Epic Adventures in Canada’s Awe-Inspiring Alberta

 

Exploring Canada’s Alberta is a remarkable adventure that unveils a diverse range of landscapes and experiences. From the bustling urban cities of Calgary and Edmonton to the rugged Badlands and the majestic lakes of the Rocky Mountains, Alberta offers a tapestry of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Alberta Holiday Itineraries | Experiences In Alberta | Getting There and Getting AroundVisiting During Autumn & Winter“Adjust Your Altitude” Video

​Discover The Best Holiday Options In Alberta With These Recommended Trips

We’ve delved into the holiday offerings from a number of our favourite travel experts to find what we think are the best itineraries you can book to experience the delights in Alberta.

12-Day Southern Alberta Explorer Motorhome Itinerary

Southern Alberta is home to three of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Alberta and this motorhome route will take you through all three.

From £1,839pp

Operated by Travelbag

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  • Spend two days in the dynamic city of Calgary before collecting your motorhome
  • Visit three of Alberta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites as your travel through the southern region
  • Marvel at beautiful landscapes, discover dinosaur fossils and see Indigenous rock art
  • Travel at your own pace in the comfort of your motorhome

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  • 2 nights hotel accommodation
  • 10 days motorhome hire
  • Unlimited miles package and zero damage plan
  • Two personal kits and one vehicle provision kit
  • Return international flights
  • ATOL protected

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11-Day Explore Alberta – Peaks, Prairies and Dinosaurs

A self-drive itinerary full of contrasts, from fun cities to spectacular national parks, and from expansive prairies to majestic peaks.

From £1,599pp

Operated by Canadian Sky

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  • Plenty of opportunities to see lots of dinosaur discoveries
  • Visit Lake Louise for a bucket list photo opportunity
  • Discover the hidden gem of Waterton Lakes National Park
  • Enjoy time in the cities of Edmonton and Calgary
  • Drive the spectacular Icefields Parkway

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  • 10 nights accommodation
  • 9 days car hire, electronic roadbook
  • Return international flights
  • ATOL protected & award-winning tour operator

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9-Day Rockies Winter Wonderland

This 9 day escorted tour of the Canadian Rockies is truly magical – seeing the snow and ice bringing this spectacular landscape to life.

From £2,449pp

Operated by Travelsphere

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  • Explore Jasper National Park
  • Tour Banff National Park
  • Ride the Banff Gondola
  • Take a trip to the picture-perfect Lake Louise
  • Stay a couple of nights at the famous Fairmount Chateau Lake Louise Hotel
  • Be taken on a horse-drawn sleigh ride
  • Enjoy a relaxing visit to Banff’s natural hot springs

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  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 5 breakfasts and welcome drink
  • Tours as detailed in the itinerary
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director
  • Transfers while in destination
  • Return international flights
  • ABTA & ATOL protected

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8-Day Journey through the Clouds Discovery Banff

This Rocky Mountain journey takes you between Vancouver and Calgary, and includes the stunning mountain towns of Jasper and Banff. Experience the Columbia Icefield on an Ice Explorer, the Glacier Skywalk and the Banff Gondola.

** SAVE up to £450 per booking **

From £3,997pp

Operated by Canadian Affair

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  • Experience the Icefields Parkway sightseeing tour from Banff to Jasper
  • Journey up Sulphur Mountainer on the Banff Gondola
  • Take a boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka
  • Travel on board Rocky Mountaineer and admire the mesmerising scenery as you journey west
  • Enjoy free time in Banff to relax in the hot springs
  • Explore Vancouver at leisure

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  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 2 days on board Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf service with breakfasts and lunches included
  • Tours as detailed in the itinerary
  • Banff Gondola
  • Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk
  • National Park Pass
  • Rail station transfers in Jasper, Kamloops and Vancouver
  • Return international flights
  • ABTA & ATOL protected

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13-Day Alberta Rockies Ski Safari

Explore Banff & Jasper National Parks, ski in four different resorts, experience the Icefields Parkway and go ice-walking in a majestic frozen canyon.

