‘Tis the season for long drives, lakes, and day trips! If you’re looking for day trip plans from Calgary for your summer, we have you covered. These day trip ideas cover a variety of interests and can take you in many different directions.
We’ve kept these day trip destinations from Calgary to about 2-hours-and-under one-way. This means you’ll have more time to explore the natural areas or beaches, the museums and history, the festivals and culture, or the food and drink.
Gondola Rides
The ski resorts around Banff are all now year-round attractions. Plus, the town of Banff has its own gondola rides that are available year-round. In addition to the gondola rides, these places also offer dining and recreation.
- The Banff Gondola is a year-round attraction in the National Park with the summer rides calling for a stop at the patio on the top of the mountain!
- Lake Louise’s Summer Gondola is a bit further west on Highway 1 and is worth the extra time on the highway for the incredible views from the top. You may also book a guided hike at the top.
- Banff Sunshine Village transforms into Sunshine Meadows in summer and you can take your sightseeing experience to greater heights aboard the Standish Express to an elevation of 2,385 m (7,825 ft). Sunshine Meadows is famous for its beautiful setting, with alpine meadows covered with a carpet of fireweed and glacier lilies with the snow-capped Canadian Rockies as a backdrop.
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Scenic Views
Scenic views seem easy to find thanks to the Mountains. However, there are some specific places to go in order to get some of the best yet easiest to access views of the Rockies. Plus, Calgary also has the advantage of being near badlands, foothills, and prairies: so, you can get any scenic Alberta view you wish.
- For some unique views of the Rockies, try the sightseeing chairlifts closest to Calgary: Mount Norquay, or Banff Sunshine Village both offer sightseeing from their chairlifts.
- Parks Canada has several Red Chair locations in Banff; these red Adirondack chairs are purposely placed in the park’s most scenic or most peaceful spots.
- Big Hill Springs Provincial Park offers trails with quintessential foothill views. You’ll encounter what seem like endless rolling hills of green, wildflowers, small waterfalls, and noisy creeks.
- The closest way to enjoy badlands views near Calgary are with a drive out to Horseshoe Canyon. These badlands are an even mix of rounded rock cliffs, and grassy hills, making for interesting scenery unique to this small section of the badlands.
For more:
- 25 of the Best Highway Scenic Viewpoints in Alberta
- Alberta’s Best Views: Places to Find Parks Canada’s Red Chairs
- 5 Scenic Lookouts Around Drumheller to Enjoy Sweeping Views of Alberta’s Badlands
Ferries
There are three ferry crossings within a day trip’s drive of Calgary, two of which cross the Red Deer River.
- The Bleriot Ferry to cross the Red Deer River on the north side of Drumheller and is part of Highway 838.
- The Finnegan Ferry crosses the river about a half hour southeast of Drumheller. The ferry is part of Highway 862.
- The Crowfoot Ferry is also east of Calgary and takes passengers across the Bow River. This provides faster access to the Trans Canada Highway.
Boat Tours/Cruises
The Bow River is a natural gem in the Calgary landscape as it flows east from the Rockies. There are several ways to experience the river in and out of the city. These guided tours are great for those first time boaters, or those who want a little extra guidance. You can also take your day trip west for a legendary cruise tour on one of Banff’s largest and prettiest lakes.
- Travel thef Bow through the Rockies on one of three guided boat trips with Banff Canoe Club Tours: the Kayak Experience, a Wildlife Big Canoe Tour, or the River Explorer Tour
- The Lake Minnewanka Cruise in Banff has a variety of tour packages available for the large mountain lake.
- Gentle river floating and sightseeing tours on the Bow are available from Rocky Mountain Raft Tours.
For more:
- Boat Tours & Scenic Cruises in Alberta
- Guide to River Tubing, Floating and Guided Raft Trips in and Around Calgary
Caves & Canyons
A few of Banff’s caves and canyons are convenient enough to access on a self-guided hike. Others, however, require expert guidance. The park offers a combination of self-guided cave or canyon exploring, and more in-depth adventures with tour operators and professionals.
