Seven Of The Most Iconic Destinations Around Alberta To Save For Shoulder Season

By Britanny Burr on September 11, 2024.

Here's a round-up of 7 of the most popular spots to visit in shoulder season. We’ve got you covered, Alberta.

When summer’s hustle fades to autumn, and the winter chill hasn’t quite settled in, Alberta’s shoulder season is the perfect time to explore some of its most iconic and popular landmarks. Just because you’re local to the area doesn’t mean that you can’t appreciate the beauty of those popular places that people travel from far and wide to see for themselves. While Alberta’s hot-spots get a reputation for being total zoos, they’re popular for a reason and you should probably treat yourself every once in a while.

With fewer crowds, milder temperatures, and a more relaxed vibe, you can truly soak in everything these gems offer. Today, we’ve compiled seven popular tourist destinations that shine brightest in the quieter months. Check them out!

Town of Banff

Banff is certainly magical all year round, but there’s something extra special about it during the shoulder season. The streets are quieter, the restaurants are less crowded, and there are shorter lines at local attractions, like experiencing the sweeping vistas on top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola or soaking it up at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Fall brings a tapestry of golden larches, and the weather cools to a comfortable temperature. It’s an ideal time to explore the town’s charming shops, explore the hiking trails, indulge in fantastic dining, or just enjoy a stroll down Banff Avenue without the hustle of peak tourist season.

Canmore

Compared to its neighbour, Canmore is a slightly quieter, laid-back town perfect for exploring in shoulder season. The town’s vibrant scene, cozy coffee shops, and locally owned boutiques are an excellent place to explore when you’re not elbow-to-elbow with other visitors. Check out one of the many great hiking trails like Grassi Lakes or biking trails around town or up at the Nordic Centre, or take in a season’s-end paddle on Quarry Lake, the Bow River, or at the Reservoir. Head over to a patio at one of Canmore’s craft breweries and soak up the fall sun and the gorgeous surroundings. A day spent in Canmore is always a good day, especially when it’s a bit more calm.

Lake Minnewanka

Just outside of Banff, Lake Minnewanka is a peaceful spot that feels like your own oasis in shoulder season. The crowds have thinned, making it the perfect time to enjoy a quiet boat ride or a lakeside stroll. The lake’s beautiful waters shimmer brilliantly against the reflection of the surrounding mountain peaks and its golden trees reflecting on the lake. Shoulder season gives you the best chance to experience Lake Minnewanka at its most tranquil and calm time.

Kananaskis Country & The Nordic Spa

Hiking in K-Country during the fall shoulder season is arguably the most spectacular way to experience the area. The landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of deep orange, bright yellow, and vibrant gold. Around this time, the larch trees are beginning to turn a brilliant gold, creating a canvas of colour against the mountain peaks. Trails like Ptarmigan Cirque, Chester Lake, and Pocaterra Ridge offer the best views of autumn wonder. With the summer crowds gone, the trails are less busy, and the beauty of Kananaskis shines brightly.

Take a visit to the Nordic Spa, where your alpine sanctuary awaits. It’s the perfect time to unwind in hot pools, cold plunge pools, steam cabins, and saunas, or indulge in a relaxing massage without the summer rush or winter crowds. The cool mountain air adds a refreshing edge to the experience, and the quiet atmosphere allows you to fully embrace the beautiful mountain surroundings.

Royal Tyrrell Museum

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is a dinosaur lover’s paradise, showcasing one of the world’s largest displays of prehistoric dinosaurs. Visiting during shoulder season means you can explore the incredible exhibits at a leisurely pace or delve into an educational program with a tour guide. The weather is cooler, making it a great time to wander the surrounding badlands and marvel at the hoodoos and coulees that make this landscape so incredible.

West Edmonton Mall

This isn’t just any mall; it’s a full-blown adventure. West Edmonton Mall is North America’s largest shopping mall, with over 800 stores, a waterpark, an amusement park, an ice palace,  mini-golf, an aquarium, bowling, restaurants, and movie theatres, to name a few! Here you can easily spend a weekend, and you don’t even have to leave the premises. The Fantasyland Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience, complete with themed rooms that will take you beyond your wildest imagination. It’s the perfect place for some retail therapy, a splash in the World Waterpark experiencing thrilling indoor waterslides, or an afternoon at Galaxyland Amusement Park. With fewer visitors, you’ll spend less time in lines and more time enjoying the awesome attractions.

Studio Bell

Home of the National National Music Centre in Calgary, Studio Bell is a celebration of Canada’s musical heritage. Located in the vibrant East Village, it’s an architectural beauty that’s a sight to behold. Here, you can explore interactive exhibits, a large collection of musical instruments, vintage memorabilia, and state-of-the-art digital music-making stations, all at your own pace. Grab the kids, grab your favourite warm fall beverage, and even catch a live performance in the acoustically stunning Performance Hall. Shoulder season is the perfect opportunity to experience Canada’s rich musical heritage and is fun for all ages.

Shoulder season is Alberta’s best-kept secret. This list is just a small slice of some of the best destinations to explore during Alberta’s off-season when the crowds have all returned home, and the crisp fall air makes for stress-free exploring. Get out there, Alberta!

Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.