Travel In Alberta: What's Allowed And What's Not

Alberta, Canada, is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From the majestic Rocky Mountains in Banff, Jasper, and Waterton National Parks to the rolling prairies and badlands, Alberta offers a range of outdoor activities and attractions. The province is home to five National Parks, including Wood Buffalo, Elk Island, and Waterton, each offering unique experiences such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and camping. The province also boasts the dinosaur capital of the world, Drumheller, and the famous Northern Lights, best viewed in places like Jasper National Park and Elk Island. When travelling to Alberta, it's important to be prepared for varying weather conditions and to respect wildlife and natural habitats.

Travel within Alberta

There are no restrictions on travel within Alberta, but you are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel and to stay close to home where possible. You can travel freely around Alberta, but travellers to other provinces or territories may be subject to additional health measures and restrictions.

When out and about, you can travel with members of your household while maintaining a physical distance of two metres from others. You are encouraged to only travel with members of your household when renting a holiday home or short stay.

Alberta isn't the most "public-transit-friendly" place, as it is quite big and takes a long time to drive from place to place, and everything is pretty spread out. However, places like Edmonton, Calgary, and Banff are very easy to get around using public transportation such as buses. Other places, like Jasper, do not have public transportation options. If you're looking to travel far distances, it is recommended to rent a car.

There is a wide range of accommodation to match your budget, no matter where you're heading in Alberta. Prices do vary depending on where you are planning to go, though. It is recommended to book in advance to find something in your price range, and if you're visiting Banff, look into staying just outside of the National Park in Canmore instead.

Always be prepared for changing weather, as it can be hard to predict, especially in the mountains. And don’t forget to budget in the cost of a Canadian National Parks Pass if you’re planning to head to one of Alberta’s five national parks.

Travel to Alberta from another territory or province of Canada

Yes, you can travel to Alberta from another territory or province of Canada. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip.

First and foremost, it is recommended that you only travel to Alberta if necessary, as there are some restrictions and health measures in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also advised that you avoid travelling with people from outside your household whenever possible. If you are travelling by car, plane, bus, or train, make sure to wear a face mask and follow physical distancing guidelines.

When it comes to accommodation, hotels, hostels, campsites, and holiday homes are open in Alberta. However, indoor social gatherings are not currently allowed, so if you are planning to visit family or friends, you will need to look for alternative accommodation. Outdoor social gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted.

If you are planning to visit any of Alberta's National Parks, such as Banff, Jasper, or Waterton, be sure to pre-book your visit and expect to follow physical distancing guidelines. Many outdoor recreation amenities, such as outdoor skating rinks, sledding hills, and Nordic ski areas, are open as long as physical distancing is maintained between households.

When travelling within Alberta, there are currently no restrictions on driving or flying. However, it is recommended that you avoid non-essential travel and stay close to home whenever possible. If you are renting a car, be aware that luggage storage may not be available, and you may be required to arrive earlier for additional health screening.

Finally, keep in mind that the weather in Alberta can be unpredictable, so it is always a good idea to bring a jacket, no matter the season. Distances between places of interest can also be quite far, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

Travel to Alberta from outside Canada

Alberta is one of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada. If you are planning to travel to Alberta from outside Canada, it is important to be aware of the official government advice and requirements. Here is some essential information to help you plan a safe trip and ensure you are well-prepared for your journey:

Travel Advice and Advisories (TAAs)

The Government of Canada provides official information and advice on safety and security conditions for travellers through its Travel Advice and Advisories (TAAs). These cover a range of topics, including health, security, local laws, culture, entry and exit requirements, and natural disasters. TAAs are regularly updated based on reliable information and aim to help travellers make informed decisions about their safety and security.

Risk Levels

The TAAs utilise a colour-coded system to indicate four different risk levels:

• Green: Exercise normal security precautions, similar to those you would follow in Canada.
• Yellow: Exercise a high degree of caution due to reasons such as natural disasters or safety and security concerns.
• Orange: Avoid non-essential travel to the area as there are serious risks.
• Red: Avoid all travel to the area as it is considered a high-risk zone.

Travel Insurance

It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy before your trip. A Travel Advisory issued for your destination may impact your insurance coverage. Understanding your insurance policy can help you make informed decisions and ensure you have adequate protection during your travels.

Consular Services

The Government of Canada offers consular services to its citizens travelling abroad. These services can provide assistance and support in various situations, such as losing your passport, facing an emergency, or needing help with local laws or customs. Familiarise yourself with the available consular services and their contact information before your trip.

