Alberta has so much to offer, from grassland and prairies to the snowy Rocky Mountains. Although the province is famous for its Rocky Mountains, it has many kid-friendly locations for the best family getaways.
If you’re looking for a unique family getaway in Alberta, we’ve listed a few options throughout the province. From weekend getaways to week-long stays, traveling to Alberta will not disappoint you.
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12 Family Getaways in Alberta You Must Take
Here are our 12 recommendations for fun family weekend getaways in Alberta.
1. Drumheller
Drumheller is a small town located 110 kilometers northeast of Calgary. It’s a unique Alberta getaway as you’ll be entering the Canadian Badlands. Plus, it’s called the Dinosaur Capital of the world making it perfect for a family vacation.
Kids will love visiting Drumheller.
They will be searching and pointing out dinosaur statues all around the town. Plus, the family can walk up the stairs of the World largest’s T-Rex. At the top, you’ll have a beautiful view of the valley.
Over the years, dinosaur fossils have been found in the area. Your family will be able to discover some of those fossils at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. In the summer, the museum also offers an interpretive trail through Midland Provincial Park to learn about paleontology and fossil digging.
Make sure to end your day at the Hoodoo trails. Hoodoos, also called fairy chimneys, are amazing rock formations created by erosion, naturally shaped by wind and water. You can walk around the hoodoos and climb up the hill for a beautiful view over the hoodoos.
If time allows, you may also want to drive along the Dinosaur Trail and visit East Coulee Historical School and Mine.
Drumheller is sometimes seen as a day-trip destination from Calgary, but it’s more than that. It’s a weekend getaway destination in Alberta. I recommend staying for at least 3 days to discover the beauty of the region.
Drumheller has great options for family resorts hotels and camping, such as:
2. Sundre
Sundre is an emergent tourist destination and is worth a visit. It’s a great weekend getaway from Calgary, only a short 1h30 drive from the city.
It has many unique activities that the kids will love, making Sundre a hidden gem.
First, Sundre is home to the largest community of wild horses roaming freely in the backcountry. Kids will love visiting the wild horse refuge, where they can learn all about horses. There are also options for horseback riding and fun nature walks, where the family can learn about medicinal plants and trees in the woods.
Then, Sundre is a paradise for camping. More than 2,000 camping spots are within 10 minutes of the town, making it a perfect weekend getaway in Alberta. The foothills’ land, west of the town, also offers many random camping opportunities.
The small town of Sundre is an excellent family getaway in Alberta’s Cowboy Trail.
Here are a few good lodging options in Sundre:
- Mountain View Inn & Suites
- Schott’s Lake Resort
- Greenwood Campground
3. Nordegg
If you’re planning a family getaway in Alberta and looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Nordegg is your destination. Tucked away in the David Thompson Country, west of Rocky Mountain House, Nordegg is an underrated gem that offers a refreshing break from the crowds of the more well-known destinations.
Start your Nordegg adventure with a guided tour of the Brazeau Collieries Mine. Closed in 1955 but now a Provincial Historic Site, the mine offers an intriguing peek into the life and work of coal miners in the mid-20th century. Your kids will be fascinated by the stories, machinery, and finding coal near the buildings.
Next, go for a guided hike to Whitegoat Falls with Nordegg Adventures. This family-friendly hike will lead you through Whitegoat Falls, where you can enjoy the cold water. The guides are knowledgeable and will also have a picnic ready for you.
Wrap up your Nordegg visit with a trip to Abraham Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Alberta. Known for its unique bubbles in the wintertime, Abraham Lake offers picture-perfect scenery you’ll want to capture. It’s the perfect spot to relax, soak in the views, and appreciate the region’s natural beauty.
Regarding accommodations, Nordegg, while smaller and more remote, offers a variety of family-friendly options. Whether you prefer the comfort of a lodge or the rustic charm of a cabin, be sure to book your accommodations in advance, particularly during the summer season.
Here are a couple of excellent family-friendly options:
- Nordegg Escape: A nice and modern 2-bedroom basement apartment. It has all the necessary amenities, including toys and games for kids.
- Nordegg Lodge: Comfortable rooms and cabins, this lodge is conveniently located near many local attractions.
- Expanse Cottages: Nestled in the woods, these rustic cabins offer a cozy and peaceful stay.
Visiting Nordegg is a chance to experience Alberta’s lesser-known beauty, delve into historical adventures, and create lasting family memories.
4. Lacombe
Lacombe is another great place to go for a family getaway in Alberta. It’s perfectly located halfway between Calgary and Edmonton.
One of the things that surprised me the most when visiting Lacombe was the easy access to so many hiking trails. While you won’t see mountain peaks in Lacombe, you’ll get to find a beautiful walking trail through the forest and see many birds.
In the wintertime, your kids will love the snow tubing sessions at Canyon Ski Hill. We did the evening ones, and they were so much fun. In the summertime, you’ll find many great farms to visit such as the Billyco Junction U-Pick Garden Farm.
You can discover the beauty of nature with walks at JJ Collet Natural Area or by the lakes:
- Cranna Lake,
- Lacombe Lake or
- Elizabeth Lake.
