Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

7-Day Nature Adventure in Alberta

Tuesday, September 19: Arrival in Calgary

Welcome to Alberta! Begin your nature adventure by arriving in Calgary, the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Bow River Valley, with its lush forests and stunning views. In the afternoon, visit the Calgary Zoo, home to a diverse range of wildlife. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk along Stephen Avenue, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants.

  • Bow River Valley: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Calgary Zoo: Estimated cost - CAD 25, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Stephen Avenue: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Wednesday, September 20: Banff National Park

Embark on a day trip to Banff National Park, one of Canada's most stunning natural wonders. Start your morning by visiting Lake Louise, known for its turquoise waters and picturesque mountain backdrop. In the afternoon, explore the charming town of Banff, where you can stroll along Banff Avenue and visit the Banff Park Museum. End the day with a relaxing dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

  • Lake Louise: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Banff Avenue: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Banff Upper Hot Springs: Estimated cost - CAD 8, Time spent - 2 hours
Thursday, September 21: Jasper National Park

Head to Jasper National Park for a day full of natural wonders. Start your morning by exploring the stunning Athabasca Falls, a powerful waterfall surrounded by beautiful rock formations. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, stopping at the Columbia Icefield to walk on the Athabasca Glacier. End the day by visiting Maligne Lake, with its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain vistas.

  • Athabasca Falls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Columbia Icefield: Estimated cost - CAD 35, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Maligne Lake: Estimated cost - CAD 20, Time spent - 3 hours
Friday, September 22: Drumheller

Discover the unique landscapes of Drumheller, known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World. Start your morning by exploring the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the world's largest displays of dinosaur fossils. In the afternoon, visit the Hoodoos, fascinating rock formations created by erosion. End the day with a visit to the striking Atlas Coal Mine, a National Historic Site that offers a glimpse into Alberta's mining history.

  • Royal Tyrrell Museum: Estimated cost - CAD 21, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Hoodoos: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Atlas Coal Mine: Estimated cost - CAD 15, Time spent - 2 hours
Saturday, September 23: Waterton Lakes National Park

Embark on a scenic drive to Waterton Lakes National Park, located in the southern part of Alberta. Start your morning by hiking the Bear's Hump Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. In the afternoon, take a boat tour on Upper Waterton Lake to explore the stunning scenery. End the day with a visit to Red Rock Canyon, known for its unique red rock formations.

  • Bear's Hump Trail: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Boat Tour: Estimated cost - CAD 40, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Red Rock Canyon: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Sunday, September 24: Kananaskis Country

Explore the natural beauty of Kananaskis Country, a wilderness area situated between Calgary and Banff National Park. Start your morning by hiking to Troll Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush forests. In the afternoon, go horseback riding in the scenic Spray Valley, enjoying the stunning mountain views. End the day with a relaxing soak in the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, surrounded by serene alpine landscapes.

  • Troll Falls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Horseback Riding: Estimated cost - CAD 100, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Kananaskis Nordic Spa: Estimated cost - CAD 75, Time spent - 2 hours
Monday, September 25: Edmonton

Conclude your nature adventure with a visit to Edmonton, Alberta's capital city. Start your morning by exploring the beautiful river valley, which offers numerous walking and biking trails. In the afternoon, visit the Muttart Conservatory, a botanical garden featuring stunning glass pyramids. End the day with a visit to West Edmonton Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in North America, where you can also enjoy various entertainment options.

  • River Valley: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Muttart Conservatory: Estimated cost - CAD 14, Time spent - 2 hours
  • West Edmonton Mall: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For nature lovers seeking off the beaten path attractions, head to Dinosaur Provincial Park near Drumheller. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an abundance of dinosaur fossils and offers guided tours and hiking trails. Locals also love exploring the lesser-known Spray Valley Provincial Park, located in Kananaskis Country, which offers incredible hiking opportunities and stunning mountain vistas.

Check hotel and flight prices
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version