15 Best Day Trips from Calgary
Here is our travel guide on the best day trips from Calgary. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly outing in Calgary's surroundings, a budget trip in the Canadian Rockies, or an exciting adventure in Alberta's Badlands, we've got you covered.
Calgary is one of the largest cities in Western Canada and the ideal base for exploring the Alberta province. Blessed with beautiful natural areas and historic sites, Alberta contains an array of beautiful attractions for all types of travelers.
Within two hours of driving, you could be admiring the sunset over the jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies, taking a soothing dip into natural hot pools, canoeing on the emerald lakes, road-tripping across the grasslands, or learning about both indigenous people or cowboy history of the prairies.
The Alberta Province offers so much more, and you can visit many fascinating places from Calgary on a day trip even on a budget.
There are plenty of things to do in Calgary throughout the year, but here is the question. What to do outside Calgary? You might have several reasons why to base yourself in Calgary, one of the sunniest cities in Canada.
That's why we've put together this list of awesome day trips, just a short distance from Calgary.
Calgary is also known as a gateway to the Banff National Park, resulting in that you have an almost endless list of possibilities once you get in the park. Before you go, make sure to read our Guide to Banff National Park.
Although we can't list every single place worth visiting in Banff, the national park is always a safe choice if you ever run out of ideas for an active road trip.
For more ideas for what to do in Calgary, check out our guides on Best Things to Do in Calgary in Summer or Fun Things to Do in Calgary in Winter.
And lastly, before you go, always double-check opening hours, as they can change frequently.
So, here is our choice of the top day trips from Calgary for every type of traveler.
LAKE LOUISE
Lake Louise is a top travel destination in the Canadian Rockies, and visitors are often overwhelmed with the sheer amount of activities, adventures, and attractions available throughout the year.
Lake Louise area is known for superb hiking trails in the summer and premiere skiing resorts in the winter. As a bonus, you will find at Lake Louise another glacial lake that's a must-visit.
Often regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies, Moraine Lake is accessible via Moraine Lake Road from May to October.
Both lakes are insanely beautiful, and due to their easy access, travelers flock to the area throughout the entire visiting season.
The milky turquoise color of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise is caused by the glacial silt that runs off the melting glaciers in the mountains above the lake, that together with the jaw-dropping backdrop, will make you want to stay forever.
The best part is that you can easily visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on a day trip from Calgary and enjoy the day out away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
In autumn, the Larch Valley (Moraine Lake area) turns the entire area into a golden blanket, while Plain of Six Glaciers (Lake Louise area) is any time of the year trek (in winter, the trail leads through several avalanche-prone areas, though).
Lake Louise is located 185 kilometers west of Calgary, and you can get there in slightly over two hours by car. Moraine Lake is a 14 kilometers long detour, but unlike Lake Louise, you can't visit it year-round (it is not accessible by car, you can use cross-country skis).
If you find out that one day is not enough for Lake Louise (we won't blame you), then know that you can reserve a room in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Moraine Lake Lodge.
And final pro travel tip. The parking situation in both areas is bad (it's tragic at Lake Moraine), so reserve a seat on a shuttle bus that frequently leaves the overflow parking lot just off the Trans-Canada to have a stress-free trip.
BANFF UPPER HOT SPRINGS
Each of the three Canadian Rockies Hot Springs should definitely be on your radar, but only Banff Upper Hot Springs is close to Calgary, making it a perfect day trip destination.
If you don't mind driving or have visited hot springs in Banff already, you can drive for three hours to Radium Hot Springs in Kootenay National Park. Miette Hot Springs is located in Jasper National Park, and as it takes six hours to get there, it makes no sense to drive there in one day.
All of these hot springs are operated by Parks Canada and work on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are not available.
Banff Upper Hot Springs can be reached from Calgary in about an hour and a half by car via the Trans-Canada Highway.
These hot springs have an excellent location, and they are located at the Sulphur Mountain trailhead, meaning that you can hike to the top to get some superb views and later relax in the hot springs to soothe your sore muscles and joints.
Visiting the hot springs is a wonderful activity each time of the year, but the best time to visit is on a bad weather day. Needless to say, if the visibility is reduced, you won't get the chance to admire the epic views of the surrounding mountains.
