Have we mentioned, more than a few hundred times, how much we adore living in Alberta? To visit Alberta, with the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains to the west and the wide open prairies rolling eastward, the province tantalizes visitors with beauty. Travel to the pristine mountains towns of Jasper, Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise.
Stop in the multicultural and vibrant cities of Edmonton and Calgary for festivals and world class cuisine. Hike through the Canadian Badlands and search for fossils during a dinosaur dig.
Like glistening droplets on a turquoise mountain lake, these highlights of a vacation in Alberta are often what define key experiences. Yet the western action of the Calgary Stampede, the famous vista of Banff’s Mount Rundle and a walk on the Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefield near Jasper only scratch the surface of what it means to visit Alberta.
Could a tour of Alberta be complete without learning of the First Nations people who were the early inhabitants of this land? From the fascinatingly named Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, to Writing on Stone Provincial Park to Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, the traditional culture provides visitors a historical foundation.
Exploring the vastness of Alberta by car leaves visitors with an appreciation of the diversity of landscape. The Crowsnest Highway takes an emotional journey to the site of the Frank Slide where in 1903 90 million tons of limestone slid over the town in 90 seconds.
The Icefields Parkway provides some of the world’s most jaw dropping mountain scenery. Watch for a hundred or more glaciers as your eyes dart between waterfalls and wildlife.
Head north with your canoe, kayak or fishing rod to forest lined tranquil lakes. Have you always wanted to see the Northern Lights? Fort McMurray’s northern location provides dazzling displays. Find your inner cowboy in Alberta working at a ranch or riding horse through mountain streams. Step back in time and board a working steam train.
Visit Alberta Summer or Winter
Summer or winter Alberta provides endless opportunities for an active holiday. Hit world renowned slopes with downhill skis, rent ice skates to glide on Lake Louise, try a multi-generational snow tubing ride or take your time on cross country skis. Grab your hiking boots or bicycle to explore paths and routes throughout the province.
Looking for more adventure? How about heli-snowshoeing in deep mountain powder? White water rafting or canyoning more your style? Fly like a bird with a jetpack at Sylvan Lake. Slide on Athabasca’s sand dunes. Ice climbing and rock climbing; adrenaline junkies can find it all in Alberta.
Sounds like you will be busy when you visit Alberta. Or perhaps you will have to come back more than once. We will be here gushing about our home and waiting for you.
What do you love best about where you live?
This is post is not sponsored in any way. We love our home. What can we say?
We believe the drive from Jasper to Banf or vice versa is the most beautiful in N. America. In my notes from 2014, we stopped at the “Legion of Frontiersman” monument after leaving Edmonton but I don’t say where. Google says they were headquartered in Edmonton in 1939. Do you happen to know where the monument [just a roadside marker] is located?
Yes we would agree that the Icefields Parkway route is astounding. It’s the same stretch we cycled this summer. What a pleasure to have four days to take it all in.
As to your question our friend Dave below provided the answer to your question. i have copied his response here.
The Legion of Frontiersman War Memorial is located on Highway 14 near Hastings Lake in the southeast corner of Strathcona County, southeast of Edmonton.
Although your post is not sponsored, you should really be getting something from the local tourist authority in Alberta since you do such an excellent job of selling it as a tourist destination.The various activities and sites you mentioned all sound amazing, Sue!
I would particularly like to see Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump now that I know it’s a traditional buffalo hunting site and not, as I first thought, something to do with bungee jumping.
Bun you are very generous with this kind feedback. Alberta is a pretty easy subject to write about and take photographs that’s for sure.
No bungee jumping going on for the poor old buffalo I’m afraid but a very good guess!
The Legion of Frontiersman War Memorial is located on Highway 14 near Hastings Lake in the southeast corner of Strathcona County, southeast of Edmonton.
