travel alberta day trips

14 Day Trips From Edmonton That You Didn’t Know Existed + themed itineraries

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: June 17, 2022  - Last updated: July 31, 2023

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You don’t need to use up your vacation days to find some of the best fun-filled spots in Alberta.

There are a ton of hidden gems and unique places to visit near Edmonton that are less than two hours from the city, which make for some budget-friendly travel ideas.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a couple’s getaway (maybe with your dog, too) or something fun to do with your besties for the day, escape the city and check out some of these ideas for day trips from Edmonton.

If you’re bored of the ‘Alberta’s Largest’ roadside attractions road trips, this list provides a new set of ideas for you to check out.

Take a peak and then visit my list of 40 of Alberta’s hidden gems and most unique things to do.

From waterfalls to breweries to historic towns to rural gems and outdoor adventures, take a mini road trip and choose your own adventure with these unique getaways from Edmonton.

If you can’t go very far from the city this summer, any of these trips would make for the perfect cheap vacation from Edmonton!

I’ve tested all of these day trips and certify that they’re unique, adventurous and showcase some of the best of Alberta!

And scroll to the end to catch the full YouTube video !

This post contains some affiliate links, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase. I only share information about places, products and services I know, love and trust.

14 Best Day Trips From Edmonton

1. waterfalls, breweries and distilleries.

Head west on Highway 43 for some different scenery other than the usual Highway 16.

Stop in Alberta Beach for some coffee, lunch or antique shopping, or a picnic by the water.

Continue on Highway 43 to Whitecourt and follow the signs for Hard Luck Canyon . It’s an easy 5-minute hike and then some stairs which take you down into the canyon bed and waterfall.

It’s a gorgeous spot to play in the water on a hot summer day.

Then, head south on Highway 32 for one of the nicest drives around Edmonton. This road is almost a copycat of the scenic David Thompson Highway (but with no cars).

Stop in at the Apex Predator Brewery just north of Edson.

It’s tucked away in the woodlands, but makes for a delightful patio experience (and you can bring your dog to this one).

For more bevvies, head over to Rocky Mountain Big Horn Distillery (only 15 minutes away) for some craft cocktails.

Make a weekend out of it and stay in a tiny house cabin in the middle of the woods nearby. This cabin is located in your own private, forested oasis. It’s close to some amazing trails, is dog-friendly and the perfect spot for a secluded, quiet weekend.

If you’re headed to Jasper , stopping at the waterfalls or the Apex brewery is a great way to break up the drive.

2. Babas, Bison and Big Burgers (or Caesars)!

This road trip from Edmonton takes you east of the city.

Take the Yellowhead Highway to the quaint town of Mundare, Alberta.

Along their adorably scenic main street you’ll find Baba’s Bistro. Stop in for authentic Ukrainian food – try homemade Borsch and a plate of perogies, sausage and cabbage rolls (it’s all made super fresh).

If you’re not that hungry, not to worry. Have a slice of pie or gigantic cinnamon bun and a cup of coffee.

Local art adorns each wall and antique furniture finishes off the charm of this bistro.

Down the street, you’ve got to stop by the world’s biggest sausage!

Then make your way to the town of Lamont and go hunting for treasures at the Elk Island Thrift Store.

Just south of Lamont is the north entrance to Elk Island National Park. Go for a scenic cruise and see if you can spot some bison!

The bison roam wild throughout the park, and sometimes they’ll come right up to your car!

If you need to work off some lunch, there are a variety of hiking and walking trails throughout the park.

When you’re ready for a big meal to finish the day, it’s time to head to the Unwind Bar & Grill in Andrew, Alberta – home of the revved up drinks!

Order the Caesars that comes with a burger, poutine, mac ‘n cheese bites and fried pickles ON TOP of the burger!

I order the one that comes with a bit of everything – dry ribs, cactus cut potatoes, jalapeno poppers, fried pickles, onion rings and who knows what else was on there!

The staff and locals are super friendly, and if you find yourself wanting to do this day trip on a Sunday, make Andrew your first stop. They serve a breakfast buffet and bottomless mimosas for $15!

3. Botanical Garden Tour

How about a road trip to stroll through gorgeous flower gardens?

Stop by the St. Albert Botanic Park , and wander through the adorable cottage gardens for some of the most picture perfect photography spots near Edmonton.

Then, continue west along Highway 43 for another 45 minutes until you reach the George Pegg Botanic Gardens, a spectacular peaceful spot in rural Alberta.

There are a couple historic farmhouses, flower gardens, interpretive signage and a tranquil boardwalk through the trees.

Round out your floral day trip from Edmonton with a visit to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, just north of Devon.

And if you time it right, you can visit on an evening where you can reserve a picnic in the garden during evening twilight hours.

Be sure to book in advance because this is popular!

4. Wine Spa & Unique Goodies in Red Deer

This one is perfect for a girls getaway or even a fun way to celebrate a low-key bachelorette party.

Make reservations at the Solorzano Spa, Café and Wine Bar . This day spa is located within a cozy historic home built in 1906 and has kept all of its vintage charm.

Upon entering, you’re swept away to a Victorian past, among the original brick and woodwork and collection of vintage decor and antiques.

I recommend booking a vino therapy treatment! Try something like the vino pedicure.

Enjoy 90 minutes of heaven while your feet soak in a tub of merlot and includes a special cabernet scrub and a Grenache spray.

After your treatments, enjoy light snack and a glass of wine in the tea room or on the garden patio.

Then head to Sweet Capone’s for a sweet treat – the best Italian cannoli!

Not only are these pastries to die for (there’s usually dozens of flavours to choose from), the inside of the cafe is eclectic and adorable.

If you want to get outdoors in between the spa and Sweet Capone’s (or afterwards), Red Deer has an abundance of parks and trails to explore.

Visit the Bower Ponds and enjoy the scenic trails, have a picnic with your goodies from the bakery or even rent a paddle boat and get out on the water.

Make this a weekend trip from Edmonton by booking this gorgeous newly renovated home in the heart of the city, close to trails and parks.

5. Trains, T-Rexes and Treats (best for kid-friendly)

This unique day trip north of Edmonton includes trains, dinosaurs and an adventure farm.

On this adventure, you’ll find some of the best kid-friendly places to visit near Edmonton.

Start your day with a stop at the Alberta Railway Museu m where you can witness one of the only few remaining steam locomotives in Canada that still operates.

Continue your road trip by heading north to the Jurassic Forest .

Here, you can explore 40 acres of trails that pass by life size animatronic dinosaurs in the bushes.

Plan to spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours here! You can also bring a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic onsite.

There’s also dinosaur themed mini golf, a playground and a sandbox where kids can dig for dino bones and fossils.

If you have time, the Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm where they have a u-pick, petting zoo animals and fun outdoor farm games for the little kids.

This place is extra special in the fall though, with all the pumpkins and harvest colours and decor.

Or you can head into Fort Saskatchewan and go straight to Miller’s Ice Cream.

It’s located inside an old train station and at the start of a beautiful municipal park where you can stroll around and enjoy the sunshine.

Read Next: Why Agritourism Should Be Part of Your Next Weekend Getaway in Alberta

6. Central Alberta Craft Breweries

For the bigger kids, one of my favorite day trips from Edmonton with a dog is to visit some rural Alberta breweries and their patios!

Of course, you can still visit without your furry friend, but these ones are dog friendly.

Head south to Rimbey (about 1.5 hours) to visit Hawk Tail Brewery. The views from the patio are picturesque as you overlook the farmer fields across the highway.

Travel tip – the last couple weeks of July is when the canola fields pop their gorgeous golden colour.

Then head to Sylvan Lake to visit Snake Lake Brewery. It’s not located on the lakeshore, but the patio is big and the beers are crushable!

From here, you can head into Red Deer and start to make your way back north. We loved Sawback Brewing and Troubled Monk.

Make one more stop in Lacombe at Blindman Brewing which always has a ton of unique beers on tap, and they’ve got a great big patio area complete with couches.

Make this into a weekend trip from Edmonton and spend some time at Gull Lake.

It’s got a massive beach and is perfect for swimming or catching some rays.

You can book this cozy guest house for the perfect weekend getaway from Edmonton.

Not into beer? Follow this wine & wellness road trip from Edmonton (itinerary here)

7. Historic Lacombe and Rural Attractions

Lacombe is less than 1.5 hours from Edmonton, and has one of the most picturesque historic downtowns in the province.

Most notably is the flatiron building which is the oldest in Alberta and now home to the visitor centre.

Go boutique shopping, take a walking tour of all the murals and be sure to end your day with dinner at Cilantro and Chive .

P.S. don’t miss the Sweet Capone’s Bakery for their famous cannoli or another sweet treat.

If you want to spend a whole day in the area, spend some time at the rural attractions nearby.

Ellis Bird Farm deserves a visit, where you can stroll through the trails, butterfly gardens and ponds, admire the large collection of bird houses and enjoy a coffee or snack at the tea house.

For a little more adventure-paced, head to Kraay Family Farm for a corn maze, mini golf, farm animals, tractor train rides, a mini zipline and over 30 more activities for the kids.

Tip – take a look at these other ideas in this local guidebook titled Best Day Trips from Edmonton .

8. Hiking and History East of Edmonton

For a couple places that aren’t too far from Edmonton but feel like a world away, head east for about 45 minutes.

Start at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village , an outdoor living museum that tells the important history of the Ukrainian settlers to this area from the late 1800s to the 1930s.

All the buildings in this establishment are real houses, businesses and churches that were donated and moved to the museum to be restored for visitors to enjoy.

Fuel up with some Ukrainian food at the restaurant and then work it off with a hike at Elk Island National Park, only a few minutes away.

If you visit at dusk you’ll have a better chance to see bison and other wildlife! And if it’s going to be a clear night, stay for the star gazing.

Read More About 8 Scenic Hikes Near Edmonton

9. The Village at Pigeon Lake

Only an hour south of Edmonton is a cute tourist destination known as the Village at Pigeon Lake.

All the buildings remind you of cape cod style architecture and the community has a cute little park in the middle of the shops.

There’s a great antique store, a couple of boutique shops, great ice cream and a couple restaurants.

The lake is 5 minutes away if you want to check out the beach, have a picnic by the water and then go play mini golf at Blackstone.

You could even stay overnight at the Village Creek Country Inn , which made the list for the top romantic getaways in Alberta .

10. The Dreamcatcher Association

Spend a morning or afternoon outside at the ranch feeding horses, donkeys, goats and chickens.

This organization’s main mandate is providing nature-assisted therapy, but they’ve recently added public programming called Time on the Land for those that just need to get out of the house and spend some time with the animals.

The ranch is located near Ardrossan, about 30 minutes east of Edmonton.

If you want to continue your day outside, a little further east is the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Outdoor Recreation Area with lots of hiking trails.

11. Wine Tastings and Historic Camrose

Make your way east for some wine tasting, historic main streets and sweets.

Your first stop is at Barr Estate Winery, just off of Highway 14, only 20 minutes from the city.

This rustic-chic farm is a picturesque setting for a fruit winery. Stop in for a tour and tasting, where you’ll sample both whites and reds made from rhubarb and raspberries.

Continue east of Edmonton toward New Sarepta, home to Alberta’s newest mead winery – Old Station Honey and Mead .

Tastings are conducted in an old renovated fire hall – you’ll love the story of how this winery came about.

Once you’re ready for some more country scenery, make your way to the historic community of Camrose.

Downtown Camrose has one of the best main streets in all of Alberta.

Enjoy some boutique shopping or stop in at one of the many bakeries for some sugary sustenance. The Sweeterie is my favorite.

If you prefer to stroll through some parks, Mirror Lake is stunning in the summer time, where you can watch Trumpeter Swans glide through the water.

If it’s hot out, the local ice cream shack at Mirror Lake is the best way to beat the heat.

And if you’re able to stay in town for dinner, Hart House offers a fine dining experience among a casual gastropub vibe, inside a heritage home!

Try the locally sourced menu items like buffalo or walleye – but the wine selection and charcuterie boards are always a hit.

12. Country Delights and Flower Farms

On this day trip you’ll discover donuts, antique shopping, a flower farm and maybe more wine or a brewery!

Start this one early! Head southwest to the hamlet of Calmar, and go straight to the Calmar Bakery.

They sell out early so you don’t want to miss out. Just read the reviews – many of them say they’re the best in Canada!

If you like antique shopping, you’ll love strolling through treasures to be found across the street at the aptly named, Yesterday’s Treasures.

Not far from here, you can visit Bio-Way Gardens, which has a mini-farmer’s market and a tea house on site!

Continue onwards to Sunnybrook to visit a flower farm – Farm Fresh Florals, where you can u-pick your own flower bouquet!

Don’t miss shopping at the Silo Farm Store (onsite at the flower farm), which has locally made goods and vintage and antique home decor.

If you’re feeling thirsty or peckish on your way back to Edmonton, make a stop in the Village of Pigeon Lake at Familia Brewing, just opened in 2022.

13. A Vintage Adventure

This trip takes you south through a small town to the Reynolds Alberta Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of agricultural, industrial, mechanical and aviation artifacts and technologies of the past.

Make your way south to Highway 2A to the town of Millet. Stop in at the Old Bank Café, located in – you guessed it – an old bank building!

This cafe, bakery and bistro has kept the vintage charm of its early years and now serves the perfect cup of coffee, breakfast plates and light lunches.

If you’re a fan of fancy breakfasts, try the brioche French toast stuffed with cheesecake filling!

Then only 15 minutes down Highway 2A, you’ll arrive at the Reynolds Alberta Museum.

If you’ve never been here before, or if it’s been years since your last visit, you’ll be so impressed by the every growing collection of restored vintage cars and farm equipment that was used all over Alberta.

The aviation portion of the museum has plenty of activities for kids, and you can even take part in a behind the scenes ‘white glove’ warehouse tour.

There are often events happening all summer long, so check the website for more info!

14. Country Cafes and Confections: Rural Foodie Tour

Start off at Cherry Lane Café (also a bed & breakfast). This quaint country setting is aptly named and looks like you’re entering a scene from the Notebook.

Dine in the vintage-inspired café, where you can choose from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

I had to try the Albertan – layered brisket, bacon, cheddar, mozzarella and caramelized onions – I’m still dreaming about this 2 weeks later

And make sure you save room for the decadent salted caramel, 4-layer chocolate cake.

Our next stop was Stettler – known as the heart of Alberta. I’m a sucker for small town mainstreets, and Stettler fits the bill.

Our main mission though was to pay a visit to Bloke’s Bakery , a Stettler staple.

Here we found classic donuts – you won’t find crumbled potato chips or unicorn parts on top of these to mask the bland dough.

Just the opposite – soft, fresh, gooey and just sweet enough – one might say the perfect donut. If you can’t bring yourself to buy half a dozen, the cream johns are their signature treat. 

We continued south on Highway 56, passing through Big Valley , a charming village with an aesthetic grain elevator and little blue church on the hilltop.

A great place for photography, picnic and a road trip pit stop.

The Jimmy Jock Boardwalk is perfectly quirky and offers fudge, pie and ice cream if you haven’t had enough sugar yet. 

Finally, after descending into the Alberta badlands landscape, we arrive at DNA Gardens which has everything you could want in a country getaway – a farm store, café, trail walks, greenhouses, the friendliest and most hospitable staff and a winery!

We’re not ones to shy from a beverage or two, so we were delighted to partake in a wine tasting.

Alberta has a budding wine industry, and the fruit wine grown here, from the onsite Delidais Estate Winery is an exceptional showcase of our province’s bountiful produce.

We sampled 8 wines, ranging from cherry, rhubarb, black currant and Saskatoon berries.

Unexpectedly, this fruit wine was dry and crisp, on par with something you’d find along the Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley. We left with too many bottles to mention.

This is a full day trip or you could make a weekend out of it! Stay overnight at Cherry Lane B&B, or the Phoenix House B&B , a lovely heritage home in Stettler. 

Here’s a YouTube video of us exploring the best day trips from Edmonton!

