Alberta

Explore Alberta

Bison patrol vast parklands. Lakes and icefields wait serenely for curious eyes. Forests carpet mountain slopes and snow-capped peaks seem to dance upon the horizon. Alberta is a dreamland for nature lovers, with Jasper and Banff just two of the iconic national parks. Yet you don’t need to be a professional adventurer to experience the best of this breathtaking region. Alberta makes the outdoors accessible, while preserving the untrammelled and rugged feel of nature. It’s a fine destination in its own right, made even better when it’s combined with neighbouring British Columbia.

Getting here and around

Alberta’s top attractions are in the west of the province, often accessed via the city of Calgary. While Calgary has some flight connections with Europe, you’re more likely to be travelling from another destination in Canada, like Toronto or Vancouver. You’ll discover some sublime roads to drive here, with winding routes through national parks and alongside glaciers. Consider the railway as well, especially the Rocky Mountaineer going to Vancouver from Calgary, Banff or Jasper.

Climate & seasons

Alberta has two distinctive holiday seasons. Snow covers mountain slopes from late November and the ski season continues into May. Summer brings glassy lakes, green forests and endless vistas, with June to September the most comfortable months for really exploring the province.

Where to go

Calgary is interesting but the Alberta experience is all about its national parks. Banff is the most famous and you’ll be wowed by the scenery from Lake Louise to Peyto Lake and the sharp-edged Rocky Mountains. The iconic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel makes Banff the ideal base for wider exploration as well. Jasper is equally impressive if you like big mountains and rolling wilderness. It’s connected to Banff via the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic drives.

What to do

Alberta is all about exploring the outdoors. That could be snowboarding in Lake Louise, a picnic beside an emerald lake, hiking to waterfalls and catching your breath at glaciers and rock spires. This is a destination for clean air, majestic vistas and allowing nature to take centerstage. So if there’s a specific adventure you want, expect to find it here in Alberta.