Five Awesome Summer Activities in Alberta

Alberta has been bubbling with life this summer! After an incredibly challenging 16 months filled with sacrifices and limitations, in early July 2021, the province of Alberta went from COVID-19 restrictions to fireworks, events, and festivals. There is no doubt you are hungry for exploring what the new Albertan city where you live has to offer, experiencing its surroundings, and trying out new things. There is a ton of exciting things to do and places to visit. So, get ready to experience five of the best activities this summer in Alberta.

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Don’t miss this stunning opportunity to immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s work like you have never experienced it before. Guided by his own dreams, thoughts, and words, guests will walk through the projections of lights and colors that form the famous painter’s creations, with masterpieces like “The Starry Night” and “Sunflowers” appearing across multiple surfaces. It will be an experience to remember for every age and an incredible artistic adventure. The immersive exhibition opened in Edmonton at Edmonton Expo Centre until September 5th, 2021. In Calgary, The exhibition is available at the BMO Centre, Stampede Park, for a limited engagement.

Discovery Canyon

If you are looking for a place to beat the heat on a hot summer day, this seasonal water park is the perfect place to cool down for both adults and children. Discovery Canyon is a fun, tubing attraction with totally free admission because the park is fed naturally by the Red Deer River. This spot provides plenty of outdoor activities such as golf courses, parks, green spaces, and restaurants where you can make a full day or weekend escape. Located in Red Deer, Discovery Canyon is a seasonal-must see this summer!

Pack a Perfect Picnic

The fresh-mown grass full of wildflowers, honey bees buzzing among them and sound of twittering birds is the perfect place to pack a picnic whether you choose a city park or hit some spectacular sites in the mountains. Having an urban picnic is easy with all beautiful spots but if you want to ensure to get a site with amazing views, a picnic table, and fire pit, you can book with the city of Calgary or Edmonton. In case you want to escape the city, there are so many interesting spots to stop in the Rockies for a picnic such as Elbow Falls in Kananaskis Country or the little Grassi Lakes near Canmore, both hidden gems where you can easily haul a picnic lunch.

Waterfall Hike

Summer is meant for visiting the most breathtaking, memory-making waterfalls in this beautiful province. These             magnificent mountain and foothill routes offer a variety of distance options designed for both beginners and experienced hikers. O’Shaughnessy Falls is a popular sight that requires no hiking experience and just a short distance walk will lead you to see the waterfalls, which makes it an ideal spot for everyone. For those adventurers, who are looking for something more challenging, try the Upper Kananaskis Lake Falls. This 15 km hike is long, but flat, and will take you around Upper Kananaskis Lake.

Sunflower Fields

Sunflower gardens are fantastic place to spend with your friends and family. Alberta is flooded with breathtaking scenic beauties, and these sunflower fields provide enhanced fascinations to fill your summer with bright yellow memories. The best time to visit sunflower fields and take charming pictures is mid to late August. A number of astonishing sunflower fields and mazes around the province are open to the public such as Edmonton Corn Maze , Calgary Farmyard , and Bowden SunMaze at Eagle Creek Farms.

Sources: Curiocity, To Do Canada, Travel Alberta

Olja Stojanovic is an internationally trained professional with broad expertise working in non-profit institutions and a strong passion for helping people. At SOPA Alberta, Olja works as an Intake and Employment Counsellor providing pre-arrival support to new immigrants and helping them to successfully integrate and achieve their career goals in Canada. She has a deep affection for work activities that assist others and promote learning and personal development. Her personal experience as a Canadian immigrant has aided her understanding of the needs of other immigrant professionals thus enhancing her ability to support newcomers in adapting and integrating smoothly into life and work in Canada.