14 of the Best Day Trips from Calgary

Updated: March 15th, 2021

While there are plenty of awesome things to do in Calgary, sometimes you just want to get out and see more of the province. Luckily, Calgary has the best location in Alberta. With the Canadian Rockies to the West, the Canadian badlands to the east, and both the prairies and the foothills on its doorstep, there’s no short of fun day trips from Calgary. Whether you’re looking to go horseback riding, white water rafting, skiing, hiking, or almost anything else you can think of, Calgary is a great place to be based.

In this Alberta travel guide, we’re going to share the best day trips from Calgary, which can easily be transformed into multi-day adventures if you have more time. There are lots of places you can choose from, and a range of both small and big towns, all offering their own unique charms and attractions.

Let’s get into it.

Places To Visit Near Calgary By Car

Calgary is quite a central destination, making it an accessible place to reach many other amazing towns, cities, villages, and parks in the surrounding areas. While some popular areas such as Banff have tours, most of these destinations require your own vehicle. However, all of the places listed here are less than three hours away from Calgary, with many of them less than two hours.

Depending on what you’re most eager to see and do, this list should showcase at least one spot that is perfect for you. Here’s an extensive list of places to see around Calgary.

Top Calgary Day Trips to the West

It’s no secret that the most famous place to visit around Calgary is the Rocky Mountains. Banff National Park is just over an hour away and is one of the most beautiful places in the world. There’s also the Kananaskis, which is even closer and typically quieter than its big brother next door.

Kananaskis

Drive Time: The Kananaskis is about an hour from Calgary, but it depends on how far you go.

The Kananaskis was once a local secret, but keeping a secret is no easy task when the area is full of towering mountain peaks, gorgeous crystal-clear lakes, and a plethora of outdoor adventures. There are a number of places to access the Kananasnkis including Highway 40 near Canmore as well as access points just off the Cowboy Trail and Turner Valley such as highway 546 and highway 540.

Also known as K-country, this is one of the best places to spot wildlife such as bears and bighorn sheep as well as indulge in the pristine mountain wilderness. It’s home to some incredible hiking opportunities in the summer but is also popular in the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In fact, you can even go downhill skiing at Nakiska Ski Area, which was home to the 1988 Winter Olympics.

One of our favourite places to go camping is at Spray Lakes West Campground, which is in the Kananaskis but there are also fancier options for accommodation, such as Mt Engadine Lodge and the Kananaskis Lodge, which is home to a Nordic Spa.

Canmore

Drive Time: Canmore is less than an hour’s drive from west Calgary.

There are so many trails to hike but one of our favourites is Ha Ling Peak, which can be a difficult climb but also a very busy spot on weekends. This is because it’s so close to the town but offers the chance to reach a mountain summit for mind-blowing views of the Canadian Rockies.

Once known as a quiet enclave of locals next to world-famous Banff, that is no longer the case. It was only a matter of time before Canmore, which is just 20 minutes from Banff, became as popular as it is now. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks and has a charming downtown core that’s popular with locals and visitors alike. You’ll find a seemingly endless network of hiking trails, as well as cave tours, shops, restaurants, and hotels. In the winter, it’s also home to epic cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and nearby downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Popular things to do:

• Go hiking
• Take a helicopter ride
• Rock climbing
• Enjoy a walking tour of the town
• Boat tours
• Wilderness walking

For an extensive list of what to do, check out our travel guide on things to do in Canmore.

Banff

Drive Time: Banff is just 1.5 hours from Calgary.

Banff truly needs no introduction. It’s one of the most visited destinations in all of Canada and is only 20 minutes west of Canmore. It’s one of the most beautiful mountain towns in the world and is full of attractions, including the Banff Gondola, the Banff Hot Springs, Mount Norquay Ski Resort, Sunshine Ski Resort, and an endless network of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, biking, and more.

