Things To DoThings To Do

Things To Do: Day TripsThings To Do: Day Trips

Aspen CrossingAspen Crossing

Aspen Crossing, located in the small hamlet of Mossleigh Alberta, is just one hour from Calgary in the Canadian Badlands. Aspen Crossing is home to an authentic 1887 Pullman dining car that once belonged to Prime Minster John Diefenbaker and now operates from April to December. Champagne brunches, dinner theatre, and prairie tours are just some of the ways you can explore this private stretch of track, with each train excursion lasting approximately three hours. Distance from Calgary: 1 hour (90 kilometres/60 miles)

Banff GondolaBanff Gondola

Heighten your senses with the Banff Gondola and experience summit views everyone can access. With an outside rooftop deck and indoor interpretive centre, the gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff is just the start of the adventure. Take the boardwalk to the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site, or dine 7,486 feet in the air at Sky Bistro, with a distinctly Canadian menu and mountain views in every direction. Weekdays are the best time to avoid the lines and take in views of six mountain ranges in the Canadian Rockies. Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours (133 kilometres/83 miles)

Canmore Cave ToursCanmore Cave Tours

One of the longest cave networks in Canada is right by the picturesque mountain town of Canmore. Rat’s Nest Cave is home to 7000-year-old animal bones, pictographs, and ancient cave formations. The expert guides at Canmore Cave Tours will make sure that everyone feels comfortable navigating the caves. The shortest tour is 4.5 hours total so make sure not to plan too much else that day. Distance from Calgary: 1 hour (103 kilometers/64 miles)

Banff Upper Hot SpringsBanff Upper Hot Springs

Taking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs is a favourite activity for locals and travellers alike. Here, you can relax in the hot mineral waters at 1,585 metres of elevation in the highest operating hot spring in Canada. This natural wonder is equipped with a café, gift shop, picnic sites, and walking trails for a family friendly day in the mountains. Beat the crowds on weekdays and in the early morning on weekends. Hours of operation vary depending on the season so be sure to check availability before you visit. Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours (133 kilometres/83 miles)

Kananaskis Nordic SpaKananaskis Nordic Spa

Spend a relaxing day at the spa at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, just over an hour west of Calgary and close to Canmore. A series of outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms will help you relax with a process called hydrotherapy, as you cycle through each water temperature and soak the day away. Distance from Calgary: 1.25 hours (101 kilometres/63 miles)

Lake Minnewanka CruiseLake Minnewanka Cruise

The Lake Minnewanka Cruise is a one hour guided boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka that includes entertaining commentary on the history, geology, wildlife, and First Nation’s culture of the area. Boat rentals and guided fishing tours are also available if you are interested in setting out on your own Lake Minnewanka adventure. Daily operating hours and cruise offerings vary between May and October each year so be sure to check availability before you set out this memorable road trip. Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours (132 kilometres/82 miles)

Bar U Ranch National Historic SiteBar U Ranch National Historic Site

Once one of Canada’s largest ranching operations, Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, offers the authentic cowboy experience to every visitor. Costumed interpreters demonstrate ranching skills like cattle roping, saddle making, and blacksmithing. With over 35 historic structures to explore, guided walking and horse-drawn wagon tours, and authentic cowboy grub cooking in the ranch house, this must-see Alberta attraction is the perfect place to experience life on the ranch with the Canadian Rockies as your back drop. Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is open daily from May to September. Distance from Calgary: 1 hour (109 kilometres/67 miles)

Rocky Mountain Road Trips from CalgaryRocky Mountain Road Trips from Calgary

Discover why locals love living so close to the Canadian Rocky Mountains and plan to ultimate mountain road trip itinerary with a gondola ride, lake cruise, and helicopter tour.

Dinosaur Provincial ParkDinosaur Provincial Park

Home to one of the world’s richest deposits of fossils, Dinosaur Provincial Park will transport you to another world. Views over the largest continuous stretch of Badlands at this UNESCO World Heritage Site make it a photographer’s dream day trip. Pack a picnic lunch, explore easy hiking trails, and get up close to a stunning collection of fossils in the Dinosaur Visitor Centre. Get an early start on your road trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park, pack a hat, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and be sure to check Dinosaur Visitor Centre hours before hitting the road as they vary by season.

