9 Best Stops Between Calgary & Banff Worth Pulling Over For
Most visitors drive straight from Calgary to Banff without stopping, and I get it: you’re low on time and want to make the most of the national park. But, between the foothills, mountain views, small towns and easy hiking trails, there are plenty of places worth pulling over for.
There are also two different routes you can take to get from Calgary to Banff: the Trans-Canada Highway or the Bow Valley Parkway. We’ve driven both routes many times over the years, in every season, with our kids. Most first-time visitors will take Highway 1 because it’s quicker, but if you have extra time, Highway 1A is absolutely worth considering.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best stops between Calgary and Banff along both routes.
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Should You Take Highway 1 or Highway 1A?
If your goal is simply to get to Banff as quickly as possible, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). It’s the fastest and most direct route from Calgary to the mountains.
But if you have extra time and want the drive itself to feel like part of the trip, Highway 1A is much more enjoyable.
The Bow Valley Trail (Highway 1A) passes through smaller communities like Cochrane and gives you access to quieter hiking trails, scenic picnic areas, and beautiful mountain views. We often choose this route when we’re not in a rush, especially during summer and fall.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Highway 1 | Highway 1A |
| Faster | More scenic |
| Larger divided highway | Smaller scenic road |
| Fewer stops | More places to explore |
| Better in winter storms | Better for relaxed road trips |
| Best for efficiency | Best for families and sightseeing |
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Best Family-Friendly Stops Between Calgary and Banff
There are two main ways to drive from Calgary to Banff: the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) or the Bow Valley Trail (Highway 1A).
Below are some of our favourite family-friendly stops on both routes if you’re driving to Banff and have some flexibility in your schedule.
Best Stops Along Highway 1
1. Calaway Park
If you’re travelling with younger kids, this is probably the most fun way to break up the drive between Calgary and Banff, but you’ll need a few hours.
Located just west of Calgary, Calaway Park is Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park, with rides, games, mini roller coasters, live entertainment, and plenty of family-friendly attractions.
2. Heart Creek Bunker Trail
The Heart Creek Bunker Trail is one of our favourite easy hikes near Calgary, especially with kids. Note that you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park at the trailhead.
The trail is relatively short (3.8 km out-and-back with 94 m of elevation gain) and fun without being too difficult and the trailhead is right off the highway. When you arrive, the trailhead will be on the right (on the other side of the day use area). On the other side is the Heart Creek Trail hike, which is a nice one too, but no bunker there.
The Heart Creek BunkerTrail leads to an old bunker hidden in the forest. The bunker itself is what makes this hike so memorable for children.
Pro tip: Bring a flashlight or headlight or use your phone light to explore inside the bunker. That part is always a huge hit with kids.
Best Stops Along Highway 1A
3. Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
This is one of the most underrated parks near Calgary and one of the first worthwhile stops west of Calgary. Located between Calgary and Cochrane, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park has easy walking trails, rolling foothill views, and beautiful scenery overlooking the Bow River valley. Part of the Trans Canada Trail also passes through the park.
It’s a great stop if you want to stretch your legs before continuing toward Banff and having a first glance at the Canadian Rockies.
4. Cochrane
If you decide to take Highway 1A, Cochrane is one stop you should definitely make. It has a small-town feel, beautiful views of the foothills, and enough things to do that you could easily spend half a day here.
The historic downtown area has a relaxed atmosphere with local cafés, small shops, and mountain views in the distance.You should also definitely stop at MacKay’s Ice Cream, which is easily one of the most famous ice cream shops in Alberta.
If you have extra time, the nearby Cochrane Ranche Historic Site is also worth visiting to learn more about the region’s ranching history.
You can also read our full guide to the best day trips from Calgary for families, which includes more ideas around Cochrane and the foothills region.
Pro tip: Parking downtown is easy and free, which already feels very different from Banff during summer.
5. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary rescues and cares for wolfdogs (a mix between wolf and domestic dog). During a visit, you can walk through the sanctuary, learn about the animals, and safely observe them from viewing areas and enclosed pathways.
Note that children need to be at least 6 years old to visit the sanctuary.
You can walk around on your own or do one of the interactive tours where you can get much closer to the animals and learn a lot more.
I recommended doing one of the guided tours.
Pro tip: Book one of the earlier morning time slots if possible. The wolfdogs tend to be more active when temperatures are cooler.
6. Ghost Lake
Ghost Lake is a man-made reservoir with beautiful turquoise water. You can do quick scenic stops, a picnic or decide to stay longer and enjoy the water.
