Things to do in Alberta, Canada

Climb aboard this iconic 4-person gondola cabin with large windows and relax. During the 8-minute ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, take in the views of the town of Banff, Bow Valley, and six different mountain ranges. While on the mountain's peak, be amazed by 360-degree views. Explore the interactive Above Banff Interpretative Center to learn about the early explorers, wildlife, and local area. Hike across the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk to explore the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site. Then stop at the coffee shops, restaurants, and gift shops.

Climb to the top of the Calgary Tower with this admission ticket and admire the panorama. Located 191 meters above the downtown core, the Calgary Tower offers the best view in the city and is a must-see on any visitor's itinerary. On the Observation Deck, you'll experience a spectacular 360° view of the bustling city and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Stand on the amazing glass floor for an unparalleled birds-eye view of the city streets below and make sure to check out the exterior LED light show that runs nightly from dusk to midnight. The LED light shows are created to celebrate national holidays, cheer on local and national sports teams, support local festivals, and raise awareness for important causes. There are 132 lights in total, capable of producing more than 16.5 million colors and effects.

Following a pick-up from your accommodation in Jasper, climb aboard a 21-seat tour bus for a comfortable drive up the valley. Your first stop will be at Maligne Canyon. Enjoy an easy 30-minute walk and see the deepest portion at 164 feet, including a thundering waterfall. Re-board your bus and drive on through stunning landscapes en route to Medicine Lake. Here the tour will make a 10-minute stop for photos, and your guide will explain why this is known locally as the "disappearing lake." Continue on to Maligne Lake and take a 90-minute scenic cruise to Spirit Island. Throughout the day, look out for Canada’s famous wildlife, such as abundant moose, the odd black bear, and even a grizzly.

Sit back and relax onboard a comfortable and unforgettable 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) cruise along Maligne Lake. Take in the views of the surrounding peaks of the Canadian Rockies, alpine glaciers, and azure water of the lake. Watch out for wildlife and learn from your guide about the early explorers and indigenous people of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit the tiny but very famous Spirit Island, which is only accessible by boat, and enjoy a short nature trail before returning to Home Bay.

Hop aboard an open-top double-decker to discover Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Snap photos of unparalleled scenery, immerse yourself in the Canadian Rockies, and learn about the area from a local host. Board your bus at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and head to the lakes. Once there, marvel at the Canadian Rockies, including the famous Mt. Victoria and Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take time for yourself once at the lakes. Go on one of the many hiking trails accessible from the drop-off areas or relax at the shore. After some free time, ride the open-top bus to the next lake before returning to the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Tickets are valid all day, with buses departing every hour from the Lake Louise Ski Resort from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Choose your departure time from the Ski Resort and then enjoy a flexible return time from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The bus departs Lake Louise once an hour on the half-hour from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Catch a bus from Moraine Lake every hour on the hour between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.

Discover one of Jasper’s most impressive natural wonders. Meet your friendly and highly trained tour guide before journeying to the bottom of the Maligne Canyon – the deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park. Explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and incredible ice formations, marveling at the power of nature. Learn about Jasper’s Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mystery of the “disappearing” Medicine Lake.  Be sure to take photographs by the stunning geological features, and the huge frozen waterfalls. The Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour is a great option for anyone who does not ski or snowboard. Or if you are hitting the pistes, get a full morning on the slopes and then head to the canyon for the afternoon. 

Start with pickup from Banff and travel in a modern minibus along the Bow Valley Parkway to the Canyon. On arrival at the Johnston Canyon trailhead, your guide will show you how to put on ice cleats over your winter boots, as well as give you some tips on winter hiking. From here, start the moderate 2.7 kilometer hike with 135 meter elevation to the Upper Falls. Walk along the steel catwalks built into the canyon walls which allows a spectacular view down the canyon walls to the ice and river below. Along the way you'll learn the clues to how Johnston Canyon was formed and stop at the Lower Falls, where you'll have the option to walk through a natural cave feature for a unique view. At the Upper Falls, enjoy a brief stop on the upper deck with a small refreshment break to enjoy the views. These gigantic pillars of ice are the tour highlight and ice climbers can often be seen scaling the frozen columns. Once you've finished your hot chocolate, hike back down and your guide will transport you back to Banff and drop you at your hotel.

Experience Banff’s famous lakes on a guided tour of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.  Keep your eyes peeled for animals such as deer, elk, and bears on your way, and admire views of Castle Mountain before arriving at the first lake of the day. Hear stories about Banff National Park, its history, and the local animals from your guide. Enjoy a 30-minute visit to Lake Louise. Wander the famous shoreline and take photos of the lake against the backdrop of the mountains and Victoria Glacier.  Admire the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel from the outside or inside. Explore Moraine Lake, set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks with waterfalls and rock piles. Enjoy a short guided walk to the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks viewpoint, or relax and take in the lake from the shoreline. Enjoy hot chocolate and maple cookies at one of the scenic stops. After a 30-minute break at the viewpoint, return back to Banff and drop you off at your hotel.

Explore Spray Valley Provincial Park by dogsled on a family-friendly tour. Perfect for any comfort level, experience how to harness and hook up the team of Alaskan, Siberian, and Seppala Husky dogs. Relax in the sled and admire the view of towering mountains and tree-lined pathways. Meet your guide and get introduced to the friendly sled dogs that will pull you through the northern wilderness. Learn about this traditional winter sport, the dogs, and how to properly hook them up to the sled. Stop and enjoy photo stops and lookout points in the park with peaceful rivers and icy snowbanks. Once the loop is complete, reward the dogs with a cookie and warm up with a hot drink and a small snack.

Discover the beauty of the Jasper National Park on this guided wildlife watching tour from Jasper aboard a spacious coach. Enjoy stunning natural landscapes while looking for creatures in their native habitats.  Benefit from pickup at your hotel or guesthouse in Jasper and travel by comfortable coach down into the valley. Look out of the large windows to get stunning views of the mountains and surrounding wilderness. Travel on paved roads, searching for the many species of animals found in the Jasper National Park. Your guide selects the route based on seasonal wildlife movements, giving you the best chances of finding animals in their natural habitat.  Encounter amazing creatures at the time of day when they are most active. Take stunning photos from inside the minibus or during occasional short walks, at the discretion of your guide. Get valuable insights into the challenges of managing and protecting wildlife within the national park. Ask your guide any questions you may have about the animals that you spot. Return to your hotel in Jasper at the end of your tour.