Calgary 
Say so long to wherever home is this coming weekend! During mid-July in Alberta, there are many reasons to get out of town and make the most of the warm weather.
Credit: David Thomson Resort
This includes festivals, parks, recreation, fun in the water, and exploring on drives. There are a few festivals taking place over the weekend of July 14-16, with all focusing on different parts of Canadian culture and music.
David Thompson Resort
The David Thompson Highway has several scenic areas including Abraham Lake to explore by tours, hikes, bike rides, and boat rides. And if you need a place to rest after all the recreation, the David Thompson Resort is only a quick turn off the highway. And here, you can choose between different ways to stay: pick between campsites, trailer rentals, cabins, wall tents, or the lodge.
Where: 42 km East of the Saskatchewan River Crossing along Hwy 11
How much: $129-$229 per night
Lakefront Glamping at Wabamun
These vintage glamping sites on Wabamun Lake give you a perfect setting for a weekend in the water or relaxing by the fire. You’ll camp in a luxuriously set up RV next to your private deck. This is all steps away from a private dock, gazebo, and outdoor shower and outhouse. Wabamun Lake is great for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Where: Wabamun Lake
How much: $150 per night
A Tiny Home on the Milk River
These tiny home Air BnB listings will take your getaway almost as far south as it can get in Alberta. The tiny home is set up like a hotel with bed, kitchenette, and bathroom. But the real feature of these homes is the private deck overlooking the Milk River. The experience is a solid mix between glamping and a hotel stay.
Where: south of Milk River
How much: $99 per night
Alberta Music Festivals
There is still time to get your tickets to these Alberta music festivals happening July 14-16. And both of these festivals have camping available. You can set up camp and walk to the stages each day or grab a nearby hotel room.
- Sundre’s Shady Grove Blue Grass Music Festival is, of course, dedicated to one genre of music. And beyond the live performances, guests and campers can also take part in jam sessions with other local bluegrass musicians.
- The Wild Mountain Music Festival in Hinton offers a lineup of rock, blues, country, and folk acts, spread across three evenings.
City Festivals’ Final Days
Mid-July marks the end of two major festivals in Alberta’s two major cities. Both festivals offer performances and entertainment, shopping, and food, and receive international attention. However, each festival is quite different from the other.
- Edmonton Street Performers’ Festival and The Works Fest takes over Churchill Square once again. The festival and performances are all outside and free to attend with performer donations encouraged.
- The Calgary Stampede is a globally recognized event thanks to its massive rodeo. Along with rodeo events, the Stampede also hosts free and ticketed concerts, a midway, kids’ activities, and much more.
