Alberta, The Quiet but Scenically Blessed Canadian Province

One of the most overlooked places in Canada is the quiet province of Alberta, which has just as much to offer in natural beauty as Toronto has to in party culture and Montreal has to with its exquisite beaches. Named after Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Louise Alberta, the province has got it all, right from rolling rivers to majestic mountains and bright blue skies to wide-open prairies. While the snow-capped peaks make for an adventurous hike, the turquoise lakes make for a relaxed vacation spot. Add this quiet but vibrant province to your Canada travel planner and experience Canada’s uniqueness and beauty like in no other province.

Lake Louise, the turquoise jewel
World-renowned for its brilliant turquoise waters that reflect Victoria Glacier and the surrounding mountains, Lake Louise is popularly called the jewel of Banff Park. Visiting the lake is just an easy day trip from the town of Calgary. Stand in Chateau Lake Louise and slowly let the breath-taking views of the lake soak in. Visitors can take a peaceful walk around the shorelines while absorbing the atmosphere. Numerous hiking paths lead into the mountains while a few other guides you to the glacier from the lakeside path. During winter, the lake is frozen and makes for a popular ski destination.

Banff National Park

One of the widely-visited tourist spots in the province, Banff National Park, is 130kms from Calgary and is by far the most impressive Canadian national park. The region encompasses spectacular lakes, beautiful mountain scenery, ski resorts and the Banff tourist town. With abundance of wildlife, you can sight black bears, grizzly bears, caribou, wolves and elk along the main highway of the park. In summer, hiking is the main activity for visitors through the backcountry trails. Most people prefer driving around and stopping at the roadside lookouts to view the impressive scenes of lakes, glaciers and mountains.

The Majestic Moraine Lake

                     The Majestic Moraine Lake, Canada by Roland Tanglao

After a long 15 km, twisty mountain ride beyond Lake Louise lays Moraine Lake in the Ten Peaks Valley. It is yet another scenic setting in the province with turquoise waters surrounded by snowy peaks. For many years, the image of this location was on the reverse of the Canadian 20-dollar bill. Overshadowed by ten peaks, this lake contains the Wenkchemna Glacier. During spring, the thunder of the rolling glaciers can be heard in the distance. Hike during the day to Sentinel Pass and Larch Valley, which is one of the highest passes in the mountains of this park. Although the hikes are exhausting, the reward is numerous stunning views.

The vibrancy of Calgary

                             The vibrancy of Calgary, Canada by Dave

The modern city of Calgary takes pride in its cowboy roots. This is especially apparent during the annual Calgary Stampede event. It is a 10-day event in July, which brings in numerous rodeo participants from all over North America. The destination is a popular centre for all Wild West fans filled with cultural exhibits, rodeo attractions and country music. Add the event to your itinerary planner and participate in the celebration by trying out the free ‘stampede breakfasts’.

Sunshine Village

                    Sunshine Village, Canada by tanjamertke

Located near Banff, Sunshine Village is a popular ski resort in Alberta with a beautiful area for walking and hiking in summer. During winter, the hill is covered with snow, attracting skiers from the world over. A 20-minute gondola ride to the base of the mountain and then a bus ride up, take skiers to the Sunshine Meadows, for which reservations need to be made in advance.

Additionally, visiting Cypress Hills and Big Horn Country while in Alberta is recommended. Put Kananaskis Country on your Canada trip planner list as part of exploring Alberta’s beautiful landscapes.