Alberta Vacation Ideas, Getaways & Itineraries

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 ...

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 ...

'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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Autumn months call for hikes that offer up some beautiful views that include viewing golden larches, and the trail up and through Larch Valley is nothing less than spectacular. The gorgeously unique colours that the larches provide create a landscape that enchants those hardy enough to finish this moderately difficult ...

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 ...

Experience life on the rails this fall! Alberta’s railway companies all have something special planned for September and October, focusing on the best parts of the season. You can celebrate Halloween, taste Alberta’s local brewers, sit down for a harvest dinner, or even experience an authentic train robbery. These exciting, ...

Mix up your road trip plans with some unique (and massive) roadside sights in southern Alberta. There are many within a day’s trip from Calgary, too! These attractions are often visible from the highway and are easy to spot. But surrounding each roadside attraction are more things to see and ...

Follow the Cowboy Trail south this fall! Toward the southernmost end of the Trail, you’ll find the new town of Diamond Valley, formed by the amalgamation of Turner Valley and Black Diamond. The two towns are relatively close together and combine to create an epic fall road trip. You can ...

We are lucky in Edmonton, and many other Canadian cities, as we have many nearby places for a natural escape. In Edmonton, you can ‘escape’ to the river valley, the surrounding provincial parks, Elk Island National Park, or a handful of conservation areas. While the river valley might instantly come to ...

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 ...

Alberta’s fall colours are beautiful no matter where you go, and we can enjoy them in a number of ways like the obvious hiking, but also by boat rides, paddling trips, or by horseback. And even if you’re after a simple hike, you can plan for epic end-views with the ...

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 ...

Many great things happen in Canmore during the fall months. And when you add this to all the natural beauty and recreational opportunities around town, planning a fall getaway is even easier. Canmore is a gateway to the Rockies, with Kananaskis and Provincial Parks to the south and Banff to ...

Kananaskis Country covers a vast portion of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and foothills. Within the area are provincial parks, recreation areas, wildland parks, the main Village, and resorts. It is a year-round outdoor playground. And a fall trip to Kananaskis may arguably be the most beautiful way to experience K-Country. The ...

Hike to the top of Turtle Mountain, which crushed an Alberta coal town 120 years ago. There are many places along the Crowsnest Highway from where you can get views of Canada's deadliest rockslide, the Frank Slide. Significance of Frank Slide: The rockslide is Canada’s deadliest rockslide ever and covers ...

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 ...

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 ...

It's time for lederhosen, bier, and bratwurst! Oktoberfest events in Alberta are coming up quickly, with some starting the celebrations as early as September 10. Get your tickets to one, some, or all, and sample a wide variety of local brews while you’re at it. Oktoberfest events look a little ...

In and around Calgary, you can find all sorts of fun farm experiences to escape the city and enjoy the quaintness of farm life. These fun farms offer entertainment in many forms, including mazes, farm and field games, pumpkin patches, u-pick, and plenty more. Many of these farms also allow ...

This gateway and basecamp for Rocky Mountain adventures has a great deal of fall fun to offer. Stop in Cochrane in Alberta for a getaway to experience the small city’s fall colours, events, markets, dining, and access to the beautiful Bow River. Cochrane is lined with great trails for appreciating ...

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 ...

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 ...

In 1988, the city of Calgary commissioned the construction of a 65m-tall tepee for the Winter Olympics. The tepee, made of steel, still stands tall today. But if you want to a get look at this massive marvel, or even walk inside, you’ll need to travel further south than Calgary ...

Banff National Park is a wonderfully beautiful place to spend time in the fall. With fewer visitors than in the summer months, it may be easier to find accommodations and you will easily enjoy the activities and sites without being rushed or crowded. Fall in the mountains brings crisp weather, ...

Alberta’s natural beauty comes alive in the fall. The blue and green lakes are now surrounded by contrasting trees, the mountains are gold with larches, and the northern forests create a spectacle of colour. You can find some beautiful fall scenery around Alberta in some obvious places like the Rockies ...

Alberta’s cities sure do look good in the fall. But so do all the smaller towns around the province! Get out for a day or weekend this fall and road-trip to some of Alberta’s small towns to find more fall scenery, but also great festivals, events, and food/drink. Some of ...

