7 Sweet Summer Spots in Alberta
Published March 24th, 2025
Photos by Jay Kana unless otherwise noted.
With the “Elbows Up” movement in full swing and Canadian tourism becoming increasingly popular, it’s an excellent time to discover, or rediscover, our captivating country.
So you’re looking at western Canada for a summer vacation and asking yourself “what’s there to do in Alberta in summer?” So, so, so much! I’ve been there and have been to various regions in my travels. Alberta is fantastic for family road trips, a guys and or gals trip, a couples getaway or a solo adventure.
If one of your summer travel destinations is Alberta, we’ve got a stellar list for you to either follow or include in your exploration of this beautiful part of western Canada.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Tucked away in the southwest corner of Albert is one of my favourite Canadian National Parks.
Waterton Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is paradise if you enjoy the outdoors, regardless of to what degree.
There are guided horseback adventures (which I did and didn’t fall off once!) Along with boat tours, hiking/walking trails, bike paths, swimming options, and golfing.
If you can, take part in the Dark Sky Preserve tour; it’s simply spectacular seeing the stars!
There are plenty of dining and entertainment options as well, and be sure to stroll the waterfront as much as possible.
Also check out Cameron Falls, where the water flows over a 1.5 billion-year-old-rock and for driving enthusiasts, the Red Rock Canyon Parkway is a delight to drive.
The Cowboy Trail
Spanning a fabulous 584 km, The Cowboy Trail, also known as Highway 22, runs between Lundbreck Falls on the southern end to near Mayerthorpe on the northern end, nearly 140 km northwest of Edmonton.
On the journey, there are various places to stop and horseback ride, hiking trails aplenty, camping sites, fabulous food options and you can even spend the night at a working ranch. There are local shops to explore, antique stores, take in a pow-wow and more along this famous Alberta road trip attraction.
I picked up some of the best beef jerky I’ve ever had on the trail at the Longview Jerky Shop and be sure to dine at the famous Chuckwagon Cafe, featured on “You Gotta Eat Here.”
Plus, be sure to explore history at the Bar U Ranch National History Site.
Calgary
Having spent lots of time in the home of the best shaped NHL area, The Saddledome, here are the best things to do when you visit Calgary!
Whether you’re a steering wheel drummer or an all-out musician, the National Music Centre hits all the right notes and is a symphony of history, culture and knowledge. Across five levels, fixed permanent exhibitions include innovations, health and wellbeing, music creation, and the best of Canadian music.
Calgary’s modern arm comes via the East Village with its architecture, approachability, accessibility, outdoor activities, hip restaurant scene and more. The centrepiece is the revived Simmons Building, supported by the stunning Central Library, the aforementioned National Music Centre and is truly an excellent anchor point to discover Calgary.
Also in the East Village is the popular and scenic RiverWalk, place to admire the Bow River, walk, run, cycle and soak in the sights along this 4 km route.
On the shores of the Glenmore Reservoir lives on my favourite places, Heritage Park Historical Village.
The Gasoline Alley Museum celebrates automotive history and even if you’re not into cars, there’s some really cool and rare items here. Well, there’s way more than some! Learn about Western Canadian history, take a ride on the passenger train, experience a First Nations Encampment representing the Indigenous peoples in southern Alberta in the 19th century and more.
Drumheller
90 minutes east of Calgary brings you back to a land before time, well, kinda. Drumheller is home to the “World’s Largest Dinosaur” that stands 86 feet tall, complete with stairs to climb into the T-Rex’s mouth for excellent views and a cool selfie!
There’s plenty of dinosaur-themed adventures and attractions, including the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum that’s devoted to the science of palaeontology.
One of the best live music venues I’ve experienced is the Badlands Amphitheatre; think of it as Red Rocks North. The views are vibrant and the sound is sensational.
Add in historic sites, a haunted house tour, hiking trails, guided tours, great eats and more, and your bound to have a great time here.
Time to hand things over to Paula Worthington, who’s spent over 40 years in Alberta. She’s an established travel writer and President of Worthington PR & Story and Noble Arrow.
Plus, this one time, we hiked a ton in Banff National Park with her doggo, Lucy, who’s the best dog ever. Ever.
Crowsnest Pass / South Canadian Rockies
Think Canadian Rockies, then head south. The Crowsnest Pass in the South Canadian Rockies is a welcome reprieve from the crowds of Banff. A unique highlight is the Frank Slide, where in 1903, 82 million tonnes of limestone from Turtle Mountain buried part of the town of Frank, marking one of North America's deadliest rockslides. Today, the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre provides insights into this tragic event. The Crowsnest Pass is rich in Alberta history, offers unique accommodations, breathtaking mountain views and recreational opportunities. Best of all? You feel like you have the place to yourself.
Jasper
All Jasper photos by Jennifer Bain.
In 2024, Jasper made headlines after devastating wildfires. As the community continues to recover, visiting this important National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site is more important than ever. Despite the fires, much of Jasper National Park's stunning scenery remains intact, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and stargazing. Getting there is half the fun with a stunning drive up the Athabasca Parkway. If budget allows, a stay at the renowned Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is not to be missed.
Brooks/Newell Region
Wait…Brooks/Newell Region? Yes! Located in southeastern Alberta, Brooks is a great launching point for visiting southeastern Alberta. Nearby Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its celebrated for its rich fossil beds and unique badlands terrain - you can camp here, too! History buffs may appreciate the Brooks Aqueduct, an impressive early 20th-century engineering feat. Not far from Brooks is Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of the Siksika Nation at the site where Treaty 7 was signed in 1877.