13 Best Day Trips from Calgary, Alberta

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Are you curious about the best day trips from Calgary? Calgary is a great base for exploring destinations in lower Alberta, with easy access to many different landscapes and attractions. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, adrenaline, or relaxation, there is something for you within a short drive from the city.

Some of these day trips are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Alberta, which are particularly noteworthy for learning about the area’s history. Others offer unique dinosaur-themed experiences or the chance to spot wildlife while enjoying the outdoors.

Just on Calgary’s doorstep, you can access the prairies, the badlands, and parts of the Rocky Mountains, while still having all the city amenities you might need as your base.

Calgary is one of our favorite cities in Canada. We lived in Edmonton, but Calgary called to us almost every weekend. The downtown city vibes, food, and quick access to the Rocky Mountains are just hard to beat in Alberta. We would drive down for long weekends to enjoy all the incredible day trips from Calgary.

In this guide, we’re sharing all the best day trips from Calgary that we have personally done and loved, along with everything you need to know to plan your own fun outings! So, if you’re visiting Calgary and want to see some nearby attractions, read on for all the best choices.

Quick Look: Best Day Trips from Calgary

With so many great day trips from Calgary, our top picks are going to be

1. Canmore for a charming small mountain town
2. Kananaskis Country for incredible hiking and nature
3. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump for UNESCO World Heritage and an Indigenous cultural site
4. Drumheller for geology and paleontology on a historic road trip.
5. Longview for Albertan ranch and cowboy culture

Read on for our complete list.

All Recommended Day Trips From Calgary!

1. Cochrane

• Distance from Calgary: 30 minutes one way
• Highlights: Outdoor recreation; provincial parks; ethical wildlife experience

Cochrane makes for an easy day trip from Calgary. This is also a great pit stop on our way to the Canadian Rockies. While it looks like a small town without a lot to see or do, you can easily fill a day here. 

Ghost Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area is a must-visit. During winters in Calgary, we love to hang out at the Ghost Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area in Cochrane. In the wintertime, the reservoir is completely frozen, and you can skate here for free.

Depending on the season and lake conditions, you can also go ice fishing here. During summer, you can spend some time at the Ghost Lake area and take in the views or go on a quick stroll.

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park in Cochrane is also worth seeing. This park is open only for day use; overnight camping is not allowed. Glenbow Ranch is a sprawling area, and it is your answer to stunning landscapes and historical resources along the Bow River: these views are every photographer’s delight. 

Big Hill Springs is another provincial park located just north of Cochrane. This park is sprinkled with a large spring and a series of small waterfalls that flow over rocky terraces. The entire area is covered with lush greenery and is also home to a historic fish hatchery. 

The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is also in Cochrane, which is an ethical rescue space for wolfdogs. With an animal-first approach, these animals are given proper space, care, and enrichment.

2. Kananaskis Country

• Distance from Calgary: 1 hour one way
• Highlights: Hiking; Outdoor Recreation; Spa getaway

Kananaskis Country makes for a great Calgary day trip option. It is also a nice local alternative to the crowds in Banff. Expect lovely mountain views, tons of hiking and outdoor activities, and best of all, a Nordic Spa to pamper yourself!

Kananaskis Country is big, but in a day, you can definitely embark on a short hike and then soak in and relax at the spa. There are quite a few spa packages to choose from, including massage and rejuvenation sessions. 

Kananaskis is a nature lover’s paradise. Enjoy paddling on Lower Kananaskis Lake or the Elbow River. Opt for a horseback riding tour, or embark on any one of the following hikes – Mount Yamnuska (4 – 6 hours, or turnaround at 1 hour one way), The Upper Kananaskis Lake Loop (5 hours), Three Isle Lake Trail (3 hours one way, start early for this hike), or the easy Grotto Canyon Hike.

We prefer to just relax and hang out in the various scenic parks and sites in Kananaskis. On a day trip, we stop in Canmore for lunch or at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

3. Canmore

• Distance from Calgary: 1 hour one way
• Highlights: Mountain small town; Romantic getaway; Provincial parks

We LOVE Canmore. This is one little town that always brings in great memories. We visited Canmore as a day trip from Calgary in 2010, while road-tripping from Saskatchewan. At that time, Canmore was not as well-known as it is today. But its spirit and beauty have stayed the same.

