Best Road Trips From Calgary

Calgary is the perfect gateway to stunning landscapes such as Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. In addition to amazing outdoor adventures, you can also visit lush vineyards, buzzing cities and even cross the border into the USA easily from the city.

Top Road Trip Destinations From Calgary

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Our rankings are based only on editorial opinion, not any commercial consideration.
Amazing place to be on earth. Moraine lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
1.

Banff

🚗 280 km ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

There is nothing quite like the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Banff. Banff National Park is a stone's throw from the town, and you will find stunning mountain vistas, turquoise lakes, hiking trails, wildlife, and hot springs here.

En route, you will also get to visit Mist Mountain Hot Springs, Kananaskis Lakes, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and Bow Valley Provincial Park.

Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park, Canada taken at Upper Sunwapta Falls with the water originating from the Athabasca Glacier in the distance and trees surrounding the waters edge, mountains in the distance.
2.

Jasper

🚗 490 km ⏱️ 8 hours, 30 minutes

Jasper National Park is a nature wonderland with stunning mountain landscapes, abundant wildlife, and crystal-clear lakes. Explore Maligne Lake, take scenic drives, and enjoy beautiful hikes.

Put aside some time to visit Canmore, Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise and Athabasca Glacier on the way to Jasper.

Vancouver skyline, British Columbia, Canada at sunset with boats in the harbor and mountains in the far distance.

🚗 1,155 km ⏱️ 14 hours, 30 minutes

Dive right into the hustle and bustle of Vancouver! This beautiful metropolis is surrounded by sea and mountains, where you can enjoy world-class cuisine, shopping, and an up-and-coming arts scene with many galleries and museums.

There is plenty to see on the way, too! En route, you will drive past Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park and Kamloops.

Panoramic view of the chalet in Kicking Horse Ski Resort on a sunny winter day
4.

Golden

🚗 265 km ⏱️ 3 hours

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Golden is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. You will also find Kicking Horse Mountain Resort nearby, perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

As an added bonus, you will get to visit Canmore, Banff National Park, Lake Louise and Yoho National Park on the way.

Stunning turquoise waters and mountain backdrop reflected in the waters, with red kayaks tied up along the shoreline, Yoho National Park, Canada
5.

Yoho National Park

🚗 190 km ⏱️ 2 hours, 5 minutes

Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most stunning sceneries in the country. Discover Yoho National Park's deep canyons and rocky peaks, and get ready to be awe-struck by waterfalls and the beautiful Emerald Lake.

Don't forget to visit Bow Valley Provincial Park, Canmore, Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise on this drive.

Panoramic view of Edmonton skyline on a sunny day
6.

Edmonton

🚗 300 km ⏱️ 3 hours, 10 minutes

If you are an urban explorer, this road trip to Edmonton will tick all the boxes with its festivals, famous shopping venues, and lively arts scene. Make sure to check out the many restaurants while you are in town, too!

Take some extra time to visit Fort Normandeau, Red Deer, Sylvan Lake and Reynolds-Alberta Museum on the way.

Mountain goats surrounded by incredible views over hidden lake and snow-capped hills at Glacier National Park
7.

Glacier National Park, Montana

🚗 290 km ⏱️ 3 hours

A short drive across the border, Glacier National Park in Montana is home to spectacular scenery, pristine forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountains. In this landscape shaped by glaciers, you can explore over 700 miles of trails.

Don't forget to add Rock Park, Museum of the Highwood, Frank Lake, Nanton and Fort McLeod to your itinerary en route.

Male bison lying in a field of yellow flowers

🚗 1,130 km ⏱️ 12 hours, 30 minutes

Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world, is a truly magical place. This park is home to wildlife and some of the most unique geothermal features in the world, including the famous Old Faithful geyser.

Make sure to visit Fort McLeod, Glacier National Park in Montana, Flathead Lake, Museum of Mountain Flying, the Berkeley Pit and Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park en route.

Glacier National Park, British Columbia, Canada with the amazing Rocky Mountains and view from Abbott Ridge on a cloudy but sunny day.
9.

Glacier National Park Canada

🚗 320 km ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

It is hard not to feel inspired by the stunning beauty of Glacier National Park, where rugged mountains meet lush forested valleys. Hike trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy the peace and quiet of this untouched environment.

This might be a relatively short drive but with so much to see en route, such as Bow Valley Provincial Park, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park and Golden.

Kootenay National Park, Canada with green alpine meadows in the foreground and Rockwall Mountain Peak Cliffs in the distance on sunny day.
10.

Kootenay National Park

🚗 170 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 50 minutes

Kootenay National Park is home to beautiful landscapes, from Radium Hot Springs to expansive ice fields. Outdoor lovers will love the hiking, wildlife viewing, and the park's dramatic mountainous backdrops here.

