Choose from 43 Fun Things to Do in Alberta
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 43 listings.
Victoria Glacier
Named after Queen Victoria in 1897, Victoria Glacier created the iconic Lake Louise over 10,000 years ago and continues to feed the lake with the glacial waters that gives it its famous emerald hue.
Located in the heart of the hiking capital of Canada, the 3.4-mile Six Glaciers Trail is a great way to get up close to Victoria Glacier and make your way to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. From the Fairmont Chateau hotel, walk the shoreline trail, where the crowds will thin as you head up to the moraine trail left behind by Lower Victoria Glacier back in the 1850s and out along the high rocky banks of Louise Creek. The hike is quite challenge, taking about seven hours roundtrip, but knowing there’s a cup of hot tea and cake waiting at the tea house helps. Visitors can also take the trail even further past the end of Lake Louise along the Abbot Pass and down onto Mount Victoria itself.
You can also rent kayaks and canoes for a closer peek at Victoria Glacier, which is easily recognizable, nestled in the middle of the Mount Victoria area at the head of Lake Louise. Rock climbers can make their way up the glacier itself, though its deep crevasses and the risk of avalanche mean that it isn’t a climb for beginners.
In summer, popular activities around Lake Louise include horseback riding, rock climbing and taking a peek at the fairytale-like Fairmont Chateau hotel.
Practical Info
The Six Glaciers Tea House is open in July, August and sometimes in September, depending on the weather. Lake Louise is a 40-minute drive from the town of Banff, with regular buses from both Calgary and Banff. There are plenty of hotels in Lake Louise village, which is just a few minutes away from the lake itself.
Address: Lake Louise, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 141
Via Ferrata
Thrill-seekers, listen up! Banff, one of the leading ski destinations in the world, now offers a new mountaineering experience on the cliffs of the Canadian Rockies: Via Ferrata (the Iron Road in Italian). Located in the Mount Norquay ski area, and thus offering splendid views, this exhilarating odyssey takes visitors on rarely-before-seen areas of Banff on a journey that could both be described as terrifying and demanding, but highly satisfying. Led by a certified mountain guide, visitors will make their way up the cliffs assisted by a fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge – and despite popular belief, previous experience is not required to participate in or enjoy Via Ferrata. Experts say that it’s like climbing up a ladder, except this time, the proverbial ladder is the cliffside of Canada’s highest mountain range. Rewards include a rock-your-socks kind of experience, potential encounters with local wildlife (like bighorn sheeps, foxes and elks) and unparalleled panoramas of Banff.
The Via Ferrata routes depart from the Cliffhouse Bistro, a historic and stunning restaurant built in 1950 as a tea house. It now serves scrumptious treats to visitors wishing to relax, unwind, enjoy the splendid view – or in this case, reward their climbing efforts!
Practical Info
Banff is located in the Canadian Rockies in southern Alberta. Explorer route lasts two hours, costs $139 per person and departs four times daily (8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm and at 2:30pm). The Ridgewalker route lasts four hours, costs $169 per person and departs three times daily (8:30am, 10:30am and 12:30pm). Via Ferrata routes are only open in the summertime.
Address: Banff, Canada
Hours: Via Ferrata routes are only open in summertime
Admission: Varies
From $ 136
Tunnel Mountain Drive
Banff’s Buffalo Street transforms into the picturesque Tunnel Mountain Drive at Surprise Corner. It provides a view most visitors know before they’ve even seen it, as the area looks out on Banff’s most famous landmark, the historic Banff Springs Hotel, which has been featured in countless photos. The rest of the driving loop is equally beautiful with panoramic views of Bow Valley as it winds through pristine fir and pine forests. Even though Tunnel Mountain Drive is on the edge of Banff’s town limits, it’s common to see both elk and deer along the route. It’s also possible (especially in the spring and fall) to spot a black or grizzly bear in the area.
Whether jumping out of the car to explore Banff’s hoodoos (impressive geological formations) or to climb to the summit of Tunnel Mountain, the immense beauty of the Canadian Rockies is never far away. It’s even possible to spend the night in the mountain wilderness while remaining within walking distance of downtown. Hotels, cabin rentals, a youth hostel and several campgrounds lie along Tunnel Mountain Drive and most are only a little over a mile from town.