Thanks so much Dave. I passed this answer on above. I appreciate the help. It takes a village to write a blog. 🙂
Oh, you temptress! 🙂 🙂 And why shouldn’t you blow the trumpet for such a beautiful homeland? Hoping all’s well with you and your man, Sue? More of a gap than usual between posts? Cuddling little ones or off jaunting? Sending hugs 🙂
Surely if we show you enough you will will fly across the pond for a walkabout Jo? We shall cross our fingers and keep tempting you.
All is well here. We have just had a long weekend full of visiting with family and baby cuddling. Also some technical problems have been resolved so more time on writing and less on pulling my hair out. 🙂
You are in my reader and I am checking airline tickets!
Such excellent news all the way around Andrew! Thanks for your help in the saga of technical issues. We do hope to see you in Canada one day.
Great summary, Sue. I think I would need at least a year to fully appreciate each of the places you mention.:) Your love of the area is quite apparent— and justified from any experience I’ve ever had wandering through the area. –Curt
Curt we definitely come across as biased don’t we? Perhaps I’m not quite as enthralled in the dead of winter when I have shoveled snow for the 10th time in a week. Alberta has it’s own beauty then too of course, just have to admire it with a thick layer of down around one’s body.
I agree each of these spots is much better visited with lots of time to wander and explore. Glad you have enjoyed what you have experienced in Alberta.
What a great ambassador you are for your own spectacular part of the world, Sue! Alberta looks like a place for all seasons, and the views are absolutely stunning. 🙂
Sylvia I appreciate your enthusiasm for our gushing about Alberta. We spent more time close to home this summer and it really brought home how much beauty there is in our own backyard. We love traveling to far flung destinations but we have to admit we were struck anew by the beauty at home.
Wherever I roam, Alberta will always be my home. It is just stunning. There is also the world´s tallest Tepee in Medicine Hat, the world´s biggest dinosaur in Drumheller, the aqueducts near Brooks – the list could go on and on. No wonder Amanda had so much fun showing her friend around the province in Amanda in Alberta. (and I had fun writing it.) You are a great ambassador of Alberta!
Darlene those are great additions! Wonderful to hear of your heart remaining in Alberta as your homeland. I agree such a wonderful seeing for your successful book Amanda in Alberta! I must say I love most of all sharing our stories from Alberta. It feels a bit like bragging about one’s own children. As I mentioned to Curt in another comment I’m not quite as keen in winter. Perhaps I shall have to read my own writing to keep me positive on the very snowy and frigid days!
Yes, of course there is the winter. Perhaps that is why I don´t live there anymore.
Yes the winter can be a little more challenging for those who like warm weather. I’m actually wearing a down jacket as I type. I think fall is upon us!
The opening image is certainly inviting! Not only beautiful nature, it seems Alberta offers many things to do! Thank you, Sue. I will keep Alberta in mind for sure!
We would love to see you here Indah that’s for certain. Thanks for the lovely feedback.
How much time would we need when we make it up to Alberta one day? 🙂 You sure make it hard to come up with just a few favorite activities, Sue… There is just so much to see and experience. I think we should count on at least a month of extensive explorations! The beauty of our lifestyle is that we can discover new areas each time we live somewhere temporarily.
Liesbet you have that great advantage of slow travel. Yes definitely come for a month to take it all in. The province is really expansive and diverse in activities so it is wonderful not to have to rush about.
Having driven though and visited some of these places, I agree completely that you guys do indeed live among stunning scenery! Now I see that there is much more for us to explore. Guess we’ll have to plan for a longer stay in the future 🙂
Now you are talking Wendy! We have spent very little time in the north and would love to do more exploring there. How about a Northern Lights road trip?
Ooh this is just eerie! Husband and I have been thinking about visiting Canada and I saw a holiday to Alberta just yesterday. Only problem was a lack of understanding of the location – problem solved! Thanks so much for a great post – hope we can make the trip in 2017.
