Alberta Vacation Ideas, Getaways & Itineraries

If you haven’t made plans for your long weekend, there is still time. If you want those plans to involve some travel, you have many options for a long weekend trip to Alberta. One of the biggest things to watch out for in the May Long Weekend is all the ...

Have you ever dreamed of running wild with the wolves? This Alberta organization can get you pretty darned close! The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is an essential piece of Alberta’s wildlife and conservation efforts and offer a chance to get up close and personal with the most giant dogs you’ve ever ...

The Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation is a unique conservation effort, with a centre in southern Alberta. They are the first of their kind in the province, but what do we mean by raptors and birds of prey? The Foundation focuses its efforts on owls, hawks, eagles, and falcons, some ...

Check out these 15 amazing places to start learning how to spot local birds and other wildlife. Grab your binoculars, and be sure you know the rules and regulations before you set out ...

The University of Alberta Botanic Garden opens for the 2026 season just in time for Mother's Day. With over 39,000 annual flowering plants ready for display, the garden is set to present its largest-ever exhibition of blossoms this season, offering a dazzling array of colours once the threat of frost ...

The High Level Bridge is a stand-out feature of Edmonton’s skyline. And if you’ve ever taken a ride across the river on the LRT, you know the bridge itself can offer outstanding river and skyline views. The ultimate way to take advantage of all these iconic views is a ride ...

Protecting provincially significant esker and kettle from retreating glaciers ~10 000 years ago in the northern part of Central Alberta, Whitney Lakes Provincial Park located 20 minutes east of the town of Elk Point truly has it all and offers outdoor or leisurely fun all year-round. Whether you’re here to ...

Edmonton Riverboat will be back cruising the North Saskatchewan River for the 2026 season this May. Edmonton Riverboat offers a calming river cruise on the North Saskatchewan River on a 339-passenger paddle-wheeler. The 2026 season will begin on May 7. In addition to sightseeing cruises, which offer stunning views of ...

A trip to Dillberry Lake in general could bring you to Alberta or Saskatchewan. The Dillberry Lake Provincial Park, however, is on the Alberta side of the lake, which straddles the provincial border. In fact, before you hit the park gates, there will be “Welcome to Alberta/Saskatchewan” signs along the ...

Where will you go this weekend? Is the hustle and bustle of life in the city getting to you? Whether you’re looking to escape the suburbs and skyscrapers or just seeking some fresh air adventure, the good news is that there are lots of natural areas for you to explore ...

Do you want to know how coal miners lived and worked in Alberta during the first half of the 20th century much before liquid gold was discovered at Leduc No. 1? Then head to Bellevue Underground Mine located approximately 2 hours south of Calgary and 90 minutes west of Lethbridge ...

The popular train tours by Alberta Prairie Railway return on Mother's Day weekend with a full slate of exciting themed and dinner train rides. Alberta Prairie Railway will take you on a beautiful tour of Central Alberta. On a passenger train from the 1920s, pulled by either a steam or ...

Enjoy spring sunshine in Lethbridge! The southern Alberta city is one of the 'warmer' spring spots in the province and it is an invitation to explore the river valley, the forested trails, and the city as a whole. The city is starting outdoor programs and events again, while the natural ...

Embark on an enchanting journey through Alberta's Battle River valley on Battle River Train Excursions. The tours treat passengers to the picturesque views of the Alberta countryside and the charming communities of Flagstaff County carved along Battle River Valley, including Alliance, Galahad, Forestburg, Heisler, Rosalind, and Kelsey aboard a classic ...

The small community of Nanton is located on Highway 2 on the eastern edge of the Alberta foothills. Its location, just an hour from two of Alberta's big cities - Calgary and Lethbridge - makes it a perfect day trip, a stop off the highway, or a weekend destination. Within ...

Plan a birding day trip to the south of Calgary during Spring. You may be yet to hear of Frank Lake in Alberta, as it is not a very big Lake or as scenic as those in the Rockies. It isn’t a lake for swimming, skating, or people at all ...

