16 Best Day Trips From Calgary: A Local’s Guide
One of the best things about Calgary is its location. The city sits where the Prairies meet the foothills, with the Rocky Mountains about an hour to the west. Depending on which direction you drive, you can spend the day in the mountains, badlands, prairies, foothills or one of Alberta’s small towns and still be back in Calgary that evening.
In this guide, I’ll cover 20 of the best day trips from Calgary, including drive times, what to do, when to go and which trips I think are most worth your time.
Born and raised in Calgary, I’ve spent much of my life exploring southern Alberta. I’ve personally visited most of the places in this guide, and these recommendations are based on my own experiences and the trips I genuinely think are worth taking.
20 Best Day Trips From Calgary
The list includes some of Alberta’s best known destinations along with a few places that are easier to overlook, with options for both short drives and full day adventures.
1. Banff
If you’re visiting Calgary and only have time for one mountain day trip, Banff would be my first choice. It’s about 90 minutes west of the city and gives you an incredible amount to see and do in a single day.
Walk Banff Avenue for the shops, cafés and restaurants, follow the Bow River to Bow Falls, see the Banff Springs Hotel or Cascade Gardens, or head to Vermilion Lakes and Lake Minnewanka. You could also hike Tunnel Mountain or relax at the Upper Hot Springs.
Want to See More of the Rockies in One Day?
One day. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Canadian Rockies. If this could be your only chance to experience the Rockies, this tour makes the most of it.
2. Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of those places that really does live up to the hype. It is just over two hours from Calgary, and the turquoise lake surrounded by mountains is easily one of the most impressive sights in the Rockies.
Winter is just as good. Lake Louise is my pick for the best skiing within roughly two hours of Calgary, and it is somewhere I’ve skied many times over the years. The resort is huge, with plenty of terrain and chairlifts. Leave Calgary around 6 or 7 in the morning and you can be on the hill around 9, ski for the day and still be home that evening.
In summer, Big Beehive and Plain of Six Glaciers are two of the best known hikes. Big Beehive has some steep sections, but it is manageable with reasonable fitness. The view over Lake Louise and the valley is spectacular. It’s also very busy, but there are plenty of equally impressive hikes elsewhere in Banff and Kananaskis if avoiding crowds is important.
Looking for more Banff hiking? See the Best Hikes in Banff National Park.
See more of the area in my Lake Louise video on YouTube.
Stay Right on Lake Louise
There are not many hotels with a setting like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. You are staying right on the lake, surrounded by the Rockies, with hiking outside the door in summer and Lake Louise Ski Resort nearby in winter.
For a mountain focused trip, it would be hard to find a better location. Lake Louise is fairly isolated, though, and that is worth knowing before booking. If restaurants and nightlife are important, Banff is the better choice. For something with more of a local feel, Canmore would be my pick.
3. Moraine Lake
The view at Moraine Lake is out of this world. It is one of those scenes you constantly see in photos of Canada, and it was even featured on the back of the Canadian $20 bill. The turquoise water with the Valley of the Ten Peaks behind it is easily one of the best views in the country.
There’s not a ton to do at Moraine Lake once you’ve seen the view, and it’s a long drive from Calgary just for that. The good news is you don’t need to hike for hours to reach the famous viewpoint. It’s a short walk and suitable for almost anyone.
Moraine Lake is best combined with Lake Louise or other stops in Banff National Park. You’ll get to see one of Canada’s most famous views without building your entire day around it.
Hike Larch Valley in September
September is when Moraine Lake gets even better. The Larch Valley Trail starts right at the lake and climbs through a series of switchbacks. Once you gain some elevation, you reach a valley filled with thousands of larch trees that turn gold in the fall.
This is one of my favourite hikes in Alberta. The best colours are usually around mid to late September and the window can be short. It is a high altitude hike and winter arrives much earlier here than it does in Calgary. By mid October, Moraine Lake Road is typically closed for the winter.
Getting to Moraine Lake
Getting here has become a bit of a pain because of its popularity and limited access. You can’t drive your own vehicle to Moraine Lake anymore. One option is to drive to the Lake Louise Ski Resort and take a shuttle.
For tourists coming from Calgary, Canmore or Banff, this is one place where I’d seriously consider taking a tour. You can see Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in the same day without worrying about parking, shuttle reservations or getting between the two. You’ll also have time for other stops in Banff National Park.
4. Canmore
Canmore is one of the easiest mountain day trips from Calgary. It’s only about an hour away, but the landscape and atmosphere feel completely different from the city. You’re surrounded by the Rockies as soon as you arrive.
A lot of peoplea prefer Canmore to Banff. You don’t need a national park pass to visit the town, and you get similar mountain scenery with more of a local feel. Downtown has great restaurants, breweries, art galleries, shops and cafés, with mountain views in almost every direction.
Canmore is also a great destination if you want to spend the day outside. Hiking, cycling, golf, canoeing, rafting and running are all popular here. There are trails throughout the area, ranging from easy walks to some serious mountain hikes.
