This Alberta travel cost guide will help you plan a realistic budget for your trip while still making the most of your time away. Our Alberta trip cost calculator includes average costs from thousands of previous travelers, covering hotels, meals, attractions, entertainment, and local transportation. Alberta is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and it would be a shame to miss out on anything because you did't plan your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Alberta?
Our data from real travelers indicates that visitors to Alberta spend approximately $20,896 (CA$29,259) per person, per day, on average, based on spending reported by over 170 real travelers, who have contributed over 7,600 individual expense records.
This travel cost data was last updated on . The daily average cost includes spending on accommodation, meals, local transportation, entry tickets, and sightseeing activities.
Since we know that the typical traveler spends about $20,896 (CA$29,259) per day on a trip to Alberta, this amount can be used to help plan your overall trip budget, as well as compare Alberta to other destinations.
Past travelers here have spent, on average for one day:
$8,511 (CA$11,917) on meals
$2,516 (CA$3,523) on local transportation
$18,103 (CA$25,349) on hotels
A one-week trip to Alberta for two people costs, on average, $292,538 (CA$409,626). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Below, we go into even more details about typical prices for accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing activities in Alberta.
Costs by category are below, keep reading for more information.
Is Alberta expensive to visit?
In Alberta, budget travelers spend $5,649 (CA$7,911) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $20,896 (CA$29,259) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $90,816 (CA$127,165) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Alberta.
Alberta is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Alberta to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Alberta is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in North America for its travel costs. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Alberta.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Alberta Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Alberta?
The average Alberta trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Alberta travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Alberta cost?
Alberta on a Budget
Category
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
Accommodation1 For 1 person in double occupancy
$2,475 (CA$3,465)
$9,052 (CA$12,675)
$38,943 (CA$54,529)
Local Transportation1
$670 (CA$938)
$2,516 (CA$3,523)
$11,090 (CA$15,529)
Food2
$2,238 (CA$3,133)
$8,511 (CA$11,917)
$37,911 (CA$53,085)
Entertainment1
$1,475 (CA$2,065)
$5,259 (CA$7,364)
$22,091 (CA$30,933)
Alcohol2
$289-866 (CA$404-1,213)
$1,040-3,120 (CA$1,456-4,369)
$4,410-13,230 (CA$6,175-18,525)
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Alberta cost?
A one week trip to Alberta usually costs around $146,269 (CA$204,813) for one person and $292,538 (CA$409,626) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Alberta on average costs around $292,538 (CA$409,626) for one person and $585,075 (CA$819,252) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Alberta will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Alberta on average costs around $626,866 (CA$877,770) for one person and $1,253,733 (CA$1,755,540) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Accommodation Budget in Alberta
The hotel prices in Alberta might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $169, but during peak season, expect to pay around $315. Prices vary from $73 to $804, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Alberta for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $18,103 (CA$25,349). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $9,052 (CA$12,675) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Accommodation1
Hotel or hostel for one person
$9,052
CA$12,675
Accommodation1
Typical double-occupancy room
$18,103
CA$25,349
Hotels in Alberta
Looking for a hotel in Alberta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Find the best hotel for your travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.
Actual Hotel Prices in Alberta
The average hotel room price in Alberta based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $169 in the low season and $315 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Alberta
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Alberta
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, past travelers have spent $2,516 (CA$3,523) per person, per day, on local transportation in Alberta. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Alberta is significantly more than public transportation.
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$2,516
CA$3,523
Greyhound Canada offers services along almost all the major destinations in Alberta. Keep in mind, Greyhound does so-called "milk runs" where they stop at almost every location to drop odd and pick up passengers.
Given that Alberta is so large, however, car travel is basically a must. Most towns have grown vertically instead of horizontally so unless you plan on staying in Calgary or Edmonton, where walking is an option, you're going to want a car. Road regulations are the same as Canada as a whole. Keep your eyes open, as critters love to dart into the road.
Transportation Tips
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
From Calgary YYC Airport: Hassle-free Private Transfer to Banff. For $149 details
Private Transfer from Banff to Calgary or Calgary Airport for $88 details
Private Transfer to Banff from Calgary or Airport for $95 details
Recommended Services
Flights to Alberta
How much does it cost to go to Alberta? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
Rental Cars in Alberta
The price of renting a car in Alberta will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Alberta
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
While restaurant and meal prices in Alberta can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Alberta is $8,511 (CA$11,917) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
Food2
Meals for one day
$8,511
CA$11,917
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Alberta is around $8511 (CA$11917) per person, with previous travelers spending from $2238 to $37911. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Alberta are as follows:
Breakfast: $851 to $2553
Lunch: $1277 to $3404
Dinner: $2553 to $5958
Coffee: $681
Fast Food or Street Food: $1277
Given that many parts of Alberta are so isolated, there is a surprising variety in the restaurants to choose from – especially in the major cities. From simple diners to fine dining, Alberta is ready to offer travelers whatever meal they're looking for. The region is particularly known for its beef, and the steak is considered the regional dish for the province.
