Alberta
Travel, vacations, tours and tourism

Travel, Vacations, Tours and Tourism information for Alberta. Our topics inlcude Restaurants, Overviews, Attractions, Common events, Recreation, Tipical weather, Activities and more.

Set amidst the towering Canadian Rockies, Banff is a great place to discover the frontier spirit of Alberta.

The town of Banff was built after steaming hot sulphur springs were discovered in the area in the late 1800's. Shortly after, Banff National Park, Canada's first, was established to protect the surrounding land. As you might imagine, outdoor adventures abound here. Among the available activities are boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and golf. Three major ski resorts are located within the park: Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Banff Mount Norquay. Visitors can also drive along the Icefields Parway, through Banff National Park and nearby Jasper National Park. Besides providing access to wilderness hiking trails, the Icefields Parkway offers breathtaking views of vast lakes in stunning shades of green and blue, rolling rivers and thick forests. It also passes the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest areas of ice and snow south of the Artic Circle. And, don't be surprised if you spot a moose, big-horn sheep or elk in your travels.

In the midst of it all, the town of Banff is complete with shops, restaurants, pubs, and museums. At the Cave and Basin Centennial Centre, visitors can enjoy a replica of the hot springs pool that was first built here in 1887. Accommodations range from fine resort hotels, including the landmark Banff Springs hotel, to backcountry camping.

Destinations in Alberta

Banff, Canada

The towns of Banff, aka "Canada's Highest Town" and Lake Louise, aka "Canada's Diamond in the Wilderness," lie within Banff National Park. The "Diamond" lake is really a shimmering green and looks more like an emerald dropped by giants. The combination of a wilderness setting so arrestingly beautiful it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a town that has evolved as a favorite getaway for discerning travelers, makes it a special destination indeed. As you browse designer boutiques on fashionable streets, or gab with friends over a cappuccino at the many sidewalk cafés, a train whistle blows in the distance to remind you of the town's railway roots.

Calgary Area, Canada

Mounties, Native Americans, railroads, and cowboys - all the elements of the Canadian Wild West - converged to create a city with a 21st-century sensibility and a steadfastly traditional soul. On the one hand, you can browse through trendy boutiques and galleries and enjoy the élan of a little dinner theater. On the other hand you can immerse yourself in First Nations culture and learn directly from Native Americans how they sustain their ancient, mystical culture in a modern Anglo world. Situated on the Elbow and Bow rivers where the Canadian Prairie meets the eastern front of the Rockies, this city probably best known as the site of the Calgary Stampede, a 10-day summer festival celebrating cowboy culture with concerts, agricultural shows, and a huge, fantastic rodeo. The memories of the Winter Olympics of 1988 live on at Canada Olympic Park, a popular tourist spot with "be an Olympian for a day" activities like the bobsled and luge rides.

Edmonton, Canada

The capital of Alberta is a lively town with sensational nighttime entertainment and deep cultural roots. History and the arts have combined to create a town worthy of several nicknames, like "Gateway to the North," "Canada's Festival City," and the "City of Champions." Founded in 1795 as a fur trading post, Edmonton was also the focus of the Klondike Gold Rush. Despite its "boom town" character, city planners maintained a balance between urban growth and the environment. The result is an appealing city with a mix of Victorian architecture, modern city excitement, and soothing green spaces, all nestled into the curves of the North Saskatchewan River.

Jasper, Canada

A gorgeous, rugged landscape combines with luxurious resorts to create the spectacular Jasper experience. Set in the Canadian Rockies, this quaint town was founded in 1811 by a fur-trader. Bordering the Canadian National Railway, Jasper's slow pace allows visitors easy access to relax or set out on wilderness adventures in its pristine environment.

Lake Louise, Canada

The towns of Lake Louise, aka "Canada's Diamond in the Wilderness," and Banff, aka "Canada's Highest Town," lie within Banff National Park. The "Diamond" lake is really a shimmering green and looks more like an emerald dropped by giants. The combination of a wilderness setting so arrestingly beautiful it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a town that has evolved as a favorite getaway for discerning travelers, makes it a special destination indeed. As you browse designer boutiques on fashionable streets, or gab with friends over a cappuccino at the many sidewalk cafés, a train whistle blows in the distance to remind you of the town's railway roots.

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