I hope you enjoy your time discovering more of Alberta – don’t forget to pack your road trip essentials for a smooth ride.

If you liked these ideas, be sure to subscribe to be notified for new posts. Stay tuned – I’ll be updating this list with more ideas as I travel around Alberta!

Looking for More Alberta Ideas? You Might Like These Posts:

• 8 Warmest Lakes in Alberta for Swimming (no leeches or swimmer’s itch)
• You Can Go on a Wine & Wellness Road Trip Through Alberta This Summer: Here’s the Itinerary
• 13 Unique Calgary Day Trips (fresh ideas + mini itineraries)
• 35 Unique Things to Do in Alberta (+hidden gems and secret spots)
• 6 Iconic and Unique Alberta Road Trips
• 23 Best Things to do in and Around Drumheller
• 27 Things to Do in Alberta That Are Bucket List Worthy

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How to See Alberta: A 10-Day Suggested Driving Itinerary

Dalene and Pete Heck, the duo behind Hecktic Travels is also the team at Road Trip Alberta ! Dalene and Pete are Alberta raised and currently living in the province’s third-biggest city, Lethbridge. Alberta is one of the most scenic provinces in Canada and, today, Dalene shares a driving itinerary hitting many of her favorite Alberta sights.

Arguably Canada’s most beautiful province, Alberta is known primarily for the mountain hub of Banff National Park. Millions descend annually on Calgary airport and then high-tail it west for an hour and a half to visit this gem of the Rockies. The draw of Banff is entirely warranted but many of these visitors often miss out on everything else that Alberta has to offer.

Its cities are dynamic, other mountain towns are just as gorgeous and with fewer tourists, the southeastern side of the province is home to a trove of dinosaur bones, and the north is covered in lush forests and teeming with wildlife and outdoor adventures eager to be had.

As a born-and-raised Albertan, I left in my early thirties to see more of the world, craving exploration. When I returned almost a decade later, I did so with fresh eyes and an appreciation for the land that shaped me.

This article outlines a ten-day road trip itinerary shares some of my favorite spots in the province that will help you see more than crowds of tourists in Banff!  

Day 1: Calgary

Dubbed “Cowtown” due to its roots in the cattle industry, Calgary is Alberta’s largest city (1.37 million people). Balancing modern urban architecture with friendly, small-town vibes, Calgary is a curious melting pot of folks from many backgrounds. It’s also home to an array of activities and a trendy food scene that will ensure that your days and tummies are full.

Start Downtown Explore the Bow River’s network of walking and biking trails. See the prime photo spot of the Peace Bridge. For another prime photo op and to gaze upon an architectural wonder, don’t miss the Calgary Public Library, which was named one of the 100 Greatest Places of 2019 by Time magazine.

Not far from the library is Prince’s Island Park, which is a hub for cultural events. It’s home to the Calgary Folk Music Festival (in late July) and the esteemed River Café (a pricey restaurant but well worth it), and near to Eau Claire Market, which has some mouth-watering eats and specialty merchandise.

Fuel Up on Good Eats Don’t miss out on Tubby Dog for a cheap, delicious, and fun meal? Play some classic arcade games while you try the Sumo (a dog with pickled ginger, Japanese mayo, wasabi, and seaweed salad) or the A-bomb (a dog with all the classic trimmings, plus a healthy dump of potato chips right on top). Another one of my faves is Native Tongues, which offers upscale Mexican food in the city center.

Consider Planning Your Visit Around These Festivals The Calgary Stampede — also known as “the greatest outdoor show on earth” — takes over the city for ten days in early July. The world-class rodeo is just one facet of the event. There’s also a spectacular grandstand show plus all the rides and deep-fried festival foods you would expect. It’s also a giant, messy party too.

Beakerhead, held annually in mid-September, brings together the worlds of art, science, and engineering. Imagine a massive party filled with fire-shooting robots, an interactive science lesson on how to make the best chocolate chip cookie, and playing a giant life-sized version of Snakes & Ladders. It’s the best nerd party of the year.

Where to stay in Calgary

• Canada’s Best Value Inn Chinook Station – Located near the Chinook LRT Station, this hotel features a continental breakfast, with rooms available starting as low as $49 CAD/night.
• HI Calgary City Centre – If you happen to be a member of HI Canada, consider this hostel, located in the downtown core, just a two-minute walk to the C-train (local transit) station.
• Hotel Arts – For more upscale and eclectic lodging near downtown, this hotel has top-rated amenities for a reasonable price.

Day 2: Banff

Note: You’ll need to purchase a park pass upon arrival at the gates just outside of town, or you can buy one online . The current daily rate for an adult is $10.00 CAD, and it will expire at 4:00 pm the following day.

If you’re planning on visiting multiple parks, you might consider a Parks Canada “Discovery Pass” for $69.19 CAD, which can be used for multiple days and will grant you entry to all Canadian national parks for one full year.

There are too many amazing hikes to list, but start with the iconic Johnston Canyon. Keep it short with a 30-minute walk to the Lower Falls, or plan for a full four-hour trek all the way to the Ink Pots. (For more info, read this guide to hiking in Banff .)

To really get the adrenaline pumping, head to Mt. Norquay for the Via Ferrata hike. Cross suspension bridges and climb ladders on the edge of a mountain, all while safely harnessed and led by an experienced guide.

There are also plenty of options for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding on a number of nearby lakes. Visit the Banff Canoe Club in town for rentals.

Winter is a prime time to visit if you’re a ski bunny. Three mountains in the area known collectively as Ski Big 3 (Banff Sunshine, the Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay) are all world-class.

Be sure to take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for some epic views. It’s open year-round, and it has an impressive interpretive center and scenic boardwalk at the top, and even two restaurants.

Nearby is also the stunning Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Where to Eat Wild Flour Bakery, known for its nourishing baked goods and good coffee, is an excellent stop to fill your tank at any time of day.

Eager to try some Canadian wild meats? Head to the Grizzly House to cook up your own bison, elk, or a number of other options using a hot stone at your table. The decor is severely outdated, but the experience is a must-do. Not a meat-eater? Head to Nourish Bistro for the best plant-based food in Banff.

Where to Stay in Banff

• Banff International Hostel – Just a few blocks from the heart of downtown, this hostel is a comfortable place to rest your head after a long day of exploring!
• YWCA Banff Hotel – The perfect hideaway in the mountains for those looking for a comfortable and budget-friendly accommodation.
• HI Banff Alpine Centre – If you’re a member of the HI community, you may want to stay at this location, the largest hostel in Alberta.

Day 3: Banff and Lake Louise

If there was anything left on your to-do list from the day before, finish that up now, but plan for almost a whole day around Lake Louise.

While in Lake Louise…. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the major draw in the area, and walking its halls is a must before you venture on any number of outdoor activities.

If you are there in summer, consider the Lake Agnes Tea House hike for its views and the unique experience of taking tea on top of the world (remember to bring cash, as they don’t have other payment options on-site). It is a short 2.2mile (3.5 km) hike, but you can also continue on to Lake Agnes itself.

Feeling adventurous? Then take “the Tea House Challenge” and visit the other one, too, The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, for a 9 mile (14.5 km) total hike on the Highline Trail.

If you are there in winter, skating, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, sleigh rides, and more are all available from the hotel. You will have no problem filling your day in one of the most beautiful spots in all of Canada.

Dining options are fewer in the very small town of Lake Louise, but find the Trailhead Café for a budget-friendly and supremely delicious meal. There are also several options inside the Chateau itself, but I recommend Alpine Social for its laid-back atmosphere and hearty food.  

Day 4: Driving from Banff to Jasper

The Icefields Parkway is breathtaking. Take it slow and stop often to really absorb the beauty of this day. (Do, however, consult the weather forecast and road conditions , as it can often be closed in winter.)

Making the Drive Fill up the car with gas and pack a picnic lunch before leaving Banff, as there is only one place to stop for snacks en route (Saskatchewan River Crossing) but it is closed in winter. But once you are safely on your way, here are just a few of the stops you can make:

• Leave early to catch sunrise over Vermillion Lakes, just outside of Banff as you begin your journey north.
• Peyto Lake is a must-see. You have undoubtedly seen its image before; now it’s time to see it for yourself! From your car it’s just a short walk up a hill to get to the viewpoint and take in that stark aquamarine water from above.
• The Columbia Icefield, just an hour before Jasper, is the largest in the Canadian Rockies. You can take a tour to walk right on the glacier and/or take a stroll on the glass-floored Icefield Skywalk lookout to see everything from above.

There is much more to see! This Banff-to-Jasper article maps it all out for you.

Where to Stay in Jasper

• Jasper Downtown Hostel – Conveniently situated in the heart of downtown Jasper, this modern hostel won’t break the bank; its private rooms start as low as $63 CAD/night.
• HI Jasper – Just a short walk to downtown, the HI Hostel Jasper was opened in June 2019. Choose between private rooms, shared rooms for four, and family rooms.
• Maligne Lodge – Conveniently tucked at the edge of Jasper’s main street, where the mountains end and the town begins, this is a great budget-friendly hotel.

Days 5 & 6: Jasper

Spirit Island is one of the most photographed spots in Canada. You can canoe out there and reach this spot on Maligne Lake in half a day. If you don’t feel like doing that, boat cruises are available too!

Moreover, take advantage of your remote location and book a tour to see some iconic Canadian wildlife (bears, elk, mountain goats, moose, and more). While such encounters may occur by chance on your visit, a guided tour will increase your chances and is a great way to gain local knowledge.

Additionally, in October, the Jasper Dark Sky Festival takes place.The park has ideal conditions for this given that there is so little light pollution. If you can’t make it there, the Jasper Planetarium is open year-round for star viewing.

There are so many hiking options. Start with a short jaunt to Athabasca Falls (less than an hour round-trip), and then ramp up according to your fitness level. (See this article about best Jasper hikes to decide what comes next.)

Just north of town is Maligne Canyon, and in winter, you can walk on and explore the frozen river (be sure you have ice cleats on). In the summer, you can hike in the canyon, and the winding trail has six suspension bridges spanning the gorge.

Take a load off and ride up the Jasper Skytram to experience the best mountain views. On a clear day, you can even see peaks in neighboring British Columbia. Enjoy the seven-minute ride up and have a bite at the Summit Restaurant at the top.

Must-Eats Stop at the Bright Spot Family Restaurant for the big country breakfast, which will stick to your bones and give you energy for your day. Whistle Stop Pub is also good for a pint and snack. Canada’s very first national park brewery, Jasper Brewing Company, is also here. Along with six signature brews that are made on-site, the large restaurant offers elevated pub fare.  

Day 7: Driving from Jasper to Edmonton

If you don’t hit up Miette Hot Springs during your stay in Jasper, then it’s an easy stop on the way out of town. It is home to the hottest spring water in the Canadian Rockies! It requires a little detour off of the main highway, but the drive through the Fiddle Valley alone makes it worth the trip.

An hour into your journey, you can make a stop in Hinton to see the most iconic of local wildlife: the humble beaver. Stretch your legs along the nearly 2 mile (3 km) Beaver Boardwalk, and hopefully, you’ll spot Canada’s national animal.

This is also a great place to plan to have lunch: The Old Grind has an extensive menu that includes vegetarian and vegan options.

Arriving in Edmonton Depending on what time you left Jasper, the driving conditions you encountered (add more time in winter!), and how many stops you made along the way, you may arrive with extra time to explore Alberta’s capital city. And my guess is that those car-bound legs are going to need a stretch.

As you drive into the west side of Edmonton, this would be the perfect occasion to take a long walk in the largest mall in North America. West Edmonton Mall is home to over 800 stories and services, and it contains theme parks, multiple movie theaters, a ridiculously fun indoor water park, and even a large skating rink.

Enjoying the mall can easily take up the rest of your day (and the next one, if you are a shopper).  

Days 8 & 9: Edmonton

The Fringe Festival is the biggest and oldest of its kind in North America and offers a dynamic theater experience. Running annually for ten days in the middle of August, it often attracts more than 1,500 local, national, and international artists, who give well over a thousand performances across the city.

The Silver Skate Festival is becoming one of the premier events in Alberta to celebrate and embrace winter. One highlight is the opening of the ice castles in Hawrelak Park, typically several weeks before the February festival. During the ten days of the festival itself, expect snow sculpting, skate races, helicopter tours, and more.

If you aren’t in Edmonton during a festival, take time and stroll through the grounds of the Alberta Legislature. Not only is “the Ledge” an architectural journey into the past (construction was started in 1907) but you can also learn about the Canadian government, Alberta’s political history, and the art and architecture of the building by taking a free tour.

Edmonton’s river valley is the largest urban park in North America, with 100 miles (160 kms) of maintained paths. So you don’t even have to leave the city itself to explore nature! Walk and cycle as far as you like, taking in any (or all) of the 20 city parks along the river.

Head for the Neon Sign Museum one night. This collection of 20 functional historic signs tells the story of Edmonton’s neon past al fresco. This exhibit is completely free and open 24/7.

If you didn’t get your wildlife fill in the Rockies, then head a short distance outside of the city to Elk Island National Park. Elk Island is the only fenced national park in Canada, a conservation effort to help bring the bison population back.

And you didn’t think I’d go this entire post without mentioning a hockey game, did you? The Edmonton Oilers play in one of the newest arenas in the NHL, so catch a game if you can, especially if they are playing their provincial rivals, the Calgary Flames.

If you are visiting in summer, you can also watch a heated Canadian football (not soccer) battle between the Edmonton Eskimos and the Calgary Stampeders.

Can’t-Miss Food and Drink Stop at Duchess Bake Shop. This Parisian-inspired café blends some of Alberta’s favorite flavors with French pastries, all made from scratch daily. It’s regularly mentioned as one of the best cafés in the city.

Hathaway’s Diner has quality food at reasonable prices. And who doesn’t love old-school-diner kitsch?

A few years ago, Alberta’s tax system changed up the way it categorized breweries, which resulted in an explosion of craft beer across the province. Don’t miss a stop at Craft Beer Market as it offers up Canada’s largest selection of craft brews.

Where to Stay in Edmonton

• HI Edmonton – Located just off of Whyte Avenue in Edmonton’s historic Old Strathcona neighborhood, this hostel is right near the river valley park system (also many bus stops to get to other destinations).
• Days Inn Downtown – Conveniently located in the downtown core and only minutes away from local attractions, this hotel is an excellent option for those not wanting to give up comfort while staying on budget.

Day 10: Driving to Calgary

If you have time, visit the Heritage Ranch near Red Deer (about halfway through the drive). A rancher will drop you off in the middle of the wilderness with a map and a compass (or a GPS). Your goal is to remain at large and capture four designated flags within an hour. All the while, you are being hunted by a man on a horse. It is terrifying and exhilarating and everything in between!

A little closer to Calgary , you can turn off the main highway into Torrington and find the Gopher Hole Museum. Gopher overpopulation is a problem in the area, and so the residents wanted to create something quirky to bring in tourists. The museum is one small room of taxidermied rodents staged in a variety of scenes that highlight local life (think curling gophers, beautician gophers, etc.). It will take no more than a half-hour to visit, but it is well worth the detour for all the WTF moments to be had.

Alberta is a very big province. By comparison, Texas is only 2% bigger. If it is the mountains that call you here, then that is rightly so, but I hope you will also take the time to explore other parts of this land rich in attractions. They will keep anyone and everyone entertained for ten days and beyond!

Dalene Heck and her husband Pete are behind the blog Hecktic Travels , which chronicles their journey since selling all their belongings in 2009. They’ve recently started the website Road Trip Alberta to encourage people to visit their home provence.

Book Your Trip to Canada: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Canada? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Canada for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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14 Absolute Best Day Trips from Calgary Alberta

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Calgary is one of our favorite cities in Canada. We live in Edmonton, but Calgary calls us every weekend, and their downtown city vibes, food, and quick access to the Rocky Mountains are just hard to beat in Alberta . The city is also a great base to explore more of our province, and so we thought of compiling a list of our favorite and absolute best day trips from Calgary.

