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26 Places to Visit to Learn and Appreciate Alberta’s Cultural and Natural Heritage

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.

Credit: Alberta Parks

Begin your adventures and education with Alberta’s earliest Indigenous cultures, the fur trade, and everything about life in Alberta pre-WW2 through forts, museums, national/provincial historic sites, and preserved areas.

You can also get a sense of Alberta’s rich and varied heritage through a visit to the province’s best and most beautiful natural areas, National Parks, and Provincial Areas. These places not only provide great modern-day views, but also provide a sense of what Alberta was like hundreds or thousands of years ago, or even as far back as when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Heritage Day is celebrated on August 4th, and the new Alberta Day is observed on September 1st.

Consider these heritage and natural sites for your long weekends this summer!

FYI: Alberta provincial museums are free to visit during the 2025 summer (until Sept 2) as part of the Canada Strong Pass program. 

Museums & Heritage/Cultural Sites to Visit

1. Dinosaurs & Natural History

Alberta’s badlands are a mecca for geotourism, as scientists have uncovered thousands of bones and fossils from the layered rocks. Alberta’s fascinating natural history encompasses a diverse array of dinosaur species, as well as a rich collection of plants and wildlife. However, for everything related to dinosaurs, the Royal Tyrrell, Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, and Devil’s Coulee museums offer a wide range of exhibits, from fossils to bones, teeth, and fangs.

2. Indigenous Heritage

Credit: Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump

Alberta’s history and heritage date back long before European settlers. The Indigenous people of Alberta have created several efforts to preserve this long and rich history through education, preservation, and interactive experiences. You can picture what Frog Lake or Head-Smashed-In once looked like; you can travel the river by canoe to learn about the Metis culture, or take a Blackfoot language class, to name but a few immersive and exciting experiences.

3. Fur Trade

Credit: Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site

A few key industries played a big role in the building of Alberta’s economy, but none as early as the fur trade. You can explore the Forts which once housed fur traders, the rivers they travelled on, and everything else which helped the Hudson Bay Fur Trade expand and grow.

4. Early Alberta life

Credit: Explore Edmonton

What was life like here in the late 1800s and early 1900s? Life in Alberta back then may have looked different depending on where you lived. Calgary and Edmonton/Strathcona were slowly becoming big cities, but the smaller town areas were growing with the help of the railway. You can explore this lifestyle in Alberta from all different perspectives and in a variety of locations.

  • Book a guided tour of Victoria Settlement to learn about the transitional history, from early fur trade to establishing a mission and settlement that became the town of Pakan. (58161 Range Road 171A, County of Smoky Lake)
  • Tour Historic Dunvegan and choose to stay at onsite campsites, or shop the nearby market. ( 26 kilometres south of Fairview, on Highway 2)
  • Ride the Fort Edmonton Park train through eras and decades in Edmonton (7000 143 St NW, Edmonton)
  • Explore indoor and outdoor areas, preserved buildings, and travel the park by boat or train at Heritage Park in Calgary ( 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary)
  • Uncover prairie history at the preserved Stephansson House (2230 Twp Rd 371, Red Deer County)

5. Multi-cultural Heritage

Credit: Norwegian Laft Hus Society & Museum

You can explore Alberta’s multiculturalism in a few ways, including with many other locations on this list. Multiculturalism is a part of Canada and Alberta, and we can take time to learn about our neighbours’ home countries through several fun and exciting ways, like food, music, dance, and a visit to these museums.

  • Walk around the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, burn your energy, and fill up on authentic dishes at the Kalyna Kitchen. ( 25 minutes east of Edmonton along Hwy 16 E, Lamont County) – FYI, closed in 2025 due to fire damage.
  • Stop by the Danish Canadian National Museum, which tells the interesting story of the Danish immigrants to the area, and to Canada in general or in mid-August for their annual Viking Days. (Range Rd 31, Spruce View)
  • Explore Red Deer’s Norwegian Laft Hus Society & Museum, celebrating the Norwegian heritage. (4402 47 Ave, Red Deer)

6. Coal

Credit: Bellevue Underground Mine Tours

Coal mining in Alberta has an interesting history, with many skeletons of the old mines and factories still erect today (while coal mining still goes on, it is not nearly as booming an industry as it once was). A lot of the coal mining history can be found in southern Alberta or the Rockies, with the most interesting site of all in Crowsnest, where the former Turtle Mountain crushed the entire town of Frank during a rockslide.