Skiing in Banff is incredibly popular during the winter months as it’s home to three world-class ski resorts, as well as some beautiful winter hikes, such as Johnston Canyon. For those interested in a foodie experience, the most popular of them all is Fairmont’s Eat the Castle tour.

For a more detailed list of EVERYTHING, there is to do, check out our travel guide to the best things to do in Banff.

Popular things to do:

• Take a tour through the national park
• Browse one of the museums
• Visit Lake Louise and the other lakes
• Check out the hot springs
• Explore the town on foot
• Go hiking
• Head off on a horse ride

Interested in Banff tours? Check out these options below:

Calgary to Banff Tour

• Cost: From $265 CAD
• Duration: 9.5 Hours

This tour will take you from Calgary to the well-known city of Banff, using the scenic route,  Tunnel Mountain Drive. You’ll get to explore the city once you arrive, then head up to the Banff Gondola. There will be time to view stunning waterfalls and take in the last sights of downtown before being brought safely back to Calgary.

From Calgary to Lake Louise Tour

• Cost: From $125 CAD
• Duration: 10 – 11 Hours

Enjoy a day filled with wildlife sightings, exploring the shores of Canada’s most famous lakes, and a local guide who will show you around Yoho National Park. This tour takes you to Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge, Spiral Tunnels, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake.

Pack your camera because the views you’ll see are unimaginable, and you’re going to want to remember them!

Lake and Mountains Around Calgary

• Cost: From $310 CAD
• Duration: 15 Hours

Enjoy some of the most beautiful views on this tour from Calgary to a list of mesmerizing lakes and mountains in the nearby vicinity. See Banff and Yoho National Park, as well as Emerald Lake and Victoria Glacier.

It’s an early start to the day, leaving before 6 am, but it’s a brilliant chance to see the stunning landscapes and a safe and easy trip with all transport organized for you. Just make your coffee a little stronger if you’re not a morning person.

Triple C Mountain Adventure

• Cost: From $570 CAD
• Duration: 6 Hours

The triple Cs in this tour stand for Calgary, Cochrane, and Canmore. You’ll take a sidecar adventure through each of these towns and enjoy a day of exploration with the wind in your hair. There’s a stop at Ghost Lake included as well, and your guide will offer commentary as you go.

Each stop offers the opportunity to stretch your legs, do some shopping, take a few photos, and then at your last stop, you can buy lunch as well.

Lake Louise

Drive time: Lake Louise is 2-3 hours from Calgary, making this one of the longer day trips featured in this guide. 

Also located within Banff National Park is the world-famous Lake Louise. This place gets very busy on weekends thanks to the beautiful turquoise-coloured lake located right in front of the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise luxury hotel. During the summer, you can go canoeing on the lake or in the winter, you can go skating on it! There’s also a variety of beautiful hikes all around the lake and up the mountains, as well as nearby Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Ski Resort.

For a more detailed guide on Lake Louise, check out our travel guide to the best things to do in Lake Louise.

Top Calgary Day Trips to the North

If the mountains are getting old, why not head north of Calgary to visit small towns, lakes, and quiet backcountry roads?

Sundre

Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours or less.

Located right along Alberta’s Cowboy Trail, Sundre is a small town nestled near the Rocky Mountains, prairies, and foothills. You’ll find small-town charm at its museum and restaurants, as well as nearby adventures such as horseback riding and whitewater rafting. In fact, there’s a high chance you’ll even spot some wild horses!

Popular things to do:

• Visit the Sundre Museum
• Visit the Wild Horses of Alberta Society
• Go Golfing
• Go whitewater rafting with Mukwah Rafting
• Go horseback riding with Sunset Guiding and Outfitting

Want More? Check out our full guide to all the things to do in Sundre, Alberta.

Red Deer

Distance from Calgary: 1 hr 30 min drive.

Red Deer is the third-largest city in Alberta and boasts a healthy balance of natural beauty, history, and culture. It’s even been called the Cultural Capital of Canada. The city is nearly halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, so it’s a good city to stop in if you’re not wanting to make the long trip to Edmonton.