Oh what fun to find you here! I think you were the very first follower I had that I didn’t know personally. Surely that should be good for a trophy or something. 🙂
Wonderful to hear of the coincidental timing! So happy the post has clarified where Alberta is and given you an idea of what is available. If you search Alberta on our blog there are scads of posts about various activities. If there is anything in particular you want to know don’t hesitate to ask.
Your beautiful post reminded me the great trip I had last summer! Thank you, Sue!
So happy to bring back those memories Amy. Thank you!
I always enjoy your beautiful Alberta posts, Sue — the photos of these spectacular visits are impressive, and so much to do here. How wonderful it is when we take pride and deep joy in our home community.
Thank you Jet. I’m a bit like a gushing parent when I write about Alberta. I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond very much. It is a happy thing to be content in the place one is planted. Makes for a much happier life I think.
Sue, you’ve just made my morning – we’re going to be there around this time next year, and have just started to book some accommodation, so this post could not have gotten me more excited!! It’s so beautiful to read the pride and love people have for their homes, particularly when they’re also travellers 🙂
As for me, there are way too many things to love about Melbourne to list – you’re right, there’s no place like home!
Jess that is fantastic news. I can’t wait to hear more of your plans! If it works we would love to meet at some point while you are here. Just putting that invite out early in the going. This post has 10 of our favorite things to do in Alberta with a bit more detail if that is helpful. https://traveltalesoflife.com/2016/05/13/10-canadian-signature-travel-experiences/
Glad to hear you have the same pride about your city of Melbourne!
So many times I speak of places,to see in North America, and I end the conversation with “but if you want THE best scenery, you have to drive the Icefields Parkway.” Simply amazing, Sue. ?
I am grinning ear to ear. Yes, especially after our cycling trip this summer, I would have to say the Icefields Parkway is hard to beat. Thanks so much for the kind feedback. Very much appreciated.
Sue, are you guys originally from Alberta or did you choose to move there? It really does have an enormous amount to offer! I have been only to the very southern part, but it was spectacular and I long to see more. After your bike ride this summer, it went on a mental list. After this post, I may have to put it in writing!
Dave is from Calgary which is actually quite unusual. I grew up in Saskatchewan, one province over, and we met in our college years. Glad to hear that a trip back to Alberta is making the leap to pen and paper.
You may have hinted previously how much you like it there…but today, now you’ve sold me. I’m flying to Tombstone, getting my RV, and driving north. I also like that you call them, or they call themselves, First Nations. Native Americans is a fine name, but First Nations says something more. I think I may be able to settle into blogging again, I have truly missed your sense of humor. And Dave’s ability to keep up with you.
Wonderful to have you back Badfish! Flying into Tombstone. Yes I hear they have a massive international airport. If driving with your RV do come in summer. Well might I suggest for anyone used to warm weather come in summer or May to Oct, although it did snow in the mountains this past weekend. Oh Canada! As to keeping up with Dave well I may come up with more ideas but trust me he is usually waiting for my snail paced self during the cycling/running/climbing aspects.
Such a beautiful and wonderful part of the world, a visit is on the very time of my “wish list” for this coming year.
Wonderful to hear Charlie! If you plan a stop in Calgary and have an extra hour or so do let us know. We love meeting other travelers.
It’s always good to love home 🙂
Indeed it is Amy. 🙂
Every day we are one step closer to heading your way. We have a potential offer on the business, then all that will be left is to sell the house! I’m having heart surgery in a couple weeks, so I won’t be doing much of the house prep, but, what else are husbands for, lol. Glad your technical issues are solved!
