While Calgary is a common starting point for trips to Banff, Jasper, and other national parks in the Canadian Rockies, it is also a great hub for day trips to small towns in Alberta. Banff and Jasper National Parks are beautiful, but Alberta has a great diversity in its landscape, culture, and historic sites that often get overshadowed. This guide highlights day trips from Calgary that are not in the Rocky Mountains to bring these underappreciated spots a little extra love.
If you are looking for fun day trips from Calgary to take this summer, this guide gives recommendations of locations, activities, food, and other nearby attractions. This guide provides ideas and information for day trips from Calgary to areas to the east, west, and south of the city. All the locations are within 2.5 hours of Calgary, making for it possible to visit in one day.
What’s in this guide:
- Day Trips South of Calgary
- Day Trips West of Calgary
- Day Trips North of Calgary
- Day Trips East of Calgary
Day Trips South of Calgary
Okotoks
Distance from Calgary: 46 km (about a 38-minute drive)
What to do in Okotoks:
Okotoks is a town just south of Calgary via Highway 2A. It is perhaps best known for the Okotoks Erratic, an enormous boulder that was transported from the Jasper area between 10,000 to 30,000 years ago by a glacier. This Provincial Historic Resource is located a few minutes west of Okotoks on Highway 7. The erratic is so significant to the landscape that the town’s name comes from the Blackfoot name for rock, “okatok”.
Beyond visiting the erratic, visitors to Okotoks may enjoy the Okotoks Museum, the Lineham House Galleries, and Okotoks Art Gallery along with other shops and businesses along Railway Street. As well, the Okotoks Farmers Market is a popular draw for locals and runs on Fridays from mid-June to mid-September.
What else is near Okotoks?
If you want to make a multi-stop day trip while visiting Okotoks, you might be interested in continuing west towards Diamond Valley or south towards High River or Nanton.
Diamond Valley
Distance from Calgary: 67 km (about a 49-minute drive)
What to do in Diamond Valley:
Diamond Valley used to be two separate municipalities, Turner Valley and Black Diamond, which were amalgamated in 2023. The town is at the edge of the foothills and along the banks of Sheep River.
One of the most popular spots in Diamond Valley is the Chuckwagon Cafe which was featured on “You Gotta Eat Here”. I would also recommend Black Sheep Coffee and art enthusiasts may enjoy Bluerock Gallery – an art gallery with the majority of work created by Albertan artists.
What else is near Diamond Valley?
If you’re travelling to Diamond Valley, you may also be interested in continuing west to Sheep River Provincial Park/Bluerock Wildland Provincial Park in south Kananaskis Country. You could also continue south to the town of Longview for the Longview Steakhouse, if you’re not vegetarian. Note: Longview Steakhouse usually requires an advance reservation.
Nanton
Distance from Calgary: 91 km (about an hour-long drive)
What to do in Nanton:
For most Southern Albertans, Nanton is synonymous with its famous candy store. The Candy Store in Nanton is just off Highway 2 and beside Nanton Ice Cream Shop. Nanton is also a popular town to go antiquing in, with antique shops like Lost Ark Antiques, Nostalgia Antiques and Mid-Century Antiques all on 20 Ave (northbound Highway 2). Grab at bite to eat at Wild Thyme, find unique gifts at The Hive and learn about Canadian WWII history at the Bomber Command Museum of Canada.
What else is near Nanton?
If you are interested in the history of Alberta and the prairies, there are two historic sites near Nanton.
About 30 minutes west of Nanton you will find the Bar U National Historic Site. This living museum is focused on the ranching and homesteading history of the Canadian prairies and open from May 12 to September 30.
About 10 minutes east of Nanton you can find the Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage. This site is open to the general public on Sundays and can be open by request from Monday to Thursday.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Fort Macleod
Distance from Calgary: 169 km (about a 2-hour drive)
What to do in Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump and Fort Macleod:
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site is about 20 km (or 16 minutes) west of Fort Macleod. This is a UNESCO-designated heritage site that preserves the history and culture of the Blackfoot people who have lived in this region for millennia. The official website suggests visitors plan to stay at least 2 hours to see the entire exhibition. I visited the site about a decade ago, but I’d love to go back.