Activities to enjoy here:

• Check out the Sports Hall of Fame
• Browse the Saturday market
• Go fishing
• Visit Fort Normandeau
• Learn about the city’s history at Sunnybrook Farm Museum
• Go hiking

Where to stay: If you can’t bear to leave after just one day, book into Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Red Deer for a cozy night’s sleep before continuing your visit. You’ll find a 24-hour front desk and snack bar, as well as free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. And, of course, complimentary breakfast as well.

Lacombe

Distance from Calgary: 1 hr 50 min drive

This historic town may be tiny, but it’s terrifically exciting as well. It’s near Red Deer, and it’s one of the best places to see near Calgary for some history and fun.

Top attractions to visit in Lacombe:

• Have fun at Gull Lake
• See the Flatiron building
• Try out the well-known corn maze
• View the Michener House Museum
• Go on a walking tour of the town
• Visit the Blacksmith Shop Museum
• Check out Ellis Bird Farm
• Play a game of golf

Best place to stay:

Spend your night at the Best Western Plus Lacombe Inn & Suites, where you’ll find a kid’s playground, indoor pool, and fitness and business centers. Plus, there’s free parking, 24-hour help desk service, and a continental breakfast each morning.

Olds

Distance from Calgary: Olds is only 1 hour from Calgary.

While Olds may not be first on the list of day trips from Calgary, it can be a popular option for escaping the crowds and indulging in that small-town charm. You’ll drive through some beautiful farmland to get there and there’s actually quite a variety of things to do.

Popular things to do:

• Visit the equestrian ranch
• Go paintballing
• Throw an axe
• Cool off in the splash park
• Play a game in the batting cages
• Visit the Olds College Botanical Gardens
• Have a pint in the Olds College Brewery

Innisfail

Distance from Calgary: 1 hr 15 min drive

If you’re really looking to explore a small town, especially with kids, Innisfail can be a great option. There’s plenty to do, but nothing has to be rushed. You can sightsee as you please and experience as much as you have time for.

Popular things to do:

• Innisfail Historical Village
• Dinos Center
• Discovery Wildlife Park
• Innisfail Golf Club
• Kids’ playgrounds
• Walking trails
• Tennis courts
• Skate parks

Top Calgary Day Trips to the South

Calgary is only three hours north of the U.S. border with Montana, but in-between there are so many places to visit and cool things to do, some of which make great day trips from Calgary.

Okotoks

Distance from Calgary: 35-min drive

Did you know that Okotoks used to be the headquarters for Must Do Canada? How about that! Now we’re in Calgary but we still visit family on a weekly basis. Okotoks is quite popular both for living and for visiting, with a few cool things to do as well as the charming historic Elizabeth street. 

Popular things to do:

• See the largest glacial erratic in North America
• Visit the Seaman Stadium for a game or a tour
• Go on a bike ride with the whole family
• Browse through the art galleries and museums
• Experience the Chinook Honey Farm

Where to stay:

Appreciate city views and access to a barbeque at Lakeview Inns & Suites. It’s a large, quaint-looking accommodation that provides guests with a comfy spot to enjoy a night or two.

Crowsnest Pass

Distance from Calgary: 2.5 hours.

Most people think of the Canadian Rockies as being west of Calgary but they’re also south of Calgary! Head south on Highway 2 or opt for Highway 22 (Cowboy Trail) for a more scenic route to the beautiful Crowsnest Pass. Although this can certainly be done as a long day trip (similar to Lake Louise), we always recommend spending a night to really make use of your time. After all, the Crowsnest Pass is one of the most beautiful regions in Alberta and is home to incredible hiking opportunities, golfing, historic sites, and the jaw-dropping Frank Slide. This area has a very tragic past and we highly recommend spending a couple of hours at Frank Slide as well as the nearby Crowsnest Museum.

