Alberta is one of the most unique vacation destinations in North America. The Canadian province is where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, giving visitors access to some incredible sight-seeing. However, there is so much more to Alberta than the awe-inspiring landscape.
If you are planning to visit Alberta and looking for things to do, we have you covered! Below, we will share five of our favorite activities in the province, giving you everything you need to get the most out of your trip.
Exploring the History of Alberta – Lake Minnewanka
Alberta has no shortage of museums explaining the province’s rich history, but visitors can also experience that history for themselves!
One of the unique destinations is the underwater ghost town of Lake Minnewanka. Under the lake’s pristine surface is the once-famous Minnewanka Landing. The resort was built in 1888 and quickly became a popular tourist destination for travelers worldwide.
Unfortunately, World War II would mark the end of Minnewanka Landing. The Canadian government had to make an incredibly difficult decision to build a dam to increase the country’s power supply. The result was that Lake Minnewanka flooded higher, turning the resort into an underwater ghost town.
Today, the resort is now a popular snorkeling destination. Divers can easily reach the abandoned building and explore the historic halls.
If you decide to visit this must-see destination, be sure to be prepared for the freezing cold temperatures of Lake Minnewanka.
Test Your Bravery – Columbia Icefield Skywalk
There are far too many scenic hikes across Alberta to name, but the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a must-see destination. The Skywalk is on the edge of a cliff facing Jasper National Park. It is made of glass and hangs out in the open air, giving visitors the feeling of floating hundreds of feet in the air as they gaze down on the Sunwapta Valley.
The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is just over 1,300 feet long and over 900 feet off the ground. Brave visitors can look down to view three different bodies of water and enjoy world-class animal watching from a safe distance.
This incredible experience also comes at a very reasonable price, making it well worth the trip next time you are in the area.
Fun for the Whole Family – West Edmonton Mall
Edmonton is home to the second-largest mall in North America: The West Edmonton Mall. The massive complex is roughly 5.6 million square feet and has around 800 vendors, the most of any mall in the Western Hemisphere.
In addition to hundreds of stores, the mall is home to some fantastic amusements. These include a water park, theme park, ice rink, mini-golf, and more. The wave pool and indoor lake are the largest in the world. These attractions are family-friendly, making it an excellent destination for people of all ages.
The West Edmonton Mall is also home to some of the best mall walking in the world. There are street themes from around the world for each mall area. Those themes include Bourbon Street, Europa Boulevard, and Chinatown. The unique style gives visitors the feeling of walking around a city without leaving the building.
Take in a Game or Show – Rogers Place
Alberta is home to one of Canada’s most impressive sports venues in Rogers Place. The arena is home to the Edmonton Oilers, offering one of North America’s best hockey-viewing experiences.
The arena is also a popular destination for music fans, hosting some of the country’s top concerts year-round.
The area around the arena has been developed into a thriving “Ice District” filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. Even if there isn’t a game or event, this area is still well worth a visit.
Off to the Races – Century Downs Racetrack and Casino
If you are looking for something a little more exciting, Alberta has a fantastic selection of casinos. Over 20 locations are scattered across the province, with most located in Calgary and Edmonton. However, there are several hidden gems scattered across the region.
One of the most unique is Century Downs Racetrack and Casino in Balzac. It features a large casino located next to a large horse racing track. That allows the casino to offer an off-track betting area where customers can wager on horse racing while waiting for sports betting in Alberta to go live.
