Alberta

CANADIAN CAMPGROUNDS

Backcountry campsites are also frequently referred to as designated campsites. They’re hardened campsites that have been set aside in more remote areas but lack the conveniences of frontcountry campsites such as running water, restrooms, and showers.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION

Banff

  • Banff National Park — Canada’s first national park, established in 1885, featuring dramatic mountain landscapes, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife.
  • Banff Park Museum — Western Canada’s oldest natural history museum with thousands of vintage specimens of flora and fauna.
  • Banff Town Sign — Iconic photo spot with large wooden letters spelling “BANFF,” backed by mountain views.
  • Banff Upper Hot Springs — Historic 1930s bathhouse with outdoor thermal pools perched on Sulphur Mountain. Canada’s highest elevation hot springs.
  • Bow Falls Lookout — Scenic viewpoint overlooking the wide, cascading Bow Falls near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
  • Bow Valley Parkway — Scenic route between Banff and Lake Louise, known for wildlife sightings and access to hiking trails.
  • Buffalo Nations Museum — Celebrates the traditions, resilience, and artistry of Indigenous Peoples of the Northern Plains and Rockies.
  • Cascade Gardens — Beautifully landscaped gardens with ponds, waterfalls, and historic architecture near the Parks Canada building.
  • Cave and Basin National Historic Site — Birthplace of Canada’s national parks, featuring thermal springs, interpretive exhibits, and historic architecture.
  • COWS Banff — Popular ice cream shop known for whimsical flavors and handmade waffle cones.
  • Fenland Trail — A peaceful loop trail through old-growth spruce forest and wetlands near Echo Creek.
  • Hoodoos at Tunnel Mountain — Eroded limestone spires visible from a scenic viewpoint above the Bow River.
  • Johnston Canyon — A dramatic canyon hike with catwalks leading to Lower and Upper Falls, and further to the Ink Pots.
  • Mount Norquay Viewpoint — Panoramic lookout over Banff townsite and surrounding peaks.
  • Surprise Corner — A hidden viewpoint offering dramatic views of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and Spray Valley.
  • Tunnel Mountain — A small mountain with an easy summit hike offering panoramic views of Banff and surrounding peaks.
  • Vermilion Lakes — Three tranquil lakes ideal for sunrise photography, canoeing, and wildlife viewing.
  • Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies — Museum showcasing regional art, Indigenous heritage, and mountain culture through exhibitions and archives.

Bow Valley Parkway

  • Baker Creek — Quiet area with cabins, picnic spots, and access to trails.
  • Castle Junction — Key intersection with access to Highway 93 and several trailheads.
  • Castle Mountain Viewpoint — Striking views of the iconic flat-topped mountain above the Bow River.
  • Eisenhower Peak Trail — Steep scramble with panoramic views, best for experienced hikers.
  • Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise — Historic luxury hotel on the shores of Lake Louise, offering stunning views and upscale amenities.
  • Fireside Picnic Area — Eastern gateway to the Parkway, ideal for rest stops or launching a bike ride.
  • Herbert Lake — Quiet and reflective, perfect for sunrise and mirror-like photos.
  • Johnston Canyon — A dramatic canyon hike with catwalks leading to waterfalls and the Ink Pots.
  • Lake Agnes Tea House — Cozy, rustic spot reached by hike, overlooking Lake Agnes.
  • Lake Louise — Turquoise waters framed by Victoria Glacier and the Fairmont Chateau.
  • Lake Louise Ski Resort — Skiing and snowboarding in winter, sightseeing gondola in summer.
  • Moose Meadows — Open meadow known for elk and moose sightings.
  • Morant’s Curve — Famous rail bend with postcard-worthy mountain scenery.
  • Mount St. Piran — Tranquil trail with alpine views, ideal for solitude.
  • Moraine Lake — Iconic turquoise lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, with top views from the Rockpile Trail and lakeshore walks.
  • Pilot Mountain Viewpoint — Lesser-known pullout with views of Pilot Mountain’s dramatic profile.
  • Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House — Deep in the mountains, great for hearty snacks and glacier vistas.
  • Protection Mountain Campground — Peaceful camping spot with mountain views.
  • Peyto Lake — Brilliant blue and wolf-head shaped, with an epic view from Bow Summit.
  • Rockbound Lake Trail — Challenging hike to a stunning alpine lake surrounded by cliffs.
  • Silverton Falls — Short hike to a picturesque waterfall near Castle Junction.
  • Storm Mountain Lookout — Scenic pull-off with views of rugged peaks and forested valleys.
  • Wolverine Creek — Serene creekside area with potential wildlife sightings.

Canmore

  • Canmore Nordic Centre – Olympic legacy site with trails
  • Grassi Lakes Trail – Hike with views and turquoise lakes

Hinton

  • Athabasca Riverfront Park – Peaceful riverside setting ideal for walks and nature photography.
  • Hinton Bike Park – Well-maintained mountain biking trails for all skill levels.
  • Hinton Nordic Centre – Offers cross-country skiing in winter and wildflower-filled trails in summer.
  • Hinton Visitor Information Centre – Seasonal hub for personalized travel tips and local insights.
  • Jasper Hinton Zipline – High-flying adventure with sweeping views just outside town.
  • Northern Rockies Museum of Culture & Heritage – Interactive exhibits in a historic 1911 train station.
  • Rock Lake Provincial Park – Boat-friendly lake with a winding river perfect for kayaking.
  • The Beaver Boardwalk – Scenic wetland boardwalk with wildlife viewing, especially beavers at dusk.
  • Wildhay Glacial Cascades Natural Area – Remote and scenic, popular for fishing, canoeing, and off-road adventures.
  • William A. Switzer Provincial Park – A hidden gem with lakes, trails, and picnic spots.
    • Nearby
      • Sundance Provincial Park – Located east of Hinton, features the Wild Sculpture Trail, a 1-km hike to striking hoodoos, Includes Emerson Lakes, a scenic chain of seven lakes
      • Cadomin & Hole in the Wall Café – South of Hinton via a scenic drive past historic coal mines, Quaint hamlet with mining heritage, local café, and access to nearby trails and wildlife viewing.
      • Mountain Park Ghost Town – Just beyond Cadomin. Site of Canada’s highest cemetery and former coal camp ruins.
      • Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Recreation Area (PRA) – Between Cadomin and Mountain Park. Backcountry haven with alpine meadows, waterfalls, and four hiking trails. Home to rare wildlife and the Cardinal Divide Viewpoint, a continental watershed divide.

    Icefields Parkway

    • Abraham Lake – Known for surreal frozen methane bubbles in winter and vivid blue waters in summer.
    • Athabasca Falls – Thunderous waterfall with easy access and dramatic canyon views.
    • Big Hill & Big Bend – Scenic hairpin turn with sweeping valley views along the Parkway.
    • Bow Lake – One of the Parkway’s most iconic lakes, with access via Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
    • Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre – Main hub for glacier tours, exhibits, dining, and lodging.
      • Toe of the Glacier Viewpoint – Easily accessible viewpoint of the Athabasca Glacier’s leading edge.
      • Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure – Ride an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier and walk on ancient ice.
      • Glacier Skywalk – Glass-bottomed walkway suspended over the Sunwapta Valley.
    • Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint – Just north of Bow Lake, visible from a roadside pull-off
    • Mistaya Canyon Trailhead – A short, easy walk to a dramatic canyon carved by the Mistaya River
    • Mount Wilcox – Panoramic hike with views of the glacier and surrounding peaks.
    • Num-Ti-Jah Lodge trails – Located at Bow Lake, with shoreline trails and panoramic views
    • Parker Ridge Trail – Short, steep trail with vistas of the Saskatchewan Glacier.
    • Saskatchewan Glacier – One of the largest outflows from the Columbia Icefield.
    • Saskatchewan River Crossing – A key service stop with fuel, food, and lodging
    • Siffleur Falls – Scenic waterfall hike with suspension bridges and canyon views.
    • Snow Dome Mountain – Hydrologically unique peak feeding three oceans.
    • Sunwapta Falls – Named from the Stoney word for “turbulent water.”
    • Sunwapta Pass – Mountain pass marking the boundary between Banff and Jasper National Parks.
    • Tangle Creek Falls – Roadside cascade that’s stunning year-round.
    • Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint – Includes both Upper and Lower Waterfowl Lakes, with roadside stops and short trails
    • Weeping Wall – Water cascades down Cirrus Mountain like a river of tears.

