Known for its stunning Rocky Mountains and wide-open prairies, Alberta is a dreamy province with incredible things to do and see. In fact, there are several places you might have to see to believe they even exist.

From desert-like destinations and one-of-a-kind experiences to venues that will blow your mind, here are just a few of the best places to visit in Wild Rose Country.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Beautiful and historic, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is located south of Calgary and has been protected by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Used for 6,000 years, this is the best-preserved example of communal hunting techniques.

Where: Northwest of Fort Macleod on secondary Highway #785, Fort MacLeod, Alberta

Red Rock Canyon

A natural treasure where vibrant rocks, blue sky and lush vegetation meet, Alberta’s Red Rock Canyon can be enjoyed on foot or from a picnic blanket. It’s enchanting.

Where: Waterton Park, AB – See directions here

The Willow Creek Hoodoos

Love dinosaurs? Head to Drumheller and don’t forget to visit the Willow Creek Hoodoos. Formed by centuries of erosion and weathering, these incredible attractions are a must-see if you’re visiting the Badlands.

Where: Coulee Way, Drumheller, AB T0J 1B0, Canada

The Badlands Amphitheatre

Comparable to those found in Greece and Italy, Drumheller’s Badlands Amphitheatre is the largest outdoor stage in all of Canada, From theatre and opera to fireworks, and outdoor movies, this is THE place for live entertainment in the Badlands.

Where: 605 17 Street SW Drumheller, AB

Lake Minnewanka

Alberta’s very own ‘Atlantis! Located in Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka is so much more than meets the eye! Not sure what we mean? Just below its bright blue surface is a well-preserved ghost town with house and hotel foundations. It’s truly a sight to behold!

Where: Lake Minnewanka – Improvement District No. 9, AB

Cave and Basin

Did you know that the birthplace of Canada’s national park system was in Banff? The Cave and Basin is fascinating, important, and well worth a visit. Here hot water seeps from the rocks and the smell of minerals fills the air. You can’t swim in the hot spring, but you can look and learn!

Where: 311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB

Wood Buffalo National Park

Wood Buffalo National Park is not only a wonderful space to camp, hike, and wander – it’s also unbelievable at nighttime! Here, stargazers are encouraged to look, learn, and enjoy the largest Dark-Sky Preserve in the world.

Where: See directions here

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is educational, fun and, above all, incredibly special. Located in Cochrane, animal lovers can get up close and personal with their resident wolfpack, feed them, pet them and sit with them. There’s no place like it.

Where: 263156 Range Road 53, Cochrane, Alberta

And there you have it, just a few of the best places to visit in Alberta. Where will you go first?

Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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