In the western part of Canada, lies a magical land with jagged, snow-capped mountains, teal lakes, towering evergreen trees, and pleasant towns between valleys, and one of the most beautiful Canadian provinces – Alberta. By area Alberta is 661,848 square kilometers (255,541 square miles), and is home to approximately 4,2 million, making it the fourth most populous province in Canada.
We flew into Seattle, Washington, USA, rented a car, and crossed the Canadian border where we were surprised by the abundance of sweet summer fruit at markets all over British Columbia. We drove through the lovely province while indulging in our delicious treats, and watching the hilly and sweet summer terrain transform into a mountainous northern delight. If you know anything about me yet, you will know that my heart always takes me to mountainous places, and Alberta captivated me. Here are the best things to do in Alberta, Canada.
Banff National Park
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake attracts millions to Banff National Park. 14 kilometers (8.7 mi) outside the hamlet of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, Moraine Lake, is situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and shines with a mystical azure blue. The lake spans 120 acres. Like Lake Louise, its beautiful shade is created by the beautiful blend of water, light, and glacial rock flour deposited in the lake from the surrounding glaciers.
The roads are only open during the summer months (June – September), and are closed to personal vehicles year-round. Fret not, you can still take an easy shuttle ride or public transit to see this stunning lake. You are also welcome to bike the road!
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a beautiful glacial lake in Banff National Park in Alberta, This unique gem of the Canadian Rockies has a beautiful turquoise hue created by the rock flour carried downstream from the glaciers surrounding the lake. The lake is 0.8 km2 (0.31 sq mi) and flows through the 3 km-long Louise Creek into the Bow River.
We took a hike on the Lake Louise Trail. Though it took the better half of a day, it was completely worth it. Don’t worry, you don’t have to do the whole thing, but if you do, there’s a nice surprise which I’ll share a bit later. The very beginning of the trail is suitable for children, the elderly, and beginner hikers. It goes along the semi-flat Lake Louise shoreline. Once you get past the far end of Lake Louise, the trail gets a tad bit more challenging. If you are afraid of heights, it is worth mentioning that there was one narrow section with some exposure, but for most people, this wouldn’t be a major obstacle. If you can get past this section, right near the end you will find The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House!
The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House is within view of Mount Lefroy, Mount Victoria, and the Victoria Glacier. It is a cozy wooden tea house with a high-up, scenic, and open view of the surrounding landscape. Coupled with a stomach-pleasing meal after our trek, this made the hike even more memorable. And don’t forget to snap a photo of your accomplishment and reward as you sit atop the treehouse for a refreshing beverage and the smell of surrounding fir trees and impeccable surrounding views.
Hiking Spot
Banff
The town of Banff is an extremely touristy summer and winter destination. However, it was the perfect place to stay for a very pleasant and relaxing evening. We spent a couple of nights there, camping outside the town, and exploring the surroundings by day. We were lucky to catch some live music events, and Colin was very happy to find very sweet “Beaver Tails,” a deep-fried doughnut “elephant ear” topped with very sweet condiments, like M&Ms, Reese’s, chocolate syrup, and more. I did not particularly enjoy the cloyingly sweet taste; however, I’m happy one of us did. I did discover a Sri Lankan Roti shop after walking down steps that led to a food court underneath the town center. It brought back memories of my childhood, enjoying delicious Trinidadian Roti. Of course, the scenery around the town did not escape me.
Canmore
Canmore is a beautiful town lying near the southeast boundary of Banff National Park and within the Bow Valley of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. While Banff is a lovely city, the popularity and crowds were too much for my liking. Fortunately, the small town of Canmore was nearby and gave us the escape we needed. This much quieter town was a great place for a lovely evening stroll and a bite in a not-too-crowded outdoor restaurant. We both ended up enjoying Canmore more than Banff. Canmore is a well-known cross-country skiing destination in the winter.
Calgary
The largest city in the province of Alberta, this stunning city with an iconic red bridge was one of our favorite places to explore in Alberta. The city rests at the junction of the Bow River and the Elbow River. We were quite surprised by its international community, particularly West African, Filipino, and Vietnamese. This meant amazing food! We were delighted to go to the (East?) Side to indulge in worldwide cuisine. We enjoyed delicious Pho from a lovely Vietnamese Restaurant, (name) . The restaurant was absolutely packed and did not disappoint. Our food was served quickly, it was cheap, and the portions were generous. The perfectly blended taro bubble tea was a wonderful way to wash down the delicious food. Ahhhh, what more can I say? We loved this place.
After walking through the beautiful neighborhoods in the city, then crossing the rather empty bridge, we found ourselves amidst towering buildings at the city center. It reminded me of Minneapolis, Minnesota, but despite its skyscrapers and wide streets, the city itself was rather quiet on a Sunday evening. We didn’t see much of anyone; however, I always find the quieter places more pleasant. But out of all the things we found in Calgary, we were delighted to stumble upon a Nando’s! We love Nando’s South African and Portuguese chicken, so we knew we had to stop in. After all, there are only a few locations in the USA, and none in Norway.
Where To Camp (New Section Coming Soon)
Set up your tent and visit these dream campsites?
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What To Pack For Alberta
- Jacket
- Hiking appearel – boots, comfortable pants, etc.
- Your camera
- Sunglasses
- Bug repellent
- Hammock
- If you go backpacking get bear spray!
You made it to the end! All you have to do now is pack your bags! Safe travels!
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