6 Alberta Staycation Ideas to Check Out

With the loonie dropping to lows we haven’t seen in over a decade, getting more for your money matters when you plan a trip. Planning your vacation this winter might be a bit of a challenge if you want to get the most out of your dollar and aren’t sure where to start. However, if you stick with locations right in Alberta, you’ll save money and have some great experiences that you may have overlooked otherwise.

1. Calgary

If your vacation plans include staying right in Calgary, you have some great fun awaiting in any case with a couple of options well worth your time. If you stop by the Glenbow Museum on the first Thursday of the month, your admission is free between 5 and 9 pm, and you still have access to all the art exhibits and activities that make the museum great. This museum also offers regular talks given by the artists that are enjoyable. 

You can also go skating at the Olympic Plaza’s rink, then check out the dining options on Stephen Avenue that include several locations with tasty desserts. This street has one of the biggest groups of restaurants in one location so you don’t need to drive all over the city to find a place to eat. Calgary’s population is diverse enough that you can find almost any type of cuisine.

2. Nanton

You might also want to consider heading over to Nanton, one of the hidden gems in Alberta. There is a Bomber Command Museum that has beautifully-preserved vintage aircrafts on display. You’ll also want to visit the town’s candy shop which stays open for winter visitors and has sweet treats that you won’t find everywhere. 

3. Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is a fun place to visit on a weekend trip, and spotting the vintage neon signs is just the beginning of the fun. Be sure to visit the Medalta Clay District to discover more about the city’s past as a major pottery centre and learn about what was used to craft these pieces. Medicine Hat’s culinary scene boasts everything from boutique cafes and coffee shops, to barbecue and unique sunset dinners under a modern teepee. 

4. Drumheller

A trip to nearby Drumheller is a good way to visit a location within easy driving distance with geocaching having become a leading outdoor activity all year long. The Royal Tyrrell Museum offers an excellent mix of history and art exhibits that appeal to all ages. From here you can head to the Last Chance Saloon that stays open for business all year long and has a distinct Old west flavour you’ll love taking in. 

5. Edmonton

Many people liken a trip to Edmonton to visiting Las Vegas, and this comparison is accurate regarding unique attractions accessible all year long. The indoor World Waterpark gives you an experience that’s just like being at the beach, no matter how low the temperature is outside, complete with sand and palm trees. If your family has been hoping for a tropical getaway but one isn’t in your budget, this trip will be the next best thing. 

The West Edmonton Mall has an indoor amusement park, ropes course and mini golf course. You won’t have to wait for spring with access to such a fun indoor playground. If you just can’t get enough of winter, head over to the Edmonton Ice Castle with its colourful, dazzling light displays that provides memorable photo opportunities. 

6. Banff

It is easy to see why Banff draws so many visitors to Alberta every year, with a beautiful hotel on-site, skiing and skating opportunities. Mount Norquay has great slopes to entice any skier and Johnson Canyon has waterfalls that are a spectacular sight when they’re frozen, and you’ll enjoy hiking or snowshoeing to them. You’ll have a comfortable hotel with all the amenities to come back to when you’re done for the day.

There are also a lot of unique things to do here including taking a dip in hot springs, always an interesting break from the usual cold weather activities. The area behind the hotel is perfect for tobogganing, and Lake Louise is a great place to go skating. You can also go bicycling for a unique twist on winter and early spring adventures.

When you take a staycation, you don’t need to sacrifice fun by any means. Calgary has a great location that gives you ready access to things to do that are always unique. When you opt to stay in Alberta, you’ll still have a fantastic time.

Photo credit: banff, calgary, drumheller