Practical Info
Beginning on Banff’s Main Street, Tunnel Mountain Drive is a three-mile, easy-to-follow scenic drive.
Address: Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 109
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is blue—really blue. Because of its proximity to nearby glaciers, large amounts of glacier flour flow into the lake each summer, and these suspended flour particles–nothing more than ground rock–saturate the lake and give it its spectacular color. And despite its breathtaking surroundings, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park, there are few viewings that rival gazing down at Peyto Lake from the platform just off the Icefield Parkway.
While the five-minute, self-guided interpretive hike to the viewpoint takes in the most spectacular view of the lake, visitors looking for a touch more adventure can hike to the Bow Summit Lookout. This 2.5-hour hike leaves from the highest point on the Icefield Parkway and climbs above the tree line to offer spectacular views of Bow Summit, Observation Peak and Mount Jimmy Simpson. Marmots, picas and ptarmigans are commonly seen along the hike. There are several other spectacular hikes in the nearby area, including Mistaya Canyon and Bow Glacier Falls.
Practical Info
Peyto Lake is located 40 kilometers north of Lake Louise on the Icefield Parkway. It shares a parking area with Bow Summit, which marks both the highest mountain pass in Jasper and Banff National Parks and the second highest paved road in Canada.
Address: Icefield Parkway, Banff, Canada
From $ 84
Calgary Stampede
Billing itself as the greatest outdoor show on earth, you can expect something special at the Calgary Stampede. And with everything you've come to love about rodeos, state fairs, grandstands, concerts and carousels, something special is what you get. Every year since 1923, this ten day event annually attracts more than a million people who come to see what happens when you offer the biggest payouts to rodeo contestants and marry it with chuckwagon races, blacksmithing competitions, midway, markets, dancing, singing, and a heavy native people's participation. It's an event of grand scale that kicks off with an opening parade featuring dozens of marching bands, over 150 floats, clowns, dancers, politicians and business leaders. It's extravagant, beautiful, dusty, and it smells like funnel cake and horses "“ in short, it's the defining event of Calgary, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Practical Info:
The Calgary Stampede takes place around the second week in July at 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2W1, Canada.
Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary AB T2G 2W1, Canada
Admission: General: $16; Children and Seniors: $8
From $ 33
Crowfoot Glacier
The Crowfoot Glacier, named for its three glacier toes that once formed a very visual representation of the black bird's foot, has retreated so much since early explorers discovered and named it that it has actually lost an entire digit. Despite its lost toe, the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint on the Icefield Parkway is still spectacular, especially for northbound travelers due to its position as the first of many up-close viewpoints along the drive.
Opposite this spot is the Helen Lake trailhead. This popular hike is strenuous, but the reward is in the stunning mountain scenery, as the trail crosses a series of alpine meadows covered in summertime wildflowers as it climbs toward Helen Lake. The best views of the Crowfoot Glacier are found further up the trail, but only hikers willing to tackle the steep Helen Lake Headwall will have unobstructed views of the Wapta Icefield, which lies beyond the Continental Divide.
Practical Info
Both the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint and the Helen Lake Trailhead are found 22 miles (35 km) north of Lake Louise on the Icefield Parkway. The Helen Lake trail is 7.5 miles (12 km), and most hikers require four to five hours to complete the trek.
Address: Icefield Parkway, Banff, Canada
From $ 202
Heritage Park
Heritage Park in Calgary, Alberta, is an open-air historical and learning museum that gives visitors the chance to experience what life was like on the Canadian Prairies from 1860 to 1950. Costumed interpreters and many hands-on, interactive exhibits help you go deeper into your fun-filled encounter with the living past.
The Basics
Canada's largest living history museum is divided into several sections, with something to interest pretty much every visitor of every age. If you are there in summer, you won't want to miss a ride on the midway rides, the steam train, or the wagons that criss-cross the park. The Historic Village houses many restored and original buildings. Gasoline Alley, open year-round, is where you'll find vehicles from the golden age of the automobile.
If you plan to visit several times in a year, an annual pass is a great value.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Heritage Park is perfect for families and history buffs who enjoy an immersive experience.
- The park operates in all weather, so dress appropriately.
- There are various on-site eateries, including restaurants, cafes, a bakery, an ice cream parlor, and other concessions.
