Canada is an enormous country with lots of things to do, but don’t forget to spend time with the locals in the different areas. They are laid-back people who have a reputation for having fun, so try to make friends during your trip.
Alberta, Canada is known all around the globe, and tourists flock to the province every single year for many reasons. If you are looking to take a trip to a beautiful place packed with enthralling activities for people of all ages, then Alberta might be right up your alley. The incredible area is full of exciting and exotic places.
Whether you are into the snow-capped mountains or you crave the sunny skies, there is something for everyone in Alberta. However, if time isn’t on your side, you will only get the chance to experience a few things while you're there, so let's take a look at some of the best things you can do while visiting the province.
1. Calgary Stampede
If you find yourself in Alberta during the month of July, don’t miss out on the Calgary Stampede. Over one million people all wearing cowboy gear show up for the annual event to celebrate the Wild West. There are lots of things happening during the event, including the world famous rodeo tournament.
Although the locals love the Calgary Stampede, people from all over the world are welcome to join in with the celebrations. International visitors seem to thoroughly enjoy the unique festival. It embraces Canada's Western heritage, and there are plenty of food stalls set up, live concerts, fairgrounds, agricultural exhibitions, and several competitions being held everyday during the festival. It is a superb family event that you and your loved ones will never forget!
The ten-day event takes place in the Canadian Rockies. The city has lots of dining options and a great nightlife, especially during the Calgary Stampede. However, because so many people visit the city for the celebrations, accommodation is often hard to find. Don’t expect to show up without anything booked and find a place to stay. Visitors are advised to book hotel rooms well in advance.
2. Go skiing
It's no secret that most Canadians love skiing. Canada has a glowing reputation for being one of the best countries to go skiing on the planet. There are several ski locations throughout Alberta worth checking out. With long winters and modern facilities, it's no wonder so many tourists travel each year to these picturesque landscapes. Alberta has an extremely long winter. Alberta’s ski season starts in November and ends in May, depending on the snowfall.
One of the most popular areas for skiing is the Banff National Park. Within the park, there are three main resorts, all of which are world class. Choosing between Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mount Norquay isn’t easy, because they are all incredible!
Calgary International Airport is approximately one and a half hours drive from the Banff National Park. Of course, you can rent a car but should have no issues finding shuttle busses available at the airport. There are several ski rental stores and reputable ski instructors available in the area, so don’t worry about not having any ski experience or ski equipment.
3. Visit Lake Louise
If you enjoy the great outdoors, you are going to love Lake Louise. This magnificent spot attracts domestic and international travelers each year. You can spend your time hiking around the area or you can relax while embracing this jaw dropping location. Take a scenic drive around Icefields Parkway or spend the afternoon canoeing on its tranquil waters. If you enjoy the cold and heavy snow, you should consider visiting the area in the winter, but most people prefer it in the late spring and summer.
If you visit Lake Louise during the spring or summertime, don’t forget to stop off at the Crowfoot Glacier. During the warmer months, you will get the opportunity to see lots of wildflowers growing in the area. If you get lucky, you might get to see wild black bears, foxes, coyotes, bighorn sheep, goats, or cougars who all live there.
Although there are a lot of tour buses that take tourists to Lake Louise, you should consider renting a vehicle. By renting a car you will be able to go at your own pace, and spend as much time as you like visiting the different mountains and lakes. If you sign up for a guided tour you might find yourself rushing through Lake Louise.
4. Visit Edmonton
If you are not keen on the great outdoors, there are several fun things to do in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta. You can find top class accommodation here, along with great bars and restaurants.
If you love to shop, then don’t miss out on a trip to West Edmonton Mall. At the moment, it is the largest mall in North America, so you are bound to find something that you like. There are lots of well-known sports arenas worth visiting too, including Rogers Place and the Commonwealth Stadium. If you are lucky, you might get a chance to see the local ice hockey team in action, the Edmonton Oilers.
5. Take a helicopter tour
The Rocky Mountains are incredible to look at, but seeing these majestic mountains from the sky is something you should not miss out on, even if you are afraid of heights. Taking in these beautiful sights from above will be an unforgettable experience. You will see how expansive the mountain range really is inside a helicopter. There are several tour companies within Alberta that take people up to different areas around the Rocky Mountains, so it might be worth your while shopping around. Experienced pilots in the area have a reputation of making nervous passengers feel at ease, so don’t hesitate to tell them that you are feeling nervous.
Most tours last around 30 minutes, and there are at least four different trips available.
6. Columbia icefields skywalk
Adrenaline junkies will without a shadow of a doubt enjoy the Columbia Icefields Skywalk. The famous cliff-edge walkway is over 900 feet above the Athabasca River valley. While walking across the glass panels, the walkway seems to move at the same time, so it isn’t for the faint-hearted. The structure of this unique walkway was designed specifically to move while people walked on it, but it can be a terrifying experience. However, if you can handle it might prove to be one of the most thrilling experiences of your life.
At a glance, it might not look safe, but it is perfectly fine to bring young children across the walkway. It is vital that you buy your tickets for the Skywalk before your visit, because they must be purchased in advance.
7. Horseback riding
Another family friendly activity is horseback riding. There are several horseback riding companies that bring customers around the Jasper National Park. You don’t need any riding experience, as their instructors will show you and all of your family what to do. Riding a horse can be a lot of fun, and taking in the incredible surrounding Jasper National Park has to offer is an added bonus. The instructors are well-known for entertaining their customers to make the day even more fun. You can expect plenty of stories about the Wild West, and don’t be surprised if they show up dressed in a cowboy outfit!
Conclusion
Canada is an enormous country with lots of things to do, but don’t forget to spend time with the locals in the different areas. They are laid-back people who have a reputation for having fun, so try to make friends during your trip.
