14 Sites In Alberta That Will Make You Feel Alive

You might just want to pack your bags and head to Alberta this summer. Or right now.

1. Otherworldly rock formations and DINOSAUR BONES in the Canadian Badlands.

jonebabana (CC BY http://2.0) Flickr: 53902902@N06

This region is famous for rich deposits of fossils, including dinosaur bones! Some of the most important dinosaur discoveries in the world were unearthed here.

2. Lake Louise glistening in the early morning.

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Probably the most photographed site in Banff National Park, Lake Louise gets its beautiful emerald color from rock flour carried into the lake by the melting glaciers that overlook it.

3. The Athabasca River in the Icefields Parkway.

Brian U (CC BY http://2.0) Flickr: snype451

The stretch from Jasper to Lake Louise has more than 100 ancient glaciers, sweeping valleys, and breathtaking waterfalls. The Icefields Parkway is one of Canada's national treasures and most rewarding destinations.

4. The view of the prairies from Pigeon Mountain in Canmore.

Eric Lamoureux (CC BY http://2.0) Flickr: vbthe

On the way up the mountain, you'll be greeted by Pigeon Mountain’s famous meadows. In the spring and summertime, the mountain is blanketed with beautiful flowers.

5. Incredibly close wildlife viewing on the roadside.

Peggy2012CREATIVELENZ (CC BY http://2.0) Flickr: 73230975@N03

Alberta is home to tons of wildlife including caribou, bison, moose, and most threatening — grizzly bears!

6. The Valley of the Ten Peaks over Moraine Lake.

Courtesy of Bruni

All 10 summits, each over 10,000 feet high, loom over the Wenkchemna Glacier below. The trail crosses meadows filled with wildflowers during the midsummer season, offering spectacular mountain views.

7. Fly fishing on the Bow River in Calgary.

davebloggs007 (CC BY http://2.0) Flickr: davebloggs007

The Bow River consistently ranks as one of the greatest trout streams in the world; its resident population of Rainbow and Brown trout includes some of the biggest and wildest trout available worldwide!

8. The feather-light powder and unbeatable terrain in the Canadian Rockies.

Larry Kwan (CC BY http://2.0) Flickr: larrykwan

The hills in Alberta are some of the best in the world, attracting skiers and boarders from around the globe each season. Plus, Alberta has one of the longest ski seasons on the planet!

9. The fall colors in Edmonton’s River Valley.

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Edmonton and the surrounding areas share one of the longest urban stretches of River Valley Parkland in an urban area in North America!

10. The catwalk along the Johnston Canyon.

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The canyon is worth visiting all year round, particularly in the winter, because you can still hear the rushing of the water under the frozen ice.

11. Horseback riding through Banff National Park.

mhowry (CC BY http://2.0) Flickr: mhowry

Seeing Banff on horseback offers the perfect off-the-beaten-path ride to nearby sights. Perfect for those looking to experience some scenic backcountry.

12. The must-see sunset over Maligne Lake.

GoToVan (CC BY http://2.0) Flickr: gotovan

The largest lake in Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake was carved and excavated by valley glaciers. Jasper is part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site, partly due to the incredible diversity of wildlife found there.

13. The view from Bear's Hump overlooking Waterton Lake.

Lee Edwin Coursey (CC BY http://2.0) Flickr: leeco

This rocky trail turns into a staircase at the halfway mark, but finally ends on the flat dome of the "hump" with this spectacular view.

14. Seeing the sunset over the Three Sisters in Canmore.

Black-Willey (CC BY http://2.0) Flickr: blackwilley

The trio of peaks near Canmore, Alberta are known individually as Big Sister (Faith), Middle Sister (Charity) and Little Sister (Hope).

Feeling rejuvenated yet? Make Alberta your next travel destination and remember to breathe.

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