Food & Dining Tips
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Alberta, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
Edmonton's #1 Food Bike Tour: The Best Local Food Tour on E-Bikes for $145 details
Banff's Sips & Sweets Evening Food Tour for $88 details
Jasper SkyTram and Astronomy Experience with Dinner options for $108 details
Recommended
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Alberta
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Alberta typically cost an average of $5,259 (CA$7,364) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$5,259
CA$7,364
One of the most breathtaking sights you can see in Alberta is the drive from Calgary west towards British Columbia. The Rockies spike dramatically and quickly from the earth. The routes through Banff, Jasper or Glacier National Park are also quite stunning.
If you plan to take a stop, consider Kananaskis Country. This section of the Alberta Rockies region includes Peter Lougheed Provincial Park with a ski resort and golf course. Book a tee time early, as these are the busiest courses in North America. If it's winter, enjoy the cross-country skiing and skate trails. If it's summer, hop on an ATV and cruise around.
Another stunning stop is Lake Louise in the middle of Banff National Park. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains with a large glacier at the far end, this isolated area is perfect for a luxurious resort. Be sure to explore the vibrantly colored glacial lakes like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. Another must-see is Victoria Glacier.
Between all the ski resorts in Alberta – Jasper National Park, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Norquay – you will find slopes for every level of experience. The hardcore skier will find new challenges to intrigue them, while the novice can enjoy the leisurely runs through the greens.
For the experienced hiker, the Rockies can be an interesting challenge. With a few lakes for boating, jet skiing and other water sports, you will get the entire nature experience in a landlocked province.
For a truly unique experience, visit the Dinosaur Provincial Park just a couple of hours southeast of Calgary. Admission for general camping is free, but to see the restricted areas, you have to pay for a guide. The park is full of trails and hoodoos for climbing, and the scenery is amazing. A large percentage of the world's dinosaur bones have been found in this park, hence the name, and it is not unusual to find small bone fragments on the ground. You'll have to put them back for others to find, however, because taking them with you us against the rules. Keep your eye out for several common dangers of this park – rattlesnakes, scorpions and black widow spiders live here, as well.
A nice way to explore destinations in Alberta is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
10 Iconic Spots in 1 Day: Banff/Yoho VIP Small Group Guided Tour for $146 details
Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Sunrise Adventure for $144 details
Sundance Canyon eBike and Hike Guided Tour for $119 details
Recommended Activities
Nightlife Budget in Alberta
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $2,080 (CA$2,912) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Alberta per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$2,080
CA$2,912
Nightlife Tips
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Alberta. A few favorites from other travelers include:
Park Distillery Tour with Craft Spirits Tasting for $11 details
Edmonton Brewery Tour (10 person minimum group) for $102 details
An Epic Bar Crawl: Cruisin' Calgary for $12 details
Recommended
Budgeting and Travel Tips for Alberta
Traveling slower can help save you money while letting you enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you pack your days with activities, the costs can add up. However, taking it easy often results in a more enjoyable trip with lower expenses.
Budgeting Challenges
Alberta has limited options for public transportation. You might want to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
Alberta isn't known for its abundance of hostels, so if you're hoping to crash in a budget-friendly dorm, you might need to rethink your strategy. Consider looking for an affordable hotel or an apartment rental instead.
Traveling in Alberta
Banff National Park
If you ever wanted to visit a place where all the beauty of nature is centrally located, you will want to make a trip to Alberta, Canada. With part of the Canadian Rockies, the prairies and the wilderness of forests, Alberta has something for everyone. As the home to Canada's oil industry, this is also the richest province in the country.
Regions
Alberta is split into several regions. The Alberta Badlands are located in the southeast of Alberta, and is home to valleys and plains full of fossils. The Alberta Rockies region includes the beauty of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. The Calgary region contains Alberta's largest city, Calgary, and a rapidly growing population. Central Alberta is the most rural region of the province with rolling hills, prairie and forests. Eastern Alberta is mostly forests and farms while Edmonton Capital contains the capital city of Edmonton. The Peace River Valley has breathtaking forests with small towns, and Southern Alberta is the windy region with several wind farms and regular farms.
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Alberta. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $5,649 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most guests in Alberta will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $20,896 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $90,816 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Drumheller & Hoodoos Day Trip from Calgary, Explore the Badlands - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Bryan & Laurie | Budget Your Trip
Bryan and Laurie started Budget Your Trip so that everyone could find out the real costs of traveling to destinations around the world. Bryan has visited 61 countries, which is exactly one more than Laurie, and she won't let him forget it! Also avid photographers, they enjoy entrenching themselves within the local culture to learn more about the people of a place. Otherwise, they can be found enjoying an exotic meal or a passionate conversation about global events... and also finding out how much everything costs.
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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.
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Banff National Park
