Author
Vivian Chung
With the Rockies to the west and the vast plains and badlands to the east, the Western Canadian province of Alberta embodies a hugely diverse landscape. While the major city of Calgary is most visited for its annual Calgary Stampede, and the provincial capital of Edmonton for the West Edmonton Mall, both cities serve as the gateway to the snow-dusted peaks, massive glaciers, and alpine lakes of Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. Not to mention nearby Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.
Whether you visit in the balmy summers or frigid winters, you’ll find charm in Alberta's natural landscapes. Linked by the scenic Icefields Parkway, both Banff and Jasper National Parks consistently find their way to the top of any outdoor adventurer’s bucket list. Here, you can play hockey on Lake Louise, visit the chain of lakes at Waterton Lakes National Park, or venture among the sandstone pillars of the Hoodoo Trail.
To explore Alberta, Canada to its fullest, base yourself in one of these seven stylish cabin rentals as you take in the province’s natural beauty.
The 7 Best Cabin Rentals in Alberta, Canada
Stix Cabin — Clearwater County, AB
Vibe: A Modern Rocky Mountain Retreat
Surrounded by forest yet only a five-minute drive from the town of Nordegg, this modern, luxury cabin embodies the best of both worlds. With its stone walls, black and gray hues, wooden ceilings and a crackling wood-burning fireplace, the interior exudes bold and cozy vibes. The pet-friendly space is set up as a studio but features a queen-size bed, full kitchen, and expansive windows that welcome plenty of natural light and features views of the forest. There's another room with bunks for two, and a screened room is the perfect place for lounging and dining with its propane fire table for chilly nights.
Rate: $294/night
A-Frame Cabin — Sylvan Lake, AB
Vibe: The Cutest A-frame
Conveniently situated half a block from Sylvan Lake Beach, this A-frame makes the ideal base for a romantic getaway for those who want to spend their time outdoors, yet be in close proximity to the town’s restaurants. In the summer, spend your afternoons paddling on the lake and gathering around campfires at the beach. In the wintertime, skate on the frozen lake or hole up in the cabin and enjoy an evening of board games, listening to music on the record player and cozying up in its reading nook.
Rate: $134/night
The Deer House — Bragg Creek, AB
Vibe: Serene Forest Getaway
With five bedrooms on this 30-acre property, the Deer House vacation rental is like a private mountain lodge, comfortably accommodating 12 for group getaways. This classic log cabin rental is equipped with a stone fireplace and a spacious sunroom, which can also double as a playroom if you’re traveling with kids. There's multiple bathrooms, a full kitchen, various dining spaces, a big backyard, a patio, and a firepit, too. Take note: the decor comes in rustic cabin style throughout.
The Deer House is a convenient five minutes away from the town of Bragg Creek, as well as five minutes from Kananaskis Provincial Park, where its network of parks and hiking trails beg to be explored by foot or by bike. For a longer journey, drive the hour and a half or so up to Banff for mountain adventures or a soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Rate: $427/night
Lakefront Cabin — Chestermere, AB
Vibe: Lakeside Adventure
Yes, this bungalow-style cabin's interiors are kind of bare, but its amenities more than make up for it and ensure guests have a comfortable stay. Its expansive lawn features a fire pit surrounded by a water fountain, and the cabin’s equipped with a hot tub on a covered private deck. Plus, there’s a private dock on-site for all the water activities you want to take part in on Chestermere Lake.
This vacation property features panoramic views of Chestermere Lake and is within walking distance to a number of attractions including a golf course, bars, and the town’s main beach. Plus, it’s only 20 minutes from downtown Calgary if you’re after a city experience.
Rate: $324/night
Eagles Nest Chalet — Harvie Heights, AB
Vibe: Mountain Lookout
The sweeping mountain views from the couch are the star attraction of this recently renovated cabin in Harvie Heights. Situated a five-minute drive from downtown Canmore and a 15-minute drive from Banff, guests at this place are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities. Stroll the art galleries of Canmore while taking in its mountain vistas, shop for souvenirs in Banff, or, for a more active getaway, race down the runs at one of four local mountain resorts, or summit Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of town and the backcountry.
Rate: $123/night
Cabin at Mount Engadine — Canmore, AB
Vibe: Boutique Adventure Hub
Built in 1987, Mount Engadine's collection of cozy cabins enjoy an idyllic setting in Spray Valley Provincial Park. For families or larger groups traveling together, opt for the Whiskeyjack cabin, which features adjoining rooms. Spend time on the balcony admiring the mountain and meadow views. Free of in-room telephones, computer jacks and TVs, these cabins encourage you to experience your surroundings, though there’s limited WiFi in public spaces for those who absolutely have to stay connected. The lodge has resort-style amenities like fresh linens and included meals enjoyed in a family style dining room (check-in is at 3!).
Rate:$541/night
Private Log Cabin — Drayton Valley, AB
Vibe: A Place to Unplug
Situated an hour west of Edmonton, this classic log cabin in Drayton Valley is the kind of place you come to when you want to escape from it all. Situated on a placid pond, this quiet body of water provides year-round recreational opportunities. When the summer temperatures soar, take a cooling dip or glide across the waters in a kayak or canoe. When the pond freezes over in the wintertime, tie up a pair of skates and play some pond hockey or go snowshoeing. There's a wood-fired hot tub and a wood stove for warming up when you're done. The pond is also stocked for trout fishing, and guests are welcome to source their dinner at a maximum of one fish per day.
Rate: $231/night
Published 08-02-2022
