23 Incredible Things to Do in Alberta with Kids
Looking for ideas on the best things to do in Alberta with kids? Well, you have come to the right place!
Alberta is definitely one of those destinations that once you visit, you never forget the experience. After taking our older son there a couple of years ago, we knew we had to return with the younger kids in tow.
During our most recent visit, we managed to cram in an incredible amount of sightseeing and experiences into 6 days; which if you are familiar with our travels, won’t surprise you.
As a result, we were able to easily compile a list of the best things to do in Alberta with kids, should you decide to make the trip with your own family.
Things to Do in Alberta by City
Depending on where you are headed in the province and how much time you have, there is an incredible amount of cool things to do in Alberta with kids.
Drumheller
The Drumheller Valley is located in the heart of the Canadian Badlands. Known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, it is 281 km southeast of Edmonton or 136 km northeast of Calgary. You will find the town at the intersection of Highway 56 and Highway 9.
1. Visit the Dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrrell Museum
If you are visiting Drumheller with kids, then this museum should be at the top of your list! The Royal Tyrrell Museum is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to paleontology.
It houses the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs and really is a must-see attraction! Explore the hundreds of thousands of fossils in the museum while marvelling at the sheer magnitude of the reconstructed displays.
You can also take a peek at what it takes to uncover each fossil, by looking through the observation windows into paleontologist labs.
Fun fact: The very first part of the Albertosaurus was found in the Drumheller area way back in the 1880s!
2. Explore the Hoodoos
Hoodoos, which are tall and thin rock spires made from sandstone, can be found throughout the Badlands. But the easiest place to spot them is at Hoodoo Trail, located just 10 kilometres east of Drumheller on Highway 10.
The biggest ones are awesome to see up close, but they are very fragile. As a result, the hoodoos are on a protected site, so climbing them is definitely not permitted.
Calgary
Home to more than 1.4 million people, Calgary is the third most diverse major city in Canada, with more than 120 languages spoken in the city!
Calgary also enjoys more days of sunshine than any other major Canadian city, with an average of 333 days per year.
And with a city filled with so much culture and amazing attractions, we found plenty of fun things to do in Calgary Alberta with kids!
3. Admire the Calgary Peace Bridge
The Peace Bridge is located just outside the downtown Calgary core, to the west of Eau Claire/Prince’s Island Park.
Even though the Peace Bridge is a relatively new fixture in Calgary, it’s quickly becoming one of their most iconic landmarks.
The bridge was completed in 2012, after a 2-year construction period. Spanning 130 m across the Bow River, it is double the width of any other pedestrian bridge in the City at 6 m.
This makes the bridge perfect for both pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the space at the same time. And let me tell you, there was a constant flow of people using the bridge while we were there. It took forever to get the above shot!
The kids also found it funny that the bridge is often referred to as the “Finger Trap Bridge.” Remember those toys? Now I can’t unsee it! 🤣
In any case, I loved the unique red helical design. In fact, the bridge lends itself to some pretty interesting photography opportunities. My regret is that we didn’t get back to see it at night.
4. Dance on the Glass Floor in the Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower stands 191 meters above the downtown core and is one of the best Calgary family attractions.
While it was surpassed as Calgary’s tallest building in 1983 by the Suncor Energy Centre’s West Tower, it is still an impressive structure to explore.
The Calgary Tower was originally built to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday in 1967, with construction wrapping up in 1968. Today, however, the tower is one of Calgary’s most iconic symbols.
But my favourite piece of Calgary Tower history has to do with the 1988 Winter Olympics. A large gas-burning cauldron was added to the roof of the Tower to burn during the games.
The resulting flame turned the Calgary Tower into the tallest Olympic Torch in the world. Awesome right?!
History aside, while visiting the tower, you definitely don’t want to miss standing on the amazing glass floor for a birds-eye view of the streets below!
Spanning 11 meters by 1.4 meters, the glass floor is made up of 5 panels that are 5.7 cm thick and each weighs an impressive 238 kg.
Spending time on the glass floor was a little unnerving for our youngest, Mr. Bump, who has a fear of heights. But the Tower was still one of his favourite things to do in Calgary.
5. Take a Stroll Through Princes’ Island Park
Prince’s Island Park is an urban park located in downtown Calgary. It is developed on an island on the Bow River, immediately north of the city.
Named after Peter Anthony Prince, the lumberman who founded the Eau Claire Lumber Mill, Prince’s Island Park is home to many festivals and events.
The park also has many picnic areas, a playground, water fountains, hiking trails, and an outdoor skating rink in the winter.
We loved it! It really was a tranquil place to stroll through in the middle of a bustling city.
