The sun is shining and another weekend is just around the corner! How will you spend it? If you’re seeking adventure, consider visiting one of the many beautiful valleys, lakes, gardens or mountains within 3 hours of the big city! Not sure what to put in the GPS? Here are a few wonderful day trips you should take from Calgary before summer is over.

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Castle Provincial Park

This summer, make a splash at Castle Falls in Castle Provincial Park! Those looking for somewhere to cool off or wind down can enjoy an incredibly scenic dip, are able to take a walk, or have a picnic along the river. Don’t miss your chance to see it before it freezes over!

Where: Directions here

Drumheller 

Have a dino-mite time! The Alberta Badlands are rich in history, but Drumheller is unlike any other place in the province. Here, you can check out the iconic Royal Tyrrell Museum, scenic Hoodoo hikes, and visit the world’s largest T-Rex.

Where: Directions here

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

Located in Cochrane, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is educational, fun and, above all, incredibly cool—especially if you’re an animal lover! Get up close and personal with their resident wolfpack, feed, pet and sit with them.

Where: 263156 Range Road 53 Cochrane, Alberta

Rowley

Love history? There is plenty to see and do in the uniquely Albertan town of Rowley. Frozen in time, visitors are encouraged to explore the old town and can appreciate everything from the garage and church to the bank, store, saloon and community hall. They even host pizza parties!

Where: Directions here

Kananaskis 

Kananaskis has something for everyone, whether you need a day away to unwind, dream of a scenic picnic or want to go hiking. The fresh air will go straight to your head, the sun will warm your skin, and the memories will last a lifetime!

Where: 1 Centennial Dr, Kananaskis

Sylvan Lake 

Dream of a beach day? Sylvan Lake is an incredible destination no matter the season, but it’s extra special in the summertime! Enjoy a bite to eat, go shopping, have a picnic or hang out on the beach. You’re in for a treat!

Where: See directions here

Nordegg

From hiking trails to their beautiful lake, wildlife tours, crescent falls and fishing, Nordegg has a ton of exciting things to do and see. They may be small, but they are mighty!

Where: Directions here

Banff

Shop, eat, walk, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. You just can’t have a day-trip list without including Banff – the birthplace of Canada’s national park system! It really is one of the most beautiful places in Canada!

Where: Directions here

Nikka Yuko

Stop and smell the flowers! A Nikka Yuko Gardens find shade under a tree, watch ducks on the ponds, or participate in daily activities. It’s one of the most beautiful places, not only in Alberta, but all of North America!

Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge

Quarry Lake

Located just outside of Canmore, Quarry Lake is surrounded by mountains, trees, and wildlife. If you want to take it easy, head west and enjoy a picnic, a stroll, or a dip.

Where: Directions here

Bowden SunMaze

Located just south of Red Deer, the Bowden SunMaze at Eagle Creek Farm is also where guests are encouraged to pick their own vegetables, get lost in the willow trees, and frolic through one of “Canada’s few Sunflower Mazes.” With thousands of seeds planted year after year, you won’t be disappointed!

Where: 34530 RR#14 Red Deer County, Alberta

Johnson Lake

A beautiful spot nestled among some of the oldest Douglas fir trees in Alberta, those who visit Johnson Lake can go canoeing, have a picnic, or go swimming! Johnson Lake is considered “one of the warmest lakes in the Canadian Rockies.”

Where: Directions here

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Located south of Calgary, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is sacred. Not only is it scenic, but it’s protected by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and will give you insight into a time gone by.

Where: Northwest of Fort Macleod on secondary Highway #785, Fort MacLeod, Alberta

There you have it. Incredible day trips you can take from Calgary. Where will you be heading first?!

Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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