- Bow Valley Canyon Tours offers a suite of tours that are suitable for all skill levels. Their guides can take you through Heart Creek Canyon, Ghost Canyon, or Castle Canyon.
- A simple way to take a self-guided canyon hike is via the Johnston Canyon Trail from the Bow Valley Parkway. An established path leads right through the canyon!
- The guided trips from Canmore Cave Tours include their Adventure Tour at 6-hours, and the Explorer Tour at 4.5-hours.
Natural Attractions Near Calgary
Calgary is close to some obvious natural beauty. The Rockies can be admired even from afar in while in the city. For your summer day trip plans, you have more natural attractions around Calgary to explore in a day. Some may take you to the Rockies, while others bring your trip south and east.
- The Rocky Mountain glacier lakes are an incredible sight to see on a clear summer day. Beyond Banff, you can explore Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise, by parking in Banff, and taking transit to both lake shores.
- The Sheep River can be explored via Okotoks for a quick day trip from Calgary. Or you can head about an hour further southwest. Here you can drive through the Bluerock Wildland to get to the Sheep River Provincial Park.
- The Drumheller Badlands, along with Horsethief Canyon, which you’ll see along the drive, are expansive areas to explore. Choose between areas like the Red Deer River, the Royal Tyrell Museum, or the drive to Wayne.
For more:
20+ Must Visit Nature Attractions in Southern Alberta
25 Natural Wonders You Should Visit in Alberta
Unique Nature Attractions
In addition to all the general natural attractions around Calgary, your day trip can also include some more unique and unusual natural attractions.
- The Okotoks Big Rock Erratic is a result of glacial movement from 10 000 to 30 000 years ago and makes for a unique site on the prairies south of Calgary. The imposing rock sits at 16,500 tonnes and stands at 9m tall.
- The bird populations and species you can spot around Calgary are surprising to most locals even: to the southeast is Frank Lake with a boardwalk trail, or the McGregor Lake PRA with a host of other outdoor activities to offer.
- You can head east or west from Calgary on a day trip to view natural hoodoo formations. Choose between the Drumheller Hoodoos to the east, or the Banff Hoodoos to the west.
Provincial Parks
The provincial park that you choose for a day trip from Calgary will depend upon the recreation or activities you want to enjoy. Some parks are better for hiking, some for swimming, and some for fishing. Plus, the parks around Calgary offer a variety of types of scenery with everything from mountains and foothills to prairies and badlands.
- You can day-trip out to Kinbrook Island Provincial Park from Calgary for a perfect summer day trip with your pick of lake activities: fishing, boating (motorized, canoes, kayaks, sailboats), swimming, beach volleyball, picnics, birding, and hiking.
- Midland Provincial Park can be a destination for those looking for hikes, natural beauty, or the Royal Tyrrell Museum. The drive out to the park and museum allows you to see the prairies change and transform into the badlands.
- The Chain Lakes Provincial Park makes for a memorable and scenic boating day trip from Calgary, or place to picnic. During the summer months, there is an onsite cookhouse and concession to make your picnic plans a little easier!
- Wyndham Carseland Provincial Park is in the hills of the Bow River valley east of Calgary. The park offers several amenities to make any sort of day trip more fun: a hand launch for paddlers, picnic sites and shelters, and shoreline hiking trails. This is also a great place to watch for less common bird species of Alberta.
For more:
- 15 Provincial Park Day Trips From Calgary
- 37 Alberta Parks You Should Add to Your Outdoor Adventure Bucket List
Waterfalls
The waterfalls nearest to Calgary can be viewed in one day trip, or many day trips.
- The Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area is about 2-hours south of Calgary. It makes for a perfect final stop on a scenic drive down the Cowboy Trail/Highway AB-22. The waterfall is on the Crowsnest River.
- The Sheep River Falls (Sheep River PP) are one of the closer sets of falls to the city at about an hour and a half drive from Calgary. The day use area provides great views of the falls and picnic amenities.
- The Elbow Falls are the closest set of falls to Calgary at under an hour from the city (depending on where you are in Calgary). This is also a Provincial Area with day use and picnic amenities near great views of the waterfall.
