Travelling to Alberta

Alberta is home to Edmonton and Calgary, two of the largest cities in Canada. When travelling to Alberta, visitors are treated to outstanding and varied geographical sites. In the east of the province flat prairies are found, in the North rivers, lakes and forests dominate, in the South-West the Rockies are prominent, and dry, flat badlands are located in the South.

When to Go
Alberta receives the most sunshine of any province, but this does not mean it is warm all year round. August and September are the best months to travel to Alberta, as these summer months are dry and warm. The Albertan winter is harsh and is not ideal time for visiting.

Where to Go
Major Attractions: Edmonton, Calgary, Banff

Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, and since the 1970s, when the downtown area was modernized in order to focus on science and technology, it has unofficially been known as the ‘Oil Capital of Canada’. Currently, the city is developing and diversifying and holds a number of tourist attractions. It is also conveniently near to Jasper and other National Parks. Some Edmonton sites of interest include:

The Provincial Museum – This natural history museum contains an interesting collection of fossils and minerals, as well as a section devoted to Aboriginals. Cultural and dance shows also take place here.

Fort Edmonton Park – This reconstruction of an 1885 Hudson Bay Company Fort and surrounding town is worth a visit. The street outside the fort allows its visitors to time travel by recreating Edmonton between 1871 and 1891.

The West Edmonton Mall – At 48 hectares, this mall was once billed as the ‘World’s Largest Shopping and Entertainment Centre’. It contains over eight hundred stores and services and includes a submarine ride, skating rink, amusement park, indoor water-park with a man-made beach and slide.

Calgary, once simply a regional town, has developed over the last twenty-five years into a modern, major Canadian city. It has surpassed Edmonton in size and is an educational, economic, sport and cultural centre. Some of the city’s major attractions are:

Calgary Tower – This 191 m tower is a landmark and symbol of the city. It contains a revolving restaurant, gallery and cocktail lounge at the top.

Fort Calgary – A 16 hectare park located east of downtown, Fort Calgary contains the foundation of the fort built during the city’s settlement. Along with the Calgary Zoo, beautiful views and walks are to be found in the Fort.

Bow River – While not swimmable, this river is home to the best trout fishing in North America and the best dry fly-fishing in the world.

Calgary Stampede – This annual ten day festival begins the second week of July and offers concerts, shows, exhibitions, amusement rides and dancing along with North America’s largest and toughest rodeo.

Banff is one of the most popular destinations for those travelling to Alberta. It is Canada’s best resort town, both in winter and summer. Much of the Rockies are within this National Park, as well as some of the best scenery in the world. Hiking, canoeing, swimming, cycling, horseback riding and exceptional skiing are just some of the attractions of this world famous resort town. The small town, with its one main street, has a festive and laid-back atmosphere.

Other Highlights when Travelling to Alberta Include:

• The Dinosaur Fossils and Badlands of Drumheller
• Ski Lake Louise
• Jasper
• Wildlife at Elk Island National Park
• Northern Alberta’s Lake District

Travel Insurance
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