What to do and see in Alberta, Alberta: The Best Free Things to do

August 16, 2021 Jana Sager

Discover the best top things to do in Alberta, Alberta including Moraine Lake, Mount Edith Cavell Trail, Peyto Lake, Plain of Six Glaciers, Prince's Island Park, Lake Minnewanka, Bow River, Maligne Canyon, Athabasca Falls, Johnston Canyon.
Restaurants in Alberta

1. Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake Rd off Great Divide Hwy, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada 403-522-3733 [email protected] http://morainelake.com
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5,819 reviews

Moraine Lake

This beautiful lake nestled in the mountains is best known for its appearance on the back of the Canadian dollar bill.

Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain

Moraine Lake is one of the main sightseeings in Banff National Park, one of the three national parks, which are close with others: Yoho, and Jasper National Parks. Here it is possible to do some different excursions (we did one, the Consolation Lake Trial about 6 km surrounding the lake and go up to a the other lake), really a wonderful excursion with great views of the lake and surroundings.. Near the lake, there are some natural areas of forest, where you can see also very beautiful views. A Top in (West) Canada!!! In fact, the best views are from a little top in front of Morraine Lake, from where you can see incredible views of the lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks. (See also Banff National Park, Minnenwanka Lake, Consolation Lake, Louise Lake, Herbert Lake, Hector Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Johnston Canyon, Mistaya Canyon, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Glacier, North Saskatchewan River, Valley of Ten Peaks).

2. Mount Edith Cavell Trail

28 km South of Jasper 178 km North of Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada +1 780-852-6176 http://www.albertawow.com/hikes/mount_edith_cavell_hike/mount_edith_cavell_hike.htm
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 224 reviews

Mount Edith Cavell Trail

Reviewed By JayY_Canada

Best things about the hike: - Begins at fairly high elevation (1700+ meters) - not much effort before getting above the tree line - Awesome views: glacier, lake, mountain peaks, blue sky - Wild flowers (even late in the season) - Pikas and mountain marmots (they are not as shy as those we saw in other places; you can get a really close-up view) - Moderate efforts: took us 4 hours round trip to the highest point of the trail and back; this is with extended lunch and animal viewing stops; we are moderately active and only average in fitness level. - The pay-off is excellent for you effort. (It takes a lot more work to get this kind of view elsewhere.) Things to be prepared for: - Bug repellent (even this late in the season) - Prepare for changing weather (hot, cold, windy, rainy); but "marginal weather" often produces the most spectacular views. - Sturdy hiking shoes and/or hiking poles help; the upper part of the trail could be a little slippery/scary for some. - Could be crowded; (not so much this year due to COVID perhaps) - No outhouses once you leave the parking lot; time your "needs" for a 4+hr walk. - Bring your long lens if you are into animal photography

3. Peyto Lake

Icefield Parkway, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada +1 403-522-3833 http://banffandbeyond.com/category/banff-lake-louise/peyto-lake-and-bow-summit
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,192 reviews

Peyto Lake

Reviewed By Mary-Meadows - Hamilton, Canada

Driving back from the Icefield we happened upon this hidden gem. We were able to drive to top parking lot so only a short walk out to the lookout through a pine forest that was so beautiful with the snow on the trees from the snow we received that morning (yes in June!) When you get to the lookout the view of Peyto Lake is breathtaking. The colour is brilliant blue. So glad we found this beauty!

4. Plain of Six Glaciers

Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 413 reviews

Plain of Six Glaciers

Reviewed By Sophie_12341369 - Saint Jerome, Canada

This is a truly amazing hike that gets you up close to the glaciers with the option to eat a snack at the tea house. The trail itself is challenging but very doable for someone of average fitness. It is uphill but never gets too steep. The views are amazing all the way up. Highly recommend

5. Prince's Island Park

200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 4R5 Canada +1 403-268-3888 http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Downtown-parks/Princes-Island-Park.aspx
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,398 reviews

Prince's Island Park

This recreational island is located in the Bow River, providing stressed-out urbanites opportunities to bike, hike and fish.

Reviewed By JLOUcomotion7

This is one of the most beautiful parks in Calgary. This is a must-go-to park for those who are visiting, for sure. Peace Bridge is there, Kensington, the popular stairs where people go to for either pictures or do cardio, fancy restaurants, rafting, Eau Claire Market mall, Sheraton Hotel, movie theatre, YMCA, they’re all nearby. It’s so nice to go for a walk or run or bike, or sit by the river. There’s even lots of events that’s going on there. Whoever said it’s a boring park and there’s nothing to do here, has obviously never explored much.

6. Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1K2 Canada https://www.banfflakelouise.com/lake-minnewanka?utm_source=TravelAlberta-ATIS&utm_medium=TravelAlberta&utm_campaign=ATIS+-+Alberta+Tourism+Information+Service&utm_content=Listing%2f1285%2fen-CA
Excellent
54%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,734 reviews

Lake Minnewanka

There’s no comparing the emerald green waters of Minnewanka with any urban landscape. Mountain ridges stretch as far as the eye can see, eventually blurring into a blissful cascade of colours.

Reviewed By bhavnaandshahaan - Mumbai, India

This place has my heart forever... so beautiful, serene and quiet.... was in love with the natural beauty ... do take the scenic drive after the boat experience and soak in the magic ... on our boat tour we met Mr Tim Cook the ceo of apple which was a total surprise .... for more pics and reviews from our trip to banff follow us on instagram @ bhavnaandshahaan

7. Bow River

Calgary, Alberta Canada +1 403-268-2489 http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Pathways/Pathways-in-Calgary.aspx
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 741 reviews

Bow River

This feisty waterway is popular for its adjacent walkways used by walkers and bicyclers.

Reviewed By 9rocket9 - Medicine Hat, Canada

Kayaked from Bowness to the Peace Bridge in downtown Calgary, had an absolute blast! Some fast water and some calm! Lots of people out but very calming

8. Maligne Canyon

Maligne Lake Road, Jasper, Jasper National Park, Alberta T0E 1E0 Canada +1 780-852-6176 https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/itineraires-itineraries/canyon-Maligne
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,561 reviews

Maligne Canyon

A scenic limestone canyon with waterfalls and walking trails.

Reviewed By nikkisC5765BV - Banff, Canada

I did the whole hike all the way to 6th bridge (7+km out and back). The first 1/4 of the hike is heavily trafficked as it follows the canyon. After this, it follows a gorgeous river through the woods to 6th bridge. Stunning the whole way. Great for families as it can be customized to a long or short hike depending on which bridge crossing you turn back Lovely cafe with outdoor seating and a firepit at the parking lot.

9. Athabasca Falls

Hwy 93, Jasper, Jasper National Park, Alberta T0E 1E0 Canada +1 780-852-6176 [email protected] http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jasper/index.aspx
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,708 reviews

Athabasca Falls

A spectacular waterfall in Jasper National Park.

Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada

Athabasca Falls is located approximately 30 minutes south of the town of Jasper along the scenic Icefields Parkway. It is a place definitely worth stopping and exploring. There were a network of paved pathways leading to various areas overlooking the waterfalls and viewpoints of the deep and narrow canyon. Athabasca Falls was powerful and gorgeous waterfall with a stunning backdrop of forests, mountains and the river flowing through as huge volumes of water rushed down into the canyon. There were a few lookout points offering different views of the falls along the trails. I visited on a sunny afternoon and the area was quite crowded with some of the lookout areas being very small, so I had to wait my turn in order to get up front and take photos. The pathways were interesting to explore and one of them led through a narrow section between two walls of the canyon with stairs carved into the rocks. There were some great vantage points overlooking the river and the canyon to see where the water had eroded the rock to create caves and unique rock formations over many years. Athabasca Falls was a wonderful area to discover, admire the natural beauty and take plenty of photos. The parking lot was large and could accommodate quite a few vehicles. It would probably be best to visit in the morning during the summer season before the crowds of people show up. If you’re driving the Icefields Parkway, definitely stop here.

10. Johnston Canyon

Banff National Park, Alberta Canada +1 403-762-1500 https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/banff?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=johnston_hiking
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,478 reviews

Johnston Canyon

Scenic wooded canyon with trails for hiking and biking.

Reviewed By GailS905 - Sydney, Australia

This is an absolute must do if you are visiting Banff. What I will warn is that no where does it explain the level of fitness required to do this walk. All the brochures say easy and suitable for all levels of fitness and age...well I have to say I struggled with it. I am in my 60’s and I do have a level of fitness in that I can easily walk 5kms and I swim 1km almost every day but this walk was NOT easy. There is some steep up hill parts albeit short and even the coming down requires use of muscles so that you do not slip. So just a warning to consider. Having said that I did make it and it was very worth while the view from the top falls is AMAZING and we even saw ice climbers in action. If you don’t think you can make it to the top falls, the bottom falls gives you a really good taste of Johnston Canyon and it is easier to get to. We went on a tour but you could easily do it yourself as a lot of people do and then you can take it at your own place and turn around when you like as it is one trail there and back, you cannot get lost.

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