Alberta is one of Canada’s best tourist destinations. There is so much to do in this amazing province. From soaking up rich history to nights out in the city and, of course, the hundreds of outdoor activities in Alberta you can do at famous destinations – there is something for everyone.
So, grab a backpack and take to the mountains, walk on glaciers, swim in natural springs, and marvel at Alberta’s fauna and flora. Not an outdoorsy person? That’s fine. The province has its fair share of historical action dating back more than 10,000 years to the people of the First Nation. Into cultural events like music concerts and art exhibitions? The province is home to several films, art, and music festivals with a variety of genres, from rock to opera.
With so many things to do in this beautiful Canadian province, how will you choose to spend your next holiday? Easy. Plan your trip around the top 5 attractions in Alberta, Canada, that you’re about to discover in this article, and make sure you find out more on the Canadian tourist visa application to get you there as quickly as possible.
1. Banff National Park
There is so much to see and explore in Banff. This mountainous park is nestled against the town of the same name. Banff is Canada’s first official park and boasts over three million tourists annually. With such a wide variety of activities to enjoy, it’s no surprise that it’s such a popular destination.
Banff is home to the beautiful Lake Louise, which is famous for its blue glacier-fed water shade surrounded by high peaks and overlooking a magnificent château.
The park offers a canoe dock in the summer, and there’s a skating rink on the frozen lake in the winter. Find accommodation on Lake Louise for the best experience of this place’s magnificent sights.
Visit the Lake Louise Ski Resort or the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for your next holiday.
Want to learn a little history dating back thousands of years? The Cave and Basin Historic Site is the reason for establishing Banff National Park. Its the site for thermal springs that have been a core part of Canada’s indigenous population for over 10,000 years.
2. Jasper National Park
This park is over 11,000 square kilometres of absolute fun and is one of the best attractions in Alberta, Canada. The 50-metre-deep Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park is a sight to behold in the summer. Fossils, waterfalls, animals, and green plant life are all here.
Ready to see the magnificence of Athabasca Falls? A glacier tore through the rocks thousands of years ago, forming the canyon that currently houses the Athabasca Falls. This magnificent sight is sure to awe you.
3. Calgary
Don’t enjoy outdoor activities in Alberta? Head over to the city of Calgary. Observe the architectural splendour of Calgary tower. The beautiful Calgary Tower, which has stood vigil over the city’s downtown since 1968, contains a glass-floored observation deck and a spinning restaurant 627 feet (191 meters) above ground; both offer 360-degree views of the city and the distant snow-capped Rocky Mountains.
Want to soak yourself in culture? The National Music Centre, housed in Studio Bell in Calgary, is a national organization dedicated to all things musical. This includes musical performances in a 300-seat performance space.
Suppose you’re craving a fun night out while on tour. In that case, you can find tons of restaurants, clubs, and live entertainment in downtown Calgary. This city will surely convince you to start your Canadian tourist visa application immediately.
4. Drumheller
This is a must-see even if you’re not a fan of outdoor activities. The Dinosaur Capital of the World offers many paleontological attractions for the whole family. Immerse yourself in history at the Royal Tyrell Museum, where some of the best-preserved fossils stand over you in all their grandeur. Had enough history? You and the kids can hop on a ride at the dinosaur-themed amusement park. Finally, Drumheller is home to some of the most spectacular views from atop the Horsethief Canyon.
5. Edmonton
Our second city on this list is Edmonton. The province’s capital has several tour-worthy destinations. For example, Edmonton West Mall is unlike any other mall you’ve been to. This isn’t just another retail park with some restaurants and a bowling alley. It has the largest indoor amusement park, largest indoor lake, wave pool, ice rink, and zoo. Overall, the Edmonton West Mall contains over 800 businesses and 100 restaurants, and with over 5.3 million square feet, it’s the largest mall in North America.
In addition, it has an aquarium with live shows, mini-golf, go-karting, and so much more. The mall is a popular destination for families in Alberta, especially during the winter, when they can escape the cold and enjoy some inside fun and shopping.
Learn more about life in Alberta and its top attractions on this page.
Visiting Canada
Starting your Canadian tourist visa application isn’t that complicated. Canada requires people from most countries to apply for a tourist visa (also known as a visitor’s visa). However, some only really need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which you can do just before you travel to Canada. So before you plan your trip to visit these fantastic attractions in Alberta, Canada, find out what kind of visitor visa you need.
For more information on Canada’s visitor visas and how to quickly apply, visit the immigration consultant agency CanadianVisa.org.