Things to do & places to visit in Alberta, Canada

Alberta #4 destination in Canada 2023. The average rating score is 4.48 based on 159.6k traveler reviews, of 1.456 attractions. Timezone: America/Edmonton, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 17:12.

Top things to do (38)

Top destinations in Alberta 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Moraine Lake (5.954 reviews)
- As beautiful as it looks in pictures, the Rockpile hike gives you the iconic view
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

Known for its views of the Ten Peaks, this glacial lake is a stunning sight within Banff National Park. The hiking trails around the lake offer varying levels of difficulty, but the Rockpile Trail offers some of the best views. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the area, stay at the lakeside hotel and take an early morning canoe ride. The infrastructure here is basic, but that only adds to the natural beauty. Plan your visit from mid to late June to catch the incredible reflection of the mountains in the lake. – Tripadvisor See more..
5.0 Peyto Lake (3.238 reviews)
- Little Effort, High Reward
Bodies of Water

Don't like to hike long distances, but want to see the beauty Banff National Park has to offer? Peyto Lake is for you. Even with wild fire smoke being rather thick, the bright blue water still shined through! I can only imagine what it looks like on a clear sunny day, The walk to the viewing platform is a quick mini hike from the parking lot. Due to the viewing platform being relatively close, the time spent at Peyto Lake is short. Even if the parking lot is full when you arrive, spots are constantly opening up. Don't give up if the lot is full! See more..
5.0 Royal Tyrrell Museum (3.099 reviews)
- Fascinating Museum
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Set in the rugged Alberta badlands, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology displays one of the world's largest collections of dinosaurs. With ever-changing exhibits and self-guided experiences year-round, there is always something new to discover. See more..
5.0 Icefields Parkway (1.897 reviews)
- The Most Amazing Road in the World
Scenic Drives

Scenic highway cutting through breathtakingly beautiful mountain passes. See more..
5.0 Canmore Cave Tours (1.250 reviews)
- Bucket list experience
Friday: Spent More than 3 hours Caverns & Caves

Canmore Cave Tours operates year-round tours in Rat's Nest Cave, near Canmore, Alberta, Canada. For those seeking as much excitement as possible, including squeezes, rappels, and other adrenaline-inducing activities we offer a 6-hour "Adventure Tour". For those just looking to sample what the cave has to offer, or those with less time, we offer a 4.5 hour "Explorer Tour". We can offer these tours year-round, in any weather because the cave is a constant 5 degrees Celsius, a comfortable temperature any time of the year. See more..
5.0 Winspear Centre (807 reviews)
- Top Notch Sound
Theaters

The Francis Winspear Centre for Music is located in Edmonton's Arts District and is home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. See more..
5.0 Escape Hour Edmonton (750 reviews)
- Jeff deserves a raise!
Escape Games

Escape Hour Edmonton is the largest escape rooms location in Edmonton with seven different adventures, among which are Action (escape game with physical activities), Battles (play against each other in teams) and unique Escape rooms. You can easily find us in the Eastern Part on the Third floor of the City Centre Mall. All our rooms are private and Game master is dedicated to each team. See more..
5.0 Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary (719 reviews)
- Incredible upclose interaction
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Tours

My husband and I were visiting Banff and I found this attraction online. Are we ever glad that we found this! We booked for the Interactive tour where we could go into a inclosure where we could sit and have a couple of the wolfdogs come up to us. Our guide gave us some treats for the dogs and one came up and ate out of our hands. She gave us the history of the dogs and information on the sanctuary. After the Interaction, we walked around and met some of the other wolfdogs. We especially like that each pack of wolfdogs had lots of space to roam, like in their natural habitat. This is one of the best sanctuaries that we have seen and you can tell they are looked after very well. We encourage everyone that visit to leave a donation as we did. Highly recommend visiting and you will want to return! See more..
4.5 Banff Gondola (11.8k reviews)
- Morning rates - great value for families
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Trams

Sulphur Mountain summit is easily accessible via the Banff Gondola. The ride takes just 8 minutes—you’ll get to enjoy the amazing views of six mountain ranges as you coast over the treetops. Once you’re at the 7,486-foot-high mountaintop, take a stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk before spending the afternoon at the multi-sensory theater, rooftop observation deck, restaurant and interactive exhibits. Buy your tickets online to skip the line. For fewer crowds, plan to be there before noon or late afternoon. You can get there from downtown Banff by public bus. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Lake Louise (7.509 reviews)
- Beautiful - avoid the summer crowds
Bodies of Water

