While there are hundreds of places to stay in Alberta, finding the right one can be difficult. The Rocky Mountains on the Western border of Alberta are often foremost in people’s minds when they consider taking a trip, but there are trendy weekend getaways to be had all over the province.
Glacier View Lodge
Glacier View Lodge is located just one hour away from Jasper and promises a stay filled with enjoyable activities. The lodge provides wonderful guest experiences with cozy rooms, guest lobbies, leisurely on-site dining, and even higher-altitude dining with glacier views. If you are looking for a quiet weekend to rest and enjoy some beautiful scenery, the Glacier View Lodge is an excellent place.
The lodge offers guided tours of the Columbia Icefield Skywalk included in many of their room packages. Depending on the season of your visit, tours of the Athabasca Icefield are available as well. These icefields are marvels of nature and sure to bring an extra spark of enjoyment to your weekend.
Footloose Caboose Lodge
Less than an hour from Edmonton, Footloose Caboose Lodge features a unique sleeping and dining experience. Railway caboose cars that have been removed from active service are converted into cozy rooms, fitted with a comfortable bed, bathroom, and a small living area. There is also a dining car to serve both breakfast and dinner in a classy mix of contemporary and old-style cooking.
Close by the lodge are several country golf courses, perfect for an afternoon tee time in the fresh air. Just a short drive away is Elk Island National Park, which is home to a variety of protected animals for observation. The park also has a number of walking paths for a casual hike. If you’re looking for some historical culture, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is also nearby, highlighting authentic insights into the day-to-day lives of early Ukrainian settlers.
With its proximity to Edmonton, Footloose Caboose Lodge makes a beautiful place to relax at night while exploring Alberta’s capital during the day. If you are interested in shopping, West Edmonton Mall boasts stores for everyone, from clothing to board games to new technology. There are several other ways to experience Edmonton, including walking tours, the Mayfield Dinner Theatre, performances at the Winspear Centre, and more cultural delights.
Drumheller
Drumheller is the dinosaur capital of Alberta and fully embraces this unique trait. There are many dinosaur-themed hotels and restaurants around the city and in all price ranges. The city is home to the world’s largest dinosaur and the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Self-guided dinosaur tours are also available, featuring all of the dinosaurs found around Drumheller at different locations around the city. This tour allows you to see the town while learning about its rich history.
If your interests are less dinosaur-focused, there are other exciting things to do in Drumheller. Beautiful landmarks such as the hoodoos or the Rosedale Suspension Bridge are in the area surrounding the city, creating the perfect backdrop for a hike or a photo shoot. Since Drumheller has a history in coal mining, there are also museums and mining sites open to explore the rich history of this mining town.
The outdoor Badlands Amphitheatre offers a variety of musical, theatrical and light shows throughout the warmer months, as well as an annual Passion Play, showing the crucifixion. If you are visiting during the winter or looking for a different form of entertainment, the acclaimed Rosebud Theatre also offers theatrical productions year-round.
Getting away for a weekend and taking time to enjoy yourself can be a relaxing and refreshing experience. There are many trendy and exciting getaway locations across Alberta. Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend of relaxation in the mountains, or an exciting adventure in a big city, there are options available to you. Take the time to research the right trip for you and make your getaway the best one possible.
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