Alberta
Alberta is a place of wide horizons and striking contrasts — from the craggy Rocky Mountains to the windswept prairies and fossil-rich badlands. Outdoor adventures take centre stage here. You can hike through alpine meadows in Banff and Jasper, kayak across glacial lakes, or spot elk, eagles and the occasional bear. The Icefields Parkway is a must — a ribbon of road connecting mirror-still lakes and snow-draped peaks. For something quieter, Waterton Lakes offers dramatic scenery with fewer visitors.
There’s more to Alberta than its landscapes. The province has deep Indigenous roots, visible in places like Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later came fur traders, ranchers and railway pioneers, helping shape the identity of modern Alberta. Today, that frontier spirit lives on in events like the Calgary Stampede, where rodeos and chuckwagon races celebrate the province’s Wild West heritage. Edmonton, meanwhile, balances prairie grit with a thriving arts scene and the largest urban parkland in Canada.
Film fans might recognise Alberta’s scenery from the screen — the dramatic backdrops of The Revenant, Brokeback Mountain and more recently The Last of Us were all filmed here. But it’s more than a cinematic set. Whether you’re drawn by the wildlife, the history or just the sense of space, Alberta has a way of making even the smallest moments feel vast.
Highlights of Alberta
Suggested Itineraries
Express Western Canada (Self Drive)
9 day holiday
Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Sun Peaks, Vancouver
This suggested Canada itinerary begins with a flight to Calgary, where you collect your hire car and drive into the Rocky Mountains to stay in Canmore. From here, you’ll enjoy an early morning guided visit to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, followed by leisure time in Banff or Canmore. The journey then continues north along the scenic Icefields Parkway to Jasper, with recommended stops at iconic landmarks such as Peyto Lake and Athabasca Glacier. In Jasper, highlights include a boat cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake and walks through Maligne Canyon, with opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Heading west into British Columbia, you’ll stop in the alpine resort of Sun Peaks before continuing through cattle country and Hell’s Gate Canyon to reach Vancouver. Here, drop off your car and explore the coastal city by bike on a guided tour, visiting Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Chinatown. You’ll have a final day to enjoy the city’s beaches or take an optional seaplane tour before flying home. The itinerary includes international flights from several UK airports, accommodation, car hire, guided excursions, and the chance to experience some of Canada’s most spectacular natural scenery.
Western Canada Family Self Drive
17 day holiday
Vancouver, Whistler, Sun Peaks, Wells Gray Provincial Park, Jasper, Kootenay National Park, Banff
This family-friendly Canadian Rockies itinerary begins in the vibrant city of Vancouver, where you’ll ease into your adventure with guided bike rides through Stanley Park, treetop walks at Capilano Suspension Bridge, and time to explore markets and waterfront views. After picking up your hire car, the journey takes you up the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler for alpine activities and zip-lining, then through British Columbia’s quieter interior, including an overnight stay in Sun Peaks. You’ll then head into the wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park to enjoy rafting, waterfall hikes, and even survival skills workshops.
The road trip continues with a drive past Mount Robson to Jasper for wildlife-spotting with a Métis guide and sidecar rides through mountain passes. You’ll then follow the Icefields Parkway, stopping at glaciers and lakes before reaching Kootenay National Park, where First Nations-led craft sessions await. The final stretch includes postcard-perfect stops at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake en route to Banff, with time to enjoy gondola rides, cowboy-style horse treks, and lakeside adventures. A final scenic drive to Calgary Airport marks the end of the trip.
Hidden Gems of Canada’s Rockies (Self Drive)
15 day holiday
Canmore, Kootenay National Park, Revelstoke, Fernie, Waterton Lakes National Park, Calgary
This two-week self-drive itinerary through Western Canada begins in Calgary, where you’ll have time to settle in before heading south to the serene landscapes of Waterton Lakes National Park. From there, the journey continues through the prairies and mountains of British Columbia, stopping in Fernie for outdoor activities and on to the artsy town of Nelson, with its mountain lodges and proximity to hot springs. Scenic drives lead through the Kootenays to Revelstoke, a hub for hiking and adventure sports, and then into Kootenay National Park, where white-water rafting and guided wilderness experiences await.
The final stretch of the trip takes you into the heart of the Rockies, with a base in Canmore, close to the famous sights of Banff and Lake Louise. Highlights here include hiking Johnston Canyon and a spectacular helicopter flight over Mount Assiniboine and surrounding glaciers. With international flights from multiple UK airports, this itinerary blends relaxed exploration with immersive experiences across national parks, charming towns, and rugged mountain terrain before returning to Calgary for your flight home.
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