Introduction
Alberta, with its vibrant cities of Calgary and Edmonton, along with stunning natural landscapes nearby, offers an unforgettable adventure. This 7-day itinerary is designed to help you discover the best of Alberta, from urban attractions to scenic wonders.
Day 1: Arrival in Calgary
Morning: Arrival and Check-In
- Arrival: Fly into Calgary International Airport.
- Check-In: Choose accommodation in downtown Calgary for convenient access to attractions.
Afternoon: Calgary Tower and Stephen Avenue
- Calgary Tower: Start your journey with panoramic views from the Calgary Tower observation deck.
- Stephen Avenue: Stroll along Stephen Avenue Walk, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Evening: Dinner in Kensington
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Kensington, a trendy neighborhood known for its eateries and boutiques.
Day 2: Calgary City Highlights
Morning: Heritage Park and Calgary Zoo
- Heritage Park: Explore Canada’s largest living history museum at Heritage Park Historical Village.
- Calgary Zoo: Visit the Calgary Zoo, home to diverse wildlife and botanical gardens.
Afternoon: Olympic Park and Bow River Pathway
- Olympic Park: Discover the legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics at Canada Olympic Park.
- Bow River Pathway: Walk or bike along the scenic Bow River Pathway for picturesque views.
Evening: Sunset at Scotsman’s Hill
- Scotsman’s Hill: Watch the sunset over downtown Calgary from Scotsman’s Hill viewpoint.
Day 3: Day Trip to Banff National Park
Morning: Departure for Banff
- Drive or Tour: Take a day trip to Banff National Park, approximately 1.5 hours from Calgary.
Afternoon: Banff Town and Sulphur Mountain
- Banff Town: Explore Banff Avenue, visit shops, and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
- Sulphur Mountain: Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for stunning views.
Evening: Dinner in Banff
- Dinner: Experience dining in Banff with mountain views and delicious cuisine.
Day 4: Edmonton Arrival and Exploration
Morning: Travel to Edmonton
- Drive or Train: Travel to Edmonton, about a 3-hour drive or scenic train ride from Calgary.
Afternoon: West Edmonton Mall and Fort Edmonton Park
- West Edmonton Mall: Discover North America’s largest mall, with shopping, entertainment, and attractions.
- Fort Edmonton Park: Step back in time at Fort Edmonton Park, showcasing the city’s history.
Evening: Dinner in Old Strathcona
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Old Strathcona, a historic district with a lively dining scene.
Day 5: Edmonton Museums and River Valley
Morning: Alberta Legislature and Art Gallery
- Alberta Legislature: Tour the Alberta Legislature Building and explore its grounds.
- Art Gallery of Alberta: Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta for contemporary art exhibitions.
Afternoon: Edmonton River Valley
- River Valley Parks: Explore Edmonton’s River Valley parks, perfect for walking, cycling, or picnicking.
Evening: Edmonton Food Scene
- Dinner: Indulge in Edmonton’s diverse food scene, from local specialties to international cuisines.
Day 6: Day Trip to Jasper National Park
Morning: Departure for Jasper
- Drive or Tour: Take a day trip to Jasper National Park, approximately 4 hours from Edmonton.
Afternoon: Jasper Town and Maligne Lake
- Jasper Town: Explore the charming town of Jasper, visit shops, and enjoy lunch at a cafe.
- Maligne Lake: Cruise on Maligne Lake and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes.
Evening: Return to Edmonton
- Drive Back: Return to Edmonton in the evening, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Day 7: Edmonton Departure or Final Explorations
Morning: Final Sightseeing
- City Views: Visit viewpoints for panoramic views of Edmonton skyline.
- Shopping: Explore local markets or shops for souvenirs.
Afternoon: Departure or Extended Stay
- Option 1: Depart from Edmonton International Airport.
- Option 2: Extend your stay for additional explorations or relaxation in Edmonton.
Conclusion
This 7-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of city experiences in Calgary and Edmonton, along with scenic day trips to Banff, Jasper, and natural wonders of Alberta. Pack your sense of adventure and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Alberta’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities!