5 Reasons Why Americans Will Love Alberta

Here are the top reasons Americans should choose Alberta for their next vacation destination.

Reason 1: Your dollar goes further here

With current conversion rates, Americans can take their Alberta vacations to the next level. Now is the ideal time to indulge in the finer things our province has to offer, from luxurious mountain retreats like the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge to top-rated restaurants like Major Tom in Calgary. And why not treat yourself to pampering at a place like Spa by JW Marriott in the heart of Edmonton? You deserve a break from the everyday.

Travel tip: We are the only Canadian province without a provincial sales tax. If you’re looking for souvenirs, Alberta is the place to get them.

Reason 2: Our accommodations are one-of-a-kind

When you stay in Alberta, stay somewhere wild. We have everything from cabins and glamping sites to a castle in the Rockies. Accommodations here often offer cultural experiences, guided tours or adventure opportunities. Indigenous-owned Métis Crossing has sky-watching domes where visitors can fall asleep under a blanket of stars and sometimes the northern lights. Anchor D Guiding & Outfitting rents log cabins in the foothills year-round and leads horseback riding tours ranging from two hours to seven days.

Travel tip: It's best to book your stays in advance, especially if you’re coming in summer or for a winter ski trip. Accommodation and campsites in popular areas like Banff or Lake Louise can fill up quickly.

Reason 3: We’re easy to reach and to roam 

As your northern neighbours, we’re closer than you think. Americans can reach our province in no time with direct flights to our international airports in Calgary (YYC) and Edmonton (YEG). If you’re driving to Alberta or renting a car here, don’t miss out on a road trip down the famously beautiful Icefields Parkway. This highway spans between Banff and Jasper National Parks and features numerous lookouts, hikes and glaciers along the way. Just be sure to look out for animals like moose, elk, mountain goats and sometimes even bears while you’re on the road.

Travel tip: Those who want to visit Banff and Jasper National Parks but don’t want to drive can take scenic bus rides from Calgary or Edmonton. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a train journey through the Rockies. Check out our itineraries with VIA Rail and the Rocky Mountaineer for inspiration.

Reason 4: Alberta stuns all year round

We have four seasons and countless ways to enjoy each. As Canada’s sunniest province, Alberta’s summers are filled with river floats, patio happy hours and festivals like the 10-day Calgary Stampede in July. Winter brings stunning snowfalls and big smiles, especially for skiers and snowboarders who carve powder at our top-tier ski resorts in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. And where better to admire spring’s bloom than in Canada’s wildflower capital? Waterton Lakes National Park boasts hiking trails galore, perfect for spotting wildlife and embracing nature. Those who prefer to set themselves apart from the crowd will adore autumn. Fall is when you’re most likely to get incredible sights to yourself, such as our golden larch trees in the Rockies.

Travel tip: No matter when you come, bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for UV protection. Sometimes we experience all four seasons in one day, especially in the mountains, so it’s best to pack layers.

Reason 5: You have your pick of adventures

We always encourage visitors to go their own way here. Our province caters to adrenaline seekers, foodies, spa retreat regulars and everyone in between. To help get you started, we created numerous trip ideas and itineraries across Alberta. Whether you want to dig for dinosaur bones in the Canadian Badlands, chase northern lights in the Rockies or connect with Indigenous cultures anywhere, you can find the itinerary for you.

Travel tip: Check out our Trip Planning page to get more information about visa and eTA requirements, transportation, what to pack, when to visit and more.