25+ Day Trips from Calgary Your Family is Missing Out On
Looking for fun, family-friendly places to visit near Calgary? We’ve got you covered.
After living here and exploring Calgary and the surrounding areas (including Banff, Kananaskis, and everywhere in between) for the past four years, we’ve discovered just how many great day trips from Calgary are out there. Some take you deep into the Rockies, others to quiet prairies, historic towns, or fossil beds your kids won’t stop talking about.
If you’ve ever felt stuck on the weekend wondering what to do, this list will help. We’ve pulled together 25+ easy day trips from Calgary that are perfect for families.
No overnight packing required.
And the best part: There are all short(-ish) drive from Calgary, so you don’t have to plan an overnight.
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1. Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
🚗 Distance from Calgary: about 100 km south of Calgary
Step into Alberta’s ranching past with a visit to Bar U Ranch National Historic Site.
This working ranch is about an hour south of Calgary in Longview. It’s one of the best places to visit near Calgary in summer if your family enjoys history and hands-on fun.
You can watch blacksmiths at work, see rope-making, and learn how saddles were made and used. Kids can even try small ranch chores, like sweeping the barn or helping carry water buckets.
PRO-TIP: Ensure the kids request the Xplorer booklet. When they complete it, they can return it to the office and get their Parks Canada badge. My kids love doing those!
Percheron horses are also part of the experience. Plan to explore the ranch in the morning, take part in a few demonstrations, eat lunch at a picnic table, and stop in Longview for tasty beef jerky before heading back.
2. Blackfoot Crossing Historical Site
🚗 Distance from Calgary: about 115 km east of Calgary
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Site is a significant cultural site that educates visitors about the Siksika Nation and the history of Treaty No. 7.
It’s located about 1.5 hours southeast of Calgary, along the Bow River. This is a peaceful and meaningful spot for a summer day trip.
The main building has a museum with Blackfoot artifacts, videos, and displays. Outside, you can walk on trails where the treaty was signed in 1877 and enjoy the views of the prairie and river. You can also visit the tipi village.
A simple plan for your visit could be:
- start with a visit of the museum,
- take a small hike on the paths
- enjoy a quiet lunch at one of the picnic spots
- visit the tipi village before heading back to the city.
3. Highway 40 Loop (& Highwood Pass)
🚗 Distance from Calgary: about 300 km loop from Calgary
The Highway 40 Loop is one of the most beautiful day trips from Calgary for families who enjoy mountain views and peaceful stops. This drive passes through Kananaskis Country and loops back through the foothills, taking approximately 4 hours without stops, although it can take longer if you stop to explore.
This trip is great for families who love nature and beautiful views. You can:
- enjoy Mount Lorette Ponds for a short walk or a snack,
- drive to Highwood Pass
- hike the Ptarmigan Cirque Trail, which has amazing mountain views and alpine meadows.
- continue driving to Bar U Ranch for a fun history stop.
On the way back, you can pick up snacks in Longview. It’s a full but fun day in the mountains and foothills.
4. Smith-Dorrien Trail (Highway 742)
🚗 Distance from Calgary: about 250 km loop from Calgary
If your family likes quiet roads and mountain views, the Smith-Dorrien Trail (Highway 742) is a great option.
It takes about 3 hours from Calgary to complete this loop. You’ll find quiet places and less crowded trails than what you can find in Banff National Park.
Along the way, you can stop at the Blackshale Suspension Bridge for a short walk with great views. A bit farther along, you can hike the Chester Lake Trail, which is 4.6 km and leads to a peaceful mountain lake.
After the hike, head to Mount Engadine Lodge for afternoon tea and charcuterie treats.
On your way back to Calgary, you can stop in Canmore for a quick walk or snack. This day trip is calm, scenic, and great for summer.
5. Drumheller and the Royal Tyrrell Museum
🚗 Distance from Calgary: about 150 km from Calgary
Drumheller is a fun and unique day trip from Calgary, perfect for kids who are curious about dinosaurs and ancient history. Located approximately 1.5 hours northeast of the city, it sits in the Alberta Badlands. The landscape and climate are unique there. It’s a dry, rocky region known for its unusual landforms and remarkable fossil finds.
The main stop is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, where you can see real dinosaur bones, learn about ancient life, and try hands-on activities.
You can also walk through the badlands to see tall hoodoos, and sandy rock towers.
