40 Unique Things to Do in Alberta + Hidden Gems (updated for 2024)

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Need some trip ideas besides the usual spots like Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper?

Getting out of the house and finding fun stuff to do is what I live for!

Here is your ultimate list of unique things to do in Alberta, including hidden gems and secret spots.

Not only am I a 35-year local, as a former tourism development officer, this used to literally be my job.

In this list you’ll find a mix of unique experiences to try out, beautiful places to visit, natural attractions and places to get off the beaten path.

Pick and choose to create your perfect Alberta staycation, weekend getaway or day trip.

Not to mention, mostly anything you pick on this list is affordable or even free. 

Of course, no Alberta tourism blog post can leave out Banff and Jasper National Parks – so I’ve included the best hidden gem spots and activities as honourable mentions at the end of the post. 

Before visiting any of the places listed, I recommend going online or calling ahead to ensure they will be open when you show up.

Also, many places are now requesting booking appointments online ahead of time.

Grab some of the ideas below, plan your mini-holiday, review my road trip packing list and head out for some adventure!

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

Wine Tasting and Tours at Alberta Wineries 

Believe or not, Alberta is home to several wineries and the tours and tasting experiences are on par with what you would find in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine region.

Granted, most of them produce fruit wine, flower wine and mead – but they’re equally exquisite when compared to their neighbors to the west.

Noteworthy Alberta wineries include: 

Spirit Hills Honey Winery is located near Millarville. Not only is their wine top notch, they’re situated on a property beautifully perched in the foothills.

Their flagship is the dandelion wine made with hand-picked petals of the yellow flower; tasting notes remind me of a Riesling.

Take the tour and plan a picnic to enjoy outside the tasting room afterwards. 

One of the newest meaderies in Alberta, Grey Owl Meadery is near Alder Flats and serves up their wines for tasting on their scenic patio along with a selection of charcuterie and cheese boards to accompany your beverages. 

Fallentimeber Meadery is found near Water Valley and produces a unique brew – the Meadjito.

On the tour, you’ll learn about the brewing process, the honey production and end with a fantastic tasting experience.

Plan for a day to enjoy a picnic outside (also dog friendly), where you can even order a slushie version of the Meadjito. 

Tamarack Jack’s Honey and Meadery is near Caroline.

Visit their onsite farm store to learn all about the meads they produce, which includes unique seasonal meads. 

I also love Old Station Meadery in New Sarepta (about 40 minutes east of Edmonton)!

They serve flights of honey wine in their tasting room (the bourbon cask mead was my favorite) or they have a lovely outdoor patio.

Read more details about all the best wineries and vineyards in Alberta here!

Barr Estate Winery just outside of Sherwood Park is known for their rhubarb wine (white) and the ‘Other Red’ (made from raspberries).

But on a recent trip (we’re lucky enough to visit often), we finally tried the fortified sour cherry – wow!

The intimate tours are provided by the winemakers themselves who share all the intricate details of their labour of love. 

Watch my YouTube video detailing a weekend wine road trip through Alberta!

1950s Diners and Classic Soda Shops

In Black Diamond, Marv’s Classic Soda Shop and Diner is like walking into a 1950’s time machine.

Serving up milkshakes in the original green Hamilton Beach machines, or choose a soda pop bottle (tip – any soda you choose can be made into a float).

Also, grab some candy to bring along for the rest of your road trip. 

Pull off of Highway 2 at The Starlite Diner in Bowden to experience this vintage, Area 51-themed diner complete with red and chrome booths.

Prices are excellent here too. 

Jennie’s Diner and Bakery in Bonnyville is full 1950s retro glam, complete with fun music and the classic checkered floor. 

The Black & White Comic Book Cafe

Step into a black and white cartoon world!

94 Take the Cake in Okotoks is one of the most unique cafes you’ll ever visit.

Not only is it located on a historical street adorned with beautiful heritage homes, you feel like you’re walking into a black and white 2D comic book.

The whimsical interior decor creates a fun optical illusion.

Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary

Just outside of Cochrane is a rescue and rehabilitation centre for wolfdogs.

It’s a beautiful spot to spend an hour or two outside of the city in the presence of these loving animals who get a second chance at life.

You can choose between different levels of admission from a self guided walk through the sanctuary to entering some of the habitats and petting the wolves. 

More information on the tour here. 

Hike to a Natural Infinity Pool

Located in Castle Wildland Provincial Park (Crowsnest Pass area), head out on 15km hike up to Southforks Lake and Barnaby Ridge.

As you continue passed the first lake and waterfall, the approach to the second lake makes it look like a natural infinity pool.