You can also immerse yourself in Lacombe’s rich culture and history downtown. Many different murals share the area’s history.
Lacombe’s charm isn’t just for winter; summer brings its adventures, making it a year-round destination for families.
For accommodations, the Best Western Plus Lacombe Inn & Suites is perfect for families. There is a swimming pool with a big slide. Some rooms even have a separate bedroom with bunk beds… my kids’ dream!
5. Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It’s one of the must-sees of a typical Canadian Rockies itinerary. It’s 230 km north of Lake Louise in Banff National Park, about a 4 hours drive west of Edmonton, and 4 hours northwest of Calgary.
Jasper National Park and its beautiful town are perfect for a family getaway in Alberta. It’s filled with wildlife, turquoise water, and mountain peaks. No need to be an experienced climber or hiker to enjoy Jasper. We have visited twice so far with our kids who are under 5 years old, and we all had a blast.
When in Jasper National Park with kids, you’ll want to take the Jasper SkyTram to have a 360° view of the region. Make sure the weather is not overcast so you have good views. Then, you can head to Lake Annette and walk around the lake. There is a nice flat trail around the lake.
There are also many great and short hikes to do with the kids. Our favorites are:
- Maligne Canyon. It’s a 3.7 km loop.
- Valley of the 5 Lakes. It’s a 4.7 km loop.
- Walk around Pyramid Lake Island.
Jasper is incredibly beautiful. But it’s a small, remote town in the middle of a wild national park, which means there are limited accommodation options. This is even worse in the busy summer season, and it can get pricy. Also, campsites offered by Parks Canada get booked early in the year, as soon as online reservations are opened. Make sure to book in advance.
Here are a few good family lodging options:
To help you plan your Canadian Rockies adventure with your family, we’ve created a 7-Day itinerary from Calgary to Jasper.
6. Banff National Park & Lake Louise
If you’re looking for a breathtaking family getaway in Alberta, look no further than Alberta’s Lake Louise and Banff National Park areas. With towering mountains, pristine lakes, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, these regions offer something for everyone. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure.
Lake Louise is located in the heart of Banff National Park, one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations. Here, you’ll find plenty of things to do all year round, even in the winter, including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and more. The Chateau Lake Louise offers excellent accommodations and facilities for families with the outdoors right at their doorstep. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
A wonderful family activity in Lake Louise is the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike. Getting an early start on this hike is highly recommended as the trail becomes crowded as early as 10 am during peak summer months. The hike is a 7.4 km out-and-back and is a moderate trail. The kids will love the rest stop at the log-cabin-style teahouse overlooking the lake.
Or why not try a horseback riding tour along the Bow River?
Banff is only a short drive away from Lake Louise and offers even more options for things to do. You can take a guided float trip on the Bow River in the Canadian Rockies, go skiing or snowboarding at one of the area’s ski resorts, or visit Banff’s famous hot springs. There are also several excellent family-friendly resorts in Banff, making it the perfect destination for a family vacation:
- HI Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel. You can read our review here.
- Baker Creek Mountain Resort. You can read our review here.
- Banff Rocky Mountain Resort.
Alberta’s Lake Louise and Banff areas are hard to beat if you’re looking for an unforgettable family getaway. With so much to see and do, you’ll surely create some fantastic memories here.
7. Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway has to be one of the best areas for families and the perfect mountain getaway in Alberta. This incredible road links Banff to Jasper, with 230 km (143 miles) of ridiculously pretty mountain-filled views. The area is amazing for strong hikers but countless short (0.5-2km) trails are perfect for little legs if you explore with children. These will take you to viewpoints, gem-like lakes, waterfalls and even glaciers!
For a few examples of incredible waterfalls, look out for Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Tangle Creek Falls, Panther Falls, and Bow Glacier Falls. You’ll also be blown away by the walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. You can also book a guided tour of the Glacier. You can also see the incredible views of Bow Lake right by the rise of the road.
This drive is perfect for spotting wildlife! We have seen big-horned sheep, caribou, elks, and bears while driving. Then when you walk, if you’re lucky, you might meet pikas, squirrels and marmots.
There are limited places to stay along the Icefields Parkway (although there are plenty of options at either end, in Jasper or Banff.) For a quintessential Albertan experience, you should try camping. There is nothing better than waking up to those stunning mountain views. If you stay at one of the larger campsites near Jasper (like Waipiti or Whistlers campgrounds) they offer certain amenities like showers.
8. Dinosaur Provincial Park
If you are fascinated by the prehistoric world of dinosaurs, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dinosaur Provincial Park is a must-do. Fifty-eight dinosaur species have been discovered at Dinosaur Provincial Park, with more than 500 specimens removed and exhibited in museums around the globe. Dinosaur Provincial Park holds some of the world’s most significant fossil beds. Exploring them is a great way to bring the imagination to life and to give the kids a perspective of just how big dinosaurs were.
There are a variety of public and guided hikes, family programs, and enriched learning programs to explore the world of dinosaurs. With the many options, you can easily find activities suitable for all ages.
You will want to stay at least a few days to experience all your desired activities among the otherworldly landscape of the Canadian Badlands.
