North, East, West, South: Sample Day Trips from Calgary
Calgary is known as the Basecamp to Adventure, with very good reason. Head out of the city in any direction, and you’ll find experiences rich in culture and natural beauty. Here’s how you can explore north, east, west and south from Calgary:
North:
Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, and provides a glimpse into the history of Indigenous Peoples, explorers and fur trade posts. Learn how to make a traditional drum, lock eyes with a bison, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain Foothills.
East:
Hoodoo? You do! The Canadian Badlands is where the world’s dinosaurs roamed, and today is home to the renowned Royal Tyrell Museum, geographical formations called hoodoos, fossils, history and natural beauty. This vast area is also home to some of the largest dark sky preserves, letting you see millions of stars and the chance of Northern Lights.
South:
Dubbed The Cowboy Trail, Highway 22 heads south of Calgary and winds through some of the most incredible ranchland anywhere in the world. Spend a few days working on a ranch, head out on horseback or watch the sun dip behind the Rocky Mountains for a breathtaking sunset. Criss-cross through small ranching towns, enjoy warm hospitality and take your foot off the gas pedal – You’re on cowboy time.
West:
Your eyes will inevitably widen as you head towards the Majestic Rocky Mountains, located just 40 minutes west of the city. With Kananaskis Country, Banff and Lake Louise all within a couple of hours in the city, your options for all-season fun are seemingly endless.