Destination overview

Alberta, Canada is a family vacation dream come true. From the heights of the Canadian Rockies to the wilds of the Canadian Badlands, from world-class Olympic facilities to one of the world's largest shopping malls - Alberta's major attractions blur the lines between the hand of Mother Nature and the ingenuity of humankind. There's so much to see and do, and with more than 150 major attractions across the province, it is almost impossible to squeeze them all in. So, here are a few to choose from.

Alberta is famous for its outstanding museums and many historic sites and areas. Discover the past through displays and collections, travelling exhibits, special events and interactive heritage activities - fun for the history buff and the whole family.

Canada's National Parks have been established to protect and preserve large tracts of wilderness and diverse wildlife habitats. Alberta's National Parks offer spectacular scenery, countless outdoor activities, natural history interpretive guiding and an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with nature.

Banff National Park is one of the world's most popular travel destinations. Within an hour's drive are five world-class ski hills and six signature golf courses. The park contains 2,564 square miles of towering mountains, secluded valleys, boreal forests, alpine meadows, glacial lakes and rivers - a diverse ecosystem that is home to countless species of wildlife.

Canada's first National Park, it was established in 1885 after the chance discovery of the now famous hot springs bubbling up from a mountain cave above the present day town site of Banff. Hundreds of visitors still come every year to 'take the waters' at the Upper Hot Springs pool.

Jasper National Park, established in 1907 is the northern-most and largest of the Canadian Rockies National Parks. It is famous for the Columbia Ice Field where melt waters flow from the apex of the Continental Divide to three different oceans. The Icefields Parkway runs north-south between the Jasper town site and the town of Lake Louise, linking Banff and Jasper National Parks. One of the most spectacular scenic highways, the Parkway takes you to the most accessible glacier in North America, the Athabasca. Along the way you'll find Maligne Lake, the largest glacial-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies.

In the vast and beautiful country of Canada, the two national parks of Banff and Jasper really do stand out and are definitely must-visit destinations. They are both in majestically rugged Alberta where soaring mountains vie with cobalt blue skies.

Elk Island National Park, established in 1913, protects one of the most endangered habitats in Canada - the fragile aspen parkland. It is also an excellent viewing area for wildlife - herds of plains bison, wood bison, moose, deer and elk roam freely here. Its cultural history dates back to the receding of the glaciers. There are more than 200 prehistoric aboriginal camping and stone tool-making sites as well as 13 non-native heritage sites.

Travel 11 miles north and west of Fort Macleod at a place where the foothills of the Rocky Mountains meet the great plains and you'll find one of the world's oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jumps - Head-Smashed-In. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, Head-Smashed-In was used continuously by aboriginal peoples of the plains for more than 5,500 years and is a remarkable testimony of prehistoric life.

In the south-eastern quadrant of Alberta is a swathe of lunar-like landscape known as the Canadian Badlands. This ancient seabed is home to some of the world's richest deposits of prehistoric fossils and dinosaur finds which will take you on a fascinating journey millions of years back in time.

Another great drive, which includes wildlife like bear, elk, deer and the magnificent eagle, is the Bow Valley Parkway that connects Banff and Lake Louise. If you’re not one for simply looking at views, there are 1,000 miles of hiking trails, plenty of downhill and cross-country ski runs and loads of water sports.

In summer, canoe, swim or sail Lake Louise or heli-hike or heli-bike if you’re game. You can fish the rivers, play golf and go horse riding. Wander through magnificent paths of wildflowers in a high alpine meadow and explore the forests that carpet the valleys, or simply laze about in Upper Hot Springs. Watch the sunset from Tunnel Mountain, enjoy Takkakaw Falls, Emerald, Moraine and Minnewanka Lakes and see mile-long trains wind in and out of the Spiral Tunnels. Also take a visit to the Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain or the Cave and Basin historic site. The snow is like dry champagne powder and there are hectares of it in this most pristine and beautiful place. For the adventurous, try heli-skiing. And few kids won’t love a sleigh ride and the Minute Maid Wilderness Adventure Park.

The small mountain village of Canmore, just west of Calgary, is also perfectly situated to enjoy all this and more. Snowshoe the wilderness of Kananaskis, ice fish for trout in Spray Lakes, delve into the depths of Rat’s Nest Cave, or simply wander the unique gift shops and galleries. Lethbridge, down on the gently rolling prairie, has its fair share of beautiful areas that also offer wonderful adventures.

Canoe the Red Deer River past ranches and cottonwood stands to ancient fossil beds in Dinosaur Provincial Park, explore the rich heritage of the first nations at Fort Whoop-Up, Galt Museum and Writing on Stone Historic Site and be amazed by the massive monolith of Okotoks Erratic.

Take a visit to Canada Olympic Park as it has a lot to keep you occupied. You can try slide sports such as Luge and Skeleton in the fully enclosed Ice House. Watch history come alive at Fort Calgary as volunteers rebuild the fort using the tools and techniques of the day.

Add world-class cuisine and shopping to the mix and you'll soon discover why Alberta, 'Home of the Canadian Rockies' is an essential destination on anyone's holiday agenda.