On your way to Kootenay, you can make stops at Bow Valley Provincial Park, Canmore, Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon and Stanley Glacier.

Charming townhouses with majestic mountains in the background in autumn
11.

Canmore

🚗 105 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 10 minutes

Canmore is a charming and scenic mountain town that serves as a perfect gateway for outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy scenic beauty, boutique shopping, and cosy cafes.

This might be a short drive, but you can make several amazing stops on the way, such as Calway Park, Bow Valley Provincial Park and Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, which is a short detour away.

Rows of grapes lead down to the waters of Okanagan Lake near Kelowna, with the Rocky Mountains, blue sky and white clouds in the background.
12.

Kelowna

🚗 610 km ⏱️ 7 hours, 20 minutes

Kelowna, located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, is famed for its wineries, orchards, and vibrant cultural scene. Here, you can enjoy beautiful lakeside views and a variety of outdoor activities.

Before you arrive in Kelowna, you can visit Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Revelstoke, and Sicamous Beach.

Kamloops Lake, British Columbia, Canada taken at sunset over Kamloops Lake along the Trans Canada Highway.
13.

Kamloops

🚗 620 km ⏱️ 7 hours

Kamloops is known as the Tournament Capital of Canada, because the charming city provides abundant recreational opportunities alongside colorful nightlife and cultural offerings such as great museums.

On the way, don't forget to add Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park, Golden and Revelstoke to your itinerary.

Orange sunrise over the river and trees in Spokane
14.

Spokane

🚗 900 km ⏱️ 11 hours, 20 minutes

If you are looking for a charming and peaceful town to visit across the border, Spoke will not disappoint! With its welcoming hospitality and beautiful scenery, you can enjoy pretty parks, walking trails, and the stunning Spokane Falls in the heart of the city.

Driving to Spokane, you will get the opportunity to see Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park of Canada, and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Exterior of historic buildings in downtown as the sun sets
15.

Nanton

🚗 90 km ⏱️ 1 hour

Nanton is a small town with a big heart, beloved for its antiques and history. Visit the Bomber Command Museum of Canada and enjoy the local hospitality.

On this short road trip, you can visit Rock Park, Okotoks Erratic, the Museum of the Highwood and Frank Lake.

Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta, where rich deposits of fossils and dinosaur bones have been found. The park is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

🚗 220 km ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

Step back in time at Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for being one of the richest dinosaur fossil locales in the world. While here, you can also explore Drumheller, a beautiful small town.

On the way, you can visit Kinsmen Park, Strathmore Family Centre Arena, Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park and Bassano Dam.

Beautiful aerial view of Canadian Prairie at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump world heritage site in Southern Alberta on a sunny day with blue sky and clouds in summer, Canada
17.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site

🚗 185 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 50 minutes

Dive into history at the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, where the landscape tells the story of an ancient hunting practice used by native peoples of the North American plains for nearly 6,000 years.

Take some time to visit Rock Park, Museum of the Highwood, Nanton and Fort McLeod en route.

Downtown view of historic buildings in Alberta on a sunny day
18.

Fort McLeod

🚗 170 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 45 minutes

If you are looking for a welcoming small town experience, visit Fort McLeod, known for its historic fort and vibrant Main Street. Here you can experience the town's rich history and take part in cultural events that celebrate its heritage.

En route, we recommend visiting Rock Park, Okotoks Erratic, Frank Lake and historic town of Nanton.

Longer road trips from Calgary

Seattle skyline with a large mountain in the background

🚗 1,550 km ⏱️ 21 hours, 40 minutes

Seattle is famous for its music scene, iconic Space Needle, and historic Pike Place Market. A visit to this lively Pacific Northwest city will also allow you to make a short detour to the nearby Olympic National Park.

Los Angeles, California, USA with a view of the Santa Monica Pier during sunset time.

🚗 1,610 km ⏱️ 24 hours

A considerably long journey will take you from the Canadian Rockies to the sun-kissed beaches of Los Angeles. Visit iconic locations like Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica for a true taste of the Californian lifestyle.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign at dusk.

🚗 2,500 km ⏱️ 28 hours

Only little introduction is necessary for Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world! In Sin City, you will watch world-class shows, try your luck in casinos, sample delicious food and never-ending nightlife.

Alaska whale watching boat excursion. Inside passage mountain range landscape luxury travel cruise concept.

🚗 3,390 km ⏱️ 37 hours

Embark on an epic journey to Alaska, a land of wild beauty, abundant wildlife, and vast wilderness. Experience the awe-inspiring natural scenery and unique cultural heritage.

Downtown Toronto with a tram in focus, a church in the background

🚗 3,430 km ⏱️ 36 hours

Toronto is Canada's largest city and, as you can expect, is home to iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower and Ontario Museum. You will get to enjoy many world-class museums, art galleries and incredible restaurants during your visit.