The wildlife that roams Alberta’s five national parks and 250 provincial parks is one of the destination’s biggest draws. Nature lovers from around the world flock here to search for grizzly and black bears, caribou, bison and even the comical moose. Packs of wolves can also be spotted, while bird lovers can scan the skies for the elusive golden eagle and bonus points go to anyone who spies a cougar, lynx, bobcat or wolverine on the ground.

Back in the cities, which are thriving with a different kind of life, visitors have a range of cultural attractions, popular restaurants and dynamic festivals to discover. In the north, Edmonton has thriving nightlife, grand shopping malls and a farmers’ market that’s famous across the province. Summer visitors can tie in their trip to one of North America’s oldest and largest fringe festivals, while in the winter ice castles become a feast for the eyes.

In Calgary, visitors can pedal past public art pieces on the city’s cycle routes, stop off at the local beer halls and cocktail bars or make the most of their proximity to some of Alberta’s best adventure destinations: Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise. Here, seasons don’t stop travellers exploring. There are year-round activities including snowshoeing, skiing, fat-biking, hiking, rafting and horse riding.

Touring is a popular way to explore this area of Alberta and its Great Outdoors, as well as to soak up the heritage of the rest of the province and its spectacular views as you go. After all, this is home to the First Nations, Metis and Inuit, with the unique Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park and the Unesco-listed Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump both a good place to start for culture vultures. Meanwhile, those seeking a romantic break in Alberta can make the most of its dark-sky preserves and starry shows.