Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Alberta

Saturday, July 27: Arrival in Alberta

Welcome to Alberta! Start your trip by arriving in either Calgary or Edmonton, the major airports in the province. After settling in, take some time to explore the city, enjoying family-friendly attractions such as the Calgary Zoo or the Telus World of Science in Edmonton.

• Estimated Cost: Flight prices and hotel rates can be checked here
• Estimated Time Spent: Arrival and city exploration

Sunday, July 28: Banff National Park

Embark on an adventure to Banff National Park. In the morning, visit the iconic Lake Louise and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Banff townsite, filled with quaint shops and eateries. In the evening, take a relaxing soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

• Lake Louise: Estimated Cost – Free, Estimated Time Spent – Half-day
• Banff Townsite: Estimated Cost – Varies, Estimated Time Spent – Half-day
• Banff Upper Hot Springs: Estimated Cost – Admission fee required, Estimated Time Spent – 1-2 hours

Monday, July 29: Drumheller

Head to the small town of Drumheller, known for its unique dinosaur fossils. Morning can be spent exploring the Royal Tyrrell Museum, where you can learn about prehistoric creatures. Afternoon offers a chance to explore the otherworldly landscape of the Badlands and visit the Hoodoos, fascinating rock formations. In the evening, relax in your hotel or take a stroll along the picturesque streets of Drumheller.

• Royal Tyrrell Museum: Estimated Cost – Admission fee required, Estimated Time Spent – Half-day
• Badlands and Hoodoos: Estimated Cost – Free, Estimated Time Spent – Half-day

Tuesday, July 30: Calgary

Travel to Calgary, where the famous Calgary Stampede is held annually. In the morning, visit the Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city. Afterward, spend the afternoon exploring the Heritage Park Historical Village, where you can experience life in the past through interactive exhibits. In the evening, consider catching a performance at the EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts.

• Calgary Tower: Estimated Cost – Admission fee required, Estimated Time Spent – 1-2 hours
• Heritage Park Historical Village: Estimated Cost – Admission fee required, Estimated Time Spent – Half-day
• EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts: Estimated Cost – Varies, Estimated Time Spent – Evening

Wednesday, July 31: Icefields Parkway

Embark on a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most picturesque routes in Canada. Stop at various viewpoints to marvel at stunning glaciers, turquoise lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Make sure to visit the Columbia Icefield and take a guided tour on the famous Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature's beauty and continue the drive to Jasper. In the evening, relax in Jasper and explore the cozy mountain town.

• Icefields Parkway: Estimated Cost – Free, Estimated Time Spent – Full-day
• Columbia Icefield: Estimated Cost – Admission fee required, Estimated Time Spent – Half-day
• Jasper Town: Estimated Cost – Varies, Estimated Time Spent – Evening

Thursday, August 1: Jasper National Park

Enjoy a day immersed in the natural beauty of Jasper National Park. Start the morning with a visit to Maligne Lake, where you can take a boat tour or hike along the picturesque shoreline. In the afternoon, venture to the stunning Athabasca Falls and explore the rugged landscape of Sunwapta Falls. End the day with a visit to the Jasper SkyTram for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

• Maligne Lake: Estimated Cost – Varies, Estimated Time Spent – Half-day
• Athabasca Falls: Estimated Cost – Free, Estimated Time Spent – 1-2 hours
• Sunwapta Falls: Estimated Cost – Free, Estimated Time Spent – 1-2 hours
• Jasper SkyTram: Estimated Cost – Admission fee required, Estimated Time Spent – 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Bear's Paw Bakery. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, head to The Raven Bistro. This cozy restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
• For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Evil Dave's Grill. This restaurant is known for its innovative dishes and extensive wine selection. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.

Friday, August 2: Edmonton

Conclude your Alberta adventure with a visit to Edmonton, the capital city. Spend the morning exploring the West Edmonton Mall, one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the world. In the afternoon, visit the Fort Edmonton Park, where you can step back in time and experience life in an 1846 fur trading fort. Wrap up your trip by enjoying a delicious dinner at one of the city's family-friendly restaurants.

• West Edmonton Mall: Estimated Cost – Varies, Estimated Time Spent – Half-day
• Fort Edmonton Park: Estimated Cost – Admission fee required, Estimated Time Spent – Half-day
• Family-Friendly Restaurants: Estimated Cost – Varies, Estimated Time Spent – Evening

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, consider visiting the Calgary Zoo's Panda Passage exhibit, where you can see adorable giant pandas up close. Another hidden gem is the TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary, which offers interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. In Edmonton, have some outdoor fun at the Rundle Park, where you can enjoy picnics, playgrounds, and even a beach along the North Saskatchewan River.