posted on March 4, 2025
Thanks to its location on the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a day tripper’s paradise. Many of Western Canada’s most beautiful landscapes are easily accessible from the city, including Moraine Lake and Yoho National Park.
Whether you’re yearning for the peaks of the Canadian Rockies or a road trip through cowboy country, you can experience a day of adventure within a short drive from Calgary’s downtown. In less than two hours you can be soaking in a natural hot spring, discovering dinosaur fossils, or carving your way down a ski hill. So what are you waiting for?
In this guide, we’ll cover our top picks for the best Calgary day trips. Prepare to get inspired and start planning your own getaway!
Best Calgary day trips
Kananaskis Country
Why it’s great
As one of the most accessible day trips from Calgary, Kananaskis Country is the perfects escape from the daily grind. Surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Spray Lakes and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, the region offers some of the best hiking, mountain biking, and mountain views within an hour of Calgary.
When is the best time to visit Kananaskis
Kananaskis Country is a four-season destination, so the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do on your day trip.
For the best weather, visit in the summertime (June to August). Fall is another wonderful time to visit, when you can admire the striking golden larch trees along the hiking trails. In the winter, you can go dogsledding through Spray Lakes or visit the Canmore Nordic Centre for winter activities like ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Tips for visitors
Before you go, make sure to book your Kananaskis Conservation Pass to access the region’s provincial parks and facilities.
For couples enjoying a romantic day trip from Calgary, Kananaskis offers an unforgettable day out. Book a local biking or dogsledding tour to explore the area, then wind down with a massage at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. For dinner, get cozy at Sauvage, one of Canmore’s best restaurants.
How to get to Kananaskis
Start your journey by hopping on the Trans-Canada Highway from Downtown Calgary or Calgary International Airport. Continue driving west for about an hour, then take exit 91 to reach Canmore, a vibrant mountain community known for outdoor activities, luxurious spas, and plenty of shopping and dining.
If you’re flying to Calgary, make the trip even smoother by having your Calgary airport rental car delivered to Calgary International Airport. Simply filter by pickup location when you book your car on Turo. No lines, no hassle — just you and the open road!
If you have extra time, follow Alberta Route 1 along the Bow River and make a stop at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Indigenous people once hunted bison across its vast grasslands, and today the park is known for excellent hiking trails and biking trails.
What to do in Kananaskis
Kananaskis is a mountain playground with something for everyone. Animal lovers can stop at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary near Cochrane, or book a horseback trail ride at Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis Village. Explore Canmore’s shops, restaurants, and nearby hiking trails for a relaxed day trip in town. Adventure seekers can book a caving, canyoning, or helicopter experience for a real adrenaline rush.
Lake Louise
Why it’s great
Known for its milky blue waters backed by the spectacular Victoria Glacier, Lake Louise is one of Canada’s most iconic destinations, just two hours from Calgary. Get your photo ops and spend the day exploring the surrounding attractions like Moraine Lake for an incredible day out in Banff National Park.
When is the best time to visit Lake Louise
July to August is the most popular time to visit Lake Louise, but it’s equally magical in the winter. Ice skating on the frozen surface surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies is an experience like no other!
Tips for visitors
If you want to extend your road trip, plan to explore more of the stunning natural attractions in Banff National Park like Moraine Lake. Drive twenty minutes down the road to be enchanted by it stunning turquoise waters.
Nature lovers with a little extra time can drive ten minutes to explore Yoho National Park in British Columbia. Known for breathtaking natural sights like Emerald Lake, Takkakaw Falls, and Wapta Falls, Yoho National Park is considered one of the most stunning destinations in the Canadian Rockies and is well worth a detour on your Calgary day trip.
How to get to Lake Louise
From Downtown Calgary, get on the Trans-Canada Highway and drive for approximately an hour and a half. Take in the jaw-dropping scenery of the Bow River and Sulphur Mountain as you cruise through Banff National Park, following the highway to Bow Valley Parkway. Take the exit for Lake Louise and you’ve arrived!
If you plan to depart from Calgary International Airport, have your Turo vehicle delivered to the airport for maximum convenience. Breeze past the rental counter and hop in your Calgary rental car, taking the Deerfoot Trail to the Trans-Canada Highway. Continue for two hours and you’ll arrive in Lake Louise, welcomed by breathtaking views of the Victoria Glacier and surrounding Rocky Mountains.
