Alberta, a province in western Canada, is a place of contrasts. Its vast prairies stretch to the horizon, its rugged mountains pierce the sky, and the cities of Edmonton and Calgary offer modernity, art, and culture.
For millennia, Indigenous peoples have called Alberta home. The First Nations, Métis, and Inuit have stewarded these lands. Their traditions, stories, and artistic expressions are woven into the fabric of Alberta’s identity. While visitoring you can support Indigenous businesses, go on Indigenous-led tours, visit historic sites, and experience traditional ceremonies to gain a deeper understanding of the heritage.
Alberta is also the ultimate outdoor playground. The Canadian Rockies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer breathtaking scenery with humbling peaks, glacial lakes, and the wildest wildlife. Banff National Park, the country’s oldest national park, is just as magical in winter as in summer, and, of course, there’s Jasper National Park. There’s a lot to see and do, I know. First, find a base and then map out a route between a few select places, allowing time to explore the outdoors and listen to the stories of people who call Alberta home.
As it’s the fourth-largest province in the country and only a little smaller than France, you might be questioning how you begin to plan a trip. Often when considering a vacation to a large country or place, I begin by choosing where I want to stay. Finding a perfect rental is just as important (arguably more so) than deciding what to do, and what to see. Hopefully, some of these Airbnbs will help you narrow down where you want to visit and who you will take with you.
Here, we have options for solo explorers, couples and small families, and larger groups. These Alberta Airbnb listings have been selected because they are some of the most wish-listed rentals for a vacation to the province.
We hope you love the Airbnb Alberta rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Many use Calgary as their gateway, never making it to Edmonton’s provincial capital, a three-hour drive north up AB-2. As locals are quick to call out, this is a mistake. With unusual malls, expansive parks, multicultural festivals, and quirky museums, Edmonton is a vibrant city that stands apart from other urban hubs in Canada. This loft is downtown, minutes from Rogers Arena, Grant MacEwan University, and the farmers market. The open-planned space has rave reviews; one guest says they changed their plans and extended their stay because of the warmth and comfort of the one-bedroom. There are views over downtown, a custom-made kitchen, a spa-like en-suite with a walk-in steam shower, and a parking space for one car or SUV.
If Calgary is calling, but you’re not a city person, look at the country town of Cochrane. It’s around 15 minutes from Calgary, an hour from Banff, and 45 minutes from the mountains of Kananaskis Country. Small towns of Bragg Creek and Black Diamond are perfect for day trips, and I think I’ve just written an itinerary for you. And this tiny house makes for an excellent base. It has five-star reviews, making it a top one percent rental on Airbnb. Within walking distance are lovely little local shops (including an ice cream and coffee house), galleries, and restaurants. There’s space to roam with the Cochrane Ranche, the river path, and Glenbow Ranch, which are also nearby. The tiny home has a lovely fireplace for winter evenings, a sunny reading loft for warm mornings, and a garden-side patio.
In the southwestern corner of Alberta is Waterton Lakes National Park. It borders Glacier National Park in Montana and is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to three interconnected lakes: Upper Waterton Lake, Middle Waterton Lake, and Lower Waterton Lake, where you can rent a boat, fish, or go wild swimming. Surrounding the lakes are Mount Crandell, Mount Blakiston, and Mount Rowe, with various hiking trails that wind through the forests, meadows, and alpine regions. Minutes from the park is this cool silo Airbnb. It sits on 26 acres within Spearpoint Cattle Ranch and offers unobstructed mountain views and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. It has everything you need: a private gas fire pit for evenings under the stars, a fully equipped kitchen, a communal grill, a gazebo, and outdoor dining.
Called “Second Breakfast Hideaway,” this Hobbit-inspired one-bedroom earthouse is a great base if you’re starting your trip in the north of British Columbia. It’s situated in the Okanagan Highlands, around six hours from Banff. That might seem like quite a drive, but it can be knocked out in a day, and the scenic drive from the highlands across the Alberta border is just magical. The landscape in this area is full of winding roads, mountains, and picture-postcard views. The one-bedroom is surrounded by hundreds of acres of hiking trails, high mountain lakes, and creeks and if you’d rather relax and have a glass of wine, it’s just 30 minutes from the wine capital of British Columbia, Oliver.
Putting you in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this chalet is two hours west of Calgary and an hour and a half from Banff. If the journey from the Hobbit home above seems too much, this is the perfect place to stop on your way into Alberta. That will break down the six-hour drive and allow you to relax in the mountains before moving on to the city. I’ve not included an option for a solo traveler in Calgary, but Matador has a dedicated Airbnb article on Calgary, so check that out. The chalet is in the stunning Blaeberry Valley, 15 minutes from the town of Golden. The chalet is hand-built by the owners and is one of the top 10 percent homes on Airbnb.
Calgary, situated along the foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, serves as a gateway to Banff National Park. Often compared to Denver, Colorado, the city is a contrast between its gleaming downtown skyscrapers and vibrant multicultural neighborhoods. This breathtaking two-bedroom skyline condo has views from the large balcony of the Calgary Tower and downtown. With space for four guests, it’s within walking distance to almost everything you’d want to see in Calgary, so you can leave the car parked up and explore downtown on foot.
