Sunsets always seem to make a good view even better, and Alberta has no shortage of places to watch it happen. Whether you’re looking out over the Rockies, a gorgeous turquoise lake, or rolling prairie hills, there’s something pretty magical about living over here.
We’ve rounded up some of the best spots across the province to catch the sunset right now, so you can make the most of your summer evenings.
Let’s jump into it!
You don’t always need to head out to the mountains for a good sunset. Located in northwest Calgary, Nose Hill Park is one of the city’s best natural viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the skyline and the distant Rocky Mountains.
What makes Nose Hill Park so great is that you don’t even have to get out of your car to enjoy the view. There are several parking areas around the park where you can watch the sunset right from your vehicle. Of course, if you feel like stretching your legs, there are plenty of trails that lead to an even higher viewpoint.
When: Open 24 hours
Time: Peak sunset time between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: 6465 14th St., Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free to visit
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more iconic sunset backdrop than Moraine Lake. Surrounded by the towering Valley of the Ten Peaks, the turquoise water takes on an entirely different look as the sun begins to dip.
One of the best places to watch the sunset unfold here is the famous Rockpile Trail, a short walk that offers postcard-worthy views of the lake.
Just keep in mind that Moraine Lake is extremely popular during the summer months, so arriving early or booking shuttle transportation is your best bet if you want to catch the sunset without all the stress.
When: Open year-round
Time: Peak sunset time between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: 1 Moraine Lake Rd., Lake Louise, Alta.
Cost: Free with Canada Strong Pass
Cypress Hills Provincial Park spans the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and is located about 65 kilometres southeast of Medicine Hat. Sitting high above the surrounding prairie landscape, it offers some of the clearest sunset views in the province, with skies that light up in deep oranges, pink and purples.
When: Open year-round
Time: Open 24 hours
Where: 8304 AB-41, Elkwater, Alta.
Cost: Free
If you think sunsets are just “nice skies,” Horseshoe Canyon will prove you wrong. Just outside Drumheller, this spot offers a completely different sunset from the ones you see on the prairies or in the mountains.
As the sun drops, the Badlands start to glow, and the shadows stretch across the layered rock, completely changing how the terrain looks.
When: Open 24 hours
Time: Peak sunset time between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: Kneehill, Alta. (17 kilometres west of Drumheller, Alta.)
Cost: Free to visit
Keillor Point, better known locally as the End of the World, is one of Edmonton’s most underrated lookout spots. It’s tucked into the River Valley near Belgravia, and once you walk down the stairs, the city noise basically disappears.
From the lookout, you get wide views of the North Saskatchewan River as the sky starts to change, turning the water into soft shades of gold and pink.
When: Open 24 hours
Time: Peak sunset time between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: 7309 Saskatchewan Dr., Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free
If there’s one thing Alberta is good at, it’s putting on an amazing sunset. Whether it’s mountains, backdrops, or wide open prairie views, there’s no shortage of places to catch this sight.
Now all that’s left to do is pick one and make it out there before the sky starts changing!
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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