You know exactly what’s in the air. The weather is warmer, and the flowers will begin to bloom. There are a growing number of things to do in Calgary as the snow melts and the temperatures warm up. If you want to take full advantage of the spring weather in ...

Bird watching, also called birding, is an activity that can be shared by young and old. You can find plenty of places to spot your feathered friends within the city or not far outside of Edmonton, and all it takes is a good eye and a little bit of patience ...

While spring vacations may not take us far, there's still plenty to discover close to home. Even without exotic travel plans, exploring our own backyard can be just as rewarding. Here are a few ideas to inspire your local adventure from Edmonton. First on your list can be all the ...

Located southeast of Edmonton, the Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is a great day trip for all who want to escape the city. The park is known for its many hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife, and birds. Being part of the Beaver Hills Dark-Sky Preserve, the park is also the ...

Don’t miss this stop on Alberta’s eastern Trans Canada Highway. Vegreville might be hard to miss as the town is marked by the world-famous and World’s Largest Pysanka. The incredible work of art and engineering stands above Vegreville’s main park and is a hub of year-round activity. Vegreville has ways ...

All around the shores of the large Lesser Slave Lake are incredible opportunities for recreation. From the more remote Hilliard’s Bay Provincial Park to Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park closer to town, there are several scenic areas for hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. And with those provincial parks around ...

Don’t let this park’s name confuse you; Cross Lake Provincial Park is located on north-central Alberta’s Steele Lake. While it may be a small lake, this Athabasca-region Provincial Park has a ton to offer campers and day-use visitors. A Quick Escape to the Boreal Forest Cross Lake Provincial Park is ...

As the old adage goes, it is not about the destination but rather the journey. This rule should apply to every road trip, especially between Alberta and BC. On these mountain highways are numerous natural and manmade attractions to explore. There are a total of five hot springs open to ...

Did you know that Alberta is home to at least 10 wineries and meaderies? Nestled in some of our province’s most scenic regions are fruit groves, honey farms, and U-Vin establishments who all offer something a little different. If you live within driving distance of any of the wineries, consider ...

Many of us have visited places like Lake Louise, Mount Edith Cavell, or Alberta’s parks. And some of us have visited these places over and over again. But have you ever wondered how some of Alberta’s locations receive their names? In honour of International Women’s Day, we take a look ...

Some of Alberta’s best or most renowned hiking trails start from the Smith Dorien Trail in Kananaskis Country. The Smith Dorien Trail runs north to south and through several parks. After Canmore in the north, this scenic drive will lead through Bow Valley, Spray Valley, and Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks ...

Jasper National Park may be the major attraction west of Hinton. But within the area, and before any National Park border, are immense wilderness areas open for spring, summer, and fall fun. The area’s William A. Switzer Provincial Park is a popular destination for almost any recreational activity. But given ...

The number of large, enormous, and even humungous roadside attractions in Alberta can seem endless. You are bound to run into a neat and unique ‘big item’ worth of a stop, rest, or photo op across Alberta. Completing a quintessential ‘big Alberta’ road trip can mean multiple day trips, or ...

Sulphur Gates Provincial Recreational Area, a beautiful gem of the Grande Cache area is tucked away off Highway 40 just south of town. The recreational area covering an area of more than 1000 hectares is free to visit and can provide an entire day’s worth of fun and outdoor activity. ...

If you know of the town of St. Paul but have never been here, then it may be due in part to their famous UFO Landing Pad. The Landing Pad did indeed put St. Paul on the map, but once you arrive in town, there is much more to explore ...

Whether your break is from school or work, there are plenty of ways to spend a memorable vacation with friends and family in Alberta during spring break. You can base your spring break vacation around an adventure in the Rockies, exploring the towns and cities of Alberta, taking in local ...