As one of the best free things to do in Calgary with kids, you can easily spend a full day exploring all the great areas this park has to offer.
Canmore
Canmore is located approximately 81 kilometres west of Calgary, near the southeast boundary of Banff National Park.
It is located in the Bow Valley within Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. The town has a population of about 14,798, making it the ninth-largest town in Alberta.
6. Go on a Caving Adventure
Have you ever tried caving? Canmore Cave Tours allows you to explore an undeveloped cave system under Grotto Mountain.
With a couple of different options to choose from, you and your family can enjoy experiencing one of the longest caves in Canada.
Canmore Cave Tours has been offering tours at Rat’s Nest Cave, since 1992. Their knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides will give you a fascinating glimpse into Canmore’s geology.
The cave tours are available year-round, rain or shine, and the company provides all the caving equipment you will need.
The tours start with a 30-minute hike up a mountain trail to the mouth of the cave. Depending on the tour you have chosen, you will be underground exploring the caves for 2-4 hours.
We have been on several cave tours around the world, and I can honestly say, they are a ton of fun and a great way to learn about an area.
7. Take in the Three Sisters Mountains
Named the Three Sisters by George Dawson in 1886, they are Canmore’s iconic and most easily recognizable mountains.
Known individually as Faith, Hope, and Charity, or the Big Sister, Middle Sister, and Little Sister, they can be seen from the Trans Canada Highway as you are driving through the Bow River Valley section of the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy 1).
At nearly 10,000 feet, they’re hard to miss! In fact, many locals will tell you that experiencing these amazing mountains is one of the best things to do in Alberta with kids!
The three mountains consist of bare, rocky peaks, which are in stark contrast with their lush, green pine forests that cover them at lower elevations.
If you are looking to do a little hiking, you can definitely scramble up both the Middle Sister and Big Sister.
The Little Sister, however, is for serious rock climbers only. The terrain is extremely difficult, and should not be attempted unless you have experience hiking and scrambling in the Canadian Rockies.
8. Walk Along the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk
The Policemen’s Creek boardwalk is a well-marked 4-kilometre trail that is perfect for strolling. The elevated walkway is an out-and-back trail that is easily accessible from downtown.
The trailhead is near the Big Head Sculpture at the intersection of Main Street and Spring Creek Drive, in downtown Canmore.
The loop takes you through forested areas and along the water, making it both scenic and relaxing!
The trail is moderately busy, offers several activity options, and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.
We didn’t have time to walk the entire boardwalk, the portion we did do was fantastic. It was a great place to go for a stroll, without having to drive outside of town.
Banff
Banff is a resort town and one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations. Established in 1885, Banff is located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and is 110–180 kilometres west of Calgary.
Known for its mountainous surroundings and hot springs, it is a destination for outdoor sports and features extensive hiking, biking, scrambling, and skiing destinations within the area.
So if your family enjoys outdoor adventure, you will definitely find that there are so many things to do in Banff with kids.
9. Ride the Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola should definitely be on your list of things to do in Alberta with kids. Not only are the views at the top magnificent, but the interpretive center and boardwalk are perfect for families to explore.
From the Sulphur Mountain summit, you will have sweeping views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the charming town of Banff.
You can then follow the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson’s Peak while learning about Canada’s first national park. Or, you can head inside to explore the amazing mountaintop discovery center.
The Banff Gondola attraction also has a gift shop, as well as several dining options to choose from.
We spent a couple of hours walking the trail and exploring all that the discovery centre had to offer. It was also a great place to grab some pretty epic photos!
10. Push Your Limits on Mount Norquay
One of our absolute favourite things to do in Alberta with kids was to take part in a Via Ferrata experience on Mt. Norquay. This family-friendly activity is not for the faint of heart, and will definitely take your breath away!
Via Ferrata, or ‘iron road,’ is a cross between hiking and rock climbing. This assisted climbing experience allows you to ascend ladders, cross suspension bridges and soak in the amazing views of the mountains around you.
The tours are led by a highly experienced ACMG-certified guide. Everyone wears a harness that is always attached to the mountain’s steel cable pathway, securing you to the rock at all times.
With different tours available, covering a variety of distances, there is no experience necessary. The tours also welcome children 12 years and over to take part.
Our family fully enjoyed our Via Ferrata experience. Unfortunately, this experience is seasonal, so you may want to look into whether the tours are running prior to your arrival.
11. Dive into a Ghost Town on Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is much like the other lakes in the area, in that it is gorgeous to look at, and an amazing place to go for a hike or canoe ride. But did you know that it hides a ghostly secret?
Underneath the serene waters lies an old resort hotel that is a popular scuba diving destination!