- Gasoline Alley and the Heritage Square shops and restaurants are accessible to wheelchair users, yet the buildings in the Historic Village mainly are not.
How to Get There
Heritage Park is located southwest of downtown Calgary beside the Glenmore Reservoir. Most visitors drive; there is paid parking in the on-site lot. You can also take the route 502 bus between the Heritage C-Train station and Heritage Park, or a taxi or rideshare.
When to Get There
Heritage Park hours vary seasonally. From Victoria Day (first Monday preceding May 25) until Labor Day (first Monday of September), all areas of the park are open. After Labor Day until Canadian Thanksgiving (second Monday of October), the Historical Village is open only on Saturdays and Sundays; it closes for the season after the Thanksgiving weekend. Gasoline Alley and the Heritage Square shops and eateries are open daily throughout the year.
Heritage Park Ghost Tours
Rumors of things that go bump in the night have long haunted Heritage Park. In the fall, ghost tours (all ages or adults only) give visitors a chilling experience of the spirits who may or may not inhabit the park. Prior to Halloween, the ghosts and goblins come to play for more hauntingly good times at several special events.
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, AB, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Yoho National Park
Yoho is the Cree Nation’s expression for awe and wonder, which makes it a very fitting name for Yoho National Park, home of jaw-dropping natural wonders like Lake O’Hara, Emerald Lake and the Kicking Horse River. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Jasper and Banff, Yoho National Park is situated in British Columbia, on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies.
Surrounded by the Presidents Range, Emerald Lake is Yoho’s most famous attraction, and its 10-kilometer access road passes some of the most spectacular settings in the entire park. The Kicking Horse River carves a natural bridge through ancient stone; a five-kilometer walking trail circumnavigates the lake; hiking trails sprout off in all directions; and the Emerald Lake Lodge provides a luxurious mountain getaway.
Higher up, between Wapta Mountain and Mount Field is the 505-million-year-old Burgess Shale sea floor. Known as one of the world’s most significant animal fossil discoveries, the Burgess Shale is exceptional for its surprising age, diversity, and preservation. It’s possible to visit the site, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Both the Walcott Quarry and Mount Stephen Fossil Bed hikes take seven to 10 hours, and all hikers must be accompanied by a Parks Canada interpretive guide. Spots are limited, but it’s possible to make reservations in advance or join in on a first-come first-serve basis.
Lake O’Hara is another popular hiking destination, although access is limited. A public bus, which runs four times daily between June and October, is the only way to access the area and reservations can be made three months in advance.
Practical Info
Field, British Columbia, is the only town in Yoho National Park. It’s located on the TransCanada Highway, approximately halfway between Golden, British Columbia and Banff, Alberta.
Address: Yoho National Park, Field BC V0A 1G0, Canada
Admission: Adults: $9.80; Children: $4.90
From $ 123
Mt Norquay
It might be the smallest of the 3 major ski resorts within the Banff National Park, but since opening in 1926, Mt Norquay has fast become a favorite destination for in-the-know skiers, and has even served as an Olympic and World Cup training ground. Today, the Mt Norquay Ski Resort offers 16.4 km of runs, with ample opportunities for all levels, from first-time skiers to professionals, including a terrain park with a range of boxes and rails.
With a fully equipped ski school on-site, this is a great spot for beginners, and along with skiing and snowboarding, there’s also a snow tube park, snowshoeing trails and the chance to enjoy a moonlight skiing excursion.
The fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts either – the Mt Norquay Ski Resort is open all year-round and summer visitors can ride the 8,040-foot chairlift for a view of the surrounding mountains, dine at the mountaintop Cliffhouse or tackle the Via Ferrata climbing routes.
Practical Info
Mt Norquay is located in the Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The Mt Norquay ski resort is open all year-round, but the ski season typically runs from early December to mid-April.
Address: Banff, Alberta, Canada, Canada
From $ 130
Icefields Parkway
Every twist and turn of the spectacular 143-mile (230-kilometer) Icefields Parkway reveals cloud-piercing peaks, valley-carving glaciers, teal lakes, and dense forests. Running from Jasper to Lake Louise, this scenic Alberta drive offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies, with lots of roadside lookouts and trailheads along the way.
