Calgary 
All around Calgary there are trails to hike, rivers and lakes to kayak, wildlife to spot, arts to marvel at, and cultures or histories to learn about.
Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area; Credit: Richard Carter/Flickr
We’ve included all sorts of day trips for your spring trip, from specific locations to events and festivals.
The times listed are one-way and do not include your stay at any locations, or your drive back to Calgary.
Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area
Visit the 4,800-acre wildlife preserve – the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area. There is a slight charge to park for the day, but you can experience some wilderness and outdoor adventure here by taking a remote hike. You must register for your hike as there are restrictions for visitors, including timelines and access, but it is very much worth it to experience the outdoors here. Soak in the beauty and the quiet as you explore.
This conservation area is also Canada’s first Nocturnal Preserve. Watch the diamonds in the sky without light pollution and take a trip during the Lyrid Meteor Shower and Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower this spring. The area is open until 11 p.m.
Driving Time: 40m
Bike with no cars around
To Do Canada
Bike Highway 40: Ride through glorious Kananaskis Country! Starting from Longview, you will be passing through some of the best provincial Parks in Alberta (plenty of rest stops, campgrounds) and the highest paved pass in Canada- located at the tree line. If you bike before mid-June, Highway 40 South of 742 is closed to traffic — you can have the time of your life riding the trail and have a great workout! Come back to Longview and treat yourselves at Longview Steakhouse.
Bike Lake Minnewanka Road: Enjoy a scenic ride on Lake Minnewanka Road and discover Cascade Ponds, Bankhead, Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
Visit Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, which tells true tales of mines and men. Climb into a coal car and tour the surface plant and spectacular badlands scenery, or climb the last wooden tipple in Canada and see the inner workings of this nationally designated historic icon. Hear stories of the men and the boys who worked in the Drumheller mines. Take a ride on Linda, the antique train! This 90-year-old electric locomotive takes visitors on a surface tour around the mine site. The site opens in May 2026.
Driving Time: 1hr 40m-2hrs
Edible Plant Hiking Adventures
To get a really off-the-beaten-track experience, book a tour with Full Circle Adventures. They have been taking visitors onto the land to teach them about wild and edible plants for more than a decade. You can also learn all you need to know about wilderness survival with a nature educator and guide in the gorgeous scenery of this area. The company is located in Turner Valley, but they forage for native, edible foods in the Kananaskis area.
Driving Time: 1hr 30m-2hrs, depending on hike location.
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Olds College Botanic Garden and Treatment Wetlands
A drive down to Olds will take you to Alberta’s agricultural college and the gardens. This is a picture-perfect area for a long spring walk where you can watch the gardens come into full bloom. The Gardens are comprised of three phases spread over 25 acres and are populated with a wide-ranging collection of prairie hardy plant material, both native and ornamental. Wander along lush pathways of these exquisite gardens that follow flowering trees and shrubs, fabulous displays of annuals, hardy peonies, lilies and roses, an herb garden and AAS Selection Display Gardens, and wetland ponds.
Driving Time: 1-1.15hrs
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Snake Hills Recreation Area
There are over 17 km of groomed nature trails in the Snake Hills Recreation Area in Sundre, which are open year-round to both hikers and bikers. Hiking through the densely forested area can bring you into contact with a few different types of wildlife like moose, deer, squirrels and rabbits. You can choose from a variety of adventures of various lengths and difficulty levels.
Driving Time: 1.5-2hrs
Frank Lake
Plan a spring birding trip south of Calgary to Frank Lake, a protected wetland near High River managed by Ducks Unlimited. While not a recreational lake, it’s a haven for over 100 bird species, including hundreds of Tundra and Trumpeter swans during migration.
Spanning 3,400 acres, Frank Lake is one of Canada’s Important Bird Areas, with conservation efforts restoring it since its formation from flood runoff 70 years ago. A short path offers scenic views ideal for birdwatching.
Driving Time: 1 hour.
