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From a world-famous drive through the Canadian Rockies to lesser-known routes through welcoming small towns along the Cowboy Trail and wild areas off the beaten path, Alberta is one of Canada’s most incredible places for summer road trips.
Don’t be afraid to stray from the road trip itineraries below, but use them as inspiration. Alberta rewards travellers unafraid to wander from the beaten path.
Everyone should experience a summer drive in Alberta. Even a short road trip can reveal dramatically different landscapes. One day you’re winding past glaciers in the Canadian Rockies, the next you’re cruising by rolling fields in the prairies or hiking among hoodoos in the Canadian Badlands.
Driving through Alberta opens the door to more undiscovered places—explore quaint towns and hidden turnouts at your own pace. With clearly marked routes and well-maintained highways across the province, it’s easy to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
The Icefields Parkway is known as one of the world’s most scenic drives. This legendary road stretches between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park, showcasing Alberta’s towering peaks, sweeping valleys and glacial rivers.
It takes roughly three hours to drive the 230 km (143 mi) without stopping, but you’ll definitely want to check out sites like Sunwapta Falls. This 18-meter (60-foot) waterfall is especially powerful come summer. And Peyto Lake’s turquoise waters and wolf-shaped outline beg drivers to pull over. Take a 10-minute stroll up the paved walkway to stretch your legs, then pose for pictures while you enjoy the view.
Want to take the excitement up a notch? Walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk’s glass floors, suspended 280 meters (918 feet) above the Sunwapta Valley. If heights aren’t your thing, book an interpretive ice walk across the ancient Athabasca Glacier with Glacier IceWalks.
Whether you begin or complete your Icefields Parkway trip in Jasper, rest up in one of the unique accommodations there. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge boasts the amenities of a luxury resort and the surroundings of a nature retreat. Miette Mountain Cabins is another charming option, offering full kitchens, fireplaces and numerous hiking trails nearby. It’s also close to Miette Hot Springs, one of Alberta’s two natural hot springs, for anyone wanting a rejuvenating soak in the natural spring waters.
The Cowboy Trail lives up to its name, highlighting Alberta’s ranching heritage and big-sky scenery. You’ll see cows, horses and sheep grazing grassy foothills—you might even catch sight of a genuine cowboy.
This winding highway is lined with quaint towns, off-the-wall restaurants and friendly faces. Grab some locally famous beef jerky for the road from Longview Jerky Shop, or stop at Twin Cities Hotel for lunch. The menu features seasonal ingredients that will give you a deeper appreciation for the farms you drive by.
To further immerse yourself in western culture, visit one of Alberta’s oldest working ranches. Bar U Ranch National Historic Site shares a glimpse into the past with historic barns, roping lessons and saddle-making demonstrations. Or, hop into the saddle yourself at Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures. They offer horseback trail rides for all skill levels and a homey guest lodge for overnight stays.
The opportunities for discovery here are endless. Plan to start from Calgary.
The Canadian Badlands are undeniably road-trip worthy. This landscape holds hoodoos and canyons formed by wind and water over millions of years, as well as numerous fossil beds.
With so much prehistoric history, it’s no surprise Drumheller is the Dinosaur Capital of the World. This town is your hub for getting around the Canadian Badlands and Dinosaur Provincial Park. While you’re there, check out the Royal Tyrrell Museum. They have one of the world’s largest collections of fossils, and host digs where you can try to uncover more.
Once you feel like a Jurassic expert, take lunch at Last Chance Saloon. This old cowboy hangout is famous for its perfectly prepared Alberta beef. Save room for dessert from Valley Ice Cream Shoppe. Their fun flavours and homemade waffle cones are sure to hit the spot on a hot day. Spend the night in Drumheller at Rosebud Country Inn, a farmhouse-style escape, or opt for a cozy cabin at Horseshoe Canyon Campground. Or try glamping to get a little closer to the canyon nature in a geodome at Bridgeviews.
In the morning, head 167 km (104 mi) southeast to Dinosaur Provincial Park for a guided hike or to see an outdoor fossil display. They have no shortage of activities and trails. You might see wildlife like bison, deer or coyotes as you stroll the otherworldly terrain.
Travellers seeking fewer crowds and iconic mountain vistas will thrive in David Thompson Country. Located in Central Alberta on the eastern slopes of the Rockies, it’s a fantastic destination to reach from Jasper, Edmonton, Calgary or Banff.
You won’t be able to pass by Abraham Lake without stopping to admire its striking blue water. This spot is ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing and paddling. Pick up a transparent boat or kayak from Crystal Clear Kayak Rental at David Thompson Resort and set off. With Rockies Heli Canada, you’ll get a bird’s-eye perspective on the rugged peaks and lakes you’ve just driven by.
Savour your time here with a stay at Aurum Lodge. Just off the shores of Abraham Lake, the views from this lodge will amaze you. Sit fireside in the evening under a sparkling display of stars. Expanse Cottages offer a cozy getaway with wood-burning stoves and wilderness all around.
Siffleur Falls are easy to get to from here—book a guided trek with Canadian Rockies Escapes to reach the waterfall and learn about the Nordegg area along the way.
Get inspired with the best things to do in David Thompson Country
Want to pack as much Alberta into each day as you can? Alberta’s major cities, Edmonton and Calgary, are perfect launch points for single-day road trips.
The Rockies are right on your doorstep from Calgary. Head to Canmore and join Canmore Cave Tours for a caving expedition past ancient pictographs. After, unwind at the Everwild Nordic Spa with hot pools, saunas and a cold plunge.
Or drive to Bragg Creek for hiking and horseback riding through forested foothills with Moose Mountain. Fuel up first with a soul-warming lunch from The Italian Farmhouse.
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Alberta’s capital city has unforgettable experiences all around it. East of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park and its bison herds are a wildlife photographer’s dream.
If you’re looking for more cultural interactions, drive northeast to Métis Crossing. They host hands-on Indigenous workshops, offer authentic cuisine and have sky-watching domes for overnight stargazing.
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