Canada

Alberta Holidays

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Peyto Lake, Alberta, Canada
Rocky Mountains, Alberta, Canada
Jasper, Alberta, Canada

Why visit Alberta

Alberta is a province of striking contrasts, where the peaks of the Rockies meet open prairies and wide skies. Its two main cities, Calgary and Edmonton, combine modern energy with culture and easy access to nature. Calgary is known for its food scene and proximity to the mountains, while Edmonton offers riverside parks, museums and year-round festivals.

Beyond the cities lie some of Canada’s most celebrated landscapes. Banff and Jasper National Parks showcase glacier-fed lakes, snow-capped peaks and rich wildlife, including elk and bears. The Icefields Parkway links the two, offering one of the country’s most scenic drives. In the east, the Badlands reveal ancient fossils and the otherworldly hoodoos of Dinosaur Provincial Park.

Outdoor experiences are central to life here. Here you can hike, horse ride and canoe in summer or ski world-class slopes in winter. Food reflects Alberta’s agricultural roots, with locally raised beef, prairie grains and craft produce found across the province. Indigenous art and traditions continue to shape its culture and sense of place.

Jasper, Alberta, Canada

Highlights of Alberta

  • Calgary: Alberta’s largest city blends modern architecture, galleries and festivals with nearby foothills. Take time to explore Heritage Park or even try a bobsled ride at the Olympic Park.

  • Edmonton: The provincial capital features river valley parks, museums and markets, with easy access to forests and rivers for hiking, canoeing and wildlife spotting.

  • Banff: Set in the Rockies, Banff is known for turquoise lakes, glacier-fed rivers and alpine meadows. The perfect place to hike, enjoy horse-riding through the backcountry or take a cable-car to the top of Sulphur Mountain for mountain views.

  • Jasper: Wide valleys, glaciers and abundant wildlife make Jasper ideal for paddling on Pyramid Lake, hiking, or stargazing under dark skies.

  • Lake Louise: Famous for its glacial lake and surrounding peaks; paddle by canoe, hike trails or take a short helicopter flight over glaciers and waterfalls.

  • Icefields Parkway: Linking Banff and Jasper, the route passes glaciers, waterfalls and valleys, with stops for short hikes and photography.

  • Kananaskis Country: Close to Calgary, this area offers valleys, rivers and mountain trails for hiking, horse-riding or cycling.

  • Northern Alberta: Remote parks such as Wood Buffalo feature forests, wetlands and opportunities to see the aurora borealis in winter.

Dinosaur Discoveries

Alberta’s Badlands have uncovered over 70 dinosaur species, including some of the largest and most complete fossils in the world.

Northern Lights

Northern Alberta’s remote parks, including Wood Buffalo, provide excellent chances to see the aurora borealis in winter.

Good to know

Getting to Alberta

From the UK, you can fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) or Edmonton International Airport (YEG), usually with one stop at a major European hub such as Frankfurt or Amsterdam. The journey usually takes between nine and 15 hours.

From the US,  major US cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle, offer direct flights to Calgary and Edmonton. Alternatively, connecting flights through hubs such as Denver or Minneapolis are common.

From other parts of Canada, Alberta is well connected by domestic flights from Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and other major cities. For those who prefer driving, the Trans-Canada Highway links Calgary and Edmonton with British Columbia, Saskatchewan and beyond.

When to go

  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

Alberta offers experiences throughout the year. Summer is perfect for hiking, canoeing and wildlife spotting, with trails and parks fully open. Autumn brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and colourful landscapes. Winter is ideal for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. In spring, rivers swell, snow melts and wildflowers bloom, making lower-elevation hikes and wildlife encounters especially rewarding.

Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch with us and one of our travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream trip.