There is a beautiful province in western Canada called Alberta. This is by far my favorite place in Canada. Because it has some of the most dramatic scenery and endless road trip possibilities. I spent two weeks exploring the province looking for the best places to visit in Alberta. These are my top 15 recommendations!
1. bow lake
This small lake in western Alberta is one of our favorite places, especially because it’s so underrated. There are endless lakes in the state to explore, but for some reason, Bow Lake remains one of the least visited. The lake is a clear blue color during the summer, and is covered with deep snow during the winter.
2. marine canyon
This beautiful slot canyon in Alberta is best visited in the winter for dramatic views that are hard to believe with the naked eye. For hiking, we recommend joining a guided tour. Ice cleats are required to visit the canyon and can be dangerous if you don’t know where to walk. Summer is just as beautiful, but there’s something special about seeing a waterfall frozen over time.
3. abraham lake
The frozen methane bubbles at Abraham Lake are definitely one of the best natural phenomena I’ve seen in years. Bubbles freeze next to the lake, creating a stunning sight against the dramatic mountain scenery. You can also skate on the lake, so pack accordingly.
4. athabasca falls
Athabasca Falls is one of the first stops on the Icefields Parkway when heading south from Edmonton to Calgary. Covered in a deep layer of snow, the frozen waterfall was as beautiful as you could imagine and one of my favorite spots to visit in Alberta.
Read more: Best Stops on Icefields Parkway
5. Go tubing at Mt Norquay
There are plenty of winter activities to do in Alberta, but one of the most underrated is tubing on Mount Norquay. Skating on the ice is just as fun as it looks. Especially if you have a big heart.
6. Banff
Banff is a ski resort town located within Banff National Park. This is a very popular spot to visit all year round, especially among young people visiting Canada for a gap year abroad. In fact, I met more Australians than Canadians in Banff. The town is much larger than I expected, with lots of shops and restaurants, as well as winter sports shops that rent and sell equipment. It’s a great base if you want to ski on the nearby slopes.
7. Jasper Ski Area
I loved Banff, but I loved Jasper even more. Jasper is a much smaller ski resort town, reserved primarily for locals. The ski slopes are much quieter and just as impressive. The slopes are quiet and mostly enjoyed by locals, so lift prices are quite low.
8. athabasca glacier
When visiting the Canadian Rockies, be sure to stop by Athabasca Glacier. This is the most visited glacier in North America, primarily because of its direct access. You don’t have to walk far from the parking lot.
9. Edmonton Ice Caves
Before my Alberta trip began, I flew to the capital, Edmonton. One of my favorite activities in Edmonton was taking a fat tire bike tour to the Ice Cave, a man-made attraction that exists every winter.
10. Lake Louise
No list of Alberta’s best tourist attractions would be complete without mentioning Lake Louise. I was lucky enough to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and spend a few days here during the winter. Although the lake becomes more popular during the summer, there are some great activities to do in the winter as well. Ice skating on Lake Louise is one of my fondest memories here in Alberta.
11. Peyto Lake
This glacier-fed lake is located within Banff National Park and quickly became a signature feature of the area. Peyto Lake appears a beautiful turquoise color during the warmer months, but becomes even more magical in the winter. If you hike, be sure to go to Bow Summit to see the lake from above.
12. pyramid lake
Pyramid Lake is not far from the town of Jasper and is a beautiful photo opportunity for photography enthusiasts. There is an iconic wooden bridge that leads to a small island where you can take this photo.
13. Icefield Parkway
Sometimes, it’s the journey itself, not the destination, that truly defines the journey. If you’re visiting Alberta, you’ll definitely want to travel along the Icefields Parkway. A full drive on this road takes about three hours in warmer months, but you’ll want to take it a little slower during the winter months. There are plenty of places to stop and take photos (many of which are listed here), so we recommend splitting your trip into several days.
read more: Must-see stops on Icefields Parkway
14. Dog sledding
Another great winter activity is meeting local K-12 dog sled champions. These beautiful creatures are eager to entertain guests, and it’s a great way to gain a deeper understanding of northern culture. king miku During the winter, we offer tours from Lake Louise.
15. Stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
If your budget allows, consider spending a luxurious night at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This beautiful old hotel has been welcoming guests since 1890 and is an experience in itself. With so much to see both inside and outside of the hotel, it’s the perfect base from which to view Lake Louise.