The winter trails of Kananaskis are nearly as abundant as the summer trails. Whether you choose to hike, bike, ski, or snowshoe, Kananaskis has a trail for it! Among the winter hiking trails are paths which lead to some of the region’s best views and lookout areas, or more unique ...

Have you been to Kananaskis Country this winter? If not, now is the time to go to enjoy the breathtaking winter scenery in Alberta’s Rocky Mountain foothills before spring melts away the snow. What is Kananaskis Country, you ask? The easiest description is that the provincial parks and recreation areas ...

This winter, nestle yourself way back in the Banff backcountry for an unforgettable and unique experience. Beyond the tall peaks that surround the Lake Louise Ski Resort is a historic and maintained ski-in/hike-in lodge tucked away about 11km from town. The Skoki Lodge is a year-round accommodation that offers one ...

There are five National Parks in Alberta. A visit to the northernmost National Park, Wood Buffalo, requires a detour through the Northwest Territories with the campground located at Pine Lake in Alberta. In addition to Wood Buffalo, there are four more National Parks within Alberta: Elk Island, Jasper, Banff, and ...

Enjoy these free Valentine’s Day date ideas in Calgary on their own, or combine a few activities. When you combine these free date ideas, you can easily burn off an entire day together without spending a dime. Travel to a number of any of Calgary’s parks to find free things ...

Winter adventures are easy to come by in Alberta’s parks. And no matter what the word adventure means to you, there are activities for all sorts of interests across the province’s Provincial Parks and Recreation Areas. There are a few winter activities available across dozens of parks in the province, ...

A major highlight of travelling the Bow Valley Parkway in the winter season is Johnston Canyon. While many are eager to view the Canyon during the spring or summer while the waterfalls are rushing, this frozen Canyon is worth every step of the hike. There are many reasons why the ...

Did you know there is a must-visit provincial park between Hinton and the Jasper Park Gates? While many of us usually drive on Highway 16 and beeline it from Hinton to Jasper, there is a major reason to detour north. Head north on Highway 40 from Hinton and uncover winter ...

Alberta’s northeastern Lakeland area has a small Provincial Park with a lot to offer. Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, on Lac La Biche, is a small island area you can access via a short causeway. The park’s location on the lake means a lot of summer activities in the water ...

The historically and culturally significant areas near the Milk River also provide a bit of year-round recreation. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park sits among the coulees and hoodoos of southern Alberta on the north side of the Milk River. The location and scenery make it a peaceful and quiet place to escape ...

Winter camping makes for a big adventure. And in a place like Alberta, it is certainly worth bearing the cold or the snow. Many of the winter campsites among Alberta’s parks will bring your trip to beautiful locations, peaceful lakes, and serene forested areas. Within Alberta’s parks are several different ...

It is no secret that Jasper is a winter paradise. There are countless options for indoor and outdoor fun throughout the park. This can include exploring the town of Jasper, and all the nearby trails or lakes. Or your trip to Jasper could include exploring the vast wilderness between the ...

First, what IS an Icewalk (or ‘ice walk’)? Alberta’s Rocky Mountains are home to beautiful winter landscapes, and most can only be safely accessed with an experienced guide or the right equipment. So, many Rocky Mountain tour and adventure companies offer ice walks along some of Jasper, Banff, and Nordegg’s ...

Edmonton as a city has a wonderful amount of winter recreation to keep us moving all season, but these places are often loud, busy, or both. Take a moment, a day, or a weekend to enjoy the more serene winter scenes. The closest provincial parks to Edmonton offer a mix ...

What do we mean by revisiting, exactly? We want you to get out to Alberta’s towns which you know of and truly get to know them. You may pass these towns occasionally on road trips, you may stop in for work trips, or you may have never been at all ...

What to do this winter in Calgary? Your options are many. There is ample opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh winter air not only in the city but also with the help of the nearby Rockies. Keep yourself busy this winter by snow tubing, ice biking, snowshoeing, or ...

