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Adventure Awaits: 10 Day Trips from Calgary to Explore (+ Things to Do!)
Calling all wanderers! We’ve got the best places to see within driving distance of Calgary, whether you’re looking for a relaxing or adventurous trip!
Embark on a journey to discover stunning mountains, pristine lakes, breathtaking sceneries, delicious food, and charming towns. There’s something new to see just a few hours from Calgary!
We’re taking you to the best spots near the city that gave us the most memorable time, whether you’re a solo wanderer, a couple, or travelling with kids. Time to wear your best outfit and enjoy the day!
Kananaskis Country
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Location: 2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore (Visitor Information Centre)
Distance from Calgary: 86.5 km, 57 minutes
Contact: (403) 678-5277
Kananaskis Visitor Pass:
- Day Pass – $15 (One vehicle)
- Yearly Pass – $90 (Up to 3 vehicles)
One of the best places to visit for a day trip when you’re in Calgary is Kananaskis Country. It has become a hidden gem to the locals when, previously, it was just a place you come across when going to Banff.
If you hate crowds, go to Kananaskis instead of Banff! It has breathtaking panoramic views, stunning hiking trails, alpine lakes to kayak in, rugged biking trails, and delicious local food!
The place is so diverse, with plenty of areas for beginner and seasoned adventurers to explore. A local favourite is the Tent Horseshoe Ridge, which offers stunning views of Spray Valley— or go to the Nakiska Ski Area in the winter.
But if relaxing is your vibe, visit the alpine sanctuary of Kananaskis Nordic Spa to recharge before driving back to the city. Don’t forget to dine at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, where you can book a picnic with views of Mount Kidd!
Pro Tip:
Pack layers of clothing when going to Kananaskis. The weather in the Canadian Rockies gets cold, even in the summer, especially if you aren’t used to Alberta temperatures.
Banff National Park
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Location: Banff Ave, Banff
Distance from Calgary: 127 km, 1 hour and 30 minutes
Contact: (403) 762-1200
Banff Conservation Pass:
- Adult (18 – 64): $11
- Senior (65+): $9.50
- Youth (0 – 17): Free
- Family/Group: $22
- Commercial Group, per person: $9.35
If you’re Calgarian and have family visiting, you’re probably tired of bringing them to Banff. It’s just a really popular tourist spot with so many sights to see, so it’s inevitable—and it’s so close to Calgary, you’ll get home by dinner!
There’s just something special about Banff. Once you arrive at Banff Avenue, you’ll see all the shops and restaurants, as well as the spectacular Cascade Mountain (can you imagine the stunning scenery while sipping coffee?).
Ride the Banff Gondola to reach the summit of Sulphur Mountain, visit the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, paddle the waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, fish at Lake Minnewanka, admire the museums in town, and relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Don’t miss out on the best local restaurants in town. Check out our favourite places to dine in Banff!
Pro Tips:
Before setting off on a Banff day trip, make sure your pockets are padded… with money! Since this town is a hotspot for tourists, the prices are going to be steep, especially in peak seasons.
If you can, try to skip visiting from July to August to avoid peak season prices and huge crowds. September is ideal because it’s not too crowded, the weather cools down, and the prices aren’t exceptionally high.
Cochrane
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Location: 101 RancheHouse Road, Cochrane (Cochrane RancheHouse)
Distance from Calgary: 36.4 km, 30 minutes
Contact: (403) 851-2500, [email protected]
Don’t like driving for hours? Cochrane is the perfect place for a quick day trip from Calgary. It will also give you a change of scenery, given that this has a small town vibe.
Visit the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park for a quiet space to hike or bike, see the majestic wolfdogs up close at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, check out the museums in town, and dine in at the local restaurants.
On Saturdays from June to October, visit the Cochrane Farmers’ Market for local products and the famous MacKay’s Ice Cream on 1 Street W. Don’t forget to take a photo of the historic Rockyview Hotel to capture a small piece of the Wild West.
