Alberta Attractions Guide 2026

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Alberta.

1. 1

   Banff National Park

   national_park, nature, hiking, wildlifeDay pass: $10.50/adult, $9.25/senior, $5.25/youth, $21/family (CAD). Parks Canada Discovery Pass $75.25/adult/year covers all national parks.1-7 days

   Canada's first national park and one of the world's most visited, encompassing 6,641 km² of stunning Rocky Mountain scenery with turquoise lakes, glaciers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife including bears, elk, and wolves.

   Tip: Timed entry reservations required for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake corridors in summer · Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk · Carry bear spray at all times on trails

2. 2

   Lake Louise

   nature, photography, hiking, winter_sportsIncluded with Banff National Park pass ($10.50/adult/day CAD)Half day to full day

   One of Canada's most iconic destinations, featuring a breathtaking turquoise glacial lake surrounded by mountains and the Victoria Glacier. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on its shores adds to the magical atmosphere.

   Tip: Arrive before 7AM to get parking in July-August · Rent a canoe from the boathouse ($135/hour CAD) · Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers trail for stunning views

3. 3

   Jasper National Park

   national_park, nature, hiking, wildlife, dark_skyDay pass: $10.50/adult, $21/family (CAD). Parks Canada Discovery Pass recommended for multi-day visits.2-7 days

   Canada's largest Rocky Mountain national park covering 10,878 km², a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering pristine wilderness, the Columbia Icefield, Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, and world-class dark sky viewing.

   Tip: Jasper is a UNESCO Dark Sky Preserve - bring a telescope · Book accommodations and campsites well in advance for summer · Download the Parks Canada app for trail maps

4. 4

   Calgary Tower

   landmark, city, views$20/adult, $18/senior, $12/child (CAD)1-2 hours

   Calgary's iconic 190.8-metre observation tower in the heart of downtown, featuring a revolving restaurant and glass floor observation deck with 360-degree views of the city and Rocky Mountains on clear days.

   Tip: Stand on the glass floor if you dare - 191m above ground · Combine with the Revolving Restaurant for a memorable meal · Sunrise visits are quiet and offer beautiful morning light

5. 5

   Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

   museum, science, family, education$21/adult, $19/senior, $14/youth 7-17, free under 7 (CAD)2-4 hours

   One of the world's premier palaeontological museums with over 40 mounted dinosaur skeletons and thousands of specimens. Set in the dramatic Badlands landscape, this world-class institution is essential for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.

   Tip: Book field excavation experiences in advance · The Cretaceous Garden outdoor area is free to walk through · Drumheller town 6km away has hoodoos and canyon walks

6. 6

   Icefields Parkway

   scenic_drive, nature, photography, wildlifeIncluded with Banff or Jasper National Park pass4-8 hours one way (allow full day with stops)

   One of the world's most scenic drives, the 230km highway connecting Banff and Jasper passes glaciers, icefields, turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Often called the most beautiful road in the world.

   Tip: Fill up on gas in Banff or Jasper - no gas stations on the Parkway · Stop at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls · Wildlife is common - keep distance and never approach animals

7. 7

   Columbia Icefield

   nature, glacier, adventure, photographyIce Explorer glacier tour: $74/adult, $37/child (CAD). Skywalk: $35/adult (CAD). Combo packages available.2-4 hours

   The largest non-polar icefield in North America covering 325 km², straddling the continental divide. The Athabasca Glacier is accessible from the Icefields Parkway. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk offers dramatic views over the valley.

   Tip: Book Ice Explorer tickets online in advance in summer · Wear layers - it's cold on the glacier even in summer · The Icefield Centre has exhibits on glaciers and climate change

8. 8

   Athabasca Falls

   waterfall, nature, photographyIncluded with Jasper National Park pass30-60 minutes

   Despite being only 23 metres high, Athabasca Falls is one of Alberta's most powerful waterfalls. The Athabasca River plunges through a narrow canyon of quartzite rock, creating thunderous, swirling rapids. Located on the Icefields Parkway.

   Tip: Multiple viewing platforms accessible - stay on marked trails · Paved and partially accessible for mobility devices · Morning light is ideal for photography

9. 9

   Maligne Lake

   lake, nature, photography, boatingRoad access free with Jasper park pass. Boat tour to Spirit Island: $79/adult (CAD)Half day to full day

   The largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies (22km long), Maligne Lake is famous for its iconic Spirit Island view surrounded by mountain peaks. Accessible by road, with boat tours to Spirit Island and excellent kayaking.

   Tip: Spirit Island boat tour must be booked in advance · Rent kayaks or canoes from the lakeside facility · Maligne Canyon hike is 48km up the road

10. 10

    Canmore

    town, outdoor_adventure, dining, photographyFree to visit town; activities priced separatelyHalf day to 2+ days

    A vibrant mountain town at the gateway to Kananaskis Country, Canmore offers stunning Rocky Mountain scenery without the crowds of Banff. World-class restaurants, boutique shops, and direct access to hundreds of hiking, biking, and climbing routes.

    Tip: Great budget alternative to Banff for accommodation · Ha Ling Peak trail starts right from town for spectacular views · Excellent restaurant scene rivaling larger cities

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.