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Celebrate Thanksgiving in Alberta this year by doing something different. This coming weekend you’ll find an assorted variety of fall fun around all our province’s cities and towns, some of which don’t cost a thing.
Heritage Ranch Red Deer
If you’re looking to get out for fresh air and see the fall colours, there are many places perfect for hikes, drives, and bike rides. For fall-themed activities or a unique afternoon, you can head to markets, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and fun farms. You could also prepare for the next ‘holiday’ with the haunted and spooky attractions.
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1. Matcheetawin Discovery Trail
Just 27 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, the Wood Bison Gateway welcomes visitors with a striking stone bison herd and the start of the Matcheetawin Discovery Trails—Cree for “beginning place.” Wander four kilometres through reclaimed landscapes of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, where fall colours blaze across 50 hectares of land once shaped by industry and renewal.
2. Explore Lakeland Provincial Park and Recreation Area
Both the Lakeland Provincial Park and Recreational Area are a short drive from Athabasca or St. Paul and offer sweeping forest views that you can explore further via different hiking and biking trails. This is a good time of year to watch for wildlife like deer and various species of birds.
3. Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Fall is a wonderful time for birding in the Lesser Slave Lake Area. Migratory birds fly over Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park on their way south. Though the Fall bird banding season by the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory staff has ended, you can still explore the trails and enjoy fall colours, all the while catching a glimpse of late fliers and winter birds.
4. Bonnyville Farmers’ Market
The year-round Farmer’s Market in Bonnyville is open this Saturday with tons of local goodies. Shop fresh-baked bread, preserves, bath and body, foods, and more. The market is located at their Agriplex.
5. Hikes around the Peace River
The Dyke Trail in Peace River can take you all through town and past city limits while following the river. And just outside of town, you can get more river views via the famous Trestle Trail (northeast of the city, opposite side of the river).
6. Walk a Small Town Mural Tour
Enjoying public art is easy, with a few mural walks to take around the province. Some small city and town art walks include the Medicine Hat Downtown Mural Tour, Legal Mural Tour, Lacombe Mural Walk, or High River’s Historic Murals.
7. Blachford Field of Nightmares – Grande Prairie
Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie has something special and spooky planned this fall for Halloween. The Blachford Field of Nightmares runs dark to midnight Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with admission at $20 per person.
8. Birding at Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
When you visit Saskatoon Island Provincial Park in the fall, you’re greeted by some incredibly beautiful and unique sites. The two lakes that border the park are lined with a few different types of trees, creating a lush and colourful forest backdrop. The on-site Saskatoon Lake Bird Sanctuary will be the best place for birding.
9. Pumpkin Festival – Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie Corn Maze
Visit Grande Prairie Corn Maze for the annual Pumpkin Festival from October 11 to 12 each day. Hosted by Country Roads RV Park, enjoy fall-themed fun, kids’ costumes, pumpkin patch photos, online voting, prizes, and more. Support the United Way and our community while celebrating the season!
10. Rycroft Thanksgiving Market – Rycroft
On October 11th, the Rycroft Farmers’ Market hosts one of its special holiday markets for Thanksgiving. The fall-themed goodies create a perfect way to shop and support local going into the holiday season.
11. Walk the Wild Sculpture Trail – Yellowhead County
Credit: Alberta Parks
The larger Sundance Provincial Park in central Alberta is separated into two areas. The long narrow area offers a great hike with some of Alberta’s smaller hoodoos, an abundance of fall colours, and possibly some wildlife.
12. Explore Sulphur Gates – Grande Cache
These stunning views will be exceptional in mid-October. Sulphur Gates is a river crossing with huge cliff faces that you get to stan atop and walk across. There is a picnic site, a short hike around the viewpoint, and a longer hike which leads to waterfalls.
13. Tell Time at Sangudo Sundial – Lac St. Anne County
Visit one of the biggest sundials in the world this Thanksgiving weekend. Sangudo Sundial is a fully functioning and accurate sundial depicting Local Solar Time in Sangudo.
