Best things to do in Alberta

Hit the slopes of the Canadian Rockies at Marmot Basin. With 678 hectares (1,675 acres) of varied terrain and 914 vertical meters (3,000 ft), the resort offers skiing and snowboarding trails for all levels--novice, intermediate, advanced, and expert--throughout the well-balanced terrain. Large bowls appeal to powder skiers and snowboarders, and tree-lined trails are an option for those who like cruising. Refuel at one of the restaurants, purchase or rent new gear, take a lesson at the snow sports school, or just take in the scenery of the Rockies.

It did not take long to convince Parks Canada that this would be a wonderful activity to offer visitors. As there is no other dog sledding in the area, it was an oddity indeed to see a dog team whisking people off the door step of Chateau Lake Louise. But the allure caught on quickly and today dogsledding is one of the most popular activities in the park.

Kingmik still remains the intimate and personable feel of the early days. We consider ourselves small but mighty, with just 50 amazing dogs, and 5 full time professional dog mushers.

We are the only dogsled company operating in Banff National Park, giving us exclusive rights to the trail systems.

Every sled is guided, which amounts to a guest to guide ratio of 2:1, and we run no more than 5 sleds per tour time. We feel that this enables guests to best experience the silent grace and beauty of dog mushing, amidst one of the most beautiful landscapes of the world.

Sunshine Village sits high on the continental Divide in the heart of Banff National Park, just a 15 minute drive from the picturesque mountain town of Banff. Three sprawling mountains feature more than 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, ranging from gentle inviting beginner runs all the way up to the most extreme big mountain runs. With an altitude of 2,200 m (7,200 ft) at the village, Banff Sunshine receives over 9 m (30 ft) of soft, dry "champagne" snow in a season and boasts the longest non-glacial season in Canada. Banff Sunshine Village offers guests 12 lifts including nine super lift one of which being Canada’s only heated chairlift and a high speed 8 passenger gondola.

Get active and enjoy the invigorating views at Lake Louise, one of Canada's biggest natural attractions. In an area widely considered the hiking capital of the Canadian Rockies, this glacial lake ensures memorable boating experiences in the warmer months and serves as a vast skating rink in the winter. Year-round you'll find something to do in this quintessentially Canadian mountain setting, including skiing, hiking, biking, and climbing.

Hit the slopes in the heart of the Canadian Rockies at The Lake Louise Ski Resort. With 1,700 skiable hectares (4,200 acres) and 139 marked ski runs, the resort offers runs for the beginner, intermediate, and expert skier or snowboarder. The site sports endless chutes, glades and gullies, cruising runs, gentle slopes, and extremely challenging terrain. Take a ride on the gondola with views of glaciers, natural springs, and possibly grizzly bears. Finish your day with a meal or drink at one of the many restaurants within the resort.

Learn more about endangered wildlife at The Calgary Zoo, housing over 1,000 animals in enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats. In addition to representing and conserving more than 100 different species, the zoo features a large botanical garden with changing displays of common garden flowers and tropical plants. Onsite picnic areas provide plenty of green space to relax, while a prehistoric park with life-sized dinosaur replicas ensures additional entertainment for families with little kids. Special programs include behind-the-scenes tours and keeper-for-a-day experiences. Visit the website to purchase tickets and find a printable hi-res map.

The discovery of the thermal mineral springs of Cave and Basin National Historic Site in 1883 was a catalyst for establishing Canada's first national park. Today, you can no longer swim in the hot springs, but you can visit the historic site and view displays about the history of Canada's national parks. Admire the cave surrounded by scenic hiking trails and boasting indoor and outdoor natural pools filled with striking azure waters.

Take in the epic sprawl of the city from the lofty vantage point of Calgary Tower, a 191 m (626 ft) spire with a viewing platform perched on top. Enjoy fine dining in the tower’s admittedly pricey revolving restaurant, or head straight for the observation deck to step on the glass floor and enjoy sweeping views of the city. Consider getting up to the top on a clear afternoon to witness a stunning sunset.

Established by philanthropist Eric Lafferty Harvie in 1966, the collection of Glenbow Museum contains more than a million artworks and exhibits. One of the largest museums in Western Canada, it strives to represent the art, culture, and history of this corner of the world. Explore the museum's numerous permanent and temporary exhibitions, showcasing something for everyone, from art and historical exhibits, to minerals and artifacts. Visit the cultural display to gain insight into the people and culture of Western Canada, inspect interesting items made by the indigenous people of North America, or admire the large collection of military objects from all over the world.

Drive on Bow Valley Parkway, a scenic section of the Trans-Canada Highway that takes travelers from Lake Louise to Banff. Cycle or drive on the narrow, winding path, and you might spot coyotes, elks, wolves, grizzlies, and bighorn sheep. Numerous viewpoints and interpretive spots offer picturesque vistas of the wildlife-rich Bow Valley, rocky cliffs, and evergreen forests. This road provides access to many hiking trails and scenic spots, such as Johnston Canyon and Moraine Lake.