Grab your friends and hop in the car, because there are some adorable small towns near Calgary that are calling your name this summer. From Alberta beach towns with coastal vibes that'll transport you to Cape Cod, to charming mountain retreats that offer a slow-paced escape — there's a lot to see out there.
If you're dreamy or have sandy beaches and views that aren't crowded by city buildings, here are nine small towns in Alberta to get away to this weekend.
Ma-Me-O Beach
This lakeside summer village is the place to go for a relaxing beach vacation.
Ma-Me-O Beach is set on Pigeon Lake, with soft sand and water views. It's about two and a half hours from Calgary so you can go for a weekend or just the day if you want to soak up some sun. The community is small, but there's an ice cream stand, campgrounds, and boats out on the water that all work to give it a coastal vibe.
If you want a spot to wind down and soak in nature, go here.
Drumheller
If you want to mix things up a bit this summer, turn to Drumheller — also known as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World."
Surrounding the small town you'll find hoodoos, canyon hikes, and a unique landscape. The town itself is all abut dinos, with a massive T-Rex statue you can climb up, the Royal Tyrrell Museum where you can learn more about the prehistoric past, and displays of fossils.
This spot is just an hour and a half away from Calgary, making for an easy adventure.
Jasper
About four and a half hours away from Calgary, this small town is a bit of a journey, but one that's worthwhile.
You'll drive though other spots that are fun to visit (more on Banff and Canmore later), but Jasper has a slower-pace that's intriguing. Nature is at the forefront of a visit here, with idyllic lakes, mountain views, and natural wonders all around.
If you're up for some tours go on a boat cruise around Spirit Island and a tour through Maligne Canyon.
The town is quaint but has lots going on with restaurants, cafes, and shopping.
Sylvan Lake
If you're going for the coastal aesthetic this summer, this is another place to go to make it happen. Sylvan Lake is just an hour and a half from Calgary and it's the epitome of a fun beach town. There are a bunch of shops and restaurants in the bustling town, all set alongside the sandy beach, which stretches into sparkling water.
There's even a lighthouse here to top it all off.
Banff
Not much needs to be said on Banff, since it's one of the most well-known spots to go in Alberta, but a cute small town list just isn't complete without it! You've got everything you need in town, plus some of the most awe-inspiring nature Canada has to offer at the doorstep, and it's just an hour and a half from Calgary.
Cold Lake
Okay, this spot is a long drive from Calgary (almost six hours) but it's seriously stunning. Yet again you have beach town energy here and a massive lake that'll make you feel like you're on the ocean.
There's a ton to do in Cold Lake, too, from relaxing on Kinosoo Beach to trying out the zip line. According to the Cold Lake city website it's actually been dubbed one of the top 25 beaches in the country — so it's worth a drive if you haven't been.
Canmore
If you want an extended vacation, you can head to Canmore, Banff, and Jasper all in one epic road trip — but just squeezing in a weekend trip to Canmore is fun on its own. It's just over an hour from the city, and while it has that same cute mountain town feel to it, Canmore tends to have fewer crowds than Banff.
Wander around town and explore the surrounding nature. Grassi Lakes is one of the most popular hikes around here, and is a quick four kilometre journey that takes you to a stunning lake.
The Three Sisters Mountains also overlook town, giving you a stunning backdrop to a trip here.
High River
If you want a quick escape from the city streets, drive 45 minutes out to this small town, and you'll feel like you're a world away. It's brimming with cute small-town feels, and you can spend a day popping in and out of the local cafes, bakers, and shops. There's also a farmers' market here on Thursdays where you can go to get local produce and soak in the wholesome vibes.
Waterton
About three hours away from Calgary is this little village, set in an incredibly beautiful National Park. Waterton is small but has everything you need, and is the perfect base for exploring the scenic park. You'll find booming waterfalls, a Red Rock Canyon , mountain peaks, and a sparkling lake here.
Camping is a go to here so you can experience the beauty of being in a Dark Sky Preserve. Far away from the city lights, you'll see the sky light up with stars at night here.
If you're up for some exploring this summer, this is the place to be.
Alberta has no shortage of beautiful spots, so get out there and explore this summer.
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.