The hot springs have one more aces in the sleeve - they are very affordable (compared to some hot springs in Iceland, for example)! The admission to Banff Upper Hot Springs is $8.48 for an adult, but make sure to bring your own swimsuit and towel as they are not included in the price.
Keep in mind that the hot springs are quite small and can be crowded at peak times.
LAKE MINNEWANKA
Once again, we will head out to the Banff National Park on a day trip from Calgary. Lake Minnewanka is one of the best places to visit from Calgary on a day trip that boasts stunning scenery, picnic sites, and plenty of activities.
In the Stoney language, the name means Lake of the Spirits (Minn-waki), reflecting the fact that the first people respected and feared the spirits of the lake.
There are plenty of things to do in Lake Minnewanka, and it is one of those places that have something for everyone.
Do you want to stay active on your trip? Then hike the challenging Aylmer Lookout Trail. Need some time to unwind? The lakeside area has plenty of picnic sites, BBQs, and fire pits. Are you looking for a way to explore the area thoroughly? Bring a bike and cycle around the scenic drive, see the beautiful Two-Jack Lake with Mount Rundle reflections or take a detour to Johnson Lake to get away from the crowds. Or just want to enjoy the serene beauty of Mount Inglismaldie aboard a boat cruise that explores the lake in a relaxed way?
Lake Minnewanka offers all that and much more. And the history of the area is quite intriguing as well.
Two dams were built in 1912 and 1941 to supply increasing energy demand. The result of the 1941 construction was that the lake raised 30 meters, and the resort village of Minnewanka Landing was flooded and became an underwater ghost town.
But the history of Lake Minnewanka stretches much further in the past. Indigenous people traveled, camped, hunted, and fished more than ten thousand years ago in Lake Minnewanka and adjoining Bow Valley. Recently, many artifacts were found in the area by archaeologists.
Lake Minnewanka day-use area gets busy during the weekends (especially on the holidays and long weekends) in summer, and you should arrive there early during these times.
As some of the trails lead through the grizzly bear's natural habitat, make sure to hike in a group and always carry a bear spray. Also, trekking poles will help you with both the uphill and downhill parts of the Aylmer Lookout hike.
Lake Minnewanka is located 130 kilometers west of Calgary, and it takes about an hour and a half to get there.
NAKISKA SKI AREA
If you love smaller ski resorts, then Nakiska Ski Area will enchant you. This lovely family-friendly ski destination is super popular among Calgarians as it's only one hour drive from the city.
Although you won't find there steep and difficult slopes as you would in Lake Louise or Banff, the appeal of Nakiska lies somewhere else. Smaller ski resorts usually offer better value for money with a more relaxed atmosphere, and that's exactly the case of Nakiska Ski Area.
The resort has 74 runs, three high-speed quads, and one double chair, and most of the terrain in Nakiska is rated as intermediate.
Moreover, this resort hill is a perfect place for novice skiers and kids, so if you are looking for a place to learn some basics for you or your kids, Nakiska is always a solid choice.
As the location is so close to Calgary, the ski resort gets busy on weekends, so you might want to avoid this time of the week when possible; the lines are usually shorter in the afternoon.
Due to its easy access, it might be worth considering purchasing a season pass at the early bird prices to save some money, as it's definitely worth visiting Nakiska more than just once.
More serious skiers who want to play on the mountain all day might want to look into Sunshine Village or Lake Louise in Banff National Park.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
THE CANADIAN BADLANDS
When was the last time you went on a road trip? Are you looking for something different from the mountainous scenery of the Canadian Rockies?
The striking landscape of the Canadian Badlands boasts a maze of canyons, valleys, prairies, hoodoos, saloons, and scenic drives. More than 60 million years ago, dinosaurs ruled the world, and this was their home.
The Canadian Badlands is often overlooked by international travelers hurrying in the opposite direction towards the Rockies, resulting in fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
The gateway to this unique area is the small town of Drumheller, but you can easily visit the Canadian Badlands from Calgary on a day trip.
Honestly, there are so many things to do and see in Drumheller that you might even stay overnight to get the most of the area.
