Those gigantic national parks to lively cities, Alberta will keep you busy for a very long time. The landscapes that you get to see in the national parks of Alberta are arguably the most scenic views one ever experience in life. The province is picture-perfect in the true sense, yet there are places that you will never regret your visit. If you plan to explore Alberta do keep some of these places in your itinerary.
1. Town of Banff
Banff is one of the most beautiful places in Canada. The historical charm of a small mountain town, with all the amenities you need to have a fun, lively stay. Authentic saloons with mechanical bull riding are a plus for visitors looking for a taste of the local culture, as are the many farm-fresh restaurants and cool shops downtown.
While in town, make sure to get outside. Take the gondola for stunning views of the city, or ice skate at Banff Community High School rink downtown. Banff is also known for their awesome Upper Hot Springs and National Park’s Cave and Basin, so be sure to check them out.
2. Drumheller
Seventy-five million years ago, dinosaurs roamed the lush, subtropical environment just northeast of Calgary. Today, it’s an arid tundra known as the Canadian Badlands, and home to the richest dinosaur fossil collection in the world. Housing over 130,000 fossils and a 67-million-year-old T-rex, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a must for dinosaur fans. As is a stop in the nearby former coal town of Drumheller, to climb inside the mouth of the world’s largest dinosaur. It may be the “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” but with its mystical hoodoo rock formations and dusty desolate canyons, you don’t have to be a science whiz to be wowed by the Badlands.
3. Maligne Canyon
Without a doubt, Maligne Canyon is one of the most beautiful places to see in Alberta!
This spot is beautiful year round, with lush green trees and waterfall views in summer and massive ice formations in winter. The safest way to view Maligne Canyon in colder months is with a guide, so come prepared with warm winter gear and a good camera!
4. Elk Island National Park
Once numbering in the millions, Canadian bison—Alberta’s most emblematic animal—have dwindled to a wild population of less than a thousand. This “island of conservation,” located a 30-minute drive east of Edmonton, is the best place to encounter the remaining few, and the Northern Lights, at the light pollution–free Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve.
5. Two Jack Lake
Just north of Banff is Two Jack Lake — a small lake on the eastern end of larger Lake Minnewanka. Spectacular pink and purple sunsets make this a favorite photography spot, and an easy place to capture great time lapses!
Hike the shore-side trails, take a drive around the lake, or try your hand at cross-country skiing. The two well-maintained campgrounds to the east and south of the lake make this an easy place to spend a couple of days relaxing in the outdoors.
6. Athabasca Falls
Voted 2nd best waterfall in Canada by Reader’s Digest, Athabasca Falls might just be the crown jewel of Jasper National Park. The falls and limestone gorge it’s created are even more stunning before the Mount Kerkeslin backdrop!
There are many platforms to view the falls, but be sure to stay on the trails and never venture off to get a better look; the surrounds are slippery and often icy, making anything off the paved trails very dangerous.
7. Sunwapta Falls
Another set of falls with an impressive backdrop; Sunwapta and its accompanying lower falls aren’t known for their height but for their powerful force. For the best view, cross the footbridge that stands above the actual main waterfall itself.
These are truly the most iconic places that you must visit in the province of Alberta!
