This story was created in partnership with: Travel Alberta
Alberta is full of natural wonders, from stunning lakes to breathtaking mountain scenery, so it won’t come as a surprise that every year come winter or summer, thousands of people flock to the banks of Lake Louise and the trails of Jasper National Park. If you’ve already experienced these beautiful sights and are craving a little something extra, check out these 11 secret places in Alberta!
- Canmore
- The Hoodoos of Drumheller Valley
- Mistaya Canyon
- Cave and Basin
- Medicine Lake
- World’s Largest Beaver Dam
- Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens
- Lake Agnes Tea House Hike
- Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
- Elk Island National Park
- Sentinel Pass
Canmore
At one time, Canmore was Alberta’s best-kept secret. A mere 26 kilometres from Banff National Park, Canmore was often overlooked. However, it wasn’t long before word got out. If Banff has star appeal, Canmore is the idyllic alternative travellers don’t know they have been seeking. Along the banks of Bow River, you’ll find plenty respite from the tourists that understandably flow through the Banff, but just as much mountain scenery and beauty.
The Hoodoos of Drumheller Valley
Alberta’s badlands are home to 20-feet tall rock-formations — hoodoos — that were forged over time by erosion caused by wind and water. The result of a process that took millions of years was towering pillars, which according to Blackfoot and Cree legends are giants that spring to life at night to guard the land.
Mistaya Canyon
Thanks to its convenient location along the Icefields Parkway, Mistaya Canyon is easy enough to get to and definitely something to stop for. Formed by Mistaya River, if you’re visiting Banff National Park, make sure you take out some time to stretch your legs along this deep river canyon flanked by tall trees and mountain scenery in the distance.
Cave and Basin
In 1883, three railway workers came across a cave of hot mineral spring waters and Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park was born. Located at Sulphur Mountain, a National Historic Site, Cave and Basin is considered the birthplace of Canada’s national park. Here, you can learn about the natural and cultural history of Banff. Taking a dip in the hot mineral spring waters is not allowed, but you can still visit the cave and look around.
Medicine Lake
There’s a vast difference between what you’ll see at Medicine Lake during the winter and summer. Although seven kilometres long, the waterbody is shallow and has holes in the bottom of it. During the summer, the lake fills up more quickly than it can drain and it looks huge, but during the winter, the water drains away and the lake becomes much smaller. The ebb and flow of water here is a rare occurrence, but what’s even more bewildering about this shrinking lake is where the water eventually shows up: after passing through underground caves, the water flows again near Maligne Canyon.
World’s Largest Beaver Dam
Around a half mile long, this beaver dam can be seen from space! After years of hard work, Wood Buffalo National Park’s beaver population have created the world’s largest beaver dam in the world. Until 2007, no one knew about the dam, but then a researcher caught sight of it on Google Earth. The dam is the work of beaver generations from the 1970s. Thanks to its remote location, except for explorer Rob Hall who made his way to the dam in 2014, humans have been unable to visit it leaving it unspoiled. So while you can’t actually visit the dam, it’s on the list because you could always take a trip to Wood Buffalo National Park and try to spot those hardworking beavers!
Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens
If you love to marvel at Japanese design and landscaping, then put the 3.75-acre Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens on your list of things to do while visiting Alberta. As far as secret gardens go, this one is a real beauty. The pavilion, shelter, bridges and gates are the result of true Japanese craftsmanship and were brought over from Kyoto and reassembled by Japanese artisans in Alberta. Immerse yourself in the serenity of flowing water, bonsai trees and rock gardens.
Lake Agnes Tea House Hike
What could be more lovely than sipping a cup of freshly brewed tea than on a mountain top in the Canadian Rockies? Sitting at an altitude of 2135m, Lake Agnes Tea House looks over the spectacular Lake Agnes. Built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a spot for hikers, this family-run tea house serves baked goods and speciality teas. To reach this gem tucked away in the mountains, visitors only need to hike for an hour or so along a moderate trail that winds uphill to a breathtaking view.
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
Along the sandstone cliffs of this sacred park, visitors can look upon First Nations petroglyphs and paintings that date back to 7000 B.C. Created by the Blackfoot Native Americans, who have a special spiritual link to this park, the petroglyphs — one of the largest collections of rock art in North America — are both treasured and protected. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is also renowned for nature, wildlife and trails.
Elk Island National Park
Outside Africa’s Serengeti Plains, there is only one other wild place on earth with as many hoofed mammals per square kilometre: Elk Island National Park. When locals from Edmonton need a getaway, they make their way to the prairies and boreal forests of this national park. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross country skiing and observing wildlife. During the summer, visitors can camp, or go hiking, golfing, kayaking and even mountain biking.
Sentinel Pass
If you love hiking and vistas then don’t miss out on the stunning walk to Sentinel Pass. The trail begins at Moraine Lake and passes through Larch Valley, which is at its best during the fall. It’s not the easiest day hike in the world, in fact, it requires a lot of effort, but the views of the surrounding mountain scenery will definitely be worth it.
Do you know of any secret spots in Alberta?
