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Choose your own day trip from Calgary based on what you’re into: relaxing or adventurous mountain trips, dinosaurs or immersive Alberta history.

At a glance

  • 4-day itinerary
  • 893 km (555 mi) total distance
  • 9 hrs 35 mins drive time
  • Your starting point is in Calgary
Starts in

Calgary

Day 1 drive time: 3 hr 23 min, 316 km (196 mi)
Day 1

Mountain Adventures

Heading to the Canadian Rocky Mountains for hiking or adventuring is a quintessential Calgary pastime.

A family of four walking towards a bus on a Columbia Icefield Glacier tour.
A woman wearing a life jacket paddles a canoe across the turquoise water of Lake Louise with two mountains in the distance meeting in a valley. A Local Favourite

Option 1: Lake Louise

Seeing the striking turquoise lake alone is worth the drive, but take advantage of the natural beauty, too. Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House for lunch, hop a shuttle to stroll Moraine Lake, rent a canoe and paddle toward Victoria Glacier, and have a cocktail in style at Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

Person hiking through Red Rock Canyon A Local Favourite

Option 2: Waterton Lakes National Park

Tucked just slightly off the beaten trail, this national park is beloved for its hiking, fun on the lake and a sublime wildflower season. Rent stand-up paddleboards or kayaks in town or book a lake cruise. There’s plenty of hikes for all skills. Make time to check out Red Rock Canyon.

A family of four walking towards a bus on a Columbia Icefield Glacier tour.

Option 3: Columbia Icefield & Glacier Skywalk

Step on 10,000-year-old ice, drink water fresh from a glacier and then view the icy expanse from a cliff edge. You’ll start by riding a massive Ice Explorer bus to the glacier for a tour. Then, walk the glass floor of the Glacier Skywalk to see the Sunwapta Valley and icefield from way, way up.

Day 2 drive time: 1 hr 32 min, 133 km (83 mi)
Day 2

Relaxation in the Rockies

For times when you want to luxuriate in the majesty of the Rockies, these are the day trips for you.

Boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park
Day 3 drive time: 2 hr 20 min, 224 km (139 mi)
Day 3

Local History

Pick these spots if Indigenous stories, cowboy legends and curious tales pique your interest.

Day 4 drive time: 2 hr 20 min, 220 km (137 mi)
Day 4

Dinosaurs & Landscapes

Dig into Alberta’s ancient past with guided fossil tours or a unique dinosaur museum.

An articulated T-Rex skeleton on display at the Royal Tyrrell Museum.