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Choose your adventure, supplier of good times.

For almost 3 decades, Banff Adventures has proudly been the premier provider of activities, packages, tours and rentals in the Banff and Lake Louise area. Whether you’re looking for something high-energy or more relaxed, our expert staff are ready to help you maximize your stay and find the perfect adventure in the mountains. Thanks for supporting local. We are proudly 100% Banff owned & operated and Banff's Adventure Experts!

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Raft the kicking horse river, norquay via ferrata, banff horseback riding, golden atv tours, ultimate explorer package, paddle & ride, sights & heights, golden skybridge packages, lake louise & moraine lake tour, big canoe tours, mountains, lakes & waterfalls tour, banff fishing on lake minnewanka, little adventurers, celebrate summer, winter escape, for the adrenaline junkie, deals & special offers, bundle and save with our package deals, rent the best gear for every adventure, news & updates, discover the magic of moraine lake and lake louise with banff adventures, thrilling adventures await at the golden skybridge and via ferrata tours with banff adventures, the ultimate lake experience: your guide to lake minnewanka.

• Testimonials
• Tour Options
• Ranch Vacation Experiences
• - Horse Pack Trips
• - Cattle Drives
• - Working & Riding Ranch Vacations
• - Caving Adventures
• Self Drive Vacation Experiences
• - Classic Adventures
• - Western Adventures
• - Custom Adventures
• Aboriginal/Caving/Dog Sledding
• Rocky Mountain Rail Tours
• Motorhome Rental Vacations
• Custom Vacation Experiences
• Corporate Programs
• Team Building
• - Amazing Race & Rocky Mountain Survivor
• - Mission Impossible
• - CSI Murder Mysteries
• - Trail of the Métis Trapper
• - Scavenger Hunts
• - Ranchland Derby & Cowboy Olympics
• - The Titanium Chef & Human Trivia Challenge
• - Whitewater Rafting Options
• - Ice Walk, Snowshoeing & Dog Sledding
• Incentive Travel
• Corporate Retreats

Western Adventure Tours

Howdy western traveler.

Close your eyes and think of the Canadian West. What do you see?

Most likely the majestic Rocky Mountains, rodeos, ranches, and clean, clear, wide open spaces. 

And it's all waiting for you right here at Home on the Range Adventure Tours!

We create and deliver a wide range of personal and corporate "Western Experiences"

Escorted and fly/drive tours.

Our custom designed tours and independent self-drive tours originate from multiple points in the Canadian Rockies, throughout Alberta and British Columbia, and include natural and historic sites, working guest ranches and B & B's, rodeos and native powwows, the Rocky Mountains, fine dining on local cuisine, shopping, and much more.

Your choice of locations and activities

We also work with individuals and groups to design and deliver custom itineraries that include your choice of locations and activities throughout Alberta and the Rocky Mountains. Always keep in mind that you can mix and match any of our western experience activities to develop a holiday that is ideally suited to your needs and desires.

Testimonial “Fascinating tours, designed for discriminating travelers who wish to experience a true western adventure.” Vicki Storey: Customer Relations Manager The Great Canadian Adventure Company, Edmonton, Alberta

Testimonial “Hi Joseph, The event was nothing short of a success. Please extend a big THANK YOU! to everyone who worked on the project, including yourself. I look forward to working with you again, look for an email from me come next spring. Take care,” Marnie Mercier Shell Canada

Testimonial “Hi Joseph, Got back home and am doing OK. Say Hi to Fletcher for me. Have got some great photos thanks to him. Thank you for a great trip, out of all the things I did over there you guys were the best by far. Kindest Regards” Lucy, Australia

Testimonial “To say that the past week was super, would really be an understatement. It couldn't have been better Joseph. Please feel free to use my name as a reference anytime you need one. I can assure you, we have nothing but the best to say about Home On The Range Tours !!!!!! The week we spent with you in Alberta will bring sweet and pleasant memories for a very long time. Thank you again for everything!” Jerry & Julie Klein Tennessee, USA

Testimonial “I just want to say on behalf on Julie and myself, very many thanks for such a well run week that your outfit operated while we were guests in your wonderful country. Katrina and Joseph seemed to go way beyond what I would have expected. If only other organisations were as attentive and helpful as yours, it would be a pleasure to do business with them.” Neil & Julie United Kingdom

Choose Your Western Adventure

Pack trips, cattle drives, & working ranch vacations.

