Alberta route: 5 places to see, from Dinosaur Provincial
Explore Alberta's most spectacular natural landmarks across 1,049 km, from the turquoise glacial waters of Abraham Lake and Moraine Lake to the dramatic canyons of Mistaya and the vast wilderness of Banff and Jasper National Parks. This route showcases the Canadian Rockies' geological wonders, including pristine alpine lakes, limestone formations, and the powerful Athabasca River carved through protected mountain valleys.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Welcome to Alberta
- End
- North Saskatchewan River
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Welcome to Alberta — Canada's western prairie province renowned for vast Rocky Mountain landscapes, pristine wilderness, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Dinosaur Provincial Park — UNESCO World Heritage site featuring one of North America's richest fossil beds with exposed badlands revealing millions of years of prehistoric history.
- Bow River
- Grassi Lakes — Pair of turquoise alpine lakes accessible by scenic hiking trail, showcasing dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear mountain waters.
- North Saskatchewan River — Major river carving through central Alberta's boreal forests, supporting diverse ecosystems and providing excellent paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Moraine Lake is only accessible from June to October; the road is closed in winter due to snow and the lake is fed entirely by snow and glacier melt.
- Timing
- Moraine Lake reaches its full water level by mid-June when summer melt fills it completely.
- Tip
- Abraham Lake stretches over 32 kilometers long and covers almost 54 square kilometers, making it Alberta's largest reservoir. Reach it easily via David Thompson Highway.
- Tip
- Banff is the highest town in Canada at over 1,300 meters elevation and covers just under 4 square kilometers, making it small enough to explore on foot or by bike.
- Tip
- Bow Lake sits at elevation of about 1,920 meters and remains much quieter than nearby Lake Louise despite being along the famous Icefields Parkway.
- Tip
- Athabasca Glacier is 300 meters deep at its thickest point and is one of the most visited glaciers in North America. Visitors can see it from the Icefields Parkway and step onto the ice.
- Tip
- Edmonton features North America's largest continuous urban parkland system—the river valley park system. The city is known as 'Canada's Festival City' hosting events year-round.
- Tip
- Calgary is about 80 kilometers east of the Canadian Rockies front ranges, roughly 299 kilometers south of Edmonton, and about 240 kilometers north of the U.S. border.
- Tip
- Banff National Park covers more than 6,600 square kilometers with 96 percent remaining protected wilderness. It was Canada's first national park, established in 1885.
- Tip
- Vermilion Lakes offer chances to see Northern Lights in winter with clear skies reflecting mountains and dancing lights. Easily accessible from Banff with roads, trails, and docks.
Video on this route
Wonders of Alberta | The Hidden Places No One Talks About! | Travel Video 4K