Very best wishes for your upcoming surgery Laura. I have no doubt your husband will take care of all of the details. I will be watching for updates as you are able. Should you get up our way definitely let us know. Always delighted to meet other travelers. As to the technical issues I am very relieved not to have to put my eyeball back in my noggin after it bulging out of it’s socket for the 100th time. 🙂
Actually I’m starting to plan a trip to the Western Hemisphere, but there is one small problem. Since I’ll be traveling all the way from Indonesia (a friend of mine flew more than 24 hours a few days ago to get to the US) it’s logical if I start with the US. But the problem is should I go north or south? I know what to expect in Canada from your posts, and my best friend — James — is a Canadian. But Jeff Bell’s posts on Mexico are too hard to resist either. I really need to think of it — in the meantime you can keep ‘bombarding’ me with stunning images of the Canadian Rockies. I would love that! 🙂
Bama I suppose it depends on how much time you have. Should it be a several month adventure you might be able to do all three countries, well parts of them. If it’s a few weeks then definitely you will want to narrow it down a lot. If I am correct James is from eastern Canada? Also depending on the time of year may make the decision for you. Mexico will definitely be a lot warmer. If you have any specific questions don’t hesitate to let me know. Our email is travletalesoflife@gmail.com Happy planning!
How lucky you are to live in such a beautiful area. I have fingers crossed for a return trip to Alberta next year. 🙂
That sounds marvelous LuAnn! Are you headed off to Europe at any moment?
Between your blogs and listening to our Alberta snow bird neighbors (yes plural…next door and across the street) I know a trip needs to be made…..you do live in a beautiful area!!
Kirt we are apparently teaming up on you! Your snowbird friends will obviously tell you that you may want to come in the warmer months, unless you are coming to ski. It’s beautiful year round but you do need to dress for the winter.
Alberta is a great dream place for the tourism, fantastic post Sue and thank you so much for sharing info.
Della Anna I appreciate your kind feedback. We feel very fortunate to live in Alberta that is for sure. Wishing you an excellent day!
Well you know that I am a huge fan of Alberta (you can quote me as saying that ‘it is the most beautiful place on the face of the earth). Your posts make me want to return there soon. When I am done sailing, that is where I am headed first.
Lisa for you who has traveled to more destinations than anyone I can think of, your words truly are a massive compliment to Alberta. So delighted to hear that you will head here when the sailing is complete. We of course will be so keen to welcome you with open arms and return your kindness from our time in Australia.
You’ve definitely been blessed in the geography department 🙂
Have I mentioned I think you should plan a visit? 🙂
There is nothing better than loving and being proud of home especially when it is as beautiful as yours!
Thank you Annie. You have a spectacular setting to call home too. I certainly wish we lived closer to it.
I would really love to visit the mountain towns. Not to climb the mountains but to admire them. Mountains are so grand, and looking at them I think a lot of us can’t help but marvel at just how grand they are. Would love to visit the Peyto Lake too Love that shade of blue, and you know that blue is my favourite colour 😉
“We love our home. What can we say?” Sometimes we can’t say anything about our home. Home is home, it is just a feeling and we are proud of what it offers no matter its shortcomings 🙂
Mabel there is much blue to be had here that is for sure. Your favourite colour is plentiful, well in our summer months anyway. There are many ways to see these mountains and not necessary to climb them to do so. For those wanting that adventure there are certainly opportunities but very enjoyable admiring them from the towns too. Thanks so much for your visit Mabel and hope all is well for you.
Sounds wonderful, Sue. Unfortunately every time I visit Canada I am duty bound to spend the bulk of my time with my brother and his family in Ontario… one day.
What do I like about where I live now? The people, the scenery, the wealth of culture and activities… in short: the craic! 🙂
Susan at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Bun well that is a good point. We can find modesty wherever we look. As life has progressed I’m a fan of smaller places. Less stuff to tie one down and clutter life. Of course you are still with kids at home so of course lots of gear is where it is at.
Susan I can understand that family takes priority. Perhaps one day you could all vacation in the west. It sounds like you love where you live too. Such a great feeling to have about one’s home.