After the moderately strenuous hike on hot day, you can cool off with a dip in turquoise water.

P.S. – don’t forget anything important for your day hike with this packing list I’ve put together.

Tip – Find more outdoor hidden gems with this local guide book to 125 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta.

Alpaca Farms

Alberta has several Alpaca farms – if you’ve never been up close and personal with them, you’ll have a blast.

These animals get the reward for the cutest, derpy farm animals.

They have so much personality and are fun to watch. 

Sunnyhill Alpacas in Leduc County can be visited in the summer and there’s also a fibre mill onsite where you can purchase warm and cozy goods made from alpaca hair (which is ultra soft and silky feeling). 

Dennis and Josee Kirk’s Alpaca Farm is west of Three Hills.

They allow you to pet and feed the 60 alpacas and love visits!

You can bring a picnic lunch, visit their farm store and let the kids have some fun on the playground and trampoline

Spend Some Time on the Land

30 minutes east of Edmonton is a beautiful 40 acre ranch, home to retired race horses, miniature horses, donkeys, goats and chickens.

The Dreamcatchers Association offers a Time on the Land tour to disconnect from the chaotic city life and spend a relaxing hour with their farm animals. 

You can book a time slot to feed and pet the animals and enjoy the tranquil property.

The organization’s main mandate is providing nature-assisted therapy to those who need healing, and this new program for the public is a way to support the amazing work they do while experiencing the benefits of the outdoors and friendly farm animals. 

Tip | Combine a visit with any of these 8 scenic hikes near Edmonton for the perfect outdoorsy-day.

Hidden Canyon Waterfall in the Middle of the Prairies

Hard Luck Canyon is just south of Whitecourt and is a great area to explore from late-spring to early fall.

At only 2 hours from Edmonton, it makes for a perfect outdoor adventure road trip if you’re in the mood for somewhere new to explore.

Here you’ll find trails through a birch tree forest, a wooden bridge, a massive canyon and a waterfall.

You can also splash around in the water as the river bed is quite shallow (but use caution as water levels can change quickly). 

Travel Back in Time to Quaint Towns 

Lacombe has a gorgeous flatiron building and is known for the more than 20 murals painted around town.

Stop in at the visitor centre for a self-guided tour and then have dinner at Cilantro & Chive. It’s one of my 14 favorite day trips from Edmonton.

Didsbury is a fun stop with old mercantile buildings, a brewery and a pink motel.

Wynona Earp has been filmed here, along with a few other movies. 

Black Diamond and Turner Valley have fun, old-timey shop facades.

I especially loved Bertie’s General Store and the Enlightened Herb – an old church repurposed for a different type of healing… 

In southern Alberta, both Nanton and Fort MacLeod have some of the best historic main streets lined with boutique shops selling antiques, candy and much more.

In Nanton, you might recognize scenes from the movie Interstallar and scenes from Brokeback Mountain in Fort MacLeod. 

Vintage Side Car Tours

Talk about a unique way to see some of the best sites just outside of Calgary.

Spend an afternoon travelling through the foothills, ranch country and historic towns in a vintage sidecar.

Not only do you get to enjoy the open road without having to drive, your tour brings you to a distillery and meadery for tastings and a picnic lunch. 

View details on Viator

Sleep in a Geo Dome

Sleep under the stars within a designated dark sky preserve at Elk Island Retreat, less than one hour from Edmonton.

These domes are some of the newest accommodations in Alberta, having only opened in 2020 and even offer a delightful charcuterie board spread to top off the perfect romantic getaway. 

Another option new for 2021 is to book an Edmonton glamping adventure with Urban River Adventures.

They’ve got 4 geo domes located at Big Island, a secret spot only accessible by boat down the North Saskatchewan River. 

Stay in a Medieval Camp

Game of Thrones vibes here!

Travel back in time to Three Hills, and spend a night or two in a medieval tent, complete with costumes, long table feats and and activities to fully immerse yourselves into this historical world.

You’ll get to experience archery, sword play and getting suited up with armour. 

They now have a new Hobbit-style Burrow Hideaway to stay in!

Visit Good Knight’s Encampment website.

The Village of Big Valley

This quirky little village is perfect for a fun family day trip or for someone looking for a great spot to take rural Alberta photos.

Start at the Jimmy Jock Boardwalk for homemade baked goods, shop for local treasures and stop in for ice cream.

Then head across the street to check out the old prairie railway station (also a good spot for a picnic).

Head up the hill to check out the old St. Edmund’s church, painted bright blue. If you need a good laugh, visit the Big Valley Creation Science Museum.

Stay: Round out your rural Alberta experience and stay at the Phoenix House B&B in Stettler (only 20 minutes away).

