Top 10 Things You MUST Do in Alberta

Alberta. You heart stealer, you!

 TOP 10 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN ALBERTA

Seriously, if you haven't been to Alberta, Canada yet, you need to do so immediately. This west coast province is one of the most naturally breathtaking places I've ever seen.

I've been to Alberta four times now, and each time I'm more blown away. The province's immense beauty has actually brought me to tears. If you've been following me for at least the past year, you may remember my Instagram stories from Banff that consisted of me saying "WOW" over and over again along with bawling my eyes out with happiness.

No matter what time of year you choose to go, Alberta has something to offer every type of person. It's especially a nature lovers paradise! The picture perfect mountains, abundant wildlife and serene lakes make Alberta the perfect destination for those who thrive out doors and thirst for adventure.

During our last trip to Alberta this past March, Siya and I saw and experienced some incredible things that we would highly recommend checking out when planning your trip.

Top things to do in Alberta
Siya Helicopter Banff

1. Take a Helicopter to the Middle of the Rockies

This makes the top of the "most epic things I've ever done" list. It's one thing to stare in awe at the Rocky Mountains from the ground and a whole other experience to see them from a birds eye view. With Rockies Heli Canada, not only do you get to fly over these majestic beasts, but you can land in the middle of them for a snowshoe tour. This experience will be one you talk about for years to come.

 

Siya in Banff Helicopter

An experience you'll remember for years to come.

2. Cross-Country Skiing

I never thought I would be one to enjoy cross-country skiing until I spent a morning at the Canmore Nordic Centre. To be honest, I always looked at it as a nice and easy, not so active, activity older people do. Boy, was I 100% wrong and naive to think such a thing. Cross-country skiing is a work out! Not only that, but it's a hell lotta fun. Don't be surprised if you're whole body aches the next day, and especially don't be surprised if you want to do it all over again.

Cross country skiing Canmore

3. Visit the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

If you're an animal lover, you need to make sure you pay a visit to this place. The Yamnuksa Wolfdog Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that shelters and cares for wolfdogs who were neglected, abandoned, or otherwise displaced. If you've never heard of a wolfdog before, it's a canid hybrid made up part wolf and part domestic dog. At the sanctuary, you will learn about responsible wolfdog ownership and the importance of preserving wolves in the wild. You'll even get to get up close and personal with these beauties.

Yamnuksa Wolfdog Sanctuary Alberta Canada
Yamnuksa Wolfdog Sanctuary_3
Yamnuksa Wolfdog Sanctuary_2
Yamnuksa Wolfdog Sanctuary
snowboarding in banff

4. Snowboarding in Banff

I'm new to snowboarding, but I have absolutely fallen in love with it. One thing I've learned about the sport is 1. It really hurts to fall on your butt...like a lot. 2. Banff National Park is a snowboarders dream destination. So, where's the best place in Banff to hit the slopes? Sunshine Mountains Lodge! Located high up in the Rockies is the only ski-in, ski-out hotel in Banff . You actually have to take a 15-minute gondola ride up the hill to get to the lodge. This luxurious getaway has extraordinary views, delicious cuisine and even an outdoor hot tub.

Sunshine Lodge Banff_2

5. Dogsledding Through the Mountains

I've never seen so many excited dogs in one place! The working pups at Howling Dog Tours absolutely love their job. Running through the snow while pulling a sled is what they live for. The tour consists of showering the pups with hugs and back scratches, riding through the Rocky Mountains just outside of Banff National Park and indulging in hot chocolate and cookies. And if you ask nicely, you can even help steer the sled. Forget your car. This is clearly the best way to get around the mountains!

dogsledding in banff alberta
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Dogsledding Alberta

6. Fat Biking Through the Snow

Calgary is a really trendy city with many interesting shops, delicious food and bomb coffee (which I've elaborated more on below). While getting around by bike is popular in the warmer months, it's also doable with snow on the ground. If you've never heard of a fat bike before, you gotta try it at least once. It's a bicycle with the big fat treaded tires that you can fairly easily ride through the snow. We rented ours from Nomad Gear Rentals for a few hours and toured around the city.