Nothing says fall like a visit to the farm! Lucky for those in the Edmonton area, there are a variety of farms to visit with all sorts of unique and family-friendly attractions. Some farms around north-central Alberta still offer u-pick and will offer pumpkins as soon as they are ready ...

Many of us are aware of the one single great reason to visit Taber, Alberta: for the best corn in Canada. The area produces amazing corn and other fresh produce because of one other reason you should visit: huge amounts of sunshine! The town sits on the banks of the ...

The Plains Buffalo people have origins in Alberta which date back as far as 11,000 years. This is as far back as the evidence leads. And some of the signs or artifacts of those much earlier days are still present today. Many efforts were made over the second half of ...

The Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) is a famous driving route in Alberta that takes you from the town of Mayerthorpe (90 minutes from Edmonton), south to Lundbreck, or vice versa. (We like going north to south as the scenery just gets more spectacular as you travel.) Making its way through ...

There are several reasons to visit Grande Cache and the surrounding natural areas, like camping, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and hiking. Whether here for a while or driving through on Highway 40, there are many scenic places to stop for a picnic, for views, or a quick rest. Tucked away on ...

The small southeastern city of Brooks in Alberta is in a unique spot. Brooks has the convenience of Highway 1 running through its centre while also being near many natural and manmade attractions. The small city is surrounded by badlands, farmland, and river valleys to offer exceptional outdoor recreation. And ...

Leitch Collieries, located near Crowsnest Pass, stands as a testament to the unpredictability of the early 1900s coal mining industry. Founded in 1907, this wholly Canadian-owned venture was among the most grandiose in the region. The Leitch family started the Leitch Collieries Coal and Coke Company, and the term “collieries” ...

The Crown of the Continent encompasses space in Alberta, B.C., and Montana. It is where the three territories meet with sprawling foothills, crystal clear lakes, and giant Rocky Mountains - a 73,000 square kilometre ecosystem rich in biodiversity. You can visit a few different parks in Alberta to explore the ...

When the Bow River exits the city of Calgary, it travels through a unique part of Alberta’s landscape. The Bow River in the southeast part of the province cuts through small, lush, and rolling hills. There are prairie farmlands around the area, but the hills get taller closer to the ...

As with many other Alberta towns, the history of Vulcan dates back to the early 20th century and CPR development. The railway and agriculture helped to build Vulcan, a place that once had nine grain elevators towering over it. It would only be by coincidence that a wildly famous science ...

The southern Alberta badlands have revealed hundreds of dinosaur bones and fossils. While Drumheller is often the first place to come to mind when you think of dinosaurs and museums in Alberta, there is a second place you need to visit, especially if you have an interest in paleontology. Head ...

As soon as you enter the badlands in central-east Alberta, you are greeted with many sights and places to stop and enjoy the views. One of the most ideal places to stop, whether for a picnic, or a car break, is Midland Provincial Park. The park is a day-use area ...

The Peace Country offers, fittingly enough, many places for peace and quiet. The Peace River shores are lined with protected natural areas from Provincial Parks to Wildland areas. Additionally, Highway 2, which follows the Peace River, can make for a memorable road trip with a lot to see and do ...

Chief Mountain, in Montana, is a unique peak. It stands out as a tall, rectangular structure among the other jagged peaks. Chief Mountain makes for incredible scenery, and you don’t need to cross the United States border to appreciate these views. All you need to do is visit Alberta’s southernmost ...

The Sheep River Valley is part of the Rocky Mountain foothills' more rugged landscapes. The Sheep River flows into southwestern Alberta from the Bow River watershed. The river is narrow and shallow, but the waters can move with mighty force during spring runoff. One of the easiest ways to explore ...

Outdoor activities abound ay Bow Valley Provincial Park, hike short interpretive loops, trek through Grotto Canyon, cycle along paved trails, or tackle Barrier Lake’s scenic routes. Fishing is also popular, with serene spots like Gap Lake, Lac Des Arcs, and Mt. Lorette Ponds. Plus, the park features riverside campgrounds, backcountry ...

Alberta is home to an astounding number of museums, ranging from tiny sites to museums based on specific items, such as tractors and carriages. As well, the province boasts some of the most unusual museums in the country, including the famous Gopher Museum and the weird Museum of Fear and ...

