While you might think an Alberta vacation is only about skiing and hiking in the Rocky Mountains, this province has a lot to offer all year round. For example, there are many unique places to stay in Alberta including glamping, staying in a Hobbit-style hideaway, or soaking in a Nordic spa.

Get a taste of history by taking a ride on the Edmonton High Level Street Car. This historic trolley runs from spring through fall and is a great way to see downtown Edmonton. You can also ride on a vintage sidecar tour of Calgary’s foothills and ranch country or visit Nanton or Fort MacLeod, both with historic main streets lined with boutique shops selling antiques and candy.

For a truly unique place to stay, book a night at the Cross River Wilderness Centre where you can sleep in a teepee or choose from other accommodation like a dome tent, bell tent or tree tent. This eco-tourism retreat is less than an hour from Edmonton and surrounded by the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains with plenty to explore. You can go on a river adventure, learn about Aboriginal culture and heritage, or even try your luck gold panning in the river.

Another way to experience the great outdoors in Alberta Blue Sky Tours is to camp in the Badlands. These sandstone landscapes are full of petroglyphs and pictographs that were first drawn on by Indigenous people. The hoodoo-like formations are so unique that they’ve been featured in movies and TV shows, including Interstallar and Brokeback Mountain. One of the best spots to camp in the Badlands is at the Horsethief Canyon near Drumheller.

The Muttart Conservatory is a must-see for anyone who loves plants. Located in the heart of the city of Edmonton, this indoor greenhouse boasts 3 glass pyramid biomes showcasing arid, temperate and tropical plants from around the world. This is a beautiful place to visit year-round but if you want to really see it in its full glory, try visiting during the annual Winter Lights Festival when over 700 light installations are hung throughout the building.

In addition to the stunning lights, there are also a number of other activities for families and couples to enjoy at the conservatory including the Living Planet Aquarium, which features more than 2,500 different kinds of fish from all over the globe.

There are tons of quirky small towns in Alberta that started as boomtowns during the early days of mining in the area. These communities have kept their charm and are a fun place to take pictures, shop for souvenirs or grab a meal at the local saloon. You can even rent a bunkhouse at the Good Knight’s Encampment, an old ghost town in Trochu.

While Calgary is best known for its summertime Calgary Stampede rodeo and events, it also does a great job of keeping things lively through the winter with its Chinook Blast festival. Check out a range of events from an epic folk trail and long-table dinners to ice sculptures, dance parties and more.