Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of Canada's most stunning landscapes may be found in Alberta. Here, where the mountains and prairies converge, the skyline is dominated by magnificent snow-capped peaks.

The glaciers and turquoise lakes of Banff and Jasper National Parks are the principal attractions in summer, drawing millions of tourists each year to the province. Some of Alberta's best ski resorts, offering some of the best skiing in Canada, are located in these parks. The plains and badlands, to the east, include significant historical and cultural landmarks.

Calgary and Edmonton are the two largest cities in Alberta. Calgary is a contemporary city with a wide range of activities. The annual Calgary Stampede is its most well-known event. The largest retail mall in Canada, West Edmonton Mall, is located in Edmonton, the provincial capital, which is further north. There are also many other cultural attractions there.

You must include a trip to Alberta on your schedule for western Canada. See our list of the top tourist attractions in Alberta for more information on the region and suggestions for things to do.

1.Banff National Park

The most popular tourist destination in Alberta is Banff National Park, which is often regarded as Canada's most impressive national park. The region, which is only 130 kilometers west of Calgary, is home to stunning mountain scenery, significant ski areas, gorgeous lakes, and the tourist destination of Banff.

There is a wide variety of wildlife in this area, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, caribou, and elk, many of which are commonly seen along the park's main road.

At Banff, hiking is a popular summer activity, and there are a variety of frontcountry and backcountry trails to choose from. Many visitors to the park drive around it in their cars, stopping at the many roadside lookouts that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and glaciers.

The Sulphur Mountain Gondola is among the most popular sights in Banff. Take a ride to the top and revel in the breathtaking panoramas that await you, made even more impressive by recent construction upgrades.

There is a lot of terrain to cover in Banff National Park, so it makes sense to either spend a few nights in a hotel or pitch a tent at one of the top campgrounds there. Consider staying at the renowned Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel if you'd like something a little more opulent than a nylon tent and a dirt area among the trees. This venerable Banff hotel, built in 1888, has been welcoming distinguished guests for decades.

2. Lake Louise 

The crowning glory of Banff National Park, Lake Louise, is renowned for its stunning blue water, which reflects the Victoria Glacier and the mountains in the area. The lake is a straightforward day excursion from Calgary as it is only a short drive north of the town of Banff.

A stunning view of the entire lake may be had from the opulent Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Visitors have a beautiful area to take a leisurely stroll and take in the scenery thanks to the path that goes down the shoreline. For those who prefer to paddle out on the lake, canoe rentals are also available.

Excellent hiking trails may be found from the lakeside walk that head either up the mountain or past the lake in the direction of the glacier. The ascent to the Lake Agnes Tea House is one of the most well-liked hiking routes.

The lake is frozen throughout the winter, and the trails are heavily snow-covered. This time of year, a lot of people travel to Lake Louise to take advantage of the popular adjacent Lake Louise Ski Resort.

A few tourist-related retail stores, little eateries, and coffee shops can be found in Lake Louise Village, which is close to the lake. Outside the central square, there isn't much to see, though. A sizable campground with a beautiful natural setting is close by.

Parking is scarce during the popular summer months, which run from May to October. You may either reserve a Parks Canada Shuttle from the park and ride outside of Lake Louise or take a Roam Transit shuttle from the town of Banff to Lake Louise. Walk-up seat purchases are no longer an option for them; reservations are now required. There are numerous routes that connect Banff with Lake Louise.

3. Columbia Icefield and Icefields Parkway

One of Canada's most picturesque routes connects Lake Louise to Jasper through the Icefields Parkway. This 230-kilometer highway route passes lakes, mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls, with rest stops along the way so that travelers can get out and explore the surroundings. Many of the hiking routes along the way are day walks that lead to beautiful overlooks of the glaciers or lakes nearby.

The Icefields Centre is one of the major sights along the Icefields Parkway. This expansive visitor center overlooks the Athabasca Glacier and has great exhibits on the Columbia Icefields. Models and pictures in the center provide a distinctive perspective that makes it easier to understand the shape and magnitude of the icefields than it is from the road.

You can stroll right up to the glacier's toe across from the center. Alternatively, trips are offered that take guests out onto the glacier in specially equipped buses. The Glacier Skywalk, a sizable observation platform with a glass floor and glass rails that towers 280 meters above the valley below, is one of the area's newest attractions. From the Icefields Center to the Glacier Skywalk, a shuttle service is provided.

The Glacier Skywalk, an excursion onto the glacier in an all-terrain vehicle, and a picturesque drive along the Icefields Parkway are all included in the Columbia Icefield Tour, which can be taken from Banff in one full day.

You'll probably need a few days to thoroughly explore this region; most visitors stay in the neighborhood of Lake Louise. Camping is an alternative that is far less expensive. There are many great campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway, some of which have breathtaking vistas and fantastic walks close by.