Despite the chill, Edmonton's winter is bustling with excitement. The city welcomes the return of beloved winter festivals like the Byzantine Winter Fete, Flying Canoe Volant, Silver Skate Festival, and Ice on Whyte. If you can’t make it for the festival dates, there are plenty of outdoor winter activities to ...

The Pigeon Lake area, including the village, the ice, and the Provincial Park, offer visitors a ton in terms of winter recreation. Pigeon Lake has something quite large to offer winter adventurers. The Grand View and Poplar Bay Pigeon Lake Skateway are now open on the south side of the ...

The entire winter season in Alberta offers up some special, unique, or magical photo backdrops. Whether you need a set of professional photos done up this winter or are in search of your own photo scenes, there are many ways to go about it, and many places to consider around ...

When someone suggests the scenic route, we suggest taking it! Throughout the Canadian Rockies, visitors get access to some incredible spots thanks to major highways and scenic parkways alike. And one of those drives with some of Canada’s most jaw-dropping views is that which connects Lake Louise and Banff. Many ...

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Fortress Mountain Resort, an hour from Calgary, boasts a magical terrain with around 750cm annual snowfall. The gorgeous scenery in this part of Alberta includes snow-capped rolling hills and mountains and a variety of wildlife. Currently undergoing its largest renovation in 56 years, it promises ...

No matter what type of holiday or Christmas vacation you’re after, there is a way to make it happen in Alberta. These holiday getaway ideas for Christmas and New Year’s in Alberta offer vacations perfect for any type of group, too. Plan a romantic retreat, a memorable family vacation, or ...

For many in Alberta, winter or Christmas break runs from the week of Christmas to 1st week of January. This allows for plenty of time to travel, explore, and experience something new for the holidays. This may allow for enough time to visit with friends and family. While you explore ...

It is officially time to get in the holiday spirit. While there are many great holiday events taking place around Calgary, now may also be the time for some family fun. There are a few different ways to plan a festive day trip from Calgary this month, which can make ...

If you need ideas for a Christmas vacation or road trip this season, there are many options in Alberta. The holidays are for family, and there are several ways, either relaxing, adventurous or somewhere in between, to treat your family this season. Depending on your interests, it could mean a ...

A list of FREE fun things to do in Edmonton Area during November. The list includes free Christmas and holiday activities, live music, exhibitions and more! ...

Home to some of the best ski hills and resorts in the world, the Canadian Rocky Mountains host many opportunities to get out on your skis or snowboard this winter. From complex, multi-lift hills to smaller facilities, there is something for every skill level and ability. Stretching through the mountainous ...

Enjoy the best time of the year in all its glory with your Family. A list of places to enjoy Christmas and holiday light displays in Calgary ...

History and Halloween buffs rejoice and unite; there are reportedly haunted locations all across Alberta you can visit! Some of Alberta’s haunted spots are a classic example of what might come to mind when you think of a ‘haunted building:’ classic as in old, abandoned, or empty. However, not all ...

As spooky season falls upon us, we may be looking for ways to help prepare for Halloween. Within the realm of dark tourism are several ways to do this like haunted houses and ghost tours or creating your own ghost tour. In certain parts of Alberta, you are likely to ...

Things to do during Halloween in Calgary, Banff, and Airdrie in 2025: Events include Fright Nights, Ghost Tours, Paranormal Investigations and more! ...

A list of 85+ things to do this Halloween in Edmonton and Alberta Capital Region including haunted attractions, trick-or-treat events, cemetery tours, family fun activities and parades, and adult parties ...

It is an eerie sight: standing over 6200 feet above sea level and the mountain valleys, among the graves of a cemetery that date back over 100 years. Mountain Park Cemetery and Historic Mining Townsite create a creepy fall road trip out into the desolate forest which has overtaken the ...

As one of Alberta’s many southern outdoor playgrounds, Castle Provincial Park has something for everyone. The year-round park is situated in an ideal spot on both mountains and foothills to offer tons of recreational opportunities- both on the more adventurous side, and the more relaxed side of outdoor fun. It ...