Pro Tip:
Avoid driving during rush hour. Traffic in Cochrane is sometimes worse than in Calgary, and it’ll take a while to get from point A to point B, which can greatly affect your schedule.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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Location: Dinosaur Provincial Park Visitor Centre
Distance from Calgary: 221 km, 2 hours and 30 minutes
Contact: (403) 378-4342, [email protected]
Operating Hours: On a seasonal basis. See list of complete hours
Rates:
- Exhibit Gallery Admission: $2
Other programs will have varying rates
Forget Jurassic Park— head over to Dinosaur Provincial Park and see where the most important fossils of the Age of Reptiles were found. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit if you’re in Calgary because of its historical value and impressive vistas.
Dinosaur fossils have been found in the badlands, dating back 75 million years ago in the Cretaceous Period. You can learn more by joining a guided tour, so you can walk the same grounds the majestic dinosaurs roamed over.
A unique experience (if you don’t mind going home late) is the Dark Sky Talk, where you will experience the nocturnal world! There are interactive exhibits for the kids to enjoy, like the Jr. Paleos, to teach them how to excavate!
Pro Tips:
Wear comfortable hiking or closed-toe shoes if you’re joining the walking tours. Remember, no Crocs allowed!
If you have limited mobility, join the indoor programs and skip the outdoor ones. Not all tours are wheelchair-accessible, so it’s best to contact them first before booking a reservation.
Aspen Crossing
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Location: PM82+WH, AB-24, Mossleigh
Distance from Calgary: 90.2 km, 57 minutes
Contact: (403) 534-2129, [email protected]
Rates:
- Great Alberta Prairie Tour: $65 – $120
- The Kidd Ranch Trains: $29 – $39
- Champagne Brunch: $65 – $120
Drive southeast of Calgary to reach Aspen Crossing, a rural retreat. The most popular attraction is the Train Excursion, which will take you on a scenic adventure.
The best part is there’s a train experience for all ages. There’s something unique every season, like the Polar Express™ Train Ride in November and December for a fun-filled Christmas!
Join the Train of Terror on Halloween, an 18+ moving train haunt and haunted maze that will spook you to the bones! Or get ready to witness an old-school train robbery at The Great Alberta Prairie Tour!
Once you’re done, you can shop for souvenirs, bring home gardening products, and check out the Campstore for delicious ice cream and cool beverages!
Pro Tip:
Wear weather-appropriate clothing because the train excursions will go ahead, rain or shine!
Yoho National Park
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Location: Yoho National Park of Canada, BC
Distance from Calgary: 235 km, 2 hours and 25 minutes
Contact: (250) 343-6783, [email protected]
Yoho National Park Pass:
- Adult (18 – 64): $11
- Senior (65+): $9.50
- Youth (0 – 17): Free
- Family/Group: $22
- Commercial Group, per person: $9.35
For adventurers, Yoho National Park is one of the go-to from Calgary (and it’s worth the drive!). The drive will take you outside of Alberta for under three hours on the road!
You’ll have a grand time doing outdoor activities, like hiking. The Emerald Lake Loop is an easy 5.1 km trail that will reward you with a stunning view! The side of the trail near the lake does get muddy, even in the summer, so make sure you have good shoes.
If you want an educational day trip, try the Burgess Shale Fossil Hike. You’ll witness well-preserved fossils that are over 500 years old!
Pro Tips:
Visit in the summer when the trails are not covered in snow, the weather is warm, and the activities are available. It does get crowded, though, so arrive early for your hike and book activities in advance.
In case you’re unaware, using recreational drones is not allowed. Only commercial drones with permits are allowed.