It’s also one of my favourite places to stop after a day hiking in Kananaskis. Grab a beer or dinner in Canmore before heading back to Calgary. It also works well as a stop on the way to or from Banff, especially after a day of skiing or exploring farther into the national park.
Canmore or Banff?
If it’s your first trip to Alberta, I’d still choose Banff if you only have time for one. But if you want beautiful mountain scenery, good food and a town that feels a little less touristy, Canmore might actually be the better day trip.
5. Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is a great option if you want some Rocky Mountain scenery without a difficult hike. You’re walking through the river valley rather than climbing a mountain, with waterfalls and steep canyon walls along the way.
The trail is well built with paths, stairs and guard rails, so it works for most ages and fitness levels. You can walk to the Lower Falls or continue farther if you want a longer outing.
It’s worth visiting in both summer and winter. Summer brings rushing waterfalls and greener scenery, while winter transforms the canyon with snow and ice.
Johnston Canyon doesn’t take long to explore, so it’s best combined with other stops in the area. If you’re visiting the Rockies for the first time, a tour that combines Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake lets you see a lot in one day.
6. Sunshine Village Ski Resort
Sunshine Village is one of the best ski day trips from Calgary. It’s roughly 90 minutes from the city, which puts it about 45 minutes closer than Lake Louise. That extra time can make a big difference when you’re getting up early for a day on the mountain.
I’d still give Lake Louise the edge for overall size and terrain. Sunshine is a little less challenging, and snowboarders may find some of the flatter sections annoying. That said, the skiing is still outstanding and there’s plenty of terrain for a full day.
If you live in Calgary, the choice between Sunshine and Lake Louise often comes down to the snow. Locals tend to check the conditions and go wherever looks better that day. If both are good, Sunshine has the advantage of being considerably closer to Calgary.
For someone visiting Calgary in winter, it’s also one of the easiest ways to turn a stay in the city into a full day of skiing in the Rockies.
Sunshine isn’t just worth visiting in winter. In summer, you can ride the Sunshine Gondola and Standish Chairlift into the alpine for mountain views, hiking and the lakes around Sunshine Meadows.
7. Banff Gondola
If you want one of the best views in Banff without hiking up a mountain, take the Banff Gondola. In a few minutes you’re at the top of Sulphur Mountain looking out over Banff and six different mountain ranges.
Once you’re up there, walk the boardwalk toward Sanson’s Peak or simply take in the view. It’s an easy experience to add to a day in Banff and one I’d especially recommend if this is your first trip to the Rockies.
8. Explore Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis is one of the easiest places to escape into the mountains from Calgary, with much of it only about an hour from the city. It covers a huge area of mountains, lakes and wilderness, and there’s something to do here in every season.
In summer, you can hike, mountain bike, jog the trails, paddle, fish, go horseback riding or play golf. Kananaskis Country Golf Course is particularly impressive, with 36 holes surrounded by the Rockies. You can also just drive Highway 40 and stop at lakes and viewpoints along the way.
Winter brings skiing at Nakiska, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and biking. If you want something more relaxing, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa is one of the best places to spend a winter afternoon in the mountains.
It’s also easy to combine Kananaskis with Canmore. Spend the day outside, then stop in Canmore for dinner and drinks before heading back to Calgary.
Good to know: You’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass when parking in the area.
9. Go Hiking in Banff or Kananaskis
Hiking is a big part of living in Calgary. People head into Banff and Kananaskis on weekends, and in summer it’s not unusual to leave work and hike somewhere nearby for sunset. With hundreds of trails, you could spend a lifetime exploring the area and still find somewhere new.
Ha Ling Peak, Big Beehive and Johnston Canyon are some of the best known hikes, but that doesn’t necessarily make them the best. Some of my favourites are Tent Ridge, Mount Yamnuska and East End of Rundle, and there are spectacular trails where you’ll see surprisingly few people.
Many Kananaskis hikes are only about an hour from Calgary. Spend two or three hours hiking up, a couple coming back down, then stop in Canmore for food and drinks before heading home. It’s a pretty typical summer day for people who live here.
The right hike depends on your fitness, experience and how much time you have. Check out my Best Hikes in Banff and Best Hikes in Kananaskis guides for more ideas.
You’ll need the appropriate Banff or Kananaskis pass depending on where you hike. Dress in layers, bring water and snacks, carry bear spray and always check the trail and weather conditions before heading out.
10. Bragg Creek and Elbow Falls
Bragg Creek is one of the easiest escapes from Calgary. It’s only about 60 kilometres from the city, but the landscape quickly changes from prairie to forested foothills and increasingly rugged mountain scenery. It’s much quieter and less touristy than Banff or Canmore.
The hamlet itself is small, a little quirky and artsy, with local shops and a handful of places to eat. The surrounding area is a huge outdoor playground, especially for hiking and mountain biking, while golfers have several courses nearby.
A few kilometres west is Elbow Falls, probably the best known attraction in the area. The Elbow River rushes through a rocky section of the foothills, creating a powerful waterfall only a short walk from the parking area. Spring and early summer are especially impressive when melting mountain snow sends a huge amount of water through the falls.
Across the road is Prairie Mountain. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s a short but very steep hike with a big payoff at the top. On a clear day, you can actually see the Calgary skyline in the distance.
