There’s nothing like an Alberta road trip. Travel from bustling cities to the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, with plenty to discover in-between.
This itinerary is great for outdoor enthusiasts and travellers who enjoy learning about local culture.
At a glance
- 12 day itinerary
- 1696 km (1054 mi) total distance
- 24 hrs 41 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Calgary
Calgary Tower
Take in a 360-degree view of Calgary from the top of the Calgary Tower. Venture onto the glass floor to see the city streets below, and learn all about the city’s history and landmarks on the multimedia tour.
Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo
Visit more than 900 animals from five different continents. The world-class, 120-acre zoo includes the Canadian Wilds, Destination Africa, Land of Lemurs, Penguin Plunge, Eurasia, Prehistoric Park, Dorothy Harvie Botanical Gardens and the ENMAX Conservatory.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Step back in time and learn all about the history of Western Canada from 1850 to 1950 at one of the largest living-history museums in Canada. Don’t miss the vintage Ferris wheel, Calgary’s only paddlewheel ship, the steam train, First Nations area and Gasoline Alley.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Check out neighbourhoods like Stephen Avenue and Inglewood while you’re in town.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has held significance for Indigenous Peoples for more than 6,000 years. It’s also one of the oldest and best-preserved buffalo jumps in the world. Take a guided tour and stop by the interpretive centre.
Prince of Wales Hotel
This historic hotel, built in 1927, sits atop a bluff overlooking Waterton Lakes, and it maintains its vintage charm today. Spend the night or stop by for a cocktail overlooking the lake and a delicious meal at the Royal Stewart Dining Room.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Try the Bear’s Hump hike in Waterton. The trailhead is across from the Prince of Wales Hotel and the view is unbeatable.
Cameron Falls
You don’t even have to leave town to see a waterfall. Cameron Falls is one of the most easily accessible natural attractions in Waterton.
Red Rock Canyon
Mountains and prairies meet in the Blakiston Valley. This is a popular spot for family picnics, and the unmistakable red canyon has a mountain stream running through it. Walk the self-guided trail that loops around the canyon to take it all in.
Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co.
Take a cruise on the deepest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and visit two countries in one day. Waterton is an International Peace Park, and the cruise crosses into the United States. Watch for wildlife along the shore. It’s not uncommon to spot black bears or moose.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Don’t leave Red Rock Canyon without walking the short trail to Blakiston Falls.
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Live like a real cowboy at one of the longest-standing ranches in Alberta. You’ll get to visit farm animals, 100-year-old barns, a traditional cookhouse and more. Visit the Stoney Nakoda encampment to learn about the important contributions of Indigenous Peoples to ranching in Western Canada.
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary educates visitors about wolfdogs, responsible ownership and acts as a dedicated rescue and safe haven. Book the Interactive Tour in advance to get up-close to the wolfdogs or opt for the Intro Tour or Sanctuary Walk, which are drop-in programs.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Stop in Longview at the Longview Jerky Shop. It’s some of the best jerky around.
Alpine Helicopters
See the Canadian Rockies from new heights. Try the Three Sisters Peaks Tour and get a closer view of Canmore’s famous peaks, not to mention unparalleled views of the Sundance Range and Spray Lakes.
Canmore Nordic Centre
This world-class facility hosted the Nordic events during the 1988 Winter Olympics. But you don’t have to be an expert to take advantage of the year-round activities available, like disc golf, roller skiing and mountain biking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Grassi Lakes Trail
Choose your route — easier or more challenging — to see the popular turquoise lakes. The 4-km (2.5-mi) hike is ideal for families and is one of Canmore’s top trails.
Grotto Canyon
Take a short drive out of Canmore to the Grotto Mountain day-use area. From there, you’ll walk about one km (0.62 mi) to reach the creek bed. Walk another kilometre or so as it winds through towering limestone walls. Watch for pictographs thought to be 500 to 1,000 years old near the waterfall.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Hungry? Visit the Grizzly Paw Brewing Company in Canmore.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
The site has been significant to Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. Three railway workers stumbled upon it in 1883, which led to a series of events that created Canada’s first national park. It’s now a place to share stories and connect people to the land.
