5 Affordable Alberta Spring Getaways

Shoulder season is one of my favourite times of year in the Rockies. There’s still tons to do, but there’s no shame in just wanting to chill out in a beautiful setting doing not much of anything at all.

Alberta spring getaways

Each spring, many hotels offer discounts during the time between spring break and school summer holidays. Here are five easy to get to destinations in southern and central Alberta that won’t break the bank.

Where to stay in Canmore

There’s a lot going on in Canmore this spring, and Canmore Uncorked is one foodie festival not to miss. Let’s say horror of horrors, you do miss it. You can still enjoy a lavish spread at Paintbox Lodge. This boutique hotel offers cooking classes and harvest table dinners in their open kitchen. Rooms (all five of them!) are utterly charming with handmade beds and Rocky Mountain Soap Co. amenities. Better still, the intimate property offers complimentary wifi and city bikes.

How cute are these rooms? (Photo credit: Noel Rogers)

Where to stay in Banff

World renowned locations like Banff are known to be pricy, but not if you’re staying at Elk + Avenue. Better is their Date Night package with includes a bottle of wine, breakfast, admission to Banff Hot Springs and two for one admission to Banff Gondola. 

Save money staying at the Banff International Hotel

Where to stay in Waterton

I’ve got a major crush on Waterton at this time of year. It’s so peaceful you can’t help but relax. Not only are you surrounded by craggy peaks and glistening lakes, but you’ll have them all to yourself! For some reason, tourists don’t come until the May long weekend.

Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort has an amazing specials until May each year. In addition to your night in a standard suite, you’ll receive a $40 dining credit  for only $139 before tax. Add snowshoes or cross country skis to the mix for an extra $30. 

Before May, it feels like you have the entire National Park all to yourself!

Where to stay in Cypress Hills

Imagine bedding down deep in the woods with an entire cabin all to yourself. What if I told you it would cost only $200? Or how about a jacuzzi suite for the same price? Elkwater Lake Lodge in Cypress Hills Provincial Park is a pet friendly property nestled within fragrant a pine forest.

Fall out of bed to watch moose, elk, deer and even wild turkeys roaming about in their natural habitat. For sure it’s a spot for outdoorsy types and wildlife lovers, but it’s also just the place for city slickers to revive flagging energy levels.

Get back to nature in Cypress Hills

Where to stay in Central Alberta

Did you know you could golf three rounds each day for a week in Central Alberta and never see the same hole twice? There are more than two dozen courses within an hour’s drive of Red Deer, including some of the most challenging in the province.

Sheraton Red Deer is offering loads of packages that range from bed and breakfast (from $184!) to beating competing offers by 20% if you book online. 

I could spend all day in the tub at Sheraton Red Deer

Do you know of some affordable getaways I haven’t mentioned?

Thank you to Travel Alberta for allowing me to share posts like this with Travels with Baggage readers. As always, my opinions are my own.