Read update
- More Beautiful Towns In Alberta That Give Banff A Run For Its Money
Summary
- Alberta is home to numerous scenic and beautiful towns that rival Banff in terms of natural beauty and attractions.
- Some of the beautiful towns Alberta has in store include Bellevue, Longview, Devon, Lake Louise, Waterton, and Peace River.
- These scenic Alberta towns offer a wide range of activities and attractions, including national parks, historic sites, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences.
Canada truly offers everything; from stunning Canadian beaches to scenic mountain towns and bustling cities full of history, this enchanting North American country provides so much diversity with its landscapes, attractions, and activities. One particular place that stands out, though, is the mountain town of Banff; located in Alberta, with its snow-capped mountains and bright turquoise lakes, it's one of the prettiest towns in Canada.
Banff may be a slice of Canadian heaven, but that doesn't mean Alberta doesn't have plenty more to offer. This Canadian province is home to some of Canada's prettiest small towns that will have visitors dreaming of early retirement.
Whether travelers are looking for scenic road trips in Alberta or full-on retreats in the mountains where running rivers are the only sounds, these scenic towns in Alberta, Canada, promise a getaway like no other. With refreshing nature, captivating wildlife, and mountain hiking galore, add the following most beautiful towns in Alberta other than Banff (but are easily just as scenic!) to the bucket list.
UPDATE: 2023/12/13 19:43 EST BY REENA JAIN
More Beautiful Towns In Alberta That Give Banff A Run For Its Money
Many Alberta mountain towns give Banff a run for its money with their diverse scenery, which includes prairies, arid badlands, and large coniferous forests, in addition to leisure and adventure activities. This list has been updated with two more beautiful mountain towns in Alberta, which are just as breathtaking as Banff and can make a vacation in Canada extra special.
16 Bellevue
Discover this historic mining town nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains' foothills
Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Bellevue is one of the many historic towns in Canada to visit; it's an old mining town surrounded by verdant forests, pure alpine lakes, and tall peaks. The picturesque Bellevue mine and its nineteenth-century miners' cottages are the main draws of this quaint village.
While the Bellevue Underground Mine Tour offers a thorough look into the history of coal mining in Crowsnest Pass, the self-guided Heritage Driving Tour and Historical Walking Tour give visitors a taste of the mine's past. Also, the proximity to famous attractions like Waterton Lakes National Park adds to the town's appeal.
- Top Attractions in Bellevue: Waterton Lakes National Park, Cameron Falls, Crypt Lake Trail, Bellevue Underground Mine
- Best Time to Visit: May to September for ideal weather for outdoor activities and scenic beauty
15 Longview
Explore a scenic section of the iconic Cowboy Trail in this old country town
There are many reasons to visit Longview, a pretty mountain town in Alberta along the Cowboy Trail close to the Highwood River. This cowboy hamlet has a lot to offer, including delicious country food, antique shopping, and a fantastic campground.
The annual Longstock Music and Arts Festival, as well as rodeo competitions, are other major draws for tourists. The town also serves as a base for an adventurous road trip west into the Kananaskis region or south to Chain Lakes.
- Top Attractions in Longview: Dinosaur Provincial Park, Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, Cowboy Trail, Orkney Viewpoint
- Best Time to Visit: June to August when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are abundant
14 Devon
Be enchanted by the University of Alberta Botanic Garden's fairytale landscapes
Sixteen miles southwest of Edmonton, Devon is a picturesque green town along the North Saskatchewan River. Devon is particularly known for its fairytale-like botanical garden. The University of Alberta Botanic Garden, often known as the Devonian Gardens, is a well-known destination in the area. The grounds include a butterfly sanctuary, Japanese gardens, Aga Khan gardens, and designed waterfalls.
Meanwhile, at Devon Voyageur Park, visitors can enjoy an assortment of recreational options. Situated alongside the North Saskatchewan River at the end of Saskatchewan Avenue West, people can go swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and more.
- Top Attractions in Devon: Botanic Garden at the University of Alberta, Elk Island National Park, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Devon Voyageur Park
- Best Time to Visit: June to August for pleasant temperatures and access to outdoor activities
13 Lake Louise
Soak up turquoise glacial waters against a majestic mountain backdrop
With ski resorts and water activities abounding, Lake Louise has no shortage of fun things to see and do. In the summer, take advantage of the perfect weather and pristine water and go canoeing. As winter rolls around and the lake freezes, travelers are more than welcome to ice skate on the scenic lake. I
If visitors decide to stay in a ski resort, the go-to option should be the Lake Louise Ski Resort, known as one of the best ski resorts in all of Canada. All in all, this is one of the many beautiful Alberta mountain towns that perfectly combines scenery with epic water activities.
- Top Attractions in Lake Louise: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, Lake Agnes Tea House
- Best Time to Visit: June to September when the stunning turquoise lake and mountain landscapes are most accessible.
