As a growing number of holidaymakers look to travel outside the peak summer months, there are plenty of reasons why Alberta in Western Canada should be top of the list of recommended destinations.
From skiing on majestic snow-covered mountains in winter to spotting bears and moose in the spring, from iconic summer festivals to taking part in Indigenous activities year-round, Alberta is a destination for all seasons.
Whether clients are looking for an active, cultural or relaxing break, Alberta is the answer.
Outdoor playground
For world-class skiing in the iconic Canadian Rockies, look no further than Banff and Jasper National Parks.
Banff National Park is a winter wonderland with frozen blue lakes and three major resorts: Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay.
Visitors will enjoy a warm mountain welcome and the opportunity to indulge in a range of activities, such as snowshoeing, ice walks, dog sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Even guests who don’t want to take to the slopes can appreciate the breathtaking views from the scenic Banff Gondola ride up to the snow-capped summit of Sulphur Mountain, or enjoy wellness experiences, including at Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Away from the slopes, Banff is a traditional Rockies town full of independent boutiques, shops selling local souvenirs, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great base for wildlife tours and adventure activities such as fishing, white-water rafting and hiking in the warmer months.
Known for its excellent skiing at Marmot Basin, Jasper is well and truly the wild side of Canada with far more than winter sports to entertain visitors. Stargazers will find the world’s second-largest dark sky preserve here, and it’s one of the best locations for viewing the elusive Northern Lights.
Other activities such as ice climbing and skating are popular, and once the snow melts there are opportunities to spot wildlife – such as elk, moose, bears, wolves and, if you’re very lucky, caribou – and adventures such as biking, canoeing, or hiking to hot springs. There’s also the Columbia Icefield to explore.
Visitors can take the Jasper SkyTram to access hiking trails, join a downtown or woodland food tour, or – for the more adventurous – tour by motorbike or travel around Alberta by RV.
For a thoroughly authentic, ‘straight from the movies’ winter holiday experience, they should stop at Canmore, known as one of the prettiest towns in the Rockies, and neighbouring Kananaskis Country. Activities here include cross-country skiing, dog sledding and sleigh rides.
Cultural big hitters
Calgary, one of the sunniest cities in Canada, is a cultural hub and home to many must-see events, including calendar highlight The Calgary Stampede, a 10-day festival held every July which incorporates the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and live music.
To better understand Canada’s rich Indigenous culture, visitors should seek out attractions such as Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, a showcase for the culture and history of the Siksika people, which offers experiences such as teepee camping; Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake, 1.5 hours north-east of Edmonton, where tourists can join a range of workshops; and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a cliff site where Plains peoples hunted buffalo for 6,000 years.
And what trip would be complete without some retail therapy? West Edmonton Mall is the biggest in North America, and it doesn’t just offer shopping but also enough family entertainment for a week!
Find out more
For more inspiration, visit First Class Holidays’ agent portal, which includes marketing materials, window posters and how and guides on how and when to sell. Email [email protected] for the password.
Then, when you’re ready to start planning a client’s itinerary, contact our team of Canada specialists on 0161 888 5606 or [email protected]
Alberta | First Class Holidays
