Welcome to your guide to an Alberta adventure! Alberta is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth. And it is as vast as it is varied in landscape and seasonal activities.
A vacation in Alberta is not like any other place. Travellers and visitors are guaranteed to experience what we like to call “goosebump moments”. A goosebump moment is that “rush” when you know, without a doubt, that you’re alive. It’s a moment that is unplanned and will stir your soul. These particular moments become forever etched in your mind and become the focal point of vacation stories that you will share with others.
Goosebump moments are personal and therefore different for everyone. Some find them while enjoying the thrills of whitewater rafting; for some it’s the moment when you enjoy the first bite of freshly baked pie in a small town diner; and for others it’s finding them in the solitude and relaxation of a spa. Some will find Alberta goosebump moments with family, taking advantage of our beautiful outdoors — spending a sunny summer day horseback riding or hiking through one of our provincial parks. Whatever your pace and vacation pursuit, Alberta will be sure to provide you cherished memories for years to come.
We think this website is a break from the norm. Rather than just a list of places to see, it’s filled with ideas, tips and “insider” recommendations all based around vacation experiences. Be inspired by this website and see yourself enjoying your passion in Alberta. Call 1-800-ALBERTA or stop in at one of our visitor information centres where our Alberta specialists are happy to assist you in designing a holiday that will exceed your expectations.
Enjoy your Alberta holiday and all the best in finding your goosebump moments!
Camping
Camping is available throughout the province in private campgrounds and resorts, national parks and provincial parks. Reservations can be made at private campgrounds and at certain parks. Online booking for provincial parks is available at albertaparks.ca. To receive a campground guide, call Travel Alberta at 1-800-ALBERTA (252-3782), or stop in at a visitor information centre.
Hosteling in Alberta
Hostels vary from basic (bed, kitchen facilities) to superior standards (family rooms, laundry facilities, licensed café, showers, sauna). Alberta offers 15 hostels in Banff, Jasper (along the Icefields Parkway), Kananaskis Country, David Thompson Country, Calgary and Edmonton. For more details, visit
hihostels.ca
or contact Central Reservations at 1-866-762-4122.
Fishing and Hunting Regulations
Fishing licences outside the national parks can be purchased from select sporting good stores, convenience stores and some gas stations. For details, call: 1-888-944-5494.
Hunting regulations and special licensing requirements vary depending on the type of hunting. Hunting is absolutely prohibited in the national parks. For everything you need to know about fishing and hunting in Alberta, visit
mywildalberta.com.
Pets
Owners of dogs and cats must bring a certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian clearly identifying the pet and certifying that it has been vaccinated against rabies within the preceding 36 months. There are exceptions made for seeing eye dogs and puppies or kittens that are younger than three months old. For more details on border crossings with a pet, contact Canadian Border Services Agency:
- Within Canada, call 1-800-461-9999
- Outside Canada, call 1-204-983-3500 or 1-506-636-5064 or visit
cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Package Tours
Let a professional tour operator design an itinerary for you. Choose from North American and International based tour operators who offer fully escorted tours, fly/drive packages, and a variety of independent “Land Only” packages.
Things to Know Before You Go
Most of the nuts and bolts that go into planning a vacation are on the previous page, Travel Essentials. Prefer to call? Dial 1-800-ALBERTA (252-3782), only in North America.
What to Pack
The diversity in Alberta calls for shrewd packing. If you’re heading to the Rockies for any sort of outdoor adventure, dress in layers. Apart from a handful of very formal urban restaurants most dining establishments in Alberta welcome casual attire. Always bring sunglasses and a hat to provide protection from strong sunlight.
National Park Entry
Park passes are required for entry into any national park in Canada — and Alberta has five. You can buy a day pass at a park gate but if you’re intending to spend time in many of our parks consider an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass that’s good for one year from the date of purchase.