Alberta seems to appear more and more attractive to Hollywood for filming locations. As the Halloween season is fast approaching, you can get some movie and TV show ideas from the creepy flicks filmed in your backyard. And it doesn’t matter what you find scary, there are a wide array ...

One of the busiest parks near Edmonton is also one of the quietest. How, you ask? Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is busy, but not with humans. Miquelon Lake is part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere. Thanks to this, the park is bustling year-round with birds, or mammals both large and ...

You can scare yourselves silly this Halloween with a number of creative, creepy, and chilling haunted house experiences in Alberta. And no two experiences are the same. Each of these haunted houses (or haunted fields, corn mazes, trains, and more) offers a unique way of delivering on the thrills and ...

Alberta’s creepiest ghost stories are lurking behind several local neighbourhoods, the province’s oldest buildings, and some unexpected places. Are you brave enough to listen to these tales? If so, you have a few options between different haunted locations! ...

Visit Banff this Thanksgiving weekend to see golden larches. There are a few ways to get a glimpse of Banff’s golden larches during fall. You can take on challenging hikes, simple walks, or a gondola ride to get your best photo opportunities. So, even if you’re not into hiking, there ...

Southwestern Alberta is filled with hundreds of natural hidden gems. Some of the natural areas are best enjoyed according to the season, though, like skiing in the Castle area, wildflower or larch hunting in Waterton in spring and fall, or river swimming in the summers. Any time of year is ...

Ever notice the Rowley wood sign on your way into Drumheller? A little way north of Drumheller, you’ll notice this sign on the west side of Highway 56. Follow the strange sign, as it takes you to one of Alberta’s most impressive ‘ghost towns,’ where you can camp for the ...

Give thanks for all there is to do during Thanksgiving long weekend in Alberta! There are many different ways to plan a getaway for the coming long weekend: you can make the most of the lack of snow with outdoor recreation and adventure, keep things chill with calm and relaxation, ...

It is a beautiful fall season in Calgary, and there are multiple ways to celebrate with a special someone. No matter your budget for your next night out together, you have several options of things to do, food to eat, and things to see around the city. But beyond Calgary ...

Chester Lake is a moderately challenging hike you may want to tackle this fall. It is located in a year-round accessible area of Kananaskis Country, meaning you can explore this hike during any season (bring snowshoes for winter!). The Smith Dorrien Trail is a great scenic drive for fall colours ...

The town of Hinton is located right in the centre of beautiful fall foothill scenery. That, and many other reasons, make the area a perfect fall destination for road trips and day trips ...

The fall season in Alberta is arguably one of the most scenic seasons. The lush forests are transformed, and there is extra motivation to enjoy the sunny days. A trip to southwestern Alberta is a perfect way to take advantage of the sun’s fall warmth and this overall beautiful time ...

Summer might be ending, but fall in Medicine Hat gives us plenty to look forward to as the leaves change and the weather cools. On a day or weekend trip to Medicine Hat, you can choose from various activities to make the best of a crisp fall day: these experiences ...

Whether you have time for a day trip or a weekend-er, these fun fall activities in and around Smoky Lake will add memorable experiences to any getaway. We are in the midst of Alberta’s best days for fall weather. The sun still has warmth, and the warm foliage creates beautiful ...

From mid-September to early October every year, you can find the green of these particular larches turning a beautiful golden yellow, giving them their name. These deciduous conifers can be found in the alpine areas of the province and are well worth the effort to get to see them ...

'Tis the season for pumpkins, watching the leaves change, and getting cozy. The colder weather is coming to Red Deer but is not quite upon us yet. As we wait, there are numerous ways to celebrate the fall season around the city from now until November. You can get your ...

The golden larch trees of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains create some of the most magnificent fall scenery. Lucky for hikers, there are several trails around Banff National Park which lead to these unique fall scenes. The top eight hikes in Banff for seeing the golden larch trees are all rated as ...