For years visitors from all over the world have explored the Canadian Rockies back country on horseback. Home on the Range Adventure Tours works with Alberta outfitters who provide wilderness horse pack trips of 2 days to 2 weeks in the Canadian Rockies. Or how about a cattle drive ? Join experienced outfitters and cowboys while you share in this unique western experience. Or join your hosts on a working ranch and learn all about western Canadian hospitality. This is your opportunity to be part of an authentic Canadian Rockies adventure. We invite you to come experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains as only a cowboy can see them!

Indigenous Experiences

Come with us on a journey to explore a world of Indigenous Experiences , traditions and natural wonders in the Rocky Mountains. Immerse yourself in the clean mountain air, and the sensational panoramas that unfold before you. Imagine a getaway where you can learn the hands-on skills of our Native forefathers - fire lighting, shelter-building, crafting and rope making - while learning about the culture and gaining a deeper understanding of the Indigenous people. And to heighten the experience, you may decide to spend the night sleeping in an old-fashioned tipi or trapper's tent surrounded by the whispering trees and soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains. You will return home with not only a variety of fascinating skills, but also with the mental refreshment that only such an outdoor experience can produce.

Team Building, Corporate Meetings, Incentive Travel

Let Home on the Range Adventure Tours provide your corporate meeting or incentive group with unique programs which focus on adventure, learning and enjoyment - all with a local flair. We have an extensive repertoire of creative events and team building activities, linked to our Mountain Heritage, which provide enjoyment for everyone involved. We tailor all programs to the clients' individual needs. And, our programs can be operated throughout the Rocky Mountains. Not only do we enjoy unlocking the secrets of the west, we excel at it. We take great satisfaction in the work that we do. We want you to leave satisfied, and thinking of us as friends who shared a true western experience with you. Our website is an excellent source of information. So please take a few minutes to review our menu and get a feel for what we have in store for you when you visit our “Home on the Range”.

More Exciting Tour Options

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Home On the Range Adventure Tours, Ltd. 26 - 235 Berwick Drive NW Calgary, AB CANADA  T3K 1P6

• +1 (403) 731-7921
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• www.homeontherange.ca
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YOU'LL LOVE SEEING BANFF LIKE THIS

Banff’s 3 Summer Must-Do’s

Experience Lake Louise This Summer

See two of the world’s most beautiful lakes including the iconic Lake Louise—famous for its jewel-like water nestled between rugged peaks.

Experience Banff on Horseback

A ride along the tranquil Bow River is a perfect introduction to horseback riding in Banff National Park. Home to wildlife, thick marshes and grassy meadows, guests often spot eagles or hawks soaring through the sky on this ride.

Join our guide on one of the Signature hikes in the area

With hundreds of hiking trails how do you know which one to choose? Come with us! Our guides have picked their four favourite ‘signature’ trails. We have selected what we consider the best of the best when it comes to getting out there and spending time in the backcountry of the

Popular Summer Tours

Guided Signature Hikes

Discover Banff & Its Wildlife

Horseback Ride – Bow River 1 Hr

Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

Discover Banff Tour with Gondola

Kananaskis Whitewater Rafting

Wagon Ride + Cowboy BBQ Cookout

Sundance Overnight – 1 Night

Our favourite ways to experience banff.

Horseback Tours

Horseback ride – sundance loop 2 hrs, horseback ride – bow valley loop 3 hrs.

Bus Sightseeing Tours

Columbia icefield tour.

Summer Adventures

Discover grizzly bears, why choose discover banff tours, locally owned and operated.

We love Banff & we’ve been doing this since 1999.

Small-Group Tours

A more personal experience in small groups & vehicles.

Worry-Free Cancellation

Changes and refunds are free & easy.

