Alberta Parks in Alberta Suggested Road Trips

National Parks

Alberta sports a number of famous national parks. Today’s post will highlight key things to see in each of the most famous and accessible national parks.

Banff

Banff National Park has some of the most scenic sites in Canada, which are often featured in promotional literature and blogs for Canada. The park is known for its hiking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

The scenic Moraine Lake has trails to the panoramic views of the picturesque bright blue lake. Lake Minnewanka (“Lake of the Spirits”) is flanked by Mount Girouard, Saddle Peak, and Mount Costigan, which have stunning views. Cruises, boat rentals, and trout fishing are all favorite pastimes. Please note that fishing permits are required from Parks Canada and are available for purchase at the visitor’s centre, while provincial licenses are not accepted in the park. For fishing regulations and boating restrictions, see https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/glacier/activ/peche-fishing#boots.

Lake Louise sports beautiful turquoise waters framed by snowcapped mountain peaks. Hike the Sunshine Meadows or take a thrilling walk on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk (fees apply). Maybe “monster truck buses” (to quote a friend) that take you up to the glacier are more your thing. You can find these adventures here: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/columbia-icefield-skywalk/ . Note that some of these activities are seasonal.

Other highlights in the park include Bow Falls, a beautiful walk with fresh mountain air to a small waterfall, Banff Upper Hot Springs (https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/sources-banff-springs), the many trails in the park, and the small but cozy downtown of the Town of Banff. See https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff for the most up-to-date park information.

Jasper

Jasper National Park boasts great trails, including Maligne Canyon and the Sulphur Skyline Hike, scenic blue lakes, the world-renowned icefield parkway, Athabasca Falls, and Sunwapta Falls, to just name a few things to do. Mountain and road biking are popular with designated motorist-free roads in the spring and fall. The park also offers numerous other sites for mountain climbing, paragliding, kite surfing, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, boat tours, camping, and canoeing. Downhill skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, ski touring, and ice skating in the winter are also popular. For details, we recommend the park website at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ

Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton National Park in Southern Alberta is often unfamiliar to visitors to Western Canada. This lesser-known park hosts cycling, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and scenic drives. A perennial favorite is the water ferry (https://www.watertoncruise.com/2025.php) that crosses the Canada-US border (non-landing), making the return trip in 75 minutes. It is a great way to see remote parts of the park. Bear’s Hump is a popular hike and suitable for families with parking at the base just outside the townsite. Wildlife is often seen on the hike, and the trailhead is easily seen. The full hike is 2.8km (1.8 miles) with an elevation of 225 meters (738′). The views of the town and valley lakes are great. The hike represents one of the friendliest mountain hikes in the Rockies! About 13km (10 miles) from the townsite is Red Rock Canyon—a popular site with families. The canyon offers seasonal hiking paths, crossing a small stream amongst the red canyon walls with trails dotted by wildflowers. For current details, see https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton.

Elk Island

Elk Island National Park, East of Edmonton, hosts a unique feature found in only one other national park—Bison. These are often seen from Highway 16, which divides the park. Deer and moose are also regularly seen. The park makes a nice day trip from Edmonton and features a peaceful beach at Astotin Lake, complete with picnic shelters, tables, and fire pits. A campground, interpretive center, hiking trails, and golf course are nearby. The lake is suitable for kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing with rentals nearby, although swimming for extended periods is not recommended as “swimmer’s itch” has been known to occur. Interpretive programs, tours, wildlife watching, summer and winter camping, and hiking are also popular activities. Please note that programs and tours are seasonal. For the latest updates, visit their website at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland.