Alberta, Canada
From the heady heights of the Canadian Rockies to the rolling prairies and deserts of the Badlands, cosmopolitan cities to vast wilderness expanses, Alberta exudes adventure. Calgary, a city which for so long has only been synonymous with its annual Stampede, is certainly one to watch. Its needle-topped tower isn’t the only thing escalating these days, the city now has a foodie, music and arts scene to match. From Calgary to the national parks of Banff and Jasper, you can drive, fly or train. Each of these almighty parks are unique in their own way, offering activities in abundance for all levels of fitness and enthusiasm. Self-drive tours in the mountains tick the boxes for those who want to get beyond the crowds, to the top of the peaks or the remotest of lakes. Alternatively, driver guides and group tours give visitors an insight into the geography, geology and history of this truly epic landscape. Combine awesome Alberta and beautiful British Columbia for the ultimate western Canada adventure.
Alberta highlights
Banff
More often than not, first stop on the Rockies road trip is Banff, and what a place to start your holiday in Alberta. Whether you are staying in the town itself or just outside, a more delightful collection of independent restaurants, cafes, craft breweries, distilleries and shops would be hard to find. Stop in at the Rocky Mountain Soap Company to stock up on locally made beauty and health products, grab a bag of freshly popped toffee pop-corn from Mary’s, enjoy a stone-baked pizza from the Bear Street Tavern and treat the sweet tooth to a COW’S ice cream on the way home.
Beyond the town itself, a world of adventure awaits in the National Park beyond. Visit the Johnston Canyon to enjoy a journey into the geology of the surrounding area, head to Lake Louise for the day and hike to one of the hidden tea-houses beyond the lake. On the way home, take a quick detour down the valley of the ten peaks to catch a glimpse of the astounding Moraine Lake, which in our humble opinion, offers one of the most impressive vistas in the area. From hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking in the summer to skiing, snowboarding and skating in the winter, your Alberta adrenaline rush starts here.
Best time to visit Alberta
The below weather chart showcases Alberta's spring, summer and autumn months. For ski and snowbirds, the season runs from December through to March. Due to its mountain-clad inland location, Alberta receives some of the world's best snow conditions. However, it can also get incredibly cold, with temperatures regularly dropping down to -15°C. The ski resorts of Banff, Lake Louise and Revelstoke are our favourites. Self-drive holidays in the winter months are only recommended for confident drivers, as conditions can be very icy.
Suggested itineraries for Alberta
The Rocky Mountaineer
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Discover Western Canada
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Best of British Columbia
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The Ultimate Round the World Adventure
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California Cool Meets Tahitian Bliss
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Cook Islands and Los Angeles
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Enjoy the laid-back Cook Islands followed by city chic in Los Angeles.
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Ultimate California
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Coastal California
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New York City Sights & Mexican Delights
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View ItineraryWhere to Stay in Alberta
Le Germain Hotel, Calgary
Sister to Le Germain in Toronto, Hotel Le Germain Calgary is a stylish property, in the heart of the city, offering an oasis of serenity for all those who stop to explore this vibrant metropolis.
Forest Park, Jasper
Forest Park Hotel offers a cosy and comfortable place to rest your head whilst exploring the wilderness of Jasper National Park. Located in downtown Jasper, with restaurants, breweries and coffee shops on your doorstep, Forest Park is the ideal location for guests arriving by train or car. The rooms are simple but brilliantly appointed.
The Malcolm, Canmore
The trendy and lesser known town of Canmore is the Banff area’s best kept secret. And, what’s more its home to The Malcolm, a boutique bolthole, just a five-minute walk from downtown. Chic accommodation and breathtaking mountain views make for the ultimate first or last stop on a Rockies road trip adventure.
Moraine Lake Lodge, The Rockies
Nestled in a spectacular valley in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake Lodge provides the ultimate romantic getaway for those seeking a luxurious escape. The architecture of Banff lodge embraces the dramatic beauty of Banff National Park that surrounds the lodge. From here you can explore all that nature has to offer or take short drives to spectacular sites like Lake Louise and the picturesque town of Banff.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge, The Rockies
If your vision of being in the Rockies is one of remoteness, of being surrounded by nature and staying slightly further from the well-trodden tourist track, then Cathedral Mountain Lodge, in the heart of Yoho National Park, is the hidden gem for you.
Moose Hotel & Suites, Banff
From the moment you step through the lobby doors at Moose Hotel & Suites, you know you’re in the mountains. The hotel’s lodge style interior is alpine-style and log-clad, warmed by a large crackling fire and comfy armchairs, ready and waiting for weary travellers to sink into after a long day of fresh air fun in the mountains.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper
Located just outside the sleepy mountain town of Jasper, at the northern end of the Rockies, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is an iconic part of Canadian mountain history.
Alberta travel inspiration
Caffeine Fix: Vancouver
There’s nothing quite like a finding a good coffee shop. The buzz of the bar without the sticky floors, the concept of a trendy restaurant without the formality of menus, table service and long, hungry waits. It is truly mind-blowing …
Lizzie Heeley
20 Nov 20193 mins read
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Stuart Matthews
Tailormade Specialist
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