Discover Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, is often hailed as the best and most picturesque lake in Alberta, Canada. This glacier-fed lake is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, a result of the light-refracting properties of the rock flour (fine particles of rock) deposited in the lake by surrounding glaciers. Surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests, the lake offers a postcard-perfect view that epitomizes the Canadian Rockies’ majestic beauty. The iconic image of Moraine Lake is the classic view from the Rockpile Trail, a short but rewarding hike that provides an elevated and panoramic view of the lake.
Three Fun Facts about Alberta
Sky High Roadway
The Icefields Parkway, stretching from Lake Louise to Jasper, is one of the world’s most beautiful mountain drives. It offers spectacular scenery of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and a variety of wildlife.
Unique Weather Phenomenon
The province experiences a weather phenomenon known as a Chinook, a warm, dry wind that can cause temperature swings of up to 20°C (36°F) in a few hours, providing welcome relief in the winter.
Dinosaur Hotspot
The province is famous for its dinosaur fossils. Drumheller, often called the “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the world’s premier paleontological research facilities and museums.
Must See Attractions
Banff National Park
Nature & Parks
Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park, is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its crown jewel, Lake Louise, is renowned for its striking turquoise waters set against a backdrop of towering mountains and glaciers. Nearby, Moraine Lake offers equally stunning views with its vivid blue-green waters.
Jasper National Park
Nature & Parks
Jasper National Park is a vast wilderness area known for its rugged mountains, abundant wildlife, and serene lakes. Athabasca Falls is a powerful waterfall that captivates with its sheer force and beauty. Maligne Lake, famous for its deep blue waters and the iconic Spirit Island, is a must-visit.
Icefields Parkway
Nature & Parks
The Icefields Parkway is a scenic drive that stretches between Banff and Jasper National Parks. This route is often considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, featuring breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and pristine lakes. Along the way, visitors can stop at various viewpoints, waterfalls, and hiking trails, making it a journey filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Lakes to Explore
1. Jasper Lake
335 Miles
This lake provides a serene setting for kayaking, canoeing, and enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness.
2. Abraham Lake
340 Miles
Famous for its frozen methane bubbles in winter, Abraham Lake is a year-round attraction, offering stunning views and activities.
3. Peyto Lake
423 Miles
Located along the Icefields Parkway, this lake is known for its unique shape resembling a wolf’s head and its vivid turquoise hue.
4. Upper Kananaskis Lake
428 Miles
This is a pristine destination for hiking and water activities in Kananaskis Country.
5. Lake Louise
471 Miles
Lake Louise is renowned for its turquoise waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
6. Moraine Lake
485 Miles
Moraine Lake is celebrated for its vibrant blue color and stunning reflections, offering a postcard-perfect view for visitors.
7. Waterton Lake
563 Miles
Straddling the U.S.-Canada border, Waterton Lake is known for its scenery, including the Prince of Wales Hotel, which overlooks the lake.
8. Cameron Lake
583 Miles
The lake is surrounded by forests and offers a serene environment for boating and hiking, as well as a mountainous landscape.
Annual Events and Festivals
Ice Magic Festival
The Ice Magic Festival is a dazzling celebration of winter’s beauty, held annually in the breathtaking setting of Lake Louise within Banff National Park, Alberta. This enchanting festival attracts world-class ice artists who transform blocks of ice into stunning, ephemeral sculptures. The festival’s centerpiece is the international ice carving competition, where teams labor under time constraints to create their masterpieces, competing for honors and admiration.
Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede stands as an iconic celebration deeply rooted in Western Canadian culture, earning its reputation as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” This colossal event transforms the city into a lively spectacle of rodeo prowess, grand parades, and electrifying entertainment. With its origins dating back to 1912, the Stampede has evolved into a 10-day extravaganza, drawing visitors from around the globe. The heart-pounding rodeo competitions showcase the skills of fearless cowboys and cowgirls, while the expansive midway offers a whirlwind of amusement rides, carnival games, and delectable treats.
Big Valley Jamboree
The Big Valley Jamboree, held annually in Camrose, is a hallmark event for country music enthusiasts. This celebrated festival has been a staple of Alberta’s cultural landscape since its inception in the early 1990s. The event features multiple stages where fans can enjoy various performances, from traditional country tunes to modern crossover hits. Apart from the music, the Jamboree offers a variety of experiences, including a marketplace with unique vendors, camping facilities that foster a sense of community among festival-goers, and a range of food and drink options that cater to all tastes.