Dinosaur Visitor CentreDinosaur Visitor Centre

Frank Slide Interpretive CentreFrank Slide Interpretive Centre

Take a road trip through the Crowsnest Pass and experience the beautiful scenery and stories of Southern Alberta at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. Interactive exhibitions and displays tell the story of Canada’s deadliest rockslide that changed the landscape of the coal mining town of Frank in 1903. A 1.5 kilometre trail winds through the rocks of the Frank Slide, surrounded by the beautiful Canadian Rockies, for an outdoor adventure unlike anything you have ever seen. The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre is open all year which makes it a great day trip no matter what the season. Distance from Calgary: 2.25 hours (216 kilometres/134 miles)

Glacier SkywalkGlacier Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is perched high above the Sunwapta Valley with a stunning bird’s eye view of waterfalls, wildlife, and fossils below. The one kilometre glass walkway will take your breath away with a 918 foot drop below to the valley floor. This award winning attraction is safe and accessible for the whole family with an interpretive storytelling format to guide you through the natural wonders beyond. Book ahead to select a time slot for the experience between April and October each year. You can even pair your glacier adventure with a meal at the Altitude Restaurant, overlooking the Athabasca Glacier, for the ultimate Columbia Icefields experience. With stunning views along the Columbia Icefields, the Glacier Skywalk requires a very full day to explore. Distance from Calgary: 3.5 hours (311 kilometres/193 miles)

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage SiteHead-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site

One of the world’s oldest, largest, and best preserved buffalo jumps, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, putting it in the same class of worldwide wonders as the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. Indoor and outdoor exhibits explore the history of buffalo hunting culture and the work of archaeologists to preserve this incredible site. Allow one to two hours for the indoor exhibits and an additional 45 minutes for the interpretive outdoor hike that explores the buffalo jump. Hours of operation vary by season so be sure to check ahead before planning your road trip. Distance from Calgary: 2 hours (183 kilometres/114 miles)

Lake LouiseLake Louise

Of all the iconic locations in Canada, Lake Louise may be at the top of the list. One of the most photographed locations in the world, Lake Louise, with its emerald green water and rugged peaks, is just two hours from Calgary. Canoe on the lake in the summer, enjoy ice skating and ice sculptures in the winter, and be sure to visit the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a traditional Afternoon Tea anytime of the year. The small hamlet of Lake Louise includes a small collection of shops and restaurants along with a visitor information centre. Beat the crowds and visit early in the morning or during the week for an uninterrupted view of the lake. Distance from Calgary: 2 hours (183 kilometres/114 miles)

Fairmont Chateau Lake LouiseFairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Rocky Mountain House National Historic SiteRocky Mountain House National Historic Site

Discover how the fur trade helped shape the history of Canada at Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site. Book a hands on experience demonstrating the Métis skills of the fur trade, explore the archaeological remains of four forts, take part in authentic indigenous games, drumming, dancing, and daily campfires, or spend the night with a variety of heritage camping accommodations. Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is open May through September with free entry available to Parks Canada Discovery Pass holders. Distance from Calgary: 2.5 hours (207 kilometres/129 miles)

Royal Tyrell Museum of PaleontologyRoyal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is an engaging experience for everyone in the family that explores the history of life on Earth. Home to one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur skeletons, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a world renowned museum and research facility. Search for fossils, dig in a realistic quarry, cast your own fossil, or enjoy a scenic self-guided tour through the Canadian Badlands around the museum. Temperatures and weather patterns in the Canadian Badlands can vary by the day, so be sure to bring clothing suitable for a range of conditions, including good walking shoes for outdoor hikes. Check ahead for seasonal hours and allow two to three hours to explore all of the museum’s galleries. Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours (142 kilometres/88 miles)

Waterton Lakes National ParkWaterton Lakes National Park

With the prairies to the east and the Canadian Rockies to the west, Waterton Lakes National Park has stunning views in every direction. Sharing its border with the United States and British Columbia, Waterton Lakes National Park is a scenic two and a half hour drive from Calgary, with small town charm and endless photography opportunities. Perched on the bluff above Waterton, the Prince of Wales Hotel is a historic part of Waterton with a traditional Afternoon Tea, making it a must-visit part of your road trip. Waterton Lakes National Park is open year round, though most facilities close in the winter months. Distance from Calgary: 2.5 hours (258 kilometres/160 miles)

Things to Do: Multiple DaysThings to Do: Multiple Days

Discover Banff National Park - Premium Day TripDiscover Banff National Park - Premium Day Trip

Not your average Banff Tour, incredible mountains, wildlife, amazing lakes, adventure for all ages, small groups are awesome, there is a bit of this and a bit of that! Banff , Jasper, Yoho and Kananaskis parks cover an area of approximately 23,000KM! Pick the experience that suits you best. Do and see as much as possible in a day or make it two days!