See What Others Miss

No cookie-cutter tours. See things only our guides know.

Carbon Neutral since 2019

We plan to do more too, see our  full sustainability plan .

Banff's Best Package Deals

Kananaskis River Raft + Horseback Ride

Horseshoe Canyon Raft + Horseback Ride

What our guests are saying about us.

Make your dream trip to Banff National Park a reality, and come experience moments like these with our small-group excursions. 🏔️ ---- #Discoverbanfftours #banffnationalpark #explorecanada #banffnationalparkcanada #banfftours #banff #LakeLouise #MoraineLake #BanffLovers #Calgarytours

We love all kind of weather! Beautiful picture from Lake Louise taken by our guide @anick.cadieux

The Wildlife sightings cannot be always guaranteed but we can guarantee the beautiful views of Banff and entertaining interpretive talks from our knowledgeable guides. "Fantastic evening wildlife tour - our guide was super knowledgeable and kind - we saw some elk, some bighorn sheep and some white tail deer! Worth every penny - fantastic tour and knowledge of Banff. Thank you so much!" Sophie Lee, 13th August

What’s your perfect vacation? Whether your idea of a vacation is relaxing by the hot springs or plunging the Kicking Horse River, we’ve got a tour for you! Pick your perfect vacation on our site at the link in our bio! #DiscoverBanffTours #BanffNationalPark #BanffNationalParkTours #CanadaTours #Summerinbanff #mybanff #banfftours #grouptours

A tour with us will make you feel like you can do anything! Take your trip to the next level by booking a guided tour with us. #DiscoverBanffTours #BanffNationalPark #BanffNationalParkTours #CanadaTours #Summerinbanff #mybanff #banfftours #grouptours

September is the last month to visit Boo! Don`t miss out on a wildlife spotting around Banff. This fullday tour has it everything! 🚠 A gondola ride in Kicking horse. 🐻 A chairlift to meet Boo the Grizzly. 🏞 Emerald lake and Takakkaw Falls visit. 🍔 A tasty lunch. The only thing missing is you hopping on! Bookings on link in BIO *photo credit: Nick Brown #discoverbanfftours #banfftours #kickinghorserefuge #boothebear #yohonationalpark #takakkawfalls #takakkawafalls #emeraldlakebc #emeraldlake

Calling all Summerween fanatics! Get your spooky fix this summer by unearthing the mysteries of Banff`s and Canmore’s historic streets. The Banff Ghost and Canmore Ghost Walking Tours will guide you on an evening stroll with stories of haunted hotels and paranormal landmarks. Book now through November at the link in our bio! #DiscoverBanffTours #BanffNationalPark #BanffNationalParkTours #CanadaTours #Summerinbanff #mybanff #banfftours #grouptours

Who doesn`t like a good back scratch?

Adventure awaits at Canmore Caves! This year-round expedition guarantees an unforgettable experience seeing Canada’s Bow Valley 60ft underneath the surface. Ready to take the leap with our expert guides? Select your experience at the link in our bio! #DiscoverBanffTours #BanffNationalPark #BanffNationalParkTours #CanadaTours #Summerinbanff #mybanff #banfftours #grouptours

Your award-winning catch is on the horizon! 🎣 Join us for a day of fishing with public and private tours available at the link in our bio! #DiscoverBanffTours #BanffNationalPark #BanffNationalParkTours #CanadaTours #Summerinbanff #mybanff #banfftours #grouptours

We`re passionate about creating unforgettable adventures! Hit the trails with us today by booking a tour at the link in our bio. #DiscoverBanffTours #BanffNationalPark #BanffNationalParkTours #CanadaTours #Summerinbanff #mybanff #banfftours #grouptours

Are you ready for an Evening Wildlife Safari tour perfect for the whole family? Join us on this 2-hour tour, and you might spot an elk sauntering across a clearing, bighorn sheep grazing in an alpine meadow, and sometimes even a grizzly bear snuffling through a berry bush. Book your tour at the link in our bio! #DiscoverBanffTours #BanffNationalPark #BanffNationalParkTours #CanadaTours #Summerinbanff #mybanff #banfftours #grouptours