Where else can getting lost be more fun than at a life-sized maze? Put down the iPads & tablets and get down to the maze for a reality game time made of growing creative designs that changes every year. Alberta is also home to the maze, with a Guinness record ...

Discover the hidden gem of Alberta's badlands at Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park, where rich Indigenous history meets stunning natural beauty ...

Alberta is the site of many natural wonders, and Okotoks Erratic is one such wonder that "ran" from the present-day site of Jasper National Park to 55 km south of Calgary. A glacial erratic is any rock that was once transported by a moving and now-melted glacier. In Okotoks, you ...

The David Thompson Highway section in Central Alberta which covers the length of Abraham Lake is a jaw-dropping turn to make. The bright blue waters of Abraham Lake sit in the foreground of foothills and the Rocky Mountains, with towering cliff faces surrounding the massive lake which all come into ...

Spend your next family outing down on the farm - the Kraay Family Farm, to be exact! You can find the Kraay Family Farm in central Alberta in Lacombe, which makes it an easy day trip from Red Deer, Edmonton, and Calgary. This family-fun farm is open all day, so you ...

The Rocky to Nordegg Rail Trail, a 25-year vision now half complete, offers 50km of scenic, historic pathways through Alberta’s David Thompson Country. Following the old Brazeau Branch rail line, it features river views, creek crossings, and the restored Taunton Trestle Bridge—perfect for picnics and photos. Open year-round for hiking, ...

Explore Stony Plain and Parkland County for a getaway full of arts, culture, and outdoor adventure. Discover over 40 murals, live music at Summer Sessions, and the vibrant Blueberry Bluegrass Festival. Dive into local history at the Pioneer Museum or Red Brick Common, then head outdoors to paddle Jackfish Lake, ...

When you wonder how you can explore Alberta’s heritage this summer, during the August/Heritage Day long weekend, or on Alberta Day, there are many parts of history to consider! Alberta has a diverse number of cultures, industries, and natural landscapes, as well as a rich yet young history. Begin your ...

Spruce Grove, nestled between Highways 16 and 16A, is the perfect launch point for an adventure in Parkland County. With its mix of urban comforts and access to scenic outdoor spaces, it invites travelers to slow down and explore. Paddle Wabamun Lake, hike peaceful nature trails, enjoy horseback riding at ...

Exciting things are happening in Alberta’s backcountry! These areas, also known as Public Land Use Zones, are separate from the Provincial and National Park backcountry areas, and are usually maintained (trails, camping areas, outhouses) by volunteers. Over the past year or two, Alberta’s dedicated backcountry volunteers have helped improve several ...

There are many reasons for the scenic bridges you’ll find across Alberta. Some were built for industry, to connect people on foot, or to connect people to nature. With Alberta’s rivers and mountain landscapes come several scenic bridges to visit on a road trip or day trip. Many of these ...

Blackshale Creek Suspension Bridge in Kananaskis Country makes for an easy day trip from Calgary to the Canadian Rockies. You’ll find the Blackshale Suspension Bridge in the southern part of Kananaskis Country in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. The suspension bridge is located on the Smith-Dorrien Trail, and the hike to the ...

Make the most of your trip to Fort Saskatchewan by diving into its rich 200+ year history at the Fort Heritage Precinct and strolling through the city’s many art displays, murals, and galleries. Explore scenic trails along the North Saskatchewan River, paddle from West River’s Edge or Turner Park, and ...

Central to Kananaskis Country is one of the region’s parks with the most services, accommodations, and gorgeous day use or picnic areas. This central part of K-Country, also known as the Kananaskis Village, is part of the Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area. The PRA offers some of Alberta’s most unique attractions, ...

Take advantage of these local rafting companies in Edmonton, and nearby lakes and rivers for a lazy float this summer! You can rent a raft from companies like River Lifestyle Co., Pembina River Tubing, or The Paddle Station, or bring your floaties to Edmonton’s closest swimming lakes. Know before you go: ...

What is better than spending a lazy summer day floating your way down a river? Not much! Grab your equipment (or rent some), some sunscreen, your bathing suit, a snack and your friends or family members to ride your way down one of the waterways in or near Calgary including ...

If you’d like to get out and explore these waters this summer, try one of these water adventures in Banff ...