14. Fall colours at Hard Luck Canyon – Whitecourt
See the canyon resulting from Hard Luck Creek, which began forming 11,000 years ago. The tall sandstone cliffs tower over the creek, which also has a small waterfall. There is a short and easy hiking trail that take you to a bridge overlooking the falls, and a staircase leading to the canyon floor.
15. Head out on a Scenic Fall Drive
Northern Alberta highways wind through boreal forests and vast river valleys, and the southern highways offer views of foothills, waterfalls, or prairie and grasslands. In western Alberta, the drives take you through the Rockies, and in Eastern Alberta, you can take in the rich and diverse badlands. No matter which direction you choose for a drive, there are stunning views!
16. Explore Hinton
Enjoy the stunning autumn colours in Alberta’s foothills, with Hinton at the heart of this scenic beauty. Explore Hinton for road trips, day trips, or as a stopover en route to Jasper National Park. Discover recreation, sightseeing, and picnics at nearby parks. Savour local dining on Gregg Avenue and Smith Street, conveniently located by the Trans Canada Highway.
17. Figure Eight Lake
Peace Country is a haven for tranquillity, featuring protected natural areas along Peace River shores and along Highway 2. A road trip along Highway 2 offers scenic beauty and activities. Heading north reveals more natural areas for year-round outdoor recreation. Explore Figure Eight Lake Provincial Recreation Area, a small but picturesque spot nestled in dense forest, perfect for day trips, especially during the vibrant fall foliage season.
18. Thanksgiving weekend in Edmonton
There are plenty of activities in the capital city this Thanksgiving weekend – Get spooked with some serious scares at Deadmonton, venture into the dark corners of Fort Edmonton and the River Valley, catch a show at the city’s theatres, and enjoy a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner at one of the city’s restaurants.
19. Fall Colours Around Edmonton
In Edmonton, the North Saskatchewan River Valley remains the top spot to capture stunning fall colours, its mix of mature trees glowing in gold and crimson. But this Thanksgiving weekend, venture beyond the familiar trails—discover Edmonton’s hidden forested gems, where peaceful parks and wooded paths offer equally captivating autumn scenery away from the crowds.
20. Hiking at Whitney Lakes Provincial Park
Located in central-east Alberta, Whitney Lakes has over 30km of trails to hike, watch for birds and wildlife, and take in gorgeous Lakeland scenery. The trails wind around large and small lakes and through the forests.
21. K3 Family Farm Corn Maze – Toefield
After making your way through the fields of corn K3 Corn Maze, you can take photos in the pumpkin patch and sunflower garden, visit with farm animals, sign up for the Wild West Shootout, ride the zipline, or play in the hay and sand. The Tofield Farm is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
22. See Some Owls – Toefield
Beaverhill Bird Observatory
The annual fall migration of owls occurs from September until early November, with October being the peak in their abundance. Join Beaverhill Bird Observatory staff for owl banding or hike on your own in search of species like Northern Saw-whet Owls, Long-eared Owls and Boreal Owls.
23. Kraay Family Farm Corn Maze – Lacombe
The Kraay Family Farms offer several family-friendly attractions like, pumpkin patch, corn Maze, and petting zoo. Your day pass includes access to all attractions. There are now 40 different activities and fun things to discover on your arrival.
24. Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary – Red Deer
The Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary in Red Deer offers a perfect Thanksgiving weekend escape. Wander five kilometres of trails through forests and wetlands to spot migrating fall birds, from songbirds to waterfowl. Moose, deer, and foxes also roam this 118-hectare sanctuary, one of Alberta’s most ecologically rich natural spaces.
25. Alberta Prairie Railway
The Harvest Pumpkin Fest offers a 2+ hour train trip to Alberta Prairie’s Country Hideaway. Guests can pick their own pumpkin, enjoy a beef or hot dog lunch, and participate in family-friendly activities like hayrides, barrel train, and visiting Finnegan Farms Petting Zoo.
