Beauty is everywhere in Alberta's natural surroundings. All types of wildernesses are available in that large province and waiting for avid explorers to be discovered. The waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, foothills, caves, rovers, and hoodoos are worth visiting in Alberta. In the western part of Canada and bordered by British Columbia to the west and Saskatchewan to the east, Alberta is loaded with beautiful surprises and unique spots that are not to be missed.
However, from the east, Saskatchewan is not less competitive in terms of natural beauty. As a matter of fact, the Canadian province comprises many unique natural spots. Saskatchewan includes many touristic attractions with a southern plain covered by plains, some rugged rocks in the north, wild forests, and beautiful rivers and lakes. Regina's provincial capital hosts the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, which showcases the province's natural history and Canada's First Nations. Impressive flatlands, magical dunes, and purple sand beaches are all unique locations.
Here Are Some Of Alberta's Most Beautiful Natural Wonders
Athabasca Sand Dunes Ecological Reserves
Summer visits to Athabasca Sand Dune Ecological Reserves are out of this world. Those are different than the Athabasca Sand Dunes of Saskatchewan. Between the Maybelle River Wildland Park and the Richardson River Dunes Wildland, these unique formations are approximately 200 kilometers away from Fort McMurray (another spot worth visiting in the same region). These dunes are distinctive in the province as they cannot be seen anywhere else there. The sand park protects 12-meter-tall dunes and 60-meter-high kames, classified as among the largest in the world.
Boreal Forest
Sand dunes aren't what Alberta has to offer only generously. Half of the province is covered in Boreal Forest. As a matter of fact, it is the largest contiguous area of boreal protected land in the world. Because of this enormous forest extension stretching across northern Canada, an extended span of wilderness can be found. The Boreal Forest is home to different bird species, and it houses the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation.
Hard Luck Canyon
The Hard Luck Canyon provides multiple nature-loving activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, and camping. It is a hidden marvelous gem waiting to be discovered. There isn't a dull moment with its numerous hiking trails, picnic spots, and magnificent falls. Moreover, Hard Luck Canyon is a special and unique geological formation of banks and cliffs. The area offers several excellent picnic spots that allow for privacy.
Kakwa Falls
On the Western Arm of Alberta, the Kakwa Falls can be found. A 1.2 km walk from the Wildland Provincial Park parking lot keeps visitors away from the beautiful falls.
The water rushes from over 30m-tall, dramatic cliff. During the day, tourists can enjoy picnics in the selected spots or exciting hikes on the hiking trails.
Unmissable Attractions And Must-See Places When In Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's Athabasca Sand Dunes
Undoubtedly, Athabasca Sand Dunes is one of Saskatchewan's natural wonders. These dunes are the largest active sand surface in the country as they cover around 100 km of Lake Athabasca's southern shore. Located in the very northern part of the province, the gorgeous dunes aren't readily accessible, and the visit might require a bit of planning. It is always recommended to take a guided trip to explore this sandy wonder.
Great Sand Hills
If the trip to the north to see Athabasca Sand Dunes, there is always an as good alternative: Great Sand Hills. This wonderland is located 27 km south of Sceptre and 159km northwest of Swift Current. The dunes cover 1900 square kilometers and are always in constant change.
Big Muddy Badlands Outlaw Caves
The Big Muddy Badlands is a fascinating area. And the most exciting aspects of it are the Outlaw Caves. Those caves are named as such because they once provided shelters for outlaws and were used between the late 1800s and early 1900s as part of the Outlaw Trail (which was a stretch of untamed country between Canada and New Mexico). The Caves can be visited through a tour during the summer months.
Castle Butte
Castle Butte is one of those unique structures that one can see. With a 500-meter circumference and 60 meters rise straight out of the prairies, the castle was an important landmark for Indigenous people and early settlers who found a home for themselves in it. The castle stands today like a monument to another era. There are several guided tours organized during the summer months that can be truly exciting. Rich in history, the sandstone and clay structure attracts visitors from all over the world.
The Twisted Trees
The Crooked Bush is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind natural wonder. These trees grow sideways in a twisted fashion, horizontally instead of vertically. Visitors can handle themselves the excursion of the area that attracts many tourists every year through the available boardwalk.