ave, Cold Lake
How much: $40-$200
Embark on a Horse Trekking Adventure
Get out on the trails with your teen in a whole new way this summer with horseback riding adventures. You’ll find Horse Trekking adventures near Fairview, where they’ll take you and your family for a half-day ride. You’ll get to see the best of the Peace region, you’ll get a chance for a picnic lunch, and might learn some things.
Where: Fairview, Alberta
How much: 1/2 DAY, includes lunch, $125/person
Hiking around Lesser Slave Lake
Pack a lunch, as there are many trails (both short and long) that you and your child can venture off on this summer at Lesser Slave Lake. You can choose to complete a few of the shorter hikes or take a longer hike up the hills to see the lake from above. The area is rich with wildlife, so you do chance an encounter with animals on your hike.
When: year-round
Where: Marten River Campground via the Bicentennial Highway
How much: free
Cold Lake Adventures with Hamilton House B&B
You can book a stay with Hamilton House this summer and add a little adventure while you’re at it. The House can host you and your teen or whole family for a Fishing Charter, Canoe Adventure, or on a Shoreline Boat Tour (with picnic lunch).
When: July & August
Where: 3km south of Cold Lake on Hwy. 28 and 10km east on Hwy. 55.
How much: Tours – $75.00 or $100.00 per hour depending on boat type (Minimum tour is 3 hours for the 18′ boat and 4 hours for the 24′ boat)
Accommodations – The Island Cabin for 5 $140 for the first night, and $120 for additional nights
The Cottage Room for 5 $135 per night
Adventures with Peace River Cabins & Outdoors
The rustic camping you’ll experience with Peace River Cabins is an adventure in and of itself. But you can add even more adventure for you and your older kids this summer with their list of activities, including guided hikes and paddle tours, or the chance to rent kayaks and venture off on your own.
When: April 28-October 17
Where: 240053 Hwy. 820A, Grimshaw
How much: 5 Night Cabin Vacation 2-3 people $1940 per person; 4-6 people $1350 per person
Teepees $125 per night
1-day Leisurely Group Paddle $145 per person
Guided Hikes $17.50 per person
Clip n’ Climb the Aerial Park at Vista Ridge
Embark on an upward journey with your kids this summer at Vista Ridge. The northern Alberta adventure park offers all-season fun, with the Aerial Park as their summer highlight. You’ll be clipped to ropes as you make your way up the jungle gyms and across different types of bridges.
When: opens for the season on June 4, 2022
Where: 1 Spruce Valley Drive, Fort McMurray
How much: Classic Course $37 per person
Edmonton & Central Alberta
Urban River Adventures
Urban River Adventures
Take in the ultimate glamping experience with these unique accommodations, located on the islands of the North Saskatchewan River (exact locations provided upon booking). Shelters include geodomes, tipis, and tree tents, with geodomes that can sleep up to 5 people. You can add on to your trip too with their kayak or paddle boarding adventures.
When: June – Mid October
Where: location provided upon booking
How much: $249 per night
Canoe Sturgeon River
The Rural Rivers rental company near Edmonton offer both kayaks and canoes for your adventures, along with simple routes to take. You and your teen(s) can explore the beautiful valleys and lakes on a cooler summer afternoon.
When: Until Monday October 31, 2022
Where: Riel Recreation Park, 107 Ray Gibbon Dr, St. Albert
How much: $25 – $60
Try a Signature Experience at Metis Crossing
The most thrilling experiences you can book with Metis Crossing this summer include their Paddle into the Past and their Metis Archery Program. The Paddle takes you on a 4-hour journey along the North Saskatchewan, while the Archery Program takes you out into the forest.
When: Metis Archery Program – May 20-October30
Paddle into the Past – June 3-September 30
Where: 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake
How much: Paddle into the Past – Price: $93.45 Adults, $74.76 Children, $74.76 Seniors
Metis Archery Program – Prices: $51.45 adults, $42.00 children, $42.00 Seniors
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Ride the Canyon Coaster
You may be looking for a smaller activity, or something for your teenagers that can be made into a daytrip. The new Canyon Coaster is a perfect destination for any family in central Alberta and is a thrilling stop on a road trip. It will open summer 2022 and operate as an alpine coaster would.
When: Summer 2022
Where: 38433 Range Road 264A, Red Deer County
How much: $25
Lunker’s Fishing Adventures
You and your family can choose from a few different types of Fishing Adventures with Lunker’s. Get the full experience with an overnight trip or keep it to a day with their River Run or Lake Fishing trips. All you’ll need is a valid Alberta fishing license.
