In association with: Travel Alberta
Beautiful national parks are just the start when it comes to exploring Alberta, with something new to discover every month of the year
With awe-inspiring national parks such as Jasper and Banff, and a host of top-end attractions, including the iconic Calgary Stampede, visitors to Alberta are bound to come away with long-lasting memories.
And while the big hitters, such as Banff National Park, will rightly remain popular, there is so much more to discover in this naturally beautiful Canadian province, with options open to clients all year round. From wildflower spotting in Waterton Lakes National Park in spring to having a go at ice hockey at the Canmore Recreation Centre, it’s a province packed full of exciting holiday activities.
Guests visiting outside of high season are likely to be rewarded with fewer crowds, which means it will be easier to get out to explore both the city and the countryside.
Spring and autumn are a great time to spot wildlife, with many animals emerging from hibernation in the early months of the year and undertaking foraging expeditions in the run up to winter.
A trip to Jasper is a magical experience at any time of the year, but a visit in October will coincide with the Dark Sky Festival, where the night sky comes alive with bright stars and stunning colours.
Alberta is a great place for winter sports; Calgary still has a proud legacy of hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics and resorts across the province offer activities including skiing, snowboarding, dog-sledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, ice climbing and ice skating.
It’s also a prime spot to take in the dazzling northern lights, with the aurora borealis regularly visible between September and May.
The southern Canadian Rockies are a wonderful place to get off the beaten track, where winter sports centres, hiking trails and wilderness camps in some of the province’s most picturesque spots. Kananaskis Country and Canmore, just south of Banff National Park, might be growing in popularity, but it’s still something of an unspoilt gem. Or why not suggest clients head to the steaming waters of the area’s Nordic spas to truly unwind in an incredible setting?
Fans of geology and prehistory are bound to get a kick out of the Dinosaur Provincial Park and Drumheller. Both of which can be easily reached from Calgary and are where some of the world’s most important fossils, which date back to 75 million years old, were discovered.
Indigenous experiences, a worthwhile part of any visit to Canada, are plentiful in Alberta. Enjoy a guided hike with Mahikan Trails, educational and medicinal walks led by members of the Cree nation, or visit Métis Crossing – about 90 minutes from Edmonton – to discover the country’s first Métis cultural centre.
Whether it’s the crystal-clear lakes and jaw-dropping cliff faces of the national parks, the world-famous events in Calgary, or the winter sport offerings up in the mountains, there’s something for everyone, at all times of the year.
Three top trade holidays to Alberta
1. Alberta Dinosaurs, Lakes & Glaciers from First Class Holidays
This 12-day self-drive holiday takes in Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Edmonton, Drumheller and Calgary, from £2,459 per person. The price includes return flights from Heathrow to Calgary with Air Canada, 10 nights’ accommodation, 11 days of intermediate car rental, choice of excursions in Banff and Jasper and more.
https://www.fcholidays.com/canada/alberta-dinosaurs-lakes-glaciers-0
2. Alberta Ski Safari from Canadian Affair
Three of the most beautiful ski areas are covered in this 14-day trip, to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. The holiday costs from £1,650 per person, including flights, five nights in Banff, four nights in Lake Louise and four nights in Jasper, and all transfers.
https://www.canadianaffair.com/holidays/canada/ski-holidays/ski-alberta/alberta-ski-safari
3. Alberta’s Winter Wonders from North America Travel Service
This 13-day trip to Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper & Icefields Parkway and Edmonton allows visitors to explore some of the highlights of Alberta as a self-drive, with car hire included, and return flights to Calgary. This costs from £2,453 per person, based on two adults, travelling in November. The price is inclusive of taxes and fees, but there’s also a one-way drop fee of $100 which is payable locally.
https://www.northamericatravelservice.co.uk/itinerary/albertas-winter-wonders/
PICTURES: Brandon Born; Michael Matt; Travel Alberta/Colin Way
For more information, visit https://www.travelalberta.com/ca/