posted on April 8, 2025
With the towering mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies visible from the city, it’s clear that adventure lies just outside Calgary! Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Prairies and Rocky Mountains, Calgary is the starting point for some of Canada’s most spectacular outdoor adventures and experiences.
Whether you’re seeking small town charm, spa treatments at a natural hot spring, or outdoor activities that get your blood pumping, Calgary has got you covered. Get ready to hit the road for a weekend trip to remember!
In this guide, we’ll share our top five weekend getaways from Calgary to inspire your next escape.
Best Vancouver weekend getaways
Waterton Lakes National Park
Why it’s great
As national parks go, Waterton Lakes is something of a hidden gem. It’s the perfect weekend getaway from Calgary if you’re seeking quiet and cozy accommodations away from busier tourist hotspots. Known for wildlife viewing and natural wonders like mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, Waterton Lakes is a peaceful retreat you’ll fall in love with.
When is the best time to visit Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park is one of the best four-season weekend getaways from Calgary, offering year-round activities for outdoor enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Summer offers the warmest weather, but is by far the busiest time to visit. No matter the season, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance to secure your weekend plans.
Practical tips
Looking for a romantic hotel for your weekend getaway? Opt for the old world charm of the Prince of Wales Hotel National Historic Site, perched on the lakeshore overlooking the town. The hotel’s history dates to 1927, and the building features an antique elevator, luxurious bedroom suites, and stunning views of the mountains and lake.
How to get to Waterton Lakes National Park
Where is Waterton Lakes National Park? Located in Southern Alberta, Waterton Lakes lies on the border with Montana and Glacier National Park. Take the Deerfoot Trail to depart downtown Calgary. The drive takes about two and a half hours in total.
What to do in Waterton Lakes National Park
There’s an outdoor adventure for everyone in Waterton Lakes National Park. From downtown Waterton, you can access nearby trails to Cameron Falls and Bear’s Hump, two of the park’s most popular attractions. At night, enjoy stunning views of the stars in this International Dark Sky Park.
Lake Louise
Why it’s great
Lake Louise is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the Rocky Mountains, and it only takes two hours to get there from Calgary. Plan your stops in the surrounding Banff National Park to enjoy a weekend getaway from Calgary immersed in the pristine wilderness on the city’s doorstep.
When is the best time to visit Lake Louise
Lake Louise is open year-round and is equally enchanting in both the summer and winter. The best time to go depends on what you hope to experience on your weekend getaway from Calgary. Whether you choose a summer hike around the lake’s milky blue waters or ice skating on its frozen surface, your weekend trip to Lake Louise is bound to be unforgettable.
Practical tips
Lake Louise is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations and one of its most beloved romantic getaways, so lock in your bookings in advance! Try the Fairmont Banff Springs, or opt for Juniper Hotel for a unique retreat in nearby Banff, offering both wilderness cabins and modern amenities.
How to get to Lake Louise
Where is Lake Louise? Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is just a few minutes up the road from the town of Banff. To get there from downtown Calgary, follow the Trans-Canada Highway along the Bow River and continue to Bow Valley Parkway. Take the exit for Lake Louise and you’ve arrived!
Check out our Calgary to Banff road trip guidefor the best things to do and see along the way — like dropping in for a spa treatment at the luxurious Banff Upper Hot Springs and exploring the highlights of Banff National Park.
What to do in Lake Louise
Thanks to its location in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, nature lovers can use Lake Louise as a jumping-off point to explore more of Banff National Park, as well as Yoho National Park in British Columbia. Paddling, hiking, and horsebacking riding around the lake are all popular outdoor activities. In the winter, hit the slopes at Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine Village, or Mt Norquay to experience three of the best ski resorts in Alberta.
Drumheller
Why it’s great
Drumheller is one of the best weekend getaways from Calgary for dinosaur lovers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Explore the landscape of the Badlands and visit the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in Canada at the Royal Tyrrell Museum for a weekend trip that will transport you to the dawn of time.
When is the best time to visit Drumheller
Visit between June and September, when the weather is sunny and warm. Just keep in mind that tourism peaks in July and August, as well as Badlands temperatures!
Practical tips
In the summer, make sure to stay hydrated and book tickets in advance for the Royal Tyrrell Museum and other attractions for a smooth weekend getaway. The visitor centre is open year-round if you need advice on things to do and see.
How to get to Drumheller
Where is Drumheller? You’ll find the Dinosaur Capital of the World in Alberta’s Badlands, about an hour and half northeast of Calgary. Depart downtown Calgary and pick up the Deerfoot Trail, then head east on Highway 9. Keep your eyes peeled for the World’s Largest Dinosaur welcoming you to Drumheller!
