10 of the greatest things to do and see in Alberta before summer ends

Jun 29 2023, 5:52 pm

It can be a little frantic trying to fit in those final summer trips before the dead of winter hits Alberta but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some of the greatest things to check out before summer comes to a close.

From the sights of a legendary stretch of highway in the Alberta Rockies to some of the most majestic lakes and geological features, these are some of the spots you should be trying to hit up in your final weeks of summer vacation.

Visit all the wild roadside attractions in AlbertaĀ 

roadside attractions in Alberta

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From a big bee to a giant beaver, the province has plenty of interesting, and maybe even a little bizarre, roadside attractions and landmarks to visit. The perogy is downright iconic, and the world’s largest dinosaur has been fascinating kids and adults for decades. Start the car and make a weekend out of it — you’ll be delighted by all the small towns you’ll visit along the way.

Red Rock Coulee

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It’s one of the most peculiar landscapes in Alberta, you’ll almost feel like you are on a different planet when you visit the Red Rock Coulee natural area. Located approximately 50 kilometres south of Medicine Hat, it contains large red spherical sandstone concretions that have eroded out of the softer bedrock, the best example of spheroid rock formations in Alberta.

Concretions measure up to 2.5 metres across and are believed to be among the largest in the world, according to Alberta Parks. There are also hoodoos in the area, so get to some exploring down there why don’t you?

Frank Slide

Alberta natural wonders

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Situated in Crowsnest Pass, Frank Slide is a jaw-dropping scene and the result of a massive rockslide off Turtle Mountain during the early morning hours of April 29, 1903. More than 90 people were killed in the town of Frank when the wall of rock came crashing into the eastern side of the town. Today more than 100,000 visitors pass through the area and visit the interpretive centre to learn more about the slide.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

 

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This UNESCO World Heritage Site is just two hours east of Calgary and transports you back to prehistoric times. Dinosaur Provincial Park has striking badlands and is overflowing with fossils to be discovered. It’s a neat spot to escape to a landscape that makes you feel like there is no way you are still in the country, let alone Alberta.

Cruise the most scenic highways in AlbertaĀ 

Alberta highways scenic

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Nothing beats a good trip during the summer, and two highways in Alberta are among the best in the country for breathtaking views. So fuel up your vehicle and hit the Icefields Parkway or Badlands Trail to see for yourself — you won’t be disappointed.

Writing-On-Stone Provincial ParkĀ 

 

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About 100 kilometres southeast of Lethbridge, the Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park holds the greatest concentration of rock art on the North American Great Plains. Hoodoos are also scattered throughout the park’s coulee and prairie landscape.

Moraine Lake

 

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Stunning blue water and towering mountains? Post a photo of yourself visiting this spot in Banff National Park and you are guaranteed to have people asking where the heck that is. Lake Louise is world-famous for its turquoise water, which you can rent a canoe and go paddling on — we highly suggest doing so. It’s a rare place that must be visited, and certainly is up there when it comes to things you should check off the list before summer comes to a close in Alberta.

Okotoks ErraticĀ 

Alberta natural wonders

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Standing out against its prairie surroundings, this massive rock is thought to have been left behind when the glaciers retreated. It weighs more than 18,000 tons and is broken into two pieces. It can be found west of the city of Okotoks, and pictures simply don’t do it justice on just how MASSIVE it is. You must see it for yourself!

Mount Edith Cavell

mountain Alberta

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Itā€™s one of the most iconic peaks in the Alberta Rockies, and Mount Edith Cavell in Jasper is more than just a massive, pretty mountain. Itā€™s a highly accessible spot, with a nice paved path leading you to the views of the mint-green lake below angel glacier. Keep in mind that Cavell Road opens to vehicles on June 21, weather permitting, and closes on October 15, or after the first significant snowfall.

Upper Kananaskis Lake and its Brokeback Mountain connectionĀ 

Brokeback Mountain Alberta

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Alberta is no stranger to film and television (Hey there, The Last of Us) and you can visit a gorgeous lake in the Rockies where some of Brokeback Mountain was filmed back in 2004. Remember the campsite scenes? They were shot in numerous areas in the province including Upper Kananaskis Lake, which is within Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. The lake is featured prominently during a heated argument between Gyllenhaal and Ledger, with the mountainous backdrop being unmistakably that of Upper Kananaskis.

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