From £1,640pp

Operated by Ski Safari

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  • Ski one or more of Banff Sunshine, Mt Norquay, Lake Louise and Marmot basin resorts
  • Join a Maligne Canyon guided walk
  • Frequent some of the 100 bars and restaurants found in Banff
  • Choice of Banff and Jasper, Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff or Lake Louise and Jasper itineraries
  • Flexibility to change duration of stay and accommodation options within each resort
  • Opt to travel by transfer or book a hire car

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  • 12 nights accommodation
  • Transfers
  • Add pre-book lift passes, ski hire, ski school and extras such as city add-ons
  • Return international flights
  • ABTA & ATOL protected

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14-Day Canadian Rockies Winter Wonderland

Discover the dazzling Canadian Rockies during the winter months on this holiday packed full of activities and spectacular snowy scenery.

From £1,305pp

Operated by Trailfinders

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  • Spend time exploring Calgary – If there is a game on while you’re in town, pick up tickets to see a Calgary Flames ice hockey match
  • Join the locals celebrating the winter season at the annual SnowDays festival
  • Try snowshoeing, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride and travel on Banff Gondola for mountain top winter views of Banff and beyond
  • Visit the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Fairmont Banff Springs for dining with dazzling views
  • Hit the slopes of Marmot Basin ski resort
  • Catch one of the many exciting festivals which take place in Edmonton throughout the winter

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  • 13 nights accommodation
  • Banff Snowshoeing Adventure
  • Banff Gondola
  • Banff Sleigh Ride
  • 3 day Jasper Marmot Basin Ski Lift Pass
  • All road transfers in Canada on a shared basis
  • ATOL protected

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What to Experience in Alberta

In Alberta, revel in an abundance of diverse experiences, from encountering majestic wildlife to traversing the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway, immersing in indigenous traditions, and uncovering the ancient marvels at Dinosaur Provincial Park.

Grizzly And Wildflowers In Kananaskis Country - Travel Alberta/Government of Alberta

Wildlife Viewing

Alberta offers a breathtaking canvas for wildlife enthusiasts, showcasing an incredible diversity of species against its picturesque landscapes. In the rugged terrain of the Rockies, bears – grizzlies and black bears alike – emerge from hibernation, their majestic presence a sight to behold. Moose roam the marshy regions, their towering frames an emblem of wilderness. Amidst the sprawling valleys, the bugling call of elk resonates, drawing attention to their mesmerising gatherings during mating season. Wolves, elusive and enigmatic, traverse the woodlands, their haunting howls echoing through the night. In the forests of Alberta, the elusive fisher stealthily prowls, its sleek, dark fur blending seamlessly with the shadows as it navigates the wilderness. Bald eagles soar overhead, their keen eyes scanning for prey near rivers and lakes, while mountain goats, seemingly defying gravity, navigate the steep cliffs of the Rockies. To best witness the wildlife of Alberta, a pre-bookable, specialist guided tour is recommended.

Winter Ice Explorer - Travel Alberta

Icefields Parkway

Alberta’s Icefields Parkway is an incredible ribbon of road that winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, connecting Jasper National Park to Banff National Park. Spanning over 140 miles, this scenic route unfolds like a masterpiece, offering awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. Towering peaks, ancient glaciers, glistening lakes, and cascading waterfalls paint a gorgeous panorama against the backdrop of dramatic, snow-capped mountains. Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, stands as a glacial giant along the way, inviting visitors to walk upon its icy surface. The Parkway isn’t merely a drive; it’s an odyssey through nature’s grandeur, where wildlife sightings, including bears, elk, and bighorn sheep, are commonplace. Whether under the summer’s sun or amidst the winter’s snow-laden wonderland, the Icefields Parkway captivates travellers with its unparalleled beauty and an unending procession of natural marvels.

