Frequently Asked Questions

Alberta is a province in Western Canada. It is bordered by British Columbia to the west, Saskatchewan to the east and the state of Montana to the south.

Calgary is the largest city in the province, with a population of 1.3 million people. The capital city is Edmonton, which is located approximately 300 km (186.4 mi) north of Calgary.

Alberta has three international airports, which are located in Calgary, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray. YYC Calgary International Airport and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) are the two largest airport options in the province.

YYC Calgary International Airport is the closest airport to Banff National Park. You’ll need to arrange additional transportation from the airport, such as a shuttle bus. Click here for more information about transportation options.

Alberta is a four-season destination, so there’s something to see and do any time of the year. The weather is warmest from June to September, with average temperatures of 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). Winter temperatures can range from daytime highs of -5°C (23°F) to -15°C (5°F), but they can also dip as low -30°C (-22°F) to -4°C (-40°F) for short periods of time.

July is the warmest month, when the average temperature is around 23°C (73°F). However, it’s not uncommon to experience temperatures above 30°C (86°F). January and February are the coldest months, when temperatures range from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F).

Visit the Government of Alberta's official website for the latest information about COVID-19 travel restrictions in the province.

In the summer, the weather is warm but the weather can change quickly. Dress in layers so you can adapt throughout the day, especially in the Canadian Rockies. Bring clothing for warm weather, such as T-shirts and shorts, but you’ll also want long pants, sweaters and jackets. Don’t forget sunblock, a hat, sunglasses and appropriate footwear, such as sturdy sandals and trail runners or hiking boots if you’re planning to hike.

In the winter, layering is key to enjoy this chilly season. You'll want a warm base layer that fits close to your body (merino wool is a good option), a mid-layer (usually a fleece jacket or puffer coat) and a windproof shell or parka to top it all off if you plan to get outdoors. Waterproof and windproof pants are a must for skiing or snowboarding, and you'll also want accessories like mittens, a toque (hat) and a neck warmer. Don't forget cozy winter boots with good grip.

Spring and fall weather can be unpredictable, so pack light layers and a mix of what you’d bring in the summer and winter.

You can rent a car at the YYC Calgary International Airport or opt to take a shuttle to the town of Banff. The town offers a convenient transit system, and the Parks Canada shuttle is the best way to get to Lake Louise in the summer. Click here for more information about things to do while you’re there.

Jasper National Park is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies. It is located 370 km (192 mi) west of Edmonton. Jasper can also be reached by driving the spectacular Icefields Parkway from Banff National Park.

Some of the most popular destinations in Alberta include Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, Edmonton, Drumheller and Calgary. Alberta is also home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Click here to learn more about all there is to see and do in Alberta.

There are accommodation options in the Canadian Rockies to suit a variety of tastes and budgets, from camping to luxury hotels. Click the links below to learn more about accommodations in the Canadian Rockies.

Banff & Lake Louise

Jasper National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park

Alberta’s two largest cities have plenty to see and do any time of year. Learn more about the best things to see and do in the capital city, Edmonton, like its year-round festivals. Click here for all the can’t-miss activities and sights in the province’s largest city, Calgary, like the world-famous Calgary Stampede

Campsites in one of the province’s 75 provincial parks can be booked through the Alberta Parks website. If you’d like to camp in one of the five national parks, you’ll need to book your site through Parks Canada.

If you encounter any type of emergency while visiting Alberta, dial 9-1-1. You will reach an operator who can connect you with fire, ambulance or police emergency assistance.

The official currency of Alberta (and all provinces in Canada) is the Canadian dollar. There is also a five per cent tax on all purchases in the province—the lowest tax rate in Canada. Major banks include the Alberta Treasury Branch (ATB), Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), TD Canada Trust and CIBC.