In 1941, the popular Minnewanka Landing resort was purposely flooded under nearly 100 feet of water, as a wartime necessity for bringing in more hydroelectric power to the area.
Today, the remnants of the resort, several houses, and wharves are frozen in time beneath the glacial meltwater, providing the perfect place to scuba dive for adventurous explorers.
And while we are not scuba divers, we still enjoyed a hike around the lake. The beach also looked pretty incredible.
12. Have Tea in the Clouds at Lake Louise
If a nice cup of hot tea after a hike sounds like a perfect afternoon, head up to the Lake Agnes Tea House on the shores of Lake Agnes.
Situated near Lake Louise in Banff National Park, the Lake Agnes Tea House rests at an altitude of 2,135 m. You will first need to hike 3.5 km through the forest, with an elevation gain of 400 m.
The Lake Agnes Tea House was originally built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, as a refuge for hikers. It started serving tea in 1905.
Although the original log building was replaced in 1981, today’s Tea House still features the original windows, tables, and chairs.
The Tea House is family-run and is open from early June until the Canadian Thanksgiving.
It serves over 100 varieties of loose-leaf tea, as well as hot chocolate, soups, sweets, and sandwiches on freshly made bread. It’s a popular place, so don’t be too surprised to find a lineup!
We found the prices to be a little high as well. But after a chilly hike up the mountain, it was well worth the cost!
13. Canoe a Glacier-Fed Lake
Lake Louise is one of the world’s most photographed glacial lakes and one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Alberta.
With stunning turquoise water, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, and lush green forest, it really isn’t surprising that in the busy summer months, up to 15,000 people a day visit the shore of Lake Louise between dawn and dusk.
If hiking isn’t something you are interested in, you can stroll along the Lakeshore Trail, or rent a canoe to paddle the calm waters.
Even though you won’t have the water to yourself in the summer, it is still a unique way to experience the lake.
Canoe rentals are run by the Fairmont Lake Louise Hotel. The season opens when the lake thaws, generally by mid-June, and continues until early October (weather permitting).
🏰 Marianne’s Tip: Of course, one of the best places to visit in Alberta during the winter is Lake Louise! A gorgeous ice castle is built right on the frozen lake, making it the perfect backdrop for a magical ice skating experience!
Canoes can be rented by the half or by the full hour. A one-and-a-half-hour rental will be more than plenty of time to paddle near the end of the lake and back.
14. Climb the Rockpile at Moraine Lake
One of our favourite things to do in Alberta with kids is to hike the family-friendly Rockpile Trail at Moraine Lake. This 1.4 km trail is a great route for families and those who aren’t experienced hikers.
The view from the top of the Rockpile overlooking Moraine Lake provides an iconic view of the Canadian Rockies. It’s also the place for those perfectly Instagrammable selfies and photos!
The trail up and around the Rockpile is well-made, with steps for the steeper ascents.
Once you reach the top, you are treated to not only an amazing view of the Valley of the Ten Peaks towering over the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake but also one of the most iconic mountain views on earth!
💵 Fun Fact: The view from the top of the Rockpile is featured on the backs of Canadian $20 bills printed between 1969 and 1979!
Icefields Parkway
Highway 93 runs north-south as it passes through Alberta. It is also known as the Banff-Windermere Parkway south of the Trans-Canada Highway and the Icefields Parkway north of the Trans-Canada Highway.
It travels through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park and is maintained by Parks Canada for its entire length.
15. Drive the Icefields Parkway
At 230 km (142 mi) in length, the Icefields Parkway connects Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
Although it may seem like a short drive, you will definitely want to set aside an entire day to do it!
Not only will you be blown away by the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, but you will also have plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Not to mention, you will also get to take in some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Alberta and see the most breathtaking glaciers.
There are plenty of viewpoints along the way, so make sure to stop and take advantage of the opportunities.
And since Parks Canada maintains the Parkway, you will be sure to find plenty of restrooms, picnic areas, garbage cans, and places to get out and stretch.
16. Trek Across a Glacier at the Columbia Icefield
The Columbia Icefield is rich in stories and history. Discover glaciology while learning about the past, and how the glaciers continue to form and shape the regional landscape.
Take a specially-designed Ice Explorer to the edge of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. There, you can actually step out onto the glacier!
You can also take a self-guided tour of the Toe of the Glacier. This 2-kilometre hiking path, with a 50 m elevation gain, is maintained by Parks Canada and is free to access.
This hike shows the impact of the retreating glaciers, with signs showing how far the Athabasca Glacier has shrunk over the years.
The hike is pretty steep, so it may not be great for really young kids or people with mobility issues. During our visit, the trail was completely covered in snow, making it a little more difficult as well.
17. Walk on the Edge at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Another one of our favourite things to do in Alberta with kids is walking along the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
You can learn a lot about the history, flora, and fauna of the area, on the 1 km interpretive trail.
Not only are there signs as you walk along the trail, but you can also grab a pair of free headphones to listen to recorded messages at different points along the way.
At the end of the path, you will find the infamous platform! Test your courage as you step out onto the glass floor that seemingly hovers 280 meters (918 ft) above the Sunwapta Valley.
With gorgeous views of the valley below, as well as the Athabasca Glacier above, you will need to keep your nerves in check as the floor does sway slightly!
Jasper
Originally a railway town, Jasper’s small-town charm has a timeless appeal. Surrounded by towering mountains, crystal clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is definitely worth a visit.
18. Rise Above the Clouds in the Jasper Skytram
Jasper is home to the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada. Learn all about the history of the area while soaking in the amazing sights during your seven-minute ascent of Whistlers Mountain.
Once you reach the top, you will have amazing views of Jasper National Park, six different mountain ranges, glacially-fed lakes, rivers, and the town of Jasper.
Whether you choose to hike to the peak, stroll along the boardwalk, look for souvenirs in the gift shop, or have tea in their café, there are plenty of opportunities to admire the breathtaking views.
We spent a couple of hours hiking and enjoying the jaw-dropping views. Be sure to dress warmly, as it does get pretty windy up there!
19. Cruise to Spirit Island
Spirit Island is located on Maligne Lake and is only accessible by boat. Called one of the most breathtaking places in Canada, it sits nestled in the heart of a turquoise alpine lake and is surrounded by majestic mountains.
Unless you are willing to kayak or canoe the 14 km journey to Spirit Island, our suggestion is to take a cruise.
There are a couple of different cruise options available and trust us when we say, it’s an experience like no other!
We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise to Spirit Island. I would totally recommend that you add this excursion to your itinerary if you plan to spend time in Jasper.
20. Admire the Stars
Jasper National Park is one of 17 designated Dark Sky Preserves in Canada. It is also the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.
If you are interested in learning about the stars, planets, or solar system, head over to the Planetarium Dome Theatre. There you have the opportunity to look through a powerful telescope used by astronomy experts.
If you are really into stargazing, try to plan your visit for mid-October during the annual Dark Sky Festival!
There are some great events going on in the Jasper area, including star parties at the Jasper SkyTram, Indigenous cultural events, and Q&As with Astronomy experts.
And if you are truly lucky (as we were), you may even get to witness the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in all its glory! This ended up being one of our most memorable and best things to do in Alberta with kids!
Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta and is located on the North Saskatchewan River, near the center of the province.
Edmonton’s population is approximately 932,546 people, making it the second-largest city in Alberta after Calgary. It is the fifth-largest city in Canada.
21. Have an Adventure in West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall is one of Edmonton’s biggest and most iconic attractions. It is the largest shopping mall in North America and is home to a ton of shops, restaurants, and activities.
There are over 800 stores to shop in, and over 100 places to grab a bite! And once you have shopped ’til you drop, you can head over to the famous Fantasyland Hotel for a well-earned rest.
And if you have kids in tow, they will be more than happy to splash in the World Waterpark, ride all the rides in Galaxyland, or go for a skate at the Ice Palace. You could seriously spend a couple of days in Edmonton without ever leaving the Mall!
And ice skating at the Ice Palace was definitely on our list of things to do in Alberta with kids!
We were in Edmonton mid-week, so we actually had the entire rink to ourselves! And don’t worry if you do not have your own skates with you, there is a well-stocked rental shop for all your needs!
22. Hunt for Roadside Attractions
Our kids love hunting for crazy roadside attractions! And trust me, Alberta does not disappoint!
There are tons of roadside attractions spread around the province, with every possible theme you could imagine!
In fact, you could probably spend a good part of the day driving around Edmonton finding them all. And we did!
From the Stanley up to the World’s Largest Cowboy Boot, and an art installation featuring thousands of shiny silver balls, our kids really enjoyed their treasure hunt of sorts!
23. Explore the River Valley
Not into shopping? Edmonton might be known for having North America’s largest mall, but it’s also home to Canada’s largest urban park.
The River Valley has more than 160 kilometres of maintained trails and 20 major parks.
The trail system even connects many of Edmonton’s major attractions, such as the Fort Edmonton Zoo, Gold Bar Park, and the Edmonton Valley Zoo.
The River Valley also provides the opportunity for other activities, such as a golf course, skiing, skating, wildlife sightings, and more.
Where is Alberta?
