Canada consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories, which is a lot of ground to cover if you are looking to explore the United States’ neighbor to the north, but if you are looking for one province to start with, check out Canada’s wild side – Alberta.
Located in Western Canada, Alberta is boarded by the breathtaking Canadian Rocky Mountains to the west and rolling prairies to the east. Vast and varied in both landscape and experiences, Alberta is covered in parks, wildlands, and even UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
If you plan on visiting Alberta, Canada here is everything to do, eat, and see while you are there. Cities and towns covered include Edmonton, Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise.
Special Note: You may be familiar with Jasper as it experienced a massive wildfire in the summer of 2024. Luckily, the majority of the town survived as did a good portion of the national park. However, part of the town and the national park did unfortunately suffer from the fire. Do not let this affect your travel plans though. The town of Jasper and the national park are all open for business and ready for visitors. Now, more than ever, the town of Jasper needs the support of tourists and visitors alike, so no matter where your Alberta adventure takes you, be sure to make a stop in Jasper. Between boutiques, restaurants, and shops, it is a cute and quaint Canadian mountain town that is well worth the stop.
Getting to Alberta
Depending on where you are located in the world, there may be a direct route to Alberta depending on what city you fly into. Most travelers fly to southern Alberta into larger cities like Calgary and head out on their Canadian adventures from there. Others may fly north and start in smaller cities, like Edmonton, which may require a layover somewhere, so be sure to plan your logistics accordingly. Your Alberta adventure may also require a car rental if you plan on seeing a lot of places and spaces.
What to Do and See in Alberta
Here are some ideas of what you can do and see in Alberta, Canada whether you end up in Edmonton, jump over to Jasper, or bounce over to Banff.
Embrace Your Spiritual Side in Edmonton
If you are looking to connect with your spiritual side, book a salt bowl ceremony with Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions. This time-honored practice purifies energy and space and is designed to cleanse, ground, and rejuvenate the spirit. Through drumming, meditation, and reflection, this experience offers a holistic approach to spiritual wellness. At the end of this ceremony, you will release negative energies, set positive intentions, and immerse yourself in the nurturing warmth of cultural traditions found in Alberta and among the Cree nation.
Enjoy Jasper National Park
The town of Jasper is a hidden mountain gem and can be considered the base of your Alberta adventure. Jasper is home to the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies and is an 11,000-square-kilometer (4,247-square miles) swatch of untamed wilderness. Jasper National Park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park welcomes all those prepared to venture beyond.
Stargaze
Jasper National Park is also one of 17 designated Dark Sky Preserves in Canada and is the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world. If you are interested in stargazing check out some of these recommended spots: Lac Beauvert, Lake Annette, Maligne Lake, and Pyramid Island.
Hike
After a night of stargazing, head out early in the morning for an ice walk with Jasper Hikes and Tours. Grab a helmet and strap on your hiking cleats then head out with your guide to a hidden gem called Pleckaitis Canyon. Carefully walk through the canyon and enjoy the beauty of this water-shaped world.
Afterward, warm up with a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy the views of Medicine Lake. Look out for an eagle’s nest perched high above the lake and check the snow for paw prints from a mom and baby moose or maybe even a prowling lynx after a nighttime hunt.
Sign Up for a Plant Walk
When visiting Jasper, if you decide to book a stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (JPL), inquire about scheduling a Wapakwanis Plant Walk. Led by Cree Knowledge Keeper, Matricia, this leisurely exploration takes a closer look at the food and medicines from Jasper. The enchantment of the land and its medicinal offerings are blended with the practical as you partake in this enlightening experience.
Take a Glacial Plunge
Another wellness activity you can experience at the JPL, is a morning glacial plunge in the crystal-clear waters of Lac Beauvert. Led by an expert and certified cold plunge lead, this icy experience offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a pristine glacial lake while learning specialized breathing techniques.
After bracing the brisk AM dip, indulge in the ultimate relaxation by taking a soak in the outdoor hot tub, where you can bask in the warmth while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. If you are up early enough, you may even catch the sunrise coming up over the horizon and illuminating the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. This contrast therapy experience not only invigorates the body, but also provides a unique way to connect with the natural beauty of Jasper National Park.
