Travel Resource: Alberta, Canada

Welcome to Canada’s Wild Side

What makes Alberta truly inviting isn’t just the sweeping mountain vistas or wide-open skies—it’s the friendly people you meet and the unbridled spirit you feel throughout the province. We handpicked the following attractions for adventurous groups who want to go somewhere different—and for those who want to live a little wilder.

For itinerary ideas and trip inspiration, visit travelalberta.com or contact Travel Alberta’s International Markets, Media, and Trade Specialist Kristie Nicol, at Travel Alberta, at (368) 887-8217 or [email protected].

Thank you to the team at Travel Alberta for showcasing the extraordinary experiences awaiting groups throughout the province. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to discovering more of Alberta’s off-the-beaten-path adventures and unexpected gems—whether on our next group tour or when ABA Marketplace attendees arrive in Calgary in 2027.

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Smoky Lake

Métis Crossing

Explore Alberta’s First Métis Cultural Centre

Built on the original river lots of Métis settlers in the late 1800s, Métis Crossing shares Indigenous heritage in unforgettable ways. Whether you would prefer to fill your time here with outdoor activities, joining interactive workshops, or dining on authentic dishes, you’re sure to feel connected with the ancestors who once walked these lands.

Groups enjoy the Visions, Hopes & Dreams Wildlife Tour at Métis Crossing, where a knowledgeable guide takes you on an SUV through the on-site Wildlife Park where elk, Percheron horses, wood bison, plains bison, and rare white bison roam. Get up close to these majestic heritage species and learn their vital role in the cultural identity of Métis Peoples.

The Tales from the Trapline tour strengthens your understanding of the Métis way of life, starting with a guided snowshoe trek along rolling hills. By the end of this winter-exclusive experience, you’ll have generational land-based knowledge, including how
to set snares, identify animal tracks, build shelters,
and more.

Make the most of your visit by spending the night in a Sky-Watching Dome. Far from light pollution, the skies above Métis Crossing sparkle with stars, galaxies, and sometimes aurora borealis. It’s not every day you can fall asleep while stargazing. Seize the opportunity to rest your head somewhere unique.

Delve deeper into Indigenous culture on a medicine walk with Mahikan Trails, where a knowledgeable guide explains how Indigenous ancestors survived off the land and points out plants that are used as medicine. Hear the “heartbeat of Mother Earth” during a fireside chat or dark sky workshop lead by Warrior Women, an Indigenous- and women-owned business in Jasper. And just outside the Rockies, Painted Warriors offers archery, horseback riding, and more on their 82-acre ranch. For a list of Indigenous tour companies and experiences, visit indigenoustourismalberta.ca.

metiscrossing.com, (780) 656-2229

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Drumheller

Royal Tyrrell Museum

Travel back to prehistoric times

The Royal Tyrrell Museum brings our Jurassic past to life with impressive displays and countless fossils, many of which were unearthed in Alberta. Exploring their halls feels like stepping into a time machine. The exhibits use videos, illustrations, models, and more to guide you on a journey dating back as far as 4.6 billion years ago.

As a hub for paleontology research, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is more than a museum. Groups enjoy educational programs, interactive activities, and fossil-digging experiences. You can even stop by the in-house Preparation Lab to watch technicians chip away at newly discovered dinosaur bones to prepare for display and research.

Just down the road, the town of Drumheller is unlike anything else in Alberta. Your group can climb 106 steps up into the toothy mouth of the World’s Largest Dinosaur, tour haunted hotels or abandoned coal mines, and stop for refreshments at historic cowboy pubs. Check out the Last Chance Saloon to sample its famous barbecued Alberta Beef striploin. They’ve been serving guests since 1915, so it’s safe to say this saloon has perfected the art of grilling a good steak.