A great way to explore Dinosaur Provincial Park is to camp, as there are no hotels in Dinosaur Provincial Park or even just outside the park.
If you would like something more comfortable, the closest hotels near Dinosaur Provincial Park are a thirty-minute drive away in the town of Brooks.
In Brooks, there are many lodging options for families:
Dinosaur Provincial Park is about two and a half hours east of Calgary by car. Although Dinosaur Provincial Park and Drumheller are often incorrectly assumed to be one, they are actually a couple of hours apart. If you have the chance, do not miss stopping in Drumheller.
9. Canmore & Kananaskis Country
The town of Canmore is an excellent weekend getaway in Alberta and the perfect alternative to busy Banff.
Located only 20 minutes from Banff, it’s a great home base for exploring the Canadian Rockies.
But Canmore is much more than a simple lodging town, it’s the heart of the Kananaskis, a perfect outdoor playground.
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Alberta, make sure to add a husky sled ride to your bucket list.
There’s nothing more magical than riding on a sleigh through a snowy wonderland, pulled by the most beautiful dogs, and then snuggling up for a hot cider afterward.
The two-hour tour with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours is a good option. It costs $525 for two people for the two-hour tour. It is so worth it and a lifetime experience you’ll never forget. It’s so hard saying goodbye to the beautiful huskies.
The Snowy Owl tour is near Canmore, but they will pick you up from Banff. You may also want to try the huskie dog ride at Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis Country.
10. Sylvan Lake
One of the top summer getaways for families in Alberta is Sylvan Lake. Sylvan Lake is a small town on the edge of a huge, shallow lake. This lake is the perfect playground in the warm summer months, offering plenty of opportunities such as swimming, enjoying a beach day, getting out on the water in a boat, kayak, or even SUP.
When you’re done enjoying the lake, you can enjoy the vibrant town with many restaurants. Most restaurants along the main road in town offer a large patio (most are dog-friendly). After you’re done eating, be sure to check out Big Moo, a huge ice cream shop that has the biggest ice cream menu you’ve probably ever seen.
Other popular things in Sylvan Lake include playing mini-golf and visiting the cheese factory.
Sylvan Lake is conveniently located only about a 20-minute drive from Red Deer. Its close proximity to Edmonton and Calgary makes it a popular summer weekend getaway destination.
To stay in Sylvan Lake, book a nearby campground or a holiday home. While there are a couple of hotels in Sylvan Lake, they are limited. The best hotel is the Best Western Plus Chateau Inn. You can find a ton of homes to rent on Airbnb or VRBO in Sylvan Lake. Jarvis Provincial Park is right next to town and offers a large, popular campground.
11. Edmonton
A great getaway for families in Alberta is a weekend in Edmonton, as there are so many fun things to do in Edmonton for families!
A big hit among families is exploring West Edmonton Mall. This is the largest mall in North America and is home to the second-largest indoor waterpark, The World Waterpark, and North America’s largest indoor amusement park, Galaxyland. Other exciting activities in the mall include a huge pirate ship, mini golf, bowling, marine life, and an escape room!
After spending Saturday at West Edmonton Mall, I spent Sunday being transported back in time to Fort Edmonton Park. Here, you’ll learn about the city’s history and have fun while doing it. Each year the “Midway” runs, a fair at Fort Edmonton Park, complete with a Ferris wheel and everything!
Other fun family activities that make Edmonton a great weekend getaway include the Valley Zoo, the High-Level Streetcar, the Royal Alberta Museum and the Telus World of Science.
For great places to stay, check out:
- Fantasyland Hotel in West Edmonton Mall (they have themed rooms which can be so much fun for kids!)
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – West Edmonton-Mall Area
- JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District
12. Calgary
Calgary is located in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Not only is Calgary the largest city in Alberta, but it also has a ton of awesome things to do for families.
Although Calgary is a great city to visit any time of the year, the warmer months are the busiest. Between the Calgary Stampede, farmers’ markets, and various other festivals happening throughout the city, summer is an incredible time to visit.
Head to the Calgary Tower for incredible views of the city and surrounding areas. If you are brave enough, you can play on its glass floor!
If you want to spend some time outdoors, walk through Prince’s Island Park. This incredible urban park features a playground, art installations, bike paths, and the super cool Peace Bridge, which looks like a giant fingertip!
Calgary is also home to an incredible zoo, museums, science centers, and hiking trails, and in the winter, it is close to some pretty awesome skiing resorts. There is so much to do.
Hungry? Take a walk down Stephen Avenue. This pedestrian-only area is filled with various restaurants, shops, street art, and other interesting things to see and do.
If you want to stay in the heart of the city, the Westin Calgary is a great family-friendly hotel. With well-appointed rooms, a pool, a restaurant, and even a Starbucks located on-site, it is the perfect place to act as a home base for your family’s adventures.
Final Thoughts: Family Getaways in Alberta
Alberta has so much to offer, from city getaways to outdoor adventures. Your family will have so much fun exploring the Canadian Rockies as well as the Prairies side of Alberta.
When you travel to Alberta with kids, the entire family will have a memorable time.
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.