12 Waterton
In this historic Alberta town, rolling prairies meet the stunning Rockies
Although technically a hamlet, Waterton needed to be on this list of Alberta's most beautiful towns due to its extra unique beauty. Despite welcoming over 400,000 travelers every year, Waterton remains relatively free from the crowds seen in many other towns like Banff and maintains its pristine nature and wildlife.
Not only is Waterton among the many beautiful mountain towns Alberta has in store for adventures, but it's also one of the oldest towns in Canada; the architecture of the town will make visitors feel as though they're strolling down a small historic village in Austria, especially when they check out the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.
- Top Attractions in Waterton: Waterton Lakes National Park, Prince of Wales Hotel, Crypt Lake Trail, Red Rock Canyon, Cameron Falls
- Best Time to Visit: June to September for mild weather, stunning landscapes, and outdoor activities, like hiking and wildlife viewing
11 Peace River
Visit this scenic farming river town full of nature and history
Also known as "Rivière-la-Paix," Peace River is a town with a population of over 6,000 people. Filled with farming communities and untouched landscapes, Peace River is one of the many beautiful river towns in Alberta perfect (and peaceful - it's in the name!) for nature lovers.
Visit the historical Catholic St. Augustine Mission, which was built in 1888 and is where missionaries first arrived in the Peace River to work with the local First Nations population. This stunning town was also where the 2004 Alberta Winter Games were held.
- Top Attractions in Peace River: Peace River Lookout, Riverfront Park, Mile Zero Regional Multiplex, Peace River Museum, Archives, and Mackenzie Centre
- Best Time to Visit: June to September for nice weather and December to February for snowy scenery
10 Grande Cache
Enjoy breathtaking Rockies views along with Grand Cache Lake (and the "Canadian Death Race!")
In Grande Cache, Alberta, there is a 125-kilometer foot race called the "Canadian Death Race" that takes place in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. There are three mountain peaks, a significant river crossing, and an elevation difference of 17,000 feet.
Besides this insane race, there's also Grande Cache Lake, where visitors can enjoy paddling along the water while taking in the breathtaking mountain views. Also, at the Wilmore Wilderness Park, people can spot bears, wolves, caribou, and more. Be prepared, though, because this zone requires detailed planning and backcountry knowledge.
- Top Attractions in Grand Cache: Willmore Wilderness Park, Grande Cache Lake, Grande Cache Golf and Country Club
- Best Time to Visit: June to September for mild weather ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing
9 Kananaskis Village
Escape to this spa village for a tranquil retreat amid stunning landscapes
Kananaskis Village is known for its impressive Nordic spa that will transport visitors to Iceland's Blue Lagoon. While travelers can definitely spend an entire day (or two) at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa at Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, there is more to see.
For example, visitors can go on a snowshoeing trail in the winter and witness the magnificent natural beauty of Kananaskis Village. Then, they can head to Troll Falls, one of Alberta's most stunning and easily accessible waterfalls.
- Top Attractions in Kananaskis Village: Nakiska Ski Resort, Kananaskis Nordic Spa, Troll Falls, Barrier Lake Interpretive Trail
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for hiking and sightseeing, while winter is good for skiing and snowshoeing
8 Bon Accord
Witness incredible stargazing in this scenic prairie Dark Sky Community
For fans of truly phenomenal stargazing experiences, Bon Accord is perfect, with its crisp and clear night sky filled with stars. During the right season (around fall and early winter), visitors can even witness the Northern Lights from this small town.
Before night falls, head over to Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farms to see bright, colorful flower fields and perhaps one of the most incredible pumpkin patches this side of Canada has to offer. Similar to its roots, Bon Accord is also known for its thriving agriculture community and environmental sustainability.
- Top Attractions in Bon Accord: Bon Accord Community Park, Bon Accord and District Museum, Jurrasic Forest, Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farms
- Best Time to Visit: Summer from June to August for enjoying the outdoors in pleasant weather
7 Nanton
Marvel at beautiful prairie landscapes and the town's charming historic buildings
Named after Sir Augustus Meredith Nanton of Winnipeg, Nanton is located in southern Alberta and is popular for its closeness to Calgary. Nanton is a must-see town when visiting Alberta because of its scenic streets filled with charming historical buildings.
There are plenty of things to see and do, including the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, the Nanton Candy Store, the Antique and Art Walk of Alberta, the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre, the Museum of Miniatures, and many more.
- Top Attractions in Nanton: Bomber Command Museum of Canada, Candy Store in Nanton, Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre, Nanton Golf Club
- Best Time to Visit: June to August for milder weather is milder when exploring museums and attractions is enjoyable
6 Pincher Creek
Discover the beauty of pristine lakes and provincial parks, along with skiing and hiking
Another one of the scenic towns in Alberta besides Banff is Pincher Creek, a stunning spot placed at the confluence of the Castle and Waterton Rivers in the Rocky Mountain hills. The nature at Pincher Creek is the town's playground, with exciting sports and activities available, like hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and swimming.
If traveling in Alberta in the winter and Pincher Creek is on the itinerary, visitors can head to Castle Mountain Resort and hit the slopes. Meanwhile, during the warmer months, tourists can visit Castle Falls Provincial Park and witness the majestic waterfalls and crystal blue water. There's also some adrenaline-pumping cliff diving here for those more adventurous.
- Top Attractions in Pincher Creek: Castle Mountain Resort, Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, Castle Provincial Park
- Best Time to Visit: Summer, from June to August, offers milder temperatures and more outdoor recreational opportunities in the region
5 Canmore
The perfect Alberta mountain town near the iconic Three Sisters
Canmore is considered one of the most beautiful Alberta towns to visit with tons to offer; plus, Canmore is said to be a better alternative to Banff, one reason being that it's a little more affordable and sees fewer crowds. Canmore is also closer to Calgary Airport than Banff, making it a bit more accessible.
When in Canmore, visit Canmore Nordic Centre, which is known for its hiking and skiing activities and was even used in the 1988 Winter Olympics. There are also over 100 kilometers of hiking trails available at the Canmore Nordic Provincial Centre. Nature lovers shouldn't miss out on witnessing the grandeur of the Three Sisters Mountains, either; the sight is one of the picture-perfect postcard photos of Alberta.
If visitors would rather sit back and relax on the mountainside, that's also more than welcome in Canmore. With quality cafés, shopping, and plenty of hotels to lounge in, Canmore is perfect for those traveling through Alberta looking for some peace and tranquility away from the crowds that Banff often experiences. That said, if travelers still want to visit the latter despite staying in the former, there's a very scenic road trip from Canmore to Banff.
- Top Attractions in Canmore: Three Sisters Mountain, Grassi Lakes Trail, Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, Ha Ling Peak Trail
- Best Time to Visit: June to September months offer milder temperatures, allowing for more enjoyable outdoor activities
4 Jasper
A gateway to Jasper National Park, discover this quaint town's majestic lakes and Athabasca Falls views
Jasper, Alberta, is a township located at the threshold of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The town might be more famously known as the gateway to Jasper National Park, but it is far more than that.
This quaint and aesthetic mountain town is lovely with its manicured gardens, buildings with rock façades, and hanging flowerpots dotted around the main street in the warmer months. Travelers visiting Jasper will also fall in love with the nearby Athabasca Falls, hot springs, and turquoise lakes.
- Top Attractions in Jasper: Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, SkyTram to Whistlers Mountain
- Best Time to Visit: June to September offers mild temperatures, wildflowers, and optimal wildlife viewing, while winter attracts for its stunning snowy landscapes
3 Smoky Lake
This historic central Alberta town boasts tranquil lakes and pretty boreal landscapes
Located in central Alberta, Smoky Lake is found just off Highway 28, northeast of Edmonton. This lovely town has a population of around 1,000 and has tons to do in the nature that surrounds Smoky, including the beautiful lake of the same name.
Smoky Lake is famous for its annual pumpkin festival, which is held every October. This little town was first settled by homesteaders in the late 1800s. The provincial historic site of Victoria Settlement is nearby.
- Top Attractions in Smoky Lake: Smoky Lake Pumpkin Festival, Smoky Lake Museum, Metis Crossing, Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site
- Best Time to Visit: June to August for relatively mild weather and various outdoor activities and festivals
2 Drumheller & Rowley
Otherworldly landscapes; discover badlands, hoodoos, and ghost towns galore
Found just an hour and a half from Calgary, Drumheller & Rowley is a popular Alberta day trip option with many attractions for travelers to visit. Drumheller is famous for its dinosaur museum - the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which contains a large collection of dinosaur fossils. Near the museum, travelers can take a short walk to soak in the views of the Badlands.
Some other nearby attractions include Midland Provincial Park, hoodoos, suspension bridges, coal mine tours, and many ghost towns. The standout star just a little north of Drumheller is Rowley ghost town, home to many old and abandoned buildings, along with seemingly more ghosts than people.
- Top Attractions in Drumheller & Rowley: Royal Tyrrell Museum, Horseshoe Canyon Trail, Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, Rowley Ghost Town
- Best Time to Visit: May to August for pleasant weather and outdoor exploration
1 Sexsmith
Enjoy quaint rural landscapes and prairie beauty in the "Grain Capital of the British Empire"
Travelers can find another one of the many beautiful small towns in Alberta just north of Grand Prairie; of course, Grand Prairie may now be one of the most populous cities in Alberta, but Sexsmith is a much smaller town.
Known as the “grain capital of the British Empire,” Sexsmith was one of the most fertile regions in the province. The landscape around the town is truly stunning and is popular for travelers to explore. It also makes for a great road trip for those exploring Alberta in a vehicle.
- Top Attractions in Sexsmith: Sexsmith & District Museum, River Stone Golf Course & Campground, Sexsmith Heritage Park
- Best Time to Visit: June to August offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities with milder temperatures