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Ghost Towns
Exploring Alberta’s ghost towns, and those near Calgary, is one of many ways to enjoy and immerse yourself in local history.
- The town of Bankhead is easily accessible from Lake Minnewanka Road in Banff. There will be a turnoff for both the Upper and Lower Bankhead areas. The Upper area connects to Banff’s Cascade Trail, while the lower area connects to the paths that lead to the abandoned structures. You can also reach the ghost town of Bankhead via the Cascade Ponds parking lot and trail (makes for a 1-hour hike there and back).
- A daytrip to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre can include a scenic drive down the Cowboy Trail, with stops and sights to see along the way, like Lundbreck Falls.
- Rowley is about 15-minutes north of Drumheller and is a unique place to visit in Alberta. The ‘ghost town’ is made up of preserved buildings which stay standing thanks to the help of volunteering and fundraising. These include a full street of abandoned stores and shops, and abandoned houses. There is a campground nearby, and you can try to catch one of the town’s fundraising events throughout the summer.
Hikes
Sometimes a day trip plan can be as simple as planning a hike near the city. Luckily, Calgary is surrounded by great hiking areas, multi-use trails, and day use areas with additional amenities. Within the hikes below are easy, moderate, and more difficult trail ideas.
- There is a large network of multi-use trails within the West Bragg Creek Provincial Recreation Area, west of Calgary. These trails also connect to the Elbow River PRA to the south. Choose between shorter trails around 2-4km, or the more challenging routes at around 6-9km.
- Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is a perfect destination for a family walk or hike. The park is day use only, and offers interpretive trails, cycling trails, picnic areas, and viewpoints.
- Take your pick between two hikes in Brown Lowrey Provincial Park, both of which loop and both of which offer incredible views of Calgary or the foothills.
- Lake Louise offers two hidden gems for hikers: the Plain of Six Glaciers tea house and the Lake Agnes tea house. These hike-in attractions provide stunning views, food menus, and a blend of European and Canadian traditions.
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Gardens
Stop and smell the Alberta wild roses on your next day trip! These gardens are worth pulling over and stopping for, or as a final picnic location on a sightseeing drive.
- The Trochu Arboretum is only about an hour and a half northeast of Calgary. And is a perfect place to stop for a picnic on your way to the badlands (or as a final destination).
- Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Lethbridge’s Henderson Lake, is one of many stops to see if you make a day trip to the city.
- The Cascade Gardens in Banff are central to the town with their beauty enhanced by all the mountains and the architecture around you.
- The Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage, located near Nanton, offers beautifully restored buildings, gardens, and meadows, including a sunflower garden, rose and lily gardens, and an impressive archway of Elm trees. Visitors can explore the rich plant life and imagine life in historic Alberta. The site also offers amenities like a writers’ cabin for rent and a Hayshed Pavilion for weddings.
For more:
- 6 Gorgeous Calgary Gardens For Tranquil Summer Walk
- 12 of the Best Gardens & Conservatories to Visit in Alberta
Historic Sites
What part of Alberta’s history do you want to explore on your next day trip? You can centre your learning and adventures around ancient history, Rocky Mountain history, or local cultures and big industries in Alberta.
- The Royal Tyrell Museum (in Midland Provincial Park near Drumheller) is one of many of Alberta’s Provincial Historic Sites and makes for a perfect rainy day family activity. The museum is known across the world for its impressive collection of dinosaur bones, and various fossils.
- The Bar U Ranch National Historic Site offers opportunities to learn about the area’s history of ranching. During your visit, meet with livestock, attend a guided tour, or find a quiet place for a picnic.
- The Banff Cave & Basin National Historic Site surrounds a natural hot spring; the discovery of this hot spring long ago led to the establishment of Banff as a National Park.
- The Turner Valley Gas Plant is listed as a Provincial Historic Site as this is “the birthplace of Alberta’s petroleum industry.” The site is the first ever oilfield in Western Canada which now sits abandoned, and with nature slowly taking over again.
For more:
26 Places to Visit to Learn and Appreciate Alberta’s Cultural and Natural Heritage
Living History Museums
Get a real feel for Alberta’s history this summer with a visit to a living history museum. These museums employ actors and volunteers in order to enhance your experience, or programs and immersive activities.
