If you are planning a vacation to the province of Alberta, you have plenty of options for things to do. This province has a varied landscape including mountains, prairies, desert badlands, and vast coniferous forests. It is home to 600 lakes and is rich in mineral deposits. You can also visit Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks and explore glaciers in places like the Columbia Icefields. The Waterton Glacier International Peace Park is a biosphere reserve.
Athabasca Falls
If you’re looking for a place to go for a family day out, Athabasca Falls is a great option. This beautiful waterfall is located in southwest Alberta. Its narrow opening allows the water to rush through and create different shapes in the rocks. It’s also a good place to enjoy the great outdoors without the crowds of the city. You can explore the Falls through a short trail that has two distinct areas. You can choose the left trail, which goes down to the river, or the right trail, which passes through a forested area and leads to another viewpoint at the edge of the falls. The trail is about 1 km long and has an elevation change of between fifteen and twenty meters.
When you visit Athabasca Falls, you can hike the half-mile trail and look at the spectacular 75-foot-tall waterfall. There are also several viewing areas to admire the falls and the rocky canyon. But be sure to avoid getting too close, as the gorge can be very slippery.
Sunwapta Falls
Sunwapta Falls is a popular stop on the Icefields Parkway, a highway connecting Jasper and Banff National Parks. The falls are located at the confluence of the Athabasca and Sunwapta rivers. The upper section of Sunwapta Falls can be viewed from a viewing bridge. The lower portion is less crowded, but requires a short hike.
A trail goes along the riverside to the base of the falls. Lower Sunwapta Falls features three cascades into a narrow gorge. Once at the bottom of the trail, you can continue on to the parking lot. You must be aware that the trail gradually increases in elevation, so wear sturdy shoes and be sure to bring plenty of water.
The Sunwapta Falls are part of the Ice Fields of Alberta, a region famous for its geological features and vastness. The Sunwapta river is a natural wonder with a spectacular waterfall. It is a combination of two waterfalls, with one falling more than six meters high. The second falls are much smaller and originate from the nearby Athabasca Glacier.
Crescent Falls
If you’ve ever wanted to take a trip to a spectacular waterfall, Crescent Falls is a wonderful choice. This scenic destination is located just three-and-a-half hours from Calgary and is half an hour west of Nordegg, Alberta. The 30-meter-high waterfall plunges over two ledges, providing a breathtaking view of the Bighorn River valley. Whether you’re on a family vacation or a weekend getaway with your friends, you’re sure to find a great experience on this hike.
The Crescent Falls are a pair of waterfalls located in the Bighorn River Canyon in western Canada. The falls are a popular tourist attraction, and are easily accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway. They are particularly beautiful when seen from the top of the cliff. The water of the falls is a vivid blue.
The trail to Crescent Falls starts at the Bighorn River Lookout. From there, you can hike through the forest to see the falls and the canyon carved out by the river. A short, easy hike takes you through heavily wooded terrain before emerging from the canyon, where you can view the cascading falls from a distance.
Ram Falls
Ram Falls is an easy hike that is accessible to everyone. It’s a popular tourist destination, and you can even stay at the campground in the park. It’s easy to get to and offers some great views of the surrounding area. There’s a trail that leads to the top of the falls, and you can also watch wildlife from the viewpoint.
If you’re planning to visit Ram Falls, make sure to bring appropriate footwear. The falls are located in the Ram Canyon, which features steep cliffs and the Ram River. The waterfall itself isn’t too difficult to reach, but it’s cold. Make sure you wear a helmet and gloves if you plan to get wet.
There are plenty of activities at Ram Falls, including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and cross-country skiing. There are also several picnic areas where you can enjoy a barbecue or a campfire. There’s also a platform lookout point that offers spectacular views of the park.
Parker Ridge hike
If you’re looking for a short but sweet hike, Parker Ridge is the one for you. This off-trail hike starts out above sparse tree cover, and then gradually ascends to a summit at about 800 meters. As you hike, you’ll pass through meadows with tall wildflowers.
At the end of the hike, you’ll return to the parking area by following a flat trail along the ridge. This trail winds up the southwest side of the ridge, offering fantastic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Several viewpoints are along the way as well. You’ll be able to stop and take in the scenery, so make sure to bring your camera along.
The trail is about 2.7 km roundtrip, and you’ll need at least two to three hours to complete it. While this hike doesn’t require any mountaineering skills, it is definitely rewarding. It’s great for families with small children, or travelers who want to get out of the car for a change. You can even bring your young children along if you’d like to do a desert hike after mountaineering.
Elk Island National Park
Elk Island National Park is located 35 km east of Edmonton, Alberta. In the past, it played an important role in the conservation of bison. Today, the park is managed by the Parks Canada Agency. It is accessible via the Yellowhead Highway. You can also reach the park by car. Its trails and wildlife viewing areas are well worth the visit.
Elk Island has the highest density of ungulates in Canada and more than 250 species of birds. Visitors can experience the wildlife up close and participate in interpretive programs. These programs are held on weekdays and on weekends, and cover topics ranging from bison conservation to archeological digs.
Elk Island is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts. It can easily be reached via a day trip from Edmonton. It features a variety of hiking trails and is home to a number of campsites and glamping accommodations. It’s also a popular destination for school groups.
Calgary Stampede
One of the premier events in Calgary, the Calgary Stampede is a must-see attraction. Held over ten days in July, the Stampede draws more than one million visitors each year. It features everything from bareback bull riding to livestock shows and an unforgettable fireworks display.
In addition to the rodeo, there are several music concerts and high-energy entertainment shows. These shows are free with the admission to the park, and you can catch country stars, rock royalty, ballet performances, and other family-friendly performances. While the Stampede concert is a highlight of the festival, you’ll also want to watch the TransAlta Grandstand show, which features elaborate choreography, a parade of young Canadians, and a fireworks finale.
There’s no shortage of food options. In addition to the traditional corn dogs and ice cream, the Stampede offers a wide array of delicious summer treats. The midway food court serves everything from classic fare like honey habanero ice pops to more inventive fare. A staple of the Stampede menu is Kraft Dinner soft serve, which has become a Canadian tradition. Other treats on the menu include deep-fried strawberries and glazed donut grilled cheese sandwiches. The mini donuts are an upgrade from last year’s offerings, and the mini donuts come in a variety of shapes and flavors, including a deep-fried Oreo and a Nanaimo bar.
Museum of Fear and Wonder
If you’re a history buff or just love the weird, you will love the Museum of Fear and Wonder. Located near Calgary, it features a number of exhibits on fear and the human connection with possessions. The museum’s exhibits include a human tooth, a small clay head with haunted eyes, and a child-sized cloth or leather doll. A Texas antique dealer was spooked by the doll when he saw it on display.
The Museum of Fear and Wonder is a collaborative project that highlights the psychological qualities of objects. The museum’s collection explores themes related to the human experience, identity, and myth-making. Visitors are encouraged to take a guided tour of the museum. Tours are free, though advance booking is required.
The museum’s unique approach is refreshing, especially when compared to other similar experiences at other museums. Lianne McTavish has worked in critical museum theory and history, but she enjoys rural attractions. In addition to the Museum of Fear and Wonder, she has worked on Voluntary Detours, a website dedicated to researching all of Alberta museums. In Voluntary Detours, she examines small rural museums, which often have little or no visitor volume.
