Alberta’s top road trip spots include Banff, Jasper, Icefields Parkway, Drumheller, Waterton, Kananaskis, Canmore, Elk Island, the Cowboy Trail, and Sylvan Lake—each offering stunning views, nature, or small-town charm.
Alberta is one of Canada’s most spectacular provinces to explore by car. Its vast and varied landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Rockies to the otherworldly Badlands, make it perfect for unforgettable road trips. Whether you're looking for epic adventures, quiet lakeside retreats, or cultural exploration, Alberta delivers.
This guide showcases the top 10 road trip destinations across the province. For each, we’ve included distance or travel time from a major city, who it’s perfect for, the best time to visit, and travel tips to help you make the most of your journey.
1. Banff National Park
- Distance from Calgary: 128 km / ~1.5 hours
- Perfect for: First-time visitors, photographers, hikers, couples, families
- Best time to travel: June to September for hiking and sightseeing; December to March for skiing
- Travel Tips: Book your Banff National Park Pass in advance; arrive early at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (shuttle service recommended in peak season); bring layers for unpredictable mountain weather.
Banff is the crown jewel of Canadian Rockies road trips. Highlights include the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, the charming town of Banff, and natural wonders like Johnston Canyon and Bow Valley Parkway. With its wealth of activities and dramatic scenery, Banff is ideal for any style of travel.
2. Jasper National Park
- Distance from Edmonton: 365 km / ~4 hours
- Perfect for: Wildlife lovers, stargazers, outdoor adventurers
- Best time to travel: June to September; October for the Dark Sky Festival
- Travel Tips: Carry bear spray when hiking; drive carefully—wildlife often cross roads; stargazing is best outside town limits.
Jasper is Banff's quieter cousin but equally awe-inspiring. Home to Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, and the Jasper SkyTram, it's a sanctuary for outdoor exploration and wildlife viewing. Jasper is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve, offering world-class stargazing.
3. Icefields Parkway (Highway 93)
- Distance: 230 km between Banff and Jasper
- Perfect for: Scenic drive enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers
- Best time to travel: Late June to early October (Glacier access is seasonal)
- Travel Tips: Fill up your gas tank in Banff or Jasper—services along the Parkway are limited; bring food and water; cell service is spotty, so download maps.
Considered one of the most beautiful drives on Earth, the Icefields Parkway links Banff and Jasper through glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and turquoise lakes. Must-sees include Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Sunwapta Falls, and the Glacier Skywalk.
4. Drumheller and the Alberta Badlands
- Distance from Calgary: 135 km / ~1.5 hours
- Perfect for: Families, geology buffs, dinosaur fans, history lovers
- Best time to travel: May to October
- Travel Tips: Wear sun protection—the Badlands are hot and dry; visit early in the day to avoid crowds and heat; check museum hours before visiting.
Drumheller offers a stark contrast to Alberta's mountainous regions. Explore the Royal Tyrrell Museum's dinosaur exhibits, walk among hoodoos, and hike the Mars-like terrain of Horseshoe Canyon. The Atlas Coal Mine offers historical insight and fun guided tours.
5. Waterton Lakes National Park
- Distance from Calgary: 270 km / ~3 hours
- Perfect for: Peace-seekers, couples, photographers, hikers
- Best time to travel: June to September
- Travel Tips: Bring bear spray; book accommodations early in summer; check trail conditions as weather can affect access.
Waterton is a serene and underrated gem. With Red Rock Canyon, Cameron Falls, and the famous Prince of Wales Hotel overlooking the lake, it's ideal for quiet exploration. Waterton also links to Glacier National Park in Montana for cross-border adventurers.
6. Kananaskis Country
- Distance from Calgary: 90 km / ~1 hour
- Perfect for: Hikers, campers, nature lovers, locals
- Best time to travel: June to October
- Travel Tips: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for vehicle access; pack bear spray; trails can be muddy or snowy in shoulder seasons.
Known as the "locals' Banff," Kananaskis Country features wild alpine scenery without the crowds. Hike to Troll Falls, paddle at Barrier Lake, or drive the stunning Highwood Pass. It's a great escape for day trips or weekend camping.
7. Calgary to Canmore
- Distance: 106 km / ~1 hour
- Perfect for: Weekend getaways, foodies, bikers, casual hikers
- Best time to travel: Year-round; summer and early fall for best weather
- Travel Tips: Canmore is outside the national parks, so no park pass is required; make dinner reservations in peak season; bike rentals and paddleboards are popular.
Canmore is a lively mountain town with artsy charm and endless outdoor fun. Hike to Grassi Lakes, relax by Quarry Lake, or enjoy local craft beer. It makes a great base for exploring Banff and Kananaskis.