On a day trip, we like to wander the downtown or main town centre area of Canmore, checking out art galleries, walking trails like the Policeman’s Creek, Big Head Sculpture, NWP Barracks, and relishing delicious food and amazing mountain views. You can definitely add the Canmore Cave tour (Rat’s Nest) to a day trip; just ensure you book it in advance. 

Read: Our favorite things to do in Canmore for an epic day trip or long weekend.

Canmore is a great option for a romantic weekend trip, too. A 2-3 day trip will allow you to go on longer hikes (such as the Grassi Lakes Hike) or ski at the Nordic Provincial Park in winter.

4. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Fort Macleod

• Distance from Calgary: 1 hour one way
• Highlights: UNESCO-recognized site; Indigenous cultural tourism

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a buffalo jump located about 18 kilometres west of Fort Macleod. This site was used for over 5,500 years by Indigenous Peoples to kill buffalo by driving them off the cliff. The cliff is about 36 feet high.

This interesting attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also a National Historic Site. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump lost its significance when the Europeans colonized Canada and forced Indigenous people away from their traditional lifestyle. 

In the 20th century, an Elder of the Piikani Nation took on the task of restoring this site, and due to his efforts, we can explore the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump today. 

In the fall, there is a Harvest Festival held here, which is worth visiting. This festival showcases Blackfoot culture and is a great opportunity to learn about the Blackfoot People of modern-day Alberta.

5. Longview

• Distance from Calgary: 1 hour one way
• Highlights: Small town charm; Cowboy culture/history

Longview is a cute little town in Alberta. It is an entry gate to the Kananaskis Provincial Park, and is accessible along the Cowboy Trail. The town is one of a kind with cowboy-themed restaurants and gourmet cafes, galleries, and the star –  Bar U Ranch National Historic Site.

Bar U Ranch, located south of town, showcases historical information in a unique way through period eateries and galleries. You must visit this historic site if you are a fan of cowboy culture.

Imagine riding on a wagon (pulled by Percheron horses) and ‘experiencing’ life as a cowboy from the 1800’s. Learn about old-style ranching ways, visit hundreds of years-old barns, and see cattle, saddle horses, and other farm animals. 

Take time to explore the trails and dirt roads to see the countryside; this is one of the finest Prairie experiences in Alberta!

5. Aspen Crossing

• Distance from Calgary: 1 hour one way
• Highlights: Vintage train excursion; Heritage buildings; Family fun

Aspen Crossing is a fun day trip from Calgary. Located in Mossleigh, Aspen Crossing is known for being the last stop on the CPR line, where trains pass through the stunning Prairie landscape and grain elevators. 

The trains and old buildings are a unique tourist attraction due to their heritage value. This attraction was created from leftover rail compartments. Today, a visitor can embark on a 3-hour tour through the town and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

Near the train station, you can eat, hang out, and play with kids in the countryside.

There are train excursions you can take here too!. In the winter, you can ride the special “Polar Express” and experience a train ride to the North Pole! Check out all their cool train rides, from a Terror Train to a Champagne Brunch (and everything in between), and tour schedules here.

6. Sylvan Lake

• Distance from Calgary: 1 hour 30 minutes one way
• Highlights: Water sports; Festivals; Unique Lighthouse

Sylvan Lake is a nice outdoor day trip option from Calgary and Edmonton. It is sort of midway between the two cities. Sylvan Lake was on my list for the pretty lighthouse and the lake views.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do here other than the lighthouse. Start with water activities – and this doesn’t have to include the usual swimming or beach lounging; you can actually book water-jet adventures and have a blast at the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash. 

Near the lake is the lighthouse, built in 1988 to replace the original. In 2013, the Sylvan Lake Rotary Club undertook the project and built this iconic landmark in the town. Imagine how beautiful it looks in the evening – these are perfect sunset goals!

If you are not into water activities and the lake, you can visit a farmers’ market or go golfing at the Sylvan Lake Golf and Country Club or Meadowlands. 

Sylvan Lake is home to many festivals, including Jazz at the Lake Fest (summer), 1913 Days, and Sylvan Lake Winterfest (winter).

7. Fish Creek Provincial Park

• Distance from Calgary: 20 minutes one way
• Highlights: Hiking; Outdoor recreation; Birding; Winter sports

Fish Creek Provincial Park is located in southern Calgary. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in this provincial park that can easily fill an entire day. 