The Basics
While it's possible to drive the whole route, from Jasper in Jasper National Park to Lake Louise in Banff National Park, in just over three hours, the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountain peaks inspire most visitors to spend a lot longer exploring the Icefields Parkway (also known by the generic name of Highway 93). Guided tours"”which run from Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise"”allow you to forget about navigating and driving, and to focus entirely on the show-stopping scenery. Organized excursions along the parkway often include a tour of the Athabasca Glacier on the all-terrain Ice Explorer; visits to the glass-bottomed Glacier Skywalk; sightseeing stops at lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers; and, in some instances, guided hikes and walks. For a more novel way to explore the route, opt for a tour by motorcycle sidecar, or perhaps a helicopter flight that carries sightseers above the immense craggy peaks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you're up for a long but memorable ride, note that bicycles are permitted on the Icefields Parkway.
- In winter, the Icefields Parkway can become icy and treacherous.
- Fill up your tank before departing Jasper or Lake Louise. The lone gas station on the road is open only during the summer season.
- There is no cellphone coverage along parts of the highway.
How to Get There
The Icefields Parkway runs from Jasper to Lake Louise in Alberta. If you're coming from Banff, take the Trans-Canada Highway 1 West and exit onto Highway 93 at Lake Louise.
When to Get There
Avoid the Icefields Parkway in winter, when conditions can be hazardous and facilities along the route are closed. Summer months are the busiest period, though even then, the route is rarely congested.
What to See Along the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway, which traverses parts of both Jasper and Banff National Parks, has tons of vistas and lookout points worth pulling over for. Among the many highlights are the Weeping Wall of Cirrus Mountain, where thin cascades trickle down like teardrops; the bright blue Peyto Lake; and the Columbia Icefield, after which the road is named. This colossal mass of ice and snow comprises several glaciers, and is the largest icefield south of the Arctic Circle. The Columbia Icefield Center offers the best views.
Address: Icefields Parkway, Banff T1W 1J2, Canada
From $ 202
Spiral Tunnels
An outstanding feat of engineering, the Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park were the ingenious early–20th-century solution to climbing or descending the impossibly steep 4.5-percent grade to cross Kicking Horse Pass by rail. Watch long freight trains cross themselves as they travel the tunnels in different directions at the same time.
The Basics
It may take some patience, but you’ll be rewarded by the fascinating sight of freight trains (and the occasional passenger train) carving a figure eight through the mountains. It appears as though three trains are on the rails as parts of the train enter and exit the tunnels, giving the illusion they are moving separately.
See this fascinating example of brilliant railway engineering from either of two viewpoints—an upper and a lower—on a Banff National Park group day tour from Banff or Calgary, or as part of a self-driven tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Train enthusiasts and history buffs won’t want to miss seeing the Spiral Tunnels in action.
- Freight trains don’t follow a schedule, so be patient and be prepared to wait a bit to train-spot.
- The lower viewpoint has a commemorative monument, information plaques, and restrooms. The upper viewpoint has no amenities.
- Both viewpoints are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Lower Spiral Tunnel viewpoint is located on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1), 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers) east of Field, British Columbia and 52 miles (84 kilometers) west of Banff, Alberta. There is also a pull-off viewpoint (of the Upper Spiral) on Yoho Valley Road, on the way to Takakkaw Falls from Field.
When to Get There
The lower tunnel viewpoint is open from mid-May until mid-October; the upper viewpoint (and access via Yoho Valley Road) is open from mid-June to mid-October. During the warmer months, trains run fairly frequently—up to every 15 minutes on some days—although they don’t follow a schedule.
CP Rail and the Big Hill
After the first rail attempt over Kicking Horse Pass ended in derailment and the tragic deaths of three railway workers in 1884, Canadian Pacific Railway devised the Big Hill solution. A series of switches allowed runaway trains a safe place to divert onto spur lines, not descending the grade until the train was under control. The introduction of the Spiral Tunnels in 1909 brought the grade to a much safer and more manageable 2 percent.
Address: Spiral Tunnels, Banff, Canada
From $ 141
Sunwapta Falls
Sunwapta Falls are a set of Class 6 waterfalls that originate from the Athabasca Glacier and the Sunwapta River in Jasper National Park, Alberta. The falls are easily accessible by car during the summer months, located a short drive off the Icefields Parkway that connects Banff and Jasper National parks.
