From vibrant cities to breathtaking wilderness, every style of travel comes with an ideal option for seeing all the best Alberta has to offer.
Scenic self-drives
Some of Canada’s most scenic roads wind their way through Alberta, past landscapes dotted with ancient glaciers, mountain peaks and impossibly deep lakes. With iconic routes such as world-renowned 232km Icefields Parkway, the province is arguably made for self-drive holidays.
With sights such as Athabasca Glacier, the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk, Sunwapta Falls, and Bow Lake, exploration shouldn’t be rushed, so renting a car allows road-trippers to take it all in at their own pace.
Well-maintained highways, clear signposting and easy navigation are conducive to longer trips, plus you can drive on a full UK driving license. All the major car rental companies are represented at both Calgary and Edmonton international airports, and across numerous cities.
Top tip: If visiting during the winter months or snowy conditions are forecast, make sure your rental vehicle is equipped with winter tires. Unlike in the UK, Canadians drive on the right-hand side of the road and speed limits are measured in kilometres per hour rather than miles.
Motorhomes
Even more convenient and flexible is taking a tour in your very own motorhome, where all your home comforts hit the road with you. If planned properly, a motorhome trip is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Alberta’s natural beauty.
There’s no need to go without mod-cons as there are tonnes of high-quality campgrounds where you can hook up to fresh water, drains and electricity. Many spots will come with a picnic bench or fire pit too. As an added bonus, these sites are located in the sorts of beautiful natural surroundings so often synonymous with Canada.
Top tip: Make sure you research ahead of time where you are allowed to park overnight. Camping in motorhomes is strictly prohibited on private property, in national or provincial parks, wilderness areas or on First Nations reservations, unless you are at a designated site.
Motorbikes
For a true sense of freedom, let the wind rush past you as the road opens up ahead on a wild and thrilling motorbike ride. From cruising through the Rocky Mountains or revving your engine across the Badlands, a motorbike is an exhilarating method of exploration.
Between the months of June and September, when the days are longer and the weather is more pleasant, the stunning nature careening creates optimum conditions for making two-wheeled memories. This is also when Alberta’s abundant wildlife is most active, promising sightings from the open road.
Top tip: In addition to being one of the most exciting ways to see Alberta, motorbike rentals come with their own vehicle insurance, offering peace of mind.
Rail travel
Those who prefer to relax and switch off completely will relish the opportunity to witness the scenery from the comfort of a train.
There are both standard and luxurious options available. VIA Rail, Canada’s national rail service, offers spacious seats and free WiFi – if you can tear your eyes away from the scenery. The line connects capital city Edmonton to the town of Jasper, with a multitude of spectacular vistas along the way.
Meanwhile the Rocky Mountaineer sits firmly in the luxury camp. Its world-renowned routes start or finish in Banff and Jasper, making it easy to extend your stay and discover more of Alberta’s icons.
Top tip: Rocky Mountaineer’s routes combine Alberta with British Columbia, giving double the opportunity to enjoy the very best of Western Canada’s natural beauty.
Shuttles, transfers and guided tours
Shuttles and transfers also offer up a convenient and stress-free option for getting around. Key destinations such as Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, Jasper and Edmonton are connected via a network of direct services, minimising time spent getting from A to B. Best of all, this method eliminates the hassle of finding parking, especially at star attractions during peak season.
Numerous guided tour companies operate in and around popular areas like Banff and Jasper. They can provide sightseeing, wildlife viewing, Indigenous culture experiences and more, helping to make the most of everything that Alberta offers to see and do.
Top tip: Staying in downtown Calgary or Edmonton? Many places of interest in these cities are within walking distance and taxis are readily available. Roam Transit also offers reliable public transport within Banff and around Banff National Park.
