Alberta

Explore

If you’re on the hunt for Canada’s spectacular natural beauty, Alberta should be your next holiday destination.  Steep, barren badlands contrast with wide prairies, deep river canyons and glacier-fed lakes surrounded by conifer forests and snow-capped mountains.  Photographers, adventurers and families will delight in the landscape’s aesthetic appeal, as well as the plethora of fascinating cities on offer.

Warm summers and arctic winters mean travelers can expect seasonal fun year-round. With five national parks, historic Indigenous landmarks and over 600 lakes, the Instagram opportunities are endless.  Banff, Elk Island, Jasper, Waterton Lakes and Buffalo parks are ideal for hiking, camping, canoeing, skiing, snowshoeing and skating.  Go back in time and see dinosaur fossils at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, hike the hoodoos or ride ponies through the badlands.

One of Alberta’s biggest attractions, Icefields Parkway connects the mountain towns of Banff and Jasper, winding alongside Athabasca glacier for 233 kilometers – experience epic views of the Columbia Icefield, cascading waterfalls and rugged mountains.  Alternatively, stop and explore walking trails to Herbert Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and Helen Lake.  Mistaya Canyon is just five minutes from the roadside with views of the thundering gorge, rocky hillsides and lush vegetation.

Head to Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, and cycle, jog, snowshoe or ski 145 kilometers of walking trails in Edmonton’s East River Valley. Take a Segway tour of the park and canoe or paddleboard the North Saskatchewan River. Shop at West Edmonton Mall, with over 800 outlets, 100 eateries and an indoor amusement park.  Fort Edmonton Park, Royal Alberta Museum and the Art Gallery of Alberta are top spots for local fur trade history and indigenous artwork.  Join the summer fun when the Edmonton International Fringe Festival draws performing artists and audiences from around the globe.

Calgary is Alberta’s ‘second city’, and home to the National Music Centre, Calgary Zoo and Olympic Park.  Test your gold-medal talents on the luge, bobsled and zipline, before visiting Heritage Park Historical Village, Glenbow Museum and Calgary Tower. Don’t miss the iconic Stampede, a wild-west rodeo complete with calf roping, bull riding, attractions, music and night time entertainment. Mini donuts, grilled cheese and deep-fried banana peppers will satisfy the hunger pangs.

Keen for an Alberta adventure? Book today with Club Wyndham.