6 Ideas For a Getaway This Weekend in Alberta – May 26 to 28

Looking to get away but aren’t sure where to go? Alberta has hundreds of vacation ideas and options for any given weekend.

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

Head to Medicine Hat for the 2nd edition of Rise Up! Hot Air Balloon Festival. Hot air balloon pilots from across North America are taking to the skies. On May 27th, there will be a Night Glow, markets and family fun activities. There are plenty of options to stay in town.

When: May 25-28th, 2023

Where: Co-op Place, 2802 Box Springs Link NW, Medicine Hat

• Balloon Rides, Plane and Helicopter Tours in Alberta

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

Chestermere is a small lake community east of Calgary. Chestermere Lake is a beautiful place to swim or enjoy a relaxing boat ride. And with this Air BnB rental, you can also include private lake access, a private hot tub with TV views, and access to kayaks. This is a great way to treat a family to a quick vacation, or way to spend the weekend with friends. The cabin is steps away from shops, restaurants, a beach, and a golf course. This cozy cabin sleeps up to six people.

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.