First Nations - Travel Alberta

Indigenous Experiences

Alberta proudly embraces its Indigenous heritage, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions of its First Nations peoples. Métis Crossing stands as a living tribute to Métis culture, where visitors can immerse themselves in authentic encounters, from learning about traditional crafts to storytelling around crackling fires. The legacy of formidable Warrior Women echoes through time, their stories of resilience and strength honoured through exhibitions and presentations that highlight their pivotal role in Indigenous history. Mahikan Trails, with its immersive experiences, invites visitors to delve into the wisdom and teachings of the land, guided by Indigenous hosts who share ancestral knowledge and perspectives. Finally, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park stands as a sacred landscape adorned with ancient rock art and spiritual significance, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Blackfoot people.

Hiker walking through hoodoos, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park - Travel Alberta/Michael Matt

Dinosaur and Fossil Discoveries

Dinosaur Provincial Park and Drumheller in Alberta stand as gateways to a prehistoric world, offering unparalleled insights into the ancient past. Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of fossil discoveries, showcasing a diverse array of dinosaur remains dating back millions of years. Its otherworldly badlands landscape, sculpted by time and erosion, captivates visitors who explore the park’s trails and join guided tours to uncover fossil beds and learn about the area’s paleontological significance. Meanwhile, nearby Drumheller proudly embraces its title as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World.” The town is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a renowned institution that houses an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, interactive exhibits, and educational programs. Travelers can marvel at full-scale dinosaur skeletons, engage in hands-on activities, and even participate in fossil hunts in the surrounding Badlands.

Car and motorhome hire
Renting a car provides flexibility, ideal for exploring remote areas or following scenic routes like the Icefields Parkway. RVs offer a unique experience for road trippers, combining travel and accommodation.

Escorted tours and rail
Escorted tours provide curated experiences, while Via Rail and Rocky Mountaineer offer train travel showcasing scenic routes, ideal for a relaxing journey through the Rockies.

Shuttles and transfers
There are numerous shared or private shuttle and transfer options operating year-round between iconic locations such as Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper and the major cities of Calgary and Edmonton. These are convenient options (especially during winter months) for those who don’t want to drive but enjoy the flexibility of travelling independently.

Calgary is the international gateway to Alberta with direct flights from London Heathrow with Air Canada and Westjet, plus direct flights with Westjet also available from London Gatwick and Edinburgh. Indirect options are also available into the provincial capital of Edmonton with connections available from major Canadian cities.

Horse and sleigh ride - Travel Alberta

Visiting Alberta During the Winter Months

Exploring Alberta during the winter months is an extraordinary adventure that adds a unique layer of wonder to its already diverse landscapes and experiences. While summer showcases its vibrant colours, autumn transforms the scenery into a breathtaking canvas of golden hues and crisp air. The Rocky Mountains stand adorned in a blanket of snow during winter, creating a magical spectacle that captivates explorers.

From the serene beauty of snow-covered lakes nestled within the Rockies to the tranquility of the Badlands dusted with snowflakes, Alberta’s allure takes on a different charm in these colder seasons. Calgary and Edmonton, though bustling metropolises, embrace the spirit of the season with festive cheer and cultural celebrations, making them alluring destinations during the colder months.

Whether it’s exploring the frozen waterfalls of Johnston Canyon, skiing in one of Alberta’s four world-class ski resorts, ice skating on Lake Louise, or experiencing the magical Northern Lights dancing across the Alberta skies, the winter months paint Alberta’s landscape with a unique and captivating brushstroke. Further recommended experiences include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, sleigh rides, ice climbing, witnessing the ice bubbles of Abraham Lake, heli-skiing and heli-snowshoeing.

Boat ride - La Paz Tourism

Confessions of a Globetrotter Blog:
The Five Regions You Need To Visit On Your Trip To Alberta

Exploring Canada’s Alberta rewards visitors with an adventure that unfurls the province’s diverse beauty and endless outdoor adventures. Throughout the year, Alberta showcases its rich cultural heritage through events, museums, and festivals, while the warm hospitality of the locals adds an extra layer of charm to every season’s exploration…

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Adjust Your Altitude in Alberta, Canada

When the seasons change, so will you. Fill your heart with adventure as you discover new experiences in Alberta, Canada.

 

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