What are the best places to visit in Alberta?

The town of Banff is nestled in the Canadian Rockies and is regarded as the gateway for experiencing the great outdoors that the Banff National Park has to offer.

If you are visiting Banff, you must also head to Lake Louise, which is regarded as the crown jewel of Banff National Park. This picture-perfect glacial lake is one of the most photographed lakes in the world, but with its turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains, it needs to be seen with your own eyes.

Banff and Lake Louise are year-round destinations as you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and horseback riding in the summer, and in the winter, you can go skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, and on romantic sleigh rides. The Lake Louise Ski Resort is part of the Ski Big 3 resorts and boasts the longest ski season in Canada.

If you want to know the best time to visit Lake Louise and Banff, it depends on what you want to do. For skiing and snowboarding, the best months are during winter (January-March), but if you want warm and sunny weather, the best time to visit is from July to September.

Jules Nguyen, the author behind the Finding Jules travel blog, has visited Banff on a few occasions, and she shares her thoughts on the area: “ There is no greater joy, no freer feeling, than looking at the mountain range and the turquoise lakes, and being reminded of how tiny I am, and how incredibly powerful this world is. Banff makes my soul smell like fresh pine and clean water, and I am always, always, always reminded of what it feels like to be alive.”

In terms of the best places to visit in Banff, she recommends heading to Lake Louise for some kayaking.

“Kayaking on this beautiful lake is a must, just because the mountains form the most perfect V-shape in the background. Make sure you bring a jacket with you as the weather can be very temperamental, especially as you kayak closer to the mountains.”

ALSO READ: 48 hours in Lake Louise

Located in Alberta’s vast wilderness lies the mountain resort of Jasper. The beautiful town is a great place to stay if you want to explore the Canadian Rockies and, in particular, Jasper National Park.

Being located in the national park makes Jasper an adventurer’s playground, as there are ample walking routes you can enjoy, and we’ve listed some of the best trails you can enjoy around the town.

• Pyramid Lake: This trail is over three miles long, perfect for people of all ages and hiking levels, and offers beautiful views of the stunning lake.
• Athabasca Falls: Just under a mile, this walk is easily accessible for people of all ages, and along the way, you can see one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Jasper, as well as get great views along the Athabasca River.
• Maligne Canyon: A two-mile route explores the finest limestone gorge in Jasper National Park, and you can enjoy some great views of the canyon and surrounding scenery.

The best time to visit Jasper if you want to hike is during the summer (between June and August) when the days are long and sunny, but for those wishing to escape the crowds, September through to October is a great time to visit. December is when the winter season begins, and Jasper is the destination for those looking for a quieter Canadian ski holiday with fewer crowds and great conditions. The temperatures start to increase in spring, which is in March, and popular activities include mountain biking and canoeing during this time of the year.

ALSO READ: The top attractions in Jasper National Park