Alberta stopped me in a way I didn’t fully expect. I knew the mountains would be impressive – but the sheer variety of what this province holds, from the turquoise glacier-fed lakes of Banff and Jasper to the otherworldly badlands of Drumheller, made it one of the most visually arresting trips I have taken in North America.
Banff National Park is the anchor. A historic castle hotel rising above the Bow River sets a tone that the rest of the park lives up to – turquoise lakes that glow in shades of blue that don’t seem real until I was standing at the edge of them, wildlife appearing on mountain roads with a casualness that never stopped being extraordinary, and a restaurant and distillery scene in Banff townsite that has grown into something genuinely worth exploring.
Kananaskis, just east of Banff, offers a quieter and wilder version of the same mountain landscape – a valley of rugged terrain and cozy lodge culture that rewards the visit with fewer crowds and more breathing room.
Drumheller is the counterpoint to all of it – a town in the Alberta badlands where the hoodoos and canyon walls tell a story that stretches back 75 million years. The paleontology museum here holds one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils and is one of the most genuinely impressive museums I have visited anywhere.
Calgary anchors the eastern edge of the guide – a city that has quietly developed a restaurant scene well beyond its cowboy reputation, with steakhouses, boutique hotels, and a culinary confidence that makes it a worthy first or last night on any Alberta itinerary.
This guide covers where to eat, where to stay, and the experiences that made Alberta one of my favorite destinations in Canada.
Stay
Fairmont Banff Springs The Fairmont Banff Springs is a historic luxury hotel in Banff National Park, offering cozy and elegant rooms with stunning mountain views ...
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection Set in Alberta’s Kananaskis Valley, Kananaskis Mountain Lodge blends refined comfort with access to adventure ...
Stardust Inn and Chalets Stardust Inn and Chalets in Pincher Creek, Alberta offers cozy, well-equipped accommodations for exploring the surrounding mountains and natural attractions ...
The Westley Calgary Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton The Westley Calgary Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a modern boutique hotel offering upscale comfort in the heart of Calgary ...Experiences
Alberta, Canada: The Path of the Canadian Rockies A visual tour of a memorable journey in Alberta, Canada ...
Royal Tyrrell Museum The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta, features one of the world's largest dinosaur fossil collections and immersive exhibits that bring prehistoric life vividly into focus ...
Waterton Lakes National Park Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada offers breathtaking scenery, from rugged mountains to clear lakes, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure ...Eat
Bernie and the Boys Restaurant Bernie and the Boys Bistro in Drumheller, Alberta, is a retro diner known for its giant Mammoth Burger, 75+ milkshake flavors and hearty comfort food ...
Block Kitchen + Bar Block Kitchen + Bar in Banff serves globally inspired small plates and creative cocktails in a cozy, rustic setting ...
Breakfast at Fonda Fora at The Westley Hotel Breakfast at Fonda Fora at The Westley Hotel in Calgary delivers vibrant, Mexican-inspired flavors with polished, relaxed service ...
Caesar’s Steak House & Cocktail Bar – Downtown Calgary Caesar's Steak House & Cocktail Bar in downtown Calgary offers classic steakhouse dining with prime cuts, outstanding cocktails and a timeless atmosphere ...
Fuzion Bar & Grill Fuzion Bar & Grill in Pincher Creek, Alberta, servers bold, vibrant flavors and a carefully crafted menu offering savory, spicy, and comforting dishes ...
PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar in Banff offers campfire-inspired cuisine and house-distilled spirits in a backcountry lodge setting ...Related Reviews
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