26. Follow the Fish Lake Trail – Clearwater County
Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area and the Fish Lake Trail are actually on Shunda Lake, but can be easily accessed from the David Thompson Highway. This serene area offers a looped hike around the lake.
27. Picnic beside Abraham Lake
There are several rest stops located along the David Thompson Highway portion parallel to Lake Abraham. The sites welcome picnics with tables, fire pits, washrooms, and great lakeside views.
28. The Jungle Farm Fall Fun – Red Deer County
Take your pick of the pumpkins at The Jungle Farm this Thanksgiving! Their pumpkin patch makes the perfect fall activity and excellent photo opportunities for the whole family.
29. Banff Pride
Head to Banff and join in the Pride festivities in Canada’s iconic mountain town. The events during Thanksgiving weekend include Drag Brunch at Bluebird, Pride Pub Crawl and more!
30. Larch Hikes in Banff
Lake Louise Gondola For Golden Larch Hikes and Grizzly Bear Sightings
Visit Larch Valley, hike to Agnes Tea House, or take the Lake Louise Gondola to see the brilliant golden colour larch trees.
31. Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
Nestled in the foothills, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park offers stunning fall colours and is ideal for daily walks or workouts. Don’t forget to pack a picnic for your long walk or bike ride, as the park offers tables, shelters, and washrooms. Located just 45 minutes from Calgary in Cochrane, it’s a perfect destination for a fall day trip, and you can enjoy a scenic road trip back to Calgary via the Cowboy trail on Highway 8 or 22 after your visit.
- Fall Season Adventures and Activities in Cochrane – Scenic Trails and Mountain Views
32. Bike the Legacy Trail from Canmore to Banff
You can follow the Trans Canada Highway by bike all the way from Canmore to Banff via the Legacy Trail. It is considered one of the most beautiful bike rides in Alberta and this might be one of your last weekends in 2024 to tackle the trail!
33. Hike to Chester Lake
The Smith Dorrien Trail is a great scenic drive for fall colours in general, but places like Chester Lake offer a much-sought-after Alberta view: the golden fall larches. Plan a Chester Lake trip this Thanksgiving weekend.
34. Badlands Amphitheatre Hikes
Spend Thanksgiving weekend exploring the Badlands on guided hikes offering unique perspectives of Drumheller’s landscape. The Angel Paths Hike (1 hour) follows the hidden trails and tunnels used by angel performers in the Badlands Passion Play. The Three Valley Gap Hike (60 minutes) reveals dramatic bentonite and iron-rich formations, while the Lookout Hill Trail (75 minutes) rewards climbers with sweeping prairie and valley views.
35. Thanksgiving Weekend in Calgary
Choose from haunted houses, a variety of fall activities at farms, enjoy live theatre and have a delicious meal from local restaurants this Thanksgiving weekend in Calgary.
36. Mystic Manor – High River
Visit Mystic Manor in High River this Thanksgiving weekend for a chilling, year-round haunted house experience. Featured in Superman III, the historic manor offers guided tours with a psychic medium, ghost-hunting technology, and eerie tales from its past. It’s an immersive paranormal adventure perfect for ghost enthusiasts seeking a spine-tingling holiday outing.
37. Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site Tours – East Coulee
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
You can book guided tours this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) for one of Alberta’s National Historic Sites: the Atlas Coal Mine in East Coulee, just southeast of Drumheller. You can opt for the Processing Plant Tour or an Underground Experience.
38. Molnar’s Annual Pumpkin Festival – Taber
Visit Molnar’s Farm in Taber on October 10 to 13 to celebrate their annual Pumpkin Fest! Your ticket includes family games, pony rides, pumpkin bounce house, and pumpkin picking.
39. Fall Fun at Brooks Corn Maze – Brooks
The Brooks Corn Maze is open this weekend for pumpkin picking, and they offer other fun activities like a human hamster wheel, an archery range, mini-golf, and a petting zoo.
