Hey there, friends! So, I recently took a trip through Alberta, Canada, and let me tell you, it was one for the books. I got to visit some amazing places—Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Banff, and Canmore and each one had its own special charm. I’m not gonna lie, I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but by the end of my journey, I was totally in love with this province. If you’re thinking about exploring Alberta, or even if you live here and just want some ideas for a weekend getaway, I’ve got you covered. Let’s chat about what makes Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Banff, and Canmore so awesome, and I’ll share some of my favorite moments from each spot.

Calgary: Where the City Meets the Mountains

I kicked off my trip in Calgary, and wow, what a way to start! Calgary is this big, lively city with a cool mix of skyscrapers and cowboy vibes. I mean, you can’t talk about Calgary without mentioning the Stampede, right? I was lucky enough to be there during the summer when the Calgary Stampede was in full swing. It’s this huge festival with rodeos, concerts, and the best fair food I’ve ever had I’m still dreaming about those mini donuts! But even if you’re not there for the Stampede, Calgary has so much to offer.

I spent a morning wandering around the Calgary Zoo, which was a blast. They’ve got everything from penguins to pandas, and I couldn’t stop taking pictures. Then I headed to 17th Avenue, which is this trendy street with awesome shops and restaurants. I grabbed a burger at this little spot called Clive Burger, and it was hands-down one of the best I’ve ever had. What I loved most about Calgary, though, was how close it is to the mountains. You can see the Rockies in the distance, and it’s such a tease because you just wanna hop in a car and go. Calgary ended up being the perfect mix of city life and nature, and I knew I’d be back someday.

Edmonton: A City Full of Surprises

From Calgary, I headed north to Edmonton, which is about a 3-hour drive. Edmonton is Alberta’s capital, and I gotta say, it surprised me in the best way. I’d heard it was more laid-back than Calgary, and that’s totally true, but it’s also got this artsy, creative energy that I wasn’t expecting. Edmonton felt like a city where you could just be yourself, you know?

One of my favorite stops in Edmonton was the West Edmonton Mall. I mean, this place is massive! It’s got an indoor waterpark, an ice rink, and even a roller coaster. I spent way too much money on souvenirs, but it was worth it. After that, I took a walk through Edmonton’s river valley, which is this huge network of trails that feels like a little escape from the city. I went in the fall, so the leaves were all golden and orange—it was like something out of a postcard. Edmonton is also big on festivals, and I heard the Fringe Festival there is amazing, though I didn’t get to catch it this time. I did, however, grab tickets to an Oilers game at Rogers Place, and the energy in that arena was electric. Edmonton totally won me over, and I can’t wait to visit again.

Red Deer: A Cozy Stop in the Middle

Halfway between Calgary and Edmonton is Red Deer, and I decided to stop there for a day to break up the drive. Red Deer is smaller than the other two cities, but it’s got this cozy, welcoming vibe that made me feel right at home. I didn’t know much about Red Deer before I got there, but I’m so glad I stopped.

I spent most of my time in Red Deer at Waskasoo Park, which is this beautiful green space with trails and a little river running through it. I packed a sandwich and had a picnic by the water, just soaking in the peace and quiet. Red Deer also has a cool museum, the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery, where I learned a bit about the city’s history and checked out some local art. If you’re into outdoor stuff, Red Deer is close to Canyon Ski Resort, which I heard is great for skiing in the winter. I didn’t get to try it since I was there in the fall, but it’s on my list for next time. Red Deer felt like the perfect little pit stop, and it gave me a chance to recharge before heading to the mountains.

Banff: Where the Rockies Steal the Show

Okay, let’s talk about Banff, because this place is straight-up magical. Banff is about an hour and a half from Calgary, tucked away in Banff National Park, and it’s surrounded by the most incredible mountains I’ve ever seen. I’ve been to a lot of beautiful places, but Banff might just take the cake.

The highlight of my time in Banff was visiting Lake Louise. I’d seen pictures online, but seeing it in person was a whole different experience. The water is this unreal shade of turquoise, and with the mountains and glacier in the background, I felt like I was in a dream. I hiked around the lake for a bit, then rented a canoe to paddle out on the water it was so peaceful. Back in town, I walked along Banff Avenue, which is the main street in Banff. It’s full of cute shops and restaurants, and I treated myself to hot chocolate at this little cafe called Wild Flour Bakery. Banff is also amazing for skiing, and I heard the nearby resorts like Banff Sunshine are top-notch. I was there in the fall, so I didn’t ski, but I’m already planning a winter trip back to Banff because I can’t get enough of this place.

Canmore: A Quiet Mountain Escape

Just a short drive from Banff is Canmore, and I almost skipped it, but I’m so glad I didn’t. Canmore is like Banff’s quieter, less touristy sibling, and it’s only about 20 minutes away. It’s still in the Rockies, so you’ve got those stunning mountain views, but Canmore has a more laid-back, local feel that I really loved.

I spent a morning hiking the Grassi Lakes trail in Canmore, and it was one of the best hikes I’ve ever done. The trail takes you to these two little lakes that are the most gorgeous shade of green, and the views of the mountains along the way were unreal. After my hike, I wandered around downtown Canmore, which is full of cute shops and cafes. I stopped at this place called The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company and had a beer on their patio nothing beats a cold drink with a mountain view! Canmore is also a great spot for skiing or climbing, and it’s a bit cheaper than Banff, which was a nice bonus. I could totally see myself coming back to Canmore for a longer stay, maybe even renting a cabin for a week to just unwind.

Why I Loved Exploring These Alberta Spots

Looking back on my trip, I can’t believe how different each place was. Calgary gave me that big-city buzz with a hint of the mountains, while Edmonton showed me Alberta’s artsy, cultural side. Red Deer was the perfect little break in between, with its small-town charm and beautiful parks. Then there’s Banff and Canmore, which stole my heart with their jaw-dropping scenery and outdoor adventures. Together, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Banff, and Canmore gave me a taste of everything Alberta has to offer, and I loved every second of it.

A Few Tips for Your Own Alberta Trip

If you’re thinking about visiting Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Banff, and Canmore, here’s some advice from my trip. First, make sure you’ve got a good plan for getting around. I drove, but there are buses that connect Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer, and you can take a shuttle from Calgary to Banff and Canmore. Second, pack for all kinds of weather Alberta can be sunny one minute and snowy the next, especially in the mountains. And third, give yourself enough time in each place. I spent a couple of days in Calgary and Edmonton, a day in Red Deer, and a few days split between Banff and Canmore, and it felt just right.

Wrapping Up My Alberta Journey

So, that’s my story of exploring Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Banff, and Canmore! I hope I’ve inspired you to check out these amazing spots for yourself. Whether you’re into city life, small-town vibes, or mountain adventures, Alberta has it all. I’m already counting down the days until I can go back, maybe I’ll see you there!