The Best Day Trips From Calgary

Calgary has the best of both worlds. It is home to the city life many people crave, but it’s also close to both the Alberta Badlands and Canadian Rockies — two very different Canadian landscapes. Keep reading to discover the 10 best day trips from Calgary in Alberta.

1. Banff

Bow River in Banff, Alberta © Hayley Simpson

Banff is undeniably one of the world’s most picturesque ski villages, and it’s only a 1.5 hour drive from Calgary. The small township is literally surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. Visitors don’t have to venture far to enjoy the best of Banff. Highlights include walking along Bow River, staying in or simply admiring Fairmont Banff Springs, taking the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, visiting the Vermilion Lakes, and relaxing at Banff Upper Hot Springs. Hiking, biking, canoeing, rafting, and skiing are all adventures awaiting you in Banff.

Banff, AB, Canada

Beautiful Banff | © Hayley Simpson

2. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Just under two hours south of Calgary is the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s oldest, largest, and best preserved buffalo jumps. “The Jump bears witness to a method of hunting practiced by native people of the North American plains for nearly 6,000 years.” Natives would hunt bison by stampeding them over the cliff. Step back in time and learn about Alberta’s past at this historic site.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site, Fort MacLeod, AB, Canada, +1 403 553 2731

3. Drumheller

Museum, Park

Heading east of Calgary, visitors will find the Alberta Badlands and Drumheller, the world’s dinosaur capital. Learn more about its past at the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, and the Fossil World Dinosaur Discovery Centre. Explore the Badlands at Drumheller’s nearby natural attractions, such as Horsethief Canyon, the Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon, and Midland Provincial Park. Don’t leave Drumheller without getting a selfie with the world’s largest dinosaur too!

Horseshoe Canyon | © Matt Boulton / Flickr

5. Okotoks

Okotoks is a small town just 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of Calgary. Its landmark is Big Rock, a glacial erratic, which means it’s “a rock transported far from its place of origin by glacial ice.” This was the inspiration behind Big Rock Brewery’s name, one of Canada’s more popular craft brews. There are also plenty of restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and annual festivals to keep you occupied in the Okotoks.
Okotoks, AB, Canada

Big Rock in Okotoks | © Leslie De Blasio / Flickr

6. Eau Claire Distillery

Brewery, Distillery

Located less than an hour’s drive south of Calgary, Eau Claire Distillery was Alberta’s first craft distillery. Housed in Turner Valley’s former Movie Theatre and Dance Hall, the distillery has certainly made a name for itself. Their award-winning spirits are made farm-to-glass using traditional methods. Eau Claire is also a certified farm distillery, so customers can be assured they’re sipping the best spirits. Visit by yourself, or do the Spirit of Alberta Tasting Tour, where it’s the final stop.
Eau Claire Distillery, 113 Sunset Boulevard NW, Turner Valley, AB, Canada, +1 403 933 5408

7. Lake Louise

Natural Feature, Park

Lake Louise is a world-renowned destination in Banff National Park. Although the turquoise, glacial-fed lake is stunning and worth the visit alone, there’s so much more to this little hamlet. Firstly, Fairmont Château Lake Louise and its castle-like exterior is located directly on the lakefront. Most rooms, and the exquisite restaurant, include lake views. Lake Louise Ski Resort is also one of North America’s largest ski areas. Nearby you will find Moraine Lake too, which is known for its intense turquoise colour.

8. Dinosaur Provincial Park

Park

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta, Dinosaur Provincial Park is a great day trip option from Calgary. The park is well-known for being one of the world’s richest dinosaur fossil locations. Popular activities around Dinosaur Provincial Park include camping, hiking and exploring the barren Alberta Badlands, and participating in your very own dinosaur dig.

9. Waterton Lakes National Park

Park, Natural Feature

A slightly longer day trip from Calgary, Waterton Lakes National Park is definitely worth the early wake-up call. It’s the world’s only park to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, and International Peace Park. Spend your day participating in a water-based activity on the lake; hike up to Bear’s Hump for a terrific view over the Waterton township; chase some waterfalls; and visit the Prince of Wales Hotel (the park’s most recognised landmark today).

10. Canmore

Located 81 kilometres (50 miles) from Calgary, Canmore is sometimes overlooked for the more popular Banff. However, its location within the Canadian Rockies means it offers the same adventurous activities as its northern counterpart. Explore the picturesque downtown area and enjoy a brewery or walking food tour, or venture outside of Canmore to Kananaskis Country and beyond. Hiking, biking, shopping, horseback riding, golfing, rafting, and cross country skiing are all activities to be enjoyed in Canmore.
Canmore, AB, Canada

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.