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Alberta’s tourism industry is booming—and the world is taking notice. With tourism revenues growing at more than three times the national average, Alberta is seeing record-breaking visitor spending and a surge of exciting new developments across the province.

Here are five standout tourism projects that have launched or are launching this year that reflect the creativity, diversity, and ambition driving Alberta’s tourism success.

Rural Rivers - new year-round accommodations

Alberta Ale Trail - new itinerary

Saddle Hill Ranch Cabins - new silo accommodations

Granary Road - new year-round Discovery Centre

Wildwood Nordic Spa by Basecamp Resorts – new wellness spa

Notable mention - Rockaboo Adventures Jasper Ice Wall

1. Rural Rivers – Sturgeon County

Adventure meets culture at Rural Rivers, a Métis-owned outdoor adventure company offering year-round experiences ranging from summer canoe and kayaking tours to exhilarating winterMoonBike rides through forest trails.

Now, with support from Travel Alberta, Rural Rivers is building heated, off-grid cabin accommodations, inviting visitors to stay overnight and extend their adventure. This development supports year-round tourism and contributes to the growing impact of Indigenous-owned tourism businesses.

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2. Alberta Ale Trail – Historic Plains

In southern Alberta, travellers and locals alike are raising a glass to the new Alberta Ale Trail. Stretching along Highway 3 from Crowsnest Pass to Lethbridge, this new initiative supported by Travel Alberta and the Alberta Small Brewers Association connects travellers with local breweries and farm-to-table dining experiences.

Celebrating the province’s agricultural roots and entrepreneurial spirit, the Ale Trail is a toast to agritourism and community revitalization in the Southern Rockies and Historic Plains regions.

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3. Saddle Hill Ranch Cabins – Southern Rockies

Opening later this year, Saddle Hill Ranch Cabins will bring a fresh take on ranch-style hospitality to the stunning Southern Rockies. This innovative project transforms repurposed grain silos into cozy, themed accommodations, offering guests an unforgettable stay with panoramic views of Alberta’s iconic landscapes.

Owned and operated by a multi-generational ranching family with lasting ties to the area, Saddle Hill Ranch Cabins is a perfect example of how tourism can support rural economies and preserve Alberta’s ranching heritage. Travel Alberta’s investment helped accelerate the project’s launch from five years to one—proving how strategic investment can unlock rural tourism potential.

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4. Granary Road – Foothills Region

Already a go-to summer destination for food lovers and families, Granary Road is set to complete a major expansion by this summer, transforming from a seasonal destination into a year-round attraction. The development includes an Immersive Agricultural Experience with over 30 exhibits celebrating Alberta’s ranching and farming heritage.

Expected to draw more than 200,000 annual visitors, this expansion will boost revenue, create jobs, and invite travellers from near and far to learn about Alberta’s agricultural roots.

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5. Wildwood Nordic Spa – Canmore

Opening this fall, Wildwood Nordic Spa will be Canmore’s first Nordic spa, brought to life by the team at Basecamp Resorts. Attached to the MTN House luxury hotel, this 43,000+ sq. ft. outdoor oasis will offer a premium hydrotherapy experience, complete with spa amenities and an on-site restaurant.

With stunning mountain views and a focus on wellness, Wildwood Nordic Spa is set to become a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors looking to relax, recharge, and reconnect. This project further enhances Canmore’s appeal as a wellness-focused mountain getaway.

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Notable mention: Rockaboo Adventures Ice Wall – Jasper

In the heart of downtown Jasper, a bold winter attraction transformed the landscape this past season. Rockaboo Adventures pivoted its strategy inthe face of this summers’ wildfire recoveryto build an iconic Ice Wall - a sculpted, temporary ice-climbing wall that brought outdoor adventure into the centre of town.

Supported through Travel Alberta’s Jasper Recovery Grant Program, this initiative promoted winter tourism and added a fresh layer of excitement to one of Alberta’s most iconic mountain destinations, helping diversify seasonal offerings and attracting thrill-seekers from around the world.

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These new developments—powered by Albertan entrepreneurs and supported by strategic investment—are driving seasonal and regional dispersion, revitalizing economies, and showcasing Alberta’s diverse cultural and natural landscapes.

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