All across Alberta, Canada, destinations have used the downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic to fine-tune travel offerings — and are continuing to create new experiences for visitors.
Here’s a look at what’s new in Edmonton, Banff and Lake Louise, Jasper and Calgary.
Banff and Lake Louise
The town of Banff completed a $9.5 million, European-inspired revitalization of Bear Street, turning the commercial hub into a pedestrian-friendly area for improved shopping, dining and exploration.
On the hotel front, a recent addition to the scene is Peaks Hotel & Suites at Banff Park Lodge, a 71-room hotel in the heart of Banff that features architecture inspired by its natural surroundings.
Active clients will be pleased to learn that Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola has added 480 acres of new skiable terrain, the first such addition in 25 years. In the warmer seasons, travelers can also take advantage of new cycling opportunities in the Banff area, such as guided e-bike tours from White Mountain Adventures and mountain bike tours from BikEscape.
Calgary
Calgary — which hosts some 150 festivals each year — inaugurated the Chinook Blast winter event in February of 2021. Next year, a six-week festival is planned for January and February that will showcasing local art, music, theater and recreation.
Meanwhile, Heritage Park, a historical village with activities and displays highlighting 100 years of local history, introduced the Prospect Ridge area this summer, focused on the natural resources that have played an important role for Alberta over the years. New and restored attractions include a replica coal mine and other exhibits.
Edmonton
Among the news from Edmonton is the July 1 reopening of Fort Edmonton Park following a three-year, $165 million renovation. A highlight of the park’s new offerings is the interactive Indigenous Peoples Experience, a 30,000-square-foot space where members of the Indigenous community tell their stories and share their culture and history. Visitors will also find a larger Ferris wheel, an outdoor maze and new midway games.
On the accommodations side, Elk Island Retreat — a private campground near Elk Island National Park — has introduced new Geo Domes for seasonal glamping, while Metis Crossing, a cultural center focused on the Metis people, plans to open a 40-room boutique lodge in the winter of 2021.
Jasper
Travelers can look forward to a new 88-room Jasper hotel from Pursuit; the currently unnamed property is expected to open in June 2022 with a wilderness-inspired design. Or, for a different take on a Jasper stay, Whistlers Campground in Jasper National Park recently completed a $60 million investment project to improve the visitor experience.
