12 Spontaneous Day Trips That Are Less Than 3 Hours Away From Calgary
Wondering what the best way to spend your next day off is? A road trip, of course! You may be tempted to spend the day binge-watching that new show on Netflix, or grabbing an ice cream from the same old spot that you always visit; switch things up this summer and visit one of the many amazing spots less than three hours outside of Calgary. ✈️
It doesn't matter if you're looking to spend a day relaxing on the sand beside the water, or climbing up the Rocky Mountains — we've got endless options to choose from. There's no shortage of fun places to visit in Alberta, so how many will you make it to this season?
Black Diamond
Driving distance from Calgary: 45 minutes
If there ever was a small mountain town that every Albertan should visit at least once, it would have to be Black Diamond. It's just a short 45-minute drive away from Calgary and offers visitors plenty of public parks and walking trails, as well as stunning mountain views.
Saskatoon Farm
Driving distance from Calgary: 40 minutes
When the sun is out, the best way to spend a day is outside, perusing through a market or park. Saskatoon Farm is a popular place for not only local but international tourists as well. While visiting, you can pick your own berries, shop for fresh fruits and veggies, or grab a bite at one of the few quaint restaurants in the area.
Ma-Me-O Beach
Driving distance from Calgary: 2 hours and 30 minutes
You don't need to buy a plane ticket to Cabo to spend the day on a beach — you can just drive two hours and 30 minutes to Ma-Me-O, right here in Alberta. Spend your day walking along the docks, getting your tan on in the sand, or swimming in the water; whatever you choose, you'll definitely be relaxed.
Bar U Ranch
Driving distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Everyone loves to talk about Alberta being very cowboy-centric, and in some ways, we really are. Bar U Ranch is a National Historic Site where patrons can see what it's really like to live like a ranching cowboy in the late 1800s. It's probably the most Alberta thing you can do in Alberta.
Nanton
Driving distance from Calgary: 55 minutes
Is it really an Alberta road trip if you don't make a trip to the Nanton Candy Store? This Alberta staple is the place to cure your sweet tooth — and it's just under an hour away from Calgary. Whether you're looking to grab a scoop of ice cream or load up on some snacks for the ride home, your selection is endless.
Banff
Driving distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Obviously, you need to make a trip to Banff if you live in Calgary! It's just a short drive outside of the city, and the views are amazing the whole way through. You can spend your visit soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, grab a bite to eat at one of the many amazing restaurants, or challenge yourself to take on a new hiking trail.
Pigeon Lake
Driving distance from Calgary: 2 hours and 35 minutes
If you've got the luxury of having the time to head out on a long road trip, may we suggest the Village of Pigeon Lake? It's located roughly two and a half hours from Calgary, but the cozy beach you'll get to lay back on when you make it is totally worth the time spent on the road.
High River
Driving distance from Calgary: 50 minutes
Tired of getting lost in the big city? Hop in your car and get acquainted with somewhere new, like High River. The town has a historic downtown area, full of plenty of shops that may just surprise you with their unique contents. There are also plenty of parks in the area for you to explore.
Sylvan Lake
Driving distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 45 minutes
If you want to plan a beach day a little bit closer to the city, Sylvan Lake is always a great option. Plenty of family and friends have made this a spot to spend their summer days, so maybe it's time you join in on the fun. Go boating, swimming, or paddle boarding and enjoy your time at the beach.
Bowden SunMaze
Driving distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 5 minutes
If you scroll through Instagram on any particular day in the summer, odds are very high you've seen a photo of someone frolicking through a sunflower field. The photos are kind of cliche, but honestly? They're also super cute. If you want a sunny snap of your own, be sure to make the drive to the Bowden SunMaze to take the perfect one.
Bragg Creek
Driving distance from Calgary: 40 minutes
If the great outdoors is calling you, Bragg Creek is the perfect place to go for a day of adventure. There are a ton of trails for you to hike or bike through, great fishing spots, plenty of places to go horseback riding, and of course, an awesome campground selection.
Drumheller
Driving distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Easily one of the coolest places a person can choose to spend a day in Calgary would have to be Drumheller. Not only is it home to the World's Largest Dinosaur (awesome Instagram photo op, btw), it's also home to a ton of unique history about the creatures that roamed the earth long before we were here.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
