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Compiled by the Highway Journey Alberta staff
Final up to date on November 17, 2022
For a lot of, these beloved moments surrounding a glittery tree within the wee hours of Christmas morning are among the most memorable of our lives. The enjoyment of gift-giving and receiving is tough to copy, and is likely one of the the explanation why that vacation is so particular.
However have you learnt what’s even higher than that? When you possibly can flip that valuable reminiscence into extra recollections by giving the present of expertise. Not solely can or not it’s higher for the atmosphere (by saving this yr’s items from subsequent yr’s landfill!) however science additionally means that in our endless pursuit of happiness, you (and the recipient) will truly be happier by gifting experiences as a substitute of fabric issues.
The good factor for you is that for those who dwell right here or are planning a go to to Alberta, there are SO many exceptional experiences to present and obtain! Beneath are 24 Christmas present concepts that can carry on giving for years to come back, due to the distinctive recollections that might be constructed.
Distinctive Alberta Christmas Present Concepts
Final Household Experiences
For everybody from toddlers to seniors, there are every kind of enjoyable available throughout winter in Alberta. And there’s no scarcity of actions for the entire household.
Take A Fairytale Trip
Should you’ve received younger children who dwell for the fantastical, plan for a fairytale night time away for the entire household in one of many themed Charmed Resorts within the Crowsnest Cross. Sleep in a Gingerbread Cottage, Elvyn Cottage, or others that can enable the children to dwell out their fairytale goals!
Household Photographs in Banff
There are such a lot of wonderful photograph spots in Banff. And never solely does a household photograph shoot present items for everybody (you recognize that Grandma desires 10 copies!) but it surely additionally could be a actually enjoyable expertise to play within the mountains whereas recording valuable household recollections. Guide this hour-long personal photograph session in Banff as part of a weekend getaway, and have keepsakes that you’ll cherish for years.
Snow Tubing Down a Mountain
As part of that winter weekend in Banff, additionally get pleasure from a day of tubing at Mt Norquay! Not everyone seems to be a thrill-seeking skier or snowboarder, however tubing is really an journey for everybody, and for many ages (have to be at the very least 4 years outdated).
Spend a Evening in a Theme Room
It’s nonetheless fairly laborious to dispute the enjoyable that may be had at West Edmonton Mall. From the Waterpark to Galaxyland to infinite procuring and an evening in a themed room on the Fantasyland Resort, there may be – fairly actually – one thing for everybody.
Experiences for the Romantics in Your Life
This listing was laborious to slender down! Alberta is made for lovers, and never solely can we encourage sweeping the one you love off their ft with a winter getaway as a Christmas present, however we’ve paired some motels with pretty actions to amp up the romance.
Keep on the Springs
After all, our first go-to is a weekend at Fairmont Banff Springs. Not solely is the resort a historic attraction by itself that oozes romance, however staying there at the very least as soon as in your lifetime ought to be on everybody’s bucket listing. Add to it this personal horse-drawn sleigh journey, and your beau might be bragging about this weekend for years to come back.
Skate on the Lake and Sleep within the Chateau
And right here’s #2 in your bucket listing you can make occur this Christmas season – plan a keep at Chateau Lake Louise! Whereas there, plan a flowery spa day with the one you love, or ebook a 30-minute personal photograph session to memorialize that point you lived like royalty (if just for just a few days).
Spa and Keep in Silence
Mount Engadine Lodge is a real gem set within the attractive nature of Kananaskis. Get cozy in a cabin or strive certainly one of their glamping tents – both method we’re certain that you simply’ll love this all-inclusive keep that features regionally sourced substances and household desk dinners. Whereas within the space, ebook a while to snuggle up on the Knordic Spa, or soak up a stargazing tour – each will you’ll want to convey you nearer collectively!
Expertise an Genuine Alberta Ranch
Mix ranching and luxurious with a keep at The Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch. Positioned on the doorstep of the Rockies close to Pincher Creek, your romantic actions are constructed proper into your keep. Get out on horseback, snowshoes, or fats bikes to discover this stunning space, then return to benefit from the many facilities of the lodge at night time.
Sleep in a Dome or Yurt
Get in on among the distinctive stays which might be popping up round Alberta! Spend a few nights at this yurt in Bragg Creek, in this dome within the boreal forest close to Wetaskiwin, or if you wish to present an expertise to get pleasure from later in 2023, strive the brand new geo domes at Elk Island Nationwide Park. You don’t want additional actions for these stays – simply luxuriate within the distinctive lodging!
Experiences for the Foodie
Alberta’s culinary scene has actually exploded previously decade, and an entire province of foodies has been borne together with it! There are a few distinctive meals experiences we wish to spotlight, but in addition don’t overlook {that a} particular night time out in town for {couples} or mates who like to dine collectively is a superb present thought. Give them the present of extraordinary meals and an evening to recollect (and possibly via in an Uber present code in order that they get round safely)!
Get a Style of Jasper
Spend half a day roaming the streets of Jasper and sampling the food and drinks of the small mountain city. This small and intimate strolling Jasper meals tour lasts three hours and also you’ll go to 4 totally different eating places with a beneficiant meals and beverage pattern from every. Plus, you’ll be taught just a little one thing concerning the city and its historical past. You’ll want to put on stretchy pants!
Self-Guided Meals Excursions
Alberta Meals Excursions presents an array of the way to expertise the meals scene in Alberta. From self-guided excursions at numerous scorching spots throughout the province to deep dives into some intriguing locations, your folks or household will love this opportunity to be taught from true foodies.
