ALBERTA > CANADA > DESTINATIONS > INDEX


Province of Alberta

Regions in Alberta : Heartland, Northern Alberta, North West Alberta, Rockies, Southern Alberta

Shimmering wheat fields, pristine lakes, majestic mountains and snowy foothills – Alberta's scenery is picture perfect. Ecological and cultural diversity are characteristics of one of the most dynamic social landscapes in Canada. Nothing matches the beauty of a blazing prairie sunset, and the warm caress of a Chinook on a brisk winter morning has captured the imaginations of Albertans since the first nomadic tribes journeyed across the prairies.

From the dusty badlands of Drumheller and rolling coulees in the south, to the cosmopolitan communities of Calgary and Edmonton, Albertans have prospered from an environment rich with natural resources.

Capital City of Alberta : Edmonton


car rental, hostels, hotels & motels, tour operators, travel guides, transportation / traveling to alberta

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Camping & Caravanning

 Camp Canada - Camping / Campgrounds
Wilderness campsites | Full facility campgrounds for RVs | Quiet scenic sites | Trailerparks with all amenities for families | Camping resorts | RV parks

Car Rentals Alberta

 Alamo - Luxury Discount Auto Rental Company
 Avis
 Budget Rent A Car
 Dollar Rent A Car
 Hertz

Lodgings in Alberta.

Rental Homes / Alberta Vacation Rentals / Apartments

 VacationsFRBO.com - Vacation rentals for rent by owner
Rental homes in Banff, Banff - Town, Calgary, Canmore, Drumheller, Jasper, Turner Valley

Hostels

 Hostelbookers.com  - Great Hostels, Free booking, Fast & Easy to use
Hostelbookers.com is one of the worlds largest online booking services for hostels. All hostels you see here are offering realtime prices and availability.
 Backpackers Hostels Canada - backpacker community in Canada
 YMCA -YWCA - Canadian Youth Hostels
 SameSun Backpacker Lodges - Canada
SameSun Backpacker Lodges features the best in backpacker and budget accommodations in Western Canada and the best activities to check out when you're there. Lodges are fully modernized and fully equipped with all the amenities of home.

Hotels in Alberta

 Expedia 
 Hotels.com
 Booking - Hotels in Canada - an easy way to select and book hotel rooms
Centrally located hotels ranging from small family run budget accommodation to world-class five star hotels. Booking is a dedicated hotel and accommodation reservation website.

National Parks  

 Parcs Canada - see See Banff, Elk Island, Jasper and Waterton Lakes
On behalf of the people of Canada, they protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.

Travel Agents / Tour Operators




 Alberta Prairy Railway
Alberta Prairie offers an exciting one day adventure on board a real steam or diesel-powered train. Different themes are enacted throughout the season, including murder mysteries, family, dinner theatre, seniors and teddy bear specials.
 West Edmonton Mall - the world's largest entertainment and shopping centre
Alberta's number one tourist attraction, featuring over 800 stores and services, over 100 eating establishments, plus nine world class attractions. It's the only mall of its kind - both a shopper's dream and a world of excitement and adventure.

Travel Guides Alberta / Related Books

Travel Guides and Books about Alberta 

Moon Alberta: Including Banff, Jasper, and the Canadian Rockies (Moon Handbooks)
Canada resident and avid outdoorsman Andrew Hempstead knows the best way to experience Canada's province, Alberta, from dressing western at the Calgary Stampede to soaking in the hot springs in Jasper or hiking around Lake Louise. Hempstead includes unique trip ideas such as "The Best of Alberta in One-Week," "A Wild Western Vacation," and "Two-Weeks on the Road." Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Alberta has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. Every Moon guidebook includes recommendations for must-see sights and many regional, area, and city-centered maps. Complete with details on visiting the West Edmonton Mall and Dinosaur Valley, Moon Alberta: Including Banff, Jasper, and the Candian Rockies gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience. With expert writers, first-rate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, Moon guidebooks are the cure for the common trip.
Paperback: 480 pages; Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing; 6.00 edition (March 28, 2007); Language: English; ISBN-13: 978-1566918350

Trans Canadian Rail Guide 
Includes City Guides to Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Vanvouver.