Top Hiking Trails
Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots
Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots is a captivating trail located in Banff National Park, Alberta, renowned for its scenic beauty and geological wonders. This moderately challenging hike starts at the Johnston Canyon trailhead, leading adventurers through a canyon carved by thousands of years of water erosion. The final destination, the Ink Pots, is a series of stunning, mineral-rich spring-fed pools, each boasting distinct colors. These pools are set in an open meadow with striking views of the surrounding mountain peaks. The entire round trip is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and provides a unique combination of geological features.
Ha Ling Peak
AB-742, Canmore, Alberta
Rising to an elevation of 2,407 meters (7,897 feet), the peak offers a thrilling hiking experience for those seeking panoramic views of the Bow Valley and the town of Canmore below. The trail to Ha Ling Peak begins at the Goat Creek parking lot and winds its way through dense forests, eventually opening up to alpine meadows and rugged terrain. The final stretch involves a steep scramble to the summit, rewarding hikers with a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the towering Three Sisters.
Crypt Lake Trail
Crypt Lake Trail, Waterton Park, Alberta
Accessible by a scenic boat ride across Upper Waterton Lake, the trail commences at the Crypt Landing and leads adventurers through a diverse landscape of dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and alpine meadows. The highlight of the trail is the remarkable Crypt Lake, nestled in a high mountain cirque surrounded by towering cliffs. The trail presents challenges such as the aptly named “Hell Roaring Falls” and a narrow, vertigo-inducing cliffside section known as the “Cable Route,” where hikers rely on a safety cable to traverse the sheer rock face. The culmination of the journey at Crypt Lake rewards hikers with a breathtaking view of the turquoise waters and the surrounding peaks.
Best Golf Courses
Banff Springs Golf Club
405 Spray Avenue, Banff, AlBerta
Established in 1911, this historic golf course is adjacent to the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, offering golf enthusiasts an unparalleled setting for their game. The 18-hole course, designed by the renowned Stanley Thompson, meanders through pine forests, challenging elevation changes, and manicured fairways. Golfers are treated to views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Mount Rundle.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course
Old Lodge Rd, Jasper, Alberta
Designed by the legendary Stanley Thompson, this iconic golf course has been enchanting players since its inauguration in 1925. Surrounded by towering peaks, pristine lakes, and dense pine forests, the course provides a unique and challenging golfing experience. Its meticulously manicured fairways wind through the rugged terrain, presenting golfers with both stunning views and strategic shot-making opportunities. The course’s signature hole, the par-3 9th, is particularly renowned for its island green set against the backdrop of Lac Beauvert, creating a memorable and picturesque challenge.
Wolf Creek Golf Course – Old Course
Site 10, Ponoka, Alberta
Wolf Creek Golf Resort, located near Ponoka, Alberta, is celebrated for its Old Course, a distinctive and challenging golfing experience steeped in the tradition of the sport. The Old Course, designed by renowned architect Rod Whitman, first opened in 1984 and quickly gained a reputation for its unique style and character. Set in a gently rolling landscape characteristic of central Alberta, the course showcases a links-style design reminiscent of the classic courses of Scotland. Each hole offers its own distinct character, challenging golfers of all skill levels with a variety of shot options and risk-reward scenarios.
Water Sports
Banff Canoe Club
Canoeing and kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking in the Banff area offer an idyllic way to explore the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies from the unique vantage point of its serene lakes and rivers. Iconic spots like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Bow River are particularly popular among paddling enthusiasts for their stunning scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities. For those looking to rent equipment, Banff Canoe Club is a well-regarded local company offering canoe and kayak rentals. Conveniently located near the heart of Banff town, they provide easy access to the Bow River, a perfect starting point for a scenic paddle.
Chinook Rafting
White water Rafting
Alberta’s varied terrain, from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to the forested regions of the north, provides an array of rafting experiences suitable for all skill levels. The Kananaskis River and the Bow River near Banff are popular among beginners and families, offering a mix of gentle flows and exciting yet manageable rapids. For the more adventurous, the Horseshoe Canyon section of the Bow River presents higher-grade rapids, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience amidst dramatic canyon scenery. Operating since 1983, Chinook Rafting offers a variety of trips, ranging from family-friendly, half-day adventures to full-day excursions for those seeking more intense rapids.
Hooked Fishing Adventures
Fishing
Alberta boasts a rich variety of fishing environments, from the majestic Rocky Mountain streams and lakes to the vast northern rivers and prairie ponds, each teeming with species like trout, pike, walleye, and Arctic grayling. The clear, cold waters of Alberta’s mountain regions are particularly famous for fly fishing, offering a serene and challenging experience amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada. For those seeking guided fishing experiences, Get Hooked Fishing Adventures is a highly recommended company operating in Alberta. Known for their expertise and commitment to sustainable fishing practices, they offer personalized guided trips tailored to both beginners and experienced anglers.
