While Calgary is full of parks and green spaces to explore, there’s nothing quite like hitting the open road when you want a new sense of adventure. Lucky for us, the options for unique destinations throughout Alberta and British Columbia are endless. Whether you’re drawn to towering mountain peaks, the sweeping prairies, or charming small towns scattered throughout the province, road trips from Calgary can blend all three in just a single day.
Because road trips are more than just a means of travel — you have the freedom and flexibility to create your own itinerary and experience something new. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a first-time traveler, the open road promises breathtaking views, unexpected discoveries, and lifelong memories. So buckle up, because you’ll discover that the journey is just as exciting as the destinations themselves as you leave the city skyline behind.
Get inspired for your next out-of-city adventure by learning about some of our favorite day adventures, obscure sites and weekend getaways throughout Alberta and British Columbia below. To find our recommended attractions, activities, restaurants and accommodations, grab your free, 16-page Road Trips Guide here.
3 Unique Day Trips From Calgary, Alberta
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
Distance: 45 minutes from Calgary
If you’re an animal lover, this spot is a must-visit! It’s a non-profit sanctuary (not a zoo) dedicated to raising awareness and educating people on wolfdogs. They provide informational resources and homing wolfdogs that have been neglected, abandoned or displaced. If you’d like to see them for yourself, the sanctuary offers three kinds of tours . A self-guided walk through the sanctuary to view wolfdogs at your own pace, a 30-minute guided tour to a viewing platform for an informative talk, and a 1-hour interactive tour with an information talk and time in an enclosure to learn more about wolfdogs. We did the interactive tour, and it was worth it! If you’re lucky, one may eat a treat out of your hand. *Age restrictions apply.
Badlands
Distance: 2.5 hours from Calgary
It’s hard to believe that the dinosaur capital of the world is right here in Alberta! While you can visit the area year-round, summer is the most popular time to explore the ancient hoodoos and dusty trails (but make sure you bring water and go early to beat the heat). Finish adventuring outside, and cool off at the Royal Tyrrell Museum or hit the splash park by the world’s largest dinosaur. If you’re spending the day in Drumheller, visit Newcastle Beach on the Red Deer River with a small, sandy section.
Lundbreck Falls
Distance: 2 hours from Calgary
Head south, and you won’t wanna miss the stunning Lundbreck Falls. Park in the gravel lot right off Crowsnest Highway where you can stretch your legs, use the bathroom and check out the largest waterfall on the Crowsnest River. View the powerful falls from an observation deck above, or walk down the rocks to get an eye-level view. Make a day of it, and do one of the many hikes near Bellevue, or pop into a neighbouring town for food and drink.
Want more day trip ideas? Grab our free, 16-page Road Trips Guide complete with day adventures, obscure sites and weekend getaways.
Obscure Sites Only Found Here In Alberta
Gopher Hole Museum
Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes from Calgary
Maybe you’ve heard of it, or maybe you haven’t, but it’s exactly what it sounds like… Stop by this museum where stuffed gophers are posed as townspeople in 44 unique, intricately designed dioramas in Torrington, Alberta. This obscure attraction is generally open seasonally during the summer months. Plus, you can visit for free! (donations accepted and appreciated).
Last Chance Saloon
Distance: 1 hour 45 minutes from Calgary
If you haven’t been to Wayne, Alberta yet, this is a must-stop the next time you’re out near Drumheller. Simply walking into the early 1900s saloon tells decades of stories from framed gunshots on the walls to haunted floors. Now the saloon is best known for its signature smoked meats, local beers and annual music festival, Waynestock.
Want more obscure sites? Grab our free, 16-page Road Trip Guide complete with day adventures and weekend getaways.
Best Weekend Getaways From Calgary, Alberta
Canmore + Banff Combo
Distance: 45 minutes – 1 hour from Calgary
It’s hard to believe we can be surrounded by the Rocky Mountains in less than an hour, making both Canmore and Banff perfect destinations for day trips and weekend getaways. Like Banff, the Bow River runs through Canmore, providing jaw-dropping scenery for biking, hiking, exploring, you name it. There are countless restaurants, activities, attractions and accommodations found here, so whether you’re looking for adventure, adrenaline, culture or relaxation, you’ll find it in Banff and Canmore. Looking for a unique activity? Check out Canmore Cave Tours.
Continue down the highway towards Banff, and you’ll find one of the top ranked destinations in the world. Throughout all seasons of the year, you’ll find people hiking, biking, eating, drinking, and appreciating the mountain scenery. While it does get busy in peak season, we love visiting in shoulder season when crowds thin and roads clear.
Fernie
Distance: 3 hours from Calgary
Travel south from Calgary, and you’ll find the picturesque town of Fernie nestled in the Canadian Rockies. It offers a blend of outdoor adventure, natural beauty and a vibrant community. It is a popular year-round destination, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer who enjoys hiking, biking, skiing and fishing; a culture enthusiast who loves music, art and galleries; or you’re simply looking to kick back and relax in a beautiful mountain setting. We love visiting in the summer months to float the river and paddleboard on nearby lakes before grabbing a beer from Fernie Brewing Company, OR renting an Airbnb to ski and snowboard when they get a big dump of fresh snow.
Jasper
Distance: 4.5 hours from Calgary
UPDATE: This blog was written days before the July 2024 wildfires in Jasper National Park. Unfortunately, the town was destroyed so travelling to and staying in this area may not be possible. Please research before you go, as the residents and government will work together to recover and rebuild.
Now we love all weekend getaways, but Jasper holds a special place in our heart. The town of Jasper is located in Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning destination puts its pristine wilderness, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking landscapes on full display. The drive to Jasper from Calgary is very scenic, with countless roadside stops for viewpoints, waterfalls, short hikes and icefields.
Note: Depending on the time of year you plan to visit any of these destinations, check road reports, weather forecast, wildfire warnings and trail closures so you can plan your road trips accordingly.
