Visit Alberta’s Amazing Attractions This Summer

Picture waking up in a natural paradise of mountain peaks, rugged mountain landscapes, wild elk and mountain sheep, pristine blue/green alpine lakes, to venture out on thrilling hiking trails that are on everyone’s bucket list.

Picture modern hotels with comfortable spas, swimming pools, and mountain views. See yourself strolling through the world’s biggest indoor mall, viewing towering dinosaurs, or taking a cable car ride up 4,000 to view a Canadian Rocky Mountain vista.

A Complete Canadian Nature Vacation

There are many reasons to visit the Province of Alberta, one of the jewels of Canada.

Listed below are some of the premium quality tourist experiences you might choose from. Having lived in Alberta for 10 years, I can attest to the magnificence of its geography and great towns and cities. Given Americans are looking for a North American staycation this year, they’ll be intrigued by what Canada might offer. Banff National Park is the most sought after destination, but this province has much more to offer.

Canada and Alberta welcome our southern neighbors this summer to an experience unlike anything in the US. There’s little need to travel to Alaska, when the Canadian Rockies offer a more comfortable experience just north of the border. Combine your immersion in wildlife and nature with a friendly Canadian culture perfect for a relaxing, carefree and safe vacation for your group or family.

Alberta, Canada, offers a rich, diverse, vacation adventure for every type of traveler.  You’ll be delighted with its modern cities, stunning rolling landscapes and mountains, and its rich Western Canadian cultural heritage.  Most travelers come here for the hiking and mountain climbing, along with tours of popular attractions. If you’re traveling solo, you’ll appreciate the many interpretative tour services where you can meet fellow travelers from across Canada and the world.

Families, groups, seniors and solo American visitors planning a summer trip are in for a vacation treat. From the world’s best dinosaur museum to the beautiful Alpine lakes to major league sports, this province lets you immerse in nature that will definitely impact how you see yourself and your world. This is where transformation happens.  Some couples will arrive for a wedding or romantic honeymoon while others come for Xtreme sports adventures. Banff and Lake Louise Vacations are a special travel adventure for sure.

You’ll have more than a week’s worth of incredible must-visit destinations and attractions that will deliver once-in-a-lifetime thrills and experiences an unforgettable experience. Enough of the hype and introductions, let’s get right to the best tourist attractions you’ll be visiting:​

1. Banff National Park: Canada’s oldest national park, renowned for its majestic mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. ​The park extends for hundreds of kilometers covering a wide swath of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, a much different experience than the Colorado Rocky Mountains or Yosemite Park. The area is easily accessed via the TransCanada highway which connects Vancouver to Calgary.

1. • Johnson Canyon is a spectacular canyon side walking path that might be the peak of your trip, unless you’re a hiker and discover the trails above Lake Louise, which offer a Switzerland-like nature experience.
   • Moraine Lake lis ocated just south of Lake Louise, 30 km north Banff town offers spectacular views of glacier fed turquoise/jade water for an unforgettable panorama.
   • Chateau Lake Louise is one of Canada’s castles and one of the premier hotels in Alberta. You’ll likely see elk, moose, buffalo, and plenty of other wildlife on your visit. The kids will be thrilled.
   • Canmore: The town of Canmore to the south is a thriving, modern mountain community but has a calmer more gentle atmosphere with lots of nearby hiking.
   • Lake Louise: Famous for its turquoise waters set against the backdrop of the Victoria Glacier, offering opportunities for canoeing and some of the world’s best hiking. The area offers world-class powder snow skiing as well.

2. Town of Banff Alberta

• Banff Springs Hotel – the jewel of the Rockies, it is Canada’s grandest hotel with a museum inside showing the hotel’s history and famous guests. Stay here and you’ll feel like royalty with its spas, high-end shops, and unique Canadian styled restaurants with unforgettable views.
• Banff Gondola – Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies and there is a splendid restaurant at the top.
• Banff Upper Hot Springs – Relax in a large natural thermal pool with awesome mountain views.
• Bow Falls – A picturesque waterfall near Banff town, great for a short scenic walk.
• Tunnel Mountain – A moderate hike offering aerial views of Banff and the Bow River Valley.
• Lake Minnewanka – A large glacial lake perfect for boating, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
• Cave and Basin National Historic Site – The birthplace of Canada’s national park system, with interactive exhibits and natural thermal springs.
• Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies – Showcases Banff’s history, rocky mountain wildlife, pioneer and mountaineering heritage including Swiss mountain guides.
• Banff Avenue – The main street is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and souvenir shops for a relaxed and interesting days of leisure and strolling.

3.  Sunshine Village: A premier Alberta ski resort that transforms into a mountaintop (7200 feet altitude) hiking paradise during the summer months, located near Banff.