With plenty of restaurants and accommodations, Drumheller is the perfect basecamp for touring the surrounding Canadian Badlands. This otherworldly region features ancient fossil beds, winding valleys and hoodoo rock formations, carved by wind and water over 75 million years. Visiting the museum before a road trip can help guests fully appreciate the dramatic evolution of the landscape.

tyrrellmuseum.com, (403) 823-7707

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Banff National Park

Banff Gondola

Peak views of the Canadian Rockies

Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain from the comfort of the Banff Gondola. The summit boasts panoramic views of Banff National Park, showcasing snow-capped mountains and sweeping valleys in all directions.

While the ride itself takes less than ten minutes, the summit experience can last hours. Between the 360-degree observation deck, the self-guided boardwalk tour, the Above Banff Interpretive Centre and Theatre, and the restaurants, Banff Gondola offers much more than a scenic lift.

Start your visit with a multi-sensory cinematic journey at Above Banff Theatre. Short films amaze the audience with stunning photography and vivid storytelling, showcasing the beauty and wilderness of the iconic Canadian Rockies. Or stroll the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to explore the breathtaking scenery further.

Wherever you go for a meal, you’re guaranteed an unbelievable backdrop. For lunch, the buffet at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen has something for everyone, including a pizza station and a salad bar. For dinner, Sky Bistro always delights with options of à la carte dining or a three-course prix-fixe menu. They use regionally sourced ingredients to deliver flavors of Canada. Stick around for dessert and bask in a glorious Rocky Mountain sunset. Remember to make a reservation to secure your seat.

Hours for the restaurant and gondola change throughout the year, so check the Banff Gondola website before you go.

banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola, (866) 756-1904

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Banff National Park

Discover Banff Tours

Wildlife and wilder adventures await

Nobody knows Banff National Park like locals do. Group excursions with
the outgoing experts at Discover Banff Tours reveal the best of Canada’s first national park, from top lookouts to exciting activities to prime wildlife viewing spots.

The “Discover Banff & Its Wildlife” tour is always a good introduction to Banff National Park. This three-hour trip takes guests through some of the most remarkable and historically significant stops, including the glacier-fed Lake Minnewanka. Learn about the ghost town that sits on the lake floor while watching for wildlife. It’s common to see animals like elk, deer, and bighorn sheep around the shore.

Visitors who would like to relax and still admire the sights can enjoy the best of both worlds on a Banff Sleigh Ride. As horse-drawn sleighs glide across mountain meadows, they emulate the winter magic for which Canada is known. Don’t worry about getting chilled—passengers receive snug wool blankets and can look forward to a complimentary warm drink by the fire after the sleigh returns to the stable.

Bold night owls would thrive on the 2.5-hour “Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk.” While Johnston Canyon should already have a spot on any Banff bucket list, it’s even more special after sunset. The leisurely trail within the canyon leads past seven frozen waterfalls and other picturesque features that sparkle in the guide’s flashlight. At one point, the group turns off their lights to fully embrace the serene quiet of the night.

Whatever tour you choose, you’ll likely be in the mood for some hearty food afterwards. Head into the town of Banff for your pick of craft breweries, fine dining, and trendy pubs. If you’re craving Italian, LUPO Italian Ristorante’s warm atmosphere and market-inspired plates will fuel your heart and soul. Their hand-stretched pizza dough, fresh pasta, and extensive drink menu can appease any appetite.

banfftours.com/activities, (825) 360-0184 | email: [email protected]

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The Canadian Rockies

SkiBig3 

Big snow under big skies

Every winter, the Canadian Rockies turn into a powdery playground that calls to skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Banff National Park alone has three legendary ski resorts—Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise—and one SkiBig3 lift ticket provides access to all of them.

SkiBig3 helps tour operators plan the ideal ski vacation to match their group’s sense of adventure—even booking lodging, rentals, and transportation between the resorts and the town of Banff.

Mount Norquay is less than 1.5 hours away from Calgary, perfect for an easy day trip. It’s the only resort in the Rockies where you can ski from sunrise to after sunset. On Fridays and Saturdays, part of the mountain is lit up so riders can take full advantage of the snow day. Travelers who want the thrill of riding down the hill without strapping on skis can hit the snow tube park for an afternoon of fun.

