Make the cosmopolitan cities of Calgary and Edmonton your base on your next visit to Alberta. Both offer great restaurants, shopping districts and incredible attractions that will surprise and delight. The newly opened Royal Alberta Museum and hot hotel openings mean there's even more reason to head to the province. Plus, after a busy day in and around the neighbourhoods, head for dinner at one of the brand new restaurants the cities have to offer!

NEW ATTRACTIONS:

• NEWLY OPENED ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM IN EDMONTON

After nearly three years of closure, the new Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) has opened in its brand new location in downtown Edmonton. With twice as much space as the former location, visitors can stand beneath an ice age mammoth replica or check out a 1,700 year-old roasting pit excavated from Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump at the leading museum of human and natural history. www.royalalbertamuseum.ca

• CALGARY TOWER CELEBRATES 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
  The Calgary Tower is celebrating its 50th anniversary as an internationally recognised and iconic symbol of the city throughout 2018. Completed in 1968 at a total cost of $3.5 million dollars, the towers offers the best view in the city and is a must-see on any visitor's itinerary. calgarytower.com

• NEW BUNGY ADVENTURE AT WINSPORT IN CALGARY
  Experience the latest adrenaline-filled adventure – Free Fall at Winsport in Calgary, the home of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games! From the new eight-storey platform you'll be fitted in a bungee-type harness. Jump off the platform and feel the sensation that's the closest thing you can get to skydiving as you free fall eight metres before coming to a slow decent to the ground. winsport.ca

NEW HOTELS:

• EDMONTON'S HOTTEST NEW HOTEL
  Promising approachable luxury, the new JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District is set to be the only modern luxury hotel in Edmonton and one of only three JW Marriott branded hotels in Canada. Taking centre stage in the heart of downtown, and Edmonton's hottest new neighbourhood, ICE District, the new property offers an imaginative mix of work and play and will be the epicentre of all things Edmonton. Scheduled to open in March 2019, the hotel will offer 346 guestrooms with a mix of 211 king bed rooms, 111 rooms with two queens, 201-bedroom suites, three vice presidential suites and an 1800 sq. ft. presidential suite. Amenities include four restaurants and lounges, a 22nd floor executive lounge, a 13,000 sq. ft. Health Club, pool, whirlpool and a spa by JW with five treatment rooms and an express pod. marriott.com/hotels/travel/yegjw-jw-marriott-edmonton-ice-district

• THE NEW ULTRA MODERN ALT HOTEL IN CALGARY

Located at the corner of Confluence Way and 6th Avenue SE, the new Alt Hotel in East Village will represent an investment of 34 million dollars. The result of an innovative 'no-frills-chic' concept that offers today's traveller modern design and eco-friendly features at a low price. The New hotel will be an ultra-modern building standing 11 stories tall with 156 rooms and 5,000 square feet of meeting space. www.althotels.com/en/calgaryeastvillage

NEW RESTAURANTS:

• Uccellino: Pronounced oo-che-LEE-no, this Italian restaurant is the newest venture from Edmonton's chef Daniel Costa. The chic-yet-casual spot if right in the heart of downtown, making it the ideal place for a bite after a day out on the town. Try the Pollo Al Mattone (chicken cooked under a brick) for a popular Tuscany dish, that is rarely seen in Canada. uccellino.ca

• Bridgette Bar: In the Design District of Calgary, you'll find this cool space that rocks happy hour like no other, and boasts a mid-century look that would make the cast of Mad Men feel right at home. The food on the other hand, is anything but retro – don't miss the Chicken Sausage Pizza or BBQ Alberta Rainbow Trout! bridgettebar.com

• bündok: An inviting neighbourhood restaurant, located in the sought-after Ice District of Edmonton, with intentions of celebrating the people and food of the community. The 38-seat Canadian restaurant prides itself on providing seasonal, bistro fare of its popular small plate dishes – particular the roasted cauliflower and grilled striploin. bundokyeg.com

• Gorilla Whale: The new Inglewood, Calgary spot for yakitori, ramen, burgers and cocktails, Gorilla Whale describes itself as a loud, fun, rock 'n' roll lovin' 'Japanese-ish' restaurant and lounge. Offering the freshest, most innovative and playful takes on Japanese cuisine and cocktails or as some might say 'serious food and drink, in a very unserious environment'. gorillawhale.ca

Biera: A neighbourhood restaurant in Edmonton pairing great food with fine beer. Inspired by European bistro food, the contemporary restaurant can be found inside Blind Enthusiasm brewpub and features a warm industrial dining room perfect for trying the popular sharing style dishes on offer. www.biera.ca