Drive the Icefields Parkway to Banff
After spending a few days in Jasper, most travelers head south to Banff. If you need a route consider driving the Icefields Parkway. Stretching 232 kilometers (144 miles) through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this special travel route is known as one of the most beautiful roads in the entire world.
Although the drive to Banff takes about four hours, be sure to factor in time for stops along the way for plenty of pictures. This stretch of highway meanders its way through two national parks, boasting an irreplaceable landscape rich in natural beauty, and offers travelers access to a vast wilderness of pristine lakes and ancient glaciers.
Be sure to check the road conditions and the weather reports before heading out and definitely stop for gas before leaving Jasper. There are no gas stations along this stretch of highway and if there is one, they may be closed depending on the season and time of the year.
Visit Banff and Lake Louise
After you drive the Icefields Parkway to Banff and Lake Louise, you will want to spend a few days there exploring the elements that make the Canadian Rockies a year-round dream destination, which converge in perfect harmony in Banff National Park. Established after railway workers stumbled onto a thermal hot spring, Banff became Canada’s first national park in 1885 and today is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Comprised of 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of maintained trails, enjoy the beauty of Banff and Lake Louise by bike, on foot, or horseback. Don’t forget the winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. The alpine towns of Banff and Lake Louise have all the amenities and everything you need to stay and explore this magical place.
Walk Cascade Ponds
After spending time in the car driving from Jasper to Banff, you may want to stretch your legs and get a gulp of fresh air. If that is you, then head over to Cascade Ponds. With a lovely hiking loop, babbling rivers, and magnificent views of the mountains, cascade Ponds is the perfect place for an afternoon walk out in Mother Nature.
Schedule a Medicine Walk
Even if you scheduled a plant walk in Jasper, take some time to connect with another region of Alberta by taking a tour with Mahikan Trails. This Indigenous Company proudly shares traditional culture and knowledge through their medicine walks. Discuss the gifts of Mother Nature as your Indigenous guide shares the knowledge and traditions of the Boreal Forest.
Spend the day at Lake Louise
Located only a 45-minute drive from Banff, Lake Lousie is known for its pristine glacial blue waters. Spend the day soaking in the sights, taking a hike, or if you really want to immerse yourself, sign up for a forest bathing session with Forest Fix Canada.
Available any time of the year, this rejuvenating wellness experience will help you decrease stress, lower blood pressure, and recalibrate the body and mind to a feeling of wellness and joy. During my winter wellness week, we snowshoed on Lake Louise and the surrounding forest. I highly recommend a winter trek even if you are visiting during the colder months.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
After a day spent in the forest, indulge in the epitome of refined elegance at Fairview Restaurant’s Afternoon Tea. Located in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, savor exquisite teas paired with delicate finger sandwiches and warm scones, all crafted to absolute perfection. Elevate your experience with a glass of Champagne for an unforgettable afternoon spent with family and friends.
Where to Eat in Alberta
In order to fuel all of your Alberta, Canada adventures, you will need some restaurant recommendations. Here is where to stop when traveling through Edmonton, Jasper, and Banff.
Edmonton
If you plan on eating in Edmonton, head over to Fu’s Repair Shop. This hidden speakeasy disguised as a repair shop is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere as well as its cocktails, dumplings, and dim sum. Be sure to come hungry because you will want to order the entire menu.
Another dining option is Bernadette’s. An Indigenous restaurant nestled in the downtown core of Edmonton, this local restaurant serves up seasonal, traditional, and political dishes that evoke memories and comfort.
If you are looking for a good meal and interested in grabbing a drink, drive over to Rig Hand Distillery. The first craft distillery in the greater Edmonton area, this family-based business makes exceptional handcrafted liquor that is locally sourced, produced, and distributed. From alcohol-free options to beer to traditional alcohols, Rig Hand Distillery is a one-stop shop for all of your beverage options. Please remember to drink responsibly and grab a ride share if needed!
Jasper
One of the most delicious spots in Jasper is The Maligne Range. A dining experience here reflects the natural beauty and rich heritage of Jasper. It is also a celebration of Canadian whisky culture. Fun fact: This restaurant used to be an old movie theater. There is even still a movie screen looking out over the restaurant playing black and white images.
The Maligne Range combines cultural cuisine with a bevy of beverages and the food options are delicious. The portions are large, but you will not be complaining about how good they are. This Jasper restaurant offers guests an immersive and refined atmosphere while they eat, drink, and enjoy.
