Best Road Trips From Calgary
Top Road Trip Destinations From Calgary
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.
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
🚗 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🚗 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 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
🚗 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.
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.
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
🚗 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.
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.
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
🚗 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.
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.
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
🚗 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.
🚗 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.
🚗 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.
🚗 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.
🚗 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.