What makes a road trip from Calgary the ultimate adventure? With its stunning landscapes and diverse attractions, Calgary serves as the perfect starting point for unforgettable scenic drives. Whether you’re drawn to the majestic Icefields Parkway with its rugged mountains and pristine glaciers or the otherworldly beauty of Drumheller’s badlands, these drives promise breathtaking views at every turn. Planning is key to experiencing the best Alberta has to offer. Embark on these roads less traveled to soak in natural splendor and create lasting memories. Let’s delve into Calgary’s most scenic road trips and their must-see viewpoints.
Top Scenic Road Trips from Calgary
Calgary is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking Alberta scenic drives, making it an ideal starting point for road trip enthusiasts. One of the most popular routes is the Icefields Parkway, which stretches approximately 232 kilometers from Calgary to Jasper. This scenic highway is renowned for its stunning vistas of mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes, offering travelers a visual feast that epitomizes the best road trips in Calgary. The Parkway is dotted with must-see attractions that promise memorable Calgary sightseeing experiences.
Drumheller, located about 135 kilometers northeast of Calgary, presents a contrasting yet equally captivating landscape. Known for its unique badlands and rich dinosaur history, Drumheller is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a treasure trove for fossil enthusiasts. The drive to Drumheller is an exploration of Alberta’s geological wonders, featuring dramatic rock formations and expansive vistas that are a testament to the region’s diverse natural beauty. Including Drumheller in your road trip planning ensures a comprehensive exploration of Alberta’s varied landscapes.
Successful road trip planning is crucial to fully appreciate these scenic adventures. Consider the season and weather conditions, especially when traversing mountain routes like the Icefields Parkway. A well-planned itinerary allows for leisurely exploration of the region’s hidden gems and ensures time to savor the majestic views. For an unforgettable journey, incorporate these must-see scenic viewpoints into your itinerary:
- Bow Lake – Known for its turquoise waters.
- Peyto Lake – Famous for its wolf-head shape.
- Horseshoe Canyon – Offers spectacular views of the badlands.
- Lake Minnewanka – Surrounded by majestic mountains.
- Johnston Canyon – Features striking waterfalls.
Weekend Getaways: Best Short Road Trips from Calgary
Kananaskis Country, just 100 kilometers from Calgary, offers a serene retreat with breathtaking mountain scenery. This destination is perfect for those seeking outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, as it boasts numerous trails and crystal-clear lakes. The natural beauty of Kananaskis provides an ideal backdrop for a quick escape from city life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Canadian Rockies. Whether hiking the trails or casting a line in one of the region’s pristine waters, Kananaskis Country delivers an unforgettable nature experience.
Banff and Canmore are iconic destinations, each offering unique attractions within a short drive from Calgary. Banff National Park, located approximately 128 kilometers away, is home to stunning natural landmarks like Johnston Canyon and Lake Minnewanka. These spots are perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the area’s local cuisine. Canmore, just 105 kilometers from Calgary, offers a charming atmosphere with numerous trails and golf courses set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Both destinations provide ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation, making them ideal weekend getaways for those seeking to experience the majestic allure of the Rockies.
| Destination | Distance from Calgary | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Kananaskis Country | 100 km | Hiking, Fishing |
| Banff | 128 km | Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka |
| Canmore | 105 km | Trails, Golf Courses |
Calgary to Banff and Beyond: Iconic Routes
The journey from Calgary to Banff is a quintessential road trip that offers travelers breathtaking views and iconic landscapes. Spanning around 128 kilometers, this route takes you through the heart of Banff National Park, where you can explore renowned attractions such as Johnston Canyon and Lake Minnewanka. These natural landmarks provide a perfect setting for photography, hiking, and soaking in the serene beauty of the Rockies. To fully enjoy the park and its attractions, a park pass is essential and can be purchased at the entrance or online for convenience. The best times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Continuing beyond Banff, the road trip extends through the Icefields Parkway, a magnificent 232-kilometer stretch that leads to Jasper. This scenic highway is celebrated for its stunning views of the Canadian Rockies, dotted with glaciers, pristine lakes, and rugged mountain peaks. Traveling along the Icefields Parkway offers a chance to witness the natural splendor of the region, making it a must for road trip enthusiasts. The Parkway is accessible year-round, but summer months provide the best conditions for exploring the outdoors and participating in glacier tours. Be sure to plan your stops to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes and local wildlife.
A trip along the Icefields Parkway is incomplete without visiting its must-see stops, which are renowned for their beauty and unique features. These stops offer opportunities to engage with nature and capture unforgettable moments.