Waterton Lakes National Park
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Location: Waterton Lakes National Park, Waterton Park
Distance from Calgary: 260 km, 2 hours and 40 minutes
Contact: (403) 859-5133, [email protected]
Waterton National Park Pass:
- Adult (18 – 64): $11
- Senior (65+): $9.50
- Youth (0 – 17): Free
- Family/Group: $22
- Commercial Group, per person: $9.35
Waterton Lakes National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Alberta. This hidden gem is filled with exciting adventures and breathtaking scenery that will keep you coming back for more!
Prepare to hike Bear’s Hump, which will show you magnificent views of the Waterton Lakes, Prince Wales Hotel, and the incredible mountains. This is a short 2.4 km trail, taking just an hour to reach the viewing point.
Then, cool off by joining a kayaking tour of the Waterton Lakes, where the winds are strong and the water is cold. So if you want to stay on the ground, go horseback riding or have a fancy afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel.
Pro Tip:
If it’s your first time at Waterton, we suggest joining a guided hiking trip to ensure a safe and stress-free adventure.
Jasper National Park
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Location: Jasper National Park
Distance from Calgary: 304.2 km, 3 hours and 20 minutes
Contact: (780) 820-1006
Jasper National Park Pass:
- Adult: $11
- Senior: $9.50
- Youth: Free
- Family/Group: $22
- Commercial Group, per person: $9.35
If you’re in Calgary, it’s impossible not to take a side adventure to the beautiful Jasper National Park. It’s like Banff in a way that you can experience the stunning Canadian Rockies, but it feels less touristy since it’s not as commercialized.
In Jasper, you can see Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Rockies, where you can take a photo of Spirit Island, a spiritual place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation. Then, take a hike to Athabasca Falls, a powerful waterfall fed by the Columbia Icefield.
Taste the most delicious local meals at Jasper’s vibrant food scene. Jasper Brewing Co. is the place to go for housemade craft beer, while Harvest Food and Drink is for visitors who want to have the best brunch!
Pro Tips:
It’s common to see bears wandering about in Jasper. If you’re hiking, always look out for bear signs, carry bear spray and learn how to use it, make noise to make them aware you’re in the area, and do not go near wildlife.
The weather in the Canadian Rockies is unpredictable. Bring a light sweater for chilly nights, even if you’re visiting in the summer.
The Cowboy Trail
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Location: Highway 22
Distance from Calgary: 117 km, 1 hour and 20 minutes
Contact: Online contact form
Saddle up at The Cowboy Trail! It’s actually Highway 22, a scenic driving route in Alberta along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. At first glance, you may think it’s empty, but activities are plentiful here!
Take a day trip and check out the cool and unique things to do. You can go on a guided exploration through the Rockies and visit the communities on the trail.
Go horseback riding, cool off at MacKay’s Ice Cream, see the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (one of the largest, oldest, and best-preserved buffalo jump sites in the world), and have a pint at Cowboy Trail Brewery.
Pro Tip:
The Cowboy Trail is an open area and is really windy. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to ensure your trip is comfortable.
Drumheller
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Location: Town of Drumheller
Distance from Calgary: 134 km, 1 hour and 26 minutes
Contact: (403) 823-6300 (Phone), (403) 823-2512 (After Hours)
Head northeast of Calgary and see the small town of Drumheller, a place where majestic dinosaurs used to roam—no wonder it’s called the Dinosaur Capital of the World! If you love dinosaurs, you’ll have an epic time!
You’ll spot dinosaurs all over town, including the “World’s Largest Dinosaur,” a 26 m tall T-Rex. What’s cool is you can climb inside the dinosaur to admire the stunning scenery of the badlands right inside its mouth!
Take a trip to the Hoodoo Trail, where you can witness the magnificent sandstone pillars. These geological figures took millions of years to form, so you’re literally witnessing history!
Visit the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site to dig up the town’s gritty past, go on a paranormal tour of the Victorian Johnston House, learn about paleontology at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and dine at the local restaurants in town.
Pro Tip:
The best time to visit Drumheller is during spring to avoid crowds and hot weather. Summer is ideal if you want to experience many attractions, but it will be crowded and hot!
