There’s more to Alberta than Banff National Park, and if you’re ready to explore all Alberta has to offer, read on. Discover the small towns in between Alberta’s two main cities, Edmonton and Calgary, and see for yourself the key differences between these two cities. Fly into Calgary, Alberta, grab your car, and let’s get this adventure started.
Embarking on your journey in Alberta is not complete without a couple of snacks during your road trip. Stop by Gasoline Alley in Red Deer, Alberta to fuel up on food and gas. The Donut Mill is a popular pit stop for the perfect snack. Open since 1994, the donut shop, owned by Parry and Michelle Dyck, welcomes you with a life-sized windmill at their doors, plus decadent donuts inside including flavors like Rainbow Dip, Orange Creamsicle, and Chocolate Orange. Next, peruse the stalls at the indoor Gasoline Alley Farmers Market, if you’re stopping by on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, to support more than 50 locally-owned businesses. Finally, pick up a tea at Alberta’s first boba drive-thru at Share-A-Tea.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Red Deer Inn & Suites.
A trip to Edmonton, Alberta wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down Whyte Avenue. Grab your beverage of choice at Malt & Mortar, a gastro-pub with a large selection of local beers from Alberta and British Columbia, a place serving house “special teas” like the Hibiscus Tequila Chiller and Back Porch Tea alongside Frozen Cocktails. Nibble on Nachos but leave room for dessert. Only a short walk away are the heavenly ice cream cones at Made by Marcus. The micro-creamery has tons of homemade flavors to choose from, and each flavor is engineered with culinary science behind them, “We steep, extract, puree, juice, roast, and caramelize all sorts of ingredients into our bases so that every aspect of our ice cream is packed with flavour,” says Marcus Purtzki, owner of Made by Marcus, on their website.
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As you make your way from Edmonton to Calgary, you’ll want to make a pit stop at Olds Town Square in Olds, Alberta. As a one-stop shop for all wellness, you could spend an entire self-care day at this place of creativity and gathering. True to your trip, enjoy a Joyride, a drink with frothed coconut milk, beetroot, peppermint, and vanilla, pre or post yoga class. Don’t forget to shop the retail section and get your hair styled, too.
Just wander downtown Calgary to find street art and colorful murals everywhere you look. Calgary, Alberta boasts a thriving arts scene that must be explored by foot. So, park your car and wander. Notable art pieces include the transparent Wonderland Sculpture, the playful High Park, the narrow Graffiti Alley, and the incredible World’s Tallest Mural.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Calgary Centre Inn.
From wildlife to city life, there’s plenty of room to roam in Canada. Find more Canadian travel inspiration at Travel Zone | Adventure Across Canada. Explore past the coastline to the turquoise waters of national parks and discover rich, urban centres when you stay with Best Western® Resorts & Hotels Canada.