Banff Tips & Insights

The All Season Guide To What To Do In Banff

5 Best Hikes In Banff And Lake Louise

5 Awesome Things To Do With Kids In Banff

Alberta Small Group Tours

• Choose from 25 Alberta tours
• 250+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best Alberta small group tours

Compiled by

Melissa Alberta travel expert at TourRadar

Rockies Premium Tour from Vancouver (34 Seats)

Active canadian rockies adventure, british columbia ski tour 11 days, athabasca river canoe trip in alberta, canada, canadian rockies express, canadian rockies eastbound express, canadian rockies, the best of banff and jasper, hoteltour, the best of banff and jasper, campingtour, canadian rockies & northern lights.

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Join the Monte Creek Winery tour and visit Spahats Falls
• See wildlife on a tour around the Lake Minnewanka
• Relax, roast marshmallows and learn to make s’mores’

“Stunning sceneries, fun activities. It was well worth it.”

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes
• Trek through Crypt Lake's rugged paths
• Discover Yoho's majestic Iceline Trail
• Explore Red Rock Canyon's wonders

“Highly recommended!!”

• Ski, Snowboard & Snow
• Enjoy epic mountain skiing
• Soak in hot springs
• Explore Nelson's bar scene

“We had a great time traveling along the Powder Highway.”

• Kayak & Canoe
• Spot wildlife while drifting through forests
• Pitch your tent in the Rocky Mountain foothills
• Learn canoeing basics and safety on a lake

• Visit Lake Louise and hike to a Tea House
• Enjoy a BBQ and wine tasting in Okanagan Valley
• Create a medicine bag at Squamish Lil'wat Centre

“I've already recommended to lots of friends. It was great being able to visit so many beautiful places safely.”

• Meet your CEO and group upon arrival
• Explore Lake Louise and Banff National Park
• Tour the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

“The hotels were all good and the camp at Golden was a nice contrast.”

• Enjoy thrilling whitewater rafting
• Walk around historic Gastown
• Canoe on Clearwater Lake

“Really well organised and you do lots of awesome things.”

• Climb to panoramic views at Columbia Icefields
• Explore Banff's vibrant streets and trails
• Trek through the scenic Icefields Parkway

“The Canadian Rockies were amazing. She managed to encourage us to the point where we felt comfortable.”

• Explore alpine meadows above Banff
• View glaciers from Icefields Parkway
• Trek to a tea house by Lake Louise

“It was a memorable experience. I'd probably add more other different activities in my itinerary and maybe take it a bit slow.”

• Northern Lights
• Christmas & New Year
• Discover the natural beauty of Lake Louise and admire its snow-covered banks
• Gaze at the clear night skies of Peace River and witness the Northern Lights
• Navigate the frozen waterfalls, ice caves and ice formations of Maligne Canyon

“The guide was knowledgeable, pleasant, and worked hard to give all tour participants an extraordinary time.”

Discover TourRadar

Alberta Wildlife & Safari Trips

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• Easy Active
• Fly Cruises
• Scheduled Group Tour
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• Wildlife & Safari Exploration
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• Northern Lights
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• Greg Mortimer
• Ultramarine
• Northwest Passage
• Experience Qeqertarsuaq
• Visit Prince Leopold Island
• Discover Ilulissat
• Explore Sisimiut

Northwest Passage to Newfoundland: Glaciers, Mountains, and Wildlife

• Explore Calgary
• Discover Northwest Passage
• Experience Lancaster Sound
• Witness Baffin Island

Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route

• Explore Toronto
• Discover Greenland
• Explore Canada's High Arctic

Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands

• Experience the Canadian Arctic
• Search for iconic Arctic wildlife
• Enjoy flightseeing and heli landing

Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Canada travel guide.

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Favorite Canada All Trips

• Torngat Mountains Safari
• Chilko Experience Wilderness Lodge
• Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari
• High Arctic Muskoxen & Polar Bear Photography
• Arctic Char Fly Fishing
• Beluga Whale Photography
• Arctic Watch Discovery Experience

Top Alberta Travel Destinations

Top experiences in alberta.

