Calgary 
Where in Alberta will a last-minute getaway take you? It could take you to any corner of the province. Across Alberta, this coming weekend are many events and festivals planned between the major cities. Additionally, this might be an excellent time to take advantage of the warmer camping weather. Alberta Parks has many campgrounds fully booked, but just as many with wide-open reservation availability.
Taber cornfest
A last-minute getaway is also made easier with vacation rentals. These are ideal for families who’d rather not cram into a hotel. Plus, you will find a wide array of different types of rentals open for August 25-27. These could include glamping campsites, cottages, unique homes, or basic a-frame cabins.
Southern Alberta Camping
And when we say southern Alberta, we mean the deep south, near the U.S. border. The landscapes of southern Alberta are varied as you travel east to west, and some areas offer views you won’t find anywhere else in the province.
- The Gold Springs Park Campground, south of the town of Milk River, sits between Gold Springs Lake, and the Milk River. Choose from tent sites, RV sites, and cabins; or ask about their seasonal lots. Call to reserve.
- Police Outpost Provincial Park straddles the U.S. border and offers a variety of recreation. The small lake’s scenery is enhanced by a notable view of Chief Mountain in Montana. Group camping is available, too. The park has no services, but several reservable sites left for next weekend.
- Woolford Provincial Park is a bit further north than Police Outpost, closer to Cardston. The campground is also on the forested shores of the St. Mary River, where you can enjoy a peaceful paddle.
Fun in Taber
Taber, known for its delectable corn and abundant sunshine, lies beside the Old Man River, amidst vast farmlands. Visitors can immerse themselves in Cornfest, a corn celebration, and various recreational activities. The region boasts a rich natural landscape suitable for camping, boating, hiking, and biking.
- Taber annually hosts Cornfest, celebrating its renowned corn. It’s a family-centric event from August 24-26, 2023, featuring midway rides, food, music, a fun run, and various sub-events, including barbecues and beer gardens.
- Close to the Old Man River, Taber’s Riverfront Park offers outdoor activities: paddling, sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking with amenities like firepits and washrooms.
- Travers Reservoir offers fishing, boating, and camping until October 11th. Little Bow PP, a late-summer spot, has a beach, swimming, and food stand, with camping available until October 12th.
- Camping options include Travers Reservoir PRA, Little Bow Provincial Park, and various local sites, such as Taber RV Park, available until late October.
- West of Taber lies an extensive trail system suitable for hikers and bikers of different skill levels. The area, perfect for mountain biking, features paths like the Trout Pond Loop, offering opportunities for spotting wildlife.
Drumheller this Weekend
There will be many different things to see and do in Drumheller for August 25-27! And for those wishing to stay in or around Drumheller, you’ll have several options between camping, vacation rentals, and hotels/motels.
- VanFest is on this weekend at the Badlands Amphitheatre. The full-weekend event offers tickets for concerts and camping on site.
- On Saturday, shop around the Rosebud Art Collective’s Artisan Market. The Market sets up on Rosebud’s Main Street, about 25-minutes south of Drumheller. That same day, Lewis & Royal play a ticketed concert in Rosebud.
- Head to downtown Drumheller for Summers @ the Plaza. Live music will fill the streets on Saturday and Sunday. Plus, families can enjoy games, activities, or the food.
- And don’t forget about Drumheller’s permanent attractions: The Royal Tyrell Museum, The Red Deer River, the World’s Tallest Dinosaur, or Barney’s Adventure Park.
Book a Northern Cottage Vacation
Northern Alberta can provide all sorts of vacation opportunities. There are many options for the lake-getaway-type-of-vacation. Rent yourselves a tiny home, a glamp site, or a lakefront cottage. And near each of these rentals you can usually find more activities like hiking, swimming, boating, or fishing.
- Well, this site isn’t quite a cottage. But it offers many of the same comforts and amenities and will take your getaway close to Lesser Slave Lake in north-central Alberta. The Luxury Tipi Glamping sites sleep two guests and operate like a bed and breakfast. Continental Breakfast is included!
- This adorable lakefront cottage near Boyle, Alberta, fits up to 8 guests. Enjoy the outdoors from your private deck with its outdoor kitchen, gazebo, barbecue, and firepit! The lake permits boating, too.
- Grab yourself one of these Lakeside Tiny Home cottages near Clairmont for a truly rustic but relaxing escape. The cabins provide lake views, a private deck, a comfy bed, full kitchen, and activities for your stay.
A Weekend in Grande Prairie
If you’re not feeling the rustic or cottage sort of vacation in northern Alberta, visit one of the northern Alberta cities. Grande Prairie, specifically, has many things to offer this weekend. Some of these attractions are open anytime to visit as well.
- Evergreen Park, a local source for weekly entertainment in Grande Prairie, are also home to the Grande Sunset Theatre. The drive-in theatre will play John Wick Chapter 4 on August 25th. The park is also home to The Horses at Evergreen Park & JDA Raceway. This coming weekend, the racetrack will host its regular horse racing with Mr. Mike’s Paint The Park Purple – Race For The Cure, and the Dino Derby.
- Saskatoon Island Provincial Park is a short drive west of the city and is one of the best parks in Alberta for birdwatching. Late August is also a perfect time to see some of the migratory birds who pass through the park on their way south.
- The city of Grande Prairie has a lot of local history to explore. Travel through the city’s past via the Rev. Forbes Homestead and Pioneer Hospital, Grande Prairie Museum and Heritage Village, or a walk through the Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre.
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Edmonton Festivals
The summer of festivals continues in Edmonton this coming weekend. With a visit to Edmonton, you can choose between two different festivals, or try your best to attend both! These are two downtown festivals, giving you dozens of hotel options near both venues.
- Edmonton’s PRIDE Festival returned to Churchill Square last weekend. But the big party in the square is planned for August 26th. The square will host two large stages, food trucks, and street performers. The festival is all-ages, and there will be activities geared toward a younger crowd.
- The Edmonton Blues Festival (August 25-27, 2023) is in a new location for 2023 at RE/MAX Field. Enjoy the music from your blanket or chairs on the field. The lineup includes about 10-12 artists filling the schedule each day.