When: season begins in May
Where: based in Edmonton
How much: various packages and prices
Experience the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash
Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash
The Aqua Splash, a gigantic floating waterpark on Sylvan Lake, is the first of its kind in Alberta. The inflatable structure offers hours of fun for all ages with several notable features: a 15 ft. slide, a launch bag, and an oversized trampoline.
When: tentative opening date of July 1, 2022
Where: Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake
How much: $17.50 Per Hour, Half Day Pass $28, or Full Day Pass $38
Lazy River Tubing
Take a leisurely float down the Pembina Rivera dmiring the 62-meter gorge and different kinds of wildlife while bathing in the sun. Let the staff at Pembina River Tubing enhance your experience by providing you with a tube, a life jacket, secure key storage, and a shuttle back to your vehicle.
When: May 21, 2022. The season is weather-dependent and is usually open until Labour day weekend.
Where: 53217 Range Road 74A, Entwhistle
How much: $22 to $32
Calgary & Southern Alberta
Walk with Ghosts in the Badlands
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
You and your teen(s) can tour haunted Drumheller in a few ways, but we recommend trying them all! The Haunted Johnston House tour is set to open by May 23rd while the Guided Ghost Walks are now open. Be sure to also make time for tours of the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site a nearly 100-year-old mine kept in such good condition that you can tour all different parts of the mine, including the underground tunnels.
When: May to September or October
Where: Coal Mine – 110 Century Dr., East Coulee
How much:
Guided Ghost Walk Tours – $150 per group of 2-8; $20 per extra person
Coal Mine Tours – $13.50-$15.50 per person
Outdoor Amusement Rides at Calaway Park
Credit: Calaway Park
Have a scream of a day at Western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park. The park spans 160 acres (operating on 100 acres) and has a collection of over 32 rides including children’s rides, thrill rides and family rides.
When: May 21 to October 10, 2022
Where: 245033 Range Rd. 33, Calgary
How much: $31.95 to $49.95
Kayak the Canyon in Cardston
Southern Alberta’s scenery can sometimes be best viewed from the many rivers and lakes. Incept Adventure Co. in Cardston can help you tour these beautiful canyons and valleys via kayak and their different experiences. Other adventures they offer include rafting, guided fishing, and river tube rentals for hotter days.
Where: Township Road 20A, Cardston
Exploring Red Rock Canyon by Car & Foot
One of the unique sites to see in Waterton is the Red Rock Canyon. Within the area are a few choices for hikes, with the easiest taking you to the visibly red and layered rocks, and a flowing stream. After the short loop, continue in your car along the Parkway (begins at Highway AB-5). At the end is a moderate hike through the Blakiston Valley that takes about 5.5 hours to complete. Along the hiking trail are lookout points and structured pathways, or plenty of picnic space.
When: best times are March-October
Where: Red Rock Canyon Parkway via Highway AB-5
How much: National Parks Day Pass – Adult $10.50, Senior $9.00, Youth free, Family/Group $21.00, Commercial Group, per person $9.00
Climb the Turtle Mountain
Along the scenic Crowsnest Pass Highway, you drive through the remnants of what once was Turtle Mountain. It is the historic site of Canada’s deadliest rockslide, which tragically buried the town of Frank in 1903. There is a lookout area over the rubble, an interpretive centre, as well as a hiking trail. Fireman’s Park is another location from which you can take in the dark beauty of these mountains. To truly appreciate the mountain, we suggest you do the 6.2km return climb to the North Peak (Turtle Mountain Trail). After braving the shifting rocks and exposure, you will be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the town, Frank Slide and the neighbouring peaks!
How much: Turtle Mountain Trail Hike Free
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Go Wind Chasing
Southwestern Alberta is home to an incredible number of wind farms, and the ones in this area are certainly set in a stunning setting. Take a road trip to watch these turbines catch the constant westerly winds, and occasional supercharged winds of the Chinooks that blast over Cowley Ridge.
Where: Follow the directions to drive to Cowley Ridge Wind Farm, Castle River Wind Farm, and Kettles Hill Wind Farm.
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Across Alberta
Go on a road trip:
Combine many of the suggestions above by going on a road trip:
- A 15 Day Alberta Road Trip Itinerary
- A Road trip from Edmonton
- 15 Scenic Road Trips / Drives in Alberta
- Calgary to Edmonton Via The Badlands
- Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks Road Trip: Calgary – Waterton Lakes – Kootenay – Banff – Yoho – Jasper