We’re typically an experience-based blog. We usually write about experiences we’ve had, places we’ve stayed, food we’ve eaten, and products we’ve tested and give you our honest opinion of them. But, there’s no better time for bucket-list-building than a global pandemic.
Since moving to Alberta, we’ve had numerous exciting adventures, but we mainly stuck to our tent all summer to protect ourselves and those around us from spreading and contracting Covid-19. The only paid accommodation we’ve written about in Alberta is this one:
We hope to get in lots more local travel experiences over the next year (stay tuned for a Jasper ski trip in the coming months) but for now, please enjoy my Alberta Accommodation Bucket List. I hope it gets you feeling as wanderlusty as I am! We can dream- right?
Heads up: the original version of this post had Instagram post embeds from each facility, however, due to recent changes in Facebook/Instagram policy, they are not supporting a connection with WordPress. I will put each place’s handle in the paragraph and I really encourage you to check them out on Instagram!
Edmonton-Area
Elk Island Retreat. On the outskirts of Edmonton is a little-known national park we’re looking forward to exploring soon. They have dreamy geo-domes as well as yurts and cabins. @elkislandretreatcampground
Fantasyland Hotel. Located in the largest mall in North America, the West Edmonton Mall, Fantasyland Hotel is over-the-top and fantastically dramatic. The pictures say more than I could describe here. We can squeeze shopping, rollercoasters, a waterpark day, and the Fantasyland stay into one trip without even going outside. I don’t know why, but I really feel the need to sleep in the Luxury Space Room. @fantasyland_hotel
Banff National Park
Deer Lodge. I’ve eaten in the dining room of this lodge before and loved the delicious food and cozy atmosphere. I’ve always wanted to go back for the full experience. The location, right next to Lake Louise, is perfect. @deerlodge_ll
Mount Engadine Lodge. While I normally gravitate to rustic cabins like the ones at Mount Engadine Lodge, their yurts and glamping tents are calling my name. Most of their rates include a full dining experience which is uncommon and intriguing. @mountengadine
Central Alberta
Woodsy Cabin Getaway. This AirBnb near Red Deer is one of the cutest I’ve ever seen and the reviews are phenomenal. I don’t know why I might end up searching for accommodation near Red Deer, but this cabin might be worth the trip all on its own. @woodsycabingetaway
The Last Chance Saloon. Near Drumheller is the historic Rosedeer Hotel and Last Chance Saloon. They’ve maintained the integrity of the rough and tumble community Wayne was in coal mining days. After visiting Drumheller and loving the charm, we know we’d enjoy Wayne too. @lcsaloonwayne
Jasper National Park
Shovel Pass Lodge. Accessible only by hiking the Skyline Trail, the lodge offers cabin accommodations or meal-only stopovers for hikers. Imagine waking up here, in the middle of the mountains, in the middle of nowhere, knowing you got there on your own two feet.
Southern Alberta
Sierra West Ranch. What’s not appealing about sleeping in an authentic cabin on a ranch in Southern Alberta? It’s basically the wild west down there. They even have a replica frontier town and host events throughout the summer. (Unfortunately, they are currently closed due to Covid, but I hope they reopen soon).
Aspen Crossing. Train cabooses converted into cabins. Need I say more? I have to stay here– specifically, I have to stay in the Union Pacific Caboose cabin (it’s from the 1920s!). These are surprisingly affordable for how one-of-a-kind these accommodations are and it appears they have lots of events, activities, and amenities on their grounds. @aspencrossing
Stick around as we try to check these accommodations off one by one and check back often– if we discover other places we want to check out, we’ll add them! Have you stayed in any of these places? Leave us a comment or point us to your reviews, we’d love to hear what you think!
Let us know what you think!