Many of these day trips are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Alberta!

14 Best Day Trips from Calgary 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Getting to Calgary, where to stay, and transportation for Calgary day trips

Calgary is located in Alberta and it is the largest city in the province. If you are flying to Calgary, you will touch down at YYC airport. From the airport, you can easily get a car rental, or shuttle buses to your hotel, or connect to nearby towns via Red Arrow buses (buses available from the airport too).

If you are driving to Calgary from Vancouver British Columbia the roads are well connected and you will be using Highway 1 to get there. If driving within the province of Alberta (including a 3-hour drive from Edmonton) takes you via Highway 2 or Queen Elizabeth Highway.  

We have traveled all throughout the year (summers and winters), and it has been fine. However, we recommend adding extra travel/driving hours in the winter depending on the weather and road conditions. As always, use precaution while driving in winters. 

We love staying near the airport and in the downtown Calgary area. Here are our top three hotels for your stay,

• Hampton Inn Calgary Airport: Our favorite hotel in Calgary airport. Big, clean rooms with free parking, breakfast, and wifi. Book your stay here
• Sheraton Hotel Eau Claire: This is a 4-star hotel, located in downtown Calgary. It offers world-class suites (+ downtown views). Great location for city exploration. Check out nightly room rates for Sheraton
• Fairmont Palliser Hotel: Vintage 5-star hotel, the Fairmont Palliser is guaranteed to give you a delightful and memorable stay. Dine at their Hawthorn dining room, and get pampered with their spa services. Amazing location (you can walk down to various attractions from here).  Check rates and availability here

READ : Fun things to do in Calgary Alberta

Distance from Calgary: 30 minutes one way

Cochrane makes for an easy day trip from Calgary. We love embarking on this route to the Canadian Rockies , and during winters we love to hang out at the Ghost Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area. 

In wintertime, the reservoir is completely frozen and you can skate here for free. Depending on the season and lake conditions, you can also go on ice fishing here. During summers, you can spend some time at the Ghost Lake area, and take in the views or go on a quick stroll.

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is a must visit on a day trip. This park is only open for day-use; and no overnight camping is allowed. Glenbow Ranch is a sprawling area and it is your answer to stunning landscapes and views from here, are every photographer’s delight. The site also preserves historical resources along the Bow River.

Big Hill Springs is another provincial park located just north of Cochrane. This park is sprinkled with a large spring and a series of small waterfalls that flow over rocky terraces. The entire area is covered with lush greenery and is also home to a historic fish hatchery. 

If you prefer leisurely time outdoors, you can embark on walking/biking trails in the Riverfront area or head to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. In Cochrane, you can also book ATV tours via Hidden Trails Adventures.

Kananaskis Country

Distance from Calgary: 1 hour one way

Kananaskis Country makes for a great Calgary day trip option. It is also a nice alternative to Banff , so expect lovely mountain views, tons of hiking and outdoor activities, and best of all a Nordic Spa to pamper yourself!

Kananaskis Country is big, but on a day trip, you can definitely embark on a short hike and then soak in and relax at the Spa. There are quite a few spa packages to choose from, including massage and rejuvenation sessions. 

Kananaskis is a nature lover’s paradise. Enjoy paddling on Lower Kananaskis Lake or Elbow River. Opt for a horseback riding tour, or embark on any one of the following hikes – Mount Yamnuska (4 – 6 hours, or turnaround at 1 hour one way), the Upper Kananaskis Lake Loop (5 hours), Three Isle Lake Trail (3 hours one way start early for this hike), or easy Grotto Canyon Hike.

We prefer to just relax and hang out in the various scenic parks and sites in Kananaskis. On a day trip, we stop in Canmore for lunch, or at the Forte restaurant in the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.  

We LOVE Canmore. This is one little town that always brings in great memories. We visited Canmore as a day trip from Calgary in 2010, when we were road tripping from Saskatchewan. At that time, Canmore was not as well known as it is today. But its spirit and beauty have stayed the same.

On a day trip, we like to wander the downtown or main town centre area of Canmore, checking out art galleries, walking trails like the Policeman’s Creek, Big Head Sculpture, NWP Barracks, and relishing delicious food and amazing mountain views. You can definitely add the Canmore Cave tour (Rat’s Nest) on a day trip, just ensure you book it ahead of time. 

Canmore is a great option for a romantic weekend trip too. A 2-3 day trip will allow you to go on longer hikes (such as the Grassi Lakes Hike), or skiing at the Nordic Provincial Park in winter. 

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Fort Macleod

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a buffalo jump located about 18 kilometres west of Fort Macleod. This site was used for over 5,500 years by Indigenous Peoples to kill buffaloes by driving them off the cliff. The cliff is about 36 foot high.

This interesting attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is also our National Historic Site. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump lost its significance when the Europeans established themselves in the province. 

In the 20th century, an Elder of the Piikani Nation took the work for restoring this site, and due to his efforts we can explore the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump today. 

In the fall, there is a Harvest Festival which is worth visiting. This festival showcases the Blackfoot culture and is a great opportunity to learn about them. Note: This site is currently closed: October 2020, check updates here

Longview is a cute little town in Alberta. It is an entry gate to the Kananaskis Provincial Park, and is accessible along the Cowboy Trail. The town is one of a kind with cowboy themed restaurants and gourmet cafes, galleries and the star –  Bar U Ranch National Historic Site.

Bar U Ranch is located south of town and it showcases historical information in a unique way through period eateries and galleries. You must visit this historic site if you are a cowboy fan.

Imagine riding on a wagon (pulled by Percheron horses) and ‘experiencing’ life as a cowboy from the 1800s. Learn about old-style ranching ways, visit hundreds of year old barns, and see cattle, saddle horses, and other farm animals. 

Take time to explore the trails and dirt roads to see the countryside, as this is one of the finest Prairie experiences in Alberta!

Aspen Crossing  

Aspen Crossing is a fun day trip from Calgary. Located in Mossleigh, Aspen Crossing is known for the last of the CPR trains that passed through the stunning Prairies landscape.

The trains are a unique tourist attraction and sort of a heritage treasure. This attraction was created out of the left off rail compartments. Today a visitor can embark on a 3 hour tour through the town and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Prairie landscape looks serene with grain elevators sprinkled everywhere.

Near the train station, you can eat, hang out and play in the countryside. In the winters, you can ride the special, “Polar Express” and experience a train ride to the North Pole! Check out their cool train rides like the Terror Train, Prairie Train. View tour schedules here

Sylvan Lake

Distance from Calgary: 1 hour 30 minutes one way

Sylvan Lake is a nice outdoor day trip option from Calgary and Edmonton, it is sort of mid way between the 2 cities. Sylvan Lake was on my list for the pretty lighthouse and the lake views.

But don’t worry there are plenty of things to do here. Start with water activities – and this doesn’t have to include the usual swimming, beachside time with kids, you can actually book water-jet adventures, and have a blast at the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash. 

Near the lake is the lighthouse; and this particular one was built to replace the original lighthouse. In 2013, the Sylvan Lake Rotary Club undertook the project and built this iconic landmark in the town. Image how beautiful it looks in the evening – these are perfect sunset goals!

If you are not into water activities and the lake, you can visit a farmers market or go golfing at the Sylvan Lake Golf and Country Club or Meadowlands. 

Sylvan Lake is home to many festivals including Jazz At the Lake Fest (summer), 1913 Days and Sylvan Lake Winterfest (winter). 

Fish Creek Provincial Park 

Distance from Calgary: 20 minutes one way

Fish Creek Provincial Park is located in southern Calgary. There are quite a few activities to enjoy in this provincial park that can easily occupy an entire day. 

Fish Creek Provincial Park is perfect all year round. In the summer time, you can spend a day hiking, swimming, enjoying a picnic, birdwatching, or strolling at their many walking paths. The park is free to enter and explore (except for the Sikome Lake beach area).

In the winter, a visit to the park is a must for snowshoeing and winter hiking. The Winter Carnival festival takes place here!

Bragg Creek Provincial Park 

Distance from Calgary: 45 minutes one way

Bragg Creek Provincial is a nice and easy day trip from Calgary. One way day tour takes about 45 minutes, and you have the entire day to explore the little town and the park. The Elbow Falls are the most popular attraction near the park.

Visit the Elbow Falls area, and go on a quick stroll or walk the interpretive trail. This trail is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Near the falls is the Ellen Bill day use area where you can hang out, picnic and enjoy a nice afternoon while listening to the gushing sound of the Elbow River.

From golfing, biking to ATV tours, the terrain in and around Bragg Creek Provincial Park will delight you! READ : Things to do in Bragg Creek

Banff National Park

My absolute favorite place in Canada, oh Banff! We are pros in embarking on day trips to Banff from Calgary especially during high peak season as accommodation in Banff is crazy! And sometimes after finishing a work week, we run to the mountains on a Saturday and then head back to Calgary (and then home the next day to Edmonton).

When you are visiting on a day trip, you really can’t see it all, you have to prioritize. We will share 4 options for day trip itineraries to help you out

• Option 1 is to stick to Banff town for a day trip. You can explore the Banff Avenue, get on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, check out Bow Falls and finish the day at the Cascade Gardens 
• Option 2, explore Banff Avenue and then embark on a short hike near Cave and Basin (Marsh Loop – 1 hour round trip or Sundance Canyon – 3 hour round trip). 
• Not into hiking? Switch that for canoeing at the Vermillion Lakes. READ : How to spend 3 days in Banff itinerary
• Option 4 is for those who like to drive around and drool at mountains (and don’t want to get out of the car, that’s me sometimes!). Enjoy a drive from Banff town to Two Jack Lake and then Lake Minnewanka Loop. If you have time on your hands, opt for the Minnewanka Lake cruise. We also included Moraine Lake on this drive, and we reached there by evening to beat the rush (on a day of lakes itinerary)!

READ : Our 10 day Canadian Rockies Itinerary

Lake Louise 

Distance from Calgary: 2 hours one way

Located inside Banff National Park is the beautiful hamlet of Lake Louise. On a day trip, you must head straight to Lake Louise and stay there for the day to maximize sightseeing (don’t add Banff or Yoho National Park to the itinerary). 

At the Lake, you can go canoeing, hike the Lake Agnes trail to reach the teahouse at 2134 metres. 

During winters in Lake Louise , enjoy ice skating in a natural rink surrounded by magnificent mountain views. There are indoor skating options at the Fairmont Chateau hotel. Fairmont Chateau hotel is a nice place for a romantic coffee date or to enjoy afternoon high tea.

Lake Louise centre area is open all year round, and you can eat there, and buy candies and souvenirs. 

Distance from Calgary: 1 hr 30  minutes one way

Red Deer is mid way between Calgary and Edmonton, and this is our coffee break stop on our road trips. The city is definitely intriguing. The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame & Museum caught our attention and on your day trip you can pay a quick visit to check out the sporting achievements from the province.

The Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery is a must visit to learn about the city’s history, and the best part is that the museum has a large collection of First Nations art. If you are wanting to shop and dine, there is a nice Red Deer shopping complex to hang out.

In the winter you can go ice skating at the Bower Ponds. Oh and don’t forget to stop by Donut Mill 🙂

READ : These are the prettiest small towns in Alberta

Distance from Calgary: 1 hour 45 minutes one way

The day trip from Calgary to Drumheller will take you to the dinosaur period. This town is home to Midland Provincial Park, Drumheller Dinosaur Park, Royal Tyrrell Dinosaur Museum, and stunning hoodoos. 

As soon as you arrive in Drumheller make your way to Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology whilst enjoying the lovely views. The museum will take 1 – 2 hours, and after that go on a short hike to the Coulee Viewpoint ( Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

From the park drive through the arid landscape, look at mining sites and ghost towns. These ghost towns were once thriving in the 19th century and now have been abandoned. Then stop by the Star Mine Suspension Bridge for a quick break, followed by a tour of the Atlas Coal Mine.

In the evening head to the Hoodoo Trail for capturing beautiful sunset views over the hoodoos . 

Waterton Lakes National Park

Distance from Calgary: 3 hour one way

Although 3 hours is a lot for a day trip, we found this to be an easier option to explore Waterton from Calgary when accommodation is expensive. So it is doable as long as you start early, and your day trip itinerary will mostly include exploring the town, the lake, short nature trails and a nice lunch break! (And sometimes with only a weekend to explore, we drive and stay in Calgary and from there visit the national park)

Waterton Lakes National Park is in southern Alberta and it borders Montana’s Glacier National Park. In 1932, both the National Parks were combined to form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

The National Park forms a part of the Canadian Rockies Mountain system and is known for its lakes –  Upper and Middle Waterton lakes, Cameron Falls, Red Rock Canyon, with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. You can plan to capture all of these on a day trip, especially one of the Waterton Lakes, and Cameron Falls is easily accessible from the town. 

Waterton definitely deserves at least a weekend stay, and a day trip might be rushed (but still doable in warmer months). If you are visiting for 2 -3 days, embark on hiking trails, check out wildlife including Bisons. 

Final Words Best Day Trips from Calgary Canada

In case you didn’t know, we LOVE Calgary. When you plan on visiting the city to explore the Canadian Rockies do set side additional day or two to explore some of the other wonders of the province like the Dinosaur Museum, ranch and the countryside, adventure hiking trails & ATV tours, and small towns from Calgary.

You will be delighted to see such amazing Prairie landscape and traditions in Alberta!

More posts on Alberta

• Edmonton: Best places to eat in Edmonton
• Calgary :  One day in Calgary itinerary
• Banff :  Perfect Banff itinerary
• Banff Hikes : Epic  hikes in Banff National Park
• Banff Airbnbs: Best places to stay in Banff Airbnbs
• Banff Christmas: How to plan the perfect Banff Christmas Getaway
• Grande Cache : Things to do in Grande Cache

Pin: 14 Calgary Day Trips to enjoy this year

Mayuri Kashyap is an Indian Canadian traveler, writer and photographer based in Alberta. She moved to Toronto as a student in 2009, and has been calling Canada home ever since. She started the blog - Canada Crossroads - to share her travel and living experiences in the Great White North!

A History graduate and an MBA, Mayuri is a destinations marketing expert. She loves traveling with her husband, Salil and soaking in experiences across Canada, India and Europe.

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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

14 of the Best Day Trips from Calgary

March 15, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 23 Comments

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Updated: March 15th, 2021

While there are plenty of awesome things to do in Calgary , sometimes you just want to get out and see more of the province. Luckily, Calgary has the best location in Alberta. With the Canadian Rockies to the West, the Canadian badlands to the east, and both the prairies and the foothills on its doorstep, there’s no short of fun day trips from Calgary. Whether you’re looking to go horseback riding, white water rafting, skiing, hiking, or almost anything else you can think of, Calgary is a great place to be based.

In this Alberta travel guide, we’re going to share the best day trips from Calgary, which can easily be transformed into multi-day adventures if you have more time. There are lots of places you can choose from, and a range of both small and big towns, all offering their own unique charms and attractions.

Let’s get into it.

Table of Contents

Places To Visit Near Calgary By Car

Calgary is quite a central destination, making it an accessible place to reach many other amazing towns, cities, villages, and parks in the surrounding areas. While some popular areas such as Banff have tours, most of these destinations require your own vehicle. However, all of the places listed here are less than three hours away from Calgary, with many of them less than two hours.

Depending on what you’re most eager to see and do, this list should showcase at least one spot that is perfect for you. Here’s an extensive list of places to see around Calgary.

Top Calgary Day Trips to the West

It’s no secret that the most famous place to visit around Calgary is the Rocky Mountains. Banff National Park is just over an hour away and is one of the most beautiful places in the world. There’s also the Kananaskis, which is even closer and typically quieter than its big brother next door.

Drive Time: The Kananaskis is about an hour from Calgary, but it depends on how far you go.

