21 Stunning Natural Sights To See In Alberta If You Are So Over Going To Lakes
Feel sun-kissed. There is nothing like exploring spectacular landscapes to put you in a good mood. Thankfully we don't have to travel far to enjoy some breathtaking time outdoors. But, after going to check out turquoise lake after turquoise lake it can get a bit repetitive. To spice things up, we have other natural sights in Alberta you need to see if you are so over going to lakes.
Even if you've lived here all your life, you can still have fun and feel like a tourist. Within the province, there are such diverse landmarks that some spots will even make you feel like you are on another planet.
You could spend one day visiting our very own badlands, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the next walk right up to a towering icy glacier.
Even if you consider yourself a local expert, you might be shocked by all the places you have never seen. Like we have the longest freshwater boardwalk that takes you through a marshland filled with cute animals.
Or you could climb to a mountain top that has secret hot springs where you can enjoy unbelievable views. It is a dreamy spot to go with your friend and relax in the steamy water.
Jura Creek
Price: Free
Address: Bighorn No. 8, AB
Why You Need To Go: It is an easy 6.9-kilometre hike that takes roughly two hours. Along the way, you'll travel through a canyon and pass a waterfall.
Ptarmigan Cirque Kananaskis
Price: Free
Address: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, AB-40, Kananaskis, AB
Why You Need To Go: You need to experience this picturesque 4.5-kilometre hike that offers breathtaking views. Along the trail, you'll see lots of fluffy animals like squirrels and chipmunks and will visit a small waterfall too.
Badlands Trail
Price: Free
Address: Dinosaur Provincial Park, AB
Why You Need To Go: Walking around Dinosaur Provincial Park you'll feel like you are on another planet. If you are in a hurry, the Badlands Trail is a fantastic choice, as the easy loop is only 1.3-kilometres long so you'll be done in a few minutes.
Beaver Boardwalk
Price: Free
Address: 408 Collinge Rd., Hinton, AB
Why You Need To Go: Here you'll find the world's longest freshwater boardwalk that will take you over a marshland where you'll see beavers.
Canola Fields
Price: Free
Address: Multiple locations around Edmonton, AB
Why You Need To Go: In the summer you'll be able to find huge fields of canola blooming with sunshine yellow blossoms. Just make sure not to enter the fields without permission.
Saskatchewan Glacier
Price: Free
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB
Why You Need To Go: Near the famous Columbia Icefields, you can find another stunning glacier.
Crescent Falls
Price: Free
Address: Clearwater County, AB
Why You Need To Go: Go chasing waterfalls! Towering Crescent Falls is a fantastic choice, and you can even camp nearby.
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
Price: Free
Address: Spruce Grove, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can explore the marshland by following the boardwalk paths. Within the sanctuary, you can see all sorts of animals like fox, coyote, flying squirrels, moose, white-tailed deer, and porcupine.
Dark Sky Reserve
Price: $7.90
Address: Elk Island National Park, 54401 Range Rd. 203, Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can stargaze at the Dark Sky Preserve which is away from all the light pollution in the city. Grab a blanket and lay down and see how many constellations you can spot. Who knows, maybe you'll see a shooting star!
Saskatoon Farm
Price: $16 per u-pick bucket
Address: 80181 338 Ave. E. #20, Foothills County, AB
Why You Need To Go: It is a fun spot to go with your friends and pick some juicy cherries or strawberries.
Ma Me O Beach
Price: Free
Address: Ma Me O Beach, Wetaskiwin, Alberta
Why You Need To Go: Cool off this summer by swimming at this excellent beach that has a long stretch of white sand.
Mount Lady MacDonald Trail
Price: Free
Address: Canmore, AB
Why You Need To Go: If you are up for the steep climb this 3.2-kilometre trail will offer some remarkable lookouts.
Tunnel Mountain Trail
Price: $10.00
Address: 224 Banff Ave., Banff, AB
Why You Need To Go: Grab a water bottle and climb to this spectacular mountain lookout where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Bow Valley and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Price: $11.00
Address: Mayor Magrath Dr. S., Lethbridge, AB
Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like you've been magically transported to Kyoto as you explore the massive garden.
Mist Mountain
Price: Free
Address: Mist Mountain, Kananaskis, AB
Why You Need To Go: While the climb is challenging it is worth it to reach the hidden hot springs where you can soak and enjoy the glorious views.
Athabasca Ice Caves
Price: $225.00+
Address: Athabasca Glacier, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can go on a guided tour of giant frozen caves that are unlike anything you've seen before.
Bowden SunMazeÂ
Price: $9.00
Address: Range Rd. 14, Bowden, AB
Why You Need To Go: You can't help but smile as you explore the colossal field of 10,000 golden sunflowers. While here you'll want to make sure to visit the pick your own bouquet garden where you can harvest a few blooms to bring home.
East End of Rundle
Price: Free
Address: East End of Rundle, Kananaskis, AB
Why You Need To Go: It is an epic 6-kilometre climb that is very challenging but will reward you with views that will take your breath away.
Elbow Falls
Price: Free
Address: AB-66, Bragg Creek, AB
Why You Need To Go: It is a charming spot to go for a picnic with your friends near the series of small falls.
Lundbreck Falls
Price: Free
Address: Range Rd. 24 B., Lundbreck, AB
Why You Need To Go: You won't believe how easy it is to see the Lundbreck Falls. Forget a long hike in the woods, this natural wonder can be enjoyed only a few feet from the parking lot.
Red Rock Canyon
Price: $7.90
Address: Waterton Lakes National Park, AB
Why You Need To Go: Enjoy some time outdoors with your friends at this canyon that has unbelievably bright red stones and a creek where you can cool your feet.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.