When it comes to Canada, people usually think of Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver, and the long, dark winters. But there are cities where the sun shines a lot more, such as Calgary.
Known as the sunniest city in Canada, Calgary receives around 2,400 hours of sun every year. But the weather still remains cold and the temperature differences are known to cause more frequent migraines among those who suffer from it already. The chinook (a dry, warm wind that blows at the end of winter) is usually blamed for it.
Calgary is also surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, which is a pilgrimage spot for travel and adventure enthusiasts around the year, and just an hour away from the Banff National Park. Day or night, you will always see crowds taking photographs, hiking or simply enjoying nature.
Last year, I was fortunate enough to visit it for two weeks. I was tempted to stay longer but unfortunately couldn’t. However, I promised myself that some time in the future, I will spend a whole summer in this beautiful place.Following is a list of 10 places in the city that I absolutely loved to visit:
First time I read about Yoho National Park was in a National Geographic magazine. So naturally, it was an overwhelming experience when I visited it in person. Fantastic waterfalls, glaciers, glacial lakes, and wildlife – this was everything I dreamt of seeing.
1. Banff
A Resort town in Canada, Banff is located quite near the Rocky Mountains. It is also famous for having many hot springs. This place is wonderful because you can hike in nature all by yourself, or take your family on a day trip, or even have some aromatic coffee at a mountain view café.
You can also take a Gondola ride to the top of the Sulphur Mountain and get a better view of the Canadian Rockies (the Canadian segment of the Rocky Mountains).
2. Grassi Lake
The Upper and Lower Grassi Lakes are extremely popular among hikers and rock climbers. The water has an emerald hue and the greens all around the lake create a picturesque view. The lakes are named after Lawrence Grassi who was a famous climbing guide and known for building many trails in the area.
3. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
Moraine Lake and Lake Louise at the Banff National Park are two of the most famous lakes in Alberta, Canada.
During summer, you will see tourists flocking to these areas from all over the country. If you can’t visit during summer, don’t worry as ski season begins from mid-November. Parking is limited in both areas so it is best to book a shuttle ticket in advance.
4. Drumheller
Drumheller (also known as the ‘Dinosaur capital’) is a world heritage site mainly famous for having dinosaur fossils. It is also one of the best paleontological museums in the world. Near Drumheller are the Canadian Badlands (unique landforms showing evidence of wind and water erosion over millions of years). Here, you will also see the hoodoos or ‘fairy chimneys’, which are actually tall sandstone structures which date back to millions of years.
5. Waterton
Waterton is one of the most scenic places in Alberta, situated just on the border of Montana, USA. It is a great place for hiking and wildlife watching, but one can also visit the historical Prince of Wales Hotel with its unique architectural designs or take a short walk to wander around the Red Rock Canyon ( a place of striking beauty where mountain and prairie scenes meet).
6. Downtown Calgary
It is a beautiful downtown with modern architecture and a lot of graffiti. Also, the famous Bow River flows through the town. The river has numerous dams and reservoirs. It is a cultural hub but also known for its dense business area. Don’t miss visiting the new city library here, another great spot for book lovers.
7. Yoho National Park
First time I read about Yoho National Park was in a National Geographic magazine. So naturally, it was an overwhelming experience when I visited it in person. Fantastic waterfalls, glaciers, glacial lakes, and wildlife – this was everything I dreamt of seeing. And it was quite easy for me to plan a day trip from Calgary.
You can start with the Takakkaw Falls, the second highest waterfall in Canada and a place of supreme beauty and wilderness. Then you can visit the turquoise Emerald Lake, Lake O’Hara, and Peyto Lake.
8. Icefields Parkway
From Banff to Jasper, Icefields Parkway is known as one of the most beautiful highways in North America. It is a staggering 232 kilometres long. You can drive your personal vehicle through it, or even take a bike. Some people also prefer walking. No matter how you explore it, take your time to appreciate the beauty of the icefields, rocky mountain peaks, and the vast valleys.
9. Kananaskis
Kananaskis is located on the borders of the town of Canmore and Banff National Park. The place has a golf course, hotel, a holiday ranch, two ski areas and many campgrounds. Although my friends took me on a three-day hiking trip, many tourists also prefer backpacking, fishing and hunting.
10. Jasper and Edmonton
This Canadian townsite is also known for having the Jasper National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Glaciers, forests, mountains, lakes – it has everything you need for a quiet time out from a busy schedule. For the more adventurous ones, there are options for helicopter and motorcycle tours as well. During the season, you can also go trout fishing in the Upper Maligne River. Beware of bears though!
Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, offers you a bunch of interesting places to see, including the Fort Edmonton Park, Art Gallery of Alberta, Elk Island National Park (there are specific guidelines for tourists to follow when they encounter elks) and the Royal Alberta Museum. It is a very modern city, so you can explore fancy shopping malls and restaurants as well.