Summer Getaways | Canada's Alberta

Our summers are famous for long, sunny days. The nights are pretty good, too.

Summer in Alberta is a whole new ball game. The buds come out on the trees — and all over the province as friends head off on Outdoor Adventures. Go for a hike, sleep under the stars or paddle a canoe — whatever floats your boat. You can do it all on one of our Summer Road Trips.

The province comes alive with Summer Festivals that offer great food, music and theatre. Combine them with a little Urban Exploration to meet the locals and see a different side of the province.

Featured stories

3 min read

Alberta’s Top 8 Overlooked Lookouts

Many of Alberta’s most stunning sights are overshadowed by a few Insta-famous ones. To inspire you to seek real views over reel views, we’ve gathered our favourite overlooked lookouts throughout the province.

Friends dancing at Nashville North at the Calgary Stampede.

3 min read

Make the Most of Your First Calgary Stampede

First time to the Calgary Stampede? Get insider tips to make the most of your visit, taking in the rodeo, concerts, and an epic 10-day entertainment lineup.

3 min read

Awesome Summer Family Adventures in Kananaskis Valley

Spectacular Kananaskis Valley is just a short drive from Calgary and perfect for all kinds of family fun: hiking, horseback riding, picnic, paddleboarding and camping.

A couple stand up paddle boarding on a river during a hot summers day with a focus on the stream ahead.

4 min read

Where to Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Alberta

Picture yourself stand-up paddleboarding against a breathtaking backdrop. Grab a paddleboard and head to one of Alberta’s lakes and rivers to learn or perfect your skill.

Couple walking along the trails in Horseshoe Canyon

Outdoor Adventures

Can we see you outside for a second?

OK, this might take longer than a second. Alberta’s parks, landscapes and vistas put the “great” in Great Outdoors. Hop on a bike, go for a hike, play a little golf or see the animals — there are many ways to fill our sunny days.

See all Outdoor Activities

Biking

View from a sled a team of dogs is pulling on a snow covered trail beside a river.

Dog Sledding

Hiker looking out over a beautiful mountain and lake view

Hiking

Ice Skating

Northern Lights & Stargazing

Skier in fresh powder at a steep angle, mountains in the background, skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park

Skiing & Snowboarding

Snowshoeing

Tour group taking photos from inside a tour bus of mountain goats on the highway in Jasper National Park.

Wildlife Viewing

Did you know?

Alberta has 11 distinct regions and plenty to see. Head for the foothills, elevate in the mountains or go flat out on the Prairies.

Explore Alberta’s regions

View of Abraham Lake and Allstone Peak from the David Thompson Highway in the Rocky Mountains near Nordegg.

Summer road trips

Get your motor running with an Alberta road trip.

Roll down the windows, crank up the tunes and cruise into the heart of Alberta’s stunning landscape on an unforgettable adventure.

People walking on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Discover roadside attractions and natural wonders

Hit the open road and take in sights ranging from quirky to jaw-dropping.

Explore Sightseeing & Attractions

Explore quaint shops, outdoor malls and artisan markets

Find a one-of-a-kind souvenir made by a one-of-a-kind Alberta artisan.

View Shopping

Couple enjoying beers and apps on the patio at Pass Beer.

Sample local ingredients and savour local hospitality

Alberta’s chefs take full advantage of our bountiful farms and ranches to create delicious and memorable meals.Explore Food & Drink

Explore Food & Drink

Need directions? We have summer road trips and suggested itineraries that are perfect for any length of stay.

Explore all road trips

A group of people sit on a hill overlooking the city skyline at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Summer festivals

Find fun in the sun at a great Alberta festival.

Albertans know how to have fun at any time of the year. But we really get moving in the summer. Festivals pop up all over the province, giving you the chance to sample great music, theatre and food and drink.

There are big name attractions like the Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival (North America’s oldest and largest) and the Calgary Stampede, the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. But there are also many smaller events that offer intimate encounters with artists. Check out our events calendar for a complete list of summer events.

See Festivals & Events

Friends placing a blanket down at the Calgary Folk Festival — Music lovers flock to Prince’s Island Park for the Calgary Folk Music Festival.

Closeup of Chuckwagon Driver during Rangeland Derby — Nightly chuckwagon races provide thrills at the Calgary Stampede.

Indigenous performer at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival — Alberta’s festivals celebrate Indigenous culture and traditions.

Fireworks over Edmonton — Edmonton’s skyline gets a splash of colour at Canada Day celebrations.

Two men walk a dog down path with downtown buildings in the background.

Urban exploration

Discover dynamic cities and find a surprise around every corner.

Life within the city limits offers unlimited fun. Bring your comfy shoes and hit the trails and sidewalks in our cities and towns. You’ll find a wealth of attractions and outdoor activities. You’ll also get a little fresh air and a lot of Alberta hospitality.