Activities & Experiences
in Alberta
Alberta captivates with its endless outdoor adventures and cultural treasures. In summer, hike or cycle through scenic trails and explore pristine lakes by canoe or kayak. In winter, enjoy world-class skiing and fun activities such as dog sledding and ice climbing. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot grizzly bears, moose and golden eagles; history buffs will want to explore Indigenous culture and dinosaur fossils; fans of the Old West can saddle up for ranch experiences; and foodies will love the local markets, cooking classes and craft drinks scene. Cap it all with a night under Alberta’s starry skies and marvel at the spectacle of the dancing Northern Lights.
Hiking & Cycling
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Whether you explore on foot or at handlebar level, Alberta is the place to go to immerse yourself in the spectacular beauty of Canada’s natural wonders. The world-renowned national parks of Banff and Jasper are just the beginning.
You can hike the Historic Treehouses Trail at Lake Louise, stroll along Edmonton River Valley or cycle
along the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park. Alberta’s hiking and cycling trail network covers thousands of miles and e-bikes are widely available for fans of two wheels who need an extra boost. Whether for an hour, a day or longer, the many scenic viewpoints along your hike or ride will guarantee the memory of the Canadian wilderness will stay with you forever.
Water Activities
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Canada has more lakes than any country in the world so opportunities to take to the water abound in Alberta – from tranquil boat trips on Lake Minnewanka to river surfing in Calgary for the adventure seekers.
See up close all shades of blue on Alberta’s iconic Lake Louise, discover new thrills on a whitewater rafting trip on the Sunwapta River in Jasper National Park, tame the rushing river waters from a nimble kayak or go stand-up paddleboarding against a breathtaking backdrop. If you are visiting Edmonton in the summer, why not float the river under the sun?
Skiing & Snowboarding
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Skiers and snowboarders of all abilities return year after year to Alberta, drawn by the endless turns, diverse terrain and fresh powder of the world class resorts at Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.
An irresistible combination of a long season, thrilling slopes, legendary backdrops and bluebird skies have made Alberta famous as a winter destination. Blessed with a long season that often stretches to seven months, beginners and experienced powder hounds alike can glide down the snow-capped mountains and wide-open, uncrowded slopes from November until May.
Winter Adventures
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As the winter snow transforms Alberta’s natural attractions into entirely new experiences, a staggering number of outdoor activities deliver exhilarating pursuits for everyone.
Dash through the snow led by a team of sled dogs or on a cosy, horse-drawn sleigh around Lake Louise. Enjoy a snowshoeing excursion through the impeccably white scenery of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Ice skate on a postcard perfect lake, go ice hiking along Johnston or Grotto Canyon or try ice climbing a shimmering frozen waterfall. Even if you are not feeling adventurous, there is still plenty of choice, from joining Banff’s SnowDays Festival to having a warm soak in the Miette Hot Springs.
Wildlife Viewing
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Keep your camera close at hand – Alberta is teeming with opportunities for memorable wildlife sightings, from stately grizzly bears and solitary lynx to sunbathing marmots and industrious beavers, Canada’s national animal.
Alberta is home to nearly 600 animal species, including robust populations of elk and moose, rare creatures such as lynx and bobcat and, if you venture further into the wild, the impressive wood bison, North America’s largest animal. If you are interested in birdwatching, pack your binoculars so you can spot golden eagles, whooping cranes, snowy owls and more. You can increase your chances of catching some of Alberta’s more elusive creatures on a wildlife tour led by local enthusiasts.
Horseriding & Ranch Experiences
Cowboy culture has thrived in Alberta for more than 150 years and it is still an integral part of the culture, so saddle up and get a taste of the Old West at a real life ranch.
Wrangle up the family and take a covered wagon ride. Plan a horse riding tour and dream of riding off into the sunset. Take part in cattle work, feed the horses and learn to lasso. For the ultimate experience, you can spend the night at a ranch or pamper yourself with a wellness retreat.
Indigenous Culture
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Alberta is home to three Indigenous groups – First Nations, Métis and Inuit – which bring a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, festivals and languages to the province.
Each Indigenous group has its unique history and sacred places and there are many sites where you can experience their cultures firsthand. Listen to stories of the past at the immersive Métis Crossing centre, discover millennia-old petroglyphs and pictographs at the Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park or see where Indigenous peoples drove herds over cliffs for hunting at the UNESCO-protected Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
Dinosaur Trails
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Alberta is home to some of the world's richest dinosaur fossil sites, from the famed Dinosaur Provincial Park to the so-called ‘River of Death’.
Unleash your inner palaeontologist on the Dinosaur Trail Loop, join a real excavation to find out what lies under the surface or discover the dinosaurs’ secrets on a river excursion. At the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, see Guinness World Record fossils at one of the best and biggest collections globally, while at the Philip J. Currie Museum near Grand Prairie you can sign up for lab sessions and ‘Night at the Museum’ sleepovers.
Northern Lights
& Stargazing​
Alberta is the perfect spot for anyone who has ever dreamed of seeing the Milky Way galaxy scattered across the night sky or chasing the ethereal, bucket-list Northern Lights.
There are five designated International Dark Sky Preserves across Alberta, making it the ideal destination for seasoned or casual stargazing enthusiasts looking to watch in wonder as the vast skies come alive once darkness sets in. Away from city lights, the stars and the planets are more visible, even to the naked eye, while thanks to its optimum geographical location the Northern Lights can be seen year-round.
Local Flavours​
Indulge in Alberta’s thriving food and drink scene with curated local flavour experiences – you will be spoilt for choice.
Talk to the person who grew the fruit, baked the bread or produced the jam at an independent farmers’ market or visit a local farm that is open to the public. Learn new recipes and techniques on a fun, hands-on cooking class. Sample some of Alberta’s most celebrated dishes on a food tour in Calgary, Banff, Canmore, Jasper or Edmonton, where a mix of guided, self-guided, on foot or by e-bike options are on offer. Discover the craft behind the many award-winning breweries and distilleries – then enjoy a fresh pour!