40. Guided Tours at Dinosaur Provincial Park
Explore one of Alberta’s most unique Provincial Parks this weekend and take advantage of their different events. At Dinosaur Provincial Park in eastern Alberta, you can embark on a guided Bonebed Hike, on a Bus Tour, or you can create your own fossils with Cast from the Past.
41. Lethbridge Corn Maze
The complex labyrinth of this year’s Lethbridge Corn Maze will be a fun challenge for the whole family this Thanksgiving. After the maze, enjoy a hayride, the cow train, or food fresh off the barbecue in their picnic area.
42. Look for meteors from Popson Park – Lethbridge
Orionid Meteor Shower peaks in October. The Oldman River Valley, where the Oldman River Observatory, run by the Lethbridge Astronomical Society (closed on Thanksgiving weekend) is located, is ideal for a night of stargazing. The surrounding Popson Park has benches for a quiet night of viewing.
43. Go Wind Chasing – Southwest Alberta
Alberta is home to an incredible number of wind farms, and the ones in this area are certainly set in a stunning setting. Take a road trip to watch these turbines catch the constant westerly winds and occasional supercharged winds of the Chinooks that blast over Cowley Ridge as they exit Crowsnest Pass.
44. Fort Macleod
Explore Fort Macleod, which preserves its 19th and early 20th-century charm amid picturesque natural surroundings. Fort Macleod’s historic downtown has been featured in famous films and TV shows, making it a unique destination to explore.
45. Turtle Mountain Hike
The Crowsnest Highway offers views of Canada’s deadliest rockslide, the Frank Slide. For a bird’s-eye view, embark on a challenging 7.2km hike up Turtle Mountain, where you’ll witness breathtaking vistas of the slide and surrounding landscapes.
46. Waterfalls in Waterton
You can easily and quickly access two different waterfalls from a trailhead on the edge of Waterton’s townsite. The Upper and Lower Bertha Falls hikes are well worth the walk, as they have stunning waterfall scenery and lakes.
This is also the las weekend when you can go on a cruise or hike to Crypt Lake.
47. Stargazing at Cypress Hills Provincial Park
This is one of Alberta’s darkest areas, providing some of the best stargazing in the province. Take a look back from one of Cypress Hills’ day-use areas to look on at endless starry skies.
48. Writing on Stone Provincial Park Events
Over the long weekend, you can visit Writing on Stone Provincial Park in southern Alberta and partake in a few different cultural events aimed to educate and entertain. This includes guided hikes and a Rock Art Tour through the Park.
49. Fall Colour Hikes
Alberta is sweeping prairies, rising mountain peaks, rocky terrain, and boreal forests. It’s breathtaking at any time of year, but autumn is when Alberta comes alive with vibrant colours, crisp mountain air, and stunning sunsets across fields of wheat. Satisfy your wanderlust this weekend and explore a nearby park or any one of these classic hikes.
- 25 Bucket List Fall Activities & Adventures in Alberta
- 25 of the Best Parks in Alberta to See Fantastic Fall Colours
49. Headstart to Halloween
Why wait until October 31st? Plan a road trip to explore spooky towns, go on a ghost tour, or visit Halloween haunts across Alberta. In Calgary and Edmonton, you can also enjoy illuminated pumpkin carving displays, Pumpkins After Dark.
50. Thanksgiving Getaways
- The accommodation options vary from hotels and resorts to cabins, lodges, and campgrounds, depending on where you’d like to celebrate Thanksgiving in Alberta.
- Alberta Parks are open for Fall camping and there are many first come, first serve campgrounds that are open during the Thanksgiving weekend. Plan a trip! 20 Places to Go Comfort Camping & Glamping in Alberta
- 25 Ideas For Romantic Getaways During Fall in Alberta: Go on a romantic fall escape in Alberta, and you will uncover a huge variety of vacation types: you can camp or glamp, or seek out the epic scenery with more remote cottages and cabins.
