Canada As You Like It Blog
The Top 5 Things to See and Do in Alberta this Year
- by Canada As You Like It
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- 29 Mar, 2022
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There are endless natural wonders and fascinating cultures to explore within Alberta, this slice of Canadian paradise. For the perfect visit, head out on wide open roads filled with unique journeys, incredible history and awe inspiring scenery that is just waiting to make 2022 your best travel year yet. Have a read below of the top experiences you can’t miss!
See the Uniquely Beautiful Larch Trees
Each autumn in Alberta brings endless bright colour and golden hues, in the form of the humble Larch Tree. Native to Canada and the US, this resilient tree attracts travellers and locals alike year after year, all in search of the golden colours that cover the already beautiful scenery of the Canadian Rockies. The wonderful displays of autumn shades and the endless gold palette happens from September to October, and it’s not a piece of autumn wonder you want to miss. There are excellent views of the larch trees all across Alberta, but there are some spots that are unmissable.
The first place we recommend for breathtaking larch meadows is Banff National Park, with 2,000 feet of elevation on Larch Valley Trail, and even better views of the golden larches on Sentinel Pass, this hike is the ideal way to see as many of the wonderful larch trees as possible. Get a front row seat during Larch season by taking a trip to Kananaskis County, which is filled with hikes that will give you rolling views of the delightful Larch trees. Hike to Pocaterra Ridge for views of dense larch forests or visit Chester Lake in Spray Valley Provincial Park for an easier hike, but with just as many golden larch views, including the breathtaking sight of the clear lake surrounded by the golden glow of larch trees.
Travel into the Canadian Rockies
Alberta is famed for the incredible Canadian Rockies which border the province to the West and are perfect for exploring in a number of ways; with hiking, horse riding, cycling, helicopter rides and in winter, dog sledding all on offer. Head into the Rocky Mountains for breathtaking lakes, waterfalls, wildlife and idyllic scenery that is truly like nowhere else. The mountain towns are the perfect place to pause after your adventures for some relaxation. Visit Banff and Canmore for lots of historic charm, boutique shops, great restaurants and warm, welcoming pubs – all framed by beautiful natural surroundings. Journey through the Rockies on to Jasper and feel like a local with the amazing wildlife experiences. In winter, why not try some truly Canadian experiences such as ice skating, sleigh rides, snow shoeing or an unforgettable ice walk, which guides you down the frozen Maligne River and past waterfalls frozen in time. Alberta’s Rocky Mountains are just waiting to be explored.
Find Dinosaur Bones at Dinosaur Provincial Park
Discover the fascinating history of Alberta from millions of years gone by at the Dinosaur Provincial Park in the Badlands of Alberta, which used to be the home of the dinosaurs. This uniquely fascinating landscape is the perfect way to delve into the natural wonder and beauty that is the great outdoors of Alberta, whilst also going on the hunt for some real dinosaur bones! More than 150 full dinosaur skeletons have been uncovered in Dinosaur Provincial Park, so it’s no wonder why the park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. For incredible views across the park, head out on the Badlands trail for a 1.3km loop round the park, or journey along the Trail of the Fossil Hunters – for a classic Dinosaur Park experience. To truly delve into the park, take a guided tour with an expert, or camp out at the ‘Dinosaur’ campground, to stay and explore where the dinosaurs once roamed.
Experience the Ranching History of Alberta
Explore the fascinating history of ranching in Alberta all along the historic Cowboy Trail that runs between the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian prairie, in the foothills of Alberta. This 700km route is the perfect place to experience the Western lifestyles and adventures of years gone by. Take this winding and scenic route through the Rocky Mountain Foothills to experience the journeys taken by ranchers many years ago. Take a horseback trail ride, stay on a ranch farm and visit Alberta’s historic ranches, such as Bar U, a National Historic Site. Here you can ride through history and learn all about the lives of cowboys in the late 1800s. Visit the authentic buildings that are still standing today and enjoy an evening sat around the fire surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, listening to some classic cowboy tales.
Learn about the Indigenous Culture and History
To truly understand the history and pure beauty of Alberta, it is essential to learn the stories, past and present of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who have lived in Alberta for thousands of years. Visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, the world’s oldest Buffalo Jump to immerse yourself in the Indigenous peoples past and way of life that is intrinsic with nature. This site has preserved the custom practiced by the indigenous people of Alberta for almost 6,000 years and the sandstone cliffs are a fascinating testament to the indigenous culture that continues to this day in Alberta, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must visit.