Dine in Prince’s Island Park Calgary
There are such a lot of nice eating places in Calgary, however we’ll without end suggest an outdated favorite within the River Café. Located proper on Prince’s Island Park, its cozy really feel will invite your family members to luxuriate over their meal for hours. After that, a fast drive to Main Tom could have them hovering atop Calgary (fairly actually, at 40 flooring about Stephen Avenue Place) whereas sampling a powerful away of drinks.
Wine and Dine Below the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights Eating Expertise is again on the U of A botanical gardens. Spots on this distinctive and charming expertise (eating exterior in a transparent dome!) bought out quick final yr, so don’t miss your likelihood to present this one-of-a-kind eating journey.
Craft Brew Tour in Edmonton
Edmonton actually has it occurring with its craft beer scene. On this Edmonton Brewery Tour, visitors might be shuttled round to a few totally different craft breweries the place there might be behind-the-scenes excursions and samples of the best beer. It’s an ideal introduction to the standard craft beer scene in Edmonton.
Pattern Canadian Fare in Banff
Ship them to the mountains to dine on particularly Canadian eats like sticky bison brief ribs or Alberta beef tartare at The Maple Leaf, within the coronary heart of downtown Banff. From there, invite them to a post-dinner cocktail and spend a while having fun with the small-batch, award-winning spirits at Park Distillery.
Eat Native in Lethbridge
Want a present for mates in southern Alberta? Lethbridge’s latest fine-dining expertise at Bourbon and Butter lives as much as the hype. With an ever-changing menu of phenomenal meals, we’re certain they’ll be keen to make use of the present certificates any time of the yr. Subsequent, ship them to Water Tower Grill to high off their night with cocktails whereas overlooking the glowing metropolis from the historic tower. One other (extra festive!) choice can be to additionally go for tickets to Nikka Yuko Japanese Backyard’s spectacular winter lights show.
Dinner and Cocktails in Downtown Edmonton
In Edmonton, get them a present certificates to Woodwork (and you’ll want to suggest that they pattern the brussel sprouts). From there, ship them just some kms away to Clementine to cap off their night time for post-meal cocktails.
Experiences for the Adventurer
Should you’ve received an adrenaline junkie or outside fanatic in your life that’s laborious to purchase for, fill their stocking with the present of journey! There are, in fact, hundreds of choices (that is ALBERTA in spite of everything), however listed here are our picks to get the concepts churning.
Snowshoe On Prime of a Mountain
Your adventure-loving member of the family or buddy will wish to brag to everybody that they went snowshoeing on the high of the world! After taking the Sunshine Village Gondola, they’ll strap on some snowshoes and be guided on this true backcountry expertise, all towards the backdrop of the attractive Rocky Mountains.
Go Underground within the Rat’s Nest Cave
In the event that they’ve by no means spent their day crawling in an underground cave, then that is the present you wish to give! They’ll sort out the Rat’s Nest Cave close to Canmore and be challenged to climb, crawl, and slide via the cave to achieve a crystal-clear pool full with stalactites and stalagmites to admire.
Discover the Ice Bubbles
One of many coolest phenomena you’ll discover in Alberta is the bubbles on Abraham Lake. The natural matter discovered on the backside of the lake produces methane fuel throughout the decomposition and when the lake freezes, these gases are frozen earlier than they will attain the floor creating bubbles suspended within the ice. Take the personal 2.5-hour Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles tour, which features a information bringing you to the most effective spots to see the bubbles, plus they’ll outfit you with boots and ice spikes (you’ll want them).
Take an Ice Stroll By means of a Canyon
Jasper is spectacular at any time of yr, however in winter it actually shines, partially as a result of Maligne Canyon (one of many deepest within the Canadian Rockies) freezes over and opens up every kind of distinctive experiences. Marvel on the unimaginable formations as you stroll with crampons alongside the ice flooring. The Maligne Canyon Ice Stroll is likely one of the should issues to do in Jasper Nationwide Park.
Climb an Ice Wall in Jasper
If simply taking a stroll via the Maligne Canyon isn’t sufficient for the adventurer in your life, then how about getting the blood flowing by climbing an ice waterfall in Jasper Nationwide Park. There are three totally different spots that the tour will convey you to relying on the climate – Maligne Canyon, Tangle Falls, or Fringe of the World.
No matter the place the tour goes, the one you love will expertise and acquire perspective of the park in spots that aren’t accessible to most guests. (This expertise is geared in direction of newbies who wish to be taught all about mountaineering and all of the technical gear one wants is included. All of the attendees have to do is put on correct winter clothes.)
Be a Pilot for a Day
Not all adventures should be outdoor, and an opportunity to strap in as a fighter pilot on the Altitude Flight Simulation Centre in Calgary would possibly simply make headlines as the most effective present of the yr. The recipient can fly in WW2 aerial fight atmosphere, expertise what it’s prefer to be in a “canine struggle”, and even simply see if they’ve what it takes to be a business pilot of a Boeing 737.
Snowshoe and Star Gaze on a Darkish Sky Protect
Guide a snowshoe and stargazing expertise within the wonderful Elk Island Nationwide Park, simply east of Edmonton. As a member of the Beaver Hills “Darkish Sky Protect”, the night time stars received’t get any clearer than this, and it’s excessive time for the northern lights to come back out to play, too. Examine right here for extra particulars.
Take pleasure in! And Merry Christmas!
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