Alberta is a year-round playground for adventure seekers, where vast wild spaces invite exploration, and every season brings new thrills. With bucket-list wilderness escapes and adrenaline-fuelled activities, there is no shortage of ways to challenge yourself and connect with nature. The province’s scenic road trips are as memorable as the destinations themselves, whether you are cruising through towering mountain ranges, past golden canola fields, or alongside striking hoodoo formations. Alberta is easy to get to with an international airport in Calgary. This is the main gateway with Westjet and Air Canada offering direct flights.

Hiking & Heli-Hiking

Alberta’s wild, unspoilt nature invites exploration at every turn, from rugged mountain peaks to pristine, glacier-fed lakes. World-renowned national parks such as Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes offer postcard-perfect landscapes, while lesser-known parks including Peter Lougheed, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and Castle Provincial Park reward those seeking quieter trails. The province’s hiking network stretches thousands of kilometres, from city river valleys to craggy alpine ridges. In Edmonton, wander the lush River Valley just steps from the city centre, while Jasper’s Skyline Trail delivers a multi-day wilderness adventure among towering peaks. Waterton’s Crypt Lake Trail pairs a ferry ride with a hike you will never forget, and Lake Louise’s Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail offers a scenic workout with a sweet reward. For those who wish to reach untouched backcountry without the long approach, heli-hiking provides an unforgettable experience, whisking you by helicopter to remote alpine meadows and soaring ridgelines, where trails are as wild as the scenery itself. Hiking season in the Rockies runs from late spring through to October, with autumn painting the landscape in golden hues, and winter opening the door to cold-weather treks. Long-distance enthusiasts can explore the Trans Canada Trail’s 1,700 km in Alberta, or the Great Divide Trail along the Continental Divide.

Kayaking & Canoeing

Northern Lights & Stargazing

Alberta is a stargazer’s dream, where unspoiled skies stage some of nature’s most breathtaking shows. From the shimmering ribbons of the northern lights to the Milky Way stretching across an inky backdrop, the province’s dark-sky preserves offer unrivalled celestial viewing.

Cypress Hills, Alberta’s first Dark Sky Preserve, earned its designation in 2004 thanks to its high elevation and minimal light pollution, making it one of the darkest and most rewarding spots in the province. On clear nights, the Milky Way, planets, and constellations shine brilliantly overhead, with the nearby Eagle Butte Observatory offering guided programmes for a closer look. Camping in Cypress Hills Provincial Park means evenings by a crackling campfire beneath a canopy of stars, with the elusive aurora borealis as the ultimate nightcap.

Further north, Jasper National Park, designated a Dark Sky Preserve in 2011 by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, takes the experience to another level. As the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, and the largest that is easily accessible with a town nestled within its borders, Jasper offers a rare combination of wilderness and convenience. The designation reflects a special commitment to protecting the night sky by reducing light pollution and educating the public on its importance, ensuring sky glow remains no brighter than natural conditions.

Every October, as daylight wanes, the wonder of the cosmos comes alive during the Jasper Dark Sky Festival, an ever-growing celebration that connects all ages to the mysteries of the universe and invites adventurers to simply power down and look up.

Wildlife Viewing

Alberta is a wildlife lover’s paradise, home to species ranging from majestic grizzly bears and towering moose to graceful elk, soaring golden eagles, and countless smaller creatures that bring the landscape to life. National and provincial parks protect nearly 600 species, offering a haven for elusive lynx, playful marmots, and the humble beaver. Bird enthusiasts can marvel at whooping cranes, snowy owls, and other species, while the patient may spot rarities such as swift fox, wood bison, or even the near-mythical wolverine. Whether exploring the Rockies, wandering river valleys, or venturing into the prairies, keep your camera ready.

Dinosaurs

Alberta is a prehistoric treasure trove, home to some of the largest dinosaur fossils ever found, many unearthed at Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can join a real dig with a palaeontological guide, marvel at Guinness World Record-holding fossils, the Canadian Badlands offer a journey through time: ancient fossil beds, dramatic rocky canyons, remnants of coal-mining ghost towns, and historic cowboy hangouts. Drumheller, proudly known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, is the heart of this region, where prehistoric wonders meet small-town charm, an unmissable stop for history buffs, adventure seekers, and curious travellers alike. You can even stand inside the jaws of a statue of the world’s largest dinosaur.

Biking

Alberta is a cyclist’s dream, offering routes from gentle, family-friendly pathways to adrenaline-pumping alpine descents. Glide along scenic cross-country trails, chase the thrill of flowing singletrack, or navigate technical rocky terrain, all with jaw-dropping views. Top spots include the Canmore Nordic Centre with its extensive trail network, Jasper National Park for epic mountain scenery, and West Bragg Creek with a mix of flowing trails and challenging climbs. Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary provides accessible urban riding, while Crowsnest Pass blends rugged landscapes with uncrowded trails. Edmonton’s River Valley offers the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America. With such variety, Alberta’s biking scene ensures every rider, from casual cruisers to seasoned pros, can find a route worth repeating.