Like many lakes in Alberta, the water is cold, but you can still enjoy some water activities. It’s a popular place for kayaking or paddleboarding. They are a rental facility in the summertime.
7. Jura Creek Trail
If you have time for a longer adventure, this is the perfect stop!
Located near Exshaw along Highway 1A, the Jura Creek Trail follows a rocky creek through a narrow canyon surrounded by mountain cliffs. It’s a 6.9 km out-and-back trail, but you do not need to complete the full trail to enjoy it. Even walking the first section through the first slot canyon is already a fun experience for families.
Parts of the trail require walking directly through the creek, which is exactly why kids usually love it so much. Waterproof hiking shoes or sandals are highly recommended and expect wet feet!
The first time we did this trail, one of my sons said: “This is not a hike, it’s an adventure.” Honestly, that perfectly describes it.
Further along the trail, the canyon walls become narrower. You can experience a slot canyon right here in the Rockies.
8. Canmore
If you only have time for one proper town stop between Calgary and Banff, and are not planning on staying in Canmore during your time in Banff, then you have to make a stop.
Located just outside the Banff National Park gates, Canmore has incredible mountain scenery, great restaurants, local coffee shops, and a more relaxed atmosphere than Banff.
Downtown Canmore is very walkable. Some of our favourite things to do in Canmore include:
- Walking the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk
- Having a flatbread pizza at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.
- Relaxing at Quarry Lake (need the Kananaskis Conservation Pass)
- Getting coffee and pastries at Blondies Cafe
- Visit the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre
💡 Pro tip: Canmore is often much cheaper than Banff for food and accommodation. Even if you plan to stay in Banff, stopping here for groceries or lunch can help save money during your trip.
9. Grassi Lakes Trail
This is one of the most popular short hikes near Canmore, and for good reason. The Grassi Lakes trail leads to two incredibly turquoise lakes surrounded by forest and mountain cliffs. The colours almost look unreal on sunny days.
The hike itself is relatively short, making it a great stop for families. There are two trail options:
- An easier, wider trail that is better for families
- A steeper route with more elevation, stairs and a waterfall
When we hike Grassi Lakes with our kids, we usually go up the steeper route and use the easy way down. But if you’re not comfortable or don’t have proper shoes, then just do the out-and-back trail on the easy side.
Note that the parking lot fills up quickly in summer, so arrive early especially if visiting on weekends. And same as for Heart Creek, you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park at the trailhead.
If You Can Do Just One Stop Between Calgary and Banff
If you only have time for one stop during the drive, here are the two places I would personally recommend depending on which route you take.
- Driving Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway)? Stop at Heart Creek Bunker Trail.
- Driving Highway 1A (Bow Valley Trail)? Stop in Cochrane.
One more thing I highly recommend before your trip: download the GuideAlong app.
We use it all the time during Rockies road trips. The audio guide shares stories, history, wildlife information, and fun facts as you drive, which honestly makes the trip between Calgary and Banff much more entertaining, especially for kids.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Calgary to Banff?
The drive from Calgary to Banff usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes without stops. That said, you should time your time and add a few stops.
Is Highway 1A worth it?
Yes, especially if you enjoy scenic drives and slower travel. Highway 1A is quieter, more scenic, and has more interesting stops compared to the Trans-Canada Highway.
Where should I stop between Calgary and Banff?
Some of the best stops between Calgary and Banff include: Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, Heart Creek Bunker Trail, Ghost Lake, Jura Creek Trail, Canmore and Grassi Lakes
Is Canmore worth visiting?
Absolutely. You might even end up preferring Canmore over Banff because it’s slightly less touristy while still offering incredible mountain scenery. It’s also a great place for restaurants, cafés, hiking trails, and more affordable accommodation.
What is the most scenic route from Calgary to Banff?
Highway 1A is generally considered the more scenic route between Calgary and Banff. The drive passes through foothills, smaller communities, mountain viewpoints, and quieter sections of the Bow Valley. It’s slower than Highway 1, but much more enjoyable if you are not in a rush.
Conclusion
The drive from Calgary to Banff is much more than just a transfer from the airport to Banff and the Canadian Rockies. With the right stops, it can easily become one of the most enjoyable parts of your Rockies trip.
If you have the time, slow down a little. Grab coffee in Cochrane, explore a trail near Canmore, or let the kids splash through Jura Creek before continuing toward Banff.