  • Picnic at the Leitch Collieries and see the ruins of one of the largest and most ambitious mines in the province. (off Highway 3 in the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass)
  • Tour the actual Atlas Coal Mine, underground! (10 Century Dr., East Coulee)
  • See the site of Canada’s deadliest rock slide that destroyed a mining town Frank Slide & Interpretive Centre (1.5 km off Highway #3, Crowsnest Pass)
  • Walk in the footsteps of Alberta’s miners with interactive experiences at Bellevue Underground Mine (2531 213 St, Bellevue)

7. Oil & Gas

It is no secret that out of all the industries you could explore to learn about Alberta’s heritage, oil and gas are numbers one and two. You can learn all about the influential people, the epic moments, and economic booms with a few educational centres around the province.

8. Vehicles & Machines

Credit: Remington Carriage Museum

What did the roads and rails of Alberta once look like? Probably A LOT different, and these museums can help prove it with their auto-history-exhibits of cars, motorcycles, bikes, farm equipment and tractors, aircraft, and even carriages.

  • Browse the Reynolds Museum’s collection of over 500 cars and 130 aircraft (6426 – 40 Ave, Wetaskiwin)
  • See antique machinery showcasing the history of farming in Alberta at Heritage Acres Museum (7316 Range Road 293, Pincher Creek)
  • Stop by the Remington Carriage Museum, the largest of its kind in the world! ( 623 Main Street, Cardston)

9. Grain Elevators & Farming

Credit: Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre

As almost a symbol of the prairies, Alberta’s grain elevators can be seen abandoned alongside major highways north to south. But a few have been maintained or restored to serve as working museums, as well as monuments to the Alberta farming industry. These locations also serve as beautiful photo backdrops or artistic inspiration. For a sweeter experience, you can visit historic Markerville and the Creamery Museum to learn about the whole other side of Alberta farming.

10. Forts

Credit: Fort Whoop-up

Imagine life by the rivers of Alberta over 150 years ago: there were no tall buildings, skyscrapers, suburbs, or paved paths. All that stood were the forts where most Alberta cities are now, many of which are restored or recreated for us to explore. When you visit these historic Alberta forts, you can immerse yourself in the fur-trade experience, interact with actors, or enjoy the grounds for recreation.

  • Book the Fort Whoop-up Life & Labour of a Fur Trader experience ( 200 Indian Battle Road South, Lethbridge)
  • Launch a canoe or kayak on the Red Deer River directly from Fort Normandeau, or make a day of it by also seeing the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. (28054 B Township Road 382, Red Deer)
  • Learn about the history of the Northwest Mounted Police, spend Heritage Day at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. (750 9 Avenue SE, Calgary)

11. Ranching at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site

Credit: Parks Canada

100 or so years ago, Alberta was the true wild west, and ranches such as the Bar U served as stopping points for travelling cowboys, outlaws, creatives, and even royalty at times. Bar U National Historic Site once extended over 160,000 acres.   The area has a rich ranching history, as well as Canada’s largest collection of preserved ranch buildings. It all comes to life when you visit with actors and interpreters, wagon rides, and the many exhibits throughout. You’ll also find many beautiful photo opportunities via the gardens, the bright red buildings, the bright red Parks Canada chairs, and the surrounding foothills

When: May-October

Where: Township Rd 17B and, Township Rd 17A, Longview

How much: Free admission during the summer of 2025  as part of  Canada Strong Pass.

