After delving into the wide array of things to do in Calgary, from the bustling streets of Stephen Avenue to the tranquil pathways of Prince’s Island Park, day trips from Calgary offer a splendid continuation of your Alberta adventure. These excursions invite you to explore the stunning landscapes and rich cultural sites that lie just beyond the city’s borders, providing a deeper appreciation of the province’s diverse offerings.
Venturing from Calgary, the expansive list of things to do in Alberta unfolds, taking you from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the prehistoric badlands of Drumheller. Each destination outside Calgary is a gateway to unique experiences, from hiking in Banff National Park to dinosaur bone hunting in the Canadian Badlands, enriching your journey with every step.
Choosing where to stay in Calgary is crucial for maximizing your exploration of both the city’s urban charm and the natural wonders nearby. A well-located base in Calgary not only grants you access to local attractions but also positions you perfectly for embarking on the memorable day trips that Alberta is famed for, ensuring a trip filled with discovery and excitement.
Discover Best Day Trips from Calgary, Canada
1. Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park, a jewel in the Canadian Rockies, is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. Visit iconic Lake Louise and the bustling town of Banff for a true mountain experience.
Distance: Approximately 130 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Lake Louise, Banff town, Banff Gondola, Sulphur Mountain
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Banff National Park: $10 per person (day pass)
- Banff Gondola: $50
Budget: Approximately $60-$120 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Bow Falls
Travel Tip: For breathtaking views, take a ride on the Banff Gondola or hike up Sulphur Mountain.
2. Drumheller, Alberta
Drumheller, known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” offers a unique landscape of badlands and hoodoos. It’s home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a world-class facility showcasing an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils.
Distance: Approximately 135 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Royal Tyrrell Museum, Badlands Interpretive Trail, Hoodoos
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Royal Tyrrell Museum: $15
- Badlands Interpretive Trail: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Horseshoe Canyon, Orkney Viewpoint, Dinosaur Trail
Travel Tip: Donโt miss the opportunity to walk the Badlands Interpretive Trail and explore the hoodoos.
3. Canmore, Alberta
Canmore, a charming mountain town just outside Banff National Park, is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Enjoy hiking, kayaking, and a stroll through the quaint downtown area.
Distance: Approximately 105 km
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Grassi Lakes, Canmore Nordic Centre, Downtown Canmore
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Grassi Lakes: Free
- Canmore Nordic Centre: $15
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Policeman’s Creek, Quarry Lake, Three Sisters Mountains
Travel Tip: Visit the Grassi Lakes trail for an easy hike with beautiful views of the Canmore area.
4. Kananaskis Country, Alberta
Kananaskis Country offers a less crowded alternative to Banff, with equally impressive mountains, lakes, and hiking trails. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities ranging from hiking and mountain biking to skiing.
Distance: Approximately 90 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Highwood Pass, Kananaskis Village, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Kananaskis Conservation Pass: $15 per vehicle (day pass)
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Elbow Lake, Upper Kananaskis Lake, Rawson Lake
Travel Tip: Consider a drive along the Highwood Pass, especially during the fall for spectacular foliage.
5. Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Waterton Lakes National Park, where the prairies meet the mountains, is known for its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and the historic Prince of Wales Hotel. Enjoy hiking, boating, and the unique Red Rock Canyon.
Distance: Approximately 270 km
Travel Time: About 3 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Cameron Lake, Prince of Wales Hotel, Red Rock Canyon
Best Time to Visit: Summer and Fall
Entrance Fees:
- Waterton Lakes National Park: $10 per person (day pass)
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Cameron Falls, Crypt Lake Trail, Akamina Parkway
Travel Tip: Take the scenic drive to Cameron Lake, and if time permits, cross into Montana to visit the adjacent Glacier National Park.
6. Lake Louise, Alberta
Lake Louise, famous for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks, offers breathtaking scenery and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and canoeing.
Distance: Approximately 180 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Lake Louise, Lake Agnes Tea House, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Lake Louise: Free
- Canoe Rentals: $125 per hour
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Moraine Lake, Plain of Six Glaciers, Victoria Glacier
Travel Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially in the summer, and consider a hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House.
7. Yoho National Park, Alberta
Yoho National Park, located in British Columbia, is known for its waterfalls, rock walls, and deep blue lakes. Key attractions include Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and the Natural Bridge.
Distance: Approximately 210 km
Travel Time: Around 2.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Natural Bridge
Best Time to Visit: Summer and Fall
Entrance Fees:
- Yoho National Park: $10 per person (day pass)
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Wapta Falls, Kicking Horse River, Burgess Shale
Travel Tip: Donโt miss the opportunity to hike around Emerald Lake or visit the picturesque Takakkaw Falls.
8. Bragg Creek, Alberta
Bragg Creek, a small hamlet on the edge of Kananaskis, offers a peaceful retreat with its quaint shops, art galleries, and proximity to Elbow Falls. It’s a great spot for hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking.
Distance: Approximately 45 km
Travel Time: It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Calgary to Bragg Creek
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Elbow Falls, Bragg Creek Provincial Park, Bragg Creek Artisans
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Elbow Falls: Free
- Bragg Creek Provincial Park: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Bragg Creek Trails, Fullerton Loop, Powderface Ridge
Travel Tip: Explore the nearby Bragg Creek Provincial Park for scenic hiking trails and beautiful picnic spots.
Plan Your Perfect Day Trip with Our Trusted Travel Partners
๐ Find the Best Car Rental Deals with Rentalcars.com and GetRentacar.com
๐จ Discover the Best Accommodations with Booking.com
๐ Discover Amazing Experiences with GetYourGuide.com and Tiqets.com
๐ถ Stay Connected with Airalo.com
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/calgary-l1783?activity_type=dayTrip
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.