What to do in Lake Louise
Take a stroll along the Lakeshore Walk or go canoeing on the lake to soak up the incredible scenery. Take the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail for a longer hike through Banff National Park, refreshing yourself at the charming teahouse at the trail’s end. In the winter, head to Lake Louise Ski Resort to ride the gondola, glide down the slopes, or relax with an après-ski experience in the Village.
Drumheller
Why it’s great
If you’re looking for a day trip from Calgary that the whole family will enjoy, head to Drumheller! It only takes an hour and a half to reach this charismatic town in the heart of the Canadian Badlands. Known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, Drumheller is home to the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in Canada at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, as well as an active dig site in Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When is the best time to visit Drumheller
The best time to visit Drumheller is between June and September, when the weather is sunny and warm. Keep in mind that tourism peaks in July and August, as well as Badlands temperatures. If you’re planning a summer day trip, be sure to stay hydrated and book tickets for the Royal Tyrrell Museum and other attractions in advance.
Tips for visitors
Dinosaurs are the main attraction in Drumheller, but be sure to check out the town’s rich local history and natural attractions to make the most of your day trip. Visit the Atlas Coal Mine to learn about Drumheller’s history as a mining town. For an easy day hike in the Badlands, make the trip to Horseshoe Canyon, a geological wonder complete with trails and observation decks.
How to get to Drumheller
From Downtown Calgary, use Memorial Drive to get onto Deerfoot Trail and follow it to AB-566 E. Continue onto Alberta Route 9 and drive for about an hour, admiring the landscape of the Canadian Badlands along the way. When you arrive, keep an eye out for the World’s Largest Dinosaur towering over Drumheller!
If you’re arriving at Calgary International Airport, ensure a stress-free road trip by having the Calgary rental car you booked on Turo delivered to the airport. Jump into the driver’s seat, get on Deerfoot Trail, and cruise your way into dinosaur country.
What to do in Drumheller
Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dinosaur Provincial Park is a must-do for nature enthusiasts and dinosaur lovers alike, offering outdoor activities like paddling on the Red Deer River and hiking. For a closer look at the striking landscape of the Canadian Badlands, take a detour to Horsethief Canyon and visit the iconic Hoodoos. And of course, no day trip to Drumheller is complete without a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Why it’s great
As one of the smallest Alberta parks in the Canadian Rockies, Waterton Lakes National Park is something of a hidden gem. Located two and a half hours from Calgary, Waterton Lakes National Park is known for its abundant wildlife and varied landscape of prairies, mountains, and waterfalls. It’s the perfect day trip from Calgary if you want to discover Southern Alberta.
When is the best time to visit Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park is a four-season destination, and the best time to plan a day trip from Calgary depends on what you hope to see and do.
July and August are the most popular months to visit for the warmest weather and the most outdoor recreation options. Springtime offers scenic views of wildflowers in bloom, and activities like hiking and mountain biking become available. Fall is the best time to spot wildlife and the golden larches, while winter offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and the best stargazing.
Tips for visitors
For a memorable wildlife viewing opportunity, make a stop at Bison Paddock Overlook to spot the plains bison roaming in the summertime.
If you have time to extend your road trip, strike out on the Crowsnest Highway scenic drive on the way to Waterton Lakes National Park, or on your way back to Calgary. You can pick up Highway 3 west from Fort Macleod. Highlights along the route include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, which overlooks the site of Canada’s deadliest rockslide at the foot of Turtle Mountain.
How to get to Waterton Lakes National Park
Departing from Downtown Calgary, get on the Deerfoot Trail from Memorial Drive and head south for about an hour and 45 minutes. Use AB-3 to continue down AB-810 South, admiring the landscape of Southern Alberta as you draw closer to Waterton Lakes National Park. Head west along AB-505, then turn south on AB-800. Lastly, follow Highway 5 west until you arrive at the park.
From Calgary International Airport, follow the same route, heading south out of Calgary via the Deerfoot Trail. Rent a car in Calgary with Turo and have your rental car delivered to the airport to skip long lines at the rental counter and get on the road sooner.
If you have time, take a detour along Route 785 before you reach Fort Macleod to visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features an interpretive centre detailing the local history of the buffalo hunt, as well as a clifftop viewpoint.
