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Region known for:
  • Rural ranches
  • Scenic road trips
  • Winding rivers

Here, thousands of acres grow some of the most relied-upon crops in the world. Between fields of barley and wheat, you’ll discover Canada’s Wild Side in its charming towns. Experience the draws of the rural way of life.

  • Key City: Red Deer
  • Transportation Hub: Edmonton International Airport
  • Don't miss: The craft beer scene, fed by local barley
  • Claim to fame: Seven provincial parks

Central Prairies highlights

A couple get ready to mount and ride their horses while horseback riding at Heritage Ranch near Red Deer

Rustic lifestyles

Authentic ranches offer overnight tours so you can live like a rural Albertan. Break away from bustling cities and dare to try something different, like horseback riding, fruit winery tastings or river fishing.

Provincial park paradise

The Central Prairies are home to seven provincial parks. Each is rife with trails for hiking and biking, greenery and campsites. Get up early for a tie-dye sunrise and birdsong, and you might spot wildlife roaming, too.

Woman stand-up paddleboarding with the sun going down

Breezy water days

Cast your fishing line from a canoe in one of the Central Prairies' many lakes or take a dip on a sunny summer day. Float like a local down the Red Deer River through picturesque prairie and canyons.

A happy family walk with The Jungle Farm barn in background.
A skater spins on the ice at Bower Ponds in Red Deer.
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Couple looking at samples with Employee at the Troubled Monk Brewery
Aerial shot of a floating cabin at Glamp Good in Winfield.
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The cozy interior of a luxury glamping dome at Glamp Good in Alberta.
A smiling child jumps on a trampoline surrounded by climbing structures at Canyon Adventure Park in Red Deer.

Highlighted attractions

A family run as they explore the Lacombe corn maze.

Lacombe Corn Maze

Challenge yourself between the corn stalks in Lacombe. Once you find your way out, pet farm animals, putt through the mini golf course or try one of the other 40 attractions.

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An audience watches race cars drive around the track at the Edmonton International Raceway.

Edmonton International Raceway

Welcome to Western Canada’s only NASCAR-sanctioned raceway and a true thrill provider. Test drive a NASCAR stock car, ride with professionals or watch them race for first place.

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The view from the basket of a hot air balloon.

Air-ristocrat Balloon Rides

Soar into the skies on a hot air balloon for an impressive view of Central Alberta, from the prairies to the Canadian Rockies. Settle into the wicker basket on this high-altitude adventure.

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Suggested itineraries

A couple enjoying cocktails in the Vermillion Room at the Banff Springs Hotel
10 days
Explore Alberta in Luxury

Enjoy a 10-day luxury road trip through Alberta that takes you to major urban cities, to the majestic Rocky Mountains and back.

3 days
Alberta's Roadside Attractions Starting from Calgary

Plan a series of day trips starting from Calgary, or kick off an epic adventure by heading south to Vulcan and then working your way north, visiting five roadside attractions over the course of three days.

View all road trips & itineraries

Nearby cities to explore

Red Deer

Red Deer
Winter sunrise/sunset scene of Peace Bridge in Calgary

Calgary

Calgary
A dad gets ready to push his child down a tobogganing hill at the Indigenous Art Park in Edmonton.

Edmonton

Edmonton