Here how to spend a day trip to Drumheller:
- start your day with a drive to Irricana to see Pioneer Acres Museum,
- head to Drumheller,
- spend time in the museum,
- eat lunch at The Sunny Spot,
- visit the hoodoos, and
- stop by Horseshoe Canyon or the World’s Largest Dinosaur before going home.
6. Kananaskis: Elbow Falls
🚗 Distance from Calgary: less than an hour drive from Calgary
Just 45 minutes from the city, Elbow Falls is a peaceful and easy-to-reach spot in Kananaskis. The path to the waterfall is flat and quick, making it perfect for younger kids.
You can also try nearby trails like Fullerton Loop or White Buddha if you want a longer hike.
After your time in nature, stop in Bragg Creek for lunch or a scoop of ice cream. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors without a long drive. There is also a nice kids’ playground.
7. Kananaskis Country
🚗 Distance from Calgary: about 100 km to get to Kananaskis Village
Mountain air, easy trails, and quiet lakes make Kananaskis Village a favourite summer destination for families.
Located just an hour from Calgary, it’s ideal for a mix of activities and relaxation. Troll Falls is one of the easiest and most popular hikes in the area, featuring a series of stunning waterfalls.
In the afternoon, visit Barrier Lake or Mt. Lorette Ponds for a walk or paddle.
This is a perfect day trip from Calgary for those who want to experience nature without the crowds.
8. Cochrane
🚗 Distance from Calgary: Only 30 minutes from Calgary
A short 30-minute drive northwest of the city brings you to Cochrane, a small town that’s full of charm. It’s a great spot for a low-key family day.
Start with a walk at Glenbow Ranch, where the views of the Bow River valley are wide and peaceful.
Then head into town for lunch and a stop at MacKay’s Ice Cream, an Alberta favourite for over 70 years.
Before you head home, visit Cochrane Ranche or Riverfront Park to let the kids play or take a gentle stroll. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Calgary, with something for everyone.
9. Sheep River Falls
🚗 Distance from Calgary: About an hour drive from Calgary
Sheep River Falls is a hidden gem west of Turner Valley. This peaceful spot is approximately an hour from Calgary and is often less crowded than other mountain destinations.
The walk to the falls is short, making it ideal for kids and families who want a leisurely hike with a big reward.
After seeing the waterfall, you can enjoy lunch in a nearby small town and then visit the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area for one more easy walk before heading back.
10. Canmore
Surrounded by mountains and full of small-town charm, Canmore is a great choice for a full-day outing.
It’s just one hour west of Calgary and offers a mix of hiking, shopping, and relaxing. A good way to begin is with the Grassi Lakes Trail, an easy 4 km hike with beautiful turquoise lakes at the end.
After your hike, enjoy lunch at a local café like Rocky Mountain Bagel Co., then explore the town’s shops or visit Quarry Lake.
Families can also unwind at Centennial Park or walk beside Policeman’s Creek. It’s one of the most popular places to visit near Calgary in summer for good reason.
11. Ghost Lake
Ghost Lake is a great choice for families who want water, space, and mountain views. This peaceful lake is just 45 minutes west of Calgary. It’s easy to reach and perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or just sitting by the shore.
You can pack a picnic and spend the morning by the water. After lunch, take a short drive to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where kids can learn about these special animals and see them up close.
On the way back, stop in Cochrane for ice cream. This is an easy and fun day trip from Calgary that mixes nature, animals, and a sweet treat.
12. Downton Banff and Gondola
With its mountain views, fun shops, and easy walks, Banff is one of the most popular day trips to Banff from Calgary, and for good reason.
The town is about 1.5 hours from the city and offers a great mix of nature and family fun.
You can start your day with a walk along the Bow Falls Trail or visit the Cascade Gardens to see flowers and mountain views.
Pack a lunch to enjoy at Central Park or grab a bite in town.
Later, head to the Banff Gondola for a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. At the summit, there are boardwalks, an interpretive centre, and amazing views all around.
It’s a full, easy day that works for all ages.
13. Lake Louise Gondola and Moraine Lake (Seasonal)
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the most photographed spots in all of Canada, and both are possible in one exciting day trip from Calgary to Banff.
It takes about 2 hours to reach the Lake Louise Ski Resort, where you can catch a Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake.
