Explore > Alberta > Welcome to Alberta
welcome header

Places Welcoming You

Welcome to Alberta

From the arid badlands to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, Alberta is a land of mystifying extremes. It’s the only place in the world where you can hunt for dinosaur bones, conquer peaks, paddle through glacial lakes and shop in North America’s largest mall all in one day. Wild West spirit is still very much alive here too, so swing by a rodeo and free your inner cowboy.

Jump to Jasper

Drive another two hours northwest to reach Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Can’t-miss spots within the park include the roaring Athabasca Falls, Maligne Canyon (the deepest canyon in the Rockies) and sparkling Medicine Lake. Come back to both parks in the winter to take advantage of some of the best skiing and snowboarding around.

A dock with a house and kayaks.

Explore the Canadian Rockies

In Southwest Alberta less than two hours west of the city of Calgary, Banff National Park offers unforgettable experiences against the enthralling backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. The bright turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are the real stars here as they spoil paddlers with the most breathtaking rides of their lives. Hiking, cycling, horseback riding and scenic drives are all popular pursuits here as well.

Awesome for Anglers

Fishing enthusiasts won’t be able to choose where to cast their lines from. Snag brown and rainbow trout in the Bow River, catch walleye, pike, and whitefish from Cold Lake, or wrestle monster sturgeon in the North Saskatchewan River. If you prefer not to leave the city, no problem. The North Saskatchewan River flows right through the metropolis of Edmonton, allowing you to drop your line during the day and enjoy big-city pleasures during the evening.

A lone canoe paddler scoops something up with his net.