You can start your day by visiting and hiking in Horseshoe Canyon, driving along the scenic Dinosaur Trail, climbing the stairs of the World's Largest Dinosaur, exploring the Little Church, hiking in Horsethief Canyon, taking a Bleriot Ferry, and enjoying the views from the Orkney Viewpoint.
Later, travel from Drumheller in the southeast direction, and take a guided tour in Atlas Coal Mine, admire the hoodoos, and finally drive across the 11 bridges of Wayne to get a burger in the Last Chance Saloon.
As you can clearly see, the Canadian Badlands will keep you entertained for a day (or two).
Furthermore, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology is worth visiting too, but as you can spend there the whole day, we created a separate text below.
There is almost no shadow in the Badlands, and the high temperatures make the summer trip exhausting. Stay hydrated, use strong sunscreen, and wear a hat.
ROYAL TYRRELL MUSEUM OF PALEONTOLOGY
Royal Tyrrell Museum is an ultimate family-friendly day trip from Calgary that is unlike any other. Prepare to take a journey into the exciting ancient world and modern paleontology in a highly entertaining way.
Located just northeast of Calgary in Drumheller, Royal Tyrrell Museum has been one of Alberta's most popular places to visit.
The museum features one of the largest displays of dinosaurs in the world. These reptiles first appeared 245 million years ago and dominated the planet until they met their end roughly 66 million years ago.
At the museum, you will learn not only about these former rulers of the world but also about their predecessors and successors, about the evolution or the climate changes that impacted all living creatures in the world.
Walking through one of the 13 exhibits is an incredible experience, and the main Dinosaur Hall is a place that will leave you in awe. Other areas such as the Preparation Lab allow you to look under the bonnet of actual scientific work while making sure you won't get bored.
By the way, if you ever travel to Yoho National Park, then here in the museum, you can see fossils of underwater creatures that lived there more than 505 million years ago.
The fact that you can spend an entire day (or two if you are really into dinosaurs) in the museum itself is the reason why we've listed Royal Tyrrell Museum separately from the Canadian Badlands.
Moreover, the museum also offers exciting events, programs, and educational resources for learners of all ages.
Admission to Royal Tyrrell Museum is $21 for an adult, and free parking is available in front of the museum.
QUARRY LAKE
Despite the fact that Quarry Lake is not anymore that unknown little hidden gem in Canmore, we believe it's still worth a visit.
Undoubtedly, summer is the best time to visit Quarry Lake near Canmore, although you can go there year-round. Whether you are looking for a nice little place to swim in or a lovely picnic area with a stunning mountain backdrop, Quarry Lake won't disappoint you.
Once you arrive at this little spot, you can go for a short hike around the lake, take a dip in the refreshing water (the water never gets that warm even in summer, though it's swimmable), and later have a picnic on grassy lawns while admiring the views.
As the name suggests, the lake was created by flooding a former quarry, and you might be surprised that the lake is over 100 meters deep in some areas.
The parking is no longer free to limit the number of visitors per day, though if you are a Canmore resident, you get one free parking per season. The dogs are not permitted to swim in the lake, but there is a large off-leash area only a short walk from there.
As Canmore sits on the borders of Banff National Park, you can find some amazing hikes nearby. If you are looking for serious hikes, then consider either the Ha Ling Peak hike or the East End of Rundle hike.
Ha Ling Peak trail is approximately 3.5 kilometers from the parking lot to the peak, and the elevation gain is approximately 750 meters, while the East End of Rundle summit can be reached in 3 kilometers on a challenging trail across steep rocky terrain with an elevation gain of approximately 900 meters.
On the way back to Calgary, don't forget to stop at Quarry Lake to regain some strength.
SYLVAN LAKE
When the summer arrives, you might want to start looking for swimmable lakes you can visit on a day trip from Calgary.
Sylvan Lake is located 160 kilometers north of Calgary, and you will need almost two hours to get there. The lakeside area offers clean washrooms and well-maintained grounds, and you can enjoy one of the easy trails encircling the lake.
The water is quite shallow in the beach area, and if you ever get bored from lazing around, you can try one of many water activities such as swimming, water skiing, or a floating water park for kids.
