Sample Alberta’s best-known sights and attractions on this circular tour that connects the province’s major cities and mighty mountains.

Bankers Hall, Stephen Avenue, Calgary

Begin in Calgary, the southern hub of the province and gateway to the Rockies. Spend a couple of days touring this cosmopolitan centre, then continue to Kananaskis Country. This year-round, multi-use recreational area offers spectacular scenery and a multitude of activities for the outdoor enthusiast.

From Kananaskis, it is about a one-hour drive to the charming alpine community of Banff, nestled in the Rocky Mountains. This world-famous resort is the perfect base for outdoor adventures in the Rockies. From Banff, take Highway 1A, a scenic alternative route to Lake Louise. While in the Lake Louise area be sure to visit emerald-coloured Moraine Lake, surrounded by a panorama of 10 glaciated summits at the base of the Continental Divide.

One of the world’s classic drives – Icefields Parkway

Jasper Tramway, Jasper National Park

Drive north from Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park. Countless lakes and over 100 glaciers line the route. At 6,785 ft. (2,068 m) above sea level, Bow Summit is the highest point on the parkway and offers one of the best mountain panoramas in the world. Mid-way is the Columbia Icefield where you can take an IceExplorer tour on the Athabasca Glacier that clings to the north face of Mt. Athabasca (12,762 ft.; 3,490 m). Look for bighorn sheep and mountain goats at Tangle Falls, Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint and Goat Lookout.

Spend a couple of days in Jasper, a fairytale mountain retreat boasting all the modern amenities of a city surrounded by scenery that is simply breathtaking. Golf, kayak, fish, trail ride, hike, take a dip in the hot springs or a tram ride to the top of Whistlers Mountain.

Turn east toward Edmonton and stop at the communities of Hinton and Edson — two towns that are also ideal bases from which to explore nearby parks, lakes, canyons, hoodoos, sand dunes and caves.

Albertans love to party

At Stony Plain, the Multicultural Heritage Centre highlights the story of English, French, and German-speaking Central European immigrants who settled the area.

Stay a couple of days and tour the sights of Edmonton, the provincial capital. Known as "Canada's Festival City,” Edmonton hosts actors, folk and jazz musicians, ethnic dancers and, of course, all the colour and fun of the famous Capital Ex, in a series of year-round celebrations. It is also the site of West Edmonton Mall, the world’s largest enclosed shopping centre featuring more than 800 shops and services, a unique theme hotel, Galaxyland Amusement Park and the World Waterpark, plus five other exciting attractions including the new Sea Lions’ Rock attraction.

Vintage Automobile, Reynolds Alberta Museum, Wetaskiwin

The highway south from Edmonton to Calgary follows an old wagon trail dotted with historic sights and interesting attractions. Wetaskiwin is the site of the Reynolds-Alberta Museum. View one of North America’s largest collections of antique and classic cars, trucks, tractors, steam engines, fire engines and planes as well as Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame. Just 25 mi (40 km) east of Wetaskiwin is Camrose, famous for its Big Valley Country Music Jamboree. Red Deer is almost halfway between Calgary and Edmonton and has an elaborate parks system that connects many outdoor facilities.

Alberta has more than 25 sample itineraries that span the province. Discover other scenic drives with detailed trip planning advice.