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:
- Banff National Park Exclusive Small Group Tour for $74 details
- Small Group E-Bike Tour the Banff Local Explorer for $82 details
- Edmonton Food Bike Tour for $149 details