If you have time and just don't want to go home yet, you might want to enjoy a peaceful sunset from the lakeside.
Furthermore, you will find a structure standing on the shores you won't often find in similar places.
The Sylvan Lake Lighthouse was modeled after the iconic Peggys Point Lighthouse (also known as Peggys Cove Lighthouse) in Nova Scotia and is one of the few inland lighthouses in Canada.
The lake is quite large and offers excellent services, so it's not that surprising that almost one million tourists go visit the area each year.
Dogs are not allowed in grassy areas, and you can find a paid parking just across the beach (some visitors might consider the rates pricey).
As Sylvan Lake lies only twenty-five kilometers west of Red Deer, you might want to make a stop there as well, stretch your legs and fill up a gas tank.
EDMONTON
Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta and the second-largest city in the province. The city is located on the North Saskatchewan River and lies in the heart of Alberta's province, approximately 300 kilometers north of Calgary.
While it takes at least three hours from Calgary to Edmonton by car, we believe it's worth the trip for both locals and international visitors.
So, what is there to do in Edmonton?
For starters, taking a guided free tour in Alberta Legislature Building is a must-do while in the city. It's the meeting place of the Legislative Assembly and Executive council, where you will learn more about Canadian politics, history, traditions, ceremonies, or traditional architecture.
Muttart Conservatory is a unique botanical garden featuring more than 700 species of plants in three modern glass pyramids, each representing different biomes, while the fourth one houses seasonal exhibitions and displays.
While in the city, you shouldn't also miss Fort Edmonton Park, Royal Alberta Museum, TELUS World of Science (though we would probably visit the World of Science in Calgary), or the Art Gallery of Alberta.
If you arrive in Edmonton early in the morning, Old Strathcona Farmers Market is a perfect place to start your day.
While you are still in Strathcona, don't forget to take the historic ride High Level Bridge Streetcar that crosses the Saskatchewan River via an old bridge while offering fantastic views of the city. Despite the fact that this is one of Edmonton's top attractions, the fare is only $7 for an adult.
Edmonton is a modern, cosmopolitan city, and even though the sightseeing is often fulfilling, the idea of visiting one of its many excellent restaurants will make a perfect ending to your day trip.
DINOSAUR PROVINCIAL PARK
If you have come to the conclusion that the province of Alberta is all about mountains and dinosaurs, you are not that far from reality. We have already talked about the Drumheller and the Canadian Badlands area surrounding the town, but there is another gem hiding even deeper in the southeastern parts of the province.
Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has one of the richest dinosaur fossils in the world. It's often claimed the site is not "one of the richest" but "the richest" in the world, as five percent of all dinosaur fossils were found here.
And if you have already been to Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, then you have seen plenty of the skeletons, bones, or fossils that were found in this provincial park. In fact, the variety and quality of dinosaur fossils are unmatched anywhere in the world.
It's really hard to comprehend that 75 million years ago, Alberta was a subtropical jungle with lush forests and wide rivers that looked like nothing we can see today.
After the extinction of the dinosaurs, the conditions in the area were perfect for preserving their remains, and as the badlands were shaped by the glaciers during the last Ice Age and erode throughout time, archaeologists discover more and more specimens.
The park is home to some nice and short trails which you can explore on your own, but taking a guided tour will show you the area from another perspective. There is no admission to the Dinosaur Provincial Park (the entrance fee to the museum is $4 per adult, though).
Honestly, Dinosaur Provincial Park deserves more than just one day. A large campground with 120 RV and tent-friendly sites is a perfect place to stay overnight if you want to spend more time in the area.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to Alberta or a Calgarian preparing for the first trip into the badlands, you might be wondering whether to go to Drumheller or Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Although both places are unique and offer a fantastic experience, we would recommend the Drumheller area to you.
Drumheller has a museum, badlands, hoodoos, amenities and is easily accessible and a bit more family-friendly. It also serves as a perfect introduction to the world of fossils, dinosaurs, and the badlands, something you might find handy when you someday in the future go to the Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Dinosaur Provincial Park is further and more remote (it also means fewer crowds), and although the scenery is breathtaking, it lacks the museum experience. But you know what, maybe that's what you are exactly looking for.
