https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/alberta/best-things-to-do/10070021564090
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Alberta [2025]
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World Waterpark
4.8
/5
241 reviews
9.8
Based on 1,639 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +17804445300
Address: 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 2E3, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Featured in 2025 Global 100 - Family-Friendly Attractions
Highlights:
Pirate water park for kids
Swim with dolphins and feed sea lions up close
230 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
The moment we walked in, we were captivated by the massive wave pool and colorful slides! We nearly choked on the water as we screamed down the "Tornado" slide, but the thrill kept us coming back for more. The artificial beach area is perfect for kids; my little one spent almost an hour playing with sandcastles. The showers were a bit slippery, though, so be careful. The pizza at lunch was average, but the ice cream stand was generous. The overall atmosphere was incredibly fun, though it can get really crowded on weekends, with long lines for every ride. It would have been much better to avoid peak hours.
The Canada World Water Park is located at the Edmonton West Edmonton Shopping Center and is the largest indoor water park in North America. There is a huge artificial wave pool, which is super exciting when the waves are high like a seaside storm. A variety of high-speed slides, such as speed slides, Cyclones, etc., let people experience the thrill of the wind. The rafting river can enjoy leisure time comfortably. The children's play area has rich facilities, which is very suitable for bringing children to play. It is a good place for the whole family to share joy.
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Banff National Park
4.9
/5
396 reviews
9.3
From QAR 209.69
Based on 591 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +14037621550
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 days
Featured in 2025 Global 100 - Best Things to Do
Highlights:
Fall Wildlife Adventure
Boating & enjoy Tiffany-blue Lake Louise
Saved by 249 users193 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The moment the car drove into Banff National Park, I was stunned by the scenery before my eyes - snow-capped mountains, lakes, and forests, spread out like a huge oil painting. Especially Lake Louise, the blue water seemed unreal, like a huge sapphire embedded in the valley. When the sun shone on the lake, the surface sparkled, and it was so beautiful that it took your breath away.
Stepping into Banff National Park, I felt like I had fallen into a beautiful dream. The snowy mountains shone holy light under the light of the sun; the lake was as clear as a mirror, reflecting the magnificence of the surroundings, and the color flowed with the light and shadow, which was fascinating. In the forest, the pine waves, the encounter of the deer added a little bit of energy to this tranquility. Here, it is a treasure gift of nature, healing and beautiful.
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Banff Gondola
5.0
/5
9 reviews
7.8
From QAR 227.07
Based on 14,009 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +18667561904
Address: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B2, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Verified user reviews
Nice view! A few degrees lower than Banff village! Bring extra jacket if you want to stay outside! They have indoor viewing seats available too!
Really cool to go up and see the view. The short climb to the other side is even cooler
No.
4
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Calgary Tower
4.2
/5
120 reviews
7.7
From QAR 65.90
Based on 3,445 reviews
Calgary Chinatown | >100 km from downtown
Phone +14032667171
Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1J9, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Featured in 2025 Americas 50 - Night Attractions
Highlights:
City & Rockies panoramic view
Panoramic view of Bow River & Rockies
Saved by 105 users48% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Calgary Tower is a landmark building here, located in the city center. From the tower, you can overlook the entire city of Calgary. The Calgary Tower is a landmark building here, located in the city center. From the tower, you can overlook the entire city of Calgary. The Calgary Tower is a landmark building here, located in the city center. From the tower, you can overlook the entire city of Calgary.
great spot to visit for amazing views of calgary. the glass floor add a fun thrill and the city looks beautiful at sunset. recommended to visit
No.
5
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Lake Louise
4.8
/5
207 reviews
7.7
Based on 7,722 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +14037628421
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 3 hours
No.2 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Alberta
Highlights:
Canoeing, hiking & skiing adventures
Sapphire-like lake on Rockies
28% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Fairmont Hotel faces the lake. The quiet lake is turquoise and clear, surrounded by mountains. The snow on the top of the mountain has not melted. The white snow, blue sky and blue lake form the most beautiful postcard.
Who knows! A "magic lake" was discovered in Canada, deified in 1984, and hidden for 30 years before driving the Chinese crazy!
Family members who have seen this, hold on! Can you believe it? Deep in the Canadian Rockies lies a "blue cursed lake" that will make your social media posts 99+ and your camera memory explode—Lake Louise! Even if you've seen 100 internet-famous lakes, the moment you see it, your eyes will still tremble. This isn't a landscape; it's the purest blue from the palette, poured directly into reality!
For those who haven't heard, a shocking news item: In 1984, the Rocky Mountain National Parks, including Lake Louise, were directly added to the United Nations World Heritage List! World Heritage sites are often designated either for their impressive history or for their breathtaking scenery. Lake Louise boasts both: a towering, snow-capped mountain backdrop on the left, and a verdant forest on the right. The lake's surface is a brilliant blue, like a shimmering gem. The wind creates a shimmering, diamond-like effect, making any photo look like a movie poster—no Photoshop required!
But do you think this lake's only drawcard is its beauty? Wrong! It has a hidden twist that will astound you! In its early years, this lake wasn't the internet sensation it is today. Hidden deep in the mountains, it was even known only to a handful of locals. It wasn't until 1990, with the sudden expansion of the Rocky Mountain National Park complex, that Lake Louise was officially unveiled to the world. The first visitors were stunned: "Why is this place only now being revealed? Was it hidden away to avoid being snatched up?"