Fort Macleod is also home to The Fort Museum, the River Valley Wilderness Park, and the historic Empress Theatre. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a sweet treat, I’d recommend a classic take-out experience at Igloo Drive In.
What else is near Fort Macleod?
Visitors to Fort Macleod may consider continuing south to the Oldman Dam Spillway Lookout and Pincher Creek. You might also consider stopping in Nanton on the way there or back as it provides a nice mid-way point to get out and stretch your legs.
Day Trips West of Calgary
Bragg Creek
Distance from Calgary: 45 km (about a 37-minute drive)
What to do in Bragg Creek:
Bragg Creek is a charming town located between Kananaskis Country to the west and Tsuut’ina Nation to the east. I enjoy stopping in Bragg Creek when I’m hiking in the Elbow River and Elbow Falls Provincial Recreation Areas. Some of my recommended stops are the Heart of Bragg Creek, a vegan/vegetarian-focused cafe, the Cinnamon Spoon cafe, Mable and Marie’s bakery, and Ida Mays Ice Cream. There are also many unique shops located in Bragg Creek.
What else is near Bragg Creek?
Bragg Creek is popular amongst hikers because of its proximity to provincial parks in Kananaskis such as Bluerock Wildland, Cobble Flats, Elbow River, Elbow Falls, Elbow-Sheep Wildland, Bragg Creek Provincial Park and more.
If you have kids or you’re just young at heart, you might also be interested in Bragg Creek Paintball.
Cochrane
Distance from Calgary: 37 km (about a 30-minute drive)
What to do in Cochrane:
Cochrane is a town northwest of Calgary with longstanding roots in ranching. Visitors interested in the history of Cochrane might be interested in visiting the Historic Cochrane Ranche, a natural park area with informational signs about the town’s history.
As someone who has visited Cochrane frequently my whole life, a trip to the town would not be complete without a stop at McKay’s Ice Cream and a walk around Riverfront Park. I also recently learned about the Found, a bookstore and community hub that was recommended to me by a friend who attended high school in Cochrane.
What else is near Cochrane?
I highly recommend making a stop at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary if you are going to Cochrane. This lovely site is focused on the well-being of wolfdogs and educating the public on both wolfdogs and wild wolves.
Ghost Lake is another popular destination and just 20 minutes further west from Cochrane.
Day Trips North of Calgary
Innisfail
Distance from Calgary: 117 km (about an hour and 20-minute drive)
What to do in Innisfail:
Innisfail is a small town south of Red Deer, Alberta, known widely for its local produce. During the summer months, Albertans frequent local farmers markets in and around the town. Those interested in small town history may also wish to take a stop at the Innisfail & District Historical Village (open during the summer months).
What else is near Innisfail?
If you are making the trip out to Innisfail, I highly recommend stopping at one or both of these Albertan treasures. The first is the World Famous Gopher Hole Museum which is about 30 minutes away from Innisfail in the hamlet of Torrington. The second is the Stepansson House, which is an Alberta Provincial Historic site with a low-cost admission fee. It is about 30 minutes northwest of Innisfail.
Lacombe
Distance from Calgary: 173 km (about an hour and 55-minute drive)
What to do in Lacombe:
Lacombe is another small town near Red Deer, about a 25-minute north on Highway 2. Lacombe is a perfect picture of a true Albertan small town. When visiting Lacombe, stop in at the Lacombe Museum sites: the Flatiron Building Museum, the Michener Museum, and the Blacksmith Shop. Lacombe is also a great spot to go antiquing or thrifting. You can also check out seasonal farmers markets that occur around Lacombe weekly.
What else is near Lacombe?
About 35 minutes from Lacombe (and even closer to Red Deer) is the Canyon Ski Resort. In the winter, this the largest ski resort outside of the mountains in Alberta. In the summer, the resort opens an Adventure Park, a tube slide, the Canyon Coaster, a zipline, and more that are open to all ages.