• Alberta Wildlife & Safari Exploration (5)
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Alberta Trips by Activity

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• 1. [5HHS] 5 day halifax hub and spoke
• 2. [10RWE] 10 day rockies wildlife explorer
• 3. [7CPSD] 7 day scenic cape breton self-drive
• 4. [YASU] 5 day late summer aurora borealis viewing
• 5. [HAGW] 8 day haida gwaii and prince rupert
• 6. [MMES] 13 day maritime mosaic
• 7. [YABV] 5 day yellowknife aurora borealis viewing
• 8. [8TNB] taste of new brunswick
• 9. [6MHT] 6 day montréal to halifax train adventure
• 10. [4DEC] 4 days exploring calgary

ESCORTED ALBERTA TOURS

From the beautiful Rockies to the other-worldly Badlands, and the sophisticated cities to the remote wilderness - experience every corner of Alberta. Our tours include comfortable coach transportation and accommodation, and a professional tour leader for stress-free travel. We also include 2 meals per day and all sightseeing.

Alberta is our home and we have relationships with all the best local suppliers, so we can offer you an authentic experience. Our tours feature cultural experiences from local Indigenous suppliers, delicious food tours from local foodie experts, fascinating historical sites, and the most breathtaking scenery and wildlife tours available.

Browse through a selection of our most popular escorted tours below, and click through to see the entire collection!

MOST POPULAR TRIPS FOR Escorted Alberta Tours

SIMILAR TOURS

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CLASSIC TOURS

• Expert Tour Leader
• Maximum 24 passengers
• 3-4 stars comfortable accommodation (when available)
• Coach transportation
• Breakfast Included Daily
• Lunch or Dinner Included on Select Days
• Most Gratuities included

TOURS OF DISTINCTION

• Maximum 18 passengers
• Variety of 'off the beaten path' experiences
• Stays at Unique Inns and Boutique Hotel (when available)
• Mini Coach and Comfortable Local Transportation
• Lunch or Dinner Included Daily
• Unique Local Restaurant Experiences
• Most Gratuities Included

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

• Private trip on a date of your choice
• Incorporates all modes of travel (coach, RV, car, VIA Rail, Rocky Mountaineer train)
• All Attractions, Activities and Events are Customizable
• Offers levels of accommodation from budget 3-star hotels, boutique lodges, to luxury properties
• Itineraries available in all 10 Canadian Provinces and the 3 Northern Territories and Alaska
• Itineraries also available in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific
• Itineraries cover all seasons and all travel styles
• Detailed crafted itineraries designed to agent/client specifications for content and budget

CUSTOM GROUPS

• Option for Expert Tour Leader to lead group at destination
• All Attractions, Activities, and Events are Customizable
• Offers levels of accomodation from budget 3-star hotels, boutique lodges, to luxury properties
• Daily breakfasts included

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YOUR FOUR SEASON TOUR COMPANY

WELCOME TO CXA ADVENTURES

Let us be your Four Season Tour discount travel & tour connection

CXA offers four-season individual & group You-Drive tours to the most famous resorts & attractions across Canada and part of the U.S.A.

Over 30 years of professional experience in organized tours is proof that we can provide the experience and details that you expect out of a tour  company.  We will help you throughout  the planning of your trip/tour from beginning to end  and make sure that you and your group will have the most memorable experience. 

U DRIVE - U SAVE

Individuals or Group s

Let us book your accommodations and activities.

Let us SAVE you the TIME, HASSLE and MONEY!

You will receive your booking and reservations

in your inbox within 48 hours!

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GROUP / CORPORATE 

Packages & Tours /  You-Drive

We customize your tour package based on what you require from dates, location, departure & and what's included

Let us quote your next getaway from 2 - 200

For more  Group or Corporate

MOTORCYCLE TOURS 2024

For all Riders male or female   |    single or groups

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WORLD FIGURE CHAMPIONSHIP PACKAGES BOSTON, 2025

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Alberta Reviews

Rockies premium tour from vancouver.

