Western Canada: highlights of Alberta & Saskatchewan

The resort town of Banff is situated in its namesake park, the oldest in Canada, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Its enchanting and scenic landscape is home to wildlife such as moose, mountain goats, brown and black bears, lynx, wolves and coyotes. Having emerged as a tourist destination, Banff seduces visitors with its unique atmosphere and is perfect for shopping, wandering through art exhibitions and eating in first-class restaurants.

Jasper National Park is a destination not to be missed when visiting Western Canada. With a landscape boasting crystal-clear lakes, majestic mountain peaks, glaciers and luscious forests, Jasper is a great alternative to the often more crowded Banff, with its breathtaking scenery in the Canadian Rockies even earning it a place as a UNESCO site. Enjoy hikes in the wilderness and soak up its natural beauty. Jasper House was a North West Company fur trade outpost established in 1813 on the York Factory Express trade route to what was then called "New Caledonia" (now British Columbia), and Fort Vancouver in Columbia District on the lower Columbia River. It was later taken over by the Hudson's Bay Company.

A young and exciting city and the capital of the province of Alberta, Edmonton is home to many cultural and natural attractions. The city is set on the north Saskatchewan River Valley, which offers a vast expanse of nature trails filled with native wildlife and stunning views. The Royal Alberta Museum and the Art Gallery of Alberta are perfect for learning about the country’s indigenous culture and natural history, and Edmonton also has a vibrant theatre community, hosting the annual Fringe Theatre Festival every August.

Straddling the provincial border between Alberta and Saskatchewan, the city of Lloydminster is a unique and interesting stop. Canada’s only border city is home to attractions such as the excellent Cultural and Science Centre, as well as housing The Bud Miller All Seasons Park. The spacious green park is perfect for strolling through on a summer's day or for enjoying the numerous outdoor activities such as skiing which are held here during the winter months.

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, is a city on the North Saskatchewan River. It is the largest Northern Saskatchewan city, and third in population and size in the province after Regina and Saskatoon.

Prince Albert is a hub of multiculturalism, travellers, and naturists. There are numerous campgrounds nearby, especially in Prince Albert National Park, which is home to an exceptionally adventurous and scenic hike to Grey Owl's Cabin, and Waskesiu Lake, a particularly charming summer resort to visit as well.

Saskatoon is a city in central Saskatchewan. With a metropolitan population of over 300,000 people, it is the province's largest city, and its economic and cultural hub. It has a beautiful setting along a river, and makes the most of it with parks and bridges. It's a little oasis among wheat fields.

The capital of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, Regina is a city made up of leafy parks and Victorian-era architecture, all set on a stunning mountainous backdrop. A must-see is the Wascana Centre, which is home to a scenic park and lake as well as the excellent Royal Saskatchewan Museum. The museum houses many exhibitions detailing Canada’s culture and past, from the Aboriginal people to the country’s native animals.

Moose Jaw is a city of about 34,000 people in Southern Saskatchewan. A popular tourist destination, it is about 45 minutes west of the provincial capital of Regina. During Prohibition (of alcohol) in the 1920s, its proximity to the US border and easy rail access made it a popular destination for alcohol-starved Americans.

It's also known as the Gas City thanks to its vast reserves of natural gas. Rudyard Kipling famously described it as the city with "all hell for a basement". Medicine Hat isn't a large metropolis, and downtown Medicine Hat does not offer megastores with an excellent variety at excellent prices. However, you'll find it to be funky, hip and small-town sincere.

The proud and cosmopolitan city of Calgary is situated at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, and its proximity to stunning foothills and prairies as well as the Canadian Rocky Mountains alone make this city a must visit. Yet Calgary has more to offer than just nature, as the city has a growing craft bar and cafe scene, excellent restaurants and entertainment options as well as green parks and a pretty riverside perfect for exploring. Make sure to visit in July for the city’s famous cowboy festival, the Calgary Stampede.