Sunwapta is a Stoney (Assiniboine) word meaning “turbulent water.” Over time as the Sunwapta River changed its course, a deep gorge was caused in the limestone rocks. Today, the two sets of falls that make up Sunwapta Falls are over 75 feet tall. They have a total drop of 60 feet (18 meters) and a width of 30 feet (9 meters). The upper waterfall flows through a narrow canyon and drops into three lower falls. The waterfalls are at their peak in late spring and early summer when glacial melt is at its highest, and in the winter, you can ice climb, snowshoe, and admire the ice formations created by the falls.
Practical Info
Sunwapta Falls Road is closed to vehicles from October to May but can be accessed by snowshoe during the winter months. For the best view of the main waterfall, walk down from the parking lot to the viewing bridge over the rim of the canyon. There is also a moderate hiking trail that leads to the Lower Sunwapta Falls.
Address: Highway 93, Sunwapta Falls, Alberta, Canada T0E 1E0, Canada
Admission: Included in Jasper National Park entry
From $ 28
Rocky Mountains
Alberta’s stunning Rocky Mountains are one of the biggest attractions in the province. Protected by Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Canadian Rockies run along the border of British Columbia and Alberta through a landscape of glaciers, snow-capped mountain peaks, hot springs, and turquoise lakes.
The Basics
Outdoor adventure is the name of the game in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The menu of activities is extensive; you can take a bus tour along the Icefields Parkway to tour the Columbia Icefield, go whitewater rafting on the Fraser River, embark on a guided hike through the alpine wilderness of Banff National Park, walk above the Athabasca Glacier on the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk, or sit back and enjoy the twists and turns of the roads from the seat of a sidecar.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Rocky Mountains are a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for traversing uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers; the weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable.
- Cellphone reception outside of towns can be unreliable.
- Rocky Mountains tours typically include pickup and drop-off in Banff or Jasper.
How to Get There
The commercial airport closest to the Canadian Rockies is Edmonton International Airport, about four hours from Jasper. The easiest way to explore the region is by renting a car and driving, but you can also opt for day tours from Banff or Jasper.
When to Get There
While the Canadian Rockies are a four-season destination, winters are long and chilly (perfect for winter adventures), with snow covering the ground well into April and even May. Late June to mid September is the best season for hiking, and crowds begin to thin out in September and October. Expect crowds during the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival (January) and the Calgary Stampede (July).
Visiting Canadian National Parks
Like their U.S. counterparts, national parks in Canada require an entrance fee paid at the park gate or visitor center. If you’re planning to visit multiple parks in the Rockies, like Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, Kootenay National Park, or Yoho National Park, consider a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, an annual pass that gets you into any of Canada’s national parks, marine conservation areas, and historic sites.
Address: Tarns-Canada Highway, Banff T1A 1A5, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 84
Sulphur Mountain
Named in 1916 after the hot springs bursting from the earth at its base, 8,041-foot Sulphur Mountain is famous for its views across the mountains and valleys of Canada’s Banff National Park.
The Banff Gondola is a popular way to get to the top of Sulphur Mountain, as the ride takes just eight minutes instead of a two- or three-hour hike to the top. At the upper summit are two restaurants, as well as a gift shop and plenty of viewing decks. Once the gondola drops you off at the summit, it’s worth taking the 0.6-mile trail along the Banff Skywalk to the top of 7,448-foot Sanson's Peak, where a century-old meteorological observatory still stands. Take a peek through the observatory windows for a glance back in time.
From the mountain top, there are many animals and birds to keep an eye out for, including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, hoary marmots and ground squirrels. But the main draw to Sulphur is the view of the surrounding mountains and Bow Valley down below.
The South East Ridge trail is the main hiking route to the top of the mountain. It starts and ends at the parking lot for Banff Upper Hot Springs, meaning once you’ve trampled up and down the mountain, there’s a steaming hot pool of water waiting to soak your tired muscles in at the end.
Practical Info
Banff Gondola is open year-round and costs $35.95 for adults. Banff Upper Hot Springs costs $7.30 per adult. The base of Sulphur Mountain is just a five-minute drive from downtown Banff, and there are also regular Roam public buses that take visitors to the gondola for $2 each way.