Sue, I love your passion for where you live. I always enjoy reading of the wonders that surround you. I agree it is a truly unique and beautiful part of the world. It is interesting as a reader what pops out and begs for attention. Today I was shocked to learn of the tragedy at the Frank slide site you mentioned. 90 seconds. That’s so fast you wouldn’t know what was coming. As always, I love your posts and I am so so keen to return and enjoy more of Alberta.
Shannyn you are so very generous in your feedback. such a pleasure to have you read our posts. Very much hoping you will return to Alberta one day. Of course we would love to meet in person.
So many choices, so little time………
Good to have the ‘it’s fun in summer or winter’ advice as this is our current argument about a possible Canadian holiday down the track – when to go. Due to potential study timetables, our choices have narrowed to peak summer (July) or mid-winter (Dec/Jan). It may, unfortunately, be the trip’s undoing…. 🙁
Oh dear it does sound challenging around planning. If you choose July we can help you find the quiet spots that are spectacular and all the insider tips of when to show up at the everyone-wants to see places. It’s a huge province so lots of space for all. 🙂
Love, love, love it! 🙂 And what a spectacular capture of Peyto Lake! Icefields Parkway is such a diamond….
Inger you are so kind. Thank you for that enthusiastic feedback. Peyto really is a show off isn’t she? 🙂
The Icefields Parkway is one of the most spectacular drives I’ve been on. Hard to beat Jasper National Park with all the lakes and falls. I need to return someday and do more!
Jeff I concur that in all our travels the Icefields Parkway sits at the top of the heap for scenery. Do let us know if you ever get back this way.
Enjoying your blog; nice to find a Canadian perspective out west. We’ve been to almost every place you mentioned, during three great camping trips with our kids 25 to 30 years ago, but we intend to now return to many of those places. Our daughter and family have just moved to B.C., which pulls us west. My grandad lived in both Kicking Horse Pass (in Field) and in Crowsnest Pass (in Coleman) where my mom was born. You’ve got a well written, interesting and popular blog!
Such a lovely comment to find here! Thank you for the generous and kind feedback. It sounds like you have seen a lot of beauty in Alberta and BC over the years. We just spent the weekend in Golden and loved exploring it. Headed to Revelstoke this weekend for more! Thanks again and looking forward to having you along on the adventures!
Good day sunshine!… Great post dear Sue… and very well penned… make me want to visit (right away! 😀 )…. the landscapes and turistics attractions certainly stand out
Heli-snowshoeing would be something I´d love to do… so much fun!…
Thanks for sharing, my friend. Wishing you a nice day! Aquileana 😀
Aquileana you are a ry of sunshine yourself. Well yes we are hoping to entice you to come to Canada. Heli snowshoeing was great fun. such spectacular views of the mountains then out in the still wilderness. Wishing you a fabulous day as well. Are you back home now?
Very nice post and very helpful to me :-)! It gives me ideas about adding some cultural aspects to our trip 🙂
Gin I thought it might be helpful in the trip planning. I have more ideas for you about your trip next summer so will send you a note in the next few days.
the first picture is so awesome 🙂
I appreciate the feedback Joshi. Those glacier fed lakes are amazing.
Awesome Alberta. First photo is my favorite; I think that I could stare it for a long time and dream to visit this gorgeous place sometimes.
We do hope you get to visit one day. Peyto Lake is quite amazing with its glacial fed turquoise water. No matter how often one sees it , inspiring every time.
Heaven on Earth. Since I come from a mild climate, I think I would chose summer. You have every right to love your home, Sue. You asked a good question in the end. What I love best about my location is its proximity to other countries that I love to explore like Italy, Slovenia, Austria – we are in the middle of central – south-central Europe, that’s what I appreciate the most. Between the Adriatic and the Alps, I could not ask for more.
Paula I am very envious of your location for exactly that reason. The accessibility you have to visit other countries is fantastic. As you can appreciate there are very few countries we can just pop over to from Canada.
Stunning and a place I hope to get to one day Sue.
I hope so too Kath. So much to see and do here in Alberta.