Rocky Mountain House
Distance from Calgary: 215 km (about a 2 hour and 20-minute drive)
What to do in Rocky Mountain House:
Rocky Mountain House sits at the confluence of the Clearwater and North Saskatchewan Rivers. Like many Albertan settlements, Rocky Mountain House got its origins from the fur trade. Visitors can make their way to Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site to learn more about the region’s history including the 8 First Nations groups, Métis, and European settlers that traded at the fort.
If you are interested in learning about more of the town’s history, check out the Rocky Mountain House Museum. It focuses on the pioneer history of the early 20th century. Then, stop in at Copper Creek Cafe for a bite and take a walk in River Side Park before driving home.
What else is near Rocky Mountain House?
If you are interested in exploring the nature near Rocky Mountain House, take a 10-minute drive northwest to Crimson Lake Provincial Park. There is also numerous campgrounds in and around Rocky Mountain House if you want to turn this day trip into a weekend away.
Day Trips East of Calgary
Drumheller
Distance from Calgary: 135 km (about an hour and 35-minute drive)
What to do in Drumheller:
Many locals will take a day trip from Calgary to Drumheller to visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum. This palaeontology museum is one of the largest dinosaur museums in the world. Situated in Alberta’s Badlands, Drumheller uniquely situated in a fossil-rich area. Be sure to walk the Badlands’ Interpretive Trail while visiting the museum if you’re not planning to visit other hoodoos. Drumheller is also home to the World’s Largest Dinosaur and the Little Church which are both tourist favourites.
If you’re interested in outdoor concerts and events, check out The Badlands Amphitheatre which hosts concerts, performances and festivals in the otherworldly landscape of the Badlands.
What else is near Drumheller?
If you are making to drive to Drumheller, you should make a detour to see the Horsethief Canyon lookout. This is one of the most stunning vistas in the prairies. If you are interested in hiking, I’d recommend driving 15 minutes south to Willow Creek Hoodoos.
Dinosaur Provincial Park and Brooks
Distance from Calgary (time and kms): 2 hours and 22 minutes 217 km
What to do in Dinosaur Provincial Park:
Dinosaur Provincial Park (not to be confused with Drumheller) is one of my favourite spots for a day trip in Alberta. The hoodoos here look like something from another planet. I love visiting Dinosaur PP in May because it is not too hot yet. The Badlands can get much hotter than other areas in Alberta, and the park warns visitors that tempratures can reach 47°C in the shade. While summer is peak tourist season, I would recommend visiting a little earlier.
What to do in Brooks:
In the Brooks area, check out the Brooks and District Museum, Lake Newell and Kinbrook Island Provincial Park. Brooks is about 35 minutes (47 km) from Dinosaur Provincial Park. There are campsites available near Brooks, in Kinbrook Island Provincial Park and Dinosaur Provincial Park if you’re interested in extending your adventure. You can even camp at Brook and District Museum!
What else is near Dinosaur Provincial Park and Brooks?
While you are visiting Brooks and/or Dinosaur Provincial Park, make a short drive to the Brooks Aqueduct, a Provincial Historic Site. If you are spending more time in the Brooks area, consider stopping at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park in Siksika Nation. This museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Blackfoot culture through exhibits, storytelling, Siksika language (Siksikai’powahsini) classes, and more.
Choosing a Day Trip from Calgary
There are countless options of day trips from Calgary by car that you can try this summer. Many of these small towns come alive in the summer months with farmers markets, festivals, concerts, and heritage events. Be sure to check the local tourism website to plan your trip.
Day trips can be a great way to take a micro-adventure when you don’t have available time off. These fun day trips in Alberta offer something for everyone. When choosing your day trip, I’d recommend checking the distance, the weather, and deciding on one or two main interests to centre your trip on. From there you can build an itinerary with other attractions in the vicinity.
If you try any of these day trips this spring or summer, let me know!
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