Address: Sulphur Mountain, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 52
Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
Much more than a static collection of sports memorabilia, Canada's Sports Hall of Fame honors the country's most remarkable athletes with an electric 40,000 square foot space that echoes with the roar of fans. Tucked into one of the buildings that hosted the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, interactive exhibits educate visitors about the rules and challenges of more obscure sports and offer the chance to throw pitches for clocked speed, shadow box with Lennox Lewis, attempt a wheelchair race or balance on skis on a virtual downhill slope.
There are sections dedicated to swimming and rowing, car racing, golfing and, of course, hockey, spread throughout 12 galleries. Over 1,000 culturally significant sports artifacts"”including the shoe that amputee Terry Fox wore at the start of his epic cross-country cancer awareness run"”are also on display. Each year new Hall of Fame honorees are inducted at a prestigious ceremony and featured, along with details of the more than 600 current members, in the Locker Room Gallery.
Practical Info
The center is located at 169 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W. in Calgary. It is open from 10am-5pm daily in July and August and from Tuesday through Sunday the rest of the year. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for kids age 4-18, with discounts for seniors and groups.
Address: 169 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Hours: July-August 10am-5pm daily; Tues-Sun the rest of the year
Admission: Adults: $12; Children: $8
From $ 10
Takakkaw Falls
Measuring 1,259 feet from its base, Takakkaw Falls is one of Canada’s highest waterfalls. Based in Yoho National Park and declared a National Historical Site in 1992, Takakkaw Falls’ name is loosely translated from the Cree language and means, “it’s magnificent.”
Fed by the Daly Glacier on Waputik Icefield in late spring and summer, the misty falls thunder with icy water that reaches the roaring peak in the afternoons. Be prepared to get wet if you fancy getting up close to the water. Heading to see Takakkaw Falls from Emerald Lake, 12 miles away, makes for a popular day trip, and there are also a few more waterfalls up in the valley for hikers, such as Whiskey Jack Falls.
Practical Info
To get to Takakkaw Falls from the town of Field in British Columbia, take the winding Yoho Valley Road (open from the end of June to early October) for eight miles. The road has a lot of switchbacks, so it takes a bit of confidence if you’re driving anything bigger than a passenger vehicle. The walking trail to Takakkaw Falls bridges Yoho River and is less than a mile long, paved and wheelchair-accessible.
Address: Takakkaw Falls, Banff, Canada
Hours: Daily
From $ 141
Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park is a historical village in Calgary that showcases the history of Western Canada from 1860 to 1950. It is Canada's largest living museum, divided into four areas that each represent a different period of time.
Some of the area historic buildings still stand, while others have been brought in and restored. Traditional schools, homes, and saloons of the past give a sense of what life was like in each era. The park's staff stands dressed in period costume, while horse and carriage or vintage automobiles roam the streets.
Other historic working artifacts of make history come to life. Interactive areas demonstrate the evolution of Canada's industries, including fur trading, the Prairie Railroad, and the era of the automobile. Available activities include riding an authentic steam train or making your own old-fashioned ice cream. Visitors experience the history of Canada as it comes to life in nearly 200 available exhibits.
Practical Info
Heritage Park is located on the banks of the Glenmore Reservoir, just southwest of the city of Calgary. It is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Entrance fees range from $10.25-$25.25 for general admission, depending on the season.
Address: 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Canada
Hours: Open daily 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Starts at $10.25
From $ 9
Stanley Glacier
Fire and ice bring plenty of contrast to the Stanley Glacier hike in Kootenay National Park. A major forest fire struck the area in 2003, creating quite the renewed ecosystem. The recovering lodge pole pine forest is littered with colorful wildflowers, which grow abundantly because of the newly fertilized soils caused by the fire. Further up the trail, the forest diminishes as hikers enter the Stanley Basin. Views of the glacier are spectacular from here; however, hikers must scramble uphill, over large boulders, for another kilometer to see the toe of the glacier.
The hike also traverses a thin portion of the Burgess Shale, which is a 505-million-year-old sea bed preserved on the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Joining a seven-hour, 12-kilometer Parks Canada interpretive hike is the best way to take in close-up views of the Stanley Glacier, while also discovering trilobites, hyolithids, brachiopods, sponges and algaes fossils that go missed by the unobservant hiker. These hikes are popular and reservations must be made in advance.