12. Alberta Legislature

Visit the place where laws that affected/affect the lives of Albertans are made! You and your family can receive free tours of the Alberta Legislature all year long. The scenic area is also great for a walk, a picnic on the hill, cooling off at the fountain, and urban photography. The tour will show you parts of the building which are normally closed off to tourists, as well as the Magic Fountain! If you want to stop by the grounds and stay outside, the area often sees food trucks parked on 100th Ave, and you can spend over an hour exploring the grounds. You can even see a 50-plus-year-old preserved burger! Details

When: Year-round

Where: Alberta Legislature Grounds –

How much: free

13. Royal Alberta Museum

Credit: Royal Alberta Museum

If you don’t have time and want to visit only one place, then visit Alberta’s flagship museum. Space rocks, live bugs, enormous dinosaurs, wildlife, and personal accounts from people who have shaped Alberta come together in bold exhibits at Royal Alberta Museum. Explore 82,000 square feet of exhibition space that houses a large and wide-ranging collection of artifacts to foster wonder, inquiry and understanding about Alberta.

When: Year round

Where: 9810 103A Avenue Northwest, Edmonton

How much: Free to $21; Free admission for children aged 17 and under
50% off admission for visitors aged 18 to 24

Natural Heritage Sites & Attractions

1. Cave & Basin

Take an incredible, but also accessible and simple, walk through Banff’s most famous mountain cave via several activities offered at Cave & Basin – the birthplace of all national parks across Canada. Built around natural thermal mineral springs in the late 1800s, the National Historic Site can be explored in and out with a short trail leading to the basin, as well as trails leading up around the mountain. You can also explore the area by night with their lantern tours on Saturday nights.

When: May-September for Lantern Tours, site open year-round

Where: 311 Cave Ave., Banff National Park

How much: Free admission during the summer of 2025  as part of  Canada Strong Pass.

2. Glacial Lakes

You can truly get to explore Alberta’s most magnificent lakes, as many of them allow paddle boats or have an on-site boathouse. The glacier-fed lakes are a special sight as they often give off bright and vibrant hues of blue and turquoise. Glaciers feed many Alberta lakes and rivers, so keep in mind that these waters are often frigid, even in the summer.

3. Glaciers

To Do Canada

There is a lot to see and do on a trip to Jasper or Banff, and the Athabasca glacier is at the centre of it all in the Columbia Icefields. The icefields feed the Athabasca glacier, but also five others! The Columbia Icefields area off the Parkway has options for dining, adventuring, hiking, and tours, and is a must-see when in the Rockies. You can also view several other glaciers in the area, some of which require short hikes, and some of which require a long hike. They are all worth the walk!

4. Mountain Hot Springs

Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism

The Rocky Mountain hot springs in Alberta provide the ultimate way to unwind and relax any time of year, and both are situated within incredible scenery. The Miette Hot Springs in Jasper is a popular place for the hot springs, but also the hiking trails which begin here, the abandoned hot springs area, and the wildlife. The Banff Upper Hot Springs are located high above the town, and give you sweeping views of the valley and mountains. It is an inexpensive and unique experience, great for all ages, at only $5-$10 per person. The pools reach around 40 degrees with the water rich in natural minerals.

5. Badlands & Dinosaur Provincial Park

Credit: Travel Alberta/Roth-Ramberg

Exploring Alberta’s badlands can be as easy as a stop on a road trip, or you can book a stay at Dinosaur Provincial Park and get deep into dinosaur education. The Provincial Park has a day-use area for those short on time, as well as a short Fossil Trail complete with interpretive signage and geological information. This is also where you can find the Visitor Centre with indoor exhibits and dining. The area is situated on the banks of the Red Deer River and remains an active paleontology research facility. For amazing badland views in the area, follow the loop Badlands Trail up the small hills. Summers are busy here with bus tours, dig workshops, and guided hikes offered by the park. Details

 

The Red Rock Coulee Natural Area is an excellent day-trip location near Medicine Hat and offers picnic space with a view. You can explore the natural formations left behind by an old river, as well as the colourful and unique foliage next to the paths: cacti, shrubs, wildflowers, and more. The area has a few picnic tables spread throughout, and you can keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like deer, lizards, or even snakes.  

When: year-round

Where: via AB-887, near Orion

6. George Pegg Botanic Garden

Credit: George Pegg Botanic Garden

There are many gardens you can visit in Alberta, but the George Pegg Botanic Garden is dedicated to those plants that are native to Alberta. You can enjoy a colourful picnic among the gardens, rent the space for a large event, or attend one of their spring/summer dining events like Tea Parties or farm-to-table offers. The Centre is a short drive north of Wabamun Lake and Edmonton and is easily accessed off Highway 43 near Glenivis.