11. Cochrane
Cochrane isn’t really a full day trip from Calgary. From downtown Calgary, you can usually be there in about 30 to 40 minutes, making it one of the easiest places on this list to visit.
What makes Cochrane interesting is its western character. The town has a rugged Alberta feel to it, and parts of downtown almost look like they could be a setting for the TV series Yellowstone. If you’re visiting from outside Alberta, I’d spend some time walking around the historic downtown, checking out the shops and taking in the old western style buildings.
And you can’t really go to Cochrane without getting ice cream. MacKay’s Ice Cream has been a local institution for generations and is famous throughout southern Alberta. On a warm summer day, you’ll understand how popular it is when you see the lineup stretching outside.
12. Drive the Cowboy Trail
If you want to see a completely different side of Alberta, head south of Calgary along Highway 22, better known as the Cowboy Trail. It’s one of the most scenic drives in Canada and one where the drive itself is worth the trip.
This is where the Prairies, foothills and Rocky Mountains come together. You’ll drive through ranch country with the mountains stretching across the western horizon. It’s one of my favourite drives in southern Alberta.
Along the way, Bar U Ranch is worth a stop if you’re interested in Alberta’s ranching and cowboy history.
Farther south is Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most interesting historic sites in Alberta. Indigenous hunters used the natural cliffs here to drive herds of bison over the edge, a hunting practice that took place in the area for thousands of years.
Experience Alberta’s Cowboy Country
If you’re visiting Calgary and want to experience the Cowboy Trail without planning the drive yourself, you can take a guided day trip to Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump.
You’ll spend the day travelling through ranch country and seeing a part of Alberta most tourists never get to experience.
13. Waterton Lakes National Park
Continuing south, Waterton Lakes National Park is about three hours from Calgary, so this is definitely one for people who don’t mind a long day.
Waterton is much smaller and quieter than Banff, but the scenery is every bit as impressive. You’ve got the huge Waterton Lakes surrounded by mountains, the historic Prince of Wales Hotel overlooking the water, Cameron Falls right in town and the red rock formations of Red Rock Canyon.
You can drive it yourself, but six hours behind the wheel is a lot for one day. There’s a full day tour from Calgary that does the driving for you and stops at Waterton, Cameron Falls, Red Rock Canyon and a bison viewing area.
If you only have one day to see southern Alberta, this is a pretty easy way to see a lot of it.
14. Ski Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie might be in British Columbia, but it’s still doable as a day trip from Calgary if you’re willing to get up early. Leave around 5 in the morning and you can be there for the lifts opening, ski all day and make it back for a late dinner. It’s a long day, but plenty of people do it.
The skiing is every bit as impressive as Sunshine or Lake Louise, and some would argue it’s even better. Fernie is known for huge dumps of snow, a milder climate than Banff, and more than 2,500 acres of terrain across five alpine bowls.
What really separates Fernie from the Banff resorts is the ski in and ski out experience. You can stay in hotels, condos and homes right at the mountain rather than commuting back to Calgary or the surrounding areas each day which is very different compared to the resorts in Banff.
Fernie is definitely possible as a day trip, but spending a few days at Lizard Creek Lodge would be my pick. You can ski right to the lodge, then finish the day with a few drinks in an outdoor hot tub surrounded by snow and mountains. It’s hard to beat that for a Canadian winter experience.
15. Drumheller and the Badlands
Drumheller is completely different from the mountain destinations west of Calgary. The drive there is mostly flat and honestly not that exciting, but that changes quickly when you drop into the Red Deer River valley and suddenly find yourself surrounded by badlands, hoodoos and steep eroded hills.
The town itself sits along the river and is surprisingly busy for its size, with dinosaur statues seemingly everywhere. The big attraction is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs, with huge skeletons, fossils and exhibits covering millions of years of Alberta’s prehistoric past.
Make time for Horsethief Canyon just outside town as well. It has one of the best viewpoints in the area and shows just how different the badlands are from anything around Banff or Kananaskis.
A guided day tour from Calgary is also an easy way to visit the museum, hoodoos and other Drumheller highlights without having to plan the entire day yourself.
16. Dinosaur Provincial Park
Dinosaur Provincial Park is about two and a half hours east of Calgary and is one of the best places to actually get out and explore Alberta’s badlands.
The landscape is dry and almost desert like, with rolling badland hills that you can hike and climb through while exploring all the different nooks and crannies. It looks completely different from Calgary and the mountains west of the city.
The drive can be beautiful in summer too, especially when the prairie fields are bright yellow with canola.
Once you arrive, you can hike on your own or join a guided fossil tour. Fossils are still found throughout this area, which makes exploring it that much more interesting.
It’s an easy day trip, but also a great place to camp if you want more time in the badlands.
Planning Your Day Trip From Calgary
One of the best things about Calgary is how many great places you can reach within a few hours. Mountains, badlands, small towns, ski resorts and hiking trails are all close enough for a day trip.
Hopefully this list gives you a few ideas for your next trip. If you want to keep it handy, you can also download the free PDF version of this guide to save for later.
