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Rocky Mountaineer passing through Banff National Park.

Rocky Mountaineer passing through Banff National Park.

Why visit 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. They're majestic, breathtaking, awesome. No one should leave without first laying eyes on Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield, nor before traveling east to the fossil-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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Vancouver Island’s Coastal Charm, Provincial Parks, and Wilderness Wildlife

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Top places to visit in Alberta

Discover the best attractions in Alberta from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Travel Guides

Alberta travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Things to Know

Shimmering turquoise lakes, epic mountain vistas and outstanding outdoor activities – Kananaskis Country has all the action of Banff with fewer crowds.


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Best Road Trips

When the snow flies and Alberta, Canada, freezes, the ski hills open, the lakes turn to rinks, and the province is transformed into a winter wonderland.


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