Best One-Day Trips from Calgary: Explore the Beauty of Alberta
Banff
Explore the best of Banff in a day!
Drumheller
Explore the best of Drumheller in a day!
Canmore
Explore the best of Canmore in a day!
Kananaskis
Explore the best of Kananaskis in a day!
One-Day Trip from Calgary to Banff
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Calgary: 128 km (80 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west from Calgary. The drive is scenic and straightforward.
- By Bus: Several bus services operate between Calgary and Banff, including Brewster Express and Banff Airporter.
Main Attractions
Banff National Park Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park, offering stunning mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. Highlights include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Banff Gondola, which provides panoramic views of the Rockies.
Banff Upper Hot Springs Relax in the soothing waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs, a historic spa and bathhouse with naturally heated mineral water. The hot springs offer a perfect way to unwind while enjoying breathtaking mountain views.
Banff Avenue Stroll down Banff Avenue, the main street of Banff town, lined with charming shops, restaurants, and galleries. It's a great place to pick up souvenirs, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this mountain town.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Take a leisurely hike around the lakes and capture some stunning photos.
- Afternoon: Head to Banff town for lunch and explore Banff Avenue. Visit local shops and galleries.
- Evening: Relax at Banff Upper Hot Springs before heading back to Calgary.
Local Food
- Bison Burger: A local specialty, often served with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Maple Syrup Treats: Enjoy various maple syrup-based desserts and snacks.
- Alberta Beef: Savor a delicious steak or beef dish, a staple of Alberta cuisine.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are must-visit spots for photography enthusiasts.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site for a unique glimpse into the history of Banff.
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife, including elk and mountain goats, especially in the early morning or late evening.
One-Day Trip from Calgary to Drumheller
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Calgary: 135 km (84 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take Highway 2 north from Calgary, then east on Highway 72 and Highway 9 to Drumheller. The drive offers scenic views of the Alberta prairies.
Main Attractions
Royal Tyrrell Museum The Royal Tyrrell Museum is a world-renowned paleontology museum featuring an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in natural history and prehistoric life.
Hoodoos The Drumheller Hoodoos are unique rock formations created by erosion. These towering pillars of rock are a fascinating natural wonder and a great spot for photography.
World's Largest Dinosaur Climb inside the World's Largest Dinosaur, a massive T-Rex statue that offers panoramic views of Drumheller from its mouth. It's a fun and quirky attraction for visitors of all ages.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Spend a few hours exploring the exhibits and learning about the region's prehistoric past.
- Afternoon: Visit the Hoodoos and take a short hike to see these unique rock formations up close.
- Evening: Climb the World's Largest Dinosaur and enjoy the view before heading back to Calgary.
Local Food
- Dinosaur-Themed Treats: Enjoy fun, dinosaur-themed snacks and treats available at local cafes and shops.
- Prairie Cuisine: Try dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, such as bison and beef.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The Hoodoos and the view from the World's Largest Dinosaur are great for photos.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site for a glimpse into the region's mining history.
- Family-Friendly: Drumheller is very family-friendly, with many attractions suitable for children.
One-Day Trip from Calgary to Canmore
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Calgary: 105 km (65 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west from Calgary. The drive is scenic and offers beautiful mountain views.
Main Attractions
Grassi Lakes Grassi Lakes is a popular hiking destination with two stunning turquoise lakes. The hike is relatively easy and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls.
Canmore Cave Tours Explore the Rat's Nest Cave with Canmore Cave Tours. This guided tour takes you through a wild, undeveloped cave system, offering a unique and adventurous experience.
Canmore Nordic Centre The Canmore Nordic Centre offers a variety of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. It's a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Rockies.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day with a hike to Grassi Lakes. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and take plenty of photos.
- Afternoon: Head to Canmore town for lunch and explore the local shops and galleries.
- Evening: Take a guided tour of Rat's Nest Cave or visit the Canmore Nordic Centre for some outdoor activities before heading back to Calgary.
Local Food
- Artisanal Cheese: Try locally made artisanal cheeses available at specialty shops.
- Craft Beer: Sample craft beers from local breweries.
- Wild Game: Enjoy dishes featuring wild game, such as elk or venison.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: Grassi Lakes and the Canmore Nordic Centre offer stunning photo opportunities.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre for a deeper understanding of the area's history and geology.
- Outdoor Gear: Canmore has several outdoor gear shops where you can rent equipment for various activities.
One-Day Trip from Calgary to Kananaskis
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Calgary: 90 km (56 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take Highway 1 west from Calgary, then turn south on Highway 40. The drive offers beautiful mountain and forest views.
Main Attractions
Kananaskis Country Kananaskis Country is a vast natural area offering a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The area is known for its stunning landscapes and pristine wilderness.
Barrier Lake Barrier Lake is a beautiful, turquoise lake surrounded by mountains. It's a great spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the water.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa The Kananaskis Nordic Spa offers a unique hydrotherapy experience with hot, warm, and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms. It's a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate in a natural setting.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day with a hike in Kananaskis Country. There are many trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.
- Afternoon: Head to Barrier Lake for some water activities or a picnic by the lake.
- Evening: Relax at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa before heading back to Calgary.
Local Food
- Mountain Cuisine: Enjoy dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, such as trout and wild game.
- Fresh Berries: Try fresh, locally grown berries available at local markets.
- Artisanal Bread: Sample freshly baked artisanal bread from local bakeries.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: Barrier Lake and various viewpoints in Kananaskis Country offer stunning photo opportunities.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the lesser-known Troll Falls for a beautiful waterfall hike.
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, elk, and bears, especially in the early morning or late evening.
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