Alberta holidays

Flanked by snow-capped mountains, Banff is a charming resort-town base for hiking, biking and some of the continent’s best skiing adventures in Canada’s Rocky Mountains.

A gateway to the Rockies that wears its cowboy culture with pride, Alberta’s largest city invites you to take a walk on the wild side.

Alberta’s low-key capital is on a roll. From wildlife spotting and brewery hopping to a festival calendar that’s the envy of Canada, Edmonton pulls out all the stops.

The crown jewel of Banff National Park, this tiny hamlet is home to one of the most stunning alpine lakes on the planet. Come say hello to Lake Louise.

Medicine Hat isn’t just Canada’s sunniest city — it also boasts the world’s tallest tipi. Cosy coffee shops, 19th-century buildings and colourful murals add to its charms.

This leafy Canadian city combines farm-to-table feasts with spectacular parks, hiking trails and Indigenous sites. Experience it all, along with a hearty dose of Alberta charm.

One of the world’s most beautiful roads, the 232-kilometre Icefields Parkway passes iconic landscapes like Lake Louise, Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier. The drive takes around three hours, but allow yourself at least a day to enjoy the scenic stops. For a stark contrast, cruise through Dinosaur Valley’s rocky badlands. Hop out to explore dinosaur museums, ghost towns and hoodoo-crammed canyons.

Learning about First Nations and Métis cultures is a great thing to do in Alberta. In Edmonton, the Indigenous Peoples Experience in Fort Edmonton Park highlights the diverse cultures that have shaped this region. Visit Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park to experience a tipi village, see a cultural dance performance and take in exhibits focusing on Blackfoot history, crafts and traditions.

Banff National Park is a hiker’s dream, with over 1,600 kilometres of trails. Get epic views of Lake Louise from Lake Agnes Trail, or hike past waterfalls in Johnston Canyon. For a challenging hike through towering peaks and alpine meadows, try the 18-kilometre Healy Pass. Or hike among prehistoric fossils at Horseshoe Canyon in the Canadian Badlands.

You may not have pictured lounging on a beach in Alberta, but the province’s rivers and lakes offer stunning shorelines. Families love Kinosoo Beach on Cold Lake for its water sports and activities. Devonshire Beach is a pristine stretch of sand and features wheelchair access and a dog-friendly area. And Quarry Lake’s serene beach is flanked by crystal-clear waters and craggy mountains.

Alberta’s rugged natural beauty goes beyond the big-name attractions. Wood Buffalo National Park is home to iconic Canadian wildlife like bison, buffalo, moose and bears — just be sure to watch from a safe distance. It also offers incredible stargazing. To experience the striking contrast between sweeping prairies and soaring peaks, head to Waterton Lakes National Park.

The restaurants in Alberta showcase the region’s farming heritage, from locally sourced bison, beef and elk to farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. The steak here is world renowned, while ‘pierogies’ (cheese and potato dumplings) are popular thanks to Alberta’s large Eastern European population. The province also has a thriving craft brewing scene, so sample a local pint wherever you go.

Calgary is nicknamed ‘Cow-Town’ for its cattle ranching roots, and you can relive the Wild West at Heritage Park Historical Village. This living history museum features costumed reenactors, a vintage railway and artefacts from the 1860s. Explore Western and Indigenous history at Fort Edmonton Park. Or return to the dinosaur age at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta’s badlands.

Alberta shines year-round, from winter skiing and snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies to summer hiking in the national parks. But spring might just be the best time to visit Alberta, with blooming wildflowers and traces of lingering snow — minus the summer crowds. Autumn is also great, with the mountains carpeted with golden foliage. But pack warm layers, as temperatures can be chilly.

With a little bit of planning, you can have a cheap holiday in Alberta. Visiting outside of the peak summer months and prioritising low-cost activities will go a long way towards keeping costs down. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around 30 Canadian dollars ($), while a local beer is usually under $10, and coffee is about $5.