Sometimes, the best places to explore are right in our own backyard. If you’re looking for a new adventure or two without spending a lot of money, keep reading. You’ll be sure to find a few destinations to add to your own Alberta Staycation.
Even if you’re from another province and want to plan a visit here, the below list of staycation ideas will keep you entertained as you take a tour around Alberta. There are even a few overlooked attractions you’ll be glad you visited!
1. The Best of Calgary
If your Alberta staycation plans include the city of Calgary, this is your chance to check out a few of the most popular spots.
First up has to be the Calgary Zoo. It is Canada’s biggest and most visited zoo and is located right next to the Bow River. If you have kids, this is a perfect place for them to spend the day learning about animals from all around the world and seeing them up close. There’s a restaurant and snacks available throughout the park, but you can also pack your own food and bring it inside with you.
Keeping with the theme of family-friendly fun, if you time your trip right you can stop by the Glenbow Museum on the first Thursday of the month and enjoy free admission between 5 and 9 pm. This gives you full access to all the art exhibits and activities that make the museum so great!
If you’re a foodie, there is no shortage of amazing local restaurants to try. Head into the downtown core and talk a walk down Stephen Ave. This street has one of the biggest groups of restaurants in one location so you don’t need to drive all over the city to find a place to eat. Calgary’s population is very diverse so if you’re in the mood for a new type of cuisine, you’ll be sure to find it here.
Social Beer Haus is a popular spot featuring a delicious menu of pub fare with a southern twist and good local craft beer on tap. Major Tom is another highly recommended restaurant featuring a more upscale offering of entrées. You can really see the passion they put into each dish. The cocktails there are also a hit! If you’re looking for something more casual with options for kids, Original Joe’s is a staple in Alberta and you’ll find one nearby.
2. Planes and Canday in Nanton
Want to go somewhere you’ve probably never been before? Head down south from Calgary to Nanton, one of Alberta’s rural hidden gems. There is a Bomber Command Museum that has beautifully-preserved vintage aircrafts on display.
A stop to the Nanton Candy Store is a must, too. Your kids will be on their best behaviour at the museum knowing they’ll soon be on the hunt for some unique and tasty treats to eat on the car ride home.
3. Stop by the World’s Largest Teepee in Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat is a fun place to visit on a weekend trip, and spotting the vintage neon signs is just the beginning of the fun. Be sure to visit the Medalta Clay District to discover more about the city’s past as a major pottery centre and learn about what was used to craft these pieces.
Medicine Hat’s culinary scene boasts everything from boutique cafes and coffee shops, to barbecue and unique sunset dinners under a modern teepee.
Speaking of teepees… did you know Medicine Hat is home to the world’s largest?! It’s located right next to the Trans Canada Highway as you wind through the city limits. The teepee was built for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and was moved here as a permanent location shortly after. This giant steel structure stands 215 feet tall and celebrates the important indigenous heritage in Canada. Even if you’re just driving through “The Hat” on your way to another destination, you’ve got to stop for a picture next to this iconic Alberta landmark.
4. Dinosaurs in Drumheller
A trip to nearby Drumheller is a must. Your inner kid will be ready to come out when you visit The Royal Tyrrell Museum and learn about Alberta’s rich, prehistoric history. Your kids will be sucked right in seeing the huge dinosaur bones and creatures they’ve only been able to read about until now. Did you know there’s a type of dinosaur that’s been nicknamed the Albertosaurus and was found grazing the lands here millions of years ago?
After a fun-filled day at the museum, you can stop by the Last Chance Saloon for a tasty meal with southern flair. Locals and visitors alike love this place and the history behind it. The building is almost 110 years old and is the last standing relic of the mining days here.
You’ll want to take some time to check out the Canadian Badlands as well. There’s so much to do here, like taking a ride on a vintage steam train or exploring an abandoned coal mine. There are plenty of camping options, along with climbing and sightseeing tours. During the month of August, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada holds a Summer Star Party, on the Saskatchewan side of Cypress Hills Provincial Park. It’s an amazing stargazing event, and you might see the Northern Lights!
5. Explore Edmonton
If your plans have you travelling up north, Edmonton is one obvious stop to make, especially if you plan your staycation in the summer. Alberta’s capital has been nicknamed the “Festival City” for good reason. As soon as the good weather is here, so are the bustling events that seem to be happening every week!
There’s the iconic K-Days in late July featuring all the rides, games, and live music your family can handle. This is a great event to plan your trip around because there’s so much to see and do here. And the Friday before the carnival opens up there’s a big parade downtown!
Taste of Edmonton is another fun event happening around the same time that draws large crowds every year. It’s a great spot for some adult time at the beer gardens as you sample food from top restaurants, but of course, like most of the festivals happening around the city it’s fun for all ages.
The Fringe is an Edmonton staple in August if you love seeing plays and live performances on the streets of Whyte Ave, and just a bit to the north and to the right down the River Valley is the Folk Music Festival that usually runs the first weekend of August.
If you’ve had enough sunshine for the day checking out one of these festivals, cool off inside at West Edmonton Mall! If you’ve never been before, a visit to North America’s Largest Shopping Mall is well worth the trip. Inside, you’ll find a huge indoor waterpark with some newly-renovated spaces and a brand-new slide that lights up. This is also a great year-round destination. The Fantasyland Hotel is located inside the mall and is the perfect place to spend the night after shopping and checking out some other attractions like the Galaxyland amusement park, mini-golf and go-kart racing!
6. Beautiful Banff
It is easy to see why Banff draws so many visitors from near and far every year. It’s a great year-round staycation destination, but the area really comes alive in the winter months. Nearby Mount Norquay has great slopes to entice any skier and Johnson Canyon has waterfalls that are a spectacular sight when they’re frozen. Back in town, Main Street is worth walking down to check out all the different shops and find a bite to eat at a popular local restaurant.
There are also a lot of unique things to do here including taking a dip in the hot springs, which feels extra good after a long day on the slopes. Lake Louise is a short drive from Banff and a great place to go skating. If you plan to stay here for a few days, Canmore is a great stop to add especially in the Summer. There are so many trails waiting to be hiked and at the end of the day you can head to the Canmore Brewing Company for a few locally crafted cold ones and some elevated pub fare.
7. Play in Jasper National Park
Jasper Park offers you so much to see and do year-round. This gorgeous location is a great place to add to your Alberta staycation itinerary. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter at Marmot Basin to hitting the green at the award-winning course at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, your days will be filled with fun!
There are plenty of options for lodging as well. Sit back and relax at one of the full-service hotels or book your very own mountain cabin.
If you like sightseeing, book an Icefield Parkway tour. You’ll love the view of the pristine lakes and glaciers. Or head out on the Jasper Skytram, which takes you up Whistlers Mountain. Set up a horseback trail ride or take a stroll through town and shop at a variety of boutiques. Then, at the end of the day enjoy a great meal – check out Jasper Brewing Co. Delicious traditional pub food (with a kids menu!) and some fantastic brews as well.
When you’re ready to plan your next Alberta Staycation, you don’t need to sacrifice fun by any means. There is so much to see and do all across the province! I hope you find this article helpful as you think about where you want to explore. Whether you want a couples’ getaway or a trip the whole family can enjoy, you’re sure to find something to match your tastes.
Originally published Nov 9, 2017; updated May 12, 2023
Author: Sereena S.
Mom of two, wife to one, and a dog lover. Although cats can be okay too, but only sometimes...