Everyone loves a ‘hidden gem’, perhaps somewhere or something that is a little unique and off-the-beaten-track. Alberta is full of these secret wonders - and they’re just waiting to be explored. From backcountry road trips to stunning lakeside retreats to secluded hikes, Alberta has something to offer for locals and travellers alike.
When you think of Alberta, one of the first things that spring to mind is The Icefields Parkway; though less of a ‘hidden’ gem, this stunning stretch of road continues to impress. Witness jaw-dropping scenery as your journey past more than 100 ancient glaciers, waterfalls cascading from dramatic rock spires and turquoise lakes set in sweeping valleys. Remember to take your camera there are so many places worth stopping to take picture of. Or put on your hiking boots and make your way down one of the many trailheads. With so many must-see stops along the way, it’s best to dedicate plenty of time to exploring The Icefields Parkway.
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park and National Historic Site (otherwise known as ‘Áísínai´pi’ - meaning, it is pictured/written) is located about 100 kilometres southeast of Lethbridge and is must-visit for any traveller. The Milk River valley historic site contains the largest concentration of aboriginal rock carvings on the Great Plains of North America. Petroglyphs and pictographs carved and painted on sandstone walls record the history of the Blackfoot and Shoshone, dating back thousands of years. Feel the mystery of this sacred ground where all were given shelter. Learn through drum and dance about a way of life that changed very little over time. If you’re looking for a beautiful camping spot, head towards the river.
Take a trip to The Wood Shed to partake in one of Canada’s favourite pastimes – axe throwing! With 8 axe throwing lanes, this stress-relieving activity is perfect for a unique day out. It combines the thrills of target shooting with the competitiveness of any team sport. Enjoy a great sense of satisfaction once you manage to hit the target - with a great sounding thud.
Something really unusual in Alberta is Canada’s first and only Star Trek museum – Trekcetera. Not only does this museum feature authentic costumes, props and set pieces from movies and television with an emphasis on Star Trek, but it also has artefacts from a slew of other famous movies. This is a must-see for movie buffs and ‘Trekkies’ alike! But what if a whole town embraced the Star Trek lifestyle? That's exactly what happened in Vulcan, a small town that embraced the film in galactic proportions. Scores of Star Trek fans make the pilgrimage to the tiny town each year. You can even visit the town’s tourist centre to grab some Spock ears!
The sun-sparkled water and endless white sand beaches of Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park make it one of Alberta's best summer destinations. Just a few hours north of Edmonton, this auto-accessible lake features resorts and marinas dotted along its shores. The town of Slave Lake has everything you need for your stay. Cycle, paddle, swim, fish and watch for wildlife, or hike up to Marten Mountain Viewpoint for a spectacular overlook of the lake. Head to 'The Nest', a peaceful, sun-washed timber-frame house which is located right in the middle of the campground and next to the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation. This beautiful spot can be accessed by everyone; there is even a wheelchair that can travel on the sand, so that everyone can enjoy the beach.
If this blog has made you want to visit Alberta, you can check out our dedicated Alberta page here for more holiday inspiration or contact our Canada experts on 0161 888 5632 for a free no obligation quote.
