Alberta & Rocky Mountains holidays
Introduction
It’s hard to imagine a place more beautiful than Alberta. A land of soaring mountains, deep turquoise lakes, wildlife-rich forests and majestic glaciers, it’s home to two of the world’s oldest national parks – Jasper and Banff.
Alberta's national parks
It’s these spectacular swathes of wilderness that form many people’s first impressions of this uniquely beautiful province. Connecting it all is the Icefields Parkway, a 232-kilometre highway that traces the line of the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide, cutting through broad, sweeping valleys as it links Jasper and Banff with the vast expanse of the Columbia Icefield and the deep blue-green of iconic Lake Louise.
Alberta through the seasons
Summer in Alberta brings with it the chance to explore on scenic hikes, bike rides, kayak paddles and white-water-rafting adventures, while wildlife tours might introduce you to black bears, grizzlies, wolves and coyotes. Then, in winter, the deep snows arrive with Banff, especially, host to some of the world’s best alpine skiing. For an altogether different experience, journey east across the prairie to the barren, rock-strewn landscapes of the Alberta Badlands. Perhaps take time to visit Drumheller and the unesco-listed Dinosaur Provincial Park, explore the remarkable Red Deer River Valley, or journey to Alberta’s southern borders and the wonderfully named Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
Edmonton & Calgary
Lastly there are Alberta's cities – the provincial capital, Edmonton, and Calgary, host to the self-proclaimed ‘greatest outdoor show on earth’. Each July, the Calgary Stampede brings together the world’s finest and most famous cowboys to battle it out in chuckwagon races and one of the richest rodeos on earth. It’s a fun-packed festival set against a backdrop of fairground rides and the best, and worst, of Calgary cuisine.
Special offers in Alberta & The Rocky Mountains
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Between expert-led tours, handpicked hotel stays and, yes, an ultra-scenic rail journey, this curated itinerary showcases Canada’s dramatic landscapes in style. Along the way, you’ll step out onto glaciers, sweep alongside rushing rivers and summit national-park peaks.
Top itineraries in Alberta & The Rocky Mountains
Based in the pretty town of Banff, this tailor-made holiday includes a host of fabulous winter activities, including snowshoeing, guided ice walks, husky sledding, sleigh rides and ice skating. There's also plenty of free time for those who want to hit the slopes.
Compare the snow-capped beauty of Banff with Calgary's cowboy culture and the ever-changing landscapes of Alberta's Badlands on this tailor-made fly-drive holiday.
Top places to stay in Alberta & The Rocky Mountains
This rustic mountain-style lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a beautiful setting just outside the centre of Banff.
Built originally as a base for outdoor enthusiasts over 100 years ago the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise boasts one of the most memorable settings in the Rockies.
Where to go in Alberta & The Rocky Mountains
The mountainous wilderness, snowy peaks and beautiful lakes of Jasper National Park are among Canada's most beautiful. Explore it all on self-drives and luxury rail journeys, enjoying summer hikes, kayak paddles and, in winter, world-class backcountry skiing.
Clear waters surrounded by snow-topped mountains make the impossibly scenic Lake Louise an unmissable part of your Alberta trip. Truly the ‘Jewel of the Rockies', it's famed for its canoeing and surrounding hiking trails and, come winter's chill, skiing, dog sledding and ice skating.
Canada's first national park is a land of wild beauty, whose landscape of towering peaks, plunging canyons, creaking glaciers and pretty alpine meadows is home to some of the country's most iconic wildlife.
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and sits between the foothills of the Rockies and the Prairies. Calgary travel offers a great escape from the mountainous wilderness of nearby Banff National Park. Established in 1875, Calgary is a built up city that still retains old character despite the pre…
When to go to Alberta & The Rocky Mountains
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The peak summer months (June to August) see the highest visitor numbers, especially during the Calgary Stampede, which takes place each July. Winters (November to March), when skiing conditions are at their prime, can also be busy. If you're hoping to make the most of the great outdoors, but prefer to avoid the crowds, head to Alberta in April or October, when you'll miss the coldest weather and benefit from the best prices.
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