Alberta: Western Wilderness and Hospitality in Canada's Heartland

The sprawling prairies and rugged Rocky Mountains of Alberta offer a wealth of scenic beauty and adventurous activities for travelers seeking wide-open spaces. From Banff's turquoise lakes to Drumheller's prehistoric badlands, Alberta offers an amazing variety of landscapes just begging to be explored. Whether you enjoy skiing powdery slopes, hiking thrilling trails, or simply taking in jaw-dropping vistas, this western Canadian province has something for every type of explorer.

In this travel guide, we'll provide an overview of some of Alberta's top destinations and things to do, along with tips for making the most of your Alberta adventure. By the end, you'll be inspired to start planning your own western Canadian road trip!

Hiking Heaven in Banff and Jasper National Parks

No trip to Alberta would be complete without spending time in Banff and Jasper National Parks, two of the most stunning protected areas you'll find anywhere. From towering mountain peaks and shimmering glacial lakes to thundering waterfalls and lush forests, these parks have an abundance of natural beauty around every corner. Some top hiking trails to consider include:

Lake Louise Shoreline Trail: Enjoy sweeping views of the iconic emerald waters and surrounding peaks on this easy 2 km loop.

Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail: Challenge yourself on this 7 km hike uphill to incredible vistas over Moraine Lake valley.

Peyto Lake Trail: Take in surreal turquoise waters against a backdrop of towering mountains on this 3.5 km out-and-back jaunt.

Skyline Trail: Treat yourself to panoramic alpine scenery over many peaks on this intermediate 11 km lollipop route.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to soak in the impressive sights. Amenities are available in both parks but limited, so pack wisely. And don't forget to keep eyes peeled for wildlife like bears, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goats!

Dinosaur Discoveries in Drumheller

A passionate paleontology Mecca, Drumheller invites you to step back in time to when towering T-Rexes and duckbilled hadrosaurs roamed the earth. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dinosaur Provincial Park showcases some of the richest fossil beds in the world, where you can walk along eroded sandstone deposits and spot real dinosaur bones emerging from the landscape.

For a hands-on experience, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology displays an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits. Young paleontologists especially love getting to dig in the on-site excavation pits. And don't miss the Atlas Coal Mine for a tour underground - you may spot valuable fossils being extracted even today! Round out your visit with a drive along the Hoodoo Drive hiking trail for epic views of the psychedelic badlands formations.

Calgary: Cowboys, Culture and Canada's Olympic Park

Alberta's largest city Calgary offers a lively urban center surrounded by natural beauty. Cowboys still ride in for the famous Calgary Stampede every July, with rodeo shows, pancake breakfasts, and Western parties galore. Year-round, catch live music and theater at the Jack Singer Concert Hall or art exhibits at the Calgary Tower. Outdoor types will enjoy a visit to the sprawling Kananaskis Country just 30 minutes away for mountain biking, hiking and more.

Calgary also boasts Canada Olympic Park, a must for any winter sports fan. Ride the bobsled or ski the alpine run where Olympic champions have been crowned. Afterwards, soak tired muscles in thermal pools at the Shinrin-Yoku Forest Therapy trails, practicing the Japanese concept of forest bathing. With milder weather, charming cafes and stellar accommodation options like Kensington Riverside Inn, Calgary makes a great home base for exploring.

Sleep Under the Stars in Kananaskis Country

Just 45 minutes west of Calgary, Kananaskis Country offers over 1,300 square km of mountains, forests and alpine meadows to explore. This protected area features numerous backcountry trails and rugged multi-day hikes with alpine scenery around every twist and turn. Consider overnighting in distinctive wilderness accommodations like Petra's Rock Lodge if you're after an extra dash of adventure.

For a more rugged experience, numerous trail rides allow you to bed down under a blanket of stars, waking to glacier-fed lakes and sweeping sunrise views over mountain ridges. Fishing aficionados won't want to miss the opportunity to cast their lines in pristine alpine streams and lakes teeming with rainbow trout and mountain whitefish either. With so many scenic surprises around every bend, Kananaskis Country invites extended wandering off the beaten path.

Icefields Parkway: Scenic Sublimity between Banff and Jasper

Consider carving out a full day to traverse one of the world's most stunning drives: the 230km Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper National Parks. The famously scenic highway extends along the Continental Divide, with numerous lookout points, short hiking trails and attractions tucked along the way. Some top stops include Peyto Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, and the massive Athabasca Glacier.

For a memorable experience, reserve a spot on an Ice Explorer tour directly on the glacier's surface - you may spot bears fishing for salmon or wander along glassy blue crevasses. Back on the highway, you'll pass towering peaks, wilderness lakes and glimpses of wildlife including bighorn sheep and moose. With picnic areas and campgrounds spaced periodically, it's easy to get out and explore briefly before continuing the awe-inspiring drive across uncrowded alpine vistas.

Post-hike beers? Alberta shines in the libations department as well. Jasper Brewing Co. and Banff Ave Brewing Co. offers tasty craft suds after a day on the trails. With so much stunning scenery to sample from one end of the Icefields Parkway to the other, give yourself the luxury of a full day to experience this drive - it's absolutely worth slowing down for!

Take some time to relax and recharge when your Alberta adventure is winding down. The charming mountain town of Canmore provides a cute base for exploring the surroundings, with boutique shops, great eats like Charbar and comfortable accommodations. BitBook makes it easy to book hotels like the Blackstone Mountain Lodge in Canmore to earn BBT crypto rewards while enjoying the scenery.

With stunning alpine landscapes, world-class parks and adventures around every bend, the Canadian province of Alberta has so much to offer through road tripping its regions. From urban pleasures to remote wilderness escapes, follow this travel guide to start planning the perfect western Canadian adventure - make sure to leave plenty of time to experience all Alberta has in store!