The Kananaskis was once a local secret, but keeping a secret is no easy task when the area is full of towering mountain peaks, gorgeous crystal-clear lakes, and a plethora of outdoor adventures. There are a number of places to access the Kananasnkis including Highway 40 near Canmore as well as access points just off the Cowboy Trail and Turner Valley such as highway 546 and highway 540.

Also known as K-country, this is one of the best places to spot wildlife such as bears and bighorn sheep as well as indulge in the pristine mountain wilderness. It’s home to some incredible hiking opportunities in the summer but is also popular in the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In fact, you can even go downhill skiing at Nakiska Ski Area, which was home to the 1988 Winter Olympics.

One of our favourite places to go camping is at Spray Lakes West Campground, which is in the Kananaskis but there are also fancier options for accommodation, such as Mt Engadine Lodge and the Kananaskis Lodge, which is home to a Nordic Spa.

Drive Time: Canmore is less than an hour’s drive from west Calgary.

There are so many trails to hike but one of our favourites is Ha Ling Peak, which can be a difficult climb but also a very busy spot on weekends. This is because it’s so close to the town but offers the chance to reach a mountain summit for mind-blowing views of the Canadian Rockies.

Once known as a quiet enclave of locals next to world-famous Banff, that is no longer the case. It was only a matter of time before Canmore, which is just 20 minutes from Banff, became as popular as it is now. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks and has a charming downtown core that’s popular with locals and visitors alike. You’ll find a seemingly endless network of hiking trails, as well as cave tours, shops, restaurants, and hotels. In the winter, it’s also home to epic cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and nearby downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Popular things to do :

• Take a helicopter ride
• Rock climbing
• Enjoy a walking tour of the town
• Wilderness walking

For an extensive list of what to do, check out our travel guide on things to do in Canmore .

Drive Time: Banff is just 1.5 hours from Calgary.

Banff truly needs no introduction. It’s one of the most visited destinations in all of Canada and is only 20 minutes west of Canmore. It’s one of the most beautiful mountain towns in the world and is full of attractions, including the Banff Gondola, the Banff Hot Springs, Mount Norquay Ski Resort, Sunshine Ski Resort, and an endless network of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, biking, and more.

Skiing in Banff is incredibly popular during the winter months as it’s home to three world-class ski resorts, as well as some beautiful winter hikes, such as Johnston Canyon. For those interested in a foodie experience, the most popular of them all is Fairmont’s Eat the Castle tour .

For a more detailed list of EVERYTHING, there is to do, check out our travel guide to the best things to do in Banff .

Popular things to do:

• Take a tour through the national park
• Browse one of the museums
• Visit Lake Louise and the other lakes
• Check out the hot springs
• Explore the town on foot
• Head off on a horse ride

Interested in Banff tours? Check out these options below:

Calgary to Banff Tour

• Cost : From $265 CAD
• Duration : 9.5 Hours

This tour will take you from Calgary to the well-known city of Banff, using the scenic route,  Tunnel Mountain Drive. You’ll get to explore the city once you arrive, then head up to the Banff Gondola. There will be time to view stunning waterfalls and take in the last sights of downtown before being brought safely back to Calgary.

From Calgary to Lake Louise Tour

• Cost : From $125 CAD
• Duration : 10 – 11 Hours

Enjoy a day filled with wildlife sightings, exploring the shores of Canada’s most famous lakes, and a local guide who will show you around Yoho National Park. This tour takes you to Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge, Spiral Tunnels, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake.

Pack your camera because the views you’ll see are unimaginable, and you’re going to want to remember them!

Lake and Mountains Around Calgary

• Cost : From $310 CAD
• Duration : 15 Hours

Enjoy some of the most beautiful views on this tour from Calgary to a list of mesmerizing lakes and mountains in the nearby vicinity. See Banff and Yoho National Park, as well as Emerald Lake and Victoria Glacier.

It’s an early start to the day, leaving before 6 am, but it’s a brilliant chance to see the stunning landscapes and a safe and easy trip with all transport organized for you. Just make your coffee a little stronger if you’re not a morning person.

Triple C Mountain Adventure

• Cost : From $570 CAD
• Duration : 6 Hours

The triple Cs in this tour stand for Calgary, Cochrane, and Canmore. You’ll take a sidecar adventure through each of these towns and enjoy a day of exploration with the wind in your hair. There’s a stop at Ghost Lake included as well, and your guide will offer commentary as you go.

Each stop offers the opportunity to stretch your legs, do some shopping, take a few photos, and then at your last stop, you can buy lunch as well.

Lake Louise

Drive time: Lake Louise is 2-3 hours from Calgary, making this one of the longer day trips featured in this guide. 

Also located within Banff National Park is the world-famous Lake Louise. This place gets very busy on weekends thanks to the beautiful turquoise-coloured lake located right in front of the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise luxury hotel. During the summer, you can go canoeing on the lake or in the winter, you can go skating on it! There’s also a variety of beautiful hikes all around the lake and up the mountains, as well as nearby Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Ski Resort.

For a more detailed guide on Lake Louise, check out our travel guide to the best things to do in Lake Louise .

Top Calgary Day Trips to the North

If the mountains are getting old, why not head north of Calgary to visit small towns, lakes, and quiet backcountry roads?

Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours or less.

Located right along Alberta’s Cowboy Trail, Sundre is a small town nestled near the Rocky Mountains, prairies, and foothills. You’ll find small-town charm at its museum and restaurants, as well as nearby adventures such as horseback riding and whitewater rafting. In fact, there’s a high chance you’ll even spot some wild horses!

• Visit the Sundre Museum
• Visit the Wild Horses of Alberta Society
• Go whitewater rafting with Mukwah Rafting
• Go horseback riding with Sunset Guiding and Outfitting

Want More? Check out our full guide to all the things to do in Sundre, Alberta .

Distance from Calgary : 1 hr 30 min drive.

Red Deer is the third-largest city in Alberta and boasts a healthy balance of natural beauty, history, and culture. It’s even been called the Cultural Capital of Canada. The city is nearly halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, so it’s a good city to stop in if you’re not wanting to make the long trip to Edmonton.

Activities to enjoy here:

• Check out the Sports Hall of Fame
• Browse the Saturday market
• Visit Fort Normandeau
• Learn about the city’s history at Sunnybrook Farm Museum

Where to stay: If you can’t bear to leave after just one day, book into Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Red Deer for a cozy night’s sleep before continuing your visit. You’ll find a 24-hour front desk and snack bar, as well as free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. And, of course, complimentary breakfast as well.

Distance from Calgary : 1 hr 50 min drive

This historic town may be tiny, but it’s terrifically exciting as well. It’s near Red Deer, and it’s one of the best places to see near Calgary for some history and fun.

Top attractions to visit in Lacombe :

• Have fun at Gull Lake
• See the Flatiron building
• Try out the well-known corn maze
• View the Michener House Museum
• Go on a walking tour of the town
• Visit the Blacksmith Shop Museum
• Check out Ellis Bird Farm
• Play a game of golf

Best place to stay:

Spend your night at the Best Western Plus Lacombe Inn & Suites , where you’ll find a kid’s playground, indoor pool, and fitness and business centers. Plus, there’s free parking, 24-hour help desk service, and a continental breakfast each morning.

Distance from Calgary : Olds is only 1 hour from Calgary.

While Olds may not be first on the list of day trips from Calgary, it can be a popular option for escaping the crowds and indulging in that small-town charm. You’ll drive through some beautiful farmland to get there and there’s actually quite a variety of things to do.

• Visit the equestrian ranch
• Go paintballing
• Throw an axe
• Cool off in the splash park
• Play a game in the batting cages
• Visit the Olds College Botanical Gardens
• Have a pint in the Olds College Brewery

Distance from Calgary : 1 hr 15 min drive

If you’re really looking to explore a small town, especially with kids, Innisfail can be a great option. There’s plenty to do, but nothing has to be rushed. You can sightsee as you please and experience as much as you have time for.

• Innisfail Historical Village
• Dinos Center
• Discovery Wildlife Park
• Innisfail Golf Club
• Kids’ playgrounds
• Walking trails
• Tennis courts
• Skate parks

Top Calgary Day Trips to the South

Calgary is only three hours north of the U.S. border with Montana, but in-between there are so many places to visit and cool things to do, some of which make great day trips from Calgary.

Distance from Calgary : 35-min drive

Did you know that Okotoks used to be the headquarters for Must Do Canada? How about that! Now we’re in Calgary but we still visit family on a weekly basis. Okotoks is quite popular both for living and for visiting, with a few cool things to do as well as the charming historic Elizabeth street. 

• See the largest glacial erratic in North America
• Visit the Seaman Stadium for a game or a tour
• Go on a bike ride with the whole family
• Browse through the art galleries and museums
• Experience the Chinook Honey Farm

Where to stay:

Appreciate city views and access to a barbeque at Lakeview Inns & Suites . It’s a large, quaint-looking accommodation that provides guests with a comfy spot to enjoy a night or two.

Crowsnest Pass

Distance from Calgary : 2.5 hours.

Most people think of the Canadian Rockies as being west of Calgary but they’re also south of Calgary! Head south on Highway 2 or opt for Highway 22 (Cowboy Trail) for a more scenic route to the beautiful Crowsnest Pass. Although this can certainly be done as a long day trip (similar to Lake Louise), we always recommend spending a night to really make use of your time. After all, the Crowsnest Pass is one of the most beautiful regions in Alberta and is home to incredible hiking opportunities, golfing, historic sites, and the jaw-dropping Frank Slide. This area has a very tragic past and we highly recommend spending a couple of hours at Frank Slide as well as the nearby Crowsnest Museum.

• Visit Lundbrek Falls and Leitch Collieries Provincial Historic Site
• Visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
• Tour the historic streets of Coleman
• Climb to the summit of Turtle Mountain

Want more? Check out our FULL TRAVEL GUIDE to the best things to do in Crowsnest Pass .

Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump

Distance from Calgary : 2 hours.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the province’s great indigenous treasures and one of the world’s biggest, oldest, and best-preserved buffalo jumps. What makes Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump extra special is the wonderful interpretive centre where you can learn all about this site, watch a reenactment video, and learn about the indigenous tribes that call this place home. The exhibition site details how the Blackfoot Bands used the area for buffalo hunting and they offer a number of tours, including the chance to reenact the buffalo hunt yourself!

Castle Provincial Park

Distance from Calgary: 2.5 hours.

Alberta’s newest provincial park is located just south of Pincher Creek and offers stunning scenery without all the crowds. You’ll find lots of hiking and mountain biking trails in Castle Provincial Park , as well as lakes and campgrounds. In addition, just outside the park is Castle Mountain Resort, one of the top ski resorts in the province. While the resort is most famous for its powder and steep runs, they also have a number of popular hikes in the summer.

Top Calgary Day Trips to the East

East of Calgary is what makes Alberta even more unique. Not only will you find mountains to the west and prairies to the north and south, but you’ll also find badlands to the east! This makes for some incredible scenery, unique hiking opportunities, and a chance to visit the Dinosaur capital of the world!

Distance from Calgary : 1 hr 30 min drive

If you’re a dinosaur enthusiast, Drumheller is going to blow your mind! This is known as the Dinosaur Capital , as it has some of the world’s richest fossil beds. The town is the known home of 20 types of dinosaur fossils, and there are plenty of Jurassic-style adventures to be had here. This is not only one of the most popular places to visit east of Calgary but also one of the most popular destinations in Alberta. 

• Go on the DinoWalk
• Climb up the stairs inside the gigantic T-rex
• Play on the bumper boats
• Enjoy a game of golf
• Visit Orkney Lookout
• Get wonderfully wet at Rotary Spray Park
• See the Badlands Amphitheatre

Want more? Check out our full travel guide to see all the best things to do in Drumheller .

Aspen Crossing and Vulcan

Distance from Calgary : 1 hr 30 min drive or less.

Located in the ultra-small town of Mossleigh is one of the most popular attractions near Calgary. Aspen Crossing offers a train-themed experience, complete with an RV park, camping, and a truly unique opportunity to spend the night in a Caboose cabin. The most popular activity here is taking a scenic train ride through the prairies with options to experience things like a Cowboy Shootout, a Wine and Cheese event, Brunch, or even the Polar Express during the Christmas season. In addition, you’ll find one of the few remaining places in Alberta where there’s a trio of grain elevators still standing.

Now, if you’ve made it this far, you should continue on to the town of Vulcan, especially if you’re a fan of the TV series Star Trek. In fact, if you’re a fan of the show, the town of Vulcan is likely #1 on your bucket list. Located just 25-minutes from Mossleigh is a statue of the Star Trek Enterprise, murals of the Star Trek doctors, and even a ‘transporter’ to get you back to the Star Fleet. Even Leonard Nimoy visited in 2010!

Want to make it even more special? Consider visiting during the annual Spock Days, a fun family festival featuring a Star Trek-themed parade, soapbox derby, beer gardens and fireworks. 

Discover All The Remarkable Day Trips From Calgary

If you’ve done everything there is to do in Calgary, including tasting some of the world-class beer at the many Calgary breweries or the incredible food at the top Calgary restaurants , it’s time to get out and explore the other towns and locations nearby. Whether you’re in the mood for small-town charm or looking to escape into nature, there are many day trips from Calgary to suit everyone.

Pick your destination from the list above and head out, either on self-guided road trips from Calgary or on a guided tour; the choice is yours. Just be sure to pack your camera because you’re bound to stumble across a myriad of stunning sights to capture.

IF YOU LIKE THIS BLOG POST, PLEASE SHARE! … THANK YOU 😊 

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

December 22, 2020 at 3:36 am

The article on Best Day Trips from Calgary will be of great help and interest to residents of Calgary and as well as tourists who are living there. If you are one of those then kindly read this article.

April 1, 2021 at 5:23 pm

I definitely will use this list in this summer

April 5, 2021 at 9:43 am

Wow!! It’s been forever since we headed to Alberta. We have friends near Calgary and now that my cancer treatments are under control we are hoping to go when it is safe. And while we have seen some great places like Waterton this list just reminds me how much more there is to discover!! I will be saving this for our next road trip that way for sure. Thanks!! 💗

April 5, 2021 at 12:34 pm

Oh wow, Congrats! Yes, it’s amazing how much there is once you start looking

May 31, 2021 at 3:06 pm

When in Watson be sure and stop for lunch at trappers Central location family run great food

April 4, 2021 at 5:39 pm

Good for planning a visit.

April 5, 2021 at 8:08 pm

This is awesome, can’t wait to go exploring.

April 5, 2021 at 11:51 pm

Great article with helpful information . Good for planning what to do when there.

April 6, 2021 at 1:25 am

April 7, 2021 at 8:08 am

OOOh, didn’t know about the train in Vulcan, definitely going to check it out!

April 7, 2021 at 9:43 pm

April 10, 2021 at 10:17 am

This is awesome, thank you! We are right near Kananaskis so going to check out Spray Lakes this year.

April 10, 2021 at 10:40 am

Love Alberta! Beautiful vistas

April 10, 2021 at 7:39 pm

Lots of cool places to check out in Crowsnest Pass area, mines and frank slide intrepretive center. I am checking out Medicine Hat- Brooks area this summer! We are looking forward to it.

April 11, 2021 at 9:43 am

We’re gonna be doing some videos on the Medicine Hat area soon!

April 22, 2021 at 1:34 pm

Too bad we aren’t supposed to leave our own Provinces right now…

April 23, 2021 at 11:14 am

What a great site

April 25, 2021 at 2:00 pm

Drumheller is such a great place to visit. And eat…. Bernieand the Boys was aamazing

May 12, 2021 at 10:34 am

May 13, 2021 at 6:08 pm

can’t wait til I can travel to Banff and Jasper again!

May 14, 2021 at 9:09 am

Actually any road trip in Alberta is a new adventure. W often just head in a direction and then take off roads as we go and so often find interesting things one never reads about.

August 17, 2021 at 10:21 am

Great ideas. Are you excluding Waterton since you just need more time than you have in a day? It’s very reachable from Calgary.

