Alberta Holidays

Arguably Canada’s most famous national park, Banff is renowned for its soaring mountains and turquoise lakes. You’ll be able to tick off several beauty spots, such as Moraine Lake, Lake Louise and the wolf-shaped Peyto Lake. Walk along picturesque trails, stopping off to take photos at the dramatic lookouts – or enjoy the views from the Banff Gondola. You can play 18 holes on Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, or unwind in the bubbling waters of Banff Hot Springs. Want to get out on the lakes? Hire a kayak or, for an adrenaline rush, try white-water rafting.

If you’re planning your Alberta holiday for winter, check out Banff’s three ski resorts. Or, if skiing isn’t your thing, you can ride a snowmobile, go dogsledding, or don your snowshoes for a walk through this real-life winter wonderland.

There are lots of things to do in Banff town itself, too. You can admire the architecture along Banff Avenue, browse the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, and stroll down to see Bow Falls. Make sure you also check out the town’s selection of bars and restaurants.

If you drive three hours northwest of Banff, you’ll reach Jasper National Park. The biggest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is crammed with must-see sites. It’s where you’ll find Mount Columbia – Alberta’s tallest peak – and the sapphire-like waters of Maligne Lake. You can gaze across the sprawling Columbia Icefields from the glass Glacier Skywalk, or take a guided Ice Explorer Tour for a closer look. And there’s an abundance of wildlife-watching opportunities, as Jasper is home to deer, elk, moose, wolves, cougars, and a huge population of black and grizzly bears.

Like Banff, Jasper is a popular choice for ski holidays. Marmot Basin is one of the highest ski resorts in Canada, so you can expect great snow. And the winter wonders continue after dark – Jasper boasts incredible star-gazing, as it’s the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve on the planet. You might even be lucky enough to spy the Northern Lights.

A trip to Alberta gives you a chance to explore two exciting cities. First up, there’s Calgary – the most populous city in Alberta and, as it has an international airport, the likely starting point of your holiday. It’s known as Canada’s “Stampede City”, as the Calgary Stampede takes place every July. This 10-day rodeo sees all sorts of cowboy-themed events, including wagon races, lassoing contests and rodeo competitions. But Calgary has plenty of year-round charms, too. Admire the city from above in the Calgary Tower, see all sorts of animals at Calgary Zoo, and wander around Prince’s Island Park. 

Edmonton – the capital of Alberta – is also worth a visit. This bustling city has a range of attractions, including North America’s biggest mall and the Art Gallery of Alberta. But the highlight is Edmonton’s River Valley Parks. Made up of 20 different parks, this enormous space is 22 times bigger than New York’s Central Park. Why not hire bikes, to cover as much ground as possible?

To make the most of Alberta’s lovely landscapes, it’s best to plan your getaway between May and September. Spring and summer are usually sunny and mild, with temperatures averaging 16°C in May and rising to 23°C in the height of summer. If you’re excited to see wild bears, consider booking your Alberta holiday for May or June, as this is when you’re most likely to see bear cubs. 

At the other end of the spectrum, Alberta winters are very cold and snowy. Between December and February, temperatures rarely rise above zero and it can be as cold as -15°C. This is ideal if you’re a keen skier but, otherwise, winter is best avoided as the icy roads can be difficult to navigate.