4. Lake Moraine

Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks is located beyond Lake Louise at the conclusion of a picturesque 13-kilometer-long winding mountain drive. This is another picturesque location, comparable to Lake Louise in having turquoise water and snow-capped peaks. One of the most popular sites to take pictures in Canada, it was for a long time the setting for the image on the back of the old $20 Canadian bill.

Ten peaks that are each above 3,000 meters high and include the Wenkchemna Glacier encircle Moraine Lake. The Rockpile Trail leads up a short hill to an overlook with a fantastic view of the lake that is close to the parking area. In the spring, one can hear the distant roar of glaciers or landslides.

One of the best day walks in Banff National Park leads from Moraine Lake to Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass. Although it is a strenuous day climb, the breathtaking view back towards the lake and down into Paradise Valley is the payoff. Even into July, the higher part of this trek is frequently covered with snow. When the larches are changing colors in the autumn, the landscape is very lovely. It takes six kilometers and 520 meters of ascent to reach the Sentinel Pass (2,611 meters above sea level).

Like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is a very popular destination, so if you arrive in your own car between spring and fall, parking may not be an option. The best way to get to the lake is by the Parks Canada Shuttle from the Park and Ride outside of Lake Louise.

Waterton Lakes National Park, number five (Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park)

The border between Alberta and the U.S. state of Montana is shared by the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park in the Rocky Rockies. Waterton Lakes National Park is located in Canada, whereas Glacier National Park is located in America.

The smaller of the two parks, Waterton Lakes, has beautiful landscape with mountains and Waterton Lake. The Prince of Wales Hotel, a National Historic Property of Canada, enjoys a fantastic vantage point on the north bank while overlooking the lake. The town site with tourist attractions is close by. Numerous visitors camp, trek the park's mountain routes, or go on a sightseeing trip.

6.Jasper National Park

The term Jasper, like Banff, is connected to both the national park and the town of Jasper, which is located in the center of this breathtaking park. The 10,878 square kilometer Jasper National Park is Canada's largest national park. Although it is surrounded by lakes, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and forests, it looks somewhat different from the parks and natural areas further south.

Both the park and the town of Jasper see fewer visitors and have a more distant atmosphere than Banff, especially in the winter when many local amenities are closed. Unlike Banff, the town of Jasper gets virtually few tourists outside of the high summer season giving it a much more seasonal feel.

Maligne Lake, which is regularly featured in ads for the Canadian Rockies, Mount Edith Cavell with the breathtaking Angel Glacier, and Maligne Canyon are some of the major attractions in Jasper National Park. The park is filled with picturesque lookouts and hiking routes. Locals enjoy the Marmot Basin Ski Resort throughout the winter.

7.Lake Louise Ski Resort 

One of Canada's premier ski areas and a well-known stop on the skiing World Cup circuit is Lake Louise Ski Resort. This ski slope has 164 named runs in addition to a handful through the forest that only locals are aware of.

Due to its well-regarded ski school, varied terrain, and excellent amenities, Lake Louise Ski Resort is a well-liked family ski vacation destination. It is simple to go to the resort from both nearby and far locations because it is only a few hours from Calgary International Airport.

Skiers take note: the resort has made substantial improvements in infrastructure over the past two years that include a new lift opening up the West Bowl region and a new quad chair at the base area to alleviate the morning crush.

The ski resort runs its gondola in the summer. It will take you to the peak of the mountain in a matter of minutes, where you can take in breathtaking views of the valley below and Lake Louise across the valley. If you're lucky, you might see a grizzly bear on the ascent; in the winter, they like to graze in the open, grassy areas where the ski runs are.

8.Ski resort at Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village, a prominent ski resort in Alberta, is close to the town of Banff and is also a lovely place to hike and wander in the summer. Skiers from all over the world come to the mountain in the winter because it has an excellent selection of runs for intermediate and experienced skiers. One of the top resorts in both Canada and Alberta, it offers excellent skiing.

Hikers can access the region in the summer after snowmelt. To visit Sunny Meadows, take the gondola from the mountain's base to the Village terminal. Trails of various lengths lead into the mountains from here. Go hiking on your own or with a group.

9.Calgary Stampede 

Calgary is especially proud of its cowboy heritage. The annual Calgary Stampede, the greatest event in the city, makes this especially clear. This ten-day event, which takes place in early July, attracts rodeo competitors and more than a million spectators from all around North America. With rodeo attractions, cultural exhibitions, country music, and a variety of other outdoor spectacles, Calgary becomes the focus of attention for all Wild West enthusiasts.

Together with the activities at the Stampede Grounds, nearby businesses in Calgary also take part in the celebrations by providing free "Stampede breakfasts" every day of the week. Retailers deck out their storefront windows, cowboy hats and boots take over the runway, and midway attractions and makeshift animal zoos appear in parking lots.

