As a road trip junkie, I’m always on the lookout for new destinations to explore. Choosing Alberta, Canada for a recent road trip led to more discoveries than I ever dreamed possible. My adventure led me to badlands where dinosaurs once roamed. I cruised past golden canola flower fields, the jagged snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies and the always entertaining prairie dogs. Welcome to Alberta! This Western Canadian province boasts a varied landscape like none other, making it an ideal destination for the ultimate Canadian road trip.
Follow our 10-day road trip on the map below and read on about our favorite stops along this awe-inspiring 800-mile journey!
1. Grab Your Cowboy Hat and Head to Calgary
Situated in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, where the prairies and the mountains meet, Calgary is a vibrant city steeped in Western culture. Home to the famed Calgary Stampede, cowboy hats are welcome here. But there’s much more to Calgary than rodeos. This walkable city is home to extensive outdoor pathway and bikeway networks, making it ideal for strolling, rollerblading, or biking.
Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures
One of my favorite experiences happened in another type of vehicle when we toured the town with Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures. Our group’s vintage-style motorcycles with sidecars attached arrived at our hotel to whisk us around Calgary for an unforgettable adventure. My driver—a retired Calgary police officer—was a blast sharing stories about his motorcycle adventures. We weaved in and out of neighborhoods, snapped photos from scenic overlooks and learned about the city’s history and highlights. Needless to say, we were part of the attraction as people around town stopped to check out our unique motorcade.
Studio Bell
Another highlight was a visit to Studio Bell. This 160,000-square-foot architectural masterpiece houses the National Music Centre’s expanded collection, which includes more than 2,000 rare instruments and artifacts and four Canadian Music Halls of Fame. Engaging interactive exhibits had us playing the drums and attempting to be recording artists—unsuccessfully!
SAM Centre
Not to be missed is the SAM Centre. Opened in May 2024, the SAM Centre shares the Calgary Stampede story through films and interesting hands-on experiences. I even had the opportunity to try out my roping skills. Let’s just say no animal needs to worry about me roping anything.
Where to Eat in Calgary
Calgary’s restaurant scene provides plenty of choices for delicious meals. One of my favorites was the classic steak house, Caesar’s, which has been a go-to spot for Calgary residents since 1972. Using the same Alberta beef supplier since its opening, steaks at Caesar’s come with a touch of drama as the chefs cook on an open-flame grill in the middle of the dining room. Be sure to order a tableside Caesar salad – delicious!
For another unique dining experience check out Calgary’s first ‘yakitoria’, Shokunin. This contemporary Japanese eatery focuses on the grilling of over 20 cuts of chicken and meat using a Japanese-Style Robata Grill.
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2. Experience the Dinosaur Capital of the World in Drumheller
Drive 85 miles northeast of Calgary to roam the Canadian Badlands in Drumheller—the dinosaur capital of the world. Along the way, golden fields of canola brighten the rural landscape. In Drumheller, the scene evolves into badlands sculpted by wind and water into canyons, ravines and hoodoos.
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology
In this charming town dinosaurs are everywhere—on street corners, at the fire station and the world’s largest dinosaur at the visitor’s center, Tyra. A T-rex, Tyra stands 86 feet tall and has 106 stairs visitors can climb to view the Canadian Badlands from her jaws. To view the bones of real dinosaurs who roamed this region millions of years ago, spend some time at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. The museum houses the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs.
Bike & Bites E-Bike Tour
Exploring the badlands is another highlight in Drumheller. A Bike & Bites e-bike tour was a highlight of my visit. We spent the afternoon riding up and down the hills in this otherworldly landscape and enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch along the way.
Where to Eat in Drumheller
The Last Chance Saloon serves up mouthwatering BBQ in the Badlands with a side of sassy cowboy style in a rustic 1913 saloon.
Kick off your day with breakfast at WHIFS Flapjack House. WHIFS basically sums up the menu: waffles, hamburgers, ice cream, flapjacks and salads. But it’s those flapjacks that keep folks coming back to this roadside eatery. Delicious!
3. More Badlands & Dinosaurs Between Drumheller and Edmonton
The drive to Edmonton from Drumheller takes about three hours but it’s a road trip you don’t want to miss.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
One of the best stops along the way is the Dinosaur Provincial Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, 150 complete dinosaur skeletons have been discovered here in a century of excavations. Bone beds – which are Disorganized concentrations of bones – have also been discovered here. These ancient remains provide the world’s most complete record of the late Cretaceous Period. Consider staying overnight in the park’s campground where glamping tents make for a comfortable camping experience.