August 17, 2021 at 12:08 pm

That’s a good point. It’s about the same distance as Lake Louise. We’ll add it 🙂

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30 Awesome Day Trips from Edmonton, Alberta

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

One of the realities we live with in Edmonton, Alberta is the fact that we are kind of far away from, well, everything. At least it feels like that in Canada’s furthest north major city.

But even once you’ve run out of things to do in Edmonton , there are a surprising number of day trips worth considering. It only takes one day from the city to appreciate why many consider Alberta to be Canada’s most beautiful province .

Below I’ve compiled 25 easy Edmonton day trip ideas, all tried and tested in my years growing up here and now raising kids in Edmonton ! All of these trips can be done in a single day – if you’re looking for longer ones, see my recommended road trips from Edmonton !

Table of Contents

Easy Edmonton Day Trips

The first 20 day trips in my list are all within two hours of the city, with some of them just outside of the city limits. Some of these ideas can also easily be combined – I’ve indicated when this is the case.  

Elk Island National Park

Edmonton is blessed to have a national park right on its doorstep, only 30 minutes from downtown by car. Elk Island National Park is the smallest but most accessible of Alberta’s five national parks .

Elk Island features a preserved prairie and marshland ecosystem, with opportunities for hiking , kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing. They’ve also got one of the best playgrounds in Edmonton . The park has played a key role is conservation of the plains and wood bison; you are practically guaranteed to see them.

Elk Island is also part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, so it is suitable for stargazing and Northern Lights viewing.

Ukrainian Village

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is one of the best living history museums in the Edmonton area . It recreates a Ukrainian settlement in Alberta from 1899 to 1930.

Costumed interpreters stick to their roles amidst a beautifully restored train station, grain elevator, church, school, shops, farmhouses, and more. Don’t miss the chance to sample authentic Ukrainian cuisine (including modern adaptations like pyrogy poutine) before you leave!

Ukrainian Village is just past Elk Island National Park on Highway 16, so it’s easy to combine the two in one day trip from Edmonton.

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area

For those who prefer to get off the beaten track and have the trails all to themselves, there’s Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area.

This large and mostly wild area lies directly south of Elk Island National Park. Like Elk Island, it belongs to the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, but with even viewer facilities, it offers even darker skies for stargazing.

There are about 20 different hiking trails in the area, with one of the best being the Lost Lake and Neon Lake Loop. The expansive park can accessed from four different staging areas, which are clearly indicated on GoogleMaps.

Jurassic Forest

Do you live in or are visiting Edmonton with young kids ? Then a visit to Jurassic Forest is pretty much mandatory.

Jurassic Forest features moving, growling, life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures along a series of trails through the forest. There’s also dinosaur-themed mini golf and reasonably priced dino souvenirs in the gift shop.

Jurassic Forest is located near the town of Gibbons, about 30 minutes’ drive north of Edmonton.

Edmonton Corn Maze

In late summer and early autumn, the Edmonton Corn Maze makes for a fun Edmonton day trip with kids, and it’s only a few minutes’ drive west of the city near Devon.

The corn maze is enormous, and the design changes every year. The aerial image of the maze posted near the start can serve as your map, but DO expect to get lost.

Besides the corn maze, there’s also a highly photogenic sunflower maze, farm animals to feed, a potato gun, and over a dozen children’s games and activities.

Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary

Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary is a small and serene gem southwest of the city. There, a super easy boardwalk trail leads around a marshy landscape, with a high concentration of birds and other wildlife to be spotted.

Due to its location, you can easily combine this Edmonton day trip with the Edmonton Corn Maze (see previous entry).

Wagner Natural Area

Another nature reserve a short drive west of Edmonton is Wagner Natural Area . Like Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, it has an easy boardwalk trail, mostly through wetlands and boreal forest.

Uniquely, you’ll have the chance to spot wild orchids! Around 16 species of wild orchid, more than half the total varieties in Alberta, can be found in Wagner Natural Area from June to August.

Wagner Natural Area is near Spruce Grove, and could easily be combined with the following entry.

Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area

Yet another natural area west of Edmonton is Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area. This is an excellent alternative to Elk Island National Park, with fewer people and a similar environment.

A handful of short and longer hikes provide access to several lakes and swamps. Watch for beavers! Chickakoo is a short drive past Spruce Grove on Highway 16. 

Alberta Railway Museum

For history and train lovers, the Alberta Railway Museum is well worth a visit. The outdoor museum features dozens of old train cars, equipment, and the original St. Alberta train station. Because of its location a short drive northeast of the city, you could consider combining Alberta Railway Museum with a day trip to Elk Island, Cooking Lake-Blackfoot, or Jurassic Forest. The museum is totally volunteer run. It is only open on weekends in summer.

St. Albert & U of A Botanic Gardens

To appreciate flowers and impressively manicured gardens, the University of Alberta Botanic Gardens near Devon is one of the most popular day trips from Edmonton. The expansive area includes a Japanese, indigenous, and Islamic garden. You could also combine it with a visit to Clifford E. Lee Sanctuary and/or Edmonton Corn Maze. If the price of the U of A Botanic Garden is a turn-off for you, then consider visiting the totally free St. Albert Botanic Park . It’s much smaller, but stunning nonetheless when all the trees and flowers are in bloom. There’s also a lovely walking trail along the river beside it.

Reynolds-Alberta Museum

The excellent Reynolds-Alberta Museum is just an hour’s drive south of Edmonton in Wetaskiwin (Cars Cost Less in Wetaskiwin!) The museum features vintage cars, airplanes, motorcycles, farming equipment, and other machines. It’s mostly indoors, but with some displays outside as well.

Just off Highway 2, the museum is an easy stop en route to Lacombe, Red Deer, or Calgary. If you’re visiting with young considers, consider stopping at the Dinosaur-themed playground in Leduc on the way.

Day trip to the Lake

The quintessential Alberta prairies/boreal forest summer experience is going on a day trip to the lake. Luckily, there are dozens of lakes within day-tripping distance of Edmonton, and many of them have sandy beaches. Some of the best lakes for day trips around Edmonton include Wabamum Lake to the west, Long Lake to the north, and Pigeon, Gull, Miquelon, or Sylvan Lakes to the south. All of these lakes have excellent day use areas and campgrounds.

Fruit Picking & Farm Day Trips

From early summer through to early fall, there are loads of U-Pick farms around Edmonton. They offer the chance to pick your own strawberries, Saskatoon berries, raspberries, and increasingly nowadays, veggies and other crops, too.

For a farm with a good mix of products, I recommend Happy Acres U-Pick . Prairie Gardens near Jurassic Forest also offers a variety of other activities on site.

Giants of the Prairies Day Trip

Did you know that Alberta is famous for its many giant roadside attractions? Edmonton itself has a handful of them, but for the best ones, you’ll have to make one or several day trips around Edmonton. Some of the best giants, including the Giant Easter Egg, Pyrogy, and Sausage are found to the northeast of Edmonton. In this article, I’ve created five different Alberta roadside attraction driving routes to visit as many of these giants as you can in a single day trip.

Brewery Day Trip

If you ever get tired of Edmonton’s roughly 20 microbreweries, why not go on a day trip to visit even more! Some of the best breweries in Alberta are within day-tripping distance of Edmonton. Heading west toward Jasper, hit Apex Predator in Edson, followed by my personal favorite, Folding Mountain Brewery in Hinton, right on the doorstep to Jasper National Park.

Driving south, you can do an boozy loop of Hawk Tail in Rimbey, Snake Lake in Sylvan Lake, Troubled Monk and several others in Red Deer, Field & Forge in Innisfail, and the excellent Blindman in Lacombe. Don’t drink & drive, kids.

Besides Blindman Brewery (see last entry), the town of Lacombe has several other attractions making it more than worthy of the 1.25-hour drive from Edmonton. After a few day beers, explore Lacombe’s lovely historic centre on foot.

Next, just outside of Lacombe, the Kraay Family Farm is Lacombe’s answer to the Edmonton Corn & Sunflower Maze. A short hop from there, Aspen Beach Provincial Park on Gull Lake is perfect for a swim.

Before returning home, spoil yourself at Cilantro & Chive , the best restaurant in town.

Often disregarded as nothing more than a place to stop for gas and snacks on the way from Edmonton to Calgary, Red Deer has a lot going for it.

Alberta’s third-largest city features a historic downtown area, several excellent breweries, large parks and bird sanctuaries, a historic fort, sports museum, and water tubing for kids at Discovery Canyon .

Find out everything you need to know for planning an epic day trip in my guide to the best things to do in Red Deer .

Alberta Prairie Railway, Stettler

At two hours away from Edmonton, this day trip idea just barely qualifies for this “easy day trips” section. But for anyone who loves historic train rides, it’s worth the trip.

The Alberta Prairie Railway runs fun excursions from Stettler into the surrounding prairies on old steam trains, with treats for the kids. In winter, they also offer the Polar Express.

Stettler is a straight shot east of Red Deer, so this could be an add-on to a Red Deer day trip.

Rabbit Hill

If you don’t want to travel all the way to the Rockies for a skiing day trip from Edmonton, don’t forget about Rabbit Hill Snow Resort just outside of the city.

Like the other ski hills right in Edmonton, Rabbit Hill is in the North Saskatchewan River Valley, a short drive southwest of Edmonton near Devon. But Rabbit Hill is the largest of them all, with over 10 runs ranging from green circle to black diamond. See here for more fun winter activities in Edmonton .

Day Trips Further Afield

The following day trips from Edmonton require 2–4 hours of driving (each way).

Yes, eight hours behind the wheel is a bit much for a day trip. But if all you’ve got is a day, you can check off some of the best places to visit in Alberta in a single day trip from Edmonton if you get an early enough start. And if you are willing to overnight it, see my guide to the best longer road trips from Edmonton .

Lloydminster

To say you’ve finally been to Saskatchwan is reason enough to visit Lloydminster, which straddles the AB-SASK border 2.5 hours east of Edmonton. You can’t miss the exact spot, thanks to the largest border markers in the world. On the Alberta side, grab a fresh pint at the 4 th Meridian Brewery . Head over to Saskatchewan for the Ll oyminster Museum & Archives , which includes one of the largest taxidermy collections in North America. North of Lloyd, Sandy Beach has a diving board, while Cold Lake has some excellent campgrounds.

Torrington Gopher Hole Museum

Would you be willing to devote a day of your life to seeing dozens of taxidermy gophers displayed in a variety of human-like scenes? If so, then promptly make your way to Torrington Gopher Hole Museum , about two hours and 15 minutes south of Edmonton.

If not, this can also be a little stopover en route to Calgary or Drumheller.

Dry Island Buffalo Jump

Remote Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park is an off-the-beaten-track spot 2.5 hours south of Edmonton.

Like its more famous cousin in Southern Alberta, Head-Smashed-In , this is a spot where indigenous people once hunted bison by driving them off cliffs.

Dry Island Buffalo Jump is on the Red Deer River upstream from Drumheller, so it features the same stunning badlands scenery, but minus the screaming kids.

At three hours away, the Dinosaur Capital of the World is doable as a long day trip from Edmonton. Drive the Dinosaur Trail on the way in, hitting Horsethief Canyon, Little Church, and of course the Royal Tyrrell Museum .

Next, climb the word’s largest T-Rex, see the hoodoos, and if you’ve got time, squeeze in a tour of Atlas Coal Mine and a beer at Last Chance Saloon . Take Highway 9 west to leave town, stopping at Horseshoe Canyon, then make a beeline for Highway 2 for the fastest route back to Edmonton.

For all the deets, see my guide to the best things to do in Drumheller . Further south, also check out Dinosaur Provincial Park .

Forget about your sports rivalries, and take a day trip to Alberta’s other (bigger, but I won’t say better or worse because I don’t want to start a fight) city. 

When you’ve already seen and done everything there is to do in Edmonton, you can start all over again in Calgary. The Calgary Zoo and Telus Spark are great for kids, Heritage Park is a huge living history museum, and Peace Bridge and Calgary Tower are iconic sights.

You can’t do Calgary in a day, so I suggest breaking it into multiple days trips, perhaps covering one of the city’s four quadrants per visit.

Edson & Hinton

For most Edmontonians, Edson are Hinton are pee stops on the way to Jasper. OK, I’m not going to lie, there isn’t a whole lot to do in Edson. But Apex Predator Brewery, northwest of Edson, is excellent, when their small patio is open. The same goes for Rocky Mountain Big Horn Distillery’s tasting room, where you can sample a variety of craft gins and other liqueurs (hello Apple Pie in booze form!)

Hinton is the gateway to Jasper National Park, but has some attractions of its own. Beaver Boardwalk is great with kids, while the Athabasca River Front Park is also lovely. Just past town, Wildhorse Lake has gorgeous mountain views, while William A. Switzer Provincial Park is among the most beautiful in Alberta.

Last but not least, beautiful Folding Mountain Brewery, just before the entrance to Jasper National Park, is my personal favorite in all of Alberta.

Jasper National Park

As Edmontonians can be heard saying, “We are ONLY three hours from the Rockies.” It’s a little far for a day trip, sure, but the mountains are always worth the drive, even if you’ve only got a day.

Choose from countless hikes, stunning lakes , snowshoe trails, or spend the day skiing at Marmot Basin. Jasper is simply stunning anytime of the year.

Read more in my guides to Jasper for kids and visiting Jasper in winter .

Nordegg Region

The Nordegg region, also called David Thompson country (after the highway that runs through it) is a remote region of raw natural beauty. It is home to numerous lakes, hiking trails, campgrounds, crown lands, and waterfalls. Crescent Falls stands out as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Alberta and closest major waterfalls to Edmonton .

The star of the Nordegg region is Abraham Lake, which is actually a water reservoir. In summer it is gorgeous, while it winter it draws crowds for its methane ice bubbles . I’ve personally done a day trip from Edmonton in winter to see the ice bubbles–totally worth it! There are also several excellent hikes that start near the lake.

After Abraham Lake, the highway meets the Icefields Parkway at Saskatchewan River Crossing, from where you can travel north into Jasper National Park or south into Banff National Park.

The honest truth is that every Edmontonian is envious of how close Calgary is to the mountains. For Calgarians, Kananaskis and Banff are only an hour away.

But Kananaskis can still be done as a day trip from Edmonton, if you don’t mind a 3.5-hour drive on each side. In fact, Nakiska Ski Resort in Kananaskis is a slightly shorter drive from Edmonton than Marmot Basin in Jasper, which we normally consider to be the closest Rocky Mountain ski resort to Edmonton!

Kananaskis country is an expansive area boasting gorgeous lakes , amazing hiking trails , and other outdoorsy things to do .

Canmore, the main access town to Kananaskis, is just outside of Banff National Park and is a favorite holiday spot among Albertans. It’s a sin to only visit as a day trip, but I’ve personally done it because I’ll take any bit of Canmore I can get.

Canmore is like a less touristy version of Banff, but with the same dramatic scenery. The artsy, outdoorsy town is surrounded by incredible lakes, mountains, and hikes. They’ve got some excellent breweries and a distillery, too

See my guides to the best things to do in Canmore and easy hikes in Canmore .

Banff National Park

While I absolutely don’t recommend visiting mighty Banff National Park, Canada’s first and best, as a day trip all the way from Edmonton, sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Whether it’s to bag a once-in-a-lifetime hike, photograph turquoise lakes at sunrise, or hit the slopes of the park’s three ski resorts, any of the above can be done in one long ass day trip from Edmonton (minimum 4 hours each way). 

Here’s my recommended Banff itinerary , Banff winter activities , and things to do in Banff with kids .

Well, that brings us to the end of my guide to the best day trips from Edmonton. I hope that even for those of you living in Edmonton, you’ve found at least a few new ideas!  

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2 thoughts on “30 Awesome Day Trips from Edmonton, Alberta”

As a fellow born and raised Edmontonian who shares your love for exploring and appreciating what is around you, I suggest the Westlock Meditation Centre as a quick afternoon or summer evening trip. Happy travels!

Thank you, Monica. I will definitely check it out!