The trip was amazing due to our driver Meghan . She was very responsible ..Meghan went out of her way to support everyone's request . Everyone on the bus was very fr...

We had a great time, the scenery was beautiful, food was great and we met some nice people. Ian our guide was very knowledgeable & funny, Jazz his assistant was ...

Review for Rockies Premium Tour from Vancouver

This bus tour was great. The Tour Guide was experie...

"What an awesome tour! Our guides made this trip perfect. We had the best driver. The places are beautiful! Hotels were really good, the food too. Maybe more options...

See all Alberta reviews

Related Trips and Tours

Trip planning.

Alberta Beach Adventures

Creating Lasting Memories On and Off the Water

COME AND ENJOY THE LAKE WITH US!

We are located on the south shore of Lac Ste. Anne (Alberta Beach) and offer Boat Tours, Fishing Packages and Ice Shack Rentals. We are proud members of Transportation Canada’s “Blue Decal” program which means our boat has been fully inspected and deemed safe for you, your family and friends while venturing out on the lake.

Book online or give us a call for your next Alberta Beach Adventure.

On The Water

Our boat tours and fishing packages are operational from May – October dependent on weather. Our 20’ pontoon boat holds a maximum of 9 people (plus the captain of course) take your family out for a couple hour tour, a day of fishing or maybe a sunset cruise without the expense of owing a boat!

Want to have adventure in the winter? We have you covered! From December – March you can rent one of our ice fishing shacks. Weather dependent. Our shacks can accommodate from 1 – 6 people for the day or overnight.

Off The Water

Escape to our newly renovated cabin in Robb, AB, just a 45-minute drive south of Edson. Our cabin is perfect for outdoor adventurers and those seeking peace and tranquility.

Inside, you’ll find two welcoming bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy living room with two TVs for entertainment. Step outside to enjoy the screened-in breezeway with a fire table for cozy evenings. Savor delicious meals cooked on the BBQ grill and unwind in the hammock, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

Experience unforgettable camping with our rental trailer, offering all the comforts of home in a compact, mobile space. 

Our trailer features a spacious interior with a comfy bed and a fully equipped kitchen. It is ready for you to move in—no setup required. We deliver it to your location so you can relax and enjoy your vacation from the moment you arrive.

More than just a place to sleep, our trailer is perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones. Enjoy cozy campfires under the stars, share stories around the dining table, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

WHAT OUR CLIENT'S SAY...

The ultimate road trip through northern Alberta, Canada

Aug 30, 2024 • 9 min read

Get to know the diverse landscapes and cultures of Alberta on this road trip from Edmonton through the Ukrainian Bloc. Shutterstock

When it comes to Canadian road trips , few are as iconic as Alberta’s Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper through the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains. But it’s far from the only road trip worth doing in  Alberta .

The prairie province boasts a diverse range of landscapes – from badlands rich with dinosaur bones to dense boreal forests – and unique cultural heritage. And perhaps nothing reflects this better than a road trip through Alberta’s Ukrainian Bloc, just northeast of Edmonton . It’s the region of Canada where I grew up and one of my favorite places to take visitors – which is why I wrote about it for Lonely Planet’s Offbeat North America .

From 1891 to roughly 1930, the Ukrainian Bloc was home to the largest colony of Ukrainian settlers in Canada – and for centuries before that, it’s where  Indigenous people (including Cree and Métis people) gathered, lived and hunted. Today, this collision of cultures lives on in the area’s communities, culinary offerings and outrageous roadside attractions.

Where is the Ukrainian Bloc?

There are no strictly defined boundaries for the Ukrainian Bloc, but its attractions and historic communities can be found stretching along Hwys 16 and 28, east and northeast of Edmonton.

How much time is needed for a road trip in northeastern Alberta?

It’s possible to visit some of the Ukrainian Bloc’s top attractions  on a day trip from Edmonton , but this offbeat region deserves a full weekend or more.

We’ve designed this loop road trip (with almost no backtracking!) to be done over an extra long weekend, with 660km (410 miles) of driving spread over four days. However, it could just as easily be done in three days.

