Summer’s here and road trips are probably in your future. We are incredibly lucky to live in the most beautiful place on earth, so get out there and enjoy Alberta! We’ve put together a list of some hidden gems you might not have explored, with help from Travel Alberta to make it easy for you to keep your family’s tourism dollars in our province and support local small businesses while you’re enjoying the open road!
And while you’re out on your adventures, remember there are nearly 200 credit union branches across the province for your convenience. As a credit union member, you can use most credit union ATMs across Canada without paying surcharge fees.
Hidden gems listed from north to south
Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum
West of Grande Prairie in Wembley, Alberta is one of Canada’s newest museums – the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum. Dr. Philip Currie and other palaeontologists from the Royal Tyrell Museum have discovered and excavated thousands of bones in the area including hadrosaurs (duck billed dinosaurs), tyrannosaurs (predatory dinosaurs), nodosaurs (armoured dinosaurs), plesiosaurs (marine reptiles) and pterosaurs (flying reptiles).
The museum offers seniors, veterans, student, family and group rates and children under five get free admission. Wander around the exhibits, grab a bite to eat at the on-site café or sign up to get your hands dirty in the fossil prep lab. For more information and tickets visit dinomuseum.ca.
Nearest credit union
Servus South 40 Branch (10728 – 78 Ave Grande Prairie, AB T8W 0G9)
Métis Crossing
Métis Crossing is the first major Métis cultural destination in Alberta. Sitting on 512 acres of land comprised of river lot titles from the original Métis settlers to the region in the late 1800s, the Crossing is designed to engage and excite visitors through an exploration of Métis cultural experiences. Check out their new Cultural Gathering Centre and explore historical exhibits, the Métis Farmyard and children’s River Lot Play Area, all included in the price of admission.
Métis Crossing also offers guided interpretive experiences. This summer the signature experience is Walk in Our Mocs: a two-hour immersive Indigenous experience telling the story of survival on the land and the Métis way of life within the significant Victoria District National Historic Site. You’ll spend time on an historic Métis River Lot, practice your bow and arrow target shooting skills and learn about the plant and animals in the area.
You can also camp on site at Métis Crossing. To book your campsite or time to explore visit metiscrossing.com.
Nearest credit union
Servus Andrew Branch (5011 51 Street Andrew, AB T0B 0C0)
Talking Rock Tours
Talking Rock Tours provide geo-educational, small group memorable experiences of Alberta’s geological wonders. Headquartered in Edmonton, Talking Rock Tours offer discovery tours in Edmonton’s river valley, Elk Island National Park, the badlands, the Nordegg region, as well as custom tour options to match your desires. Owner Keith Diakiw is a professional geoscientist and proud Métis Canadian – his tours combine academic earth sciences education with traditional Indigenous storytelling and teachings to promote a broader understanding of our natural environment and the local Indigenous history.
Visit talkingrocktours.com for more.
Nearest credit unions
ABCU Credit Union City Centre Branch (11715A 108 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5H 1B8)
Christian Credit Union Edmonton Branch (13504 142 Street Edmonton, AB T5L 4Z2)
Creekside Villa
Escape to this small boutique hotel hidden in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Creekside Villa is located in Canmore A.B. where their host style service will make you feel right at home. The staff will recommend hikes, bike rides and equipment rentals nearby. The Lady MacDonald trailhead is right outside the doors of Creekside Villa, so if you’re up for the challenge it’ll be waiting for you.
Tuck yourself away in one of their loft suites with a bottle of wine off their order in-room drink menu and just relax. During your stay you can enjoy a quick game of pool or cozy up near the indoor or outdoor fireplaces. To book your mountain getaway visit creeksidevilla.ca or call (403) 609-5522.
Nearest credit union
Bow Valley Credit Union Canmore Branch (808 8 St Canmore, AB T1W 2B7)
Mount Engadine Lodge
Mount Engadine Lodge offers a secluded stay in the heart of Kananaskis – it is the only guest house in the Spray Valley Provincial Park. Stays at the lodge are all-inclusive, with breakfast, dinner and afternoon tea all served in the dining room. You can also get a bagged lunch to take with you on your adventures.
Stay in the lodge itself or get a little more immersed in nature by choosing a cabin, glamping tent or rustic yurt. Whichever accommodation you choose, you can be sure it has a spectacular view.
Book at mountangadine.com.
Nearest credit union
Bow Valley Credit Union Canmore Branch (808 8 St Canmore, AB T1W 2B7)
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Just off Mayor Magrath Drive in the middle of Lethbridge, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is a serene city retreat and symbol of international friendship. The authentic garden was designed in 1967 by a respected Japanese landscape architect with the structural components handcrafted in Kyoto. Every element of the garden from the trees to the rocks has been meticulously placed to achieve a harmonious balance.
Admission gets you access to the garden, tea pavilion, dry rock garden, visitors centre, a self-guided tour and daily programming or performances. Add on experiences like tea service, garden yoga, meditation classes, cultural activities and more to make the most of your time at Nikka Yuko. Purchase admission and event tickets at nikkayuko.com.
Nearest credit unions
1st Choice Savings and Credit Union 3 Ave Branch (1320 3 Avenue S Lethbridge, AB T1J 0K5)
Christian Credit Union Lethbridge Branch (1619 Mayor Magrath Drive S Lethbridge, AB T1K 2R4)