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Day Trips from Calgary

Day trips are a fun way to explore and a great complement to your next Calgary trip. Explore the National Parks and World Heritage Sites just beyond the city with the tips and tricks you need to beat the crowds and be home in time for dinner in Calgary.

Aspen Crossing

Aspen Crossing , located in the small hamlet of Mossleigh Alberta, is just one hour from Calgary in the Canadian Badlands. Aspen Crossing is home to an authentic 1887 Pullman dining car that once belonged to Prime Minster John Diefenbaker and now operates from April to December. Champagne brunches, dinner theatre, and prairie tours are just some of the ways you can explore this private stretch of track, with each train excursion lasting approximately three hours.

Distance from Calgary:   1 hour (90 kilometres/60 miles)

Banff Gondola

Heighten your senses with the Banff Gondola and experience summit views everyone can access. With an outside rooftop deck and indoor interpretive centre, the gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff is just the start of the adventure. Take the boardwalk to the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station , a National Historic Site, or dine 7,486 feet in the air at Sky Bistro , with a distinctly Canadian menu and mountain views in every direction. Weekdays are the best time to avoid the lines and take in views of six mountain ranges in the Canadian Rockies.

Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours (133 kilometres/83 miles)

Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain (Photo By: Brewster Travel Canada)

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs  is a favourite activity for locals and travellers alike. Here, you can relax in the hot mineral waters at 1,585 metres of elevation in the highest operating hot spring in Canada. This natural wonder is equipped with a café, gift shop, picnic sites, and walking trails for a family friendly day in the mountains. Beat the crowds on weekdays and in the early morning on weekends. Hours of operation vary depending on the season so be sure to check availability before you visit.

Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Spend a relaxing day at the spa at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa , just over an hour west of Calgary and close to Canmore. A series of outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms will help you relax with a process called hydrotherapy, as you cycle through each water temperature and soak the day away.

Distance from Calgary: 1.25 hours (101 kilometres/63 miles)

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

The Lake Minnewanka Cruise   is a one hour guided boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka that includes entertaining commentary on the history, geology, wildlife, and First Nation’s culture of the area. Boat rentals and guided fishing tours are also available if you are interested in setting out on your own Lake Minnewanka adventure. Daily operating hours and cruise offerings vary between May and October each year so be sure to check availability before you set out this memorable road trip.

Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours (132 kilometres/82 miles)

Banff Lake Cruise (Photo By: Brewster Travel Canada)

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site

Once one of Canada’s largest ranching operations, Bar U Ranch National Historic Site , offers the authentic cowboy experience to every visitor. Costumed interpreters demonstrate ranching skills like cattle roping, saddle making, and blacksmithing. With over 35 historic structures to explore, guided walking and horse-drawn wagon tours, and authentic cowboy grub cooking in the ranch house, this must-see Alberta attraction is the perfect place to experience life on the ranch with the Canadian Rockies as your back drop. Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is open daily from May to September.

Distance from Calgary: 1 hour (109 kilometres/67 miles)

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site (Photo By: Jeff Bartlett)

Rocky Mountain Road Trips from Calgary

Discover why locals love living so close to the Canadian Rocky Mountains and plan to ultimate mountain road trip itinerary with a gondola ride, lake cruise, and helicopter tour. 

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Home to one of the world’s richest deposits of fossils, Dinosaur Provincial Park will transport you to another world. Views over the largest continuous stretch of Badlands at this UNESCO World Heritage Site make it a photographer’s dream day trip. Pack a picnic lunch, explore easy hiking trails, and get up close to a stunning collection of fossils in the Dinosaur Visitor Centre . Get an early start on your road trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park, pack a hat, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and be sure to check Dinosaur Visitor Centre hours before hitting the road as they vary by season.

Distance from Calgary: 2.25 hours (219 kilometres/136 miles)

Dinosaur Provincial Park (Photo By: Mike Seehagel)

Frank Slide Interpretive Centre

Take a road trip through the Crowsnest Pass and experience the beautiful scenery and stories of Southern Alberta at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre . Interactive exhibitions and displays tell the story of Canada’s deadliest rockslide that changed the landscape of the coal mining town of Frank in 1903. A 1.5 kilometre trail winds through the rocks of the Frank Slide, surrounded by the beautiful Canadian Rockies, for an outdoor adventure unlike anything you have ever seen. The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre is open all year which makes it a great day trip no matter what the season.

Distance from Calgary: 2.25 hours (216 kilometres/134 miles)

Frank Slide Interpretive Centre (Photo By: Jeff Bartlett)

Glacier Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is perched high above the Sunwapta Valley with a stunning bird’s eye view of waterfalls, wildlife, and fossils below. The one kilometre glass walkway will take your breath away with a 918 foot drop below to the valley floor. This award winning attraction is safe and accessible for the whole family with an interpretive storytelling format to guide you through the natural wonders beyond. Book ahead to select a time slot for the experience between April and October each year. You can even pair your glacier adventure with a meal at the Altitude Restaurant , overlooking the Athabasca Glacier, for the ultimate Columbia Icefields experience. With stunning views along the Columbia Icefields, the Glacier Skywalk requires a very full day to explore.

Distance from Calgary: 3.5 hours (311 kilometres/193 miles)

Glacier Skywalk in Jasper (Photo By: Neil Zeller)

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site

One of the world’s oldest, largest, and best preserved buffalo jumps,  Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump , is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, putting it in the same class of worldwide wonders as the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. Indoor and outdoor exhibits explore the history of buffalo hunting culture and the work of archaeologists to preserve this incredible site. Allow one to two hours for the indoor exhibits and an additional 45 minutes for the interpretive outdoor hike that explores the buffalo jump. Hours of operation vary by season so be sure to check ahead before planning your road trip.

Distance from Calgary: 2 hours (183 kilometres/114 miles)

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site (Photo By: Mike Seehagel)

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Lake Louise

Of all the iconic locations in Canada, Lake Louise may be at the top of the list. One of the most photographed locations in the world, Lake Louise, with its emerald green water and rugged peaks, is just two hours from Calgary. Canoe on the lake in the summer, enjoy ice skating and ice sculptures in the winter, and be sure to visit the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a traditional Afternoon Tea anytime of the year. The small hamlet of Lake Louise includes a small collection of shops and restaurants along with a visitor information centre. Beat the crowds and visit early in the morning or during the week for an uninterrupted view of the lake.

Lake Louise (Photo By: Copithorne & Blakely)

Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site

Discover how the fur trade helped shape the history of Canada at Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site . Book a hands on experience demonstrating the Métis skills of the fur trade, explore the archaeological remains of four forts, take part in authentic indigenous games, drumming, dancing, and daily campfires, or spend the night with a variety of heritage camping accommodations. Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is open May through September with free entry available to Parks Canada Discovery Pass holders.

Distance from Calgary: 2.5 hours (207 kilometres/129 miles)

Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site (Parks Canada/Ryan Bray)

Royal Tyrell Museum of Palaeontology

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is an engaging experience for everyone in the family that explores the history of life on Earth. Home to one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur skeletons, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is a world renowned museum and research facility. Search for fossils, dig in a realistic quarry, cast your own fossil, or enjoy a scenic self-guided tour through the Canadian Badlands around the museum. Temperatures and weather patterns in the Canadian Badlands can vary by the day, so be sure to bring clothing suitable for a range of conditions, including good walking shoes for outdoor hikes. Check ahead for seasonal hours and allow two to three hours to explore all of the museum’s galleries.

Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours (142 kilometres/88 miles)

See magnificent exhibits at the Royal Tyrrell Museum

Royal Tyrrell Museum

Waterton Lakes National Park

With the prairies to the east and the Canadian Rockies to the west, Waterton Lakes National Park has stunning views in every direction. Sharing its border with the United States and British Columbia, Waterton Lakes National Park is a scenic two and a half hour drive from Calgary, with small town charm and endless photography opportunities. Perched on the bluff above Waterton, the Prince of Wales Hotel is a historic part of Waterton with a traditional Afternoon Tea, making it a must-visit part of your road trip. Waterton Lakes National Park is open year round, though most facilities close in the winter months.

Distance from Calgary: 2.5 hours (258 kilometres/160 miles)

Waterton Lakes National Park (Photo By: Travel Alberta/Mike Seehagel)

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Exploring Calgary and Banff without a Car

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Day Trips From Calgary

The Top 12 Best Day Trips From Calgary

Explore outside of Calgary with these 12 day trips

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While there are a whole host of things to keep you busy in Calgary , depending on how much time you have, it’s also well worth exploring outside of the city. The opportunity for everything from skiing and hiking to exploring small towns and historic sites awaits. If you’re looking for a few fun things to do beyond Calgary’s borders, here are 12 of the best day trips to consider.

Banff: Year-Round Outdoor Fun

Henryk Sadura / Getty Images

Make your way to this picturesque ski village to experience the great outdoors in a wide variety of ways like hiking, biking, canoeing, rafting, or skiing. The region is also home to the Banff Upper Hot Springs where you can relax in hot mineral waters in the highest operating hot spring in Canada. Or, for exceptional views, take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for a 360-degree view sight of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the town of Banff. The town of Banff itself is filled with cozy bars and restaurants as well as galleries and shops.

Getting There : You can either get to Banff National Park from Calgary via a 90-minute drive or opt for On-It Transit service . Buses run a direct route from Calgary to Banff.

Travel Tip : If you ride the gondola to Sulphur Mountain, you can dine 7,486 feet in the air at Sky Bistro for a meal accompanied by mountain views in every direction.

Drumheller: Dinosaur Territory

GeoStock / Getty Images

Drumheller is known as the world’s dinosaur capital making it a must for anyone interested in the life and history of these prehistoric creatures. For starters, stop by the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology which is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of paleontology and where you’ll find one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs. Don’t forget to snap a selfie or two with the World’s Largest Dinosaur and spend some time exploring the scenic and otherworldly Canadian Badlands where the dinosaurs once lived.

Getting There: Drumheller lies approximately 68 miles (110 kilometers) from Calgary and is easily reached in a 90-minute drive.

Travel Tip : You can try your hand at uncovering dinosaur bones and see real dinosaur remains still in the ground with a paleontologist by booking a 90-minute Dinosite experience through the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology.

Dinosaur Provincial Park: Fun with Fossils

 Getty Images/John Elk III

For even more fun with fossils, make your way to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to one of the world’s richest deposits of fossils. More than 150 full dinosaur skeletons have been discovered in Dinosaur Provincial Park, including over 50 different species. Here you'll also get views over the largest continuous stretch of Badlands and visitors can enjoy hiking trails and check out the collection of fossils in the Dinosaur Visitor Centre.

Getting There : You can drive to Dinosaur Provincial Park from Calgary via the Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 E. The drive covers around 136 miles (219 kilometers) and takes just under three hours.

Travel Tip : Maximize your experience by booking a guided tour of Dinosaur Provincial Park with Prairie Sprinter. The tour includes transportation to and from the park, expert interpreters, and time for a hike.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: History of the Herd

Getty Images/Chris Babcock

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved buffalo jumps in the world. For a bit of background, bison provided the Aboriginal peoples of North America's Great Plains with everything from food to clothing to tools, and at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump you will find both indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing the 6000-year history of buffalo hunting culture

Getting There : Getting to Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump from Calgary can be done by driving 114 miles (184 kilometers) along AB-2 S, which should take around one hour and 50 minutes depending on traffic.

Travel Tip : Make sure to leave some time to enjoy the interpretive outdoor hike that explores the buffalo jump.

Lake Louise: Boundless Natural Beauty

Westend61 / Getty Images

If you have the time to make the trip, a visit to Lake Louise should be near the top of your list of day trips from Calgary. Once you’re there, it will become immediately apparent why this is one of the most photographed locations in the world. Emerald-hued water and rugged peaks provide breathtaking photo ops and there are seemingly endless options for outdoor fun in any season.

Getting There : If you’d like to drive from Calgary to Lake Louise you can do so via Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. The approximately 115-miles (185-kilometer) drive should take around two hours. Alternatively, you can take the Brewster Express , which provides direct shuttle service from Calgary International Airport to Lake Louise.

Travel Tip : If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to visit Lake Louise early in the morning or during the week.

Edmonton: Explore Alberta’s Capital

Getty Images/wwing

Alberta’s capital city lies just three hours from Calgary and offers a wide variety of things to see and do on a full day trip. During the summer, there are vibrant outdoor markets and many festivals and events to enjoy covering everything from music and theater to food. There are also hiking and other outdoor activities at Elk Island National Park . During the winter there are opportunities for skiing, skating, and discovering Edmonton’s awe-inspiring ice castles. You can shop in West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping mall in North America, any time of year.

Getting There : You can get to Edmonton from Calgary on the bus. Several bus companies make the 186 miles (300-kilometer) trip in around 3.5 hours. You can also drive between the two cities in around three hours. If you prefer to fly, the average price of a ticket is around $150 with a flight time of 45 minutes.

Travel Tip : West Edmonton Mall isn’t just a place to browse and buy. The megamall is also home to an amusement park and an indoor water park.

Waterton Lakes National Park: Outdoor Adventure

Debbie Molle / Getty Images

Waterton Lakes National Park happens to be the world’s only park that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, and International Peace Park. Year-round outdoor activities are the main draw here thanks to numerous hiking trails offering epic views of the Rocky Mountains. In addition, opt to partake in water-based activity on the lake like canoeing and paddle boarding or play a round of golf at Waterton Lakes Golf Course. Anyone interested in local wildlife has the chance to spot everything from bighorn sheep to grizzlies.

Getting There : Take Highway 2 south to Fort Macleod, then head west on Highway 3 to Pincher Creek, then south on Highway 6 to the park (approximately 3 hours).

Travel Tip : The park is home to two national historic sites (NHS): The Prince of Wales Hotel NHS and the First Oil Well in Western Canada NHS. 

Canmore: Something for Everyone

TripSavvy / Linda Strauta

Canmore makes for an easy day trip from Calgary and offers a little something for everyone. Active travelers can go hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, skiing, and more. There are also plenty of opportunities for shopping independent boutiques, visiting craft breweries, dining in local pubs and restaurants, and checking out the area’s galleries and museums.

Getting There : Canmore lies 55 miles (88 kilometers) west of Calgary and can be reached by a one hour drive via the Trans-Canada Highway #1. Or, the Banff Airporter operates daily scheduled transportation between Calgary International Airport and Canmore.

Travel Tip : The Bow River Loop Walk, located just outside of downtown Canmore, is a 25-minute route that takes you along the banks of the beautiful Bow River.

Okotoks: Small Town Charm

Xz1303 / Wikimedia Commons /  CC BY-SA 3.0

If it’s small-town charm you’re looking for, make your way to Okotoks, which lies just south of Calgary making it a great option for a quick day (or afternoon) trip. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants, art galleries, local boutiques, and more than 53 miles (85 kilometers) of walking, hiking, and biking trails. So whether you want to shop for one-of-a-kind goods, get active, play a round of golf or enjoy the town’s creative cuisine, there’s an option for you.

Getting There : On-It Regional Transit provides regular service between downtown Calgary and Okotoks with a travel time of around 40 minutes and a cost of CA$16. You can also drive the 28.5 miles (46 kilometers) in just over 30 minutes.

Travel Tip : Make a stop at Chinook Honey Company & Arch Meadery to learn all about honeybees. Or go one step further and suit up as a beekeeper to work with one of the hives. You can also sample different kinds of mead and visit the shop for honey and honey-based products.

Turner Valley: Back to Nature

Michael Interisano / Design Pics / Getty Images

You’ll find Turner Valley tucked away at the base of the Rocky Mountains and the quirky town offers the chance to kayak, hike, bike, skate, and more in addition to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries (many of which are located in heritage buildings). Turner Valley has a sister town in Black Diamond and they’re only 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) apart giving you the option to combine two day trips into one.

Getting There : Turner Valley is easily reached by car and is located just 35 minutes southwest of Calgary on Highway 22.

Travel Tip : Stop by Eau Claire Distillery , Alberta’s first craft distillery, for a tour or to taste some of their award-winning spirits.

