Overview
In Canada’s northwest lies the Alberta province, a vast stretch of land boasts natural beauty in the form of expansive lakes, vast desert badlands, and ancient coniferous forests. It's also home to the Rocky Mountain Range, Banff National Park, and the charming city of Calgary. Discover the great outdoors with a luxury holiday to Alberta & The Rockies.
Start your trip to Alberta in the cosmopolitan city of Calgary. Nicknamed “Cowtown” for its pioneering past, it still hosts events like the Calgary Stampede – Canada’s largest rodeo and agricultural festival, which gives the city just a little bit of that non-nonsense, honky-tonk appeal. Yet, in direct contrast, you’ll also find this city has become one of the nation's trendiest cities, filled with high-end restaurants, swanky cocktail bars, and upmarket boutiques. All in all, it's the perfect place to base yourself for exploring Alberta’s internationally-renowned wilderness.
Head northwest to Banff, Canada’s oldest national park, covering over 4000 square miles of countryside, this stretch of land features pristine forests, mirrored lakes, and the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains. You can swim in the turquoise waters of the legendary Lake Louise, explore glistening glaciers, or unwind in Miette Hot Springs. Then take the Icefield Parkway north through dramatic snow-capped mountain peaks to Jasper National Park.
Along the way, you’ll pass the impressive Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains. Here, you can see Maligne Lake with its exquisite colour, go the iconic Spirit Island, or marvel at Maligne Canyon with its steep limestone cliffs. On your adventure, you may also spy wild animals like grizzly bears, cougars, or wolves.
When To Visit
Alberta and the Rockies offer excitement year-round. Each season offers something different: in summer, temperatures reach 24 degrees Celsius and there’s plenty of sunshine, perfect for hiking, canoeing, or spending time outside in Banff or Jasper National Parks.
The Calgary Stampede, one of Canada's biggest parties, also happens in July. December-February brings snow and low temperatures of -13 degrees Celsius, but this is when Alberta becomes a winter wonderland. You can ski world-class mountains like Sunshine Village, catch a hockey game, or warm up in the natural hot springs.
Food & Drink
At your luxury hotel in Alberta, you’ll find menus featuring local as well as international dishes created using locally-sourced ingredients. Alberta is known across the globe for its world-class beef, and its local game, such as venison, elk, bison, caribou, and even moose.
Alberta is also home to a growing wine industry known for fruit based wines. You can sample local vintages and visit local microbreweries, distilleries, and meaderies on a craft drinking trail known as Sippin’ Alberta.
Passport & Visas
British and EU citizens don’t normally require a visa to visit Canada, but you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter the country. For more information on visa requirements and general travel advice visit GOV.UK.
Where to stay in Alberta
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TRAVEL AWARE – PREPARING FOR SAFE AND HEALTHY TRAVEL ABROAD
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provide the latest travel advice by country including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. For the latest FCDO advice please refer to travelaware.campaign.gov.uk
Current travel health information can be found by visiting travelhealthpro.org.uk/ a resource set up by the Department of Health. The advice can change on all sites so please check regularly for updates.
