September 27 is World Tourism Day, and while the spotlight usually shines on international getaways and bucket-list destinations, we think it’s the perfect time to look a little closer to home. Because let’s be honest — Alberta is stacked when it comes to places worth exploring, and you don’t need to cross any borders (or even leave the province) to feel like you’ve had a proper adventure.
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “We really should go there someday” about something only a few hours from home — this post is your nudge to finally go. Alberta isn’t just about the mountains (though they’re nice and all). This province is big, diverse, and full of hidden corners that surprise even lifelong locals. You could easily spend 52 weekends a year discovering new towns, parks, backroads, and festivals — and still have more to see.
Alberta: More Than Just the Mountains
We all know the Rockies are the headliners. But Alberta’s stage has way more depth than that. Whether you’re into history, food, quirky roadside stops, or just a really good view, there’s something for every kind of traveller right here — and many of those things don’t require snow tires or park passes.
Northern Alberta: Big Skies and Even Bigger Surprises
Northern Alberta often gets overlooked, but if you’ve never headed north of Athabasca for a weekend, you’re missing out. The landscape shifts, the skies seem to stretch wider, and the pace slows down in the best way. There’s a raw, untouched beauty up there that feels like a proper escape — without having to hop a plane or pack a passport. Small towns, wild rivers, deep forests, and lakes that go on forever. It’s the kind of place where you realize just how little of your own province you’ve seen.
Central Alberta: Prairie Charms and Whimsy by the Kilometre
There’s something almost storybook-like about parts of Central Alberta. Between the old-timey downtowns, rolling fields, roadside giants, and family-run diners that haven’t changed since 1983 (in a good way), it’s got a kind of nostalgic charm. It’s also super accessible for Edmontonians — day trips or easy overnights that don’t require a lot of planning. Perfect for spontaneous weekends where you just want to hop in the car and go.
Southern Alberta: Where the Landscape Does Something Unexpected
We won’t name names, but there are entire areas in southern Alberta that feel like they belong on another planet — in the coolest way. Think canyons, hoodoos, and wide open badlands that practically beg for a photo op. It’s the kind of geography you don’t expect if you’ve only driven the QE2. Add in the cowboy history, quirky museums, and a few good pie stops, and you’ve got a solid weekend itinerary — no passport required.
Why Travel Far When You Live Somewhere Worth Exploring?
Being a tourist in your own province means skipping the security lines, avoiding currency exchange rates, and getting to know a place you already call home on a deeper level. It also means supporting local — whether that’s a small-town hotel, a farmer’s market, or a family-run ice cream shop that’s been scooping since before you were born.
And hey, Alberta’s a big place. There’s always something you haven’t seen yet. Even if you’ve lived here your whole life.
Ideas to Celebrate World Tourism Day, Alberta-Style:
- Pick a direction (north, south, east, or west) and drive for two hours. See where you end up.
- Visit a town you’ve only ever passed through.
- Try a food you’ve never had before from a local spot.
- Look up a local museum or gallery — they’re often weirder (and cooler) than you’d expect.
- Walk a trail you’ve never been on — even if it’s just on the edge of town.
- Chat with locals. Ask what they recommend in their area. You’ll hear about things that aren’t in any guidebook.
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Your Excuse to Go? This Year, World Tourism Day Falls on a Saturday
That’s right — Saturday, September 27 is the perfect excuse to plan a getaway. No need to wait for summer or a long weekend. Just pick a direction, grab some road snacks, and hit the road.
If you’re not sure where to go, we’ve got you covered. Check out our 48-hour itineraries — each one designed with Edmonton as the starting point, and packed with things to see, eat, and do in all corners of the province. Just choose one and make a weekend of it.
You don’t need to travel far to feel like a tourist. Not in a place like Alberta. 
