Alberta is known by many across Canada as “the energy province”, thanks to the fact that the majority of Canada’s crude oil and gas comes from its land. This time, we’re talking about Alberta for a very different reason: its incredible boom in tourism. It should hardly come as a surprise that this stunning part of Canada attracts visitors of different sorts (from ultra luxury to backpacking) from all over the world. What has been a surprise is how quickly Alberta’s tourism numbers have soared, thanks to both domestic and international tourists. Let’s explore the reasons for growth and discover just how powerful a contributor the state is to Canada’s tourism economy.

 

What Brings Visitors to Alberta?

Natural Beauty

The incredible, unspoiled natural landscapes that spread across Alberta are something truly special to experience firsthand. From the Rocky Mountains to the deep blue salt waters of the coastline, teeming with life, Alberta has something for every kind of natural tourist. The pristine Alpine lakes offer a chance to get away from it all and take it easy on the shore. There’s kayaking and swimming, of course, walking trails, nature excursions, wild cooking to be had from caught and foraged foods (consulting the hunting seasons and appropriate areas is important), cabins, camping, glamping…the world. Many of Alberta’s national parks (and other wild spaces) have incredible spa retreats that offer exceptional comfort and opulence while still connecting visitors to the great outdoors. The skiing in Alberta is also excellent: Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise are all home to some splendid, grand, and decidedly upmarket ski resorts: the perfect places for visitors to get a dose of blue skies and crisp, white snow. Choosing to travel by private jet charter and occasionally even helicopter transfer will get visitors all the way to these breathtaking destinations without necessitating road travel, and give them more time to enjoy these experiences. 

 

A Place of Cultural Importance

Alberta’s rich cultural heritage is one that goes back all the way to the earliest known First Nations people who have always called the region home. This, combined with the histories of the immigrants and settlers who have contributed to shaping the Alberta we see today, creates a melting pot that’s truly unique. The collection of festivals and experiences that happen here celebrates the traditions and cultures of all who make homes in Alberta, and is another reason that people flock to the state. There are vibrant cultural hubs across the state, including preserved historical locations, museums, art galleries, multimedia shows, wildlife displays (by professionals, of course), and many retail spaces where tourists who wish to hold onto their experiences can stop for souvenirs and art pieces.

Alberta’s Tourism Industry

The speed of growth in Alberta has been particularly impressive. Even while Canada as a whole rockets into the new year with higher tourism numbers than years past, Alberta stands out. In 2024, Alberta began to be recognized as a premier Canadian destination and reached $14.4 billion CAD* in visitor spending, marking a 12% increase from the $12.8 billion seen in 2023. Leading the country in terms of tourism growth rate, Alberta is predicted to double visitor spending and reach a benchmark of $25 million by 2035.

What Is Driving Growth?

Surprisingly, where Americans used to drive tourism in many other countries, Canada has now become a prime destination for its next-door neighbors…Alberta in particular. Political unrest is often a driving force for international tourism (and, naturally, immigration), and here has benefited Alberta’s tourism economy (and by knock-on effect, many others) greatly. In 2024 alone, American spending increased across the state by a whopping 27%: the largest portion of the increase. High-value American travellers see Alberta as a chance for an escape: a chance to reconnect to self, family, and nature in a calm and rejuvenating setting.

 

Global appeal is rising too: international airports with streamlined services and luxury services welcome tourists and make it far more convenient and comfortable to get around than previous iterations. Luxury experiences and stays are already firmly established in Calgary and Edmonton, which are the two largest hubs for international travel, with direct routes serving as many as 27 million (in and outbound) from almost 100 cities all over the world.

What Investors See

With a boom in tourists of this nature comes a boom in investment. The numbers coming from Alnerta’s tourism secret are clear indicators of stable and consistent growth and improvement. The industry is scalable and shows incredible potential for both local and foreign investors wishing to promote further growth and also jump onto the runaway train that is Alberta’s success.

 

Alberta on the Rise

Though the region needs no outside form of praise or acceptance to know its considerable value, the tourism trade is booming in gorgeous Alberta is further confirmation that it’s the place to be. Economic stability, almost unbelievable natural beauty, and clear, increasing appeal to tourists make Alberta one of Canada’s crown jewels in 2026.