High River as a fall destination, has the beauty, scenery, and activities to create memories to last all year. The town on the Highwood is home to a major fall festival, a gorgeous river valley, local trails, historical attractions, dining, and a variety of places to stay ...

The entire Grande Prairie County is an excellent place for a fall drive: you are between foothills and boreal forest, displaying a rich array of colours this time of year. As you drive around, you’ll find plenty to do, including fall-themed activities, outdoor recreation between the Provincial Parks, and a ...

Make your next day trip big! A great way to see Alberta within a day trip from Edmonton is to hit up all the amazing roadside attractions. Central Alberta has many stops to see, and places to visit, all with their own World’s Largest Item. Some of these are even ...

The autumn months in the province's southern region can provide beautiful days, with cooler weather, to enjoy outdoor activities and sites. The gorgeous fall colours come to life as the trees turn gold and red, allowing fantastic photo opportunities. Pumpkins and fall vegetables abound, and corn mazes are filled with ...

Take a road trip through Alberta's most underrated scenic drive! Just one of many incredible scenic drives in the province of Alberta, this route gives travellers an opportunity to experience some of the amazingly diverse landscapes that the area has to offer. A road trip taking you from the dusty ...

Alberta’s wilder wilderness areas are marked by Alberta Parks as Wildland Provincial Parks. Every part of the province has an area like this, with hundreds of square kilometres of wilderness. These rugged areas are tougher to explore and don’t offer the amenities that a front country campground in Alberta would ...

Hop on the Lake Louise Gondola for an experience like no other. Have an autumn adventure complete with a ride on the ski lift and hikes amid the famous golden larches. Take in stunning views of the alpines with their mighty peaks, glistening glaciers, pretty wildflowers and springs ...

All along Edmonton’s massive urban parklands, you’ll find some amazing views. Stop and enjoy these views, take a break, or come simply to sit! These views are usually coupled with sitting areas, some with more than one. And as much as these Edmonton benches can be great rest stops, they ...

Many of Alberta’s historic forts, remnants of the 1800s fur trade, are open to the public today as museums. Calgary and Edmonton have their historic river forts open, while many others are open to visitors around the province’s rivers. But no other former Alberta fort has retained its 19th and ...

Visit one of Alberta’s newest Provincial Parks this autumn season. Fall might be the best time to come to this riverside park, as it is in the heart of the foothills, where the fall colours are sure to impress. And even if you live close enough to see the park ...

Lundbreck Falls is a drop on the Crowsnest River as it flows to the Oldman River and Dam. The relatively short Crowsnest River begins at Crowsnest Lake beside the British Columbia/Alberta border and flows through the foothills until reaching the dam ...

It is fall in Alberta, which means some of our natural and gorgeous scenery is about to transition into warm and cozy hues of gold, red, purple, or orange. This season can be one of the best to view our Alberta waterfalls as the blue or glacial waters create a ...

Plan your next picnic under the prettiest fall scenery in Calgary. Let’s make the most of this warm fall weather with trips to the park, blanket feasts, and watching the golden sunsets over the Bow River. Some of the more mature forested areas of the River Valley provide exceptionally colourful ...

If you need a location for a fall picnic in Edmonton, look no further than the river valley, of course! Beautiful fall colours can be found at any point along North Saskatchewan as it winds through Edmonton, as are many of the city’s best picnic areas. Within these river valley ...

Fall is a perfect time to take your road trip or a day trip to East Central Alberta. Leave the city behind for a day of fall fun, exploring nature, or exploring the towns east of Edmonton and Red Deer. Many exciting festivals are happening between now and Halloween, including ...

Lake Louise, famous for the its turquoise blue waters and backdropped by majestic mountains is a magical place to be in winter season. With an average annual snowfall of 3m (12ft), and almost every single winter activity available on its shores, Lake Louise is the place to be for an ...