Beautiful lake with a nice easy walk around it and lots of other more difficult hiking options. We visited at the start of June and the lake was still mostly frozen over. They said it was a few weeks behind the normal schedule for thawing. The guide said the best time to go is late September, to see the lake unfrozen but also avoid the crowds. The guide said that in the summer they get 20,000 visitors to the lake a day, not including the Fairmont hotel guests, so I imagine it would be very crowded in the summer. During the winter you can cross country ski and ice skate on the frozen lake. In the summer you can rent a canoe (it is very expensive - 150 dollars an hour!!). During this time when it is slowly thawing you cannot go on the lake. See more..
4.5 Athabasca Falls (5.844 reviews)
- Beautiful Any Time of Year!
Waterfalls

A spectacular waterfall in Jasper National Park. See more..
4.5 Columbia Ice Field (5.193 reviews)
- The Most Fun We've Ever Had on a Glacier
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Drives

Vactions By Rail selected Brewster Sightseeing Tours to take us to Columbia Icefields Adventure. Eise from Brewster was fantastic, and Sam from Columbia was delightful. Witty and informative, he interacted with the tour guests like a seasoned pro, and while safety consciuos and careful, he sprinkled his presentation with interesting facts and funny observations. QBoth drivers gave us an experience we won't soon forget. See more..
4.5 Maligne Canyon (4.702 reviews)
- THE BRIDGES AND FALLS OF MALIGNE CANYON
Canyons

A scenic limestone canyon with waterfalls and walking trails. See more..
4.5 The Calgary Zoo (4.517 reviews)
- Fantastic zoo!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

From the splendor of the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Destination Africa, The Calgary Zoo takes you to see almost 900 animals from around the world. Trek through the gorilla’s rainforest, safari over the Savannah to watch the hippos swim, or climb the Canadian Wilds to see a grizzly bear. Cool off and get beak to nose with 4 species of penguins in our popular Penguin Plunge or visit endangered red pandas and amur tigers in Eurasia! Wind down your trip with a walk through our fragrant Dorothy Harvie Gardens or sit with the butterflies in ENMAX Conservatory. You'll love knowing that every visit helps protect endangered animals at home and in the wild. NEW in 2017 is the unique and immersive permanent Land of Lemurs exhibit. Coming in 2018 are the iconic giant pandas! See more..
4.5 Bow Falls (4.178 reviews)
- Just Divine!
Waterfalls

A definite must-see when visiting Banff! Try to go early in the morning and just marvel at the way the color of the water changes with the sunlight. It's just stunning. Walk the trail and enjoy listening the rush of the water and just marvel at this breathtaking waterfall and its lovely surroundings. See more..
4.5 Lake Minnewanka (3.819 reviews)
- Budget friendly day out
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

There’s no comparing the emerald green waters of Minnewanka with any urban landscape. Mountain ridges stretch as far as the eye can see, eventually blurring into a blissful cascade of colours. See more..
4.5 Heritage Park Historical Village (3.176 reviews) from $11.19
- Step back in history
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Parks

With more than 200 exhibits and attractions spread over 127 acres of lush parkland, Heritage Park Historical Village has a lot to offer both the history buff and the pleasure seeker. It’s the perfect balance between historical fact, adventure, discovery and fun that makes our take on the tale of Western Canada’s history so unique. Tour the Park on an antique steam train, set sail aboard Calgary's only paddlewheel ship, visit the farm animals at the ranch, learn about Blackfoot culture in the First Nations area, engage with Western Canada’s energy past, present and future at Prospect Ridge, explore a bustling young prairie town and discover one of the world’s largest public collections of antique vehicles at Gasoline Alley Museum. The Historical Village is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the May long weekend until the first weekend in September, then open weekends until mid-October. Gasoline Alley Museum is open year-round. See more..
4.5 Calgary Stampede (3.121 reviews)
- PRICEY, CROWDED once in a lifetime experience
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Cultural Events

Every July, millions of people come to Calgary's Stampede Park to take part in one of the world's largest rodeos and other popular activities such as chuckwagon racing and agricultural shows. The event's origins date back to 1912, when American Guy Weadick, a successful trick roper, got support to host an event called "Stampede" to celebrate the "disappearing" Old West. Since then, the event has grown drastically and has evolved into a celebration of the Old West, while reflecting the modern, multicultural aspects of the city. See more..
4.5 Jasper SkyTram (2.964 reviews)
- a must do in Jasper
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Trams • Lookouts

Jasper SkyTram is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada. Gain a unique perspective on the majesty of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jasper National Park. Soar above the park’s sub-alpine vegetation, watching for wildlife below, as you gently climb towards the upper station located at 2,263 metres (7,425 feet) above sea level. Stroll along the accessible, interpretive boardwalk or try hiking the 1.4 km trail to the summit of Whistlers Mountain at 2,463 metres (8,081 feet). This family-friendly ride on the Jasper SkyTram is the perfect experience for guests of all ages. Make sure to stop at the top of the Canadian Rockies to visit the gift shop at the upper station for a souvenir to take home. From late March to early May, you can rent snowshoes at the top for a truly Canadian experience. See more..
4.5 Johnston Canyon (2.544 reviews)
- power of the water
Hiking Trails