When: April-September

Where: 2.5 km north of Glenevis, Alberta, off Highway 43

How much: by donation

7. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Credit: Alberta Parks

As one of Alberta’s southern-most Provincial Parks, Writing-on-Stone offers incredibly unique landscapes and views via the area’s badlands and hoodoos (the Visitor Centre trail is the easiest way to see the hoodoos). You and your family can explore the park’s best features with camping, interpretive trails, guided tours, and summer events.

When: year-round

Where: end of Range Road 130A, via AB-500

How much: The day-use area is free

8. Red Rock Canyon in Waterton

The bright and beautiful Red Rock Canyon is within the just-as-scenic Waterton Lakes National Park, and is something you can explore with short or long hikes. You’ll find the small canyon at the end of the aptly named Red Rock Parkway, also home to several other hikes. The canyon has a small creek running through it, and on a bright and sunny day, you’ll see various shades of red that layer the rocks.

When: year-round

Where: Red Rock Parkway, Waterton Lakes

9. Okotoks Erratic

The Okotoks Erratic, or ‘Big Rock,’ is a result of glacial movement from 10,000 to 30,000 years ago! A visit here will have you imagining southern Alberta in a totally different view. A glacial erratic is a rock that was transported by a moving and long-ago-melted glacier. In Okotoks, you can take in one of the larger of these formations at the Big Rock site about 10 minutes outside of town. This is a popular stop for people heading west to the mountains, or out on a family daytrip.

When: year-round

Where: AB-7, Black Diamond

How much: free

10. Athabasca Sand Dunes

The famous Athabasca Sand Dunes in northern Alberta are in a remote part of the province; so, as incredible as it is to look at, it can be difficult to appreciate this natural oddity. Luckily, McMurray Aviation, based in Fort McMurray, can get you incredible views of the sand dunes by airplane! These sightseeing tours are one of the most unique of their kind in Alberta. Their trips can also take you to the urban areas of Fort McMurray or take you over the Whitemud Falls.

 

 

11. Birds of Alberta

Credit: Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation.

Alberta’s many lakes, big or small, are important to hundreds of species of birds- many of which are migratory and only live here for part of the year. Depending on where you go and your timing, you can spot loons (you’ll definitely hear loons), ducks of all kinds, blue herons, swans, the lovely geese, hawks and eagles, owls, and more.

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12. Alberta Rivers

To Do Canada

The large and small rivers running through Alberta played a huge part in the development of the province and its history on a whole! These were the original trade, travel, and transportation routes of Alberta, and continue to provide us with recreational fun all year long. In the warmer months, we can take jetboats, kayaks, canoes, and sometimes inflatables on these waters and explore different scenery and wildlife from a variety of shorelines. If you need a little assistance, these tours can safely guide you along most Alberta rivers.

13. Boreal Forests

Almost half of Alberta is made up of Boreal Forests. The line of the great forest begins roughly around Grande Prairie (west), Lesser Slave Lake (central), and Cold Lake (east). From these northern areas, the boreal forest only gets lusher and denser, with Wood Buffalo National Park being a huge source of the forest’s protection; so huge that Wood Buffalo is Canada’s largest National Park, and one of the largest in the entire world. Many Provincial Parks, Recreation Areas, and Wildlands also help protect the forest.

  • Show up for a guided free experience through Wood Buffalo National Park and learn about language, nature, and culture.
  • Beaver Lake PRA (year-round, Lac La Biche) is at the forest’s southern edge, with boating, swimming, fishing, and camping
  • Smoke Lake PRA is in a northwestern forest with the trees encompassing the lak,e which is popular for boating and fishing (May 18-September 30; 15 minutes south of Fox Creek)
  • Lakeland Provincial Park (year-round; east of Lac La Biche) is one of the large protected boreal areas in northern Alberta, where the best way to see the forest is via the Lakeland Canoe circuit or the ATV trails
  • Hilliard’s Bay, (May-September; on the northwest corner of Less Slave Lake, is a quiet camping and picnic area surrounded by boreal forest, and all the recreation offered by the large lake.

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