Sunshine Village lies just 20 minutes farther into the Rockies. Spanning three mountains, this world-class resort caters to all skill levels. Your group might need a few days to get familiar with its many runs. Consider booking a room at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, the only ski-in, ski-out hotel in the Rockies. After a full day on the slopes, relax in Banff’s largest hot tub.

Lake Louise, the biggest resort in the Rockies, is not to be forgotten. From gentle slopes to adrenaline-spiking chutes, Lake Louise has over 4,200 acres to carve. Each chairlift leads to beginner, intermediate, and expert runs, ensuring all riders have their ideal route down. Even its dining options are diverse—from grab-and-go items, Japanese flavors at the sushi bar, warm pub snacks, fine dining, and more.

skibig3.com, (844) 754-2443

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Jasper National Park

Winter Dark Sky Astronomy Tour  

Discover Alberta’s wild skies

The universe seems bigger in Jasper National Park. As the world’s largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper’s night skies are protected from light pollution. Their distance from glowing cities allows stars, constellations, the Milky Way Galaxy, and the northern lights to shine uninhibited. To better understand these cosmic wonders, your group can seek the guidance of professional sky navigators.

SunDog Tours leads guests on explorations of Jasper’s wild winter skies. The award-winning Winter Dark Sky Astronomy Tour offers various programs, including a combined Jasper Planetarium and telescope experience. The evening kicks off with a show at the Planetarium Dome Theatre, where you’ll hear stories of local Indigenous constellations, see video of aurora borealis above Jasper, and rocket into space. Next, guided telescope stargazing reveals a deeper look at what lies above.

If your group is interested in daytime trips, consider SunDog Tours’ guided wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, or dog sledding. The “Downtown Foodie Tour” showcases Jasper’s vibrant culinary scene while supporting local businesses. True food lovers can experience more of the town’s cuisine by joining various seasonal packages through jasperfoodtours.com.

Searching for a self-guided venture? Spend a day or two riding the four mountain faces of Marmot Basin. Jasper National Park’s only ski resort, this laid-back destination and its uncrowded, powdery runs are what skiers and snowboarders dream of.

Before you say goodbye to Jasper, stay the night in one-of-a-kind accommodations. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge exudes luxury with scenic surroundings, private villas, and an award-winning spa. Miette Mountain Cabins are more modest but no less magical. Thirty minutes from the town of Jasper, these charming log cabins boast multiple amenities and endless natural alpine beauty right outside your door.

Tourism Jasper | jasper.travel, (780) 820-1006

sundogtours.com/package/winter-dark-sky-astronomy-tour, (780) 852-4056 | email: [email protected]

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Elk Island National Park

Snowshoe Discovery Tour  

Trek wilder trails

Elk Island National Park is a hidden gem within Alberta. The rolling hills and snow-covered trees create a lovely winter setting that begs to be wandered.

Snowshoe trips with Talking Rock Tours highlight the national park’s most scenic spots. As they take small groups through snowy trails, knowledgeable guides delve into the notable Indigenous history of the area and how it became Canada’s first wildlife refuge in 1906. To this day, Elk Island National Park teems with animals like bison, moose, elk, and beavers. Winter is an especially great time for wildlife viewing with fewer people on the paths.

The “Elk Island Snowshoe La Tayr-Geo Discovery Tour” spans
about three hours. After snowshoeing for 5 kilometers (3 miles), the group settles fireside to join an Indigenous sharing circle. This traditional practice gathers people to share stories and insight into Indigenous culture. Between the warmth of the fire and the sense of community, the sharing circle is an ideal way to close out a tranquil afternoon of meaningful discovery.

Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, is only a 30-minute drive from Elk Island National Park. If your group still feels the outdoors calling, take to the Edmonton River Valley. As the longest stretch of connected urban parkland in North America, its trails here are perfect for cross-country skiing, fat biking, or casual walking.

