Explore > Alberta > Welcome to Alberta
welcome header

Places Welcoming You

Welcome to Alberta

2017_ab_welcome_sm_01

Home of the Canadian Rockies, legendary Lake Louise and some of the most popular national parks in the world, Alberta is a boon for nature lovers and outdoor adventure seekers. But you don’t have to lace up your hiking boots or pull on your river-waders to get the most out of a visit here.

The big cities of Calgary and Edmonton in southern and central Alberta offer all the amenities and excitement you’d expect to find in much larger towns.

Calgary, the sunniest city in Canada, sports a down-to-earth swagger and distinctly western ethos. Put another way: Calgary is home of the Canadian Cowboy, and is often referred to as “Cowtown.” If you’re visiting in July, check out the world-famous Stampede, regarded as one of the premier rodeos in the world,

Edmonton, located a few hours north of Calgary, serves as big city staging post at the edge of Alberta’s vast, wild and rugged northern lands. Spend an afternoon or evening strolling lively Whyte Avenue, and don’t miss a lengthy trip to West Edmonton Mall—the largest in North America—that houses everything from roller coasters to rainforests.

There’s simply no visiting Alberta without making a cursory trip to Banff National Park. Located about an hour and a half west of Calgary, tucked into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a world of snow-dusted alpine peaks and ancient glaciers. Don’t miss the park’s crown jewel: emerald-colored Lake Louise.

Another must-visit destination for anyone seeking outdoor adventure is Jasper National Park, also located in the heart of the Rockies—just a short distance north of Banff. Listed as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is home to everything from mountains and lakes to limestone caves.