    Jasper

    • Historic Train Station – The Canadian National Railway constructed the station in 1926
    • Jasper Brewing Company – the first National Park Brewery in Canada.
    • Jasper National Park – Glaciers, canyons, and alpine scenery.
    • Jasper Planetarium Dome Theatre – Interactive stargazing experience with immersive exhibits.
    • Jasper SkyTram – Canada’s highest aerial tramway with sweeping mountain vistas and aerial views of alpine landscape.
    • Maligne Canyon – Deep limestone gorge with waterfalls and scenic bridges.
    • Mount Edith Cavell Meadows – Alpine hike with wildflowers, glaciers, and panoramic scenery.
    • Skyline Trail – Lodge-based backcountry hike staying above treeline for 25 km.
    • The Den – Jasper’s Wildlife Museum – Displays of Western Canada’s animals in natural settings.
      • Area Lakes
        • Medicine Lake – Known as the “disappearing lake” due to its underground drainage system
        • Maligne Lake & Spirit Island – Glacier-fed lake with iconic views and boat tours to Spirit Island.
        • Pyramid Lake – Easily accessible from Jasper townsite; great for canoeing and photography
        • Patricia Lake – Adjacent to Pyramid Lake; features a WWII wreck and calm waters
        • Lake Annette – Popular for swimming, picnicking, and its paved walking trail
        • Lake Edith – Shallow with sandbars; good for swimming and biking
        • Beauvert Lake – Located near Jasper Park Lodge; ideal for paddleboarding and relaxing
        • Horseshoe Lake – A cliff-jumping favorite with deep, clear water
        • Valley of the Five Lakes – A series of small, vibrant lakes connected by a scenic loop trail

      CENTRAL ALBERTA

      Calgary

      • Calagary Stampede
        • Stampede Parade – Kicks off the 10-day celebration with floats, marching bands, and cultural performers winding through downtown.
        • World Championship Rodeo – One of the world’s largest rodeos, featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and saddle bronc events daily.
        • Chuckwagon Races
        • Midway – Classic carnival rides, games, and wild food creations.
        • Coca-Cola Stage & Nashville North – Free concerts with big-name bands and country music acts, included with gate admission.
        • Western Oasis – Art exhibits, wine tastings, and a serene escape from the midway madness.
        • Elbow River Camp – Cultural showcase of Treaty 7 First Nations with traditional dancing, storytelling, crafts, and Indigenous cuisine.
        • Olympic Plaza & Rope Plaza – Pancake Breakfasts
        • Grandstand Show Spectacular
        • Mega Fireworks, Drone, and Laser Show
        • Glenbow Museum – Art and history museum with Indigenous exhibits and Western Canadian culture.
        • Cobb’s Adventure Park – Outdoor fun with kangaroo petting, climbing walls, mini golf, and more.
        • Dangler Swings – Unique swing installation in Heritage Park for playful photo ops.
        • Calgary Tower – Iconic skyline view with glass floor and rotating restaurant.
        • Calgary Zoo – Home to over 1,000 animals and a lush botanical garden.
        • Heritage Park Historical Village – Canada’s largest living history museum with vintage rides and costumed interpreters.
        • Studio Bell – National Music Centre – Interactive exhibits and music memorabilia.
        • Telus Spark Science Centre – Hands-on science exhibits and creative labs.
        • Canada Olympic Park (WinSport) – Skiing, mountain biking, and Olympic history.
        • Fort Calgary – Historic site marking Calgary’s birthplace with exhibits on Treaty 7.
        • Prince’s Island Park – Downtown green space with trails and summer festivals.
        • Devonian Gardens – Indoor tropical garden in the CORE shopping centre.
        • Peace Bridge – Striking red pedestrian bridge over the Bow River.
        • Fish Creek Provincial Park – One of Canada’s largest urban parks with hiking and wildlife.
        • Stephen Avenue Walk – Historic pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
        • Bowness Park – Riverside park with paddle boats, skating, and picnic spots.

