Discovering Alberta’s Wild Beauty
This immersive self-drive journey through Alberta offers a perfect blend of iconic landscapes and hidden gems, taking you beyond the well-trodden tourist routes to reveal some of the province’s most breathtaking and lesser-known destinations. Your adventure begins in Calgary, where you’ll collect your hire car and set off for Banff, Canada’s highest town. Here, the UNESCO-listed Banff National Park awaits, a haven of towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Whether you choose to hike through pine-scented trails, canoe across the glassy waters of Moraine Lake, or ascend the Banff Gondola for sweeping views from Sulphur Mountain, the natural beauty is bound to captivate you. A short drive away, Lake Louise offers another picture-perfect scene, where the glacier-fed lake shimmers in shades of turquoise, framed by rugged peaks and the grand Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise—a sight as stunning in reality as it is in photographs.
Returning to Calgary, you’ll have time to explore its vibrant neighborhoods, savour local cuisine, and stroll along the scenic Bow River Pathway. A visit to the Calgary Tower rewards you with panoramic city views, while history buffs may enjoy the interactive exhibits at Heritage Park Historical Village. Heading east, the landscape transforms as you arrive in Drumheller, the heart of the Canadian Badlands, where ancient dinosaurs once roamed. Stand in the jaws of Tyra, the world’s largest dinosaur statue, or delve into prehistoric wonders at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Continuing south, Lethbridge offers a fascinating blend of heritage and adventure, serving as a gateway to four UNESCO Heritage Sites, including the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, where you can uncover the ancient traditions of the Plains Buffalo culture. Your final stop is Waterton Lakes National Park, a compact yet awe-inspiring destination that boasts UNESCO status, a dark sky preserve, and a stunning convergence of mountain and prairie landscapes. With adventures spanning from starlit kayaking to scenic hikes, this journey through Alberta is an unforgettable exploration of Canada’s wild beauty.
All the things you need to know
On arrival in Calgary, collect your hire car and drive on to Banff, which is the highest town in Canada! Top of your must-see list here will be Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with breathtaking natural scenery and endless outdoor adventure, from epic hikes to canoeing on emerald lakes. For sweeping views, hop on the Banff Gondola which will whisk you up to the top of Sulphur Mountain, which soars over Banff town.
Next, you’ll visit Lake Louise, a charming village nestled within Banff National Park, renowned for its stunning turquoise, glacier-fed lake surrounded by towering peaks, with the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offering a majestic backdrop. It’s truly a destination that exceeds all expectations!
Return to Calgary and stroll through its vibrant neighbourhoods, delve into its burgeoning culinary scene and take in the scenic views along the Bow River Pathway. For 360-degree city views head up to the Observation Deck of the Calgary Tower or perhaps visit Canada’s largest living history museum, Heritage Park Historical Village.
Next, set your sights on Drumheller, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, where ancient dinosaurs once roamed the rugged terrain. Take a self-guided DinoWalk tour through downtown, where you’ll encounter Tyra, the statue of the world’s largest dinosaur. For a unique perspective, climb 106 steps to stand in the mouth of Tyra and enjoy panoramic views of the dramatic landscape. If time permits, immerse yourself in the world of paleontology at the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils worldwide.
Continue your journey to Lethbridge, a vibrant city brimming with adventure, rich heritage, fascinating history, and a dynamic culinary scene. Strategically located between four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Lethbridge offers easy access to the renowned Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, where you can explore over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture.
Drive further south to Waterton Lakes National Park which may be the smallest of the national parks, but packs in plenty, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a dark sky preserve, biosphere reserve and numerous outdoor adventures both on land and water.
Hotel Accommodation – Stay in carefully selected hotels, lodges, or resorts that offer comfort, charm, and exceptional service. Whether it’s a boutique hotel in a vibrant city, a cozy mountain lodge with breathtaking views, or a lakeside retreat, each stay is designed to enhance your experience.
Fully Inclusive Car Hire – Enjoy the freedom of the open road with a high-quality rental vehicle suited to your journey. Your car hire includes unlimited mileage, comprehensive insurance, and 24/7 roadside assistance, allowing you to explore at your own pace without any worries.
International Flights – Relax from the moment you take off with included return flights from the UK (or your chosen departure airport). We work with trusted airlines to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey, with flexible options to upgrade to premium or business class for an enhanced travel experience.
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We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.
Let's Chat
We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.
