Alberta isn’t just about rugged mountains and wide-open plains — it’s also packed with lively cities that offer plenty of ways to explore on your own terms. What makes Alberta especially appealing for city tours is its mix of modern attractions, small-town charm, and a sense of community history. We particularly like scavenger hunts like the ones in Red Deer and Grand Prairie, which turn sightseeing into a fun, interactive game. These tours provide a great way to see the city’s highlights while enjoying some friendly competition. For a more culturally immersive experience, the historic walking tour through Strathmore offers a glimpse into the region’s past with engaging storytelling and photo comparisons.
Alberta’s city tours run the gamut from quick, budget-friendly adventures to more involved experiences that dig deep into local history and community life. If you’re short on time or traveling with kids, a scavenger hunt like Red Deer with Operation City Quest provides a lively, interactive way to explore. For those who prefer something quirky and themed, the zombie survival scavenger hunts in Airdrie and St. Albert offer a playful twist that can entertain both adults and kids alike. Let’s look at each tour more closely to help you pick the best fit.
1. Explore Red Deer with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest
At number 1, this scavenger hunt in Red Deer offers a fun, quick way to see the city’s highlights in about two hours. Using an app, you’ll locate objects around the city and complete challenges for points. The game is flexible—you can choose the order of tasks, making it perfect for casual explorers or competitive types. The remote host via chat provides support if you get stuck or need hints. The price is just over $10 per person, making it an affordable activity for families or groups.
What makes this tour stand out is its interactive nature. You don’t just walk around; you actively hunt for items, snap photos, and complete challenges that keep things lively. The app tracks your score, so you can compare your performance with others across the country—a nice touch for some friendly rivalry. The tour is great for those who want a flexible, low-cost activity that combines sightseeing with a game. Bottom line: It’s a budget-friendly way to explore Red Deer with a dash of fun and competition.
$10.29 per person
2. Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Grand Prairie by Operation City Quest
Coming in at number 2, this Grand Prairie scavenger hunt shares many similarities with the Red Deer experience but offers a fresh setting. Again, using an app, you’ll submit photos of items found around the city and complete challenges for points. The game’s flexible order allows you to explore at your own pace, which is ideal for visitors unfamiliar with the area or those who enjoy spontaneous adventures. The remote host support keeps you connected if questions arise.
This tour’s charm lies in its simplicity and the opportunity to discover local spots while completing engaging challenges. It’s perfect for families or groups wanting an active way to learn about Grand Prairie without a strict schedule. At just over $10 per person, it provides good value for a two-hour outdoor activity. The competitive leaderboard adds a playful element, encouraging you to beat your friends or your own previous score. Bottom line: An affordable, interactive way to get to know Grand Prairie’s streets and surprises.
$10.29 per person
3. Explore The City That Moved in Historic Walking Tour Through Strathmore
At number 3, this historic walking tour in Strathmore is a thoughtful way to dive into local history in an hour. Using the On This Spot app, you’ll visit key locations where historic photos were taken and compare them with today’s scenes. You’ll also get to take your own photos and read about how Strathmore’s past shaped its present.
What makes this tour unique is its blend of technology and storytelling. The app guides you from stop to stop, revealing intriguing details about the town’s early days, including its role as a railway stop and its WWII enlistment record. The walk is easy and accessible, suitable for all ages, and offers a rich snapshot of Alberta’s smaller communities. As it’s self-guided, it’s a flexible option for those who want a low-pressure, educational stroll. Bottom line: An affordable and insightful way to connect with Strathmore’s heritage in about an hour.
$6.59 per person
4. Red Deer City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks
Ranking fourth, this Red Deer scavenger hunt by Wacky Walks adds a playful twist with its “royal tournament” theme. Over roughly two hours, you compete for the crown in challenges, take photos, and explore different parts of the city. The app guides you through various challenges, and you can choose how long to play—making it flexible for fitting into your day.
What sets this apart is its sense of fun and competition. It’s designed to be eco-friendly and engaging, with challenges that encourage creativity. The tournament aspect adds a layer of excitement, making it ideal for groups who enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry. The central starting point is easy to find, and the game’s pace can be adjusted. Bottom line: A lively, interactive scavenger hunt perfect for those wanting a spirited way to discover Red Deer.
$10.32 per person
5. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Airdrie by Zombie Scavengers
Number 5 features a themed experience: Zombie Scavengers in Airdrie. Designed to simulate surviving a zombie apocalypse, this activity is suitable for groups up to 10 people. Using an app, you’ll find items needed to survive and complete zombie-themed tasks for points. It takes about an hour, making it perfect for a quick, fun break.
The appeal here lies in the creative challenge of “surviving” with scavenged items, which appeals especially to families or groups seeking an entertaining, themed adventure. The remote chat support ensures you’re never lost or stuck. It’s a more playful, less traditional way to see Airdrie’s streets while engaging in a story you help create. Bottom line: A fun, fast-paced game that turns city exploration into a zombie adventure.
$20.70 per group (up to 10)
6. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in St. Albert by Zombie Scavengers
Rounding out the list, this St. Albert zombie scavenger hunt offers a similarly themed survival challenge. In just one hour, you’ll gather items, complete zombie-related challenges, and try to outscore your friends or family. The game encourages strategic thinking and quick decision-making, all within a fun zombie-apocalypse setting.
This tour’s strength is its quick pace and the ability to explore different parts of St. Albert without a strict schedule. The remote host support helps with questions along the way, making it suitable for first-time players or those new to scavenger hunts. It’s especially good for groups wanting a playful challenge rather than a traditional sightseeing tour. Bottom line: An entertaining, fast-paced zombie survival game perfect for a quick city adventure.
$20.54 per group (up to 10)
How to Choose Your Alberta City Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your interests, budget, and available time. Want a relaxing, historical walk? The Strathmore tour offers a quiet, educational experience. For active fun with family or friends, the Red Deer or Grand Prairie hunts provide interactive, flexible options. If themed adventures excite you, the zombie scavenger hunts in Airdrie and St. Albert are quick, energetic choices.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months, when Alberta’s cities see more visitors. Think about your fitness level and preferred pace — these tours are generally relaxed but involve walking and some outdoor activity. For those seeking cultural insights, the historic walk is perfect; for active families, scavenger hunts offer the most fun.
In summary, Alberta’s city tours offer a surprising variety of ways to explore—from interactive scavenger hunts that make sightseeing playful, to historic walks that connect you with the local past. For a quick, budget-friendly outing, the Red Deer or Grand Prairie scavenger hunts are excellent choices. If you’re in a more relaxed mood, the Strathmore historic walk offers a meaningful glimpse into Alberta’s small-town stories. No matter your style, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable ways to discover Alberta’s cities.