Explore Alberta Canada

Explore Alberta Canada

What is the best time to travel to Alberta

The best time to travel to Alberta depends on your interests and what you want to do while you’re there. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons in Alberta and what you can expect:

Summer (June-August): Summer is the peak season for tourism in Alberta, and for good reason. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking. You can also visit popular attractions such as Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. However, keep in mind that this is the busiest time of year, so you may encounter crowds and higher prices.

Fall (September-November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Alberta, as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The weather is cooler but still pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer. You can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, and you may be able to catch the Northern Lights in late fall.

Winter (December-February): Alberta is known for its snowy winters, and if you enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating, this is the best time to visit. The ski resorts in Banff, Jasper, and other parts of the Rockies offer world-class skiing and snowboarding, and there are also opportunities for snowmobiling, ice fishing, and dog sledding. However, keep in mind that temperatures can be very cold, especially at higher elevations.

Spring (March-May): Spring can be a great time to visit Alberta if you’re looking for fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather is still chilly, but the snow starts to melt, and the landscapes begin to come alive with wildflowers and new growth. You can enjoy activities such as hiking and wildlife watching, and there are also some festivals and events held throughout the province.

How to get to Alberta

There are several ways to get to Alberta, Canada. Here are some of the options:

By Air: Alberta has two major international airports, Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG), both of which offer direct flights from several major cities in North America and Europe. You can also fly into smaller regional airports in Alberta, such as Lethbridge Airport (YQL) and Medicine Hat Regional Airport (YXH).

By Car: If you are driving, you can access Alberta via several highways, including the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), which runs from British Columbia to Manitoba, and the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16), which runs from British Columbia to Saskatchewan.

By Train: VIA Rail operates several train routes that pass through Alberta, including the “Canadian” route, which runs from Toronto to Vancouver and stops in Edmonton and Jasper.

By Bus: Greyhound Canada, Ebus, Red Arrow, and other bus services operate between major cities in Alberta and other parts of Canada.

By RV: You can also drive to Alberta in an RV or camper. Alberta has several campgrounds and RV parks that offer full hookups and other amenities.

How to get around Alberta

There are several ways to get around Alberta, Canada, depending on your travel preferences and budget. Here are some of the options:

Car rental: Renting a car is a convenient way to explore Alberta, especially if you plan to visit several cities and attractions. You can rent a car from major car rental companies at the airports or in downtown locations. Driving in Alberta is generally safe and straightforward, but you should be prepared for winter driving conditions if you’re visiting during the colder months.

Public transportation: Alberta has several public transportation options, including buses and trains. Calgary and Edmonton both have extensive bus networks, and Edmonton also has a light rail transit (LRT) system. VIA Rail operates train services between major cities in Alberta, including Edmonton and Jasper.

Taxis and ride-sharing services: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in major cities in Alberta, including Calgary and Edmonton. They are a convenient option for short trips or getting to and from the airport.

Cycling: If you enjoy cycling, Alberta has several bike-friendly cities and trails. Calgary and Edmonton both have extensive bike path networks, and the Bow River pathway in Calgary and the River Valley trails in Edmonton offer scenic cycling routes.

Walking: If you’re exploring a city center or a smaller town, walking is a great option. Many cities in Alberta have pedestrian-friendly downtown areas, with shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance.

National Airports

There are several national airports in Alberta, Canada. Here are some of the major ones:

Calgary International Airport (YYC): Located in Calgary, this airport is the busiest airport in Alberta and the fourth-busiest in Canada. It serves as a hub for several major airlines, including WestJet and Air Canada.

Edmonton International Airport (YEG): Located in Edmonton, this airport is the fifth-busiest airport in Canada and serves as a hub for Flair Airlines and a focus city for WestJet. It offers flights to destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Europe.

Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM): Located in Fort McMurray, this airport serves the oil sands region of Alberta. It offers flights to several destinations in Canada, including Calgary and Edmonton.

Medicine Hat Regional Airport (YXH): Located in Medicine Hat, this airport offers flights to Calgary and several other destinations in Western Canada.

Grande Prairie Airport (YQU): Located in Grande Prairie, this airport offers flights to several destinations in Western Canada, including Calgary and Edmonton.

Trains in Alberta

Alberta has a few train services that you can use to explore the province. Here are some of the options available:

VIA Rail: VIA Rail is Canada’s national passenger rail service, and it operates several train routes that pass through Alberta. VIA Rail’s “Canadian” route, which runs from Toronto to Vancouver, stops in Edmonton and Jasper. The “Jasper-Prince Rupert” route also runs through Alberta and stops in Jasper.

Rocky Mountaineer: The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train service that operates scenic routes through the Rocky Mountains, including two routes that pass through Alberta: “Journey through the Clouds” and “Rainforest to Gold Rush.” Both routes start in Vancouver and stop in Jasper.

Royal Canadian Pacific: The Royal Canadian Pacific is a luxury train service that offers multi-day trips through the Canadian Rockies. The train departs from Calgary and stops in several locations throughout Alberta and British Columbia.

Alberta Prairie Railway: The Alberta Prairie Railway is a heritage train that operates between Stettler and Big Valley. The train runs on a historic rail line and offers a scenic journey through the prairies.

Buses in Alberta

Alberta has several bus services that you can use to travel around the province, including:

Greyhound: Greyhound Canada is a long-distance bus service that connects major cities across Canada, including several cities in Alberta. Greyhound buses run between Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and several smaller towns and cities throughout the province.

Red Arrow: Red Arrow is a luxury bus service that operates between Calgary, Edmonton, and several smaller towns and cities in between. The buses are equipped with comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, and other amenities.

Ebus: Ebus is a regional bus service that operates between several cities in Alberta and British Columbia, including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Fort McMurray, and Vancouver.

On-It Regional Transit: On-It Regional Transit is a commuter bus service that operates between Calgary and several smaller communities in the surrounding area, including Okotoks, High River, Black Diamond, and Turner Valley.

Greyhound Express: Greyhound Express is a premium, non-stop bus service that operates between Calgary and Edmonton.

Accommodations in Alberta

There are various types of accommodations available in Alberta to suit different budgets and travel preferences. Here are some options to consider:

Hotels: Alberta has a range of hotels, from budget to luxury, and many of them are located in popular tourist destinations such as Banff and Jasper. You can choose from chain hotels, boutique hotels, and resorts, depending on your budget and preferences.

Bed and Breakfasts: Bed and breakfasts are a popular option for travelers looking for a cozy and personalized experience. Alberta has many B&Bs located in picturesque settings, including in rural areas and in the Rocky Mountains.

Vacation Rentals: Vacation rentals, such as apartments, condos, and houses, are a good option for travelers who want more space and privacy. You can find vacation rentals in cities and towns throughout Alberta, and they are often more affordable than hotels, especially for longer stays.

Hostels: Hostels are a budget-friendly option for travelers, especially for solo travelers and backpackers. Alberta has several hostels located in major cities and tourist destinations.

Campgrounds: Alberta has many beautiful national and provincial parks, and camping is a popular way to experience the natural beauty of the province. There are several campsites throughout Alberta, ranging from rustic to fully serviced sites.

RV Parks: If you’re traveling with an RV, there are many RV parks and campgrounds throughout Alberta that offer a range of amenities, including full hookups, showers, and laundry facilities.