Introduction to Alberta Travel
Many people say that Alberta has the most diverse landscape of any Canadian province. It has five national parks, including Banff, Canada’s first national park. The rugged Rocky Mountains give way to rolling eastern slopes and wide open prairie. Explorers will find thick boreal forest in the north, and the unique hoodos and coulees of the sand-coloured badlands, with rivers and lakes connecting these diverse ecosystems.
The natural wonders in Alberta are something to behold, and they make the perfect playground for all types of travellers. There are outdoor adventures and activities for every traveller, from backcountry explorers to families on vacation with their young children.
This guide is based on firsthand travel experience across Alberta, and its national and provincial parks, including hiking, camping, paddling and exploring with a child.
FEATURE: 10 Things You’ll Love About Alberta, A Diverse Canadian Province
If you’re visiting Alberta for the first time, this guide is a great place to start planning! Alberta offers majestic mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies, ranchlands on the eastern slopes, open prairie and grasslands, wind-sculpted badlands and vast boreal forest in the north. Beyond its natural wonders, Alberta has bustling cities vibrant with art, culture, festivals, and world-renowned events, as well as quaint small towns brimming with warm rural hospitality.
Feature Destinations
Rocky Mountains
The Canadian Rockies line the western border of Alberta and are home to world-renowned national parks, including Banff, Jasper and Waterton Lakes National Park. Visitors come from around the world for breathtaking scenery, wildlife viewing, hiking, paddling, skiing, and mountain-town hospitality.
Lakeland Region
The Lakeland region of Alberta, located in the province’s northeast, is a premier outdoor destination known for its dense forests, numerous lakes, and sandy beaches. Several provincial parks and natural areas make it a great region for paddling, boating, fishing, camping, and unique Metis experiences.
The Badlands
The Canadian Badlands look like something out of a Wild West movie, characterized by dramatic hoodoos, deep coulees, impressive rock formations, rivers and streams that cut deep into the sandy soil in this otherworldly landscape.
Edmonton Area
Edmonton has the largest urban parkland in Canada, with the North Saskatchewan River Valley prime for hiking, cycling, skiing and paddling. It is known for its year-round festival scene and is only 35 minutes from where the wild bison roam at Elk Island National Park.
Family Adventures in Alberta
Northern Explorers is an advocate of family travel and adventure. We believe that when families spend time together outdoors, they boost overall well-being, strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. Plus, exploring Alberta with kids opens up a whole new way to experience the outdoors and foster connections to nature. From easy hikes, lakeside beach days to camping trips and wildlife enounters this section features family-friendly adventures across the province. We have kids, too, so our focus is on realistic, enjoyable experiences for parents and kids.
Start Here: Successful Family Adventures
Travelling with kids is a lot of work, and embarking on the great outdoors means more planning, gear and more patience. You can do it, though! From our experience, you’ll have a smoother trip if you:
Be realistic: Choose kid-friendly activities, easy trails and be prepared to take lots of breaks. Plus, easy wins build confidence. Starting with little adventures and realistic expectations will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Bring snacks: Every parent knows that snacks can do wonders in a kid’s mood and motivation levels. And get the good snacks, they’ll remember their outdoor adventure involving treats and that is a good thing!
Be flexible: You might have big plans, but your trip will be more successful if you let the kids set the pace. Flexible itineraries that include a little play time and downtime work best.
Advice for Adventurous Solo Parents
As a solo parent, I’ve learned that the best outdoor adventures are the ones that are simple, flexible, and fun for my son and me. Alberta makes that easy, with plenty of accessible trails, campgrounds, little lakes and day-trip destinations. Here are some things that have helped us in our epic adventures:
You’re building memories for you and your kids that will last a lifetime. It is worth the effort!
Amy Hancock, Founder and Chief Editor, Northern Explorers
Favourite Family Alberta Travel Guides
The Ultimate Guide to Kinosoo Beach, Cold Lake
Kid-friendly Backcountry Trips in Alberta
11 Best Beaches for Kids in Alberta
Guide to Edmonton’s Family Ski Scene
Paddling in Alberta
Lakes large and small, wetlands teeming with life, and winding rivers offer plenty of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or a backcountry canoe trip, the province offers plenty of accessible, rewarding routes.
Quick Paddling Tips
Alberta’s waterways and lakes are so diverse that they offer paddling opportunities for every ability level. Here are some tips to keep you safe and having fun on the water.
As a rule of thumb, we recommend starting your paddle trip against the wind. Then the wind will take you back to your launch point when you’re tuckered out.
10 Amazing places to paddle near Edmonton
Within a 1.5-hour drive or less!
The Edmonton region offers several lakes, ponds, and the iconic North Saskatchewan River for paddle adventures. Whether you canoe, kayak or paddle board, here are our top picks for the best places to go paddling near Edmonton, Alberta.
Paddling Maligne Lake with Kids
Kayaking the North Saskatchewan River
Alberta’s National Parks
Alberta is home to some of the most famous national parks in the world and has five of them: Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, Elk Island National Park and Wood Buffalo National Park. Each offers unique opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, paddling, camping and connecting with nature. You’ll also find interactive programming and educational opportunities through Parks Canada, along with a range of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and attractions.
If you’re planning a trip, consider visiting the Parks Canada website. Their website is a fantastic resource to learn about activities, events, campground reservations, programming, special notices, safety, Indigenous cultural experiences, conservation and more!
Planning Tips for Visiting National Parks in Alberta
Visiting these unique national parks can be a memorable experience. Here are some things we recommend considering before you go:
Favourite National Park Experiences
Hiking in Alberta
Alberta offers some of the most diverse hiking in Canada, from easy lakeside walks to challenging backcountry routes in the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re hiking with kids or planning a multi-day adventure, the province offers trails for every experience level.
Quick Hiking Tips for Alberta
Make the most of your hiking trip by being prepared.
Not sure what to pack for your first multi-day hike? We’ve got you! Check out our guide: Backpacking Gear Checklist for Beginners.
Top Alberta Hiking Guides
Hiking to Jacques Lake Cabin
Winter backcountry adventures in Jasper National Park
For those just starting out in winter hiking, the Jacques Lake Trail is a straightforward out-and-back that follows a series of small lakes and streams to picturesque Jacques Lake. Hiking or snowshoeing to the cozy Jacques Lake Cabin is a memorable winter trip in Jasper National Park.
Hiking in Dinosaur Provincial Park
Easy Hikes in Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
Camping in Alberta
Camping in Alberta can bring you close to rugged mountains, trails, beaches, lakes, fishing and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you’re camping in a national or provincial park, a private campground, a trailer, or deep in the backcountry, Alberta has a campsite for every kind of camper.
Types of Camping in Alberta
From fully serviced RV parks to rustic front country camping and remote backcountry sites, we can help you find the perfect spot for every camper.
Frontcountry Camping: Discover drive-in campgrounds that have basic or full services for tenting and RVs. Read tips for sustainable car camping!
Backcountry Camping: Remote sites accessible only by hiking or paddling in.
First-Come, First-Served Sites: Several national and provincial park campgrounds have a few campsites available without a reservation.
Family-Friendly Campgrounds: While any campground can be family-friendly, we have the inside scoop on the best ones for kids.
Top Camping Guides
Camping at Moose Lake Provincial Park
4 backcountry trips to do with kids in Alberta
Winter Camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park
Recent Alberta Outdoor Adventure Guides
About the Author
Amy Hancock