Transportation / How do I get to Alberta

 Calgary International Airport
Calgary's Airport is one of the country's biggest, and yet has never lost that small-airport feel which makes using this important gateway such a pleasure. With direct service from Europe and throughout North America, offering easy connection, Calgary International will be a great start to your Alberta vacation. There is also an excellent selection of shopping, restaurants and even a large food court - all at regular mall prices. This will help occupy travellers while waiting for their flight. There are frequent shuttle and bus services to downtown Calgary.
 Edmonton International Airport - see Edmonton Airports

 NAV Canada
Flight Operations [ Aviation Weather Web Site, Register to File a Flight Plan Over the Internet [PDF], NOTAM, Aeronautical Information Products, Operations Report, ANS Programs, Local Area Weather Manuals and more ]

 Airline Tickets / Bargain Flights - Flights to Alberta

 Air Canada
 Tango
 Air North Airline

 Red Arrow - daily scheduled passenger service
Calgary - Edmondton v.v. / Edmonto - Fort McMurray v.v. / Banff and Lake Louise
 Greyhound - coach line

 Viarail - Canadian Railways - a.o. Route Planner

 Weather Office Canada


Links 

 Travel Insurance - - online travel and holiday insurance for UK and Irish residents

 Discover Alberta®
Alberta's grandeur and beauty are obvious from the moment you arrive. Above all are Alberta's Rocky Mountains, including the world famous resorts of Banff, Jasper, Canmore, Kananaskis, Lake Louise and Waterton. Visit the vast farmlands of Alberta's Heartland, Southern Alberta and Northern Alberta. Calgary, home of the Calgary Stampede, is known for its warm hospitality. Edmonton, the provincial capital, features West Edmonton Mall - the world's largest shopping and entertainment complex.

 Edmonton - capital of Alberta  - Discover Edmonton  - Tourist Board of Edmonton
Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, is well known for its scenic river valley and numerous art and music festivals. It is also home to the world's largest shopping and entertainment centre, West Edmonton Mall. The Muttart Conservatory is noted for its architecture, as is the remarkable Alberta Legislature Building. Fort Edmonton Park is reputed to be Canada's largest living history museum.
Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, St. Albert

  Heartland - Alberta's Heartland
Discover central Alberta, the Heartland of the province, a place that celebrates its roots and maintains a close relationship with the land. This is one of the most fertile regions of the province, and the importance of agriculture is evident in the multi-hued rolling landscape of late summer.
The region also boasts many rodeos where rugged individualists compete in heart-stopping events like bull -riding. Visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village east of Edmonton, where costumed interpreters recreate the daily routines of Ukrainian pioneers. Travel into the Valley of the Dinosaurs, one of the world's richest fossil beds and home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. Visit the many community museums for an in-depth look at the Heartland's settlement. Stop at any of the region's famous parks, such as Red Deer's Kerry Wood Nature Centre, for a picnic and nature walk, and drink in the many natural wonders of the Heartland.
Intriguing cities and towns including Red Deer, Camrose, Stettler, Lacombe, Wainwright and Vegreville, and plays host to a variety of excellent events and attractions.
  Northern Alberta - Northern Visitor
The north is a rare places that is relatively untouched and unspoiled; where a person can still experience solitude. The largest of the province's six tourism areas, the north encompasses a vast expanse of land stretching from just north of Edmonton all the way to the border with the Northwest Territories.
Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie
  North West Alberta -  Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association - Northern Visitor
The Peace Region of Canada
  Rockies - Discover the Rockies
There's more to the Rocky Mountains than breathtaking beauty - a chance to observe the forces of nature at work and to learn of the many human dramas that have been played out in the shadow of these giants.
Destinations: Banff, Canmore, Cline River, Grande Cache, Hinton, Icefields Parkway Region, Jasper, Kananaskis Country, Lake Louise, Waterton Lakes National Park
  Southern Alberta
The area south of Calgary to the Montana border is rich in sites sacred to Aboriginal people. Their story is told at Head-Smashed-In buffalo Jump, the best-preserved buffalo kill-site in North America, and among the hoodoos at Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park. The Fort MacLeod Museum relates how the North-West Mounted Police brought law and order to the west by showing respect for Aboriginals and Europeans alike, and halting the illegal whiskey trade.
The south is also prime ranchland, and the cradle of a thriving livestock industry that has saddled Alberta with its cowboy image.
Brooks, Crowsnest Pass, Drumheller, Fort Macleod, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat

