Alberta attractions

Designated a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Jasper is a stargazing paradise. Come to the 40-seat Jasper Planetarium for a glimpse at the area’s star-studded skies, with interactive planetarium shows and powerful outdoor telescopes.

Winding through the front ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the glacial blue waters of the Kananaskis River offer exhilarating white water rafting adventures. Considered one of the most scenic rivers in Alberta, the Kananaskis also affords mountain views and the chance to spy wolves, elk, eagle, and black and grizzly bears.

Named after its gushing thermal springs, Sulphur Mountain rises to a height of 8,041 feet (2,450 meters), towering over the town of Banff and Bow Valley. Banff Upper Hot Springs sit on its lower slopes, while the Banff Gondola carries you up to the summit ridge for views out across the peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

What starts out as meltwater from the Bow Glacier in Banff National Park turns into the stunning turquoise-colored Bow River, which winds steadily through the Canadian Rockies and the outdoor and adventure towns of Banff and Canmore. The Bow River provides a natural habitat for wildlife and several species of trout, as well as many opportunities for hiking, paddling, and fishing.