Holiday Gift Guide: Alberta’s Best Travel Experiences

It can be challenging to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list, but why not think outside the box and give them something truly unforgettable? Alberta is chock-full of giftable experiences, whether it’s a getaway to the mountains, a luxurious spa escape, a foodie tour or a nature adventure. These gifts definitely won’t be re-gifted.

For the Outdoor Enthusiast

Alberta is a veritable playground for anyone who loves spending time in the great outdoors. The landscape is vast and varied, from the rolling prairies to the otherworldly badlands and the soaring peaks of the Canadian Rockies. There are endless ways to explore, and one of the best ways to do it is with the help of a local expert.

Dog sledding is a unique mode of winter transportation and a seriously fun way to take in the snowy scenery. Howling Dog Tours in Canmore and Banff offer a two-hour tour or a half-day tour led by an experienced guide and a team of enthusiastic sled dogs that participants will get to interact with.

Try a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Boundary Ranch if your gift recipient prefers a more relaxed pace. There are rides available for families, private excursions and even romantic rides for two. Boundary Ranch is a year-round destination for horse- and nature-lovers, too, with trail rides of varying lengths and adventure activities like dog carting and white water rafting.

For the truly adventurous, take them to new heights on a heli-tour with Alpine Helicopters. Tours treat visitors to breathtaking birds-eye views of some of the most sought-after sights in Canmore and the Canadian Rockies. The new Stoney Nakoda Sightseeing Tours have been designed with Indigenous cultures in mind, while the heli-adventure options take visitors into untouched territory for heli-skiing and hiking.

Back on ground level, explore tours that highlight the wildlife of the Canadian Rockies (including tours with Indigenous guides), guided ice walks in iconic locations like Maligne Canyon and Johnston Canyon or tours that share the wonders and stories of the night sky.

For the Foodie

Think beyond the restaurant gift card when it comes to the foodie in your life. The culinary scene in Alberta is world-class, so give a gift that shows it off.

Alberta Food Tours is a go-to destination for culinary experiences. Some of the most popular options include Eat the Castle, which tours participants through the delectable dining at the Fairmont Banff Springs; Iconic Eats of Calgary, a tasting paired with stories about the city’s history, art and culture; or Sweet and Savoury Strathcona, a tasty exploration of Edmonton’s most historic neighbourhood.

Afternoon high tea can be a fun outing for any age, and it’s even better when it’s served alongside views of the Canadian Rockies. The Fairmont Banff Springs — aptly known as the Castle in the Rockies — and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise pull out all the stops for tea time, with tea served alongside a decadent array of sweet and savoury bites.

If you have a cocktail aficionado on your list, why not let them experience making their own spirits? Park Distillery in Banff is known for its award-winning gin and guests can try crafting their own during this intimate tour.

For the Getaway Seeker

A weekend getaway can be the perfect way to give a special someone in your life an opportunity to rest and recharge. Luckily, there are plenty of accommodations in Alberta that will suit different travel styles and budgets.

If a city trip or staycation is in order, the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District has everything a person needs to feel like they’re on vacation — without leaving the hotel. Multiple restaurants, a cocktail lounge and a spa are onsite to treat guests to any indulgence. In Calgary, Hotel Le Germain offers a sleek, modern atmosphere complete with a top-notch spa and an unbeatable location steps from bustling Stephen Avenue.

Even a short time in the Canadian Rockies can leave a person feeling rejuvenated and more connected to nature — and it’s only a short drive or bus ride from Calgary. Kananaskis Country is the closest option, and Mount Engadine Lodge provides all the beauty of the backcountry while still being accessible by car. The all-inclusive lodge is known for stunning scenery, cozy accommodations (including glamping tents) and delicious food. The afternoon charcuterie is not to be missed.

Canmore offers a quieter alternative to Banff, but it’s equally worth visiting. The mountain town is dotted with boutique hotels to become a base camp for exploration. A Bear and Bison Inn, Creekside Villa and Paintbox Lodge are popular choices for charming stays paired with delicious food that showcases local flavours.

For a getaway steeped in culture and history, venture to Métis Crossing. It’s the largest Métis cultural destination in Alberta, and it’s situated on a settlement site that dates back to the 1800s. Guests can experience interpretive programming and cultural exhibits, participate in workshops or outdoor activities and even try Métis food. A new boutique lodge and sky-watching domes are on-site to extend your time there.

For the Theatregoer

Alberta is lucky to have a vibrant live theatre scene, not to mention one of the largest International Fringe Theatre Festivals in the world. High-calibre productions are staged throughout the year, so there’s always something to entertain theatre fans. Explore upcoming shows at Theatre Calgary, the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, the Badlands Amphitheatre near Drumheller or Alberta Theatre Projects in Calgary — just to name a few.

If you’re searching for something to wow a dance enthusiast, the Alberta Ballet has just the ticket. The company hosts multiple productions year-round, from contemporary works to classics like The Nutcracker every holiday season.

For the Relaxation Reveler

You can’t go wrong with the gift of relaxation.

Canmore and Kananaskis are an ideal place to unplug and unwind while surrounded by exceptional mountain scenery. Treat someone to a spa day at Float Canmore with a trio of float therapy, infrared sauna and therapeutic massage. There’s even a date night package available, so it could be a gift for both of you.

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is one of the most sought-after relaxation destinations in the province, and it’s easy to see why. The 50,000-square-foot facility centres around an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit that’s complemented by saunas, a steam cabin, heated hammocks and traditional spa treatments. It’s connected to the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, so you can stay overnight and do it all over again.

But the mountains aren’t the only place you’ll find an oasis. SKA Thermal Spa is the only facility of its kind in Calgary, where it brings hydrotherapy indoors alongside a lineup of spa treatments. Get ready to earn serious points with a special person in your life.