Writing-On-Stone Áísínai'pi Provincial Park is another unmissable UNESCO World Heritage Site that truly reflects the immense history of the Indigenous people of Alberta. The rock carvings and paintings are astonishingly well preserved depictions of life, brought to life by your expert guides. A visit to this Provincial Park is an incredibly spiritual experience that you are not likely to forget. Metis Crossing near Smoky Lake is an ideal stop to explore Indigenous culture even more offering the chance to participate in traditional workshops, story telling, historical exhibits whilst staying on the banks of the North Saskatchewan river and watching the starry nights.
In the northwest of Canada where eighty percent of the area
is wilderness, lies the Yukon. With friendly locals, wildlife to observe,
activities to immerse yourself in and fascinating history to explore, this destination makes
for the perfect fly-drive holiday.
Lace up your boots and hit the back country. With trails at your doorstep for exploring, hiking is the best way of seeing the province on a fly drive holiday. There are areas suitable for all levels of hiking, from the congenial leisure walk to the avid hiker. Head to Saskatoon at the Meewasin Valley, this area offers over 105 km of trails across 67 square km of land. It provides year-round adventure and sightseeing opportunities in the heart of beautiful Saskatoon. Benefit from the well-maintained, multi-use pathways to cycle, jog or walk the scenic riverbank trails. Sections of the Meewasin Trail are also part of the Trans Canada Trail which extends almost 24,000 km across Canada from coast to coast. Keen for a challenge? Look at some of the best back country hiking at places like Prince Albert National Park, Lac La Ronge, Meadow Lake- and Narrow Hills Provincial Park in the north or Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in the south.
With three different water ways and an UNESCO heritage site, Ottawa is the place to explore. Take a trip down the Rideau Canal or explore the ByWard market. Walk along Parliament Hill and through acres of woodland and royal trees planted by dignitaries.
Imagine swimming thousands of miles to find that special someone. Whales complete this every single year, known as a whale migration, to find suitable habitat for feeding and reproducing. In British Columbia, these stunning orcas, also known as killer whales, are a prominent site and seeing them is a once in a lifetime experience. As well as orcas, expect to find humpback whales, grey whales and minke whales. These amazing creatures call BC their home from April to October. When the sun is out the whales come to play. From tail flukes to pectoral slaps, go for a whale watching trip and you can bask in their playful nature and enjoy the sunset with a relaxing drink, perfect for families and solo travellers. You can also go paddleboarding with orcas for a unique perspective from the water to see these magnificent creatures. You must, of course, always keep four hundred metres away from them for their safety and yours.
Welcome to the province of Saskatchewan, Canada – a place of breath-taking landscapes, wide-open spaces and hospitality that is second-to-none. This province is big – 651,900 km2, in fact, and has nearly 100,000 lakes and waterways. Natural beauty is not the only thing this province is known for though. Join us on a culinary journey of Saskatchewan, where food and drink abound, and you will find something good to eat around every corner!
Welcome to the fourth largest province in Canada. With five National Parks and six UNESCO Heritage sites, Alberta is a wonderful and varied place to visit. This blog will explore this great province and expose you to the unique qualities that make this area a location sure to be your next travel destination. A playground for outdoor adventure, popular summer activities include hiking, biking, horse riding, rafting, and fishing. As the seasons change and snow begins to fall, head to Alberta for world-class winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, ice climbing and more. From wildlife in the Rockies to Waterton Lakes National Park, and art and culture to explore, Alberta is a wonderland packed with options for every traveller.
Atlantic Canada is famous for its fresh and abundant seafood, from succulent lobster, to scallops, mussels, oysters and cod – but it offers so much more. Dine at a seaside restaurant, take a stroll through a local farmers' market, or take in one of the many culinary festivals. It’s truly a foodie’s paradise.
Here's a round up of a few amazing foodie events and experiences that we thought you might want to try:
Head to Northern Manitoba for a wild and exciting trip. Waterways provide refuge to an abundance of wildlife and the land holds the stories of Indigenous peoples.