- The Stettler Town & Country Museum is a great look into the early days of Alberta (Stettler was incorporated the same year which Alberta became a province: 1905). The area is decorated with eight different buildings to explore, and an indoor display of artifacts. Take time after your museum visit to explore historic downtown Stettler.
- Red Deer’s Fort Normandeau represents an important part of Alberta’s history. Red Deer was established around the river crossing people used to get between Edmonton, and you can explore the original fort today!
For more:
11 Pioneer Villages in Alberta For a Fun Filled Educational Day Trip
Indigenous Tourism & History
Learn about Alberta’s history through the perspective of the province’s indigenous people. This can involve visiting certain sites and museums or booking guided tours from locals.
- Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which holds cultural and historical significance to the Plains People of Alberta: learn why on your interpretive walk.
- Tour the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park (Siksika) on a self-guided experience, or on a guided tour.
- Drop in to see the exhibits of the Tsuut’ina Nation Museum, or you book ahead to get a guided tour.
- Zucmin Guiding (Calgary) offer a variety of tours around Calgary and the Rockies with an Indigenous perspective.
For more:
Must Do Indigenous Cultural & Heritage Experiences in Alberta
Beaches
When the temperatures rise in the city is when you’ll want to remember these beaches near Calgary. Each of these beaches offer slightly different scenery for your day in the sand or water. And all of these beaches/bodies of water are safe for swimming!
- Newcastle Beach is a sandy shoreline area of the Red Deer River on the northwest side of Drumheller. In addition to being popular for swimming, it is also a popular kayak launch spot.
- Quarry Lake Park is part of Canmore and offers expansive space for picnics. Swimming is allowed in July and august.
- Little Bow PP Day Use Area is a calm beach area on the Bow River after the river exits Calgary.
- Red Lodge PP Day Use Area is on the narrow and calm Little Red Deer River. The sandy part of the shoreline is surrounded by trees and grassy areas.
- Johnson Lake is where you’ll find one of the only beaches in Banff! The pristine lake has a small beach and a large picnic area along Lake Minnewanka Road.
For more:
10 Beach Day Trips From Calgary to Help You Cool Off This Summer
25 Beaches For a Sunny Weekend Getaway in Alberta
Scenic Drives
Pack up your car, and head out on a day trip with no plans other than the drive. Because sometimes, a trip is more about the journey than is about the destination! These drives include several places to stop for food, photos, or walks and adventures.
- The Smith-Dorrien Trail in Kananaskis follows Spray Lakes Provincial Park south from Canmore. The park’s day use areas and trailheads provide places to stop for picnics or photos with ponds, forests, mountain peaks and hills.
- The Bow Valley Parkway can be used as a scenic route to Lake Louise from Banff and provides many places to stop for photos, including the famous Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots.
- Head east instead of west for this day trip drive: explore the badlands east of Calgary and take your trip to Drumheller on Highway 9. Once in Drumheller, continue your scenic drive along the Dinosaur Trail. Highway 9 is equally as scenic on the other side of Drumheller as it leaves towards the North.
- Drive a section of the Cowboy Trail for a true Alberta road trip. Highway 22 stretches through historic farmlands, alongside the distant peaks of the Rocky Mountains through rolling foothills, and embraces (almost) everything good that the province has to offer in terms of scenery.
For more:
15 Scenic Road Trips / Drives in Alberta
Lakes
The lakes around Calgary offer a huge variety of recreational activities. Pick between the best boating lakes, the best swimming lakes, the best looking lakes, or the best fishing lakes near Calgary!
- Beauvais Lake Provincial Park is located in a scenic foothills area south of Calgary. The lake and surrounding area are a peaceful place for a paddle, a hike, or a picnic.
- The Ghost Reservoir PRA is a popular launch site for boats of all kings. The size and location of the reservoir make it great for sailing or motorized boats.
- Upper & Lower Kananaskis Lakes are in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park at the southern part of the Smith-Dorrien Trail. From there, follow the Kananaskis Lakes Trail to find hiking, picnic spots, and great views of both lakes.