        Red Deer

        • Kerry Wood Nature Centre – Urban nature education and trails (Natural)
        • Historic Fort Normandeau – 1880s fur trade and settler history (Historical)

        Sylvan Lake

        • Sylvan Lake Beach – Popular summer lake destination (Natural)
        • Lakeside Go Karts & Mini Golf – Family fun attraction (Quirky)

        Drumheller

        • Royal Tyrrell Museum – World-class dinosaur museum (Historical/Quirky)
        • Hoodoos Trail – Strange rock formations in the Badlands (Natural)
        • World’s Largest Dinosaur – Climbable T. rex statue (Quirky)
        • Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site – Restored coal mining site (Historical)

        NORTHERN ALBERTA

        Edmonton

        • West Edmonton Mall – Massive mall with water park and amusement park (Quirky)
        • Fort Edmonton Park – Historical reenactment park with streetcar (Historical)
        • Royal Alberta Museum – Provincial natural and cultural history (Historical)
        • Muttart Conservatory – Pyramidal greenhouses with world flora (Quirky/Natural)
        • Legislative Assembly of Alberta – Historic government building (Historical)

        St. Albert

        • St. Albert Grain Elevator Park – Historic farming structures (Historical)
        • Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park – Birdwatching and nature trails (Natural)

        Grande Prairie

        • Muskoseepi Park – Large city park with trails and lake (Natural)
        • Grande Prairie Museum – Pioneer and Indigenous artifacts (Historical)

        Peace River

        • Sagamore Lookout – Scenic view over the Peace River Valley (Natural)
        • Riverfront Park and Interpretive Walk – History and nature trail (Historical/Natural)

        SOUTHERN ALBERTA

        Blairmore

        • Frank Slide Interpretive Centre – Seeing the aftermath of the rockslide where a large chunk of Turtle Mountain gave way in 1903 is a fantastic site as it looks like it just happened yesterday.

        Cardston

        • Remington Carriage Museum – World’s largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles, with interactive exhibits and a working restoration shop.
        • Cardston Alberta Temple – Historic LDS temple with striking geometric architecture and no steeple; first built outside the U.S..
        • Courthouse & Heritage Museum – 1907 sandstone courthouse with exhibits on pioneer life and Kainai culture. $5 admission, open 9:30–6:30.
        • Charles & Zina Card Pioneer Home – Original 1887 log cabin with pioneer games, quilts, and stories of early settlers. Donations accepted, open 10:30–7.
        • Cardston Sweet Shop – Vintage candy, imported treats, and rich Mackay’s ice cream.
        • Carriage House Theatre – Live summer shows like Shrek the Musical (July 3–Aug 17); also screens movies year-round.
        • Woolford Provincial Park – Quiet riverside park with basic camping and fishing; limited amenities.

        Coaldale

        • Birds of Prey Centre – Flying demonstrations are held every 90 minutes throughout the day. 10:30am to 3:00pm. Opportunities to hold owls throughout the day. $16/ea

        Drumheller – “Dinosaur Capital of the World.”

        • Midland Provincial Park – Scenic park surrounding the museum, with trails and remnants of the historic Midland Coal Mine.
        • World’s Largest Dinosaur – Climb inside this 86-foot T. rex for panoramic views of Drumheller.
        • Drumheller’s Little Church – Tiny six-seat chapel built as a place for meditation and reflection.
        • 3Rd Avenue Arts – Local arts hub offering workshops, exhibits, and creative community events.
        • Homestead Antique Museum – Displays of pioneer-era artifacts and vintage collectibles.
        • Red Deer River Adventures – Canoe and kayak rentals for scenic paddling through the Badlands.
        • Fossil World Discovery Museum – Family-friendly museum with animatronic dinosaurs and fossil dig activities.
        • Dinosaur Provincial Park – Alberta’s fossil-rich badlands, famed for dinosaur discoveries and dramatic landscapes.
        • Horseshoe Canyon – a striking U-shaped valley in Alberta’s Canadian Badlands