 Airdrie - City of Airdrie - situated on Calgary's north doorstep - 
 Airdrie Festival of Lights
Largest walk-thru Christmas light display in Western Canada, possibly even the world, but we don't like to brag.
 Banff - Banff.com
The Canadian Rockies - grand masterpiece of the West. From quiet meadows to thundering waterfalls, towering peaks to misty canyons, Banff offers a unique assortment of sightseeing and leisure activities. Are you looking to find that perfect virgin powder for your first run of the day? Or perhaps strolling through Banff's wonderfully eclectic shops and boutiques is more to your liking. Whatever your style, Banff has something for you.
Banff offers a wide variety of accommodations, three world class ski resorts, daily interpretive tours and activities and transportation options for all of your Banff vacation needs.
 Bonnyville - Town of Bonnyville - located 240 kms from Edmonton, on Highway #28.
It is situated amidst clear lakes, white sandy beaches and green forests. Bonnyville is a key service centre within northeast Alberta.
 Calgary - City of Calgary  -  Discover Calgary - Tourist Board of Calgary
Calgary is an attractive and dynamic city situated on the banks of the Bow River and close to Alberta's majestic Rocky Mountains. The Calgary Stampede is undoubtedly Calgary's best-known visitor attraction. This event, featuring a large parade and world-class rodeo, draws more than a million people each year. Other attractions, including the Glenbow Museum, Calgary Tower, Canada Olympic Park and Eau Claire Market, are great places to visit year-round.
Calgary Area: Airdrie, Bragg Creek, Calgary, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks
 Camrose - County Camrose
The County of Camrose is located a short drive southeast of Edmonton.
 Canmore - Canmore Town - Canmore Tourism - Canmore Tourist Board
Set in the Bow Valley amid the rugged majesty of the Front Ranges of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore enjoys a singular relationship with its surroundings.
Lying only 1.5 hours west of Calgary's International Airport, 5 minutes East of Banff National Park (20 minutes to the town site of Banff ), and virtually nestled into the northwest corner of Kananaskis Country, which is home to a multitude of Provincial (equivalent of state parks in the U.S.) and Wild-land Parks.
Established in 1883, Canmore grew as a coal mining town, servicing the needs of the railroad as it made its historic journey west into the Canadian Rockies. Canmore remained an active coal mining community until 1979.
 Didsbury - Town of Didsbury
Like many settlements in the early west, Didsbury grew up along the railway tracks, developed a frontier-style business street, erected impressive centres of worship, and eventually had its own park and bandstand.
The Town of Didsbury is a proud member of the Prairies to Peaks Tourism Association. If you're looking for vacation packages in the area, check out the P2P website at www.prairies2peaks.ca/. The possibilities are limitless when it comes to recreation in Didsbury, and great holiday getaways.
 Fort Saskatchewan - City of Fort Saskatchewan
The Fort Saskatchewan District entered history well over 200 years ago with its original industry of canoe building. In the spring of 1875, the Northwest Mounted Police built the "Fort on the Saskatchewan". It was originally known as "Sturgeon Creek Post", but the name was changed very shortly to "Fort Saskatchewan". A community began to develop adjacent to the fort. Thus, the present City of Fort Saskatchewan traces its history back to this Northwest Mounted Police fort of 1875.
Fort Saskatchewan was incorporated as a Village in 1899, as a Town in 1904 and as a City in 1985.
 Grande Prairie - City of Grand Prairy - northwestern Alberta, 456 km northwest of Edmonton
Located on the southern edge of the Peace Country. Grande Prairie serves as the largest economic centre in the region [ oil and forestry industries ].