4. Discover Alberta’s Capital City of Edmonton
Known as a “Ribbon of Green,” Edmonton’s River Valley boasts the longest stretch of connected urban parkland in North America inviting locals and visitors to escape into nature. Here are a few highlights of this intriguing city.
Cruise on the Edmonton Queen
Get to know this spectacular city on the riverboat Edmonton Queen, which recently received a million-dollar renovation.
Royal Alberta Museum
Edmonton also features numerous museums including the Royal Alberta Museum which includes collections focused on archeology, military and government history, Indigenous engagement and more.
Elk Island National Park
Less than an hour’s drive outside of Edmonton is Elk Island National Park, the cornerstone of Canada’s bison conservation story. The park is also part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve making it an ideal place for stargazing. Geo Domes at Elk Island Retreat offers another luxurious glamping experience.
Where to Eat in Edmonton
For a unique dining experience check out Homefire. Established in 2005 by the Alberta Indian Investment Corporation, the restaurant keeps to its Canadian roots, serving up indigenous dishes from its homeland. An open-kitchen provides diners with an up-close look at the artful cooking techniques of the chefs.
5. Wildlife and Waterfalls in Jasper
The alpine town of Jasper sits at the northern edge of the Canadian Rockies and is the gateway to Jasper National Park. Wild and wonderful, the laid-back mountain town makes an ideal base for exploring the grandeur of Jasper National Park. The Jasper SkyTram climbs to the summit of Whistlers Mountain yielding views of the town and the surrounding landscape.
The largest park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park contains the second largest dark sky preserve. Wildlife, waterfalls and an abundance of stunning landscapes add to the park experience.
The Columbia Icefield
Jasper National Park is also home to the Columbia Icefield. Making the most of our visit, we ventured onto the Columbia Skywalk–a cliff-edge suspended glass platform 918 feet above the valley floor for views of the surrounding icefield. Another highlight was the ride aboard an Ice Explorer vehicle to the Athabasca Glacier for an unforgettable walk on the 10,000-year-old sheet of ice.
Where to Eat in Jasper
The Patricia Street Deli in Jasper is an ideal place to pick up a customized deli sandwich made from the freshest ingredients. The friendly owners love to share tips on places to see in the area while whipping up a delicious picnic lunch.
6. Finish Your Alberta Road Trip in Banff National Park
Alberta’s wonders continue as you drive south from Jasper to Banff National Park. The Icefields Parkway (AB-93) connects Jasper National Park with Banff National Park and is considered one of the most gorgeous drives in the world. The drive is roughly 140-miles and can be completed in three hours, but believe me, you’re going to make numerous stops for photos. Glacier-fed lakes shimmer with shades of milky aqua and turquoise and jaw-dropping vistas await around every turn.
Lake Louise
In Banff National Park, consider a stop at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. We visited in autumn outside of ski season but still enjoyed a chairlift ride up the mountain. From there we continued on a hike for stunning views of Lake Louise in the distance. Another not-to-be-missed experience is a hike around Lake Louise. But honestly, everywhere you go in Banff National Park is a not-to-be-missed experience. The same holds true for the entire province of Alberta. Maybe it’s time you added this to your road trip adventure list!
Where to Eat in Banff
The beauty of Banff National Park is mesmerizing so why not combine a scenic view with a delicious dining experience at Sky Bistro located in Banff National Park? Starting at the base of Sulphur Mountain, a gondola delivers you to the mountain’s summit. As you enjoy menu choices including smoked salmon, brisket burgers and short ribs, you can take in views of the surrounding mountain peaks through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Read more Alberta Travel Tips below or find your next Road Trip Inspiration here:
- 15 Things to do in Calgary
- Eat Your Veggies! These 13 Vegetarian Restaurants in Calgary are for Everyone
- Fairmont Palliser Calgary Review: Timeless Elegance Redefined
- When is the Best Time to Visit Banff? Any Time of the Year!
- 16 Things to do in Banff National Park: Rejuvenate Your Mind & Body
- The Banff Jasper Collection – What Pursuit Can Offer in the Canadian Rockies
- Moose Hotel & Suites Banff: Upscale Creature Comforts in Banff National Park
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