Explore Alberta's Rockies from Edmonton to Canmore

Bright lights, big city. Take a walk down memory lane at the Edmonton Neon Sign Museum. You'll find bright neon signs that lit up storefronts, theaters, and railroads, together now on one street for your viewing pleasure. Every sign has a story, and maybe you’ll recognize a few. This free, outdoor attraction is open year round—and definitely worth a stop for photo ops with a neon glow.

Located in the middle of Edmonton’s scenic River Valley, Fort Edmonton Park offers a journey through more than two centuries of life in Alberta. Visitors can tour an 1800s fort and walk along dusty roads, taking them through a quaint turn-of-the-century town to the good times of the 1920s. And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also find a circus midway (complete with Ferris wheel), steam train, and pony rides—family fun is the heart of Fort Edmonton Park.

Discovery Wildlife Park isn’t your average zoo. Why? You can get up close and personal with the animals. Take a picture with bears, walk with wolves, or feed the camels. Trainers are always present to help ensure safe interactions. The animals come to Discovery as orphans from the wild, unwanted pets, or from closed zoos. Visitors can learn about everything that goes into the animals’ rehabilitation—and what to do if you ever face one of these animals in the wild.

Come for the food, but stay for the experience at this restaurant in downtown Calgary, located in a converted dairy building. Model Milk offers locally-sourced grub with an eye toward innovation. Elevated comfort foods, experimental cocktails, and local wines make up the menu, served in a trendy atmosphere. The rotating flavors of sorbet and pots de creme provide a sweet ending for your send off.

As you make your way into Alberta’s largest city, you’ll spy the skyscrapers on the horizon. Soon, you’ll trade these silhouettes for mountain peaks. Of course, you could spend several days exploring all that Calgary has to offer, or you can swing through the city and continue south.

Head to 17th Street for the town’s best shopping, take a ride to the top of Calgary Tower for views of the cityscape and beyond, or check out the respected Calgary Zoo. Public art, family fun, and cultural opportunities abound. The annual Calgary Stampede brings one of the world’s largest rodeos to town—and a full lineup of events—to celebrate the city’s cattle-wrangling roots.

Take a step back in time to the 1800s at Canada's largest living history museum. Heritage Park Historical Village has more than 200 exhibits and attractions showcasing the changes Western Canada experienced in a time of growth and industry. Gain insight into what the region was like for the First Nations people before the new arrivals. Offering the perfect balance of historical facts, adventure, discovery, and fun, the village offers something for the whole family. You'll find interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, working antiques, and more.

A day spent hiking and sightseeing will leave you with a big appetite. Located in Banff Village, Grizzly House has been in business for more than 55 years, offering up a unique array of fares, including escargots, elk steaks, and exotic meats like alligator and rattlesnake—but the true star of the show is the fondue.

While the wild landscapes of the Rockies are phenomenal in their own right, manicured gardens also shine. Take a break from the bustling streets of downtown Banff with a visit to Cascades of Time Gardens. In late May-early September, the space fills with flowers, creating a kaleidoscope of colors set against the mountain peaks. The picturesque setting has a storybook quality, with stone bridges, winding walkways, and charming gazebos.

Though stunning, the landscape isn’t the only attraction, as you’ll also find a theater, interpretive center, and gift shops. Take your pick from several dining options, ranging from simple snacks to fine dining. Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site, located at the top of the mountain, is a fascinating stop to learn more about history and science.