A day trip from Calgary this May and this spring can take you and your family to several cool places. Here are just a few ideas for a May day trip from Calgary, including arts and history, nature, animals, dining, and more.
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
The doors open to the Bar U Ranch on May 16th for the 2022 season. You and your family can get a full cow folk experience and learn about the area’s history of ranching. There is livestock to meet with, interpreters to guide you through, and trails for hikes or picnics.
Drive time from Calgary: 1-1.5 hours
Kinbrook Island Provincial Park
This is an excellent place and a great time of year for birding at Kinbrook Island. The migratory birds have returned for the summer, and you’re likely to catch quite a few different species: the Great Blue Heron, American white pelican, ducks, and many more. There is a trail which can take you from the main parking area, over a peninsula bridge, and to the island’s camping area and views of Lake Newell.
Drive time from Calgary: 2-2.5 hours
Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
On May 15th, the night sky will grace us with a lunar eclipse. And the Rothney Observatory is opening its doors for a public celebration of the event. You’ll need to dress for the weather, as gazing is done outside, and need to purchase your tickets in advance (cost is by donation). The event lasts just over 3.5 hours.
Drive time from Calgary: 20-40 minutes
Painted Warriors Ranch
You can book a few different signature experiences with Painted Warriors Ranch north of Calgary. They include horseback riding, archery, and Stories of the Forest with a traditional lunch included.
Drive time from Calgary: 1-1.5 hours
Southern Alberta Art Gallery in Lethbridge
Art enthusiasts can enjoy the quiet and peaceful drive from Calgary to Lethbridge before exploring the best of Alberta art. The SAAG has several open exhibitions in May, as well as a Spring Market May 27-28th. There are other cool sites to explore nearby as well like Galt Gardens outside the gallery, the Galt Museum & Archives, or the Brewery Gardens.
Drive time from Calgary: 2-2.5 hours
Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area
The year-round day use area at Lundbreck Falls is a scenic location for picnics and family photos in Spring. You can also take a short hike from the Falls, through the Campsites, and out towards the Crowsnest River for more unique foothill views. There are also helpful amenities in the park like washrooms, firepits, and picnic tables.
Drive time from Calgary: 1-1.5 hours
Quarry Lake Park
You can reach this Park on foot or bring the bikes and park in Canmore to cycle the scenic route to Quarry Lake. It is one of the quietest and more serene spots close to town with several amenities for a cozy afternoon picnic. Make your picnic even easier by stopping for sandwiches or snacks at a local Canmore café. The Park has an off-leash dog park so everyone can get in some exercise on their day trip to Canmore.
Drive time from Calgary: 30-60 minutes
Mukwah Rafting Tours
On top of the rafting tours, Mukwah also offers a few others which start up this May. You can also book guided hiking, kayaking, or cliff jumping tours. For rafting and kayaking, your guides will take you to the Red Deer River. The hiking tours get your exploring the Sundre foothills.
Drive time from Calgary: 1-1.5 hours
- Guide to River Tubing, Floating and Guided Raft Trips in and Around Calgary
- Places to Go Guided Whitewater Rafting in Alberta
Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most scenic heritage sites in all of Alberta. South of Calgary, this area is of huge cultural significance to the Plains People of Alberta, and you’ll get to learn just why on your interpretive walk through the site. Do NOT forget to keep your phones charged for photos, as the views include as much iconic Alberta scenery as you can fit in one frame. Summer season begins May 20th! (Open in winter and spring, but more programming in the summer).
Drive time from Calgary: 1-2 hours
Banff Upper Hot Springs
This is a perfect time of year for a hot springs soak in the mountains. It isn’t too cold outside to enjoy them, and there are many places around Banff to explore, and where you can work up a sweat first. The hot springs are also a short drive from the townsite where you can find numerous local dining spots. The springs give you a breathtaking view of the Banff valley, town, and the surrounding mountains.
Drive time from Calgary: 1-1.5 hours