The Rockpile Trail gives you one of the best views of the turquoise water and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Later, head back to the ski resort for lunch at Banded Peak Base Camp. In the afternoon, ride the Lake Louise Gondola or chairlift for more views and a chance to see wildlife from above.
This day is packed with beauty, fun, and great places to take photos with the family.
14. Johnston Canyon and Ink Pots
Johnston Canyon one of the most fun family hikes in Banff National Park. You’ll find walkways, waterfalls, and forest trails
The path takes you to the Lower Falls, then continues to the Upper Falls with bridges and railings.
If your family has more energy, you can keep going past the falls to the Ink Pots—blue-green pools in a quiet mountain meadow.
After your hike, grab lunch at the canyon lodge and enjoy the cool, fresh air before driving home. This is a great day trip when you want nature and adventure in one place.
15. Banff Gondola and Cave & Basin
For mountain views and interesting history, the Banff Gondola and Cave & Basin are a perfect combination.
Start your visit with a ride up Sulphur Mountain, where the Banff Gondola takes you to a summit with boardwalks, exhibits, and wide views of the valley.
After enjoying the mountain air, stop for lunch with a view—either at the top or back in town.
In the afternoon, head to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. This is where Canada’s first national park began. You’ll see bubbling hot springs, short walking paths, and displays about the past.
16. Banff Upper Hot Springs and Cave & Basin
A relaxing soak in the hot springs is a great way to slow down on a trip to Banff. You can start your day with a gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain, then visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs nearby.
The warm mineral water feels great after a hike or car ride, and there are views of the mountains all around.
For lunch, you can stop in downtown Banff or have a picnic if the weather is nice. In the afternoon, visit the Cave and Basin to learn about Banff’s history and walk the short trails near the springs.
17. Minnewanka Lake Cruise and Two Jack Lake
Families who enjoy being near the water will love this calm and scenic outing. Lake Minnewanka is just 1.5 hours from Calgary and is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park.
Start with a boat cruise to learn about the lake’s history and take in the views.
After the ride, bring your picnic to Two Jack Lake, just a few minutes away. It’s a quiet place to skip rocks, paddle, or play along the shore.
If you’re looking for places to visit near Calgary in summer that offer both fun and quiet time, this is a great choice for all ages.
18. Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive (Banff)
Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive is an easy loop with stops for history, walks, and photos. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to the start of the loop from Calgary.
Along the way, you can stop at the Lower Bankhead Trail to see the remains of an old mining town.
Signs along the trail explain what life was like here long ago. Then, drive a bit farther to Johnson Lake, a peaceful place for a walk, swim, or picnic. It’s also the warmest lake in Banff (but it’s still cold).
19. Bow Valley Parkway and Castle Mountain
For a peaceful drive and some of the best mountain views near Banff, take the Bow Valley Parkway instead of the highway.
This route is slower and quieter, with great spots to stop along the way. One of the highlights is the Castle Mountain viewpoint. It’s a perfect photo stop with big views of the peaks.
A little farther down the road, you can take a short hike to Silverton Falls. If you have more time, Johnston Canyon is also nearby.
After exploring, enjoy lunch at the café at Castle Junction.
20. Sunshine Meadows (Seasonal)
If your family loves wildflowers, open trails, and mountain views, Sunshine Meadows is a great summer adventure.
It’s located near Banff and takes about 1.5 hours to reach from Calgary.
Start by riding the gondola and chairlift up to the meadows. Once at the top, you can hike the Rock Isle Lake loop or relax and enjoy the views.
The flowers, lakes, and fresh air make it feel like you’re far away from the city.
Bring a picnic or eat lunch at the café at the village before heading back down.
21. Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is just past Lake Louise in British Columbia and feels a little quieter than Banff.
It’s about 2.5 hours from Calgary and has beautiful spots for walking and sightseeing.
You can start your visit at Emerald Lake, where the water is bright turquoise and there’s a flat trail around the shoreline.
After your walk, stop in the small town of Field for lunch. Then, head to Takakkaw Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada.
There’s a short path from the parking lot that brings you close to the water. This is a full-day adventure that’s calm, scenic, and full of nature.
22. Peyto Lake and Bow Lake (Icefields Parkway)
You don’t need a big hike to see big views. Peyto Lake and Bow Lake are two of the most beautiful lakes along the Icefields Parkway—and both are easy to access.
They’re about 2.5 hours from Calgary and make for a great road trip with lots of places to stop.