Financial Preparedness

It is recommended to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy and ensure you have sufficient funds to cover any unexpected expenses, such as legal services or a return flight home. Understanding the local laws, including those related to dual citizenship and import/export regulations, is also crucial to avoid legal complications during your stay in Alberta.

By following the official travel advice and guidelines provided by the Government of Canada, you can make well-informed decisions regarding your personal safety and security while travelling to Alberta from outside Canada.

Travel to national parks in Alberta

Alberta, Canada, is home to five national parks: Banff, Jasper, Waterton, Wood Buffalo, and Elk Island. Together, these parks make up approximately 8.2% of Alberta's land mass. Banff, the first national park in Canada, spans 6,641 square kilometres of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows, and rivers. It is one of the world's premier travel destinations, attracting over 4 million visitors annually. Jasper, the largest national park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, showcases the beauty of Mount Edith Cavell, Pyramid Lake, and Maligne Lake. Waterton Lakes National Park, shared between Canada and the USA, offers a diverse landscape of mountains, prairies, lakes, and waterfalls. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, and cougars. Elk Island National Park, renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, protects the endangered aspen parkland habitat and is home to a dense population of hoofed mammals. Wood Buffalo National Park, the largest national park in Canada and the second-largest in the world, was established to protect the last remaining herds of bison in Northern Canada. It boasts a diverse landscape of mountains, grasslands, forests, and rivers, and is the world's only natural nesting site for the endangered whooping crane.

Each national park offers unique experiences for travellers seeking to explore Alberta's natural wonders. Banff provides easy access to iconic landmarks such as Peyto Lake, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake. Jasper invites visitors to discover its stunning mountain landscapes and wildlife, including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Waterton Lakes National Park offers opportunities for backpacking, hiking, camping, and winter activities like snowshoeing and skiing. Elk Island is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 250 species of birds, and also provides habitat for bison, wood bison, moose, deer, and elk. Wood Buffalo National Park, with its vast expanse of nature, is ideal for wildlife watching, backpacking, hiking, paddling, and cycling.

When planning a trip to Alberta's national parks, it is important to consider the admission fees and opening hours. Banff and Jasper National Parks have daily admission fees for adults, seniors, and commercial groups, with youth admitted free of charge. Annual passes, such as the Parks Canada Discovery Pass, offer additional value. Waterton Lakes National Park and Wood Buffalo National Park have detailed fees and permits available on their websites. Elk Island National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, with varying visitor centre hours.

Alberta's national parks offer a wealth of natural beauty and diverse experiences for travellers. Each park has its own unique features, from iconic lakes to wildlife-rich habitats. With their stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and recreational activities, these parks are well worth exploring when travelling to Alberta.

Things to do in Alberta

Alberta, Canada, is a province known for its natural beauty, fossils, and nature reserves. It is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Here are some of the top things to do when visiting Alberta:

Explore National Parks

Banff National Park, Canada's first national park, offers year-round outdoor activities such as hiking trails, ski resorts, and glacier lakes. Lake Louise, with its famous Fairmont Chateau, is a popular tourist stop. Rent a canoe and explore the lake, or try pond hockey on the frozen lake in winter. Moraine Lake, located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, offers hiking trails and stunning views. Jasper National Park, famous for its dark sky festival, also boasts amazing hiking trails, backcountry lodges, and beautiful mountain lakes.

Visit Popular Attractions

The Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the best museums for dinosaur enthusiasts, features authentic dinosaur fossils and skeletons. The Calgary Zoo, set on an island in the Bow River, is another popular attraction. The Calgary Stampede, the world's largest rodeo, is an annual event not to be missed. For those seeking thrills, Canada Olympic Park offers bobsleigh rides down the Olympic track and the world's fastest zipline. The West Edmonton Mall, North America's largest mall, features an indoor amusement park and skating rink.

Discover Unique Sites

The Hoodoos of Drumheller Valley, naturally eroded land formations standing 20 feet tall, are a unique sight in the Canadian badlands. Wood Buffalo National Park, one of the best places to see bison, is the largest national park in Canada. Improvement District No. 24, also known as the Burmis Tree, is a unique tree that has been preserved with wire by the residents of Crowsnest Pass.

Alberta offers a range of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and natural wonders to explore and enjoy. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for some excitement, Alberta has something for everyone.

Frequently asked questions