Skip the gridlock to Banff and head somewhere a little quieter (but just as stunning).
Let’s be honest—the May Long Weekend in Alberta can be a bit of a chaos sandwich. Campgrounds book out months in advance, traffic on the QE2 slows to a crawl, and your “relaxing escape” ends up being a convoy of trailers all headed to the exact same lake.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re willing to drive a little farther or zig where others zag, you can still find places in Alberta that feel peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly not packed with your neighbour’s entire camping crew.
Here are a few under-the-radar road trip ideas for May Long Weekend, perfect for those looking to dodge the worst of the crowds and still make the most of that first real taste of summer.
1. Head South to Waterton Lakes National Park
From Edmonton: ~6.5 hours
From Calgary: ~3 hours
Tucked into Alberta’s southwest corner, Waterton offers national park beauty with way fewer people than Banff or Jasper—especially in May. You’ll still need to book ahead for camping or hotels, but you won’t be shoulder-to-shoulder at every trailhead.
What to do:
- Hike Bear’s Hump for sweeping views of the townsite and lakes.
- Explore Red Rock Canyon and Cameron Falls (both great early-season walks).
- Grab a burger from Wieners of Waterton or afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel.
- Bring your binoculars—this area is a hotspot for wildlife and spring wildflowers.
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Why it works: It’s out of the way for most Albertans, so even on May Long, it’s not insane—especially if you stay outside the park in places like Mountain View or Cardston.
2. Explore the Badlands – Drumheller & Beyond
From Edmonton: ~3 hours
From Calgary: ~1.5 hours
The Badlands offer that perfect May Long combo: dry weather, fascinating scenery, and trails that are usually ready to go. While Drumheller can get a bit busy, there are plenty of spots nearby where you can spread out and explore in peace.
Top stops:
- Hike Horseshoe Canyon or Horsethief Canyon—dramatic views without the crowds.
- Drive the Dinosaur Trail Loop, with a stop at the Bleriot Ferry.
- Check out East Coulee and the Atlas Coal Mine for something more offbeat.
- Camp at Dinosaur Provincial Park (~1.5 hours southeast) for next-level hoodoo scenery.
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Why it works: These areas heat up earlier than the mountains, so you’ll find dry trails, mild weather, and campgrounds that aren’t all packed with trailers wall-to-wall (yet).
3. Northern Alberta Lake Country – Lac La Biche Region
From Edmonton: ~2.5 hours
If you want the classic Alberta lake weekend without running into half your kid’s soccer team, point your vehicle north instead of west. The Lac La Biche region is full of crystal-clear lakes, sandy beaches, and boreal forest trails, and it’s blissfully overlooked on May Long.
Top spots:
- Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park – Camp on an island, walk the shoreline, and catch migrating birds.
- Lakeland Provincial Park – More rugged and remote, with great paddling and fishing.
- Beaver Lake & Fork Lake – Smaller, quieter lakes with hidden camping gems.
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Why it works: Fewer people, excellent fishing, and early-season peace and quiet. Bring your bug spray—it’s the north, after all—but you’ll trade that for an actual sense of solitude.
4. Peace Country & the Mighty River Valleys
From Edmonton: ~5–6 hours
Want something way off the radar? Peace River Country is Alberta’s forgotten gem. You’ll find winding river valleys, scenic viewpoints, and campgrounds that still have last-minute spots open even in May.
Things to do:
- Camp at Strong Creek or Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park
- Explore the Sagitawah Lookout or walk the Riverfront Trail in Peace River town
- Visit Historic Dunvegan and its suspension bridge over the Peace River
- Take in the sunset views from Twelve Foot Davis grave site (yes, that’s really what it’s called)
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Why it works: It’s a bit of a drive—but that’s the point. The further north you go, the quieter it gets.
5. Hidden Gems in East-Central Alberta
From Edmonton: 1–3 hours
If you want to avoid the mountains and still camp somewhere with a lake, trees, and no traffic jams, check out these often-overlooked east-central spots:
- Whitney Lakes Provincial Park – Four lakes, good fishing, and plenty of room to spread out
- Big Knife Provincial Park – Nestled in a valley near Forestburg, it’s a peaceful pocket of hills, river, and trails
- Dilberry Lake – Right near the Saskatchewan border, this one’s for folks who like true off-the-grid energy
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Why it works: These are the kinds of places where you show up and still have a shot at snagging a great site—on the long weekend.
A Few May Long Weekend Survival Tips
- Leave early (really early): Traffic out of Edmonton and Calgary on Friday afternoon is a nightmare. Aim to leave before noon, or wait and go early Saturday instead.
- Avoid the “usuals”: Banff, Jasper, and Sylvan Lake will be completely packed. Try alternate parks nearby if you’re set on those areas.
- Pack for all weather: May Long snowstorms are a rite of passage in Alberta. Hope for sun, prepare for sideways sleet.
- Book your site now: Or look for first-come, first-served options at lesser-known parks. You can still find a great spot.
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Got a hidden gem for May Long that we missed? Let us know—we won’t tell everyone (just our readers). 