Not only does this town have a great mainstreet with shopping, coffee shops and bakeries, you can book a ride on the Alberta Prairie Railway excursion, which leaves from Stettler and passes through Big Valley. 

Open Farm Days and Agritourism Experiences

Some of the best Alberta experiences we’ve ever had have been down on the farm!

We’ve watched ferriers race to make horseshoes, tried our hand at milking cows the old fashioned way, fed some day old calves, picked our own farm fresh eggs and got to play beekeeper for an afternoon!

Check out all the fun things you can do by attending Alberta Open Farm Days. 

Read: More about why agritourism should be a part of your next local Alberta trip.

Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation

Go on a ‘hawk walk,’ grab a photo with a Great Horned Owl on your arm, observe bald eagles up close and watch a falcon swoop in at over 60 miles per hour.

Do all this and more at the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation visitor centre, a rescue and conservation organization run by volunteers. Located near Coaldale. 

Go Foraging in the Foothills

Book a tour with Full Circle Adventures to go forage for edible wild plants in Alberta’s foothills.

Reconnect with the land and find a new appreciation for mother nature on this scenic and educational hike. 

Dry Island Buffalo Jump

Fantastic views and few people – Dry Island Buffalo Jump is the definition of a hidden gem in Alberta.

The best part is driving along the flat, rural roads when out of nowhere it seems that a crack in the earth opens up below you.

There’s plenty of wild hiking and scenery to take in, and maybe even some fossils.

Cowboy Culture Along Highway 22

Highway 22 one of the most scenic routes in Alberta. It won’t take you long to figure out why it’s called ‘the Cowboy Trail.’

I love driving this stretch of road from Sundre to Lundbreck. Enjoy the ranches among the foothills, search for wild horses, stop for a burger at the Chuckwagon Cafe and the best beef jerky in Longview.

Stay | For the ultimate western-themed getaway, I love staying in Cochrane at the Rockyview Hotel and stopping for locally brewed beer at Half Hitch Brewing Company.

Have Steak Dinner in a Rural Town

There’s nothing more quintessentially Alberta than heading out into the rural areas in search of a great steak dinner.

Alberta is known for its AAA beef after all, and farmer’s and ranchers know how to fire up the grill.

On Friday and Saturday nights, the Bruce Hotel puts on a fantastic all you can eat steak dinner spread.

I would even come here just for the desserts and hospitality!

The first time we visited, the staff treated us as if we were long lost friends. It’s worth the hour drive from Edmonton. 

In the Badlands (close to Dinosaur Provincial Park), have dinner at the Steak Pit at the Patricia Hotel – when you order a steak, you actually have to cook it yourself!

They serve it to you raw on a paper plate, and then you head to the grill.

This is accompanied by a buffet spread of side dishes and salads. 

Small Town Saloons

Get off the beaten path and go for a drive on a highway you’ve never driven and stop in a small town.

Chances are there’s a local hotel and saloon combo and I promise you’ll have the best time and have a great meal!

Many Alberta villages originated as small boomtowns during the mining days of the early 20th century.

While few residents remain in these communities, many of the original hotels still stand.

Some of our favorites to visit are the Water Valley Saloon, the Elnora Hotel and Saloon and the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne. 

Ghost Towns and Trails

There are many boomtowns that thrived during the old mining and railroad days, but are now empty and abandoned.

Some are more accessible than others, and most are left in ruins or only a building or two remain. 

Bankhead is located within Banff National Park and was once a bustling coal mining town in the Rockies.

Take the road to Lake Minnewanka to access the trail for a short hike to the town’s remains. 

Try something a little different next time you’re in Banff, and book a ghost stories walking tour through town.

Learn about Banff’s haunted past under the cloak of the night sky. 

Book the Banff Ghost Stories tour through Viator here

In Jasper National Park, the Pocahontas Mine Trail is a fascinating interpretive walk through abandoned mining structures from the early 1900s.

The area has become overgrown which adds to the eerie feeling here. It’s one of my favorite easy hikes in Jasper. 

Stay | If you’re staying at the Miette Mountain Cabins, this area is a must visit as it’s right across the street. 

Down by Crowsnest Pass, the Lille Ghost Town is accessible by a 5km hike to remnants of an old powerhouse and dilapidated brick mining structures. And a bonus waterfall along the way. 

For something a little different, Rowley (on the way to Drumheller) is a ghost town in the middle of the prairies, on the edge of the badlands.

While not a complete ghost town (there are less than a handful of residents), you’ll find some seriously creepy empty houses and storefronts.