For more:
15 Must-Visit Lakes in Alberta
25 of the Best Paddle Spots in Alberta – Canoe, Kayak, or Paddleboard!
Fishing
If you head west of Calgary, there are several Provincial Natural Areas on smaller creeks where you can have a peaceful day of fishing. Plus, Calgary has the Bow River, prairie lakes, and mountain lakes, all nearby, for a day of fishing.
- The Bow River is an incredibly popular place for fishing in Alberta, and there are day use areas on both sides of the city where you can cast off for the day: Little Bow PP, Fish Creek PP, or Wyndham Carseland PP.
- If lake fishing is more your style, you can head to the Sibbald Meadows Pond, The Glennifer Reservoir PRA, Vermillion Lakes, or the Lake Minnewanka Reservoir. View all the Banff fishing lakes here.
For more:
Best Places to Fish in Alberta
Water Adventures – River Tubing/White water rafting
With all these mountain rivers around Calgary, you can bet there are opportunities for whitewater adventures. These tour companies offer day trips that allow you to dry and warm up back in the comfort of your home.
- Hunter Valley Adventures offers exciting white-water trips on the Bow River and Upper Red Deer River, suitable for people and families of all ages. They provide guided trips with various thrill levels and unique ways to explore the rugged waters.
- Mukwah Rafting Tours take their guests out on the Red Deer River with options for peaceful floats, or whitewater rafting.
- Chinook Rafting River Adventures can take you on a whitewater rafting adventure along the Red Deer, Kickinghorse, or Kananaskis Rivers. Rides last about 3-4 hours.
- WildWater Adventures take their trips on the Kickinghorse River with options for gentle floating, or higher class rapids.
For more:
Places to Go Guided Whitewater Rafting in Alberta
U-Pick Farms near Calgary
Take your pick from many great u-pick farms around the city. A fruit-picking day trip means fresh country air, a scenic country drive, and supporting local farms. Plus, you can stock up on things like Saskatoon berries, fresh flowers, or fresh vegetables.
- The Saskatoon Farm (Foothills County) will offer many reasons to visit over the summer, including u-pick for fruit in the late summer and early fall. The Farm also has a store of local goods, resident tortoises to meet, a restaurant, and market events.
- Eagle Creek Farms offer u-pick of their vegetables and flowers. Their vegetable and flower picking seasons usually start in early July.
- Prairie Berry YYC are all about the Saskatoons! Stop by in July for u-picking opportunities on this scenic Rocky View farm.
For more:
Berry and Vegetable U-Pick Farms Near Calgary
Sunflowers & Corn Mazes
The sunflower and corn maze attractions near Calgary are some day trip ideas for late summer. These mazes usually open in late August when the corn and sunflowers have grown to considerable heights. And there is always something else to do along with the mazes.
- The Bowden Sunmaze at Eagle Creek Farms will open by late August. You can walk through massive fields of sunflowers for photo opportunities or pay to pick your own.
- The Brooks Corn Maze opens late each summer (two hours east of Calgary). The corn maze is usually accompanied by other farm activities like games and berry picking.
- Calgary Farmyard within Calgary city limits also offers plenty of summer fun.
For more:
Sunflower Fields and Sunflower Mazes to Visit in Alberta
Amusement & Water Parks
Add thrills to your summer plans and organize a day trip around the amusement areas near Calgary. These include rollercoasters, and a massive inflatable water park.
- Calaway Park is technically still part of the city. However, you can easily spend a full day here playing carnival games, riding the thrill rides, and taking younger ones on the more relaxing rides.
- Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash is a gigantic floating waterpark on Sylvan Lake. It is the first one like it in Alberta and offers hours of fun for all ages. Some cool features include a 15 ft. slide, a launch bag, and a giant trampoline.
Wineries & Meaderies
Sip your way around southern Alberta this summer! If you’re planning for day trips, you can make your way north, east, south, or west to find fresh mead and fresh fruit or honey wines. This is but another fun way to support local farms in Alberta!
- Fallen Timber Meadery (Water Valley) recently celebrated their grand reopening and invite you the check it out with tours, a tour and tasting package, or tasting only.