4.  Jasper National Park: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the serene Maligne Lake.

• Jasper SkyTram carries you to an elevation of 2,263 metres (7,425 feet) in a matter of minutes. Once there, you’ll have the freedom to explore boardwalks and soak in stunning panoramic views of Jasper and several mountain ranges.

5.  Icefields Parkway: A scenic drive connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and valleys. ​

6.  City of Calgary:

• Calgary Stampede: Dubbed “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” this annual July event is a city wide party featuring free food booths in communities, bronc and bull riding rodeos, country and western music concerts, and Western heritage cultural exhibitions, celebrating Calgary’s rich and pioneering past.

• Bow River: Calgary’s mountain-fed river cuts through the center of the city winding through neighborhoods, parks and downtown Calgary. There are amazing viewpoints of the Bow River and spectacular downtown Calgary on the northside hills. Cyclists will revel in the bike paths that line the entire length of the river from south to north in the city.
• Calgary Tower: Standing at 190 meters, the tower offers panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountains. The glass-floored observation deck provides a thrilling perspective of downtown Calgary. ​
• Heritage Park Historical Village: Canada’s largest living history museum, this park showcases life from the 1860s to the 1950s with historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and vintage transportation. ​
• Calgary Zoo: Home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, the zoo emphasizes conservation and education, making it a family-friendly destination. ​
• Glenbow Museum: This museum offers an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts, providing insights into Western Canada’s culture and heritage. ​
• Prince’s Island Park: Located on the Bow River, this urban park is perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, and hosts various festivals during the summer months. ​
• Stephen Avenue Walk: A pedestrian mall in downtown Calgary, it features historic buildings, shopping, dining, and entertainment options. ​
• WinSport Canada Olympic Park: Site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, visitors can engage in activities like zip-lining, mountain biking, and bobsleigh rides. ​
• The Military Museums: A comprehensive complex dedicated to Canada’s military history, showcasing artifacts and exhibits from various branches of the armed forces.
• Calgary’s Food Scene: The city boasts a vibrant culinary landscape, with a mix of international cuisines and local specialties. Exploring neighborhoods like Kensington and Inglewood reveals a variety of dining options.
• Elbow River Casino: Voted Calgary’s best casino, enjoy the best Vegas-style gaming, excellent dining options and world-class entertainment, near downtown Calgary, Calgary Stampede and the Calgary Saddledome home to the NHL’s Calgary Flames.
• Professional Sports Teams: The Calgary Flames (NHL), Calgary Stampeders are the citiy’s professional sports teams. If you’re visiting in fall or winter, take in a game.

7.  Takkakaw Falls in Yoho National Park – Only only about 25 miles north of Lake Louise is the impressive 800-foot high waterfall reminiscent of those in Yosemite National Park in California.  Visitors can walk to a marvelous basin area where the falls plummets into with its spray and magnificent cliff features.

8.  West Edmonton Mall: North America’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, featuring a giant water park, skating rink, and thrill ride amusement park, where you’ll enjoy shopping for anything your heart desires in 800 retail stores.

9.  Drumheller and the Royal Tyrrell Museum: Known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” the Royal Tyrell Museum is home to an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils. You might take a side trip to the nearby Alberta badlands, a unique landscape of sculpted sandstone, wind-carved hoodoos and vast canyons, perfect to dazzle any child’s imagination.

10.  Waterton Lakes National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site where the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains, offering stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

11. Athabasca Falls: A powerful waterfall located in Jasper National Park, known for its force and picturesque surroundings. ​

12.  Lethbridge’s Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden: A tranquil garden celebrating Japanese culture and the contributions of Japanese Canadians. ​

13.  Crowsnest Pass: A historic mountain pass offering hiking, history, and stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks. ​

14.  Elk Island National Park: A refuge for bison, elk, and over 250 bird species, ideal for wildlife viewing and stargazing. ​

15.  Kananaskis Country: A network of parks and recreational areas offering hiking, mountain biking, and camping opportunities as well as the Kananaskis Lodge Resort.

16.  Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: A UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture. ​

17.  Sylvan Lake: A popular summer destination known for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and water sports. ​

A vacation in Alberta might be the right choice for 2025. For American visitors, the Canadian USD/CAD exchange rate is very favorable allowing you to enjoy better accommodations, cuisine and more attractions!  There’s much more to do than what is listed here, and you will read about them here.

Check out the Calgary real estate market, an affordable one in a province blessed with a thriving oil and gas export sector.  Are hoping to move to Calgary. Find out what you need to know. If you’re driving to Calgary, check out gas prices, CAD/USD exchange rate, and ensure your car insurance is up to date.

Have a great time on this epic vacation experience in Canada!