Alberta Holidays

Alberta

With the mighty snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains on their western border and the vast prairies of Saskatchewan to the east, Alberta is located right in the very heart of western Canada.

Vast tracts of this land-locked province are unpopulated with the region home to over five-hundred recognised sites including a number of important UNESCO protected reserves, parks and landscapes that provide critical habitats for many rare mammals and endangered birds as well as playing an important role in preserving the region’s considerable First Nation heritage. Much like neighbouring British Columbia, Alberta is best explored by car on a self-drive holiday.

Enjoy the natural hot springs and epic scenery of Banff National Park, soak up the astonishing beauty of Lake Louise and take the drive of a lifetime following the breathtaking Icefields Parkway which traverses the mighty Canadian Rockies. Explore the glaciers, waterfalls and lakes of Jasper National Park, experience 6,000 years of indigenous history at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, travel on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train or, if visiting Alberta during July, attend the world-famous Calgary Stampede.

Holiday Ideas for Alberta

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Canada

14 DAYS

Crossing the Rockies from Vancouver to Calgary

from £2690 - £3690
per person

Skagway mountainous landscape with train track and pink wildflowers, Alaska, USA

14 DAYS

The Ultimate Rocky Mountaineer and Alaskan Cruise Adventure

from £4990 - £6990
per person

Elk moose in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

14 DAYS

Rainforest to Rockies Adventure

from £2690 - £3290
per person

Couple kayaking in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

15 DAYS

Mighty Parks of Western Canada

from £1900
per person

Blue water of Moraine Lake and snow-capped peaks of Rocky Mountains, Banff, Alberta

12 DAYS

Rocky Mountaineer Road and Rail Adventure

from £4090 - £5090
per person

Rocky Mountaineer train, Alberta, Canada

14 DAYS

The Best of Canada in Style

from £6090 - £6590
per person

Start Planning your Holiday

When to visit Alberta

Most visitors to Alberta spend time in the Canadian Rocky Mountains – a key draw for travellers and an area which covers huge swathes of the southern part of the province. Deciding on the best time to visit Alberta can be difficult and largely depends on what you wish to do, how you wish to experience the landscape and, importantly, should include a careful consideration of the weather that is likely to be encountered since average temperatures can vary drastically between seasons. For most, the best time to visit Alberta is during the summer between the end of June and the middle of September. During this period days are long and the weather warm and, although there is a risk of isolated showers in June, rainfall is low making this a perfect time to undertake outdoor activities. Prior to summer, and just after, is also a good time to travel to Alberta. The weather can be a little unpredictable and certain areas may not be accessible however autumn, with its fall colours, is a particularly beautiful time of year. Winter runs from the end of November to early April and can be bitterly cold. Skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating are all popular winter activities at this time of year.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

BEST TIME

GOOD TIME

LOW SEASON

OFF SEASON

This is a general overview suggesting when to travel in the country. Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

What to do in Alberta

Landlocked Alberta, the most westerly of what are known as Canada’s prairie provinces, encompasses everything from evergreen boreal forest and subarctic regions to high-altitude mountains and flourishing urban areas. Most visitors to Alberta spend the majority of their time exploring the Rocky Mountains with the addition of either one, or both, of the province’s main cities of Calgary and Edmonton. Most journeys spend time in these cosmopolitan cities although the main highlight of any holiday to Alberta is spending time in the spectacular national parks that form such an integral part of this province. Banff National Park is arguably the finest protected area in Canada with its turquoise lakes, rolling forest, spectacular mountain scenery and fabulous mountain trails. To the north of Banff is Jasper National Park – equally as beautiful as its neighbour – with glacier-fed lakes and excellent wildlife viewing including grizzly bear. For those wishing to experience Alberta’s great outdoors a self-drive holiday is an excellent option, however, the region can also be explored in comfort from aboard the elegant Rocky Mountaineer train.