10. The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology and Drumheller

The small town of Drumheller, which adamantly refers to itself as the "Town of the Dinosaurs," is situated around 140 kilometers northeast of Calgary. Many dinosaur species lived here approximately 75 million years ago, as evidenced by the numerous fossils found in and around Drumheller. Several of the finds are on exhibit at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, which also provides a thorough overview of the region's past.

It’s #TourismWeekCanada2022 and we are proud to be a part of Alberta's diverse and vibrant tourism community. We invite you to be a tourist in your own community and discover the incredible attractions around @exploreedmonton, including #FortEdPark!@TravelAlberta Roth & Ramberg pic.twitter.com/zcu6r0TVvu

— Fort Edmonton Park (@FortEdPark) June 1, 2022

Badlands dominate the area surrounding Drumheller. Fascinating hiking trails wind through unusual rock formations and past hoodoos. A driving trip called the "Dinosaur Trail" passes via several of the area's top sights.

11.Kananaskis Country

Beautiful territory known as Kananaskis Country is located about 80 kilometers west of Calgary. Summertime hikers love this area because it has routes that go to mountains, meadows, and lakes. A well-known golf course and resort amenities can be found at Kananaskis Village.

The campgrounds in Kananaskis Country are a fantastic collection. Typically, you'll find them nestled among pine trees and close to lakes or rivers that are beautifully clean. Since they are well-liked during the peak season, make sure to reserve far in advance.

One of Kananaskis' top attractions is Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, especially for visitors looking to spend time in the wilderness. The park serves as the geographic center of the Kananaskis area, where grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and elk wander freely.

The park is the largest provincial park in Alberta with a total area of 508 square kilometers. The area's beautiful mountain scenery, which is crossed by several paths and sprinkled with alpine lakes, draws both locals and tourists in the summer.

12.West Edmonton Mall

There are more than simply stores at the West Edmonton Mall. The World Waterpark, the Ice Palace ice rink, mini golf, an aquarium with live shows, a bowling alley, a mirror maze, indoor electric go-kart racing, and movie theaters are all located within one sizable complex. Shopping is obviously crucial as well. There are shops throughout the mall for just about anything you can think of.

Families can travel to the mall in Alberta, especially in the winter, to get away from the cold and enjoy some indoor activities and shopping.

13.Calgary Tower

One of Calgary's top tourist destinations is the Calgary Tower. The tower, which dominates the city skyline, has the highest 360-degree viewing deck in the entire globe. The views of the Alps are spectacular on clear days, and the glass floor provides a direct view of the city at all time. The Calgary Tower's enormous torch, which is situated at the top, will be lit according to the occasion or celebration.

At a height of 155 meters, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is located just above the rotating restaurant known as The Sky 360.

14.Canmore

Canmore is a bustling small town with restaurants, stores, and services located just outside the Banff National Park entrance. Those who want to live a mountain lifestyle are drawn to this expanding community. There are hiking and mountain bike paths nearby, and the best ski slopes in Alberta are only a short drive away. Several Calgary residents own second houses or condos in the area, which they utilize as a getaway. Some prefer to spend the night in one of the excellent campgrounds nearby.

The Canmore Cave Tours are one of the main draws for tourists. These tours take you to Rats Nest Cave, which is one of Canada's longest caves and lasts about 4.5 hours.

One of the most well-known and manageable hikes, if you're interested in hiking paths, is to Grassi Lakes. In the summer of 2022, the trail was heavily improved, which is intended to make the already fantastic hike much better.

You can also use Canmore as a base to explore the hiking trails in the adjacent Kananaskis Region and Banff National Park.

15. The National Park of Wood Buffalo

The largest park in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is Wood Buffalo National Park. Although the park receives fewer tourists due to its isolated position on the border of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, it is home to many gems.

Wood Buffalo spans the Athabasca-Peace River Delta, one of the biggest interior deltas in the world, but the wildlife here, notably the park's wood bison, is what draws most visitors. The park was created in 1922 to safeguard the last herds of these stunning creatures, sometimes known as wood buffalo, which are now abundant in this area. Whooping cranes breed in the park, along with moose, black bears, caribou, and beavers.

Although the park is accessible year-round and offers a variety of winter activities, the summer season is when the majority of visitors arrive. As a dark-sky reserve, Wood Buffalo National Park is a fantastic site to watch the northern lights in the winter.

16. Buffalo Jump with Head Smashed In

A rise in the terrain ends at the cliff's edge on the edge of the prairies. Native Americans in the region have been using this natural feature to push buffalo herds over the edge for thousands of years.

Their legs would shatter from the 11-meter fall, and the injuries would be severe enough for the Blackfoot hunters to move in and kill them. After processing, the bodies were utilized for food and other things. Other parts of the prairies also employed buffalo jumps, but this is the largest, oldest, and best-preserved site in North America.

Currently, the region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More information on the location and the Plains Buffalo culture can be found at the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Center.