264 Best Sights in Alberta, Canada

One of the premier mountain biking and hiking trails in Kananaskis Country and an important part of the Canada-wide Trans-Canada Trail, this 80-km (50-mile) one-way trail can be cycled or hiked in its entirety or enjoyed in smaller sections. The northern end of the trail begins at the Goat Creek Day Use Area in Spray Valley Provincial Park, 1-km (0.6-mile) from the Banff National Park Boundary. If you want to experience part of the trail, one of the highlights is the Blackshale Suspension Bridge, which is a 1-km (0.6-mile) hike and offers spectacular views and photos. Another nice section, the 6.9-km (4.3-mile) stretch between Spray Lakes Day Use Area and the Buller Pass Trail, has beautiful lake views. At the Driftwood Day Use area, the trail crosses Highway 742 (the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail) and continues south beyond the Sawmill Day Use Area in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park before crossing back across Highway 742 at the Pocaterra Dam, which is north of the Peninsula Day Use Area at the north end of Lower Kananaskis Lake. The section of this trail that passes through Peter Lougheed Provincial Park traverses diverse landscapes with incredible views. It's common to see bear, moose, and coyotes along the trail. Moderate.

The worst coal mining disaster in Canada happened on June 19, 1914 in the community of Hillcrest. A pocket of methane gas ignited and set off a coal dust explosion that killed 189 miners. Most of the victims were buried in a mass grave and a memorial was later erected in the cemetery. There are interpretive signs and you can go on a self-guided tour of the cemetery.

A scenic view of the rocky spires known as hoodoos can be seen from this viewpoint 3.2 km (2 miles) up Tunnel Mountain Road. If you want to get closer to the hoodoos, you can hike along the trail that leaves from the viewpoint.

The name of the park is ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW), pronounced (ee-nu), a Cree word meaning "I am of the Earth." The name River Lot 11 acknowledges the historic home of Métis landowner Joseph McDonald. Located in Queen Elizabeth Park, this exhibit includes six artworks by Canadian Indigenous artists, all of which were conceptualized to tell the story of ancestral lands of the Indigenous peoples whose descendants entered into treaty with the British Crown.

Jasper Lake is actually part of the Athabasca River—it's a point where the river broadens—and you can wade far out into its shallow waters and the beach is sandy. The scenery is beautiful, with lovely reflections on the water, and the Jasper Lake Sand Dunes, the Canadian Rockies' only sand dunes, are nearby.

The only sand dunes in the Canadian Rockies were formed during the last ice age and are constantly being reshaped by wind. They sit along the edge of Jasper Lake, which is not really a lake as it's part of the Athabasca River. The river widens and you can wade out very far on its sandy bottom; it's particularly popular on hot summer days. There's also a large roadside pullout and toilets.

The 1914 cobblestone-and-timber structure that houses the Jasper townsite visitor center is a superb example of rustic Canadian architecture. Parks Canada staffers here have information about trails, backcountry hiking, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs. You can pick up maps, brochures, and other helpful materials as well. Parks Canada also operates an information desk at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, 103 km (64 miles) south of Jasper townsite.

Located at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, this planetarium has the largest telescope in the Canadian Rockies. In its dome, an astronomy expert conducts an interactive tour of the dark night sky—a fitting experience given that Jasper is the world's second-largest Dark Sky Preserve.

The tram whisks you 973 vertical meters (3,191 vertical feet) up the steep flank of Whistlers Mountain to an impressive overlook of the town and the surrounding mountains. The seven-minute ride deposits you above the tree line (be sure to bring warm clothes) at the upper station. From here, a 30- to 45-minute hike leads to the summit, which is 2,464 meters (8,085 feet) above sea level. Several unmarked trails lead through alpine meadows beyond.

Located in Kinsmen Park, this living history museum showcases the life of John Walter, a Scotsman who immigrated to Canada in 1870 to build boats for the Hudson's Bay Company. Walter built one of the city's first permanent residences, and the community of Walterdale grew up around his property. Today, you can watch crafters at work and visit buildings as they would have looked between 1870--1942. You can also explore Kinsmen Park and its numerous walking and biking trails.

A family-friendly 3.1-km (1.9-mile) loop trail circles this lake passing some of the oldest Douglas fir trees in Alberta. The lake is in the montane zone of the park and is a good place to spot wildlife. There are lovely views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain and picnic tables if you want to linger. Because the lake is smaller and somewhat sheltered, it tends to have smoother water for paddling.

This 50,000-square-foot, Scandinavian-style spa has five outdoor pools, four steam and sauna cabins, an exfoliation room, and eight treatment rooms. Other blissful offerings include a relaxation area with heated hammocks, fireside lounges, and a wellness bistro. Following an age-old tradition, spa-goers cycle through a circuit of hot, cold, and relaxation phases. This adults-only experience takes several hours. There are two sessions daily: 9 am--2:30 pm and 3:30 pm--9 pm.

This unincorporated mountain village 90 km (56 miles) southwest of Calgary was built for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games and is the location of the main facilities and services in the Kananaskis region. It was also the hosting site of the 28th G8 summit in 2002.

