Planning a trip that everyone in the family will enjoy is nothing short of challenging. As you plan, you’re trying to balance and work around each person’s interests, dietary or physical needs, the seasons or weather, and your budget. Needless to say, there’s a lot to a family getaway. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to wander far to find options that meet your wants and needs. The province of Alberta is filled with family-friendly adventures. To help take some of the challenges out of the planning, we’ve compiled a list of five family getaways you and your loved ones are sure to enjoy.

1. Canmore

The Canmore region offers many activities for families that can be enjoyed all year round. One of the biggest draws to the area is the Canmore Cave Tours. The caves can be explored year-round, as they’re unaffected by the weather, always remaining at five degrees. You’ll be paired with an experienced cave guide and given all the required safety equipment. 

Within the caves, you’ll have a unique adventure while looking at pictographs made by the area’s ancient peoples thousands of years ago. The caves are a popular draw, so you may want to book and pay for your tour ahead of time to avoid getting turned away at the door.

The area also has plenty of walking and hiking adventures to keep the entire family active the entire day. You can walk through the Grassi Lakes or bike, sled, snowshoe, or walk through the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park area.

When it comes to accommodations, you’ll find options for a wide range of budgets. There are many family-friendly hotels, or you can camp within the Canmore Park grounds.

2. Banff National Park

Alberta is teeming with beautiful national and provincial parks that allow families to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor adventures. One of the most popular and widely known is Banff National Park. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, it delivers stunning views and beautiful hikes. 

There’s also a fun and unique way to drink in the scenery without the intensity of hiking up a mountain: going up in the Banff Gondola. The gondola ride is only eight minutes and takes you up Sulphur Mountain. At the end of the ride, you’ll find a boardwalk, restaurant, and exhibits to explore.

Beyond these, Banff National Park is filled with natural hot springs to relax in and ice fields to tour. If the weather isn’t ideal for any of these outdoor adventures, you can also visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.

Much like the Canmore region, Banff is a huge draw for tourists, meaning there is a wide range of accommodation options catering to every family’s needs and budget.

3. Dinosaur Provincial Park

Named for the many dinosaur fossils found in the area, Dinosaur Provincial Park is an exciting getaway that delivers a look into the Canadian Badlands and the area where 50 dinosaur species have been uncovered. While there, you can visit the park’s visitor centre and museum and see some of the fossils on display.

Even if you’re not a huge fan of dinosaurs, the natural landscape, with its many hiking trails and scenic drives, is reason enough to visit the area.

The park offers camping and RV sites, but if you’re looking for something more comfortable, the area also has many hotels and cabins you can book. 

4. Calgary

Whether you’re drawn to the idea of the Calgary Stampede or want to visit one of its museums, Calgary has a wide range of family-friendly options. 

The Calgary Stampede is a ten-day rodeo that delivers a fun and exciting atmosphere for people of all ages. The stampede offers activities and exhibits geared toward kids that are sure to deliver a fun and enriching experience for everyone. This year, the stampede will run from July 5 – 14, so if this is on your activity wish list, be sure to plan your getaway around this time frame.

Beyond the Calgary Stampede, a popular Calgary attraction is the Heritage Park Historical Village. The site is an exciting visit for kids and parents that delivers a wealth of information about the area’s history in a fun and engaging way. 

For parents and kids who are more engaged in wildlife than history, the Calgary Zoo is an excellent option. You’ll be taken on a journey around the world from the African savannah to our own Canadian Rockies and see penguins, grizzly bears, hippos, and many more animals along the way.

5. Edmonton

Sometimes, a staycation can make for the perfect getaway. It can deliver fun experiences without the hassle of having to figure out the details of planning a weekend away or devising an air-tight itinerary. So why not use your dedicated getaway time to play tourist in our own city of Edmonton?

Beyond the many events and carnivals to check out, there are fun, family-friendly activities that regularly draw tourists to the city. You can visit the West Edmonton Mall and check out the indoor amusement park, water park, or aquarium. It’s best to book many of the attractions ahead of time to keep your plans from falling through once you arrive; fortunately, most accept a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards and Interac, just like bonus.ca.

You could even check out the Royal Alberta Museum or the TELUS World of Science building, both of which offer a host of fun things for kids and engaging topics for parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles who might want to join you too.

Adventure Awaits

Alberta is a province jampacked with fun family getaways. Whether you want a trip that’s fun and educational, full of adventure, connects you to nature, or a trip that will blend all these things together, Alberta can deliver it all. The hardest part will be deciding on just one place to visit. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning today!