8. Edmonton to Elk Island National Park
- Distance: 50 km / ~45 minutes
- Perfect for: Day-trippers, families, wildlife lovers, stargazers
- Best time to travel: May to September; fall for elk rut season
- Travel Tips: Bring a camera with zoom for bison photos; pack a picnic; check Parks Canada website for event schedules.
Elk Island is a peaceful park ideal for wildlife watching, particularly bison. It’s also part of a Dark Sky Preserve, perfect for stargazing. Canoeing on Astotin Lake and hiking the gentle trails are great ways to enjoy a day outdoors.
9. Southern Alberta Cowboy Trail (Highway 22)
- Distance from Calgary to Longview: 110 km / ~1.5 hours
- Perfect for: Culture seekers, history buffs, motorcyclists, photographers
- Best time to travel: May to October
- Travel Tips: Look out for seasonal rodeos; visit Bar U Ranch for authentic cowboy heritage; carry cash—some rural shops don’t accept cards.
Follow the Cowboy Trail along Highway 22 to explore Alberta's ranching roots. With sweeping views of the Rockies to your west and rolling ranchland to your east, the drive itself is the main attraction. Stop in Turner Valley, Black Diamond, and Longview for local charm.
10. Sylvan Lake and Central Alberta
- Distance from Edmonton or Calgary: ~160 km / ~2 hours from either city
- Perfect for: Families, beachgoers, water sports lovers
- Best time to travel: Late June to early September
- Travel Tips: Book accommodations early in peak summer; bring water gear or rent locally; plan for day trips to Lacombe or Markerville.
Sylvan Lake is central Alberta’s top summer destination. Enjoy a day on the beach, rent a paddleboard, or explore the waterfront boardwalk. Nearby historic towns offer additional charm and unique local eats.
Road Trip Tips
Planning a memorable Alberta road trip takes a little preparation. From timing your travels to packing right and staying safe, these practical tips will help you get the most out of your Alberta adventure—whether you’re chasing mountain views, prairie skies, or Badlands landscapes.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to road trip in Alberta is between late May and early October, when the weather is warm, the roads are clear, and national parks are fully open. Summer (June–August) is ideal for hiking, lake activities, and mountain views, while fall (September–early October) offers fewer crowds and breathtaking foliage, especially in the Rockies and foothills.
Packing Essentials
Alberta’s weather can shift quickly, especially in the mountains, so pack layers, including a light jacket or rain shell. Bring GPS or offline maps for areas with weak signal (common in national parks), a reusable water bottle, high-energy snacks, and a first-aid kit. Don’t forget bear spray if you’ll be hiking, and a camera—Alberta’s scenery is worth capturing.
Travel Safety
Before setting out, check your vehicle’s tires, brakes, fluids, and fuel levels, especially if you're driving through remote regions like the Icefields Parkway. Keep an emergency kit on hand with items like jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, and extra food and water. Always check road and weather conditions, especially during shoulder seasons or if heading into the mountains.
Plan Your Route
Alberta’s attractions are spread across vast distances—from prairies and deserts to alpine parks—so plan your trip with realistic drive times and rest stops. Use tools like Google Maps or Alberta’s travel advisory websites to time your routes and look for scenic byways. Booking accommodations in advance is smart during peak summer months.
Support Local
Make your journey even more meaningful by supporting local communities and businesses. Stay at locally-owned lodges or campgrounds, grab a bite at small-town diners or cafés, and shop at indigenous art shops, farmers’ markets, or visitor centers. Every stop is a chance to experience Alberta’s warm hospitality and vibrant local culture.
FAQs About Best Road Trip Destinations in Alberta
Planning a road trip through Alberta? Here are some of the most common questions travelers ask—covering everything from the best time to go and what to pack, to park passes, routes, and more.
Alberta is known for scenic drives like the Icefields Parkway, the Cowboy Trail, and the route between Calgary and Banff. Top destinations include Banff, Jasper, Drumheller, and Waterton Lakes.
Most travelers recommend 7–10 days to fully enjoy Alberta’s top road trip destinations, including time for hiking, sightseeing, and relaxing.
The Icefields Parkway is technically open year-round, but winter conditions (November–April) can make parts of the road hazardous or temporarily inaccessible. Summer (June–September) is ideal.
Yes. A valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for all vehicles entering Banff, Jasper, or other national parks. You can buy one online or at park entrances.
June to September is considered the best time due to warm weather, open hiking trails, and accessible lakes. October is great for fall colours and fewer crowds.
Conclusion: Hit the Road
With so many incredible destinations, Alberta is the ultimate province for road trip adventures. From the Rockies to the Badlands and everywhere in between, there’s a route and destination to suit every traveler.
Use this enhanced guide to plan your journey, and you’ll be set for scenic drives, memorable stops, and unique experiences that only Alberta can deliver. Pack your bags, fuel up, and hit the road to discover the beauty waiting around every turn.