Banff Gondola
The easiest way to stand on top of a mountain — no hiking required. The gondola whisks you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Explore the boardwalk trail that leads to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and Sulphur Mountain Weather Station. Or relax and soak it all in from Sky Bistro.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Visitors and locals alike have been enjoying the hot springs for more than 100 years. The waters are said to have healing properties, and you won’t want to miss an opportunity to soak in the mineral pools.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Climb aboard and cruise the largest lake in Banff. Take the family-friendly cruise or opt for the adults-only Beer Voyage, where you can sip local craft brews while you take in the view. Watch for wildlife on the shore, too.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Treat yourself to a stay or dinner at the Fairmont Banff Springs, the Castle in the Rockies.
Mt. Norquay
The popular ski resort welcomes visitors all year long. Try the sightseeing chairlift in the summer and visit the Cliffhouse Bistro. If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, take a walk on the Via Ferrata.
Discover Banff Tours
Join Discover Banff Tours for small-group excursions that include sightseeing tours, wildlife tours and glacier adventures.
Banff Trail Riders
Saddle up and discover Banff on horseback. No experience is required to enjoy guided trail rides, completed with barbecue lunch at a cowboy cookout. If you’re feeling adventurous, join an overnight trip to a backcountry lodge.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Unwind at Park Distillery after a day of exploring.
Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola
The popular ski resort offers summertime sightseeing gondola rides. Take a cable 2,085 m (6,840 ft) up and see the famous lake and Victoria Glacier from new heights. You may even spot some wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see grizzlies down below.
Lake Agnes Tea House
Walk along the shore of Lake Louise before hiking the 3.5-km (2.2-mi) trail to the historic tea house, originally built in 1901 as hiking shelter. The teahouse has been serving patrons since 1905. Stop in for afternoon tea or lunch and enjoy the alpine scenery.
Moraine Lake
This glittering lake is surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. You’ve likely seen photos, but it’s even better in-person. Leave time for hiking the surrounding trails or canoeing. Moraine Lake can only be accessed by shuttle.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Stop for a bite at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a front-row seat to the stunning views.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Walk along the glass-floored observation platform suspended 280 m (918 ft) above the Sunwapta Valley. Take in the scenery of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
Athabasca Falls
The Athabasca Falls are among the most powerful in the Canadian Rockies. A stop here makes an ideal pitstop (and photo op) on a drive through the Icefields Parkway. The falls can be viewed safely from several different platforms and walkways.
Jasper SkyTram
Travel 2,263 m (7,424 ft) up Whistlers Mountain and you’ll be greeted by stunning mountain ranges. If it’s a clear day, you can spot Mount Robson in British Columbia. Walk the 1.4-km (0.9-mi) hiking trail to the mountain’s summit and take some time to read the interpretive panels.
Sundog Transportation and Tour Co.
Join expert guides and get to know Jasper National Park. Sundog Transportation and Tour Co. offers wildlife discovery tours, train tours, canoe adventures, sightseeing, guided hikes and even whitewater rafting.
Maligne Canyon
See the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. Maligne Canyon is more than 50 m (164 feet) deep in places, and visitors can choose how far they want to explore. Hiking trails pass over six bridges, and the second bridge marks the highest point in the canyon.
Miette Hot Springs
One of Alberta’s best-kept secrets. The Miette Hot Springs are the hottest in the Canadian Rockies. The water flows from natural hot springs at 54°C (129°F) before being cooled to a comfortable 40°C (104°F) as it enters the hot springs pool.
Fort Edmonton Park
History comes alive through four distinct time periods between 1846 to 1920. Fort Edmonton Park shares western history through costumed interpreters and immersive exhibits, including the Indigenous Peoples Experience.
Art Gallery of Alberta
Contemporary and historical art come together at the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton’s arts district. There’s always something new to see, so check out the current exhibits and tours to plan your visit.
West Edmonton Mall
The largest mall in North America is a must-visit. It’s part entertainment complex, part shopping centre and part adventure park. It spans 48 city blocks and even has a hotel inside. Don’t miss exclusive retailers, the World Waterpark and Galaxyland.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Take a stroll down historic Whyte Avenue for local boutiques and restaurants.
Elk Island National Park
Drive east from Edmonton to Elk Island National Park. The park is a refuge for bison, elk and more than 250 species of birds, and it’s chock-full of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Elk Island is also home to the Beave Hills Dark Sky Preserve.
River Valley Adventure Co.
Hop on a Segway and take a tour through Edmonton’s lush river valley. It’s bigger than Central Park in New York City. River Valley Adventure Co. also offers other equipment rentals including rafts, stand-up paddleboards, mountain bikes and electric bikes.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Drive the Bison Loop Road in Elk Island National Park for a chance to spot wild bison.
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