What to do in Waterton Lakes National Park
Be sure to make a stop at the historic Waterton Park townsite as part of your visit to the national park. Some of the most popular attractions like Cameron Falls and the Bear’s Hump trailhead is within walking distance of picturesque Downtown Waterton. Finish your day on the hiking trails with high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel, a gorgeous historic building opened in 1927.
Banff
Why it’s great
Nestled in the awe-inspiring Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Calgary, located just an hour and a half from the city. Hit the hiking trails and see the sights, then relax with a soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs for an unforgettable day trip from Calgary.
When is the best time to visit Banff
Banff is a magical day trip destination year-round, and the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do. Summer offers the perfect conditions to hike Johnston Canyon, take a lake cruise on Lake Minnewanka, or go kayaking or swimming at Johnson Lake. Visiting in the winter? Banff is home to three of the best ski resorts near Calgary, so there’s no better place to hit the slopes.
Tips for visitors
Riding the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain is a must-do for first-time visitors, and a fun way to experience the panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. At the summit, there’s an interpretive centre and boardwalk to explore, as well as a restaurant if you’re feeling peckish.
For a full breakdown of everything to see and do along the drive to Banff, check out our ultimate Calgary to Banff road trip guide.
How to get to Banff
From Downtown Calgary, get on the Trans-Canada Highway and drive west for about an hour, following the highway to Bow Valley Parkway. Take the exit for Banff Town, turning onto Banff Avenue, and you’ve arrived! Banff Avenue continues onto the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, so keep on cruising to discover one of the most beautiful and pristine lakes in the area.
Arriving at Calgary International Airport? Get the Calgary rental car you booked on Turo delivered to the airport for the smoothest possible trip to Banff. From the Calgary airport, take Deerfoot Trail to the Trans-Canada Highway. Drive west for about an hour and twenty minutes to reach Banff, taking in the jaw-dropping mountain views along the way.
What to do in Banff
Learn about the hot springs in Banff National Park with a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, then head to Banff Upper Hot Springs to experience their relaxing properties for yourself. Lake Minnewanka is another must-see, and is known as one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in Banff National Park. Stroll the walking trails around Lake Minnewanka, or book a lake cruise for a mesmerizing view of the surrounding Rocky Mountains from the water.
Frequently asked questions
Where to go for a long drive from Calgary?
Wondering where to go outside Calgary for a scenic drive? Icefields Parkway is an awesome place to start, cutting through the Rocky Mountains and connecting Banff to Jasper. It’s worth doing at least part of the drive as a day trip from Calgary to see jaw-dropping natural wonders like the Glacier Skywalk, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake.
The Crowsnest Highway is another scenic drive perfect for a Calgary day trip, showcasing local history and the gorgeous landscapes of Southern Alberta. The highway connects Hope, BC with Medicine Hat and highlights include Crowsnest Pass, the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is the best city near Calgary?
Wondering what is the interesting town near Calgary for your day trip? Banff and Lake Louise may be the most popular, but there are many more towns where you can explore unique heritage sights and historic attractions as a day trip from Calgary.
Located one hour from Calgary, the town of Aspen Crossing captures the local history of the Canadian Railway. The rural community of Longview is another classic stop on the Cowboy Trail, home to Bar U Ranch National Historic Site.
Is Banff a day trip from Calgary?
Getting to Banff takes about an hour and a half, making it the perfect day trip from Calgary. From Lake Minnewanka to Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park is home to many of the natural attractions that make Calgary famous.
Is the drive from Calgary to Banff scenic? You bet! Following the Bow River through Kananaskis reveals stunning Rocky Mountain scenery along the way to Banff. Prepare to be greeted by the mountain peaks of Bow Valley Provincial Park, Mount Rundle, and more as you close in on your destination.
Book your Calgary rental car with Turo
Whether you’re living in Calgary or visiting for the Calgary Stampede, planning a day trip is a great way to see more of Alberta at your own pace. With the Canadian Rockies just an hour away, it’s possible to jump in the car and make any day extraordinary.
Ready to start planning your day trip from Calgary? Find the perfect rental car to visit Calgary and the surrounding area with Turo. Browse available cars and lock in an SUV to conquer the outdoors or a sleek luxury ride to make the trip extra special. The mountains are calling!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this Calgary day 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.