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site: An Authentic Cowboy Experience

David Butler / Getty Images

Once one of Canada’s largest ranching operations, Bar U Ranch National Historic Site offers visitors the chance for an authentic cowboy experience. During your visit (a half-day is recommended), you can explore over 35 historic structures that make up the largest collection of historical ranch buildings in Canada, many of which are still operational. In addition, there are guided walking and horse-drawn wagon tours and the chance to try your hand at some traditional cowboy skills like roping.

Getting There : Bar U is located 62 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of Calgary. You can get there in one hour on Highway 22 (also known as The Cowboy Trail).

Travel Tip : Refuel with some authentic cowboy grub at Bar U Ranch Café, open daily during the operating season.

Glacier Skywalk: Unforgettable Views

Peter Unger / Getty Images

Though you’ll need a full day for this day trip, it’s worth the extra time for the epic views you’ll get with a walk along the 0.6-mile (one-kilometer) walkway of the Glacier Skywalk , at the end of which is a glass platform where you can look down (way down) at Sunwapta Valley 918 feet below you. Along the walk you’ll also see glaciers above you, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Getting There: If you’re up for the drive, it’s about 3.5 hours along the Trans-Canada Highway for a distance of 196 miles (316 kilometers). Or, you can take advantage of Brewster Sightseeing tours which provide tours from Calgary with pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

Travel Tip: Top off your experience with a locally-sourced meal at Altitude Restaurant , overlooking the Athabasca Glacier

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A first-timer’s guide to Edmonton, Alberta's capital city

May 11, 2024 • 9 min read

Edmonton is full of fascinating corners – like this sci-fi spot in Terwillegar Park © 770 Productions / Design Pics / Getty Images

Edmonton does things big: it’s home to Canada ’s largest sports and entertainment district, the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America, the oldest and largest fringe theater festival in North America and one of the largest shopping malls on the planet. But underneath that big, bold surface is a vibrant capital city with an unpretentious population and a rich and diverse culture.

Canada’s fifth-largest city and northernmost major metropolis is filled with so many fascinating places to explore that planning a visit can be a bit overwhelming. Where should I go? How can I get there? How can I experience the real culture of this place? This guide tackles those questions and provides practical advice on how to make the most of your first visit to Edmonton.    

What is the best time to visit Edmonton?

The summer months are the most popular time to visit – the city receives as much as 17 hours of daylight per day, and temperatures range between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). It’s also the season when you can enjoy many of the most popular festivals, like K-Days in July or the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival in August. Accommodations will cost more during the peak summer months. Edmonton can get quite cold in winter, with typical temperatures ranging between -5°C (23°F) and -15°C (5°F) and snowfall happening as early as November and as late as March. You shouldn’t be afraid of winter, though – it’s a great time to visit if you like skating, skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. 

One added bonus to a fall or winter visit is that you might get the chance to see the northern lights . The University of Alberta’s Aurora Watch website monitors aurora activity near Edmonton and can send you alerts. There are festivals year-round, too, so there’s really no bad time to visit. Flying Canoë Volant is a highlight of winter, and the International Children’s Festival in spring is great family fun. Accommodations also tend to cost less during the fall, winter and spring. 

What is Edmonton best known for?

As the gateway city to Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies, Edmonton is a fast-growing city with a young population compared to other Canadian cities. It’s also known as Canada’s festival city because it hosts more than 50 festivals annually . And you may have heard of its biggest attractions: the beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley and West Edmonton Mall (the biggest in North America). Edmonton is also a sports-loving city, home to the Edmonton Oilers NHL hockey team and the Edmonton Elks CFL football team. The city used to have the moniker “City of Champions” in honor of its sports teams. 

Is it easy to get in and around Edmonton without a rental car?

A rental vehicle is the easiest and most convenient way to get around Edmonton, but you have plenty of other options. The city has a good public transit system with both buses and Light-rail Transit (LRT) services . Uber, taxis and bicycle rentals are also a possibility. If you want to get around on foot, Edmonton is a very walkable city .

How much time should I spend in Edmonton?

Ideally, you should have at least two or three days to explore Edmonton. It won’t be enough time to see everything, but you will be able to see some of the top attractions. If you only have one day, you’ll have time for one or possibly two attractions. Exploring West Edmonton Mall can take a full day, but you might be able to visit two smaller attractions in a single day. With three days, you could visit one of the attractions outside the city, like Elk Island National Park , the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village or Métis Crossing .   

How much money do I need for Edmonton?

Compared to other cities, Edmonton is a bargain. Accommodation rates vary depending on the location and the season, but they tend to be higher in the downtown core. Unsurprisingly, you can find some deals if you book early and avoid peak-season travel. Major attractions may charge hefty fees, but there are a lot of free festivals and things to do . There are some great farmers markets and picnic spots if you want to save a buck and still enjoy high-quality local food.

Here are some average daily costs at peak season (in $CAD):

• Downtown hotel $150-375 per room per night
• Private double room in a hostel $65 per night
• Coffee (Tim Hortons or similar) $2
• Entrée at a midrange restaurant $25-35
• Glass of wine $8-10
• Museum admission $14-21
• Public transit single ticket $2.75 within Edmonton, $5 from the airport to Edmonton
• Cab fare from Edmonton airport to downtown $62

What food is Edmonton known for?

One of the best things about visiting a place is discovering unique local foods. Green onion cakes were introduced to Edmonton in 1978 when Siu To, an immigrant from northern China, began serving them in his restaurants. These pan-fried pancakes filled with scallions are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and they are so beloved in the city that some have suggested they should be declared Edmonton’s official food. They are served at restaurants around the city and at many festivals, but try the original at Green Onion Cake Man restaurant. 

Other foods that should make your must-eat list: perogies, donairs and Alberta beef. There’s a huge Ukrainian and Polish community in Edmonton and some amazing restaurants that make perogies fresh daily. Sample the goods at  Uncle Ed's Ukrainian Restaurant , Taste of Ukraine , Shumka Ukrainian Foods or Widynowski's Sausage House . Next up is the donair, a uniquely Canadian food similar to a Greek Gyro with seasoned shaved rotisserie beef, veggies and special sauce wrapped in a pita. There are over 120 donair restaurants in Edmonton, and  Marco's Famous , Swiss Donair and Top Donair are all good places to try it. Finally, Alberta is famed for its beef (there are more cattle than people in the province), and many restaurants serve up this local specialty with flair.

Where to eat in Edmonton

Edmonton’s food and drink scene is worth traveling for. Dynamic and always evolving, you’ll find some fantastic bakeries, ice cream shops, restaurants, breweries, pubs and bars. For breakfast or brunch, check out The Sugarbowl , where you'll find everything from fresh cinnamon buns to huevos rancheros and Belgian waffles. Duchess Bake Shop is the most famous French bakery in town, serving up amazing macarons, tarts, croissants and éclairs. Farrow Sandwiches is known for its uniquely delicious sandwiches, freshly brewed coffee and delicious baked goods. 

Small-batch, hand-crafted ice cream is a thing in Edmonton, and there are several fantastic shops, including Made by Marcus , Kind Ice Cream  and Yelo’d . For local prairie cuisine at its finest – including Alberta beef from an onsite butchery – go to RGE RD . For Asian-inspired food that’s meant to be shared, visit Baijiu , a trendy cocktail bar and eatery in a historical building. Also, take a brewery tour at Monolith , one of the only breweries in North America that offer barrel-aged beer. For cocktails and late-night snacks, check out Fu’s Repair Shop or Bar Clementine , two of the city’s trendiest spots. To get a taste of several different places, go on a food tour with Alberta Food Tours .    

Experience Edmonton’s must-see attractions

There are many attractions in Edmonton, and some of them are iconic. It’s hard not to be blown away by West Edmonton Mall . Canada’s largest shopping and entertainment complex has more than 800 stores, a water park, a theme park and much more. The Royal Alberta Museum is Western Canada’s largest museum – a great place to explore history. See 6000 pieces of art from Alberta and around the world at the Art Gallery of Alberta . Experience Canada’s national winter sport at an Edmonton Oilers hockey game at Rogers Place. Enjoy a performance of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at the Winspear. There are several places to enjoy live theater, but the Citadel Theatre is the city’s premiere facility. Just outside the city, you can enjoy hiking, canoeing, wildlife watching and other outdoor adventures at Elk Island National Park . Herds of bison, elk and more than 250 bird species are found in the park.

My favorite thing to do in Edmonton  

I love exploring the North Saskatchewan River Valley, often referred to by locals as the Edmonton River Valley – the city’s pride and joy. Take a free ride on the 100 Street Funicular  and embark on an adventure through the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America, an area 22 times bigger than New York City’s Central Park. There are 20 major parks in the river valley, many attractions and more than 99 miles (160km) of trails to explore by running, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or on a guided Segway tour; use this handy trail map for exploring.  River Valley Adventure Co is the place to go for Segway tours, mountain bikes, stand-up paddle boards and other sports equipment rentals.

If you prefer to hit the water, grab a canoe or kayak and glide along the North Saskatchewan River. Canoe and kayak rentals and shuttle service are available at Edmonton Canoe .

Download the free app if you’re exploring the six-mile (10km) Edmonton Commonwealth Walkway  to listen to one of five themed audio tours – Indigenous, history, family, river and winter.  There are quite a few attractions in the Edmonton River Valley, including Snow Valley Ski Hill , Snow Valley Aerial Park , Fort Edmonton Park , the Edmonton Valley Zoo , Muttart Conservatory and the John Janzen Nature Center .

Attend a festival in Canada’s festival city

You could plan your entire trip around Edmonton’s festival schedule. Hosting more than 50 festivals every year, Canada’s Festival City celebrates everything from arts and culture to music, food and LGBTQIA+ pride. Check out the Explore Edmonton event calendar to see what’s happening during your stay. Some recommendations in summer include the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival , Edmonton Heritage Festival , Edmonton International Street Performers Festival , Edmonton Folk Music Festival , K-Days , Edmonton Pride Festival  and Cariwest . In winter, Flying Canoe Volant , Silver Skate Festival  and Deep Freeze take the edge off cold days.

Discover the Indigenous side of Alberta’s capital city

Edmonton is located within Treaty No. 6 territory and within the Métis homelands and the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4. The city has the second largest urban Indigenous population in Canada, and there are many unique opportunities to learn about Indigenous Edmonton. The Indigenous People’s Experience at Fort Edmonton Park is a multi-media experience that tells the stories and shares the cultures of the Indigenous Peoples of this region of Canada. To see the city from an Indigenous perspective, take a tour with Talking Rock Tours . Also consider making a visit to Métis Crossing , an 80-minute drive northeast of Edmonton, where you can learn about Métis culture and enjoy fun activities like paddling a voyageur canoe and taking a wildlife tour to see a sacred white bison.

Keep planning your trip to Alberta: 

Go remote with  the best of Banff and Jasper’s backcountry lodges Add  Canada's best experiences  to your itinerary Do your research with 12 things one local wants you to know about Canada Time your adventure perfectly with the best times to visit Canada

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The 16 BEST Things to Do in Red Deer, Alberta (for 2024)

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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on January 4, 2024

For many Albertans, Red Deer best serves as a logical pitstop between Calgary and Edmonton , because it sits almost in the exact middle! For people who decide to dwell a bit longer – whether to dine at one of the great restaurants, explore the historic downtown, or find your way to the one-of-a-kind “Canyon Coaster” nearby – those longer visitors are often aptly rewarded. Because as Alberta’s fourth-largest city (and sometimes in a hot battle for third with Lethbridge ), there are a surprising number of really unique and great things to do in Red Deer.

The Best Things to Do in Red Deer

Walk around historic downtown.

First incorporated as a city in 1913, there’s a lot of history to take in when you’re in Red Deer. Walk around historic downtown and take in the architecture, war memorials, and other important sites that have shaped the city into what it is today.

Not sure where to begin? Thankfully, there are many self-guided walking tours that will help you learn about Red Deer’s dynamic heritage, including our favourite, “ The Ghost Collection Heritage Walking Tour .”

Visit Bower Ponds

Location: 4715 Fountain Dr

Bower Ponds is a lovely spot to spend a day, whether it’s for boating in summer or ice skating in winter. In summer, enjoy paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks for rent, while in winter, there are ice skates for rent as well as skating accessories such as helmets, skating aides, and more.

The ponds are tranquil and peaceful year-round, making them the perfect spot for a date, a family day out, or a solo wander. It’s one of the most popular things to Do in Red Deer, and it’s easy to see why!

Go to Heritage Ranch

Location: 6300 Cronquist Dr

Often called “The Jewel of Red Deer,” Heritage Ranch sits on 217 acres of beautiful land just outside of the city. You can visit the Westlake Grill for a meal, where everything from light snacks to a five-course dinner is served; it’s perfect for a romantic date, too, as you can even order custom chef-inspired meals for a special occasion.

The ranch also hosts a variety of experiences, including horse and carriage rides, ranch tracker games, and sleigh rides in the winter, while there are also great walking and biking trails to enjoy.

Check Out Gaetz Lakes Bird Sanctuary

Location: Entrance is at 45 Kerry Street at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre

Gaetz Lakes Bird Sanctuary is Alberta’s oldest federal migratory bird sanctuary and is a little slice of paradise right within the city limits of Red Deer. Perfect for bird watching, you can explore the protected land by walking the five kilometres of trails on your own or with one of the naturalists who works there.

You can also borrow binoculars, snowshoes, or an activity kit from the centre to help your experience be the best it can possibly be. And with over 122 hectares of land, you can expect tons of birds as well as a host of other native plants and animals to spot!

Visit Sunnybrook Farm Museum

Location: 2879 Botterill Crescent

Head to Sunnybrook Farm Museum , a fantastic living museum right in the heart of Red Deer that celebrates the history of Alberta farming! This early 20th-century farm shows what it was like to live and work in that era and even has costumed staff to teach you about farm life as an early pioneer.

Visit the log cabin, enjoy a wagon ride, feed the chickens, and so much more. It’s a perfect summer activity in Red Deer, especially for families.

Go to the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery

Location: 4525 47a Ave

If you’re after a bit of culture, make your way to the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery , where you’ll learn all about local history and take in a few art exhibitions, too. There’s also a fantastic roster of events that happen at the centre, including artist spotlights, day camps, interactive exhibits, storytime, educational talks, films, and so much more.

Take in the social history, art history, and contemporary art practice, all while celebrating the diversity of the city’s inhabitants over the years. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Red Deer, especially if you want to get to know the city’s history and culture!

Sample the Best Breweries

Red Deer is home to some amazing breweries… in fact, there’s even a “ Red Deer Ale Trail ” that includes the likes of Belly Hop Brewing, Something Brewing, Sawback Brewing, Troubled Monk, Red Hart Brewing, and Craft Beer Commonwealth.

Sample the city’s best IPAs, stouts, lagers, and more at these fantastic breweries, all of which offer something unique. If you were unaware that Red Deer has such a vibrant brewing community… now’s your chance to try them all!

Relax and Grab a Coffee

Red Deer boasts a thriving coffee culture characterized by its local charm and community-oriented approach. The city’s coffee scene revolves around a variety of locally-owned cafes, like Dose Coffee , Café Séne and Cafe Vero, each offering a unique experience and showcasing a commitment to quality and freshness.

These establishments are more than just places to grab a cup of coffee; they are hubs of connection and creativity. Red Deer’s coffee culture is marked by its support for local artisans, its focus on community engagement through events and live performances, and its dedication to providing their regulars with a warm and welcoming environment.

Check out the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Location: 4200 Queen Elizabeth II Hwy #102

A much-beloved museum in Red Deer, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is both educational and entertaining. With over 7,000 square feet to explore, the museum is extremely interactive; there’s a virtual multisport area, a wheelchair challenge, inflatable floor curling, and so much more.

Celebrating the diversity of sports, you’ll find information on everything and everyone, from the most well-known athletes to the lesser-known sports heroes. In fact, there are over 16,000 artifacts on display in the Hall of Fame! Perfect for sports enthusiasts, it’s well worth a visit when you’re in town.

