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... Read More

Top experiences in Alberta

Recent articles

Canada turns 150: top 10 places to celebrate the Sesquicentennial

Canadians know how to throw a party. An annual calendar laced with festivals and holidays has given them plenty of practice for the Big One – the country’s Sesquicentennial. With 150 years under its belt as a nation, Canadians are already planning some of the biggest July 1st Canada Day celebrations the country has ever seen.

Canada celebrates 150 years of confederation in 2017 © Yanis Ourabah / Getty
Korina Miller
Lonely Planet Writer

Celebrating every single season in Calgary

There are few places that embrace the ‘city for all seasons’ moniker better than Calgary. When warm Chinook winds blow in off the Rocky Mountains, the temperature can jump by double digits within hours. Meanwhile, the city enjoys great patches of distinct seasons – everything from true, powdery winters to breezy and carefree summers. Regardless the weather, generations of resilient Calgarians have built up a wide variety of activities that take advantage of every possible temperature twist and turn. Chilly weather brings to life well-groomed ski runs in the Canada Olympic Park, while toasty sunshine invites cold beers on a sunny patio on 17th Avenue.

Calgary skyline. Photo by Rebecca Schortinghuis.
Brendan Sainsbury
Lonely Planet Writer

Travel guides

Starting at $21.99

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Alberta adventures

$749.33 Small group tours

3-Day Sundance Adventure with Horseback

Discover rugged mountain scenery and an abundance of wildlife on this 3-day Sundance Explorer ride. And when the sun sets, you’ll be relaxing in pure backcountry comfort - cowboy style. Follow the historic Storm pack trail, traveled by renowned explorer Erling Storm in the early 1900s, while taking in awe-evoking views of the Sundance mountain range. At night, the cozy Sundance Lodge will give you a surprisingly comfortable spot to rest your head. Snuggle by the fire, devour gourmet backcountry cuisine and swap tales about the day’s adventures with your fellow riders.
$3699 Nature & wildlife

Discover the Canadian Rockies - Westbound

Awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating wildlife are simply everywhere in Western Canada. This 12-day adventure offers the Rocky Mountain highs of crisp Jasper and serene Lake Louise, a scenic ferry crossing to Vancouver Island, a river safari through Grizzly Bear Valley, and a drive along the jaw-dropping Icefields Parkway. Whether you’re walking atop a glacier or meandering the gorgeous streets of Whistler Village, you're discovering some of the most iconic parts of Canada.
$1355.50 Sightseeing tours

4-Day Bicycle Tour through Canadian Rockies

With no roof to restrict your view, this small group, 4-day 300km bicycle tour from Jasper to Banff is an adventure for the body mind and soul. You'll traverse two national parks through the spectacular Icefields Parkway winding between Jasper and Lake Louise. Then cycle the Bow Valley Parkway to your final destination in Banff. You'll enjoy the company of ancient trees and mighty, snow-capped peaks. The calm pace offers ample time to take in views of endless mountains, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and wildlife.
$3899 Nature & wildlife

Discover the Canadian Rockies - Eastbound

Awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating wildlife are simply everywhere in Western Canada. This 12-day adventure offers the Rocky Mountain highs of crisp Jasper and serene Lake Louise, a scenic ferry crossing to Vancouver Island, a river safari through Grizzly Bear Valley, and a drive along the jaw-dropping Icefields Parkway. Whether you’re walking atop a glacier or meandering the gorgeous streets of Whistler Village, you're discovering some of the most iconic parts of Canada.
$2499 Nature & wildlife

National Parks of the Canadian Rockies Eastbound

Vancouver’s North Coast Mountains are just the appetizer for this journey from the Pacific Coast to the Canadian Rockies. Beginning in beautiful Vancouver, travellers will hit the ocean in search of whales before heading east into the enveloping mountain wilderness of Banff and Jasper national parks, where sulphur springs, canoeing excursions, and glaciers older than time abound. And since we camp out most nights, you’re guaranteed maximum natural contact at a minimal price. You might even find yourself face-to-face with a moose, deer, or maybe even a bear. The Great Outdoors – now all yours.
$1093.43 Small group tours

Banff and Jasper 7-Day Hiking Tour

Join a 7-day camping tour in the National Parks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains with several guided hikes on selected beautiful and rewarding trails of the Rockies. You'll experience the most outstanding places in this fabulous landscape not just from the window of a car, but hiking and camping as much as possible away from the roads. Don't worry about planning the details. Your guide has everything arranged, knows the best trails, activities and special places for every season.
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