Alberta

About Alberta

Alberta is home to the world famous Canadian Rocky Mountains. If you’re looking for BIG mountains, striking glaciers, and vibrant alpine lakes, look no further!

Alberta is mostly sought after for its outdoor destinations (which I’ll talk about next), however there are some big cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer that you may want to take note of.

Calgary and Edmonton may be of particular interest. Calgary is home to the Stampede and the gateway airport (YYC) to the Rocky Mountains. Edmonton is home to North America’s largest mall which is 5.3 million square feet in size.

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. The Park features wild hiking trails, multi-day backpacking trips, and the best ski resorts in Alberta.

Click here to explore what Banff has to offer.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is another gem in the Canadian Rockies. The Park has spectacular hiking trails and scenery, however most people visit Jasper for a quieter retreat in the mountains. In Jasper you’ll see half the amount of visitors Banff does with the added bonus of more wildlife and plenty of glaciers.

Click here to explore Jasper.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes is a “lesser-known” National Park in the Rockies, but it should certainly not be overlooked! Waterton is the quietest National Park in Alberta and it’s home to one of “the world’s most exhilarating hiking trails” as rated by National Geographic.

Click here to explore Waterton.

Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country is my favouriteeee hiking destination in the Rockies! It’s located just 40 minutes from Banff and is home to some freakin’ BEAUTIFUL lakes and mountaintops. Here you can find adrenaline pumping scrambles, long ridge walks, and views that’ll knock your socks off.

Click here to explore Kananaskis.

Bighorn Wildland Provincial Park

Bighorn Wildland is very popular for horseback riding; Ya Ha Tinda ranch is located here. Rather than horseback riding though, my time in Bighorn Wildland was spent on a multi-day hiking trail along the Red Deer River. This backpacking trip is in “Wildland” territory, which means no reservations are required!

Click here for my Bighorn Wildland trail guide.

Writing on Stone Provincial Park

Writing on Stone is located in southeast Alberta; Alberta’s barren badlands. This tiny Provincial Park has the largest concentration of hoodoos in Canada and is home to the hoodoo trail. The hoodoo trail winds through the hoodoos which makes you feel like you’re walking on the moon.

Click here to explore Writing on Stone.