Located beside The Fair­mont Jasper Park Lodge, this glacier-fed lake is surrounded by majestic mountains. A scenic 4-km (2.5-mile) hiking trail surrounds the lake, and bicycles, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards can be rented at The Boathouse (open during the summer season) on the lake's shore.

Winding north of Lake Louise, this 7-km (4½-mile) trail has stunning views of Lake Agnes and Mirror Lake. The trail passes through an old-growth forest and comes up the right side of a waterfall before ending at a teahouse where you can stop for dessert. It will take at least four hours to complete this trail. Moderate.

This lake is a favorite sandy beach and swimming area with locals. There is a dock, a playground, a grassy area for throwing a ball or Frisbee, and a day-use area with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. A paved interpretive trail loops around the lakeshore. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but they are allowed in other areas.

This kid-friendly 2.4-km (1½-mile) loop trail with interpretive signage is paved and mostly level. It takes most people less than two hours to complete. Toilets are at two locations, and there is a shelter halfway around. Easy.

Beside Lake Annette, this picnic area has shelters and tables. It's a favorite with families who come to the lake to swim.

This beautiful turquoise lake is surrounded by mountains. It has a quiet beach and a dock. The glacier-fed water is cold, but on a hot summer day, it's a popular spot to paddle and wade. You can get there by car or bike, or hiking. Dogs are not allowed on the beach area of the lake.

One of the most photographed spots in the park, you can walk beside the lake and enjoy the nearby hiking trails in the summer or go ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and take sleigh rides in the winter. The lakeside Fairmont Château Lake Louise hotel is a departure point for several short, moderately strenuous, well-traveled hiking routes, including the popular 3-km (2-mile) trail to Lake Agnes. The tiny lake hangs on a mountain-surrounded shelf that opens to the east with a bird's-eye view of the Beehives and Mount Whitehorn. The teahouse (cash only) by Lake Agnes serves soups, sandwiches, and snacks. In 2021, Parks Canada implemented a mandatory parking fee for the Lake Louise parking lot mid-May to mid-October. Parks Canada also operates a shuttle bus service during peak season. Bus tickets must be booked in advance. 

Hop on the gondola to an alpine plateau for a stunning view that includes more than a dozen glaciers. The deck of the viewing platform is a good place to enjoy an ice-cream cone, a cold drink, or a picnic lunch, or you can buy a ticket that includes breakfast or lunch at the lodge near the gondola's base. Several easy hikes are accessible from the top of the lift and guided interpretive walks (45 minutes) take place several times daily. The Wildlife Interpretive Centre is a 5–10 minute walk from the top of the gondola and it has programming, life-size animal displays, and information about local wildlife. It's common to see grizzly bears from the safety of the gondola.

Stop here to get maps and information about area attractions and trails. Parks Canada staff can assist with up-to-date park information. Banff and Lake Louise Tourism staff can provide information on area accommodations and amenities, and you can purchase educational books and other materials.

Beautiful glacier-fed Lake Magog sits in front of Mt. Assiniboine and it is the site of most of the park's facilities and trailheads. The two main hiking routes into the park lead to this lake. An easy 3.2-km (2-mile) trail around the west shore of the lake offers wonderful views of Mt. Assiniboine reflecting off the lake surface.

A popular spot, this area has picnic shelters, tables, flush toilets, fire rings, and fireplaces. Hike, rent a boat, or try your luck at fishing.

Interpretive panels, walking paths, and listening posts provide insight into the demise of the only fully Canadian-owned and -operated coal mine in this region of Alberta. From mid-May to Labor Day, visitors can take a self-guided tour of this site and see the ruins of the coal processing plant and the coke ovens. You can still visit in fall and winter, but trails are not maintained and the public toilets are closed.

Interpretive signs on this easy 2.5-km (1.6-mile) trail describe river ecology and mammals of the area. Hikers will walk along a small section of the Little Elbow River just before it empties into the Elbow River. Easy.

One of the few surviving examples of a grand sandstone prairie mansion, Lougheed House is the former residence of some of Calgary’s most influential citizens, including Peter Lougheed, premier of Alberta from 1971 to 1985. Both a national and provincial historic site, Lougheed House hosts history and art exhibits and is surrounded by large and wonderful gardens that are worth exploring in the summer months.

These 12-meter (39-foot) falls on the Crowsnest River are stunning in every season. You can watch them from the observation platforms above the falls or walk down into the limestone gorge to see them up close.

The Maligne River cut 50 meters (165 feet) deep through limestone bedrock to create Maligne Canyon. An interpretive trail winds along the river, switching from side to side over six bridges as the canyon progressively deepens. The 4-km (2½-mile) trail along the canyon can be crowded, especially near the trailhead. Just off the path, you'll find the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen and a nice gift shop. On a wintertime ice walk, the views from the bottom of the frozen canyon are spectacular.

This 4.4-km (2.7-mile), one-way trail east of Jasper townsite leads to views of the area's famous limestone gorge. Starting at the fifth of six bridges spanning the canyon, the winding trail gains about 100 meters (330 feet) in elevation. There's a waterfall at the head of the canyon. Easy.