Welcome to Alberta, Canada! Begin your journey by arriving at one of Alberta's major airports. Check here for the best hotel and flight prices. Once settled, spend the morning exploring the vibrant city of Edmonton. Visit the iconic West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America. In the afternoon, head to the Royal Alberta Museum to learn about the province's rich history and culture. For the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Edmonton's trendy restaurants in the Whyte Avenue neighborhood.
West Edmonton Mall: Cost depends on activities, 3-4 hours
Royal Alberta Museum: $20 admission fee, 2-3 hours
Whyte Avenue: Cost varies, evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Linnea, a charming French-inspired restaurant located in the heart of Edmonton. Indulge in their delicious croissants and quiches. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Tres Carnales Taqueria for some authentic Mexican street food. Enjoy their mouthwatering tacos and fresh guacamole. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to a culinary experience at RGE RD, a farm-to-table restaurant known for its innovative Canadian cuisine. Their tasting menu showcases the region's best ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $60 per person.
Saturday, October 7: Banff National Park
On day two, embark on a scenic drive to Banff National Park. Start your morning by hiking Johnston Canyon, where you'll encounter breathtaking waterfalls and stunning canyon views. In the afternoon, explore the charming town of Banff and take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic vistas. As the evening arrives, relax at the Banff Hot Springs, known for their rejuvenating mineral-rich waters.
The Old Spaghetti Factory: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Old Spaghetti Factory, located in the heart of Banff. With their generous portions and affordable prices, a meal here will cost you around $15 per person.
The Bison Restaurant: For a satisfying lunch, head to The Bison Restaurant where you can indulge in delicious farm-to-table cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is approximately $20 per person.
The Grizzly House: A visit to Banff is incomplete without dining at The Grizzly House, a local favorite for dinner. Known for their fondue options and cozy atmosphere, a meal here will cost you around $40 per person on average.
Sunday, October 8: Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park
Day three takes you on a journey to Drumheller, known for its rich paleontological history. Start your morning by exploring the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which houses an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Hoodoos, unique rock formations showcasing centuries of erosion. As the evening approaches, venture to Dinosaur Provincial Park for a guided fossil tour.
Royal Tyrrell Museum: $21.95 admission fee, 2-3 hours
Hoodoos: Free, 1-2 hours
Dinosaur Provincial Park: $12.00 guided tour fee, evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Riverside Sweets & Toys, a charming cafe offering a variety of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. A meal here will cost you around $10 per person.
For lunch, try Bernie & the Boys Bistro & Eatery, a local favorite known for their delicious burgers and sandwiches. Expect to spend around $15 per person for a satisfying lunch.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at The Heartwood, where you can enjoy mouthwatering Alberta beef and other enticing dishes. A meal here will cost you around $40 per person.
Monday, October 9: Calgary City Exploration
On your final day, head to the cosmopolitan city of Calgary. Start your morning by visiting the Calgary Tower, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. In the afternoon, explore the heritage district of Inglewood, known for its unique shops and restaurants. As the evening sets in, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Stephen Avenue Walk, filled with entertainment, dining, and nightlife.
Calgary Tower: $18.00 admission fee, 1-2 hours
Inglewood: Cost varies, afternoon
Stephen Avenue Walk: Cost varies, evening
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Alberta, be sure to visit the charming town of Canmore, located just outside Banff National Park. This hidden gem offers stunning mountain views, excellent hiking trails, and a vibrant arts scene. For nature enthusiasts, consider a visit to Elk Island National Park, a sanctuary for free-roaming bison, elk, and other wildlife. Additionally, immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a rodeo event, where you can experience Alberta's cowboy heritage firsthand.