Love ghost towns? You will love visiting Sandon, in the British Columbia Kootenays. 

Visit Quirky Town Attractions

No list of things to do in Alberta is complete without mentioning the small town quirky attraction – most of which are a ‘world’s biggest something.’

It makes for a fun and low cost road trip to visit some small towns that you probably never would visit otherwise. 

St. Paul is home to a UFO Landing Pad, Vulcan hosts a replica of the Starship Enterprise

Canmore has a big head, Mundare has a giant sausage and Torrington is home to the gopher museum.

Watch the River Surfers

If you find yourself planning a weekend getaway in Kananaskis, wander down Highway 40 to the Canoe Meadows parking lot.

Follow the trail towards the river where you’ll find the river surfers shredding the river waves.

If you’re in Calgary on a nice day, head over to the 10th street bridge, another popular river surfing spot. 

Fascinating Landscapes

Because of the Rocky Mountains, Alberta is home to some of the most unique landscapes on this planet.

These mountains have shaped and shifted over millions of years, created rivers and deposited massive rocks all over the prairies during the ice age. 

The hoodoos in the Canadian Badlands near Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park are well known, but there are a few other hidden gems around the province worth noting.

Big Knife Provincial Park has similar formations to the hoodoos.

The Okotoks Erratic sticks out like a sore thumb in the middle of a flat farmer’s field, and the Red Red Coulee area looks like it belongs on Mars. 

The Milk River and Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park are becoming more well-known these days, and for good reason.

Stunning hoodoo-like formations and sandstone canyons full of petroglyphs and pictographs from the Indigenous people who first lived here.

There’s a high chance of finding fossils or dinosaur bones while you explore too (just remember to never remove them from where they rest).

Plus, one of the best beaches in Alberta is found along the bank of the Milk River, on the east side of the Writing on Stone PP campground.

Alberta’s Grand Canyon

Horsethief Canyon, just outside of Drumheller is probably one of the most epic views in Alberta.

It’s one of Alberta’s most fascinating points of interest, including the history behind it, as cowboy outlaws used to hide their stolen horses here. 

Read more about visiting this spot and 22 other top things to do in (and around) Drumheller.

Take an Indigenous History Walking Tour

In Calgary, your First Nations guide will take you on a 2 hour trail walk on sacred land at the confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers.

Learn about the stories, culture and history of the original people on Treaty 7 land. 

View details about the tour on Viator

Explore the Deep Caves in Canmore

Have you ever been spelunking?

Become a caver for a day and rappel 60 feet down into a cave and explore the underground until you reach the Grotto, a pool of crystal clear water among stalactites and stalagmites. 

Check prices, availability & book your half day tour here

Natural Hot Springs

While Banff Upper Hot Springs and Miette Hot Springs (Jasper) are popular commercial pools, Mist Mountain hot springs in Kananaskis are the only natural hot springs in Alberta.

To access these little pools on the side of the mountain, it will be about a 3 hour hike.

Note that these are definitely more on the warm side, and nowhere near piping hot like other undeveloped hot springs in British Columbia. 

If you want a relaxing hot springs feel without the hiking part, book a stay at the Pomeroy and enjoy the onsite Kananaskis Nordic Spa (extra fee).

Stay | Better yet, if you’ve got your dog with you, book your stay at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge which is (pet friendly) and you can still enjoy the nordic spa. 

Take a Scenic Road Trip 

Some of my favorite views in Alberta are one found on the quiet highways, taking in the endless prairie views or the lesser-known mountain routes.

Going for a drive in Alberta isn’t just miles of canola and wheat fields though; while the Icefields Parkway and the Cowboy Trail are the most popular, the rural parts of the province have some hidden gems. 

Highway 21 is known as the Boomtown Trail and there are tons of villages to stop in for lunch and peruse the museums and nice parks.

Highway 585 from Trochu to the Tolman Bridge area is the introduction to the Badlands and takes you through some beautiful valleys.

Another idea is to go visit film locations of your favorite movies or TV shows, lots have been filmed in our beautiful province. 

An alternative to the Icefields Parkway is the Highwood Pass, the highest paved road in Canada, and one of the most beautiful.

Read | More about what you can see and do on the 6 best Alberta road trips. 

Berry, Honey and Adventure Farms

Alberta’s growing season is short, so our local producers have created some fun experiences for visitors to enjoy. 

Pearson’s Berry Farm specializes in delicious baked goods that they sell onsite and at farmer’s markets across the province. 

The Saskatoon Farm is open mostly year-round (closed for a period from December to January) and offers u-pick (when in season), fun buildings, several boutique shops and a cafe and Mexican restaurant onsite.