Popular things to do:

• Visit Lundbrek Falls and Leitch Collieries Provincial Historic Site
• Visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
• Tour the historic streets of Coleman
• Go golfing
• Climb to the summit of Turtle Mountain

Want more? Check out our FULL TRAVEL GUIDE to the best things to do in Crowsnest Pass.

Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump

Distance from Calgary: 2 hours.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the province’s great indigenous treasures and one of the world’s biggest, oldest, and best-preserved buffalo jumps. What makes Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump extra special is the wonderful interpretive centre where you can learn all about this site, watch a reenactment video, and learn about the indigenous tribes that call this place home. The exhibition site details how the Blackfoot Bands used the area for buffalo hunting and they offer a number of tours, including the chance to reenact the buffalo hunt yourself!

Castle Provincial Park

Distance from Calgary: 2.5 hours.

Alberta’s newest provincial park is located just south of Pincher Creek and offers stunning scenery without all the crowds. You’ll find lots of hiking and mountain biking trails in Castle Provincial Park, as well as lakes and campgrounds. In addition, just outside the park is Castle Mountain Resort, one of the top ski resorts in the province. While the resort is most famous for its powder and steep runs, they also have a number of popular hikes in the summer.

Top Calgary Day Trips to the East

East of Calgary is what makes Alberta even more unique. Not only will you find mountains to the west and prairies to the north and south, but you’ll also find badlands to the east! This makes for some incredible scenery, unique hiking opportunities, and a chance to visit the Dinosaur capital of the world!

Drumheller

Distance from Calgary: 1 hr 30 min drive

If you’re a dinosaur enthusiast, Drumheller is going to blow your mind! This is known as the Dinosaur Capital, as it has some of the world’s richest fossil beds. The town is the known home of 20 types of dinosaur fossils, and there are plenty of Jurassic-style adventures to be had here. This is not only one of the most popular places to visit east of Calgary but also one of the most popular destinations in Alberta. 

Popular things to do:

• Go on the DinoWalk
• Climb up the stairs inside the gigantic T-rex
• Play on the bumper boats
• Enjoy a game of golf
• Visit Orkney Lookout
• Get wonderfully wet at Rotary Spray Park
• See the Badlands Amphitheatre

Want more? Check out our full travel guide to see all the best things to do in Drumheller.

Aspen Crossing and Vulcan

Distance from Calgary: 1 hr 30 min drive or less.

Located in the ultra-small town of Mossleigh is one of the most popular attractions near Calgary. Aspen Crossing offers a train-themed experience, complete with an RV park, camping, and a truly unique opportunity to spend the night in a Caboose cabin. The most popular activity here is taking a scenic train ride through the prairies with options to experience things like a Cowboy Shootout, a Wine and Cheese event, Brunch, or even the Polar Express during the Christmas season. In addition, you’ll find one of the few remaining places in Alberta where there’s a trio of grain elevators still standing.

Now, if you’ve made it this far, you should continue on to the town of Vulcan, especially if you’re a fan of the TV series Star Trek. In fact, if you’re a fan of the show, the town of Vulcan is likely #1 on your bucket list. Located just 25-minutes from Mossleigh is a statue of the Star Trek Enterprise, murals of the Star Trek doctors, and even a ‘transporter’ to get you back to the Star Fleet. Even Leonard Nimoy visited in 2010!

Want to make it even more special? Consider visiting during the annual Spock Days, a fun family festival featuring a Star Trek-themed parade, soapbox derby, beer gardens and fireworks. 

Discover All The Remarkable Day Trips From Calgary

If you’ve done everything there is to do in Calgary, including tasting some of the world-class beer at the many Calgary breweries or the incredible food at the top Calgary restaurants, it’s time to get out and explore the other towns and locations nearby. Whether you’re in the mood for small-town charm or looking to escape into nature, there are many day trips from Calgary to suit everyone.

Pick your destination from the list above and head out, either on self-guided road trips from Calgary or on a guided tour; the choice is yours. Just be sure to pack your camera because you’re bound to stumble across a myriad of stunning sights to capture.

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