In conclusion, first go to the Drumheller area, and save Dinosaur Provincial Park for later.
Dinosaur Provincial Park is 225 kilometers east of Calgary, and it takes about two and half hours to get there.
BAR U RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
The cowboy culture is strong in Calgary, and if you have ever dreamed of becoming a ranching cowboy for a day or two, you should drive to Bar U Ranch National Historic Site. This historic site allows you to take a step back and see the way of life on a large Canadian ranch at the end of the 19th century.
As the ranching operations grew bigger, Bar U Ranch was one of the most important ranches in Canada from 1882 to 1950. In the days of its biggest glory, the ranch had more than 1000 Percheron horses, 30000 cattle and extended over 160000 acres.
Nowadays, it's an important tourist site and a perfect place to visit on a day trip from Calgary.
The ranch offers so much more than just the traditional buildings and fun activities, and the people who work there will make your visit memorable as they take you one hundred years back through their stories, skills, and information they provide.
Nowadays, Parks Canada owns the land and conserves the area as the ranch represents an important Canadian historic site.
The admission to Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is $11.90 for an adult, but if you have Parks Canada Discovery Pass, then it's included in the pass.
If you happen to arrive in Calgary in summer but don't have time to venture off the beaten track, you might consider visiting the Calgary Stampede, a large outdoor wild-wild-west themed show held annually.
The original owners of the ranch co-founded the show, and the first one was held in the city in 1912.
FORT MACLEOD
If you are a museum buff or think that it's important to know about the country's history, then head out to Fort Macleod. Here, you will find a Museum of the North-West Mounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre, which is an original headquarters from the late 19th century set in this corner of Alberta.
The original fort was built in 1874, and now the museum has eight buildings and includes more than 9000 artifacts.
The exhibits in the museum are quite engaging, and you will learn more about Canadian history. The museum shows the result of new settlers, laws, and the impact on the First Nation dwellers.
The displays will give you an authentic insight into life around 150 years ago on the Frontier in an entertaining way. If you plan your trip carefully, you can also see the musical ride presented by the local riders, and you can visit the stables later.
Fort Macleod sits on the Old Man River 170 kilometers south of Calgary, and it takes less than two hours to get there by car.
The admission to the Fort Macleod museum is $12 for an adult and an additional $6 for the musical ride.
HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP WORLD HERITAGE SITE
While you are in Fort Macleod, you also must visit one of the best historic sites in Alberta, the famous Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretative Centre. In fact, if you are interested in indigenous history and tourism, you won't find much better places in Alberta than this one.
Located 2 hours south of Calgary, this site interprets more than 6000 years of Plains Buffalo culture. Moreover, the site was designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, and if you visit the UNESCO site frequently, you can't miss this one.
The museums stretch over six floors, the exhibits are educational and enjoyable, and include a short movie showing the re-enactment of buffalo hunting. The name of the museum refers to a technique that the First Nations used in this area to hunt and kill the buffalos grazing the prairies.
A high cliff that rises from the plains served as a trap during the buffalos hunting. Indigenous people used to drive the buffalos off the cliff more than 5500 years ago, and this technique gave the name this site.
The museum gives you an insight into the way the indigenous people lived completely off the land on the North American plains. You will learn more about their hunting techniques, various uses of buffalos (food, clothing, tools, materials for their dwellings), or how they store the meat.
Allow yourself around two to three hours for the site.
The admission to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretative Centre is $15 per adult, and it's located about 15 minutes drive west of For Macleod.
WINSPORT CANADA OLYMPIC PARK
Are you looking for a day trip but don't want to drive long distances? While technically the Canada Olympic Park is located still within Calgary, in the suburb though, it offers many activities for all ages, and you can easily spend there an entire day.
And as we used to live in the southern neighborhoods of Calgary and took the public transport system to get there, it felt like we were on an actual day trip, because the ride took forever.
Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, and this area was the main venue for luge, bobsleigh, and ski jumping. Nowadays, the park is used for both training and recreational purposes.
In winter, skiing, snowboarding, or skating are the main activities in the Olympic park, while mountain biking, downhill karting, or mini-golf are popular activities for families in summer.
Prices vary depending on the type of activities and how much time you spend in the park. If you are a family, it might be worth it to get the family pass to save money on admission.