At Peyto Lake, a short, paved trail leads to a lookout with one of the most famous views in the Rockies. Next, head to Bow Lake for a picnic or short walk by the shore. If you have time, stop at the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint on the way back.
This day trip from Calgary is perfect for photos, quiet stops, and fresh mountain air.
23. Kirk’s Alpaca Farm
For something a little different (and a lot of fun), Kirk’s Alpaca Farm in Carstairs is a sweet and simple summer outing.
It’s only 1 hour north of Calgary and makes a great half-day trip for animal lovers.
Families can take a guided tour, learn about alpacas, and even feed them. The setting is peaceful and perfect for younger kids.
After your visit, grab a coffee or snack in town and stop by the artisan market or playground nearby.
24. Chester Lake and Spray Lakes Reservoir
For families who enjoy a scenic mountain hike and a quiet picnic, Chester Lake and Spray Lakes Reservoir make a perfect combo.
Located in Kananaskis, about 1.5 hours from Calgary, this area is full of alpine beauty.
The hike to Chester Lake is around 5 km one way and takes you through forests and meadows to a peaceful mountain lake.
After the hike, drive to nearby Spray Lakes for a rest, snack, or picnic by the water. On your way home, stop in Canmore for a coffee or ice cream.
25. Rawson Lake and Upper Kananaskis Lake
Looking for a little more challenge? Rawson Lake offers a great mountain trail with big lake views at the top.
It’s located in Kananaskis, around 1.5 hours from Calgary. The trail is 6.8 km return and starts at Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Along the way, you’ll pass through forest and climb steadily until you reach Rawson Lake, where calm water reflects the surrounding peaks.
After the hike, enjoy a picnic or relax along the lakeshore.
26. Grotto Canyon and Canmore
Hidden just outside Canmore, Grotto Canyon is a special place for a short and unique hike.
The trail takes you through a rocky canyon with high walls and, if you look closely, you can spot ancient Indigenous pictographs along the rock face.
It’s a great outing for kids who like exploring and spotting cool details. After your hike, drive a few minutes into Canmore for lunch—The Grizzly Paw is a family favorite.
You can end the day with a peaceful stroll along Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk.
27. Downtown Banff, Fenland Trail, and Vermilion Lakes
When you want a calm and beautiful walking route, Fenland Trail and Vermilion Lakes offer the perfect mix of trees, water, and wildlife.
Located in Banff and just 1.5 hours from Calgary, these areas are easy to explore and great for a slow-paced family outing.
Start your day with a walk on Fenland Trail, a flat loop through tall trees. Then, head into town for a family photo at the Banff sign and a snack or lunch. Finish with a visit to Vermilion Lakes, where you can walk by the water or relax on a bench and look for birds.
28. Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, and Two Jack Lake
Lakes, quiet trails, and open picnic spots make this an easy and fun outing for families.
Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, and Two Jack Lake are all near Banff and only 1.5 hours from Calgary.
You can start your day with a picnic breakfast or early snack at Cascade Ponds, where there are tables, bridges, and space to play.
Next, head to Johnson Lake for an easy loop trail with views of the mountains and water.
Before heading home, stop by Two Jack Lake to skip stones or just enjoy the peaceful setting.
29. Vermilion Lakes, Fenland Trail, and Bow Falls
If you’re looking for calm walks and beautiful mountain views, this gentle outing in Banff is a great choice.
Vermilion Lakes, Fenland Trail, and Bow Falls are all close together and easy to enjoy in one day.
Start with a stroll beside Vermilion Lakes, where you might spot birds or reflections of Mount Rundle in the water. Then head to Fenland Trail, a flat forest loop that’s great for kids and quiet moments. For lunch, stop in Banff town, and finish the day with a walk to Bow Falls.
Final Thoughts: Why These Calgary Day Trips Are Perfect for Summer
With so many fun and easy day trips from Calgary, this summer is full of adventure for your family. You can dig for fossils in Drumheller, ride wagons at Bar U Ranch, hike through Kananaskis, or explore the lakes in Banff National Park.
Each spot offers something different, and most are just a short drive from the city. So pack some snacks, load up the car, and start making those summer memories.
You don’t have to see it all in one day. Choose one or two stops, take it slow, and let the rest happen naturally. Some of the best memories come from the unplanned moments—skipping rocks, spotting a deer, or laughing together on the trail.