        Fort MacLeod

        • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump – UNESCO World Heritage Site where Plains Indigenous peoples hunted bison for over 6,000 years by driving them off a cliff; features an interpretive centre with exhibits on Blackfoot culture and archaeology.
        • Empress Theatre – 1912 theatre hosting concerts, films, and spooky legends.
        • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump – UNESCO site preserving Indigenous hunting traditions.
        • Fort Macleod Courthouse – Historic building still in use, showcasing classic architecture.
        • NWMP Musical Ride – Summer reenactment of the ceremonial RCMP horseback show.
        • River Valley Wilderness Park – Trails and interpretive signage on local nature and heritage.
        • Historic Main Street – Preserved buildings, antique shops, and heritage murals.
        • Stronghold Brewing Co. – Craft brewery with rotating taps and a cozy atmosphere.
        • Woolford Provincial Park – Quiet area for camping and fishing.
        • Park Lake Provincial Park – Lakeside spot with swimming and campgrounds.
        • Vista Park – Local park with walking trails and picnic areas.
        • Gem of the West Museum – Rural museum with historical exhibits and art gallery.
        • Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden – Cultural space with tea ceremonies and Japanese traditions.
        • Fort Macleod Farmers’ Market – Seasonal market featuring crafts, produce, and music.

        Lethbridge

        • Farmers Market – Wed 9-2 Downtown
        • Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden – open from 10 am to 6 pm but closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
        • Fort Whoop-Up is a replica of an original fur trading fort built in the late 1800s. Wed–Sun, 10 am–5 pm, $15 + GST, Guided tours on the hour
        • Lethbridge Viaduct – super high and long railroad bridge built in 1907-1909. 95 meters (312 feet) tall and is 1,624 meters (5,328 feet) long. The High Level Bridge is actually the largest railway structure in Canada and the largest of its type in the world.
        • Indian Battle Park is named after the last great battle to take place between rival first nation tribes in North America.
        • Helen Schuler Nature Centre and check out their displays about the region’s flora and fauna. Do not miss your chance to climb up to the center’s roof to see the garden while there.
        • Water Tower Grill & Bar – Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 12 am, and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm.

        Medicine Hat “Gas City”

        • Dinosaur Provincial Park – UNESCO World Heritage badlands rich in Late Cretaceous fossils.
        • Eagle Butte Road – Scenic driving route through Alberta’s rolling prairie and badland terrain.
        • Etzikom Museum & Windmill Centre – Pioneer-themed museum with native artifacts, fossils, and a restored church.
        • Great Sandhills of Saskatchewan – Shifting sand dunes in southwestern Saskatchewan with sparse vegetation and open skies.
        • Medalta Potteries – National Historic Site in Medicine Hat’s Clay District with galleries and preserved kilns.
        • Pinto McBean – A colossal cartoonish bean statue—armed and ready—celebrating local agriculture.
        • Police Point Park – Nature preserve along the South Saskatchewan River, known for birdwatching and walking trails.
        • Prairie Memories Museum (Irvine) – Local museum with historic buildings; hosts the annual 20 Milepost Days fair.
        • Red Rock Coulee Natural Area – Remote badlands featuring vivid red spherical boulders and hoodoos.
        • Saamis Tepee – Monumental steel teepee symbolizing Indigenous heritage and Medicine Hat’s cultural identity.
        • Sandy Point – Lakeside area popular for boating and summertime relaxation.
        • Swirls Ice Cream – Beloved spot for soft-serve and frozen treats in Medicine Hat.
        • World’s Largest Teepee – Iconic 1988 Olympic monument offering interpretive panels on native history.
        • Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park – Sacred site with Indigenous petroglyphs and hoodoo-filled landscapes
        • World’s Largest Teepee – Built for 1988 Olympics (Quirky)
        • Medalta Potteries – National Historic Site with clay district museums (Historical)
        • Police Point Park – Riverside nature preserve (Natural)

        Vulcan

        • Star Trek Capital of Canada – Trek-themed town with replica starship and murals (Quirky)
        • Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station – Sci-fi-themed visitor center (Quirky)

        Waterton

        • Waterton Lakes National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural)
        • Prince of Wales Hotel – Iconic 1927 lakeside hotel (Historical)
        • Red Rock Canyon – Unique red-rock gorge with hiking trails (Natural)

        Waterton Lakes National Park

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