Fish Creek Provincial Park is perfect all year round. In the summertime, you can spend a day hiking, swimming, enjoying a picnic, birdwatching, or strolling on its many walking paths. The park is free to enter and explore (except for the Sikome Lake beach area).

In the winter, a visit to the park is a must for snowshoeing and winter hiking. The Winter Carnival festival also takes place here and is a lot of fun to experience!

8. Bragg Creek Provincial Park

• Distance from Calgary: 45 minutes one way
• Highlights: Accessible nature; Waterfall; Outdoor recreation

Bragg Creek Provincial Park is a nice and easy day trip from Calgary. A one-way day tour takes about 45 minutes, and you have the entire day to explore the little town and the park. The Elbow Falls are the most popular attraction near the park.

Visit the Elbow Falls area, and go on a quick stroll or walk the interpretive trail. This trail is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Near the falls is the Ellen Bill day use area, where you can hang out, picnic, and enjoy a nice afternoon while listening to the gushing sound of the Elbow River.

From golfing and biking to ATV tours, the terrain in and around Bragg Creek Provincial Park will delight you!

9. Banff National Park

• Distance from Calgary: 1 hour 30 minutes one way
• Highlights: Charming small town; Water sports; Hiking

My absolute favorite place in Canada, oh Banff! We are pros at embarking on day trips to Banff from Calgary, especially during high season, since accommodation in Banff is crazy! And sometimes after finishing a work week, we run to the mountains on a Saturday and then head back to Calgary (and then home the next day to Edmonton).

When you are visiting on a day trip, you really can’t see it all; you have to prioritize. We will share the best 4 separate day trip itineraries to help you out:

• Option 1: Stick to Banff town for a day trip. You can explore Banff town, get on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, check out Bow Falls, and finish the day at the Cascade Gardens.
• Option 2: Explore Banff Avenue, and then embark on a short hike near Cave and Basin (Marsh Loop – 1 hour round trip or Sundance Canyon – 3 hour round trip). 
• Option 3: Not into hiking? Switch that for canoeing at the Vermilion Lakes.
• Option 4: For those who like to drive around and drool at mountains (and don’t want to get out of the car, that’s me sometimes!), enjoy a drive from Banff town to Two Jack Lake and then Lake Minnewanka Loop. If you have time on your hands, opt for the Minnewanka Lake cruise.

Banff is arguably best not as a day trip, so if you have the time, slow down and enjoy staying in Banff for a bit longer on one of our recommended 10-day itineraries for Canada.

10. Lake Louise

• Distance from Calgary: 2 hours one way
• Highlights: Hiking; Canoeing; Winter sports

Located inside Banff National Park is the beautiful hamlet of Lake Louise. On a day trip, you must head straight to Lake Louise and stay there for the day to maximise sightseeing (don’t add Banff or Yoho National Park to the itinerary). 

At the Lake, you can go canoeing and hike the Lake Agnes trail to reach the teahouse at 2134 metres. 

During winters in Lake Louise, enjoy ice skating in a natural rink surrounded by magnificent mountain views. There are indoor skating options at the Fairmont Chateau hotel, which is also a nice place for a romantic coffee date or to enjoy afternoon high tea.

The centre area is open all year round, and you can eat there as well as buy candies and souvenirs.

11. Red Deer

• Distance from Calgary: 1 hr 30 minutes one way
• Highlights: Museums; Art; First Nations culture

Red Deer is midway between Calgary and Edmonton, and this is our coffee break stop on our road trips. The city is definitely intriguing. The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame & Museum caught our attention, and on your day trip, you can pay a quick visit to check out the sporting achievements from the province.

The Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery is a must-visit to learn about the city’s history, and the best part is that the museum has a large collection of First Nations art. If you want to shop and dine, there is a nice Red Deer shopping complex to hang out in.

In the winter, you can go ice skating at the Bower Ponds.

12. Drumheller

Distance from Calgary: 1 hour 45 minutes one way

Highlights: Dinosaurs; Geology; Ghosttowns; UNESCO and Provincial Park

The day trip from Calgary to Drumheller will take you to the dinosaur period. This town is home to Midland Provincial Park, Drumheller Dinosaur Park, Royal Tyrrell Dinosaur Museum, and stunning hoodoos. 

As soon as you arrive in Drumheller, make your way to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology whilst enjoying the lovely views. The museum will take 1 – 2 hours, and after that, go on a short hike like the Coulee Viewpoint.

