Page 21 - XperienceAlberta-EDA-2025

BY THE NUMBERS
$12.7
BILLION
In visitor expenditures was seen in
Alberta in 2023
24,000
Tourism-related businesses found
in Alberta
1 IN 3
International travellers are seeking
authentic Indigenous experiences
on the Kananaskis, with another planned for
downtown Calgary, to open in the next five to
seven years.
“I don’t think they realize the amazing
impact that making Calgary a surfing city
would have on the economy, on the social
aspect, on the cultural aspect of the city.”
While Alberta is already known for its outdoor
adventures, few surfers would consider
Alberta a destination — river surfing opens
the door to a whole new kind of tourist.
Rousseau adds that the local landscape
with turquoise waters, forest and mountains
would make for some of the most beautiful
river surfing conditions in the world.
“You can’t beat that,” Rousseau says. “The
moment investors are going to realize that
potential, I am very confident that we will have
waves in other communities around Calgary.”
But rivers aren’t the only way to catch a wave.
In the province’s north, where lakes are especially
abundant, boating enthusiasts create ideal surfing
conditions in their wake.
In the summertime, people take to Wizard
Lake, Lake Wabamun, Sylvan Lake and others to
tug everything from kneeboards to water skis and
wake surfers.
In a province with an abundance of beautiful
lakes and rivers, it makes sense that there is no
shortage of ingenuity in having fun on the water. TOP INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
COUNTRY EXPENDITURES
UNITED STATES $1.6 BILLION
UNITED KINGDOM $394 MILLION
AUSTRALIA $185 MILLION
GERMANY $105 MILLION
SOUTH KOREA $28 MILLION
Total expenditures in Alberta in 2023
Source: Travel Alberta
AT A GLANCE
Discover a Northern Alberta Skiing Gem
Skiers come from around the world to carve the slopes of Alberta’s
iconic Rocky Mountains. But the province offers far more for winter
enthusiasts than those famous ski runs. With 623 kilometres of slopes
across the province, Alberta is the location for your next winter
adventure. And if you’re looking to ski somewhere new, Blue Ridge
Mountain Resort in the Buffalo Head Hills has what you’re looking for.
Six hours north of the capital city of Edmonton, the resort is
located near the town of La Crete in Mackenzie County. Here, skiing
takes on a more classic verve, as visitors are transported to the peak
on custom-made sleighs, adding a touch of rustic charm to this
winter adventure.
After a day of skiing, visitors gather at the resort’s chalet to
enjoy hearty, homecooked meals, creating a sense of community and
warmth that distinguishes Blue Ridge from larger resorts.
Discover the natural beauty, small-town charm and fresh powder
of northern Alberta.
Experience Alberta’s Natural Beauty
Camping is a great way to get out in nature — but there’s an even
better way to sleep under the stars than a traditional tent.
Indigenous people in the Canadian Prairies and the Plains of the
United States lived in teepees made of animal hide for generations and
today these tents are a popular option for travellers looking to blend
cultural experience and comfort camping. Step into your spacious
teepee, recline on a cot and stay protected from the elements.
What better place to try an overnight in a teepee than the
Buffalo Rock Tipi Camp, about an hour north of the Canada-United
States border, along Oldman River in Brocket, Alberta. It’s the perfect
location to experience southern Alberta’s wide open skies and
beautiful landscapes, with an overnight stay in a teepee.
Ready to go beyond just camping? Visitors can also encounter
Blackfoot culture through engaging storytelling, authentic food and
traditional games. This camping experience will get you in touch with
Blackfoot traditions and the land.
AMPLIFY. ATTRACT. ACCELERATE.
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