Now that you have a ton of ideas to include in your trip itinerary, lets get back to the basics.
Alberta is located in Western Canada. It is sandwiched between British Columbia on the West, Saskatchewan on the East, Northwest Territories to the North, and Montana to the South.
Alberta has a very mixed landscape, with the Rocky Mountains occupying the western part of the province, while the Great Plains of North America cover the eastern part of the province.
How Do You Get to Alberta?
By Car
If you are arriving in Alberta by car, chances are, you will be traveling on the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1). The Trans Canada runs East and West, and stretches from Medicine Hat, through Calgary, to the border of Yoho National Park.
The second main East to West route is along the Yellowhead Highway. This more northern highway runs from the town of Lloydminster (Highway 16), through Edmonton, and to the border of Mount Robson Provincial Park.
By Plane
If you are flying into Alberta, you will have a choice to land in one of two international airports. Both are actually some of the largest airports in the country.
These two airports are the Calgary International Airport (YYC) and the Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Of course, there are smaller regional airports, but you won’t be able to access them from outside of the province.
And depending on where in Alberta you would like to visit, will determine which airport you land in. Edmonton is best if you are planning to explore the North, or if you are heading to Jasper National Park.
Calgary Airport is more convenient for areas in the South, such as Banff National Park, Drumheller, and Canmore.
Both airports are less than three hours apart by drive time. And once you arrive, you can easily rent a car, take a taxi, jump on public transportation, or even catch a tour.
🚗 Get the best rates for rental cars in Alberta here.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Alberta?
Alberta is a pretty big province. And although you can get around the cities, and some parts of the National Parks by bus, you will definitely need to rent a car to see the majority of the province.
When is the Best Time to Visit Alberta?
Alberta can definitely be considered a year-round destination. However, it does experience some pretty extreme weather, so you may want to keep this in mind when planning your vacation!
The temperatures can easily range between 35 degrees during peak summer, to -35 degrees in winter.
Summer
Peak travel time for Alberta is summertime, from mid-June to mid-September. This is when the weather is at its warmest. It is also when you are sure to find all the activities and attractions open for business.
That being said, this is also the time when everything is more expensive, hotels can be at full capacity, and roads are at their busiest.
Winter
If the cold doesn’t bother you, then there are plenty of things to do in Alberta in winter. From skiing to snowboarding, snowshoeing, or ice skating, January to March are the best times for these activities.
These are the coldest months in Alberta, and on average have the most amount of snowfall.
The winter is actually a much quieter time than the summer. You will usually find accommodations to be less expensive and more available, except of course during Christmas and March Break.
Spring
The spring months, from April to mid-June can also be a nice time to visit Alberta. Crowds are lower during this time, but the weather, although mild, can be a little grey. Be prepared for rain!
Fall
Our favourite time to visit Alberta is in the fall. Between early September and mid-October, there are fewer tourists, and generally, the weather is still quite warm.
The changing fall colours are also beautiful to see, although when the Larch trees reach their peak, it does often draw crowds of leaf-peepers!
Keep in mind, that many attractions, resorts, restaurants, and other businesses close after the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. Even places like Moraine Lake shut down for the season at this time.
Also, keep in mind that the weather in October can be unpredictable. For example, during our 2020 trip, we were in t-shirts.
But during our 2021 trip which we took during the same week in October, we encountered a snowstorm and temperatures that were consistently below zero in the evenings.
Things to Do in Alberta FAQs
Yes! Not only is Alberta arguably one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada, it is also home to the world’s oldest national parks, gorgeous mountains, jewel-toned lakes, multicultural cities and glaciers. There is no shortage of jaw-dropping vistas to fill your photo album or Insta stories!
Alberta is home to an incredible six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites include Waterton International Peace Park, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Wood Buffalo National Park, the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, and the newly anointed Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park.
Banff National Park is the most visited tourist attraction in Alberta. As one of the most popular National Parks in Canada, Banff is home to spectacular mountain scenery, major ski resorts, incredible hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and the prettiest little tourist town of Banff.
We think that eight days in Alberta will allow you enough time to see the main attractions, as well as to spend some time enjoying nature. But with so many incredible things to do in Alberta, you probably won’t have enough time to see it all in one visit!
English is the official language spoken in Alberta. However, 1.8% of Albertans are francophone and 22.2% of the population do not have English or French as their first language.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Alberta with Kids
There are so many awesome things to do in Alberta with kids, we guarantee you won’t be able to squeeze them all into one trip. Trust me… we tried!
From hiking to cruising, to dinosaurs, to world-class shopping and dining, Alberta will have you coming back again and again!
Pin This Post for Later!
