Undiscovered Alberta – a road trip off the beaten track
Amidst canyons, prairies and starry skies
Have you already been to Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise? There’s still more to discover in Alberta: in the Canadian Badlands, hoodoos, canyons and dinosaur fossils create an almost surreal landscape, whilst the Southern Rockies around Waterton and Crowsnest Pass captivate visitors with their lakes, wildflower meadows and vast starry skies. You can experience the culture of the West along the Cowboy Trail and across the prairie landscapes. On this road trip, we’ll introduce you to some of Alberta’s lesser-known but equally stunning destinations.
From Calgary to the Badlands
From Calgary, the first leg of the journey heads eastwards into the surreal landscapes of the Canadian Badlands. Situated right beside Highway 9 is Horseshoe Canyon, where you can admire the jagged sedimentary layers from viewing points or along a 5 km circular walk. The journey then continues to Drumheller, the ‘Dinosaur Capital of the World’. If you fancy it, you can enjoy the sunset from Orkney Viewpoint in the Red Deer River Valley.
Drumheller and the surrounding area
Near Drumheller, bizarre rock formations rise up into the sky: the Willow Creek Hoodoos. These are sandstone pillars topped with slabs, formed by erosion over millions of years. The short Hoodoo Trail can easily be combined with a visit to the Rosedale Suspension Bridge and the Atlas Coal Mine. Detailed information on the fossil finds in the area is available at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.
A highlight for dinosaur fans: Dinosaur Provincial Park
The journey continues to one of the world’s most significant fossil sites: Dinosaur Provincial Park, home to finds dating back some 77 million years and representing more than 44 species, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can search for fossils yourself along the park’s numerous walking trails and even camp in the dramatic Badlands landscape by the Red Deer River. Those who prefer not to camp can stay overnight in Brooks.
Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi
The journey continues south to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park on the Milk River, on the edge of the Great Plains. This sacred cultural landscape of the Blackfoot, a First Nations group in Canada, contains the largest collection of rock art in North America. As well as guided tours, there are various walking trails and outdoor sports activities on offer. Visitors can stay overnight in the park or in nearby Lethbridge.
A stop-off at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
On the route to Waterton lies Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, an impressive site that preserves over 6,000 years of Indigenous culture. At the cliff and in the Interpretive Centre, visitors can learn how the Blackfoot Indigenous people herded, hunted and made full use of bison herds – for food, clothing, tools and the community. Guided tours are complemented by regular events.
Waterton: A highlight for outdoor enthusiasts
Waterton Lakes National Park borders Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, to the south. Both parks are Dark Sky Reserves, making them ideal for stargazing and even observing entire galaxies. During the day, the walking trails to Lower Bertha Falls and Bear’s Hump are among the highlights. Other popular activities include cycling, horse riding, kayaking, climbing and fishing. The park also offers plenty of activities for families.
The History of Mining at Chrowsnest Pass
The route takes you further into south-west Alberta along the Crowsnest Highway. Crowsnest Pass combines rugged mountain landscapes, former mining towns, waterfalls and trails. Don’t miss the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, which tells the story of the landslide on Turtle Mountain that buried the village of Frank and 90 people in 1903. The natural highlight of the route is the stunning Lundbreck Falls.
From cowboys to craft beer: Alberta’s Foothills
Following the Cowboy Trail/Highway 22, the route heads north through the picturesque foothills between the Rocky Mountains and the prairie – ranchland with plenty of Western charm. The highlight is the Bar U Ranch, where rodeos, covered wagon rides and events with the First Nations bring the Western heritage to life. Horse rides, walks along Pekisko Creek and a visit to a craft brewery in Diamond Valley round off this stage of the journey.
Back to Calgary
The final leg of the journey back to Calgary can be tailored to suit your preferences. Those who fancy a bit of the great outdoors can visit Sheep River Provincial Park or Bragg Creek Provincial Park. Also worth seeing is Okotok’s Erratic, an Ice Age boulder (Okotok is the Blackfoot word for ‘rock’) that rises up from the prairie. Those in the mood for small shops or cafés will find what they’re looking for in Bragg Creek, just half an hour west of Calgary.
This holiday suggestion is brought to you by our partner:
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