 Hanna - Town of Hanna - Goose Country
 Hinton - Town of Hinton - 270 km. west of Edmonton and 80 km. east of Jasper townsite
It is a short 15-minute drive to Jasper National Park boundary and about 3 hours from the world famous West Edmonton Mall. Other nearby communities are the towns of Grande Cache and Edson.
With the mountains next door the opportunities for camping, hiking, downhill skiing, fishing, and hunting are numerous.
 Leduc - City of Leduc
City of Leduc is a thriving community that is strategically situated along Alberta's major road and rail connections and is ideally located near the Edmonton International Airport.
 Lethbridge - City of Lethbridge
Lethbridge is one of the sunniest and warmest cities in Canada with close to 2400 hours of sunshine per year. It is also the frequent beneficiary of a phenomenon called the chinook, a warm west wind providing above freezing breaks throughout the winter season. 
 Medicine Hat - City of Medicine Hat - located in the southeastern part of Alberta
Nearby towns considered part of the Medicine Hat area include Dunmore, Seven Persons, Redcliff, and Irvine. Its major claim to fame is Rudyard Kipling's famous line "all hell for a basement" referring to the vast reserves of natural gas beneath it.
 Olds - Town of Olds - in the heartland of central Alberta!
You have arrived in the land of plenty, home to Alberta's bounty of home-grown treasures, where the Foothills tumble into smooth rolls of rich farmland. Olds is also known as the "Gateway to the Rockies", as the Rocky Mountains and a myriad of recreational opportunities are within easy access from several convenient and scenic routes.
 Provost - Town of Provost
Bird watchers, campers, fishing and hunting enthusiasts can enjoy nature as close as the Trout Pond at the southwest corner of town, the "Blue Bird Trail" south of town, Ribstone Creek or lakeside at Capt. Ayre, Dilberry or Shorncliffe (all with in a short drive). There is a local archery club and shooting range. Due in part to the many nearby lakes, the hunter can find a plentiful supply of ducks and geese. Local outfitters, campgrounds and hotels can make your adventure comfortable and successful, and affirm why the area is well known throughout Canada and the United States for its abundance of game.
 Red Deer - City of Red Deer - central Alberta, between Calgary and Edmonton
It is Alberta's third largest city after Calgary and Edmonton. Red Deer is located in the Parklands, a region of rolling hills focused on oil, grain and cattle production. The city is a center for oil and agriculture distribution, and the surrounding region is a major center for petrochemical production.
 Spruce Grove - City of Spruce Grove -  western suburb of Edmonton
Spruce Grove is one of Western Canada's fastest growing communities.
 St. Albert - City of St. Albert -  northwest of Edmonton, on the Sturgeon River
Originally settled as a French-Catholic community, and is now a suburb of Edmonton, consisting largely of residential zones.
 Taber - Town of Taber
 Turner Valley - Town of Turner Valley Website
Turner Valley is a picturesque community nestled in the foothills of the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains only 35 minutes from Calgary and on the edge of Kananaskis Country. Turner Valley is the birthplace of Alberta's oil and gas industry, the site of the 1914 Dingman #1 well that began Calgary's first oil boom. Turner Valley boasts a remarkable history as not only the first major oilfield in Alberta but at one time the largest oil producer in the British Empire. Along with its quaint shops, artisan studios and breathtaking scenery, tourism is a major economic force in Turner Valley along with its growing artisan population who have been attracted to move to the area to enjoy the magnificent scenery and breathe the fresh mountain air. 

