1. BANFF NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA

Photo courtesy The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The first of Canada's national parks, Banff is also one of the country's best-loved, and in the Best of the Prairies contest — well, there was no contest. Founded in 1885, the legendary park has grabbed first place in the hearts of Canadians across the country. Spanning 240 kilometres along the eastern slope of the Continental Divide, the park is a 6,641-square-kilometre natural wonderland boasting majestic mountain peaks, lakes, rivers, hot springs, wildlife and a mosaic of ecological systems, from montane and subalpine forests to alpine tundra. Postcard-perfect Lake Louise, whose beauty has attracted visitors from all over the world, garnered special praise.

2. CALGARY, ALBERTA

Photo courtesy Tourism Calgary

A powerhouse by any measure, Calgary has a rough-and-tumble history of oil, cattle and fierce frontier independence and a present-day cosmopolitan tempo that inspires Canadians. Perched on the Bow River between the vast western prairie and the foothills of the Rockies, the city has something for everyone, from its museums, philharmonic orchestra and opera company to sports teams, hiking trails and the great Stampede.

3. JASPER NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA

Photo courtesy www.jaspercanadianrockies.com

At 10,880 gorgeous square kilometres, Jasper is the largest of the five Rocky Mountain national parks. It is a spectacular pristine wilderness, with craggy peaks, lakes and valleys, year-round hiking and climbing and an abundance of wildlife. Jasper also lays claim to the Columbia Icefield's Athabasca Glacier, North America's most-visited glacier.

4. SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN

Photo courtesy Tourism Saskatchewan / Douglas E. Walker

Saskatchewan's largest city sits on gently rolling parkland on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. The river is elegantly spanned by seven bridges, while the city's wide streets are lined with trees and graced with a blend of stately historic buildings and modern architecture that links Saskatoon's rich prairie past with its vibrant present.

5. DRUMHELLER/ BADLANDS, ALBERTA

Photo courtesy Travel Alberta

Along the Red Deer River near the town of Drumheller, the haunting canyon landscape of the Alberta badlands takes visitors on an intriguing trip to the past. Punctuated by sandstone hoodoos, the area is a worldrenowned storehouse of prehistoric artifacts from a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. A trip to the Royal Tyrrell Museum is not to be missed.