As the season of fall arrives, Alberta offers a bounty of activities for every kind of adventurer.
Gather your family and friends, pack your cosiest sweaters and prepare for an unforgettable fall journey through Alberta.
From pumpkin patches and to discovering your new favourite wine, here’s a list of fun activities to take in with friends and family this season.
1. A fall family affair — Pick out your pumpkin at the Harvest Pumpkin Fest
Enjoy a must-do family fun day at Harvest Pumpkin Fest. Filled with fabulous fall photo-ops, you can stroll the farmyard and pick out the perfect pumpkin at Butterfield Acres, then visit your favourite farm animals and ride a pony… or hop on the tractor-pulled wagon for a tour of Scarecrow Alley, amid the colourful leaves and crisp fall air.
At the end of your adventure, warm up next to the crackling fire pits, while enjoying your choice of your favourite hot chocolate, warm apple cider or coffee – perfectly paired with delicious fall goodies such as pumpkin pie or s’mores kits!
Along with the many — you don’t want to miss it!
Visit the Harvest Pumpkin Fest from Oct. 4 to Oct. 26, and buy your tickets now.
2. Sip, swirl and savour: Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival
Indulge your senses at the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival, coming to BMO Centre at Stampede Park in Calgary Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, before heading to the Edmonton Convention Centre Nov. 7 and 8.
Sip and sample the best from local restaurants, Canadian and international wineries and more at Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival. Derek Andrew photo
This event showcases an amazing selection of wines, spirits and beers from around the world, along with some delicious food pairings from some of Calgary’s finest restaurants.
This year, festival-goers can explore 20+ restaurants, hundreds of Canadian-made beverages, 200+ wines from around the world, and more – alongside special guest appearances, interactive seminars and after-parties.
3. Pumpkins After Dark: Edmonton’s Halloween Tradition
Explore the magical pathways filled with illuminated pumpkin sculptures and displays, accompanied by music, sounds and special effects to give you the full spooky and fun Halloween experience.
Features include classic halloween characters, dinosaurs, dragons, movie and pop culture icons.
This is a family-friendly event and it is taking place through Oct. 31 at the Borden Park in Edmonton.
Buy your tickets online for your desired date and time.
4. Twists and turns await: Edmonton Corn Maze
Test your skills at the Edmonton Corn Maze, open through Oct. 27. At five kilometres long and featuring 85 decision points, this twisting, turning challenge will put you at the heart of the adventure.
Many other activities are also on offer – visit the farm animals, check out the spud gun launches, try your hand at mini golf and other farmyard games, and stroll the pumpkin patch! After your a-mazing adventure, swing by the Farm Market — your one-stop shop for farm-fresh produce, local treats and hand-crafted goods.
Located in the heart of Alberta, this fan favourite has delighted visitors for the last 25 years.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or a taste of local culture, Alberta’s fall activities offer something for everyone.
Plan your adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller. And for the top West Coast Travel stories of the week delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our weekly Armchair Traveller newsletter!
Reservation-only sailings set to begin on B.C.’s Horseshoe Bay-to-Nanaimo ferry