Practical Info
The Stanley Glacier trailhead is located on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park, just 15 kilometers south of Castle Junction and 45 kilometers from Banff, Alberta. It is located 95 kilometers north of Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia.
Address: Highway 93, Kootenay National Park, Banff, Canada
Admission: Adults: $9.80; Children: $4.90
From $ 84
Athabasca Glacier
Part of the vast Columbia Icefield that straddles the border between Alberta's Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Athabasca Glacier"”a huge swath of moving ice"”is one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring glaciers in North America. Like most glaciers, Athabasca is shrinking, though the slowly moving ice mass is still impressively large: It covers an area of about 2.3 square miles (six square kilometers) and measures up to 980 feet (300 meters) at its thickest point.
The Basics
Most visitors begin their Athabasca explorations at the Icefield Centre, where interpretive displays and a Parks Canada kiosk provide information on the glacier. Across from the center is the 2.2-mile (3.6-kilometer) Forefield Trail, which crosses over a boulder-scattered area once covered by the glacial ice, and the 1.1-mile (1.8-kilometer) Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail, which leads right to the glacier's edge. To venture farther out on the 10,000-year-old glacier, join a tour on the Ice Explorer, a purpose-built all-terrain vehicle. Or opt for a hiking tour led by alpine guides. Organized day trips depart from Jasper and Banff, and most incorporate other Canadian Rockies highlights, such as Lake Louise, the Glacier Skywalk, and Crowfoot Glacier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It can be cold and windy near the glacier, so wear warm layers.
- Pay heed to warning tape, which is designed to keep visitors away from dangerous crevasses.
- Bring an empty bottle or cup to fill up with fresh, glacial water.
- The Icefield Centre is accessible to wheelchair users, and the Ice Explorer fleet includes vehicles equipped to carry wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The Athabasca Glacier is located along Icefields Parkway, a scenic 143-mile (230-kilometer) highway connecting Jasper with Lake Louise. The Icefield Centre is about 64 miles (103 kilometers) from Jasper and 53 miles (185 kilometers) from Banff. If driving, be aware that only one gas station operates on the parkway, and is open only during the summer season.
When to Get There
Glacier tours are weather-dependent and usually run from around mid-April to mid-October. Avoid the winter months, when the Icefield Centre is closed and conditions can sometimes render the Icefields Parkway impassable. Go before lunchtime or after 3pm to avoid peak visiting hours.
The Columbia Icefield
The Athabasca Glacier is just one of eight major glaciers that make up the 125-square-mile (325-square-kilometer) Columbia Icefield, one of the biggest masses of snow and ice south of the Arctic Circle. The glacier lies on the Continental Divide, with all of its meltwater eventually ending up in one of three places: the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, or the Atlantic Ocean.
Address: Icefields Parkway, Banff T1W 1J2, Canada
From $ 202
Mount Robson
At 12,972 ft (3,954 m), Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and the second highest peak in British Columbia; its south face is visible from the Yellowhead Highway and is a popular photographic subject along this route. Mount Robson is also known as Cloud Cap Mountain and The Mountain of the Spiral Road because of its distinctive, horizontal layers of rock which angle upwards to the east, giving the appearance of a track running around the mountain to form a spiral. The 4,921 ft (1,500 m) Emperor Face on the northwest side is the most difficult route for climbers, though the most popular routes are the Kain route and the southeast face. Although the mountain is less than 13,200 ft (4,000 m), there is no easy way to summit and Mount Robson has small success rate: about 10% of summit attempts are successful.
Mount Robson Provincial Park, where Mount Robson is located, is the second oldest park in British Columbia’s park system, celebrating its 100th birthday in 2013. Set to the west of Jasper National Park, Mount Robson Provincial Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park consists of more than 536 acres undisturbed wilderness, home to 182 species of birds and many Rocky Mountain mammals such as deer, moose, caribou, mountain goats and sheep, bears and elk.
Practical Info
Mount Robson is located in the Fraser River Valley east of the Robson River about 2.5 mi (4 km) south of Berg Lake. Entrance to the park is free; camping rates vary. During the operating season, park gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Address: Mount Robson Provincial Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Hours: 7am - 11pm
From $ 90