Start your journey in Calgary with a visit to the Calgary Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals from around the globe. See the endangered animals in the conservation section, watch the playful penguins, and have a delightful picnic surrounded by nature.
Spend the day in the heart of the Canadian Rockies at Banff National Park. Take a scenic gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, go for a nature walk around Tunnel Mountain, and relax in the Upper Hot Springs. If you're feeling more adventurous, try white water rafting or horseback riding.
Wrap up your trip with a visit to the West Edmonton Mall, a one-stop-shop for entertainment, shopping, and dining. The mall has a massive water park, indoor theme park, and ice rink, amongst other attractions. There are also over 800 stores, so you're sure to find something for everyone.
It's best to rent a car to get the most out of your trip to Alberta. The three locations in this itinerary are widely spread out, and public transport is not as easily accessible as other major cities in Canada. The estimated cost for renting a car for three-day starts from $100, and the total driving time for this itinerary is approximately 8 hours.
If you have more time, add a visit to Lake Louise in Banff. If you have less time, remove the trip to West Edmonton Mall or shorten your stay at Banff National Park. Remember to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes, and shoes, and book your tickets in advance if possible.
Alberta has two airports: Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG). YYC is about 17 km away and takes around 18 minutes to reach from Calgary Zoo. YEG is around 37 km away and takes 30 minutes to reach from West Edmonton Mall.