Enjoy a lazy float across the river! ...

There are many exciting options for exploring Central Alberta on the Red Deer River. On the west side of the river, the waters are much faster and offer thrill seekers some great whitewater rapids. Canoeing or kayaking through the Badlands offers a much more relaxing but just as scenic way ...

If you’re planning a trip to the Rocky Mountains this summer, particularly the Banff National Park, and you’re looking for a waterborne adventure like no other, then you need to make Rocky Mountain Raft Tours one of your stops along your trip. If the rafting you’re used to causes you ...

The Red Rock Parkway in Waterton traverses 15 km through the scenic Blakiston Valley, ending at the vibrant Red Rock Canyon. This journey showcases the stunning intersection of prairie and mountain landscapes, offering travelers majestic views, notably of Mt. Blakiston, the park's highest peak ...

If you are planning to see more of Alberta this summer, be prepared for how much there is to explore! Planning a road trip in Alberta this summer will depend on your interests and what sights are new to you. You may want to skip places you’ve travelled to before ...

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 turning out to be a great summer for swimming, beaches, and lakes! The warm weather is begging you to take a trip to one of Alberta’s nicest lakes for a dip, a camping trip, or a luxurious cabin getaway. Beautiful lakes can be found all over Alberta, you ...

Alberta’s must-visit lakes get their title for many reasons. Many of the province’s Rocky Mountain lakes are some of the most beautiful (and possibly most-photographed) lakes in the world, with some even boasting cruise excursions or boat rentals. A second reason you need to check out some of these Alberta ...

Within Alberta are seven farms and gardens dedicated to growing rows upon rows of fresh florals ready for u-pick. The u-pick flower farm experience in Alberta offers colourful florals, often those native to Alberta. You’ll encounter u-pick sunflowers, lilies, tulips, wildflowers, and more. These farms have staff onsite to help ...

Alberta’s north contains unrivalled natural beauty, giving you many reasons to make a summer trip here. But, with all that is happening this summer within the towns in northern Alberta, you have a whole other list of reasons to visit. You can travel northeast or northwest to find outdoor events ...

Take your time on a summer stroll through these gorgeous Calgary gardens. Many of the gardens around the city are built with the help of several communities and partners and help to transform the urban Calgary landscape into quiet and peaceful areas. Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs The Silver Springs ...

Did you know you can find one of Alberta’s prettiest gardens in the centre of Lethbridge? The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden sits on the west shore of the city’s Henderson Lake and creates a wonderfully peaceful space in the heart of Lethbridge. The Garden opened in Lethbridge in 1967 as ...

Even if you can’t plan for a trip to Drumheller this summer, you can plan road trips or drives around some of the area’s best badlands lookout spots. Fortunately, there are a few excellent options for viewpoints along Alberta’s Badlands which are easily accessible from the main highways. Once you ...

There are many reasons to make a trip this summer to Pigeon Lake in Alberta. If you’re from Alberta, one of the biggest reasons may be the lake and park’s central location and ease of access from major highways. For many in Edmonton, Red Deer, and central Alberta, Pigeon Lake ...

The Alberta Legislature Grounds in downtown Edmonton are bustling on any given summer day. Much of this is thanks to the splash and swim area that is free for all to access on the north grounds. Alberta Legislature Grounds underwent renovations and reopened in 2025. The area is worth a ...

Alberta is one of the perfect provinces for travelling, especially if you are looking for a pretty drive to keep you entertained. Of course, driving through the province invites you to discover and enjoy some spectacular scenery, such as the magnificent Rocky Mountains, the beautiful rolling foothills, and the wide-open ...

The Smith Dorrien Trail, also known as the scenic route through Kananaskis, runs 70km from Canmore in the north to Lower Kananaskis Lake in the south. In all, this route runs through four different Provincial Parks or Wildland areas. For much of the Smith Dorrien Trail, the highway runs through ...

Driving along Highway 9, the views are quite flat. It is hard to imagine that only 30 seconds away from these prairies are sweeping views of the Alberta badlands with their rounded mountains, colourful layers, and bright green strips of grass and shrub. Horseshoe Canyon, only 15 minutes west of ...

