Discover incredible ways to experience Alberta’s breathtaking landscapes, from hiking in Jasper to camping in Elk Island. Explore hidden gems like Elbow Falls and Glenbow Ranch with this local guide.

You know as an Alberta-based person that this province boasts of some of the best outdoor spaces in the whole Canada. Yet, despite the claims to fame about national parks and secret local gems, a lifetime resident might miss incredible places. Among them are ancient waterfalls cascading over rocks, lakes bluer than the sky above it, and paths through woods older than Canada itself. This local’s guide will provide you with one hundred different ways to explore your own backyard Alberta from backcountry hikes to family-friendly parks. And if you need a new weekend getaway or want to see your home province through new eyes, then these nature adventures will take you into overlooks and open air spaces that were hitherto unknown.    

Alberta is a complete package for everyone, be it a family or working professional. It offers full entertainment. To enjoy all the places listed below you can easily find affordable rental properties in vicinity of the outdoor spaces on rental property listing sites.

Alberta’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trails

When it comes to beautiful sceneries and natural landscapes in Canada; there is no place like Alberta. If you want to appreciate its beauty in full then go on hiking.

Lake Louise Shoreline Trail

This 3.4 km loop offers a great way for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy picturesque views of Lake Louise’s turquoise waters while circling around Victoria Glacier with Mount Victoria making a perfect backdrop. During summer months bears could be seen along the trail.

Parker Ridge Trail, Jasper National Park

If you want to take a moderately arduous hike that will give you an awe-inspiring reward, then head for Parker Ridge Trail. It’s a steep 3 km climb through subalpine forest ending at an alpine ridge that overlooks Athabasca Glacier and the surrounding peaks. The trail is full of wild flowers from July to August.  

Crypt Lake Trail – Waterton Lakes National Park

This is one of the most exciting walks in Waterton Lakes Park, which is tough but great fun. The Crypt Lake Trail is one of those hikes and it leads to a beautiful lake hidden in the mountains. The hike up to bridge includes a boat across Waterton Lake with several tunnels, cliff edges and patches on steel cables for safety. Crypt lake itself nestles among mountains and cliffs like an emerald jewel. A full hike takes between four and six hours.

Alberta’s hiking trails show off the province’s stunning variety of landscapes. From gentle strolls around mountain lakes to rugged slogs across alpine meadows, there are trails for everyone here. Put on your hiking boots and go! The view from each trail’s summit will linger long after you have descended back down the hills.

Top Parks for Camping and Outdoor Adventure

Elk Island National Park

A paradise for campers and outdoor lovers, situated just 45 minutes to the east of Edmonton is Elk Island National Park. There are more than 200 camping sites including some equipped with electrical hook-ups, picnic tables as well as fire pits. The region has a variety of wildlife such as moose, bison, beavers and over two fifty bird species. Allowing one to participate in hiking, biking, boating or swimming. During winter they have skating trails, cross country skiing trails and snowshoeing.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is located amidst the Canadian Rockies and provides incredible view along with superb recreational activities outdoors. Most of them are positioned near turquoise lakes with mountain views and there are over 1000 campsites available for tents or RVs. Hiking, horseback riding, white-water rafting, kayaking and rock climbing are all possible here. Bears can be sighted around bighorn sheep; mountain goats can also be seen there together with golden eagles in their natural environment. As a result during winter you can ski down the hill as well as snowboard doing other sports like snowshoeing and dogsledding. Jasper is one of the most popular parks for camping and outdoor activities because it offers so much beautiful scenery and adventure.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park is tucked away in southern Alberta on the Montana border. The park consists of rugged mountains, forests, prairies, and over 100 alpine lakes. There are more than two hundred camp sites that have breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and Waterton Lake. Some favorite activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating and wildlife viewing. You might see black bears, deer, bighorn sheep and more than 250 types of birds. Waterton Town has a lot to offer as you explore the park including shops, restaurants and historical Prince of Wales hotel. This mountain peace is an undeveloped hidden gem compared to other popular national parks.

Finding Hidden Gems: Our Favorite Local Parks in Alberta

Elbow Falls Provincial Park

The Elbow Falls Provincial Park located in the foothills of Canadian Rockies displays one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Alberta. In summer you can hike or cycle through scenic trails stretching across over 200 acres while cross country skiing awaits during winter seasons. The showstopper is the impressive Elbow Falls that is a mass of swirling white water amidst a rocky chasm. If you want to have lunch while enjoying these views there are picnic areas around this place. Carry your swimsuit and boots for an unforgettable tryst with nature leaving no stone unturned.

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

A prairie landscape with rolling hills, coulees and a river valley can be found at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park which is just 30 minutes from Calgary. There are over 20 km of trails on foot or by bike including the multi-use Trans Canada Trail. From birds of prey soaring overhead to deer grazing in the fields, wildlife sightings are common here. Visit the park’s heritage buildings to learn about the cultural history of this working ranch. Situated under massive cottonwood trees are campsites and picnic areas which provide a perfect setting for a weekend getaway.

Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country is an expansive wilderness covering more than 4,000 sq km located west of Calgary. “K-Country” has something for everyone; alpine lakes and mountain peaks as well as prairie grasslands and river canyons. In winter, go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on scenic trails. Summer activities include hiking, camping, fishing and mountain biking. For stunning vistas, drive the winding Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail or hike to the top of Mt. Kidd in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. This natural playground will enable you find beauty right where you live.

With such hidden treasures, you will never exhaust your options for exploring Alberta’s great outdoors. You will want to stay here forever, the easiest thing you can do is to prolong your stay here is taking up rental properties by finding them on best site for apartment listings.
So lace up those hiking boots, pack a picnic and get ready for some adventure!

Conclusion

So, there you are — a guide to some of the most incredible outdoor spaces in Alberta as seen by locals. If you want to see breath-taking mountain ranges, pristine glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls or simply find an isolated place where you can be in touch with nature, then this is just where to go. Remember to carry your camera along and do not forget your hiking boots and enthusiasm for these wonders. And beware of mosquitoes- they are very much on the lookout! No matter where your expedition takes you outside, embrace wide open spaces here.

Take in the coolness of the fresh air from a mountainous region; walk through forests that stretch from one end to another or roam endless prairies; relive those unforgettable moments in our part of Canada which we residents of Alberta have been fortunate enough to call home.