Calgary Tips-Based Walking Tour | 3-HourCalgary Tips-Based Walking Tour | 3-Hour

Discover the highlights of Calgary on this tip-based guided walking tour. Learn about Calgary’s history as you walk around to iconic attractions, including the Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue Walk, Central Library, City Hall, and more. Learn about Calgary’s must-do experiences and receive recommendations for food, entertainment, and nightlife from your guide.

Calgary Street Art & Craft Beer Tour, Tastings Included | 3-HourCalgary Street Art & Craft Beer Tour, Tastings Included | 3-Hour

Combine street art and craft beer with this small-group tour around Calgary. Start the tour sampling a few beers, then head out to the Beltline Urban Mural Project to admire a selection of street art murals, while learning more about the art and artists with exclusive information and stories. End the tour with more craft beer at a local brewery.

Calgary Food Walking Tour: Calgary Farmers MarketCalgary Food Walking Tour: Calgary Farmers Market

Taste your way through Calgary with a food-themed walking tour featuring a stop at a bustling farmer’s market. Learn about where local food comes from and meet Alberta farmers and food artisans at the market. Snack along the way on a variety of foods from pastries to cheeses and more. Market bags, shopping lists, and recipes are included.

Self-Guided Scavenger HuntsSelf-Guided Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are the best way to go out and explore a city. Whether you are local or a tourist, you will have a blast on our adventures. From scavenger hunts to bar crawls and ghost tours, to date nights, find tours in Calgary and roam!

Horseback Riding ToursHorseback Riding Tours

Explore stunning sections of wilderness on this two-hour horseback riding tour in Banff National Park. Spot wildlife that you might not get to see on foot and learn a few cowboy tricks along the way from your guide. Pass by natural sulphur hot springs as you make your way to one of Banff’s national historic sites, the Cave and Basin. Trek along the tranquil Bow River and take in magnificent views of the Bow Valley. Through thick marshes that are difficult to navigate on foot. Watch as your horse easily ascends the slopes of Sulphur Mountain to reach the Windy Knoll viewpoint where you can take striking photos of the sweeping landscape.

Banff: Wagon Ride with Cowboy Cookout BBQBanff: Wagon Ride with Cowboy Cookout BBQ

Meet your guide at the stables in Banff, where your adventure will begin. After check in at the office, walk back outside into the sunshine and meet your trusty horse that will be pulling your wagon. Embark on a 1-hour ride along the Bow River and past the historic Cave and Basin hot springs towards the BBQ spot at 3 Mile Cabin. Upon arrival, let the cook know how you would like your steak cooked or first try a round of lassoing or horseshoes. Tuck into your cooked-to-order steak along with a roasted potato, cowboy baked beans, coleslaw, buns, and dessert. This sheltered lunch spot has comfortable picnic benches and there's plenty of time to relax by the fire or try some western style games after lunch if you prefer. After your tasty BBQ, take a 1-hour ride back along the Sulphur Mountain Trail and up and around the Windy Knoll, where you can see dazzling views of the surrounding mountains. Back at the stables, disembark the wagon and say goodbye to your horse with some farewell pats.

Saddle and Paddle: Kananaskis River Rafting AdventureSaddle and Paddle: Kananaskis River Rafting Adventure

Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting (1:30pm – 5:30pm) Get splashed on the class 2 – 3 rapids along with pristine landscapes of Kananaskis Provincial Park for an afternoon whitewater rafting adventure. It’s the ideal rafting experience for families, friends or as a group outing and you’ll have a chance to play in the rapids surfing the waves and swim in the river alongside the raft. 1 Hour Bow River Horseback Ride (various times available) - This popular Banff horseback ride takes you along the Bow River in Banff while watching for wildlife and enjoying the spectacular scenery. You’ll also ride past the natural sulphur hot springs flowing from the Cave & Basin – the original historic hot springs.