We love Calgary, but when you live here, planning a full day of excitement can be a little tough. Sometimes, you just want to get out there for a few hours and see or do something different! Here are unique day trips you can take from Calgary.
LessOkay, it’s impossible for us not to mention this incredibly unique spot. Sitting out in Torrington, Alberta is the World Famous Gopher Hole Museum. What’s there? Well, exactly what it sounds like. There are nearly 50 scenes set up featuring stuffed gophers doing very human things like barbecuing, getting married, and more.
Love dogs and have a day to spare? We know you do. Have an interactive cuddly afternoon with the biggest and most beautiful breed of pup at the Yamnuska Sanctuary. Get up close and personal with a pack of wolves, listen, learn and tour the sanctuary with an expert guide.
Kananaskis has something for everyone, and we mean everyone. Need a day away to unwind? Spend a day at the Nordic Spa, picnicking and sightseeing, or hiking. The fresh air will go straight to your head, the sun will warm your skin, and the mems will be one for the books. If you’re more of an adrenaline junky, they also have an incredible heli-tour, an anxiety-inducing cave tour, and a ton of places to go rock climbing.
This unique-to-Alberta experience might give you a case of the spookies. Overlooking Canada’s deadliest rockslide, this interpretive centre makes for an incredibly eye-opening day trip. Learn why, when, and how half of a town and its residents got trapped under hundreds of thousands of rocks, in one of the country’s worst accidents.
Play paleontologist for a day during one of our favourite Calgary day trips! The valley of Drumheller is best known for its Royal Tyrrell Museum, where you can come face to skull with dinosaurs found after over 200 million years and even take a guided hike through the badlands to search for fossils. But that’s not all! The town itself has really run with the whole dino theme, which is really cool. In fact, they have the largest dinosaur in the world!
What’s up adventure seekers. Hidden in the Alberta Badlands day-trippers will find the unoccupied town of Wayne, Alberta. Delve deep into old mines, check out the Last Chance Saloon – a snapshot of the old west; wander the old hotel and explore the untouched artifacts and buildings left behind by a once-thriving community.
Ride horseback through Canada’s Rockies, white water raft through rushing mounting rivers, take a wagon ride and get your heart pumping on their ropes course. Rafter Six Ranch will fill your entire day with unique activities and beautiful views.
This is an Alberta must-visit. On this one-of-a-kind adventure, visitors can walk along an actual glacier, and feel and drink fresh mountain water. Grab a bite to eat, then finish the day with a strut, or a crawl (we don’t judge) across a glass-bottom skywalk on the edge of the cliff and you’ve just had the perfect day trip!
Sylvan Lake has all the makings for a perfect day trip if you’re legitimately looking for a day in a lake town. This popular summer spot is only an hour and a half outside of Calgary. Here you can take a dip or relax in the sun on the beach, grab a bite to eat, browse quaint little shops, hit their iconic ice cream shop, and still be home before dinner!