Plus the greenhouse portion of the farm has some exotic pets to admire. 

Chinook Honey Company has a great farm store with all things honey and bees, they offer tastings of the mead they produce, where you can then enjoy on their patio overlooking the wildflower fields towards the rocky mountains.

You can also book a 3-hour interactive tour. You can find it just outside of Okotoks.

White Barn Fun Farm is a hobby farm near Brooks that you can tour and view all kinds of fun farm animals like alpacas, llamas, emus, yaks and goats. 

Diplomat Mine Interpretive Site

If you’re travelling to Medicine Hat (or even Drumheller) from Edmonton, this is a great stopover (or just a nice spot for a Sunday drive).

Massive mining equipment is on display from the 1920s, with interpretive signage that explains the history of the area.

There’s a playground, washrooms, a park area and some nice boardwalks for a great spot to stretch your legs on a road trip. 

Orkney Viewpoint

Just north of Drumheller is a gorgeous lookout spot that can’t be missed, it’s a favorite area among locals.

The Orkney Viewpoint is a hidden gem area, high above the banks of the Red Deer River offers breathtaking views of the whole valley. 

Paddle Boarding Kananaskis Country 

Go stand up paddle boarding at Goat Pond or Quarrt Lake in Kananaskis, the perfect way to experience the gorgeous summer mountain scenery without all the crowds.

A great off the beaten path activity if you’re staying in Canmore. 

Book your half day experience on Viator (includes rentals). 

Jasper National Park Hidden Gems

Valley of the Five Lakes is one of my favorite hiking spots in Jasper that often gets overlooked. It’s an easy hike that guides you alongside 5 brilliant turquoise-blue lakes.

Read more about it and my top hikes with the best views and minimal effort in Jasper. 

Horseshoe Lake is a fun spot to visit where you can cliff jump, sunbake on the rocks or just enjoy the perfect scenery.

It’s one of many breathtaking things to do in Jasper National Park. 

Scooter Tour Through Banff

One of the newest ways to see Banff is on a scooter! Scoot around town on two-wheels with a self-guided tour map of the best locations to see.

Cruising around on a scooter is the perfect way to see the sites.

If you’ve never been to Banff, or it’s been a while since you visited, it’s very busy these days – parking can be a nightmare and traffic gets congested.

Being on two wheels virtually eliminates these problems. 

Book your Banff scooter and self-guided itinerary through Viator.

Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park

From either Hinton or Edson, head south on the Forestry Trunk Road toward Cadomin.

Keep going until you reach Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park where you’ll find all kinds of gems to explore like stunning viewpoints, abandoned railways & trestle bridges, old mining towns and cemeteries.

8.5 kms passed the campground is the Mountain Park Cemetery, which is a designated heritage site.

The Cardinal Divide Viewpoint is nearby and can be reached after a 2.5 km hike for views of the McLeod River Valley.

Tour the Scandinavian Trail

Did you know central Alberta has deep Scandinavian roots? Learn all about it by visiting five sites all around Red Deer:

• Danish Canadian National Museum
• Dickson Store Museum
• Historic Markerville
• Double Tree Village Museum
• Stephansson Museum

Watch Police Dog Training Demonstrations

Between Innisfail and Bowden is Canada’s only RCMP police dog training facility!

At 2pm On Wednesdays in the summer months, the facility opens up for free public demonstrations of how they train their K-9 units.

Hiking for Fondue with a View

This one is perfect for a ladies trip or the honeymooners! How about a hike in Banff National Park with a guide who will set up a chocolate fondue or a flambéed banana dessert for you to enjoy at the top of your hike (and maybe even a glass of well-deserved wine).

Book a tour with Greg here, and you can choose which type of hike you’re looking for

Go on a Prairie Safari

Did you know Alberta is home to wild horses and wild pronghorn antelope? Venturing out on a prairie safari is the perfect free Alberta day trip!

To search for wild horses, head west of Sundre and travel down Highway 40.

There’s also been frequent sightings of them closer to the David Thompson Highway and down on the Forestry Trunk Road.

To spot Antelope in Alberta (fun fact – they are technically pronghorns which are different from antelopes), head to the eastern side of the province.

The corridor from Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park north to Highway 9 around Hanna.

There’s even a designated preserve called Antelope Hill Provincial Park.

For a more guaranteed chance to see wild animals, head to Elk Island National Park east of Edmonton to see bison roam around.

More Alberta Posts:

8 Warmest Lakes in Alberta for Swimming (no leeches or swimmer’s itch)

19 Places for a Romantic Getaway (unique & affordable ideas)

Bucket List Worthy Things to Experience in Alberta

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