Fat Bike Calgary

The views here look like paintings. Unreal!

Calgary Coffee

7. Drink All the Coffee

As a coffee snob (yep, I totally am), I have to tell you...the coffee in Calgary is BOMB! I usually only allow myself to have one coffee per day, but in Calgary, I couldn't help but have two *cough* three per day. There were some many adorable coffee shops offering some of the best coffee I've ever had. My two favourite cafe's I need mention (and suggest you go give them a try) are Rosso and Monogram. If you're not a coffee lover, prepared to be converted.

8. Bobsledding at High Speed

Ever seen the movie Cool Runnings? Well, what if I told you, you could relive this movie for yourself in the exact same spot the very true story happened AND where the movie was filmed? You can, and it's awesome. Located just outside the heart of Calgary is Winsport. After a 45 minute training session, you grab your helmet, jump into your bobsled and fly down the track at a 100+ kilometres per hour and 4+ g forces. If you're looking for a quick thrill, then get your bobsled on!

Bobsledding in Calgary Winsport
Bobsledding in Calgary Winsport

9. Ride the Banff Gondola

If you want to get the best view of Banff National Park, you need to take a ride on the Banff Gondola. Here you will witness one of natures most incredible masterpieces.  Seriously, the view does not seem real. It's just that epic, and I don't use that word sparingly.

Banff
Lake Louise_2

10. Just Breathe

The mountain air cleanses your body and soul. It's incredible how aware of my breathe I became during my entire time in Alberta. When you're surrounded by mountains, you stop and absorb the moment more, re-connecting to your breathe, and with every inhale, you feel healthier.

Driving in Canmore

A special thanks to Travel Alberta for sponsoring this incredible trip. My love for Canada grows each time I return back to Alberta.

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21 Comments

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  • Nice. But your blog should have been titled “Top 10 things to do in the Alberta Rockies”. There is so much more to this province than the mountains. You didn’t feature anything outside mountain corridor. It’s a big province. Think bigger.

    Reply
  • Reading this just made me miss my short time in Alberta, so much!
    I could not agree more that breathing the mountain air makes your not only healthier but, more aware of yourself and how perfect nature is. Thanks for recommending me this post, now I’ll go and buy my tickets ?.

    Reply
  • Great article…now you’ll have to come back in the summer & list all the fabulous things to do when it’s warm outsude!! ???

    Reply
  • Love Alberta outdoor fun. I’ve always wanted to try fat biking – seems like a great way to experience the trails on high speed (compared to snowshoeing). I’ve recently started cross-country skiing in the last few years – it’s such a work out. I’ll have to pack them next time we return to the Rockies.

    Reply
    • Fat biking was pretty fun. It was SO cold when we went but it was neat to be able to bike through the snow pretty effortlessly. I actually really enjoyed cross country skiing. It surprised me! Have you done it in Alberta yet?

      Reply
  • On my list! Banff just seems incredible, I need to visit Lake Louise also! Thanks for sharing the coffee spots, need to check them out!

    Reply
    • Banff is incredible! You should also visit Canmore. It’s super close to Banff and is a really stunning little town. Now the coffee in Alberta…seriously…the best! Calgary definitely knows how to do coffee well. I’m actually drinking some Calgary coffee right now that I brought back with me 🙂

      Reply
  • Oh my god you bobsledded! That is amazing. This video is fantastic. I would switch out the snowboarding for skiing and then I would absolutely do all of that. What a breath-taking trip and such beautiful scenery in the province. I am often there for conferences or work and have yet to take the time to just explore and enjoy. You make me want to do that.

    Reply
    • Bobsledding was such a rush! It was cool to actually be on the same track that the movie Cool Runnings was not only filmed but also where the true story happened. You should definitely go and explore the province if you get a chance next time you’re there. It’s stunning! Every time I go, I fall more in love with it. Thanks so much for watching and reading the post. It always means a lot 🙂

      Reply

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