What's even more amazing? Do you think the lake becomes deserted in the winter? Quite the opposite! In winter, Lake Louise transforms into a fairytale of ice and snow. The surface freezes into a thick layer of ice, crackling underfoot. The surrounding snow-capped mountains are blanketed in white, and even the air smells of Christmas! One netizen commented, "Come here in the summer to see the 'Blue Sapphire,' come here in the winter to experience it like you've fallen into Frozen. It's never the same twice a year! This isn't just a lake, it's nature's partiality!"
But seriously, those who haven't been might ask, "Is it really that amazing? Is it just a photo manipulation?" I can honestly say: it's 10 times more beautiful in person than in photos! Just imagine standing by the lake, looking up at the snow-capped mountains towering overhead, looking down at the lake reflecting the sky, the wind carrying the sweet fragrance of pine needles, and even breathing feels like a lung cleansing. It's so breathtaking, a phone screen can't even capture it!
Now the question is: would you rather see the "Blue Sapphire Lake" in the summer or enjoy the "Ice and Snow Amusement Park" in the winter? Share your choice in the comments! If you're still undecided, feel free to ask me for details—after all, with such a stunning place, you don't want to regret it by choosing the wrong season! Finally, a final warning: If anyone goes to Lake Louise and doesn't post on their Instagram feed, I'll be the first to disagree!
No.
6
Columbia Icefield
4.8
/5
202 reviews
7.0
Based on 5,303 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Spectacular glaciers & views
Alberta's famous glacier wonderland
32% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Get up close and personal with the glacier, step on it, and hear the crackling of ice. Have a sip of glacier water, said to be the purest water in the world. Remember to bring an empty mineral water bottle to refill.
The scenic spot doesn't look very good for taking photos, but walking on the glacier and riding the glacier car were both my first times. The experience was very strong. Especially since it was advertised that there are only two such cars in the world, I feel that I would really miss out if I didn't go. Overall, it's worth a visit.
No.
7
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Bow Falls
4.0
/5
61 reviews
6.7
Based on 4,246 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +14037621550
Address: Banff, AB T1L 1B4, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1.5 hours
Highlights:
Filming location that attracts backpackers
Explore Hidden Mysteries on Waterfall Hiking Trails
29% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The trip to the Rocky Mountains in eastern and western Canada has been completed. The lakes and mountains in the Rocky Mountains are so beautiful that people can't help but linger.
I want to start with the "lakes", but it always takes "lakes and mountains" to show its overall momentum and beauty.
The first article is Bow Falls, which became famous because the American movie star Monroe's movie "The River Flows East" was filmed here. Although it is far inferior to Niagara Falls, it is the first stop in the Rocky Mountains.
We went there early in the morning and felt the sunlight was a bit glaring, and we were backlit, so the photos we took were not very beautiful. However, the water of this waterfall is cream-colored, and you can hear the sound of the waterfall from a distance.
No.
8
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Jasper National Park
4.8
/5
154 reviews
6.7
From QAR 263.60
>100 km from downtown
Phone +17808526176
Address: Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Alberta
Highlights:
Enjoy fun boating and fishing at Maligne Lake
Enjoy Up-Close Glacier Viewing on an Ice Explorer
28% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Icefields Parkway is the only way to Jasper National Park. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and has beautiful scenery. The boarding point to the Columbia Glacier is right next to the Icefields Parkway. Riding an icefield snowmobile to the glacier is spectacular and shocking.
1. You can see a variety of animals by driving from Banff to Jasper. The scenery is breathtaking!
2. You can visit the Columbia Glacier formed in ancient times
3. Visit Jasper town and eat local food
4. You must try Jasper rafting in summer
5. You can choose a cabin or camp in Jasper National Park. All reservations need to be made in advance!
No.
9
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Johnston Canyon
4.5
/5
36 reviews
5.0
Based on 2,659 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +14037621550
Address: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
9 km canyon views hiking
Ideal drive on Bow Valley Parkway
Verified user reviews
Johnston Canyon is one of the four major canyons in the Canadian Rockies. It is located on the Bow Valley Parkway, which connects the town of Banff with Lake Louise. It was formed by thousands of years of river erosion. There is a clear and rapid stream flowing in the canyon beside the plank road. After walking along the relatively gentle trail for more than 30 minutes (about 2 kilometers), we arrived at the Lower Falls. You can take photos on the viewing platform or walk across the small bridge and go into the cave to observe the waterfall up close. The Lower Falls is actually very small and the scenery is average.
Although the Upper Falls is larger, it takes more than 5 kilometers to go back and forth. I didn't go up because I didn't want to be too tired and didn't have enough time.
There are tourist cabins and a large parking lot at the entrance of the canyon, which is very convenient for driving.
No additional tickets are charged.
It takes 4 hours of hiking to reach the innermost waterfall in the canyon, but if you hike for an hour or two it will also be fine, as you can return by the same route anyway. The scenery is very ordinary and has no special features.
No.
10
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Yoho National Park Of Canada
4.7
/5
70 reviews
6.2
Based on 585 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +12503436783
Address: Field, BC V0A 1G0, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Emerald Lake & Takakkaw Falls
Explore ancient marine fossils
31% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Although Yoho National Park is the smallest among these national parks, it has my favorite, Moraine Lake, which ranks number one. The road may be closed in early October in winter, so you can't go in.
Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies is the smallest national park in the region, but it is "small and exquisite" and is famous for its magnificent scenery. "Natural Bridge", Bow River, waterfalls in the pictures below...
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