When is the best time to go?

Northeastern Alberta is best visited during the summer months (June to August), when it doesn’t get dark until after 10pm. Long summer days lend themselves to road trips, with more time for exploration. Just watch out for deer on the roads at twilight.

Otherwise, head here before snow hits the road. The autumn months of September and October offer the best combo of good road conditions with a higher chance of seeing the northern lights .

Where to start and rent a car?

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is situated 31.5km (19.5 miles) south of Edmonton’s downtown, with daily direct flights arriving from many major Canadian and American airports including Toronto , Vancouver and Los Angeles .

All major rental car operators – including Budget and Enterprise – have outlets at the airport. Make sure you have insurance. This road trip is almost entirely on paved roads, but windshield chips are common in rural Alberta.

Day 1: Start your road trip in Edmonton

The vibes: Some consider Edmonton the underdog in its long-standing rivalry with Calgary . But if that’s even vaguely true, Edmonton is putting up a solid fight with a newly redeveloped downtown core, top-notch restaurants, and an incredible performing arts scene. The latter is most evident along Old Strathcona’s Whyte Ave, a strip where alternative culture collides with boutique shopping. Theater thrives here year-round (notably, actor Nathan Fillion earned his chops at the district’s many venues) and in August, Whyte Ave is transformed by one of the world’s largest  Fringe Festivals .

Do: To better contextualize what you’re going to see in the coming days, head to  Fort Edmonton Park for a primer on Alberta’s history. Upon arrival, jump on the 1919 steam train to the Indigenous Peoples’ Experience. This immersive multi-sensory experience provides insight into the Métis, an Indigenous nation born from the unions of European fur traders and First Nations people in the 18th century. Then, slowly make your way back towards the park’s entrance and forward through time, starting at the 1846 fur trading post and ending up at the 1920s midway.

Eat: Sit down to dinner at  Bernadette’s , new to downtown Edmonton in May 2024. With two First Nations chefs in the kitchen (Cree chef Berrty Stoney and Mushkego chef Scott Iserhoff), you can expect dishes like bison cheek slow cooked in red wine, and bannock bites. Afterwards, take an evening stroll north up 104th St. Just over a block from Bernadette’s, you’ll find the  Neon Sign Museum , which lights up the street with iconic signage from Edmonton’s history.

Stay: To stay on theme (this is a history tour of Alberta, after all), check in to the  Fairmont Hotel Macdonald . Welcoming guests since 1915, it also has exceptional views of the River Valley, said to be the largest urban park in North America.

Day 2: Travel back in time to the Ukrainian Heritage Village

The vibes: Although the Ukrainian Bloc has no clear boundaries, the first indication you’ve arrived will be the  Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village . A living museum where interpreters stay in character (some even going as far to only speak in Ukrainian), the site examines the role of the early Ukrainian immigrants in shaping Alberta’s cultural identity.

Do: If you got your fill of heritage parks yesterday at Fort Edmonton Park, head across the highway to  Elk Island National Park instead. As you drive through the park, keep an eye out for the free-roaming Plains and Woods bison. Then, rent a canoe from the stand beside Astotin Lake and paddle around the lake’s many islands.

Stay: You’ll find  Elk Island Retreat in a secluded woodland location just west of Astotin Lake. It’s beloved for its geodome, yurts and cabins, but it also offers RV and van sites.

The drive: You won’t have to drive far today. From Edmonton, it’s a straight shot east (about 50km or 31 miles) along Hwy 16 to the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. Budget 45 minutes for the journey.

Itinerary alternative: Short on time? Skip the overnight in Elk Island National Park and start heading north, following our directions for Day 3 below.

Day 3: Go big or go home on the drive to Cold Lake

The vibes: As farmland gives way to mixed woodland and later boreal forests, you’ll see evidence of the area’s Ukrainian heritage everywhere. Some clues are subtle (like the shining silver domes of Ukrainian churches backed by brilliant yellow canola fields) while others – like Glendon’s 8-meter-tall (26ft) pierogi – are near impossible to miss.