It doesn’t matter what kind of water adventure you’d prefer, the Grande Rapids Wilderness Adventures in Athabasca has something for all thrill-seekers. The adventure outfitters specialize in exploring the Athabasca River and the boreal forest in a number of ways: by water, of course, but also by foot, or even ...

For an unforgettable trip to northern Alberta, explore Slave Lake and Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park. Spend sunny days at Devonshire Beach, hike scenic trails, go birding at the Boreal Centre, or paddle across calm waters. Enjoy local art, festivals, museums, and shopping in town. Stay overnight to catch sunsets, ...

Okotoks offers a peaceful summer getaway with riverfront trails, local festivals, and scenic views of the Rockies. Visitors can explore the 7.7 km Sheep River Valley Trail, paddle the calmer sections of the Sheep River, or attend events like Taste of Okotoks and the Summer Roundup. The city’s museums and ...

The province of Alberta is full of opportunities to hop into a body of water or river, so it's no surprise there are an amazing number of places to enjoy white-water rafting. The river systems that run throughout the province offer rafters of all abilities a chance to get out and ...

Long before cities, Alberta’s rivers were lined with forts and fur trade posts. The Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site was an important stop for traders and the Indigenous peoples who travelled the river, and some of the original structures are still in place today! You can visit the National ...

Crescent Falls offers unforgettable views as the Bighorn River plunges into a dramatic canyon over two stunning waterfalls. Enjoy accessible viewpoints, hike scenic trails along Bighorn Canyon, or take in the falls from a peaceful picnic area. The moderate 6 km trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of both waterfalls ...

Devon is a vibrant riverside town perfect for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Paddle the North Saskatchewan River, hike scenic trails like Legs of Fire Staircase, or relax at Prospector’s Point. Explore local shops, markets, and museums, including the Canadian Energy Museum ...

The rivers of southern Alberta are perfect for whatever type of watercraft you choose to rent: stand-up paddleboard, kayak, tandem kayak, canoe, or fishing boat. Alberta’s southernmost river, Milk River, is an epic journey that begins in the western mountains and foothills, runs down to the plains, and enters the ...

‘Tis the season for long drives, lakes, and day trips! If you’re looking for day trip plans from Calgary for your summer, we have you covered. These day trip ideas cover a variety of interests and can take you in many different directions. We’ve kept these day trip destinations from ...

Set along Alberta’s scenic David Thompson Highway, Thompson Creek Provincial Recreation Area offers a quiet escape with mountain views, riverside trails, and a well-equipped campground. Just minutes from Banff National Park, it’s an ideal base for both rugged adventures and relaxed wilderness experiences—perfect for those seeking nature’s beauty without venturing ...

One of the most spectacular parts of visiting Fish Lake is the abundance of scenery in every direction, and how that scenery changes. Depending on where you explore and travel around Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area, there may be views of rolling green hills, towering mountains, shallow creeks, rushing rivers ...

There are many stops one could make along Highway 2 where it connects Calgary and Edmonton. And each stop is filled with its own hidden gems of local attractions, unique places to shop, dine, and stay, or natural beauty. And while many will opt for a stop in south Red ...

Paddling, via canoe, kayak, or SUP (standup paddleboard), can be a relaxing way to unwind, get some light exercise, or find the perfect fishing spot. Alberta has countless options for places to paddle, so we’ve narrowed it down to 25 of the best canoe/kayak locations in Alberta. The locations include ...

Are you looking for a day-long escape from the city? Check out these 25 Day Trips to the Canadian Rockies, all approximately 2 hours or less from Calgary. There is so much to do, and so much to see, and it’s all so close! There are spots in Alberta and ...

The difference between the flow of the upper Red Deer River and the lower river is distinct. The upper Red Deer River flows east from the Rockies, and contains class II-IV rapids. Lucky for us, there are adventure companies in Sundre ready to guide you on these raging Red Deer ...

You can now have a beach day at Calgary's man-made lake. Sikome Lake, located within the Fish Creek Provincial Park, opened on June 30 for the 2026 season, with major renovation work now complete. Upgrades include the construction of two new admissions booths and a new water safety centre, the ...

Want to get away this weekend? Want to feel like you’ve travelled to exotic locations without breaking the bank? Alberta has so many wonderful destinations to view, but waterfalls are on the top of any list. You won’t believe your eyes – or your ears – when you visit these ...