Alberta tourism has it all - Tour the Rocky Mountains in the west, view the scenic prairies to the south, meander through lake & forest country up north.

Alberta is located in western Canada and has two gateway cities that offer plenty of natural adventures and scenic things to do.

Calgary is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains and is the starting point for many international tourists who want to tour western Canada.

Edmonton is the gateway to the north and is a multi-cultural city surrounded by the boreal forest. It's known as the 'festival city' with the largest city park system in North America. The Rocky Mountain town of Jasper, Alberta is 4 hours away and has scenic views, magestic hiking and excellent skiing.

In Alberta, I have:

• gone on a romantic getaway in scenic Canmore (it was cold outside but warm inside),
• explored an ancient glacial cave on a guided tour (I also discovered that my friend was clostrophobic... he he he),
• paddled down a placid river through the badlands (it was HOT... And I mean scorching hot!),
• hiked a steep, but short mountain on the Bears Hump hike to view the famous Waterton Lakes National Park valley (WOW! As pretty as Switzerland).
• stood high above the prairies in the Cypress Hills (absolutely mind-boggling, out-of-place & peaceful).
• hung out in the Edmonton river valley and attended music, art & theatre festivals in the summer (that was fun & crowded!).
• floated down the Bow River past downtown Calgary.
• viewed a Banff lake in a canoe and motor boat. The beauty of the park looks different from the water.

More mountain adventures can be found in Waterton, Canmore and Jasper. History comes alive with dinosaurs in Drumheller. Classic prairie views abound in the south but are interrupted by the astounding Cypress Hills.

Most people travel to Alberta to experience Banff and Lake Louise (and then head off to BC). However, there are more adventures waiting throughout the provice.

A daytrip from Calgary, Alberta on Highway 40 through the Rocky Mountain front range.

Alberta is a BIG province with wide-open spaces. It's recommend you rent a car and take plenty of day trips from your home-base.

From Calgary, Canmore or Banff, you can travel throughout the foothills to experience Waterton or head out into the prairies to view the dinosaurs in Drumheller. In southern Alberta, a lot of scenic views are within 3 hours of Calgary.

Alberta tourism - Things to do

1. Drive the Banff-Jasper Highway, one of the best scenic drives in North America.
2. Visit Lake Louise. This is one of the most beautiful spots on the face of the earth. You can:
   • canoe on the picturesque Lake Louise.
   • have lunch with a spectacular valley view after a magnificent mountain hike,.
   • enjoy a slay-ride around the lake or a skate on the frozen lake (in winter).
3. Have a delicious (and expensive) brunch in a postcard setting at the Chateau Lake Louise, Banff Springs or the Delta in Kananaskis.
4. Visit Waterton Lakes National Park for a few days and experience a beautiful mountain and wildlife oasis:
   • Walk through the small town and enjoy nature close up (deer, elk & bears). Stay in groups and be bear-aware.
   • Enjoy Cameron Falls and take a romantic walk along the paved pathway to Lower Waterton Lake
   • Take a scneic boat ride on Lower Waterton Lake.
   • Hike the Red-Rock Canyon. This area is usually frequented by bears.
   • Drive the scenic road to Cameron Lake.
   • Hiking Waterton National Park is one of the most memorable activies to do in the Rocky Mountains and the Bear's Hump hike is one of the best!
5. Take a Calgary daytrip along Highway 40 through Kananaskis Country.
6. Drive the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park
7. Take the Banff Gondola up Sulfur Mountain.
8. Skiers - enjoy some of the best winter & spring skiing in the world.
9. Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology and view the real Jurassic Park.
10. It may be out of the way, but taking a detour to the amazingly beautiful and history Cypress Hills Provincial Park.
11. Walk or bike Edmonton's scenic river-valley.
12. Enjoy a scenic drive through the boreal forest around Edmonton.

I've been around the province and have found the people to be hardworking and generous, the communities open and friendly.

National Parks in Alberta

• Banff National Park
• Jasper National Park
• Waterton Lakes National Park
• Elk Island National Park
• Wood Buffalo National Park

Border Crossings in Alberta

There are plenty of scenic things to see and do in Alberta and most sites are never crowded (except during the festivals).

Tourism in Alberta is peaceful and memorable. You'll enjoy the scenic drives along wide open roads and plenty of open country between beautiful destinations.