Welcome to Alberta
Alberta does lakes and mountains like Rome does cathedrals and chapels, but without the penance. For proof head west to Jasper and Banff, two of the world’s oldest national parks; despite their wild and rugged terrain, they remain untrammeled and easily accessible. No one should leave this mortal coil without first laying eyes on Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield – and think twice about dying before you’ve traveled east to the dinosaur-encrusted badlands around Drumheller, south to the Crypt Lake trail in Waterton Lakes National Park, and north to spot bison in the vast, empty northern parklands.
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Alberta activities
Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Day Trip from Banff
This is a great excursion for anyone who loves incredible scenery. Journey along the Bow Valley Parkway as you head for Emerald Lake. At Emerald Lake, enjoy a quick yet delightful lunch before making your way to Victoria Glacier, Moraine Lake, and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. As you cross the Great Divide into Yoho National Park via the scenic Kicking Horse Pass, stop at the Spiral Tunnels. Then it's on to the magnificent Yoho Valley and Takakkaw Falls before returning to Banff in the late afternoon. This tour is seasonal and only operates from June through to October.
Columbia Icefield with Glacier Skywalk from Banff
The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. The Icefields Parkway runs from Banff National Park into Jasper National Park and is one of the most scenic drives in Canada. Visit Lake Louise, the icon of the Canadian Rockies, before your spectacular journey along the Icefields Parkway. At Lake Louise stand on its emerald green shores with a picture perfect view of the Victoria Glacier. With photographic stops at Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake, you head towards the impressive view at the Big Hill. On this guided tour learn about the unique ecosystem and the creation of the glaciers you experience on your way to the Columbia Icefield. After your ride on the all-terrain Ice Explorer, there is time to visit the Glacier Gallery, restaurant or gift shop at the Icefields Centre. Return to Banff in the late afternoon This tour is seasonal and only operates from May through to October.
Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley and Medicine Lake
After pickup from your Jasper hotel, you’ll travel by comfortable coach with an experienced local guide into Jasper National Park. You’ll stop first at Maligne Canyon where a short walk takes you across two bridges over a 165 foot (50m) deep gorge that has been carved into the limestone. Catch great views of the waterfalls spilling into the canyon below as you explore the area with your guide, who will share information about the geology and wildlife in the area. After checking out Maligne Canyon, you’ll continue to drive to Medicine Lake, taking a gorgeous road that winds through a dramatic mountain and forest landscape. Medicine Lake is famous for ‘vanishing’ every summer, the result of an extensive underground karst system — one of the largest in the world.From Medicine Lake you’ll follow the road to gorgeous Maligne Lake where you’ll have a choice of a boat cruise to Spirit Island or a 2-mile (3.2km) guided hike on an easy and level trail. If you choose the hiking option, you’ll follow your guide on the Mary Schaffer Loop trail, which skirts the shore of Maligne Lake to a beautiful viewpoint with interpretive displays and benches before continuing into the trees and back to your starting point. If you take the boat cruise, you’ll board a comfortable enclosed boat with large windows for a scenic tour on Maligne Lake. Your boat will stop at Spirit Island, a small gem in the lake, where you’ll have time for photos and a short stroll.Throughout the day, your guide will explain the natural and human history of the area and will keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that lives here. Sightings may include bear, deer, caribou, wolves, moose, bighorn sheep, bald eagles and osprey, among the many animals of Jasper National Park. At the end of your tour, you will be returned to your Jasper hotel.
Banff City Sightseeing Tour
See spectacular scenery as you learn the history of the birthplace of Canada's Banff National Park. Find out what the beautiful Bow Valley has to offer during your stay. This morning excursion takes you up the mountain tops aboard the Banff Gondola. Whether from the 360-degree view deck or the 0.6-mile (1-km) boardwalk, you'll discover views to last a lifetime. Then along Tunnel Mountain Drive for views of Banff, Cascade Mountain, Mt Rundle and Bow Falls. Finally ending the day before heading back at Lake Minnewanka. This tour is seasonal and only operates from May through to October.
Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Day Trip from Calgary
From Calgary, travel the open prairie up into the foothills that lead to the Canadian Rockies. In Banff National Park, you'll journey the Bow Valley Parkway. Enjoy a quick lunch at Emerald Lake before making your way to Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise. Time will be provided at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise before moving on to Moraine Lake, in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Crossing the Great Divide into Yoho National Park via the scenic Kicking Horse Pass, pause at the Spiral Tunnels and enjoy a walk through the paths of Takakkaw Falls. Return to Calgary in the evening after a full day exploring the scenic sights of the Canadian Rockies. Please note: This tour is seasonal and only operates from May through to September.
Maligne Lake Cruise
Jasper National Park is the largest national parks in the Canadian Rockies and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Imposing granite peaks circle a wonderland of cascading waterfalls, lush forest, hot springs, and diverse wildlife such as caribou, moose, elk, deer, wolf and bear. At the heart of the encompassing park lies one of the true treasures of the Canadian Rockies - Maligne Lake and Spirit Island. Your 90-minute cruise of the lake starts dockside near the Maligne Lake Boathouse and Chalet. Boats leave approximately on the hour and your ticket is good for any trip during your selected day. After boarding, you will pull away from the dock and be treated to a fully narrated, interpretative tour of the area's unique history and special ecology. Each boat is glass enclosed and fully heated, ensuring you will stay warm while experiencing majestic views throughout the trip. From Spirit Island, which is only accessible by boat near the center of the lake, you will be treated to some of the most spectacular views found anywhere in the world. Jagged, snow-capped peaks ring a lake of vibrant blue water and ancient forest. Wildlife regularly prowl the shoreline, so keep your camera close and your senses alert as you scan the area for the eagles, bears and deer that call this area home. Expert and amateur photographers alike will be treated to incredible opportunities to attempt to document the natural splendor surrounding them, all the while recognizing that no photograph can do justice to the alpine scenery surrounding them. Each cruise last approximately 90 minutes, after which you will return to the boathouse where you can grab a warm beverage or bite to eat from the nearby lodge and chalet. You can stay as long as you like, relaxing while you take in the view from the shoreline, or you can walk back to the parking lot to pick up your car and head off on your next adventure.