Canoeing or Kayaking the Red Deer River
This smaller Alberta river is a perfect place to learn on a new or rented canoe or kayak and has a fairly slow current. If you want to see the Canadian Badlands in an entirely unique way this spring, all while keeping a safe social distance from others, then consider travelling by paddle. This guide to paddling the Red Deer River is a comprehensive pamphlet which you won’t want to forget for your excursion. If you don’t own your own boat, check out these Calgary area rental stores.
Driving Time: 2-2.5hrs
Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary
Located right in Red Deer, Waskasoo Park is so much more than just an open area with trees and water. It is home to the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, Allen Bungalow, and the Historic Fort Normandeau, each of which showcases a different piece of Red Deer’s history and nature. If you are a birding enthusiast, then make a trip to Gaetz Lakes Bird Sanctuary, the oldest migratory bird sanctuary in the province. The 118-hectare property is a protected land right in the city of Red Deer and is a convenient place to visit.
Driving time: 1.5 – 2 hrs
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Porcupine Hills Trail
Porcupine Hills lie between Highways 2 and 22 and are a lovely, scenic area that most travellers don’t stop to experience. This sparsely populated zone allows for a fantastic trail that leads out and back, for a total of about 4 kilometers. This hike is great for all skill levels and, if you are travelling with a horse or a dog, they are also allowed on the trail.
Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 hrs
Discovery Wildlife Park
If you are interested in seeing rescued and orphaned animals, visit Discovery Wildlife Park in Innisfail and see tigers, lions, cougars and timber wolves. Join for behind-the-scenes programs that offer an in-depth look at the animals at the zoo. The zoo offers half-price admission for moms and dads on Mother’s and Father’s Day. While in Innisfail, drop by Jungle Farm to pick up their Garden Starter Packs.
Driving Time: 1.25 to 1.5 hrs
Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park
To have a great trip to the Badlands without all the crowds, try the area around Dry Island Jump Buffalo Provincial Park. Shady riverbanks make it unbeatable for bird watching, especially from a canoe on the Red Deer River. There are day-use areas, but you can also grab a site at the Tolman Campground. Learn about the Jump and how it played a part in Alberta’s history and explore some off-the-beaten-track hiking trails. While you’re in the area, take a relaxing retreat at St. Ann Ranch, find out about French settlers in Trochu, and book a tee time at area golf courses.
Driving Time: 2 hrs
The Saskatoon Farm Annual Spring Markets
Market shopping is always a better experience when the market itself is adorably decorated and landscaped. The Saskatoon Farm Annual Spring Market (April 25 & 26) will offer just that along with over 80 rural Alberta vendors. You can find fresh-cut flowers, jewelry, food, clothing, bath and body products, and a lot more. Plus, there is a special market on Mother’s Day weekend too.
Even if you are not free that weekend, Saskatoon Farm makes for a great day trip, and they also have a Mexican fusion restaurant on-site.
Driving Time: 20-40m
Capture the Flag Paintball & Airsoft
Credit: Capture the Flag Paintball & Airsoft
This Cochrane adventure park offers a ton of activities, including paintball, airsoft, archery, and more. Capture the Flag is best known for its variety of paintball experiences: Splatmaster, which is less intense and is intended for kids aged 6-9; regular paintball; and low-impact paintball for adults. On top of those, you can also book Archery Tag, Axe Throwing, Nerf Battles, or Disc Golf. They are now open for the season and accepting bookings.
Driving Time: 30m-1hr
Rummel Lake
The Smith Dorien Trail in Kananaskis Country connects several parks, including Bow Valley, Spray Valley, and Peter Lougheed, offering access to a wide range of hiking routes. Among them, Rummel Lake Trail stands out as a moderate 10.8 km hike with about 450 metres of elevation gain. It links to the High Rockies Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail. Open year-round, it suits day trips, with winter camping options for more adventurous hikers.
Driving Time: 2 hours
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