Do: Line up your favorite playlist. Today is all about taking the scenic route, with stops at some of Alberta’s strangest attractions along the way.

Leaving from the gates of Elk Island National Park, drive about 55km (34 miles) east on Hwy 16 to Vegreville. Stop in Elk’s Park to marvel at what was once the world’s largest pysanka (Ukrainian Easter egg), weighing in at a whopping 2.5 tons.

Then, it’s time to wave goodbye to the Trans-Canada Highway. Start zig-zagging your way northeast on secondary highways until you reach St Paul, about 105km (65 miles) away. Stretch your legs at the town’s UFO Landing Pad. Yes, it’s entirely unrelated to the area’s Eastern European roots, but when in northeastern Alberta, do as the aliens do?

Finally, plug the village of Glendon into your GPS. Roughly 40km (25 miles) further northeast, it’s home to the ultimate giant Ukrainian food items: a massive pierogi, complete with a fork stabbed through its middle.

Afterwards, take Hwy 660 east until it turns into Hwy 28. Follow this road 80km (50 miles) to its terminus in Cold Lake. The biggest lake in Alberta’s Lakeland Region – with swimming, fishing and sailing on offer – it also has the region’s best range of accommodations.

Stay: Check-in to  Waterfront Harbour Bed and Breakfast , directly on the shores of Cold Lake. Stays include a warming homemade breakfast prepared by Métis owner Isabel Myshaniuk. Before you go to bed, be sure to check the aurora forecast; they’re frequently seen dancing over the lake.

Day 4: Meet the Métis at Métis Crossing

The vibe: Complete your crash course in Alberta’s history by looping back southwest towards Edmonton on Hwy 28, but not before making a stop at  Métis Crossing . Set in a serene location on the edges of the North Saskatchewan River, the cultural center’s impressive roster of Indigenous-led programs includes archery, canoeing on the river, and tours of its adjoining wildlife park, where visitors can see rare white bison (called bufloo in Michif, the Métis language) and elk.

Do: Programs at Métis Crossing vary depending on the time of year, but if you’re staying the night, we recommend Whispers from the Stars. It’s not just about astronomy – it’s a deep dive into how the Métis people used the sky as a clock and calendar. If time permits, it’s worth staying two nights to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights, and to experience more than one of Métis Crossing’s programs.

Finally, don’t leave without making a stop into nearby Smoky Lake. The bakery here has even more Ukrainian goodies to sample in its cabinets and coolers. The town also has its own set of giant things – five massive concrete pumpkins, lined up along Railway Drive.

Stay: Métis Crossing has a 40-room boutique lodge and campground, but our top pick is its new stargazing domes with transparent roofs. For a more affordable option, head back into Smoky Lake, where you’ll find  Nekinan. The hostel, owned by the Métis Nation of Alberta, has private rooms and a vast collection of Métis memorabilia from the region on display.

Day 5: Return to Edmonton via more big things

Do: It’s time to head back to Edmonton, but not before ticking two more giant things off your list. Head south of Métis Crossing over the river, then take a slight detour east to Andrew, where you’ll find the world’s largest mallard duck with a wingspan of 7 meters (23ft).

From Andrew, continue south on Hwy 855 for 32km (20 miles) until you reach Mundare. The massive ring of kovbasa (Ukrainian sausage)   at its center was sponsored by the town’s Ukrainian sausage producer, Stawnichy’s. Stock up on some final snacks at Stawnichy’s retail location , which sells sausages, alongside borscht (beet soup), pierogi (dumplings usually stuffed Canadian-style with potato and cheese) and baked perishke (cottage cheese buns).

Tips for EV drivers

Northeastern Alberta is mainly rural, with big distances between towns. However, charging stations can be found in large centers and key stops along this route, including Cold Lake, Elk Island National Park (at the main Astotin Beach Parking Lot) and Métis Crossing. For a map of EV charging stations, visit PlugShare .

Jessica Lockhart visited Métis Crossing at the invitation of Travel Alberta. Lonely Planet does not accept freebies for positive coverage.

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