When you’re ready to head indoors for dinner, Edmonton and its cosmopolitan cuisine always come through. Pull up a chair at Bernadette’s to indulge in Indigenous-inspired dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Or stop in at Fu’s Repair Shop, a trendy speakeasy restaurant and cocktail bar serving Asian flavors. Want to try some of the city’s other favorite local dishes? Check out the “Savour Strathcona Food Tour” at albertafoodtours.ca.

talkingrocktours.com, (780) 298-7992 | email: [email protected]

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Canmore

Howling Dog Tours 

Unleashed winter excitement

We tour the Rockies in many ways, but dog sledding is by far one of the most memorable. Energetic pups, fresh mountain air, and flying snow come together to create a Canadian experience like no other.

Howling Dog Tours brings travelers 30 minutes outside of Canmore for two-hour and half-day trips. With both packages, groups can opt to help harness the dogs and drive the sled with a hand from the friendly guide. The tours also include snacks and a steaming beverage, as well as transportation from Canmore. Those who choose the half-day trip can pay extra for a hot meal or bring their own lunch to enjoy beside a crackling fire.

Guests hoping to sit back and take in the alpine surroundings are welcome to cozy up in the sled. The view of towering mountains, evergreen trees, and adorable Huskies will leave you feeling exhilarated, even without your hands on the reins. Thrill-seekers craving extra action can take a turn driving the pack, and maybe even awaken their inner dog musher. Reward your team of dogs with a few treats and pets to thank them for a job well done post-tour.

You might also want a reward when you get back to Canmore. The Malcolm Hotel and its chic rooms should do the trick. Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating dip in the rooftop hot tub. Closer to downtown, Paintbox Lodge offers more intimate accommodations with endearing Canadiana décor. Art galleries, boutique stores, and homey cafes are all a moment’s walk away from the front entrance.

As you’re out on the town, let your nose lead you to one of the mouth-watering restaurants. The Grizzly Paw Pub oozes mountain-town vibes and treats guests to classic pub fare, which pairs seamlessly with its house-made craft beers. Or, take your taste buds on a journey of Canmore’s top food spots with a little help from albertafoodtours.ca/alberta-food-finder-canmore.

howlingdogtours.com, (877) 364-7533 | email: [email protected]

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Canmore

Canadian Rockies Experience

Icewalk on the wild side

When streams, waterfalls, and lakes freeze over in Alberta, it means we have fresh terrain to stoke our desire for adventure. Icewalking and climbing are for curious explorers—the ones who want to challenge themselves while uncovering nature’s secrets.

Those just beginning to push their comfort zone can learn basic icewalking skills from Canadian Rockies Experience, a private tour company. Enthusiastic guides bring small groups on hikes and sightseeing expeditions all over the Rocky Mountains. The “Grotto Canyon Icewalk Tour” is one of many winter experiences it provides.

These two-hour hikes through Grotto Canyon begin once the creek bed freezes solid, turning the trail into a wintry path reminiscent of a snow globe. Your day starts in comfort with a luxury van pickup from Canmore, complete with fresh croissants to savor along the way. Tour leaders will set you up with micro spikes at the trailhead to ensure an effortless journey. Once you’re geared up, the true fun can begin.

Step into the canyon and you’ll find yourself surrounded by frozen sculptures tumbling over the rocky walls, some towering as high as 30 meters (100 feet). Don’t be surprised if you spot a professional ice climber scaling the cascades. Beyond striking scenery, Grotto Canyon holds something even more unexpected—ancient pictographs etched into the stones. Most people walk right by, but your guide will point them out and share the fascinating theories behind these Indigenous symbols.

Canadian Rockies Experience also offers an evening icewalk tour through Grotto Canyon. With nothing but headlamps lighting the route, your other senses seem to sharpen. Soak in the stillness of the night, listen as your footsteps echo through the gorge, and feel your connection to nature deepen.

canadianrockiesexperience.com, (877) 573-0270 | email: [email protected]

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Photo credit: Travel Alberta