Canada Guide
Alberta and the Rockies
The vast majority of Alberta is given over to endless prairies, where isolated farms act as sentinels for thousands of acres of swaying wheat or giant herds of cattle, or where endless pine forests carpet the oil and gas-rich wilderness in the north of the province. But the focus of most visitors is, quite rightly, the Canadian Rockies, which stud the province's eastern border with British Columbia. This is where you'll find archetypal Canada: lands where craggy peaks tower over iridescent turquoise lakes and conifer valleys where bears scavenge for berries and elk quietly graze.
Such is their scenic quality that almost the whole region is protected one way or another as parks or wilderness areas. The dual wonders of Banff and Jasper National Parks are the best known among them, though the series of parks on the BC side of the border are equally magnificent, in part because they're more lightly visited.
The bustling oil-towns of Edmonton and Calgary form the main gateways to the entire Rockies region, by acting as transport hubs for northern and southern Alberta respectively. Though similar in feel and appearance the two are intense rivals; as apparent as anywhere in the fierce competition between their ice hockey teams.
Highlights
1 Calgary Let your inner cowboy or cowgirl out at the annual Stampede in this likeable plains city.
2 Waterton Lakes Superb hiking and stunning scenery at this small park on the US border.
3 Kananaskis Country As the crowds stream past to Banff, get out and draw breath.
4 Banff Hugely popular region at the heart of the Rockies, with sublime scenery and tons of activities.
5 Lake Louise Magnificent landscapes within easy reach of Banff.
6 Jasper Head north on the legendary Icefields Parkway for some memorable backcountry walks.
7 Mount Robson Explore west of Jasper for breathtaking vistas over the Rockies' highest peak.
8 Yoho Awesome grandeur and outstanding hikes in a compact setting.
9 Glacier Thrilling mountain scenery and award-winning trails west of Yoho.