Family fun in Alberta in 48 hours or less

Family fun in Alberta in 48 hours or less

Hidden Gems in Alberta to Add to Your Future Bucket List

Cypress Hills Dark Sky Preserve. Credit: Travel Alberta / Jeff Bartlett

Alberta is packed with world-famous destinations—Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise—but what about the places that don’t make every travel list? If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, more remote, or just plain different, now is the perfect time to start researching.

Since this cold snap has us all bundled up indoors, why not use the time to plan an adventure for when the temperatures rise? Here are some lesser-known Alberta destinations that deserve a spot on your future travel bucket list.

1. Bistcho Lake: Alberta’s Remote Northern Wilderness

Bistcho Lake aerial view. Credit: Bistcho Lake and The Dene Tha’ First Nation.

Tucked away in the far northwest corner of Alberta, Bistcho Lake is one of the largest lakes in the province—but hardly anyone outside of serious outdoor enthusiasts has heard of it. This wild, remote destination is a dream for fishing, paddling, and spotting wildlife in a truly untouched setting.

Why Go?

  • One of Alberta’s least-visited large lakes, offering complete solitude.
  • Amazing fishing—a top spot for northern pike, walleye, and perch.
  • A chance to see boreal wildlife like moose, bears, and lynx, and the northern lights at night.

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Getting There:

  • Located north of High Level, close to the NWT border.
  • Most visitors access the lake via floatplane or bush plane, though there are limited remote road routes in summer. There is also a winter road built each year.

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Seasonal Tips:

  • Winter access is limited, but summer offers prime fishing and boating opportunities.
  • Because it’s so remote, this one is best for experienced adventurers or those booking guided trips.

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2. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park: Alberta’s Overlooked Mountain Escape

Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Credit: Travel Alberta / John Price

Everyone’s heard of the Rockies, but Cypress Hills—straddling the Alberta-Saskatchewan border—offers a totally different kind of mountain experience. This unique area, where the prairies suddenly give way to forested hills, is one of Alberta’s best-kept secrets.

Why Go?

  • The highest point in Canada between the Rockies and Labrador, offering incredible views.
  • A designated Dark Sky Preserve, making it one of the best places in Alberta for stargazing.
  • Less crowded than the mountain parks, but still packed with great hiking, camping, and even zip-lining in summer.

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Getting There:

  • Located in southeastern Alberta, about 3.5 hours from Calgary and 4 hours from Edmonton.

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Seasonal Tips:

  • Winter is great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, while summer offers quiet hiking trails and unique geology.
  • The Reesor Lake area is a great stop for wildlife spotting.

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3. Abraham Lake: Frozen Bubbles and Jaw-Dropping Views

Abraham Lake, with its frozen bubbles. Credit: Travel Alberta / John Price

You’ve probably seen those viral photos of ice bubbles trapped beneath a frozen lake—those were likely taken at Abraham Lake. Located along the David Thompson Highway, this man-made lake becomes a photographer’s paradise in winter, thanks to methane bubbles freezing under the surface.

Why Go?

  • See the famous frozen methane bubbles trapped under the clear ice.
  • The surrounding Rocky Mountain scenery makes it one of Alberta’s most stunning winter destinations.
  • You can also try ice skating on sections of the lake (but check ice conditions carefully!).

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Getting There:

  • About 3.5 hours from Edmonton or 2.5 hours from Calgary via the David Thompson Highway.

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Seasonal Tips:

  • Winds here are fierce in winter—dress warmly, with windproof layers.
  • Ice cleats or spikes are a must if you plan to walk on the lake, as the ice can be incredibly slippery.

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4. Dinosaur Provincial Park: A Fossil-Filled Adventure

Dinosaur Provincial Park. Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Drew

Not to be confused with Drumheller, Dinosaur Provincial Park is a completely separate Badlands treasure, located about two hours from Calgary. Known for its incredible fossil beds, this area is one of the richest dinosaur bone sites in the world.

Why Go?

  • Stunning Badlands landscapes with unique rock formations and hoodoos.
  • In winter, the area is eerily quiet and peaceful, making it feel like another planet.
  • While summer offers guided fossil tours, winter is a great time for self-guided hikes without the crowds.

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Getting There:

  • About 2.5 hours from Calgary and 4.5 hours from Edmonton.

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Seasonal Tips:

  • The park’s visitor center is closed in winter, but the trails remain open.
  • There’s no winter camping, so plan for accommodations in Brooks or nearby towns.

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5. Lesser Slave Lake: Alberta’s Hidden Beach Town (Yes, Even in Winter!)

Lesser Slave Lake in summer. Credit: Travel Alberta

Lesser Slave Lake is often overlooked in favor of the bigger mountain lakes, but this massive freshwater lake in northern Alberta offers a different kind of beauty. While summer is all about beaches and fishing, winter brings opportunities for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Why Go?

  • A quiet, off-the-beaten-path lake escape with plenty of winter activities.
  • Excellent ice fishing—locals say it’s some of the best in Alberta.
  • The Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation offers great winter trails and wildlife spotting.

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Getting There:

  • About 3 hours north of Edmonton via Highway 2.

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Seasonal Tips:

  • Dress warmly—northern Alberta winters can be harsh.
  • Ice conditions vary, so check with locals before venturing onto the frozen lake.

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Turn This Cold Snap into a Research Project

Since the temperatures outside are downright frigid, why not turn these destinations into a fun research project?

  • Pick one or two places from this list and map out a potential road trip—figure out driving routes, where you’d stop, and what you’d pack.
  • Get the kids involved by having them look up wildlife, history, or cool facts about the area.
  • Check out YouTube travel vlogs or Instagram posts from people who’ve been there to get a feel for what to expect.

By the time this cold snap is over, you’ll be ready to hit the road with a well-planned adventure. So grab a hot drink, cozy up, and start dreaming of your next Alberta getaway!

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