 Prairies2peaks
The area goes from the Town of Bowden (Hwy 587) in the north, east to Highway 805 (1 km east of the Hamlet of Torrington), south to the Cremona/Water Valley area, and west to the National Park boundaries.
Some of Alberta's best kept secrets can be found in P2P Country. Get away from the crowds of the national parks and explore the west country around Sundre, Bearberry, James River, and the Forestry Trunk area. Perfect spots for bird watching, hiking, trail riding, and great photo opportunities of flora and fauna. Reserve a campsite and discover some of Alberta's beautiful natural areas.

 Calgary Stampede
Hosting visitors from around the world, The Calgary Stampede blends a tribute to our Western Canadian heritage with dynamic contemporary entertainment.
The Calgary Stampede has a rich history. With origins as an 1886 Agricultural Fair to the world-famous attraction that it is today, the Calgary Stampede's past contains many colourful characters and significant milestones

Cuisine - Alberta Recipes

 Canadian Bison Association - A taste of North America
A recipe collection featuring the many ways bison can be prepared and served, from hors d'oeuvres to soups and stews, to steaks, roasts, and ground meat.
It's called A Taste of North America: Bison...Nature's Best is Back. Filled with more than 50 recipes, it also includes cooking tips for bison meat, and is available in English and French.
 Recipe Source - Canadian Recipes
 American French Genealogical Society - French-Canadian Recipes

History of Alberta

 Alberta - Wikipedia
The present province of Alberta as far north as 53°N latitude was a part of Rupert's Land from the time of the incorporation of the Hudson's Bay Company (1670) . After the arrival in the northwest of the French in around 1731 they settled the prairies of the west, establishing communities such as Lac La Biche and Bonneville. Fort La Jonquière was established near the what is now of Calgary in (1752). The North-West Company of Montreal occupied the northern part of Alberta territory before the Hudson's Bay Company arrived from Hudson Bay to take possession of it. The first explorer of the Athabasca region was ......

 Heritage Canada Foundation - see heritage links
"...preserve and demonstrate and to encourage the preservation and demonstration of the nationally significant historic, architectural, natural and scenic heritage of Canada with a view to stimulating and promoting the interest of the people of Canada in that heritage."

Music, Art & Culture, Events, Entertainment

 Culture of Alberta - see Wikipedia

 Banff Summer Arts Festival, Banff, May - August - 
The Banff Centre's annual feast of performing arts, fine arts, literary arts and mountain culture
 Big Valley Jamboree, Camrose - the best country music acts in the world
Explaining what Canada's biggest country music extravaganza is all about is like describing your first kiss. Or the first time you saw a rainbow. It's hard to put it into words, but it sure makes you feel good inside. Whether you're a true blue country music fan, or just like to have fun in a casual, relaxed atmosphere, Big Valley Jamboree is the event for you.
 Calgary Stampede, Calgary
As Calgary's most popular tourist attraction, 'the greatest outdoor show on earth' features a real rodeo, a midway (amusement park), concerts, chuckwagon races and more. The city of Calgary is transformed for 10 days into town celebrating the cowboy culture.
 Edmonton Heritage Festival
The Edmonton Heritage Festival is an annual celebration of Alberta's ethnic diversity. Three-day showcase of Canada's vibrant multicultural heritage. Sample culinary delicacies, see creative performances, shop for crafts, artwork, and clothing, or chat with people eager to tell you a little about their cultural roots and their present-day communities in Canada.

Web Portal / Alberta Search Engines / Alberta Directories

 Everything Alberta - Alberta's Search Engine and Online Community
 Access Alberta - tourism & adventure guide
 Alberta South Tourism 
Information about the area roamed by dinosaurs, buffalo, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and horned toads.
 Alberta South Tourism Destination Region
Travel directory and planner, including area maps, attractions, events, accommodations, dining and other services.
 Alberta's Heartland Tourism Destination Region 
 Canadianrockies.net 
Tourism and convention information for Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, and the National Parks in the Canadian Rockies.
 Canadianrockies.com - Canadian Rockies Tourism and Travel Guide
Accommodations, maps, mountain adventures, photos, travel articles, etc.
 Travel Alberta Rockies 
Official travel and tourism portal for Northern Alberta, with information about indoor and outdoor activities, events, and attractions.
 Discover Alberta 
Reservations, maps, and information about tours, attractions, restaurants, shopping, etc.
 Discover Alberta's Rockies 
Travel guide to the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. Includes information on car rentals, activities, lodging, shopping, etc.
 Explore Alberta 
 FindAlberta.com  - guides to various cities and regions of Alberta.
 Highwaylodge.com 
Information on accommodations, road conditions, weather, and attractions.
 Information Centre for East Central Alberta 
Attractions, events, food, and lodging for the region.
 Rockiesguide.com 
Lodging, day trips, activities, and outdoor adventures.
 Travel Alberta 

 Yahoo - Alberta directories

 Canadian Yellow pages
 Telephone Guide Canada
 Yellow Pages Canada


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