Banff and Lake Louise
If you enjoy a plant-based plate or are looking for something fresh, swing by and grab a bite at Nourish Bistro. Offering Vegan and Vegetarian options, Nourish offers globally inspired plant-based comfort food that is served fresh farm to table. Enjoy an innovative, intimate dining setting, with a unique share-style service. I highly recommend the Trio of Dips featuring three house-made dips (beet hummus, garlic hummus, and baba ghanoush) served with raw veggies and toasted pita.
After a light yet satiating lunch, stop by Jolene’s Tea House for an afternoon tea. All of Jolene’s teas are hand-blended in Banff and are featured at a variety of restaurants and destinations throughout the Canadian Rockies. This locally-owned organic tea company sells beautifully packaged organic teas and local gifts making it the perfect stop for all of those gifts for family and friends back home.
After an afternoon exploring the boutiques of downtown Banff, head over to the Juniper Bistro located at the Juniper Hotel. With beautiful views of Mount Rundle, the Juniper Bistro offers delicious dishes made from scratch by Chef Sergio. Inspired by the local land right outside your doorstep, Juniper Bistro offers many local ingredients and supports local suppliers who share the same care for the planet.
Need some recs? Try the King Oyster mushroom ‘scallops’ for an appetizer. I also recommend the glazed carrots, Brussel sprouts, and fingerling roasted potatoes for side dishes.
If you are looking for some spots in downtown Banff for more dining options, discover Banff’s newest culinary destination, Good Folk, where refined Canadian flavors and an intimate ambiance. This dining escape gives guests an evening of elevated and unforgettable moments. Indulge in a fresh take on classic cocktails and exquisitely prepared dishes, each designed to delight.
For breakfast or brunch, wander over to Farm & Fire, a remarkably simple wood-fired craft kitchen in the heart of Banff. The menu features only the freshest ingredients from local Canadian farmers. Enjoy the warm and open modern dining space while you toast with friends by the warmth of the fire.
Where to Stay in Alberta
After all of this adventuring and eating, you will want some good spots to sleep and stay.
Edmonton
If you find yourself in Edmonton, book a stay at the JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District. Located in the heart of Edmonton in the city’s ICE District, the JW Marriott Edmonton is a quick walk away from many of the city’s bars, restaurants, and speakeasies. If you are a fitness enthusiast, you are in luck. The hotel’s gym is incredibly spacious and equipped with everything you need for your daily sweat session. If you are lucky, you may even run into a professional hockey player getting a quick workout in. You are in the ice district after all! Be sure to head up to the executive lounge for a great view of the city while you enjoy breakfast or a light snack.
Jasper
When staying in Jasper, book a stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Situated in Alberta, Canada’s magnificent Jasper National Park, the Fairmont invites you to experience their Great Canadian Lodge, surrounded by nature and abundant wildlife. This 700-acre year-round luxury mountain resort wraps around the shores of pristine Lac Beauvert and Canada’s #1 Golf Resort. It also has an onsite spa inspired by the energy and beauty of Jasper National Park making it the perfect spot for a rejuvenating afternoon. If you are booking a stay with a larger group, I highly recommend the gorgeous and spacious Ridgeline Cabins. You will never want to check out of this home away from home.
Banff and Lake Lousie
When staying in Banff, book a stay at The Juniper Hotel. This retreat is considered a vintage modernist homebase and is located only mere minutes from downtown Banff. Rooms also have a direct view of Banff’s most popular peak, Mount Rundle.
If you want to stay at an absolutely iconic hotel, book a stay at the picturesque Fairmont Spa Banff Springs. (It seriously looks like it is a castle straight out of a fairytale!) Walk the grounds and check out the historic spot. Grab a drink at the Rundle Bar or sneak into the on-property speakeasy. Choose from countless restaurants or enjoy a spa service at Banff’s best spa. Unwind with spa services to rejuvenate your body and mind, leaving you with a renewed sense of balance and relaxation.
Visiting Alberta, Canada
The next time you plan to visit Canada, consider the province of Alberta. Whether you fly into Edmonton or Calgary, be sure to plan some stops at Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise. If you want more ideas for your next trip, head over to @TravelAlberta, @ExploreEdmonton, @TourismJasper, and @Banff_LakeLouise.