Must-See Stops Along the Icefields Parkway
- Bow Lake – A serene spot for photography.
- Athabasca Falls – Known for its powerful waterfalls.
- Columbia Icefield – Offers glacier tours.
- Sunwapta Falls – A picturesque waterfall stop.
Exploring Alberta’s Badlands: A Unique Road Trip
The Alberta Badlands present a distinct landscape that is both rugged and intriguing, with Drumheller standing out as a focal point for those fascinated by natural history and geology. The area is renowned for its striking badlands scenery and the rich dinosaur history that has captivated scientists and visitors alike. At the heart of this region is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of dinosaur fossils. This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in paleontology, offering a comprehensive look into the prehistoric past that shaped the area.
When planning a road trip through the Badlands, it’s essential to consider the unique attractions along the Dinosaur Trail. This route not only highlights the geological wonders but also offers opportunities to explore hidden gems and sample local cuisine. A stop at Wayne, Alberta, invites travelers to step back in time in this historic ghost town, while the Horseshoe Canyon provides breathtaking views of the region’s natural beauty. Incorporating these sites into your itinerary ensures a journey filled with both educational and scenic experiences.
- Royal Tyrrell Museum – Extensive dinosaur exhibits.
- Horseshoe Canyon – Striking badlands scenery.
- Wayne, Alberta – A historic ghost town.
- World’s Largest Dinosaur – A famous roadside attraction.
- Dinosaur Trail Golf Course – Scenic golfing experience.
Planning Your Road Trip: Tips and Essentials
Road trip planning from Calgary involves a meticulous approach to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Safety is a top priority, especially when traversing mountain roads. Checking road conditions in advance is crucial, particularly during the winter months when weather can be unpredictable. Ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready, with proper tires and emergency supplies, is essential for safe travel. Crafting a well-thought-out travel itinerary that includes overnight stays allows for a more relaxed pace, letting travelers fully appreciate local attractions and the natural beauty along the way.
Renting a car can greatly enhance your road trip experience by offering flexibility and the convenience of exploring scenic routes without the constraints of public transport. A rental provides the latest in vehicle technology and safety features, which are beneficial when driving through diverse terrains. Checking road conditions regularly via local traffic websites or apps ensures travelers are prepared for any changes, allowing for adjustments to the itinerary as needed. By following these fundamental steps, road trippers can embark on their Calgary adventures with confidence.
- Check road conditions in advance.
- Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready.
- Plan your itinerary with overnight stays.
- Consider renting a car for flexibility.
- Pack a safety kit with first-aid supplies.
Final Words
The best road trips in Calgary offer unique opportunities to explore picturesque landscapes and cultural landmarks. From the iconic Icefields Parkway to the unique terrain of Alberta’s Badlands, each route reveals diverse attractions, from turquoise lakes to fascinating geological formations. Weekend getaways to Kananaskis, Banff, and Canmore provide vibrant escapes with endless outdoor activities.
Embracing these routes requires thorough planning, with safety and itinerary essentials ensuring a memorable experience. Embracing flexibility and preparedness allows travelers to fully enjoy each destination and uncover hidden gems along the way. Enjoy the journey and discover the beauty around Calgary.
FAQ
Where to go for a drive in Calgary?
Calgary offers scenic drives including the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, featuring stunning scenery. Drumheller is known for its badlands and dinosaur fossils. These routes provide picturesque landscapes and historic attractions.
Is the drive from Calgary to Banff pretty?
The drive from Calgary to Banff is indeed picturesque, as it showcases the majestic Canadian Rockies, with scenic viewpoints and landmarks like Lake Minnewanka and Johnston Canyon, making it a memorable journey.
How many days in Calgary is enough?
A stay of three to five days in Calgary allows visitors to explore key attractions such as the Calgary Zoo, Glenbow Museum, and nearby scenic road trips to the Rocky Mountains and Drumheller.
Where is the best place to vacation from Calgary?
Banff and Jasper National Parks are top vacation spots from Calgary, offering stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and iconic attractions like Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, and the Banff Gondola.
What are the best road trips from Calgary to the USA?
Road trips from Calgary to the USA include destinations like Glacier National Park in Montana or Yellowstone National Park, offering diverse landscapes and iconic sights within a reasonable driving distance.
How distant is Calgary from the Rocky Mountains?
Calgary is approximately 80 kilometers from the Rocky Mountains, making it an ideal starting point for exploring mountain destinations like Banff, Canmore, and the stunning Icefields Parkway.