01 / Downhill Skiing
Skiing in Alberta offers an exhilarating blend of breathtaking mountain scenery and world-class ski resorts, making it a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park and Lake Louise boast iconic ski resorts where visitors can carve through pristine powder against a backdrop of towering peaks. The Lake Louise Ski Resort, renowned for its extensive terrain and stunning vistas of the turquoise lake, beckons skiers of all levels. Meanwhile, Banff Mount Norquay caters to both beginners and experts, offering diverse slopes and the thrill of night skiing.
02 / Ice Skating
Lake Louise, nestled within Banff National Park, transforms into a magical ice skating haven during the winter months. Skating on the frozen surface of Lake Louise offers a unique experience, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Outdoor rinks in cities like Edmonton and Calgary provide urban settings for ice skating enthusiasts to enjoy this timeless winter pastime.
03 / Sleigh Rides
The province’s picturesque locales, such as Jasper National Park and Banff, set the stage for this timeless activity. Pulled by majestic horses adorned with jingling bells, sleighs gracefully traverse snow covered meadows and pine-lined trails, providing a serene and magical journey. The rhythmic sound of hooves on the snow, the crisp winter air, and the panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains create an immersive and charming atmosphere. Many outfitters in Alberta offer guided sleigh rides, complete with cozy blankets and hot beverages, making it a perfect activity for families, couples, or anyone seeking a romantic winter escape.
Resorts to Explore
Solara Resort by Bellstar Hotels
Family-friendly
187 Kananaskis Way, Canmore, Alberta
Alpine Village Jasper
Recreational, Family-friendly
Athabasca Road, AB-93A, Jasper, Alberta
Prince of Wales Hotel
Family-friendly, Couples
AB-5, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Tips on Vacationing in Alberta
Local Cuisine
Alberta is famous for its Angus beef, so be sure to try some local steak or a beef burger. Other Canadian treats include Bever Tails (a deep-fried pastry), Nanaimo bars, maple syrup, and butter tarts.
Drive Safely
If you’re renting a car, remember that distances can be long, and winter driving conditions can be challenging. Always check road conditions, be aware of wildlife, and check weather forecasts.
Book Accommodations Early
Accommodations in popular areas like Banff and Jasper can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Book well in advance to secure your preferred lodging.
Road Trips
Travel beyond the highways and major attractions by taking the Cowboy Trail and passing through Western towns such as Millarville and Turner Valley, along with unique sites such as Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump and Frank Slide Interpretive Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alberta
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the closest major airport to these major tourist attractions. Car rental services and shuttle buses are available from the airport. It is approximately 90 minutes to Banff from the airport and two hours to Lake Louise.
If you’re planning a long-term stay in Alberta, many options are available to suit your needs. In Calgary, you can find a modern house in Capitol Hill with pet-friendly accommodations and comfortable bedding starting from $132 per night. For a quieter setting, consider a cozy Windermere getaway with air conditioning and parking, starting from $155 per night.
To find vacation rentals by owner in Alberta, browse platforms like Lake.com that list vacation homes, apartments, and cabins. These platforms offer search filters that help you tailor your search to your preferences and budget, making finding the perfect accommodation for your stay easy.
Pet-friendly vacation rentals can be found by searching for properties that specifically list “pet friendly” as one of their features. For example, you can find a comfortable house in Calgary that’s just 5 minutes from the park and 10 minutes to downtown, with pet-friendly facilities starting from $132 per night.
Hot tubs can be a popular and relaxing amenity for vacation rentals. When searching on a vacation rental platform, look for properties that specify “hot tub” as one of their amenities. Remember that hot tubs’ availability and quality can vary, so read the property description and reviews carefully to ensure the rental meets your expectations.
Lakefront cabins in Alberta can be found near popular destinations like Alberta Beach, an hour west of Edmonton—listings for vacation rentals in the area, with prices averaging $185 per night. For the best experience, focus your search near serene and scenic lakeshores while considering amenities like air conditioning, parking, and pet-friendly accommodations.
If you’re interested in purchasing a vacation home in Alberta, you can start by browsing online real estate platforms such as realtor.ca and contacting local real estate agents specializing in vacation properties. Researching the area, understanding the local market, and envisioning your desired property features and budget is important. Remember, purchasing a vacation home requires careful consideration and planning before making a final decision.