Calgary 
Looking to get away but aren’t sure where to go? Alberta has hundreds of vacation ideas and options for any given weekend.
Rise Up! Hot Air Balloon Festival
Below are some ideas for the weekend of May 26-28. These are locations with open availability for the weekend and many things to do or see.
Rise Up! Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: May 25-28th, 2023
Where: Co-op Place, 2802 Box Springs Link NW, Medicine Hat
Payne Lake Provincial Recreation Area
If you are looking for a basic basecamp in the Rockies, the Payne Lake Campground has all you need for your tent or RV. We say basic because this campground does not have services but does have a pump for water. And this campground is beautiful. The camping season here started as early as May 1st and is open on a first-come-first-served basis. The lake itself is beautiful and is open to boaters of all kinds. However, you may want also to check out the nearby National Park. Waterton Lakes are only 25 minutes away by car, with beautiful scenery on your entire drive.
Where: south of Highway 5 right before the National Park gates
Use Highway 5 to access Range Road 281 South
Metis Crossing
There is still availability for all the different types of accommodations now available at the Metis Crossing Cultural Heritage Gathering Centre. The Centre is located about 5 minutes outside of Smoky Lake, and on the banks of the scenic North Saskatchewan River. There are some cool new ways to stay here, too. Camp here in skywatching domes or an authentic trapper’s tent. Other accommodations include lodge rooms and campsites. You can also add on a dining package.
Where: 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake
How much: camping $25-$45/night.
Trappers Tent $110/night
Lodge rooms $289-$390 per night
Lakefront Cabin near Calgary
Where: Chestermere Lake (exact location provided upon booking)
How much: $499/night
Forest Cabin near Edmonton
Need a quiet place to escape, unwind, yet isn’t far away? This cozy cottage/cabin, or “cattage” as the host calls it, is outside of Sherwood Park, and, therefore close to Edmonton. This also means it is a short drive away from Elk Island National Park. The cabin is an old-fashioned vibe and can sleep up to 12 people. You’ll also have Wi-Fi access in this forest. But you may not even need it with the quiet nature, and the onsite hot tub.
Where: Sherwood Park (exact location provided upon booking)
How much: $375 per night
The Lake Louise Village
There is so much to see and do now in Lake Louise with the advent of warm weather. If you stay anywhere in the village, you can access Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake all with one public bus. The area is also easy to explore with bikes. There is, of course, the option to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. But, more affordable options like Paradise Lodge & Bungalows, the Lake Louise Inn, or the Deer Lodge exist. The Lake Louise Summer Gondola, opposite the Highway from the Village, is now open for the season as well. You can ride the gondola up for amazing views or book a guided hike.