Scenic wooded canyon with trails for hiking and biking. See more..
4.5 Bow Valley Parkway (2.411 reviews)
- Beautiful views but closed to all passenger cars this summer.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Drives

It’s a great way to travel to Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon however, it is closed to passenger cars this Sommer. You can however walk or ride a bike if you don’t want to use a bus. Busses are scheduled to run this summer from Banff along the Bow Parkway, Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise. Not the same as by your own car but, hey, at least one is able to see it. See more..
4.5 Pyramid and Patricia Lakes (1.818 reviews)
- Tranquil and Scenic Canoe Hire
Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water

We hired a double Canoe on Pyramid Lake from the Pyramid Boathouse. Registration was quick and safety briefing was given by their staff. Life jackets and a whistle were issued before bing cast off in the canoe. It’s a lovely area and so tranquil on the water. Having got use to the paddling we moved into the lake spotting Elk paddling just off shore and hearing the call of the Loons. See more..
4.5 Fort Edmonton Park (1.759 reviews)
- Enjoyed the visit
Historic Sites • Amusement & Theme Parks

Park featuring recreations of Edmonton in different stages of its history. See more..
4.5 Grassi Lakes (1.647 reviews)
- Undervalued
Bodies of Water

I think everyone knows, by now hopefully, that if you go there on a nice or a long weekend you can expect about a million people there. So don't complain. but It is still a beautiful spot, and a very rewarding hike for all skill levels. There are a few hidden gems in this area that 99% of people lever see. I wrote about it in blog post 5 Waterfalls Around Calgary ;) See more..
4.5 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (1.628 reviews)
- Breathtaking Lake Louise view from our King bed Suite
Historic Walking Areas

We stayed one night to celebrate birthdays in this historic hotel. The front desk staff, concierge, and bellman were very attentive to our needs and requests. There are several restaurants within the hotel. We ate a delicious Italian dinner meal at Lago (reservations needed). The following day we enjoyed a most elegant Afternoon Tea in the Fairview Restaurant with it's arched windows facing the lake. Being from the southern U. S., we looked forward to an air conditioned room, Technically the room was air conditioned with a portable unit. We also enjoyed the satellite tv options with a good variety of channels. We enjoyed browsing through the shops located on 2 floors where we could find affordable gifts among those out of our price range. If you want to use the hotel shuttle out to Morraine Lake, sign up early. We had booked with the National Park Service bus system which required a drive (not walking distance) to be picked up/returned to located at the Lake Louise Ski Lift. This bus did not pickup at the hotel. See more..
4.5 Maligne Lake (1.591 reviews)
- Simply Amazing!
Bodies of Water

The boat tour with Captain Sam and our amazing guide Emily was fantastic. They were engaging from the moment we walked along the dock to get onboard. We were well informed about the history of the lake and especially Spirit Island and the Indigenous people it belongs to. Our cruise was lots of fun, we took tons of photos and were educated too - worth every $! Would highly recommend a visit to Maligne Lake to anyone visiting the area. Thanks again Emily and Sam, you were awesome! Debbie and Kelsey See more..
4.5 Banff Avenue (1.497 reviews)
- Main street in Banff
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

The heart of the town of Banff... it offers a great selection of restaurants, shops and services, so this is the place to head to when in Banff when needing to eat, shop, or ride a bus. Understanding that Banff receives a large amount of visitors (domestic and international alike), average prices for food and shops tend to be higher than what you'd expect to see in Calgary for example. But overall a very scenic and useful street, and an obligated stop when visiting Banff. See more..
4.5 Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola (1.438 reviews)
- What a ride
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Trams

Ascend to one of Banff National Park’s most incredible views where grizzly bears and other local wildlife are seen almost daily! From the top at 2088m (6850ft) the gondola ride is only the start of your adventure. Make your way to the viewing platform for a panoramic view that will take your breath away. Afterwards visit our free Wildlife Interpretive Centre where Interpretive Programs are offered daily, including indoor presentations. A variety of guided interpretive walks are also available daily for all fitness levels. Hungry, no problem! There are five unique restaurants located on-site that are sure to please! Dine on one of our famous patios or indoors. The choice is yours. Free parking is never an issue. We have plenty of free parking for your car or RV conveniently located just outside of the See more..
4.5 Prince's Island Park (1.409 reviews)
- Very beautiful park for a nice walk
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Islands • Parks

This recreational island is located in the Bow River, providing stressed-out urbanites opportunities to bike, hike and fish. See more..
4.5 The Hoodoos (1.291 reviews)
- Interesting Place
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations

We visited the Hoodoos while we were staying in Drumheller. There is a small car park and at peak times there is a $2 per car parking fee. A walk way has been constructed around so as not to disturb the site although you can walk around most of the site freely. There are information boards to follow too One of the things to see if you are visiting Drumheller. See more..