Weekend Trips from Calgary

If you’re looking to escape the city for a few hours and soak in some fresh air, beautiful views, or charming small towns, you’re in luck. Calgary is perfectly situated for all kinds of easy getaways – whether you’re in the mood for mountain adventures, peaceful prairies, or local gems just off the beaten path. In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite weekend trips from Calgary that are perfect for a quick reset, whether you’re heading out on a Saturday morning or making the most of a long weekend.

Banff

Banff is probably one of the most popular weekend trips from Calgary – and for good reason. Over the past few years, it’s become incredibly popular. On one hand, I love that more people are getting to experience the mountains. On the other, it does mean you’ll need to plan ahead a bit more than you used to. Parking can be tough, and some of the more well-known spots now require shuttle reservations.

Is it still worth visiting? Absolutely! Banff is stunning and offers something for everyone – great food, endless outdoor adventures, and even a bit of shopping. In the summer, you can go hiking, canoeing or kayaking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. In the winter, there’s skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and even cave tours. There’s truly something to do all year round.

Canmore

Just outside the national park boundaries, Canmore is a fantastic alternative to Banff – especially if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds. You still get those amazing mountain views, delicious food spots, and plenty of outdoor activities, but with a bit more breathing room.

There are lots of incredible hikes in Canmore – Grassi Lakes and Grotto Canyon are two of my favorites, each beautiful in their own unique way. The Canmore Nordic Centre is also worth a visit, offering everything from mountain biking in the warmer months to cross-country skiing in the winter.

Drumheller

It’s been many years since I’ve visited Drumheller, but it’s definitely high on my list to return to! The landscape in the Drumheller area is so unique – those iconic Alberta hoodoos are a must-see and make for some pretty epic scenery. Most are within a short drive of town, making Drumheller a great base for a weekend of exploring.

Of course, you can’t visit Drumheller without checking out the Royal Tyrrell Museum. It’s packed with incredible dinosaur exhibits and is fun for all ages. A friend of mine visited with her tween and teens recently and said they wished they had more time there – always a good sign!

Edmonton

It’s been a while since I last visited Edmonton, but it’s a great option for a weekend getaway from Calgary. From ballet and theatre to arts festivals and live music, there’s always something happening. And if you’re into stargazing, you’ll love that Edmonton is just an hour from a dark sky preserve. It’s incredible how many stars you can see without all the city light.

And of course, there’s West Edmonton Mall – North America’s largest mall! I still remember going there on a high school field trip. A morning at the Alberta Legislature for social studies and an afternoon at the indoor waterpark for “gym class.” Guess which part we liked more?

Edmonton is also home to the beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley. It’s one of the largest urban park systems in North America. With paved paths, biking trails, and river views, it’s the perfect place to spend some time outdoors.

Lethbridge

I went to university in Lethbridge, and while I was excited to move back to Calgary afterward, it was the perfect place to live and study for a few years. Lethbridge is split in two by a huge coulee with the Oldman River running through it. West Lethbridge (where the university is) sits on one side, and North and South Lethbridge on the other.

You can kayak or float down the river, or explore the Indian Battle Park, home to lots of walking and biking trails as well as Fort Whoop-Up, an interpretive centre filled with local history. Just north of that is the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. You can learn more about the local plants and animals that call the coulees home there.

Henderson Lake Park and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden are also beautiful places for a relaxing stroll. And downtown Lethbridge is super walkable, full of little shops and restaurants. My university friends and I had a favorite coffee shop where the baristas knew our names. Their outdoor patio with a fireplace was the coziest place to hang out in the fall.

Medicine Hat

Even though I’ve lived in Alberta for nearly 30 years, I somehow haven’t made it to Medicine Hat. But it’s definitely at the top of my list! The city is known for its sunny weather and abundance of outdoor space. You can walk, bike, or even kayak down the South Saskatchewan River.

For a smaller city, Medicine Hat has a surprisingly great food scene. I once knew someone who loved a Thai restaurant there so much, he’d drive from Calgary just to eat there – now that’s dedication!

The downtown area is charming and full of character, with self-guided tours that let you explore local murals, bakeries, patios, and coffee shops. Spending the day strolling through those little indie businesses sounds like the perfect way to explore.

Further Reading

Whether you’re craving a nature walk, a cozy coffee in a cute small town, or just a change of scenery, these weekend trips from Calgary are the perfect excuse to hit the road and explore. Sometimes all it takes is a short drive to feel like you’ve had a mini vacation.

If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out my post on High River or take a peek at my Banff day trip – both are full of photos, local tips, and ideas to make the most of your visit!