Although you can actively spend the day in the Olympic park, we also recommend you visit Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. The museum was established in 1955, has twelve galleries, a theatre, and interactive exhibits. As it is dedicated to the history of the sport in Canada, no sports fan should miss it.
The admission to the museum is $12 for an adult, but if you are a Hall of Famer, it's free.
ELBOW FALLS
If you want to enjoy the scenery of the Canadian Rockies without paying the steep entry fee to the national parks, then travel to Elbow Falls.
Except for that, one of the main reasons why to visit Elbow Falls is that the trail is short and well-maintained, so it's perfect for travelers of all ages.
Moreover, except for the Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park, you won't find that many easily accessible waterfalls in Alberta.
Elbow Falls is a free recreation park about 45 minutes west of Calgary, making it a perfect alternative for all budget travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Elbow Falls are not unknown to Calgarians, and you should expect a fairly large crowd during the peak season. Fortunately, you can visit the falls year-round, and especially the wintertime brings a magical atmosphere to this area.
The volume and height of the waterfalls change throughout the year, and in the dry season, they can reach the height of six meters, while the falls are only 3 meters high during the river discharges. So the best time to visit the Elbow Falls depends on your preferences, but we must say the falls are beautiful in every season.
While you are in the area, you might want to consider hiking the Prairie Mountain. The hike can be done in under three hours, but bear in mind that it's not as easy as you might expect. The path is well-marked, and the views from the top are fantastic.
The area along the Elbow River offers more hiking (and biking) trails, and you can also explore the Bragg Creek Provincial Park, which's located on the same road as the fall but closer to Calgary.
WHERE TO STAY IN CALGARY
Calgary offers a wide range of accommodation for all types of travelers. The room rates are much more favorable than in the towns in the national parks, even during the peak season, making it a perfect base for exploring the Alberta province.
Calgary's downtown is always a solid choice when it comes to accommodation, but you can also stay near the airport (good for exploring the Canadian Badlands) or Banff Trail (a great starting point for the Canadian Rockies).
Although you can always find a room in Calgary (the only exception is the Calgary Stampede), reserving the room in advance is recommended to save some money.
Here is our choice of the best hotels in Calgary.
Budget | Aloft Calgary University - Modern and clean hotel close to Calgary's university is the right place for you if you like design hotels with great service.
Mid-range | Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel - Short walk to the international airport, stylishly designed rooms, and comfy beds with the cityscape overlook.
Luxury | Hotel Le Germain Calgary - Newly renovated hotel in the city center, just across the street from the Calgary Tower, is definitely one of the best picks for the price you can find in Calgary.
GET AROUND
There is no way around it; cars are the best option for taking day trips from Calgary unless you are riding with a bus tour. Having your own car is a huge plus when traveling around Alberta, and if you are an international visitor without a car, you should really consider renting one.
Fortunately, many rental car companies operate in Calgary, and the reservation process is very easy and straightforward. Here, you can find the best rental car rates.
We love traveling by public transport whenever and wherever we can, but Alberta is simply not the best place to travel that way. Moreover, driving in Canada is easy and safe, and the roads are in good condition.
If you don't want to drive a car, then you should consider taking a tour if available.
Lastly, you can take a shuttle from Calgary to Banff and from Banff to take either Roam Transit or Parks Canada shuttle to reach some popular places, but it's not very convenient nor that cheap (especially if you travel in a group).
TOURS FROM CALGARY
If you are short on time, don't have a car, or want to go with a local guide, then you should consider taking a tour.
Tours are usually a bit more expensive than independent travel, but they are hassle-free, and you don't have to worry about the itinerary or transportation.
The Canadian Badlands Tour - This private sightseeing tour includes stops at the Horseshoe Canyon, hoodoos, Atlas Coal Mine, and Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology.
Banff Area Tour - Take the gondola to Sulphur Mountain (ticket not included), stroll around the Banff downtown, hike in Johnston Canyon, stop at the panoramic views along the way, and be amazed by the Banff hoodoos.
Lake Louise and Yoho National Park Tour - On this day tour from Calgary, you will have the chance to see Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the best of Yoho National Park.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
