Think of Alberta and you picture the alpine drama of Banff and Jasper—national parks teeming with big blue lakes and epic mountain ranges. And, sure, the western Canadian province has its share of visual fireworks, but its quieter pleasures are just as rewarding. A meditative walk through Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, for example. Or a peaceful midweek IPA at Calgary’s Big Rock Brewery. If great beer and natural beauty don’t do it for you, there’s always Alberta’s undying love of hockey, as seen in the rabid fan bases of its two NHL teams, the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers.
travel tips
When to go
SPRING
By the time Calgary’s Lilac Festival street fair rolls around in late May/early June, you’ll be enjoying highs in the 60s°F.
SUMMER
Expect average highs in the upper 60s°F to upper 70s°F while taking in events like the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival in mid-July.
FALL
The autumn cool-down brings lows in the 30s°F and highs in the 60s°F, as well as diversions like the astronomy-themed Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October.
WINTER
If you’re heading to Calgary’s Enmax Zoolights displays around the holidays, bundle up—Alberta winters can be brutal, with lows well below 0°F to highs in the 20s°F and 30s°F.
Transportation
If you’re traveling across the province, try the national Via Rail train service. Edmonton and Calgary both have bus and light-rail lines.
Insider tips
- Bear, moose, elk and other large mammals inhabit many of Alberta’s parks. To help prevent an unwanted face-to-face with one of these animals, make a lot of noise while hiking in remote areas.
- Calgary is a great food town, with many “eat streets,” including Stephen Street in downtown and Kensington Road.
- Home to the Edmonton Oilers, Rogers Place opened in 2016. It’s a gleaming temple to hockey and a fun night out in Alberta’s capital.
top attractions
Canmore Cave Tours, Canmore
Explore the underground wonders of one of Canada’s longest caves.
Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton
Head back in time at Canada’s largest living history museum.
featured properties
Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary Airport
Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary Airport’s is positioned less than 10 minutes from the airport and less than 20 minutes from Downtown, making it a fantastic place to stay for business and leisure travelers alike. The free shuttle from the airport will take you to the hotel, which has a fitness centre, indoor pool with water slide, Sana Spa, hot tub, 24-hour business centre, and an onsite grill and wine bar.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Calgary-Airport
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Calgary-Airport is located midway between downtown Calgary and Calgary International airport. The hotel is perfect for families and business travelers with its heated indoor pool and hot tub, free hot breakfast, business centre, and free parking.
Radisson Hotel Red Deer
Radisson Hotel Red Deer offers a 6,000 square-foot gym, free hot breakfast buffet, an indoor pool with a waterfall, and a 24-hour business centre. The property is less than 5 minutes away from downtown, giving you a lot of amenities in a convenient location.
Radisson Hotel & Convention Center Edmonton
The fitness centre, steam room, close to 15,000 square feet of meeting facilities, and a restaurant and pub including a pool table and jukebox make Radisson Hotel & Convention Center Edmonton a great place for guests to stay. The hotel is perfect for conferences, as it can hold up to 500 people, and is just Southeast of Downtown.
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