If you're looking for a less crowded trip in the province, without compromising on views and fun, check out these five spots.
Waterton Lakes National Park
A few people in the comments shouted out this park, and we can see why.
It's where the prairies meet the peaks and is home to some of the most spectacular beauty around. There's a lot to explore here, from sparkling lakes and booming waterfalls to colourful canyons.
The Red Rock Parkway takes you through grasslands and to Red Rock Canyon. The canyon is pretty easy to explore, just a quick walk from the parking lots, and is a breathtaking sight to take in. There are loads of other trails to explore while here, each one offering a uniquely stunning view of the unreal landscape. We're talking alpine meadows blooming with flowers, mountain summits, and lakeside strolls.
When you pass the grasslands, watch for the bison grazing the fields.
The best part about this park is that you get that signature Rocky Mountain beauty without the crowds of somewhere like Banff. Waterton Lakes also borders Glacier National Park in the U.S. and has the same kind of breathtaking views.
There's a small village in the park where you can stay, and the Prince of Wales Hotel is an especially luxurious option perched on a hilltop overlooking the scenic lake with mountains wrapped around it. The small community has restaurants, galleries, and shops you can check out there.
It's about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Calgary, but it's well worth the journey.
Lundbreck Falls
This hidden gem is like a baby Niagara Falls, with two different waterfalls cascading down next to each other. It's a two hour drive from Calgary and makes for a fun day trip filled with natural beauty.
It's easy to reach the incredible falls, and you can take it in from the observation deck or walk down into the canyon to get closer to the waterfall.
The booming twin falls drop 12-metres into a limestone canyon, and it's stunning all-year round. In the winter you can still go and see the falls from the observation deck, and get a winter-wonderland view of it frozen over.
There's even a campground nearby so you can make a little getaway out of a visit here, falling asleep to the sound of the falls.
Elk Island National Park
Swap out the rocky mountain peaks for rolling hills, sparkling lakes and starry nights in this beautiful park. Elk Island is near Edmonton, just 30 minutes from the city, but it feels like a retreat in the middle of nowhere.
Stunning trails wind throughout the park, from serene forest paths to flower-filled meadows. There's tons of wildlife here, too, including bison, moose, and elk.
Astotin Lake is a little beach area where you can launch a canoe or paddle board if you want even more activity.
This park is part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, so it's perfect for stargazing on a warm summer night.
Drumheller
This little town is known as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World," and it's just two hours away from Calgary.
The first thing you'll notice in the area is the unique landscape, from the vast canyons to the unique rock formations. It feels far away from the city, and lets you step back in time.
There are thousands of prehistoric fossils here, and lots of odes to the dinosaurs scattered around town (think massive statues of T-Rexs). Royal Tyrrell Museum is the go-to spot here to learn more about it all and take in the impressive display of fossils. They even have a Triceratops skull that you can see here.
The "World's Largest Dinosaur" – a towering Tyrannosaurus Rex that's 25 metres high — is also in town and makes for a unique pit-stop.
The surrounding area is unique in itself, with trails like Hoodoos Trail that take you past the stunning rock formations.
Kananaskis
Kananaskis is a region filled with natural beauty — thick forests, rushing creeks, and mountain views — right on the edge of some of the province's most popular destinations.
The area wraps around Canmore, a laidback destination with all the makings of a dreamy mountain getaway. The town is a great place to stay, but the quiet wilderness of Kananaskis also has a lot to offer.
There are countless hiking trails, biking, ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing — you name it. It's an outdoorsy person's dream come true and is just waiting to be explored. Boundary Ranch offers trail rides to take in the scenery on horseback. There's a lot to see, so you might also want a guide. Buffalo Stone Woman has different tour options you can choose from to experience the area and learn about the Indigenous culture there.
After some adventure, though, you may want to wind down, and Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a beautiful oasis where you can do just that.
There's a little bit of everything in this area, and it's perfect for escaping the business of Banff.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