From the park, drive through the arid landscape and take in the mining sites and ghost towns; these were once thriving towns in the 19th century but have now been abandoned. Stop by the Star Mine Suspension Bridge for a quick break.

If you have time on your hands, take a tour of the Atlas Mine. Don’t leave without exploring the unique Hoodoos. In the evening, head to the Hoodoo Trail for capturing beautiful sunset views.

Read: Our complete guide to enjoying Drumheller as a day trip from Calgary. This includes driving both the Dinosaur AND Hoodoos Trails.

And if you feel like staying longer, the Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although it’s another 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from Drumheller.

13. Waterton Lakes National Park

• Distance from Calgary: 3 hours one way
• Highlights: National Park, National Historic Sites; Water sports; Hiking

Although 3 hours is a lot for a day trip, we found this to be a better option for exploring Waterton from Calgary when accommodation is expensive. So it is doable as long as you start early, and your day-trip itinerary will mostly include exploring the town and the lake, short nature trails, and a nice lunch break! Sometimes, with only a weekend to explore, we drive to Calgary and stay there, then visit the national park.

Waterton Lakes National Park is in southern Alberta, and it borders Montana’s Glacier National Park. In 1932, both the National Parks were combined to form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

The National Park forms a part of the Canadian Rockies Mountain system and is known for its lakes –  Upper and Middle Waterton Lakes, Cameron Falls, and Red Rock Canyon, with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. You can plan to capture all of these on a day trip, especially one of the Waterton Lakes, and Cameron Falls is easily accessible from Waterton town. 

Waterton definitely deserves at least a weekend stay, and a day trip might be rushed (but still doable in warmer months). If you are visiting for 2-3 days, hike along trails and check out the local wildlife, including bison.

How to Get to Calgary

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta. If you are flying to Calgary, you will land at YYC Airport. From the airport, you can easily get a car rental or shuttle buses to your hotel, or connect to nearby towns via Red Arrow buses (buses available from the airport too).

If you are driving to Calgary from Vancouver, British Columbia, the roads are well-connected, and you will use Highway 1 to get there. If you are driving down from Edmonton, follow Highway 2 or Queen Elizabeth Highway.  

You can also reach Calgary via VIA Rail, Canada’s national rail system, which connects most major cities and is ideal if you prefer slower, more prone-to-delay travel. 

We have traveled throughout the year (summer and winter), and it has been fine. We recommend adding extra travel/driving time in winter, installing winter tires, and exercising caution.

Where to Stay in Calgary

We love staying near the airport and in downtown Calgary. Here are our top three hotels for your stay:

• Sandman Signature Calgary Airport: The Sandman at the airport is the perfect place to crash before embarking on a tour to the Canadian Rockies. Book your stay, here.
• Alt Hotel Calgary East Village: This is a local family-owned brand of 3-star hotels. The Alt Hotel in Calgary’s East Village is a comfortable, modern boutique hotel with Canadian hospitality and cozy communal spaces. Book your stay, here.
• Fairmont Palliser Hotel: A vintage 5-star hotel, the Fairmont Palliser is guaranteed to give you a memorable stay. Dine at their Hawthorn dining room, and get pampered with their spa services. In an amazing location (you can walk down to various attractions from here), the Fairmont is also a local Canadian brand! Book your stay, here.

Land Acknowledgement for the Calgary Region

The City of Calgary is on the ancestral lands of the Blackfoot People and home to Treaty 7 Nations and Métis Nations Districts 5 and 6.

Long before the city known as Calgary was settled, this area where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet was called Otos-kwunee by the Métis, Moh’kinstsis in the Blackfoot language, Wicispa Oyade by the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi, and Guts’ists’i by the people of the Tsuut’ina nation.

This area has always been a place where people come together to share ideas and opportunities, so make sure you do the same while visiting. Take the time to learn a bit about the history, particularly the pre-colonial history, while you’re in Calgary, so that you come away with a deeper appreciation and understanding of this unique place.

Comment and Share

There are many wonderful places to visit as a day trip from Calgary. Whether you’re looking to learn about the area’s history or just enjoy exploring the great outdoors, this guide has hopefully shown you all the options available and helped you get inspired!

Which one of these day trips are you most excited to take? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to pin and share these if you’re planning a trip to Calgary and have time for some day trips while you’re there!