Sherry Taylor's Alberta Road Trip: A Canadian Homecoming
My husband and I usually travel internationally. We chase new languages, unfamiliar currencies, and the thrill of navigating foreign streets. But this time, we decided to explore our own backyard, and I have to tell you, it turned out to be one of the easiest and most rewarding trips we've ever taken.
We flew into Edmonton to visit family, then picked up a rental car and began our journey through Alberta's most iconic destinations: Jasper, Banff, Canmore, and finally Calgary before flying home. No currency exchange. No language barriers. The internet worked seamlessly, filling up the gas tank felt normal, and yet we were surrounded by landscapes that felt worlds away from our everyday lives.
The People Made All the Difference
What surprised me most wasn't the scenery (though it was stunning). It was the people. Alberta's tourism industry is staffed by an incredible mix of international students and seasoned locals, and every single one of them made us feel genuinely welcome. We met young workers from Australia and the UK who were eager to share their stories, telling us about their studies and their adventures in Canada. Then there were the longtime innkeepers who would sit down and share decades of stories if you gave them the chance. We hung on every word.
The wildlife encounters caught me completely off guard. Elk, deer, and bears appeared along the roadside, completely unbothered by the cars passing by or the tourists snapping photos. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat, not in a zoo or wildlife park, but simply going about their lives, was something I didn't anticipate being so powerful. It reminded me why people travel from every corner of the globe to experience this country.
An Insider Secret About the Fairmont Hotels
I'll admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I decided to visit the iconic Fairmont hotels at Lake Louise, Jasper, and Banff. Part of me wondered if non-guests would be welcome. Could we just walk in, take photos, sit on the patio, and order a drink? The answer was a resounding yes. All three properties welcomed us with open arms. The lobbies were magnificent, the staff was warm and approachable, and there was nothing stuffy about the experience. We enjoyed cocktails on their patios, soaking in views that felt almost unreal. As a Canadian, it made me incredibly proud to see these world-famous hotels treating every visitor like a valued guest.
Planning Makes Perfect
Here's what I now understand that I couldn't have known before: Alberta is a global destination. Travelers from around the world are booking these hotels and attractions months in advance. You cannot simply drive up and expect a room at the last minute during peak season. Planning your route, booking accommodations ahead of time, and building buffer into your schedule makes all the difference. That way, you're not rushing from place to place. You have time to stop when the elk appear, to linger over a meal, to sit by a waterfall and simply be present.
This trip works for everyone, truly. Families, couples, solo travelers, adventurers, and those who just want to relax. There's hiking, kayaking, camping, and hot springs for the active crowd, but there's also plenty of space to simply soak in the views. Budget-conscious travelers can find great options, and those looking for luxury will find it at the Fairmonts and beyond.
Now that I've experienced Alberta myself, I can help my clients plan this road trip with confidence. I know the timing, the logistics, and the little details that transform a good trip into an unforgettable one. And honestly? I'm already dreaming about my next Canadian adventure. British Columbia is calling, and I'm hoping to explore the west coast on an Alaskan cruise. Canada has stolen my heart all over again.