Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
Take in five floors of exhibits that span 450 years of music history. The National Music Centre boasts a collection of more than 2,000 pieces, plus interactive exhibits where visitors can try their hand at different instruments. Don't miss the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and featured exhibitions.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
After Studio Bell, visit East Village and Inglewood, two of Calgary's most popular neighbourhoods.
Heritage Park Historical Village
History comes to life at one of Canada's largest living-history museums. Explore southern Alberta's pioneer past through 180 exhibits and 55,000 artifacts that span from 1850 to 1950. Take a ride on a steam train and a Ferris wheel from 1893. Watch for featured exhibits and events during your visit.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Visit one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur fossils. The Royal Tyrrell Museum’s extensive exhibits will take you on a 3.9-billion-year trip through time. Budget about two hours to explore everything. While you’re there, hike the Hoodoo Trail, found 16 km (10 mi) east of Drumheller.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the highest concentration of late Cretaceous period fossils in the world, and more than 150 full dinosaur skeletons have been found here. Take a guided excavation tour or hike the self-guided trails. Allow two hours to get here from Drumheller.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
In Drumheller, stop for a photo op with Tyra, the world's largest dinosaur.
Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi
See the largest concentration of First Nations rock art — petroglyphs and pictographs — on the North American plains. Indigenous Peoples have called this land home since time immemorial, and Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai'pi ("it is written" in Blackfoot) is best experienced with an expert guide.
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Check out the hiking trails throughout the provincial park, including the Matapiiksi (Hoodoo) Trail.
Galt Museum & Archives
This internationally recognized museum pays homage to the people, places and industries of southern Alberta through more than 17,000 artifacts and one million archival documents. There are featured exhibitions throughout the year alongside the mainstay attractions.
Fort Whoop-Up
Southern Alberta's history includes the illegal whisky trade, and the infamous characters and stories await at Fort Whoop-Up. You’ll also learn about the buffalo robe trade of the 1800s, the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis and other First Nations, as well as Canadian, American and British settlers.
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
This lush oasis in the heart of Lethbridge will make you feel like you've gone to Japan. Constructed in 1967, the garden recognizes the multiculturalism of Lethbridge and the friendship shared between Japan and Canada. Stroll the paths or visit the tea pavilion to take part in cultural experiences.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Take a break from exploring and visit one of the local breweries, like Spectrum Ale Works.
Prince of Wales Hotel
This iconic hotel was built in 1927 and maintains its vintage charm. The Prince of Wales overlooks Upper Waterton Lake, which means stunning views. Indulge in Afternoon Tea, a delicious meal in the Royal Stewart Dining Room or end the evening with a cocktail in the Windsor Lounge.
Waterton Shoreline Cruise
Take a scenic cruise on the deepest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy a round-trip adventure that crosses into the United States — Waterton is an International Peace Park. Keep an eye out for wildlife. It’s not uncommon to spot animals like black bears and moose along the shoreline.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Try the Bear's Hump Hike in Waterton. It's a popular one, and you’ll see why when you reach the top.
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
Canada's deadliest rockslide forever changed the landscape of Turtle Mountain, when 110 million metric tonnes of limestone fell onto miners' cottages on the edge of a small mining town. The interpretive centre shares exhibits and stories of survivors, and you can walk a trail through the rubble.
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Stop at Lundbreck Falls and the Burmis Tree on your way to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Visit one of the best-preserved buffalo jumps in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was used by Indigenous Peoples for nearly 6,000 years, and you can learn all about the site's past and present significance through guided tours. Make sure to visit the on-site museum.
Bar U Ranch National Historic
Experience the life of a cowboy at one of the longest-running ranches in Alberta. Take part in ranching activities, venture into 100-year-old barns, see farm animals and visit the Stoney Nakoda encampment to learn about the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to ranching in Western Canada.
Eau Claire Distillery
The award-winning craft distillery was the first of its kind in Alberta, and it's become highly regarded for its farm-to-glass spirits. Stop by the tasting room to sample gin, whisky and vodka.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Be sure to try the Parlour Gin at Eau Claire Distillery. It’s their flagship spirit.