This is another one to bookmark and, indeed, a stay you’ll never forget. In the Rockies, Windermere Resort offers a variety of accommodations, including a top one percent of Airbnb, Wolf Dome. The geodesic dome provides an immersive experience for nature lovers and those wanting to be in a rural mountain setting but close to amenities. It’s a six-minute drive to Invermere, which has excellent dining and shops. But you might find it hard to leave this rental. The Wolf Dome has two stories with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It features a cozy living area with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and two bedrooms. The dome’s design creates a spacious, open-feeling interior, while the large windows provide ample natural light.
One hour south of Edmonton is this cozy A-Frame on Tillicum Beach. Escaping the city for a few days is ideal, especially in summer when you’ll want some outdoor space and air. The A-Frame sits above a lake, and Camrose, a small town, is a 15-minute drive away, where you can grab produce at the amazing farmers market. There are two bedrooms with three queen beds, an indoor fireplace for winter and an outdoor firepit for dry evenings, a barrel sauna, and a hammock — the perfect place for an afternoon nap.
If you like the sound of the above chalet in Golden but need more space, bookmark this top five percent two-bedroom cabin. It’s a superb base if you’re driving in from British Columbia and want to see the best of both provinces. In this area of the Blaeberry Valley, six national parks are within driving distance. The cabin has a hot tub, underfloor heating, a fireplace, and a wraparound driveway for larger vehicles and RVs.
Canmore, a charming mountain town in the Rockies, is just west of Calgary. Its proximity to the Banff makes it a convenient base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes, glacial lakes, and wildlife of the Rockies. This cozy two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite offers breathtaking views of the Three Sisters Mountains. Perfect for families or couples, the spacious living area features an open-concept kitchen with a breakfast bar. The primary bedroom has a queen bed and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bathtub, and a vanity area. The second bedroom also has a queen bed and stunning mountain views. Both bathrooms are equipped with complimentary amenities.
This secluded mountain home offers a tranquil escape in the Rockies. In the picturesque town of Nordegg, the cabin offers panoramic views, fresh mountain air, and dark starry nights. Nearby is Abraham Lake, a stunning glacial lake, and the David Thompson Highway, which offers scenic drives through the mountains. The cabin is a cozy and well-appointed space, perfect for couples, friends, and families seeking a peaceful getaway. Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable living area with a stone fireplace, and board games for entertainment. Outside, enjoy the outdoor fire pit where you can soak in the mountain surroundings and a barrel sauna to relax in after a day of exploring.
The Croft, a luxurious barn house on Willow Ridge Ranch, is just a few minutes from the historic town of Cochrane. This stunning property provides breathtaking views of the surrounding ranch and the Rocky Mountains. As mentioned, Cochrane provides easy access to Banff and Yoho National Parks. The Airbnb is a beautifully designed space blending modern industrial elements with rustic farmhouse charm. The open-concept floor plan creates a spacious and inviting atmosphere, while the exposed brick, metal, and concrete floors add a touch of industrial chic. The cabin is furnished with repurposed wood, traditional lighting, and antique heirlooms, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. You can unwind on the covered West-facing deck, which features a dining area, chill by the fire pit tucked away in a secluded cove, or retreat to the second-floor balconies to enjoy stunning views of the mountains and wildlife.
To close out, I’ve got two epic rentals in Calgary. The first is this luxury home in the Ramsay neighborhood. Called the Scotsman’s Hill Lodge, the group-sized retreat has unparalleled panoramic views of Calgary’s downtown skyline, the iconic Calgary Tower, and the Rocky Mountains. The stunning four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home is ideal for families, groups of friends, or bridal parties seeking a memorable stay in the city. A short walk from the trendy Inglewood neighborhood, Scotsman’s Hill Lodge provides easy access to various shops, restaurants, and breweries. The modern home features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views from every room. This is the perfect place if you are visiting during the Calgary Stampede, as you can watch the fireworks from the scenic Scotsman Hill position.
Last but no means least is The Dome House, an outrageous and modern retreat offering a tropical-themed stay in the heart of Calgary. With its sleek design and top-of-the-line amenities, this stunning property is perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone seeking a truly unforgettable experience. The Dome House is located just 17 minutes from the Calgary International Airport, and within a 10-minute drive, you’ll find grocery stores, excellent restaurants, and bars. The home features three professionally designed bedrooms and two luxurious bathrooms with electronic faucets, heated toilet seats, and body spray showers. The hi-tech kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need to host even the fanciest of dinners, with ample counter space from a stunning waterfall granite countertop. Outside, you can relax and enjoy the outdoor green space, which features five patio spaces and three fire pits. If traveling with kids, they will love the playground with a climbing rock, outdoor games, and a mini putt. For evening entertainment, the backyard can be transformed into a private outdoor cinema with projectors and screens for movie nights under the starry sky. And the rooftop patio, with its fire table and privacy walls, offers another secluded spot.
Eight guests, three bedrooms Price: $510 per night