- Spirit Hills Flower Winery (Millarville) offer tours on every summer weekend.
- Field Stone Fruit Wines (Strathmore) have a country story in Strathmore that is only open for the summer. They don’t offer tours, but you can always stop in on your way back home from other destinations!
For more:
Wineries and Meaderies to Visit in Alberta
Hot Spring or Spa Time
Set aside a day for some pure relaxation in the Rockies this summer. These are two different experiences with one in a natural hot spring with a low admission rate, and another in a more luxurious setting with more expensive admission.
- The Banff Upper Hot Springs are not only a great way to relax, but also an inexpensive way to see some amazing views from above.
- Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a luxurious experience with many features to get you excited about your day like saunas, pools, hot tubs, and more.
Mural Tours
You can take a significant day trip (3-hours one-way) out to Medicine Hat to discover all the town’s attractions, including the many murals. But if you need something a little closer than Medicine Hat, you also have the option to drive south to High River or north to Lacombe.
- Discover High River (south of Calgary) through a self-guided walking tour of the town’s 15 different historical murals.
- Lacombe boasts 36 murals and numerous restored Edwardian buildings, offering a rich history to explore in central Alberta.
For more:
Mural Towns of Alberta: Places to See Intricate Wall Art
Adventure Trips
Below is a list of adventure trips for all levels of thrill seekers. You can start with the biggest of the adventures on Mt. Norquay in Banff, or scale it back a bit with more kid-friendly thrills.
- Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata is for the serious adventurers. The trips (which vary from 2-8 hours) take you up Mt. Norquay where you’ll follow guides on a serious clip-and-climb hike around cliff faces and over massive valleys.
- Canyon Coaster in Red Deer is open all summer to offer thrilling rides through the Red Deer River Valley. Plus, they now have summer tubing open for 2023.
- And if you need an adventure trip suited to younger children, take your day trip to Barney’s Outdoor Adventure Park. Here, little ones can find adventure in petting zoo, cart racing, pig races, small ziplines, roller racers, and gigantic jumping pillows.
- Take a tour on hot air balloons or helicopters and see the Rockies or Calgary from up above. There are quite few companies offering these near Calgary.
For more:
10 Adventure Parks For a Thrilling Summer in Alberta
Small Towns
Calgary is a big city. And oftentimes, it can be nice to take your trip to a place where you get all the amenities of the city, but none of the noise of the city. Taking time to explore the small towns near Calgary can help you uncover new places to shop, new trails, new dining, and new attractions.
- Visit Fort McLeod to view one of Alberta’s best-preserved historic downtown streets. Try out some local eats, embark on an antique hunt, or visit the Fort Museum. The town also hosts an annual South Country Fair.
- Bragg Creek is a scenic place to find new local stores and new local food. Bragg Creek is at the foot of the Rockies and can offer incredible places for hikes or sunset walks.
- Trekkie or not, Vulcan is an interesting town to visit and offers even more during the summer. If you are a Star Trek fan, then there is a lot to appreciate around town including the Starship Enterprise sculpture. If you want some extra knowledge for your trip, download their historic walking tour app.
- The town of Diamond Valley is technically one of Alberta’s newest towns: the name is derived from the original two town names of Black Diamond and Turner Valley which amalgamated in late 2022. The foothill town has numerous places to try for food, a few local breweries, and expansive nature trails.
For more:
12 Must-Visit Small Towns in Southern Alberta
15 Small Towns For a Weekend Trip in Alberta
Trains
Hopping aboard a fun, educational, and authentic train ride in Alberta is quite simple. And when you live in Calgary, you have the option for a day trip north with a train rides, or a day trip to the south.
- Aspen Crossing offers train rides and much more! Along with a ride on the trains, you can shop for the greenhouse, dine, or attend their annual summer music festival.
- The Alberta Prairie Railway will make for a bit longer of a day trip with rides scheduled for all summer weekends.
Coal Mines
Learn how coal miners lived and worked in Alberta with a trip to a historic site and mine tour.
- Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, part of the Drumheller region’s coal industry, offers surface tours on an antique train, exploration of the last wooden tipple in Canada, and a glimpse into the dangers faced by young miners.