What to do in Drumheller
For hikes through the Badlands, head to Horseshoe Canyon or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dinosaur Provincial Park. A visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a must, especially for a weekend getaway with the kids. After a day of outdoor adventure, head to the tasting room at Valley Brewing to cool down with a local beer.
Canmore
Why it’s great
For a Rocky Mountain weekend getaway that’s quieter and closer than Banff, head to Canmore! Located just one hour from Calgary, Canmore is a gorgeous day trip and weekend destination known for its small town charm, year-round activities, and the luxurious Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
When is the best time to visit Canmore
Before you go, make sure to book your Kananaskis Conservation Pass to access the region’s provincial parks and facilities.
Couples looking for a romantic getaway in Canmore can head to the Georgetown Inn & Pub and book a spa package at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. For a bed and breakfast experience, try A Bear & Bison Inn for quiet and cozy accommodation that includes a complimentary three course breakfast.
Practical tips
The drive up Highway 99 makes Squamish one of the most scenic weekend trips from Vancouver, so be sure to slow down and enjoy it. Use the pull-offs along the road to stop and take in the views along the way to make the most of this incredible road trip.
How to get to Canmore
Where is Canmore? This charming mountain town is found an hour west of Calgary at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Kananaskis Country. The fastest way to get to downtown Canmore is to take the Trans-Canada Highway from Downtown Calgary or Calgary International Airport, then take exit 91. If you prefer the scenic route, take the Bow Valley Trail out of the city instead to follow the beautiful Bow River and admire the scenery of Glenbow and Ghost River.
What to do in Canmore
Nature lovers can explore Spray Lakes and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park for hiking, paddling, and incredible views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In the winter, the Canmore Nordic Centre offers plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. Make a stop at Stonewaters gift shop to browse local art and souvenirs before you head home.
Bragg Creek
Why it’s great
With charming shops, excellent restaurants, and cozy accommodations on the shores of the Elbow River, Bragg Creek has a reputation as Kananaskis’s best-kept secret. Located just over 30 minutes from Calgary, it offers a peaceful retreat on the city’s doorstep.
When is the best time to visit Bragg Creek
The winter and summer months are both great times to visit, thanks to the region’s year round activities and gorgeous mountain scenery.
Practical tips
For a unique stay by the river, head to Riverside Chateau — a magnificent log-style mansion blending traditional architecture with modern amenities. If you’re planning to explore the provincial parks in Kananaskis, remember to purchase your Kananaskis Conservation Pass ahead of your visit.
How to get to Bragg Creek
Where is Bragg Creek? Located on the Elbow River, Bragg Creek is just a short drive west of Calgary. Follow Highway 8 to Highway 22 and you’ll be there in under 40 minutes.
What to do in Bragg Creek
Slow down with a stroll through the historic downtown, admiring local art and grabbing a bite at a charming coffee shop or restaurant. Make the most of your weekend getaway from Calgary by taking a bike ride, hike, or horseback ride on Bragg Creek’s world-class trails.
Frequently asked questions
Where do people from Calgary vacation?
Wondering where to go outside of Calgary for your weekend getaway? Locals love to head to Kananaskis Country or Okotoks for a rewarding road trip close to home. Both destinations offer attractions for couples and families, as well as outdoor activities in provincial parks near Calgary.
Where to go for a long drive from Calgary?
Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway, is hands down the best scenic road trip from Calgary. Starting in Lake Louise, the route cuts through the Rocky Mountains to Jasper and showcases natural wonders and attractions like Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Check out our Banff to Jasper road trip guide for a complete rundown of this thrilling drive.
What city is 30 minutes away from Calgary?
Cochrane, Okotoks, and Chestermere are all great places to visit for a weekend getaway just half and hour from downtown Calgary, offering natural beauty, charming shops and restaurants, and lots of options for outdoor recreation.
Book your Calgary rental car with Turo
No matter what you have in mind for your weekend trip, there are plenty of options near Calgary that are bound to amaze you. Whether you’re setting out for a wilderness cabin retreat or booking a lakeside bedroom suite in Lake Louise, you’ll find yourself immersed in Alberta’s natural beauty.
Ready to start planning the perfect weekend getaway from Calgary? Book your rental car in Calgary with Turo and choose a comfortable SUV matched to your weekend adventure. With convenient pickup, drop-off, and delivery options at Calgary International Airport, you can enjoy a hassle-free road trip and explore the Rocky Mountains and beyond at your own pace!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this road trip into reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just a lover of travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