Enjoy Discovery Canyon

Location: 3800 River Bend Dr

If you want to cool down on a hot summer’s day, look no further than Discovery Canyon . Operated by River Bend Golf and Recreation, Discovery Canyon is a seasonal waterpark that many consider a bit of a hidden gem in Alberta.

With a natural river-fed pool, a recreation area, a playground area, and lots of concessions, it’s an ideal spot to go as a family in warmer weather. Kids will love tube floating on the lazy river, playing in the wading pool and so much more.

Take to the Sky in a Hot Air Balloon

If you’ve ever wanted to try hot air ballooning, you’re in luck… Red Deer has an amazing hot air balloon company that allows you to see Central Alberta in a unique and memorable way! Air-Ristocrat Balloon Rides has been in operation since 2003 and runs seven days a week from May to October every year.

Even better? By 2024, they will have an accessible hot air balloon that is capable of holding a wheelchair so that everyone can be included in this magical experience.

Visit Canyon Ski Resort

Location: 38433 Range Rd 264

Take a drive outside of Red Deer to visit Canyon Ski Resort , where both summer and winter offer quite a lot to do. In winter, enjoy the terrain park, snow tube park, 23 runs, six lifts, and so much more. Perfect for families and for beginners, there’s something for every skier to love at Canyon Ski Resort.

And the fun doesn’t stop in summer… you have to try the Canyon Coaster, which is Alberta’s first and only alpine coaster! An amazing way to zip through the forest trails, you’ll use your own brake rider as you soar along over 1,300 metres of track. It’s an experience unlike any other.

Head to Historic Fort Normandeau

Location: 28054 45 Ave

Historic Fort Normandeau is one of the highest-rated things to do in Red Deer, and for good reason. Located along the Red Deer River, the fort is at the site of the historically important Red Deer River Crossing, which was the main point connecting Edmonton and Calgary before the railway was built in 1893.

Head to Fort Normandeau today to learn about that time in Red Deer’s history by way of permanent and temporary exhibitions, interpretive signs, events, courses, and much more. There’s an interpretive centre, a reconstruction of the fort, teepees, and many more areas to explore onsite.

Shop at Red Deer Market

Location: 100 College Blvd (Red Deer Polytechnic)

One of our favourite things to do in Red Deer is to shop at the farmers’ market, which happens every Saturday morning from the May Long weekend until Thanksgiving. This fantastic market has a lot on offer, including fresh produce, local goods, live entertainment, and so much more.

A social and cultural hub in the city, the Red Deer Market has a rich history of bringing people together over a cup of coffee and a shared love of community. Make sure to stop by if you’re in town on a Saturday!

Revel in Westerner Days

Head to Westerner Days for five days every July for one of the best things to do in Red Deer! This fair and exposition is the largest summer celebration in Central Alberta, as it really does have it all: live music and entertainment, a market, decorated vehicles, pony chuckwagon rides, midway rides, and tons of amazing food on offer.

Held in the heart of downtown Red Deer and perfect for families, this event usually attracts tens of thousands of people a year, so make sure to book well in advance if you want to visit Red Deer for Westerner Days.

Take in the Bowden SunMaze

Location: 34530 Range Rd 14

At the end of every summer, drive 30 minutes south of Red Deer to find Bowden SunMaze , a beautiful spot with over 100,000 sunflowers. Enjoy the sunflower mazes, take home some flowers and/or vegetables in the u-pick gardens, and plan for a stunning photoshoot amongst the rows of yellow blooms.

It’s a fantastic way to wind down summer and enjoy the countryside surrounding Red Deer.

Where to Eat in Red Deer

Thankfully, we have an entire guide to the best Red Deer restaurants , but here are a couple of our favourites in the city.

Location: 4930B 50 St

Always delicious and always interesting, Tribe uses innovative techniques and local, high-quality ingredients to create dishes that are one-of-a-kind.

Known for their excellent service and cozy atmosphere, enjoy meals that can be classified as “modern fusion” from around the world; their flatbreads are especially tantalizing (we love the Casablanca and the Copenhagen).

It’s All Greek to Me

Location: 3701 50 Ave

Looking for the best Greek food in Red Deer? Search no further! It’s All Greek to Me serves up classic Mediterranean food in a welcoming spot that’s beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Enjoy dishes such as souvlaki, skewers, meze, and moussaka as well as Greek ribs, Athenian prawns, roast lamb, and so much more.

Where to Stay in Red Deer

There are quite a few hotels in Red Deer, depending on your budget. Here are a couple of our top picks.

Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Red Deer

Location: 128 Leva Ave

Found in the south of the city, the Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Red Deer is a great place to stay in town.

With tons of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible – think a fitness centre, business centre, pool, free breakfast, and more – the hotel is also one of the city’s newest and most modern.

Red Deer Resort and Casino

Location: 3310 50 Ave

The Red Deer Resort and Casino is a fantastic place to stay in the city; it offers comfortable rooms as well as a fun, entertaining vibe.

Enjoy the pool, fitness centre, lounge, and so much more, including the brand-new 38,000-square-foot casino and gaming area. Feeling fancy? Make sure to book one of the jacuzzi suites!

We listed a couple, but here are 14 more Red Deer Restaurants to eat at

If you like Red Deer, you’ll certainly love Lacombe. Be sure to check these 11 best things to do in Lacombe County

And, why not check out these 12 Cool Road Trips in Alberta ?

Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up in the Peace Country, and has ventured to almost every corner of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 countries)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Marketing , co-creator of the Trip Chaser card game, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.

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From August 1, 2024, Onward: What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

At a glance.

Starting on August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the United States must meet new, specific requirements depending on where they have been in the 6 months before entering the U.S. and where they received their rabies vaccines (if required).

Requirements for all dogs

Requirements for dogs with a current and valid rabies vaccination administered in the united states.

• Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a country with high risk of dog rabies within 6 months before entry

Requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk during the 6 months before entry

All dogs must:

• Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the United States
• This must have been implanted prior to any required rabies vaccination
• The microchip number must be documented on all required forms and in all accompanying veterinary records
• Dogs may not enter the United States if they are carrying a disease contagious to people.
• Isolation of the dog, veterinary examination, and additional testing, at the importer’s expense, may be required to determine if the dog has a contagious disease and prevent spread if the dog does not appear healthy upon arrival.

This form should be filled out online ideally 2-10 days before arrival; however, it can also be completed right before travel (even in line at the border crossing) if you have internet access. If the information on the form changes before the dog arrives, you must submit a new form and indicate you are making changes to an existing form. All information, including port of entry where the dog is arriving, must be correct at time of arrival.

• This form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body. Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days before arrival.
• There is no charge to importers for submitting this form.
• Additional requirements for dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States
• Additional requirements for dogs that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do NOT have appropriate documentation of current US-issued rabies vaccine
• Additional requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk in the 6 months before entry

Dogs that do not meet all entry requirements or do not have accurate and valid forms will be denied entry to the United States and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense. These requirements apply to all dogs, including service dogs and dogs that were born in the United States.

Specific requirements depend on whether the dog has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies  in the past 6 months.

Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies must:  

• Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section above
• The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form is required for the importation (re-entry) of U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in high-risk countries for dog rabies  within the 6 months before re-entry into the United States.
• Please note, during the transition period, the importer may instead present a copy of the USDA endorsed export health certificate that was used to ship the dog from the United States, if that export health certificate documents the dog’s age (at least 6 months), the microchip number, and valid rabies vaccination administered in the United States. The rabies vaccination must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form.)

Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months must:

• A Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccine form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States; or
• Document a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form .)

Important information about the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form

The Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form must be completed before the dog departs the U.S. Before asking your veterinarian to complete this form, verify the following requirements will be met:

• Ensure your dog will be at least 6 months of age on date of return to the U.S.
• Have your dog microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip (implanted before any required rabies vaccinations)
• Ensure the veterinarian scans the dog for the ISO-compatible microchip and records the microchip number at the time of vaccine appointment. Rabies vaccines administered prior to microchip implantation will not be considered valid.
• Ensure the rabies vaccination will be valid for the entire duration of your travels. If your dog’s U.S.-issued rabies vaccination lapses while overseas and your dog has been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, your dog will need to be revaccinated overseas and meet requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs to return to the U.S., including having a rabies serology titer, arriving at a specific port of entry, and possible quarantine requirements.
• Your dog’s first rabies vaccination must be administered at least 28 days before travel.
• Ensure the veterinarian submits this form to the USDA for official endorsement through the VEHCS portal
• Your dog must travel with a printed copy of the official endorsed form upon your dog’s return to the United States if your dog has been in a high-risk country within the 6 months before returning to the U.S.

During the transition period, U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, may have either the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form or the USDA endorsed export health certificate for re-entry into the United States. Without one of these forms your dog will need to meet the requirements specific to the risk category of the countries where they have been in the 6 months before returning to the United States.

The export health certificate must document the dog’s age (at least 6 months), microchip number, and the rabies vaccination date. The rabies vaccine must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.

Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a country with high risk of dog rabies within 6 months before entry

Dogs, including service dogs, that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do not have appropriate documentation of current U.S.-issued rabies vaccine must:

• Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section
• Ensure the dog is microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip before receiving the rabies vaccination and the number is recorded on the veterinary documents or the vaccine will not be considered valid
• Verify the dog is at least 12 weeks (84 days) of age when vaccinated against rabies
• The dog must have a valid (i.e., non-expired) rabies vaccination. If it’s the dog’s first vaccination or if the dog’s vaccination coverage has lapsed, the vaccine must be administered at least 28 days before arrival to the United States.
• The Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form must be completed by your veterinarian AND endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country.
• The blood sample for the rabies serology titer must have been drawn at least 30 days after the dog’s first valid rabies vaccination and at least 28 days before entry to the U.S.
• Dogs with a history of multiple valid rabies vaccinations administered after the microchip was placed may have the sample for the rabies serology titer drawn at any time after a rabies booster vaccination as long as the dog’s first vaccine was given at least 30 days before the blood sample was drawn and there has been no lapse in vaccine coverage. If a lapse occurs, the sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the valid booster vaccination was administered.
• The sample must be sent to a CDC-approved rabies serology laboratory . If there is no CDC-approved laboratory in your country, your veterinarian may draw the sample and send it internationally to a CDC-approved laboratory.
• Passing results must be obtained in order for a serology to be valid.
• Rabies serology titer results will be considered valid for the life of the dog as long as the dog’s rabies vaccination coverage does not lapse. If a lapse occurs, a new rabies serology titer will be required and that sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the new vaccination was administered.
• If the dog does not have a valid rabies serology titer, it will be required to be quarantined at a CDC-registered animal care facility for 28 days after the dog is revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
• All foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the previous 6 months must have a reservation for examination, verification of age, documents, and microchip number, and administration of a rabies booster vaccination at a CDC-registered animal care facility immediately upon arrival in the United States.
• Dogs that do not have a valid rabies serology titer must also have a reservation for quarantine. Dogs will be quarantined at the facility for 28 days at the importer’s expense after being revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
• All CDC-registered animal care facility expenses, including exam, revaccination, and quarantine (if required), are the responsibility of the importer.
• The facility will need copies of all required documents prior to confirming your reservation.
• Ensure the dog meets any facility-specific requirements (contact facility for additional information).
• If after arrival the CDC-registered animal care facility determines that your documents are not valid or the dog’s microchip number, age, or description does not match the paperwork provided, the dog may be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense.
• Dogs that have evidence of illness or are not healthy will be required to have testing to confirm they do not have contagious diseases before they will be eligible for release, which may extend the required quarantine period beyond 28 days. Any required testing or extended stay in quarantine will be at the importer’s expense, so please ensure dogs are healthy upon arrival (including no evidence of fleas, ticks, or skin diseases).
• Dogs must arrive to the U.S. at the airport where the CDC-registered animal care facility is located. This must be the location where the dog has a reservation.
• This must also be the airport listed on the CDC Dog Import Form
• Domestic flights or other forms of travel to other locations in the U.S. are not permitted until after the dog receives required follow-up services at the CDC-registered animal care facility and is cleared for entry.
• SERVICE DOGS ARRIVING BY SEA : Service dogs, as defined in 14 CFR 382.3, may arrive by sea if they meet the requirements in the “All Dogs” section, have a complete Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form and a valid rabies serology titer, and are traveling with their handler. Emotional support animals are not service animals under this definition.

Countries that are not on the list of countries at high risk for dog rabies  are considered to be free of or low risk for dog-mediated rabies virus variant (DMRVV) (called dog rabies-free or low-risk countries on these webpages).

Dogs, including service dogs, that have been ONLY in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries during the 6 months before entry into the United States must:

• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, including the endorsement by an official veterinarian of the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog has been located; AND EITHER (1) a valid rabies serology titer OR (2) veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months. The form must be completed within 30 days before arrival to the United States.
• Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States
• Is for the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog’s return itinerary originated (the form will only be valid for 30 days if it does not contain rabies vaccination information), or
• Documents a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
• Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the 6 months before traveling to the U.S. The form must be completed within the 30 days before arriving to the United States.
• Foreign export certificate that documents the dog is at least 6 months of age, lists the dog’s International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip number, and has been endorsed by an official veterinarian of the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select it when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form .)

Any documentation that is not from the United States must be completed in the country where the dog’s travel originates. For example, if the dog’s documents were issued in France, the dog may not enter the U.S. via a land-border crossing from Mexico to the U.S.

*Examples of veterinary records that must accompany completed forms are European Union pet passports or proof of payment for veterinary services received in the exporting low-risk country for the previous 6 months. Records must include the dog’s microchip number.

For more information, see: Frequently Asked Questions on CDC Dog Importations  

If you have questions or need more information, please contact CDC-INFO at (800) 232-4636.

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Memorial Day weekend 2024 could be busiest for travel in nearly 20 years

T his year is expected to be one of the busiest travel years in nearly two decades, with about 43.8 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles, according to AAA.

Joy Noelle Balanag booked her vacation months ago, hoping to beat the potentially record-breaking summer rush.

"I definitely am excited for this travel season. 2024 feels just like almost a breath of fresh air," she told CBS News. "I do plan on traveling on airplanes. I do plan on taking my car. Just, like, seeing where this summer season takes me."

Balanag won't be alone. This Memorial Day weekend, AAA is expecting a nearly 5% bump in airline travel over last year and United Airlines alone is planning to fly more than half a million people a day from May 23 through May 28, which would be the airline's busiest Memorial Day weekend ever. Delta is expecting 3 million passengers total over that same stretch, a 5% increase for the airline from 2023. American Airlines said it's preparing for 3.9 million customers over the long Memorial Day weekend.

Most travelers will drive that weekend, however, with AAA predicting a record 38.4 million people will hit the road. That's a 4% increase from last year. Gas prices are similar to where they were last year, up about 8 cents a gallon nationally compared to last Memorial Day weekend.

"It goes back to that bucket list, YOLO, you only live once mentality, Aixa Diaz of AAA told CBS News. "A lot of people are now going, 'You know what? Let's not take those trips we always take with our families. Let's get a little bit more adventurous.'"

One of the fastest-growing travel options since the COVID-19 pandemic is cruising.

The industry is expecting a new record high of nearly 35 million passengers this year, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. For the thousands on board the Carnival Firezne cruise ship's inaugural sold-out sailing, which began in late April, vacation season started early.

Passenger Jeanine Stage of Arizona told CBS News what she likes best about cruising is, "That you get to go to multiple destinations and you unpack your suitcase once."

"You got food, entertainment, even the casino, if you're into that, there's shows," she said.

All told, AAA is predicting 2024 will finish just narrowly behind 2005 as the busiest Memorial Day travel weekend since it began keeping track in 2000.

AAA expects the busiest time on the roads will be from noon to 7 p.m. on the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day. United Airlines said that Thursday will be its busiest of the holiday weekend.

Among the top destinations this year: Florida, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Denver.