- Approximately 2 hours south of Calgary and 90 minutes west of Lethbridge, the Bellevue Underground Mine offers guided underground tours, showcasing mining history and machinery. Visitors can explore the mine’s cold, wide walkways and learn about the coal industry.
Kayaking & Canoeing near Calgary
There are several great options for a relaxing paddle near Calgary. While we have the Bow and great ways to paddle through the city, these ideas will take your day trip far enough away from Calgary to create your own paddling escape.
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- The Lake McGregor Provincial Recreation Area offers a long and narrow space for people to explore by canoe or kayak.
- Embark on a Red Deer River paddle: start your journey on the west side of the city at Fort Normandeau and get out near the east side of the city. There will be several boat launches along your way.
- The Sheep River can make for easier river paddling, with a nearby boat launch in Okotoks.
- Banff National Park is teeming with rivers, creaks, and glacier-fed lakes and offers plenty of ways to explore the ara through canoeing and kayaking.
For more:
Places Offering Boat, Kayak, SUP Rentals Near Southern Alberta Lakes and Rivers
Central Alberta Lakes With Boat, Kayak, Canoe, SUP Rentals
Places Offering Boat, Kayak, SUP Rentals Near Southern Alberta Lakes and Rivers
Unique Bridges/Suspension
While most day trips won’t centre around seeing one single bridge, these unique bridges of southern Alberta can easily be part of any day trip out to the Rockies, or out to Drumheller.
- While in Drumheller, you can take the opportunity to visit the town of Wayne– the town is in a remote badlands area, has an awesome disc golf course, and it takes 11 small bridge crossings to get there!
- Rosedale/Starmine Suspension Bridge (Drumheller) has been closed for renovations for quite some time. But you can still visit the area and get great photo opportunities.
- The Blackshale Creek Suspension Bridge (Peter Lougheed PP) can be found via a 1km loop, or a 7km out-and-back trail which starts at the north side of Lower Kananaskis Lake.
For more:
Suspension Bridges to Cross in Alberta
12 of the Most Scenic Bridges to Explore in Alberta
Unique Museums
History can get a little weird, and a little out of the ordinary sometimes. These unique museums around central and southern Alberta offer some different perspectives on the province’s past!
- The World Famous Gopher Hole Museum is about an hour and a half from Calgary and features a unique collection of taxidermized gophers.
- The Bomber Command Museum of Canada is about an hour south of Calgary in Nanton. The museum features an impressive collection of aviation machines.
- The Markerville Creamery Museum is about 2 hours north of Calgary near Innisfail. Stop by for history lessons and ice cream!
For more:
25 Unique Museums You Should Visit in Alberta
Wildlife or Animal Sanctuaries
When you visit these animal, wildlife, or nature sanctuaries near Calgary, you are paying to support the important work done by all of these organizations. And for those low admission fees, you get access to incredible nature adventures and opportunities.
- Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is open for self-guided walks around the wolfdog enclosures or more up close and personal tours that allow you to meet the wolfdogs.
- The Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is a convenient way to get back to nature while still being able to get out of the city. The hiking trails lead to excellent foothill locations and provide chances for wildlife viewing.
- The Alice Sanctuary complete important rescue work for farm animals. They believe in the power of socializing these animals to help with their quality of life and therefore offer guided tours throughout the summer.
For more:
12 Rescued Animal, Wildlife & Nature Sanctuaries to Visit in Alberta
Festivals
A few of the music festivals around Calgary and southern Alberta this summer do require full weekend passes. However, there are still a number of great music, fair, rodeo, and food festivals near Calgary that you can visit for a day.
- Enjoy the food festivals of southern Alberta this year, like the Taber Food Truck Festival (July, 2023), or Cochrane Food Fest (August 13).
- Red Deer offers two festival day trip opportunities this summer: Westerner Days Fair & Exposition (July 19-23, 2023), and the Centrefest Street Performers’ Festival (July 29-30, 2023)
- Enjoy some music in the mountains this summer at the Canmore Folk Music Festival, held in Canmore’s Centennial Park. Day passes are available for each day of the weekend (August 5-7, 2023).