Most Scenic Road Trips in Calgary, Canada
1. The Cowboy Trail (Highway 22),
A scenic route stretching from Calgary to Mayerthorpe, offering breathtaking views of the foothills and prairies.
- Rural Landscapes: Experience vast open fields and small towns reminiscent of the old West.
- Historical Sites: Discover numerous historical sites along the way, such as Fort Calgary and the Cremona Steam Engine Museum.
- Hiking Opportunities: Stop by various provincial parks for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
2. The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93),
A stunning drive connecting Jasper and Banff National Parks, offering views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
- Glacier Views: Marvel at the Columbia Icefield and other impressive glaciers along the route.
- Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for grizzly bears, elk, and mountain goats roaming the wilderness.
- Scenic Hikes: Take short walks or long hikes to explore breathtaking vistas and hidden gems like Peyto Lake.
3. The Kananaskis Valley Loop (Highway 40),
A scenic drive through the picturesque mountains of Kananaskis Country, with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy stunning views of the mountain peaks and valleys that define the Canadian Rockies.
- Wildlife Encounters: Be on the lookout for black bears, moose, and wolves as you travel through the forested areas.
- Backcountry Adventures: Access numerous backcountry trails and campgrounds for extended outdoor experiences.
4. The Dinosaur Trail (Highway 837),
A scenic drive through Drumheller and the Badlands, offering a unique glimpse into prehistoric times.
- Dinosaur Discoveries: Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum to learn about dinosaurs and see fossil exhibits.
- Badlands Scenery: Marvel at the unique, rugged landscape shaped by wind and water erosion over millions of years.
- Hoodoo Viewing: Stop by Horseshoe Canyon for a chance to see hoodoos, tall, thin spires of rock created by erosion.
5. The David Thompson Highway (Highway 11),
A scenic route connecting Calgary to Jasper, offering views of the Rockies and opportunities for hiking and fishing.
- Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy stunning views of the mountain peaks and valleys that define the Canadian Rockies.
- Hiking Opportunities: Stop by various provincial parks for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
- Fishing Spots: Cast a line in the many rivers and lakes along the way for a chance to catch fish like trout and salmon.
6. The Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3),
A scenic route connecting Calgary to the BC border, offering views of the foothills and opportunities for hiking and skiing.
- Rural Landscapes: Experience vast open fields and small towns reminiscent of the old West.
- Hiking Opportunities: Stop by various provincial parks for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
- Skiing Destinations: Visit nearby ski resorts like Fernie Alpine Resort or Kicking Horse Mountain Resort during the winter months.
7. The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1),
A scenic route connecting Calgary to Vancouver, offering views of the Rockies and opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and mountain vistas.
- Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy stunning views of the mountain peaks and valleys that define the Canadian Rockies.
- Hiking Opportunities: Stop by various provincial parks for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
- City Stops: Explore cities like Banff, Revelstoke, and Kamloops along the way.
8. The Banff Parkway (Highway 1A),
A scenic route through Banff National Park, offering views of mountains, lakes, and wildlife.
- Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy stunning views of the mountain peaks and valleys that define the Canadian Rockies.
- Lake Views: Stop by scenic lakes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for breathtaking photos.
- Wildlife Encounters: Be on the lookout for bears, moose, and elk as you travel through the park.
9. The Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles Road Trip
A unique road trip to view the 'ice bubbles' formed under the frozen surface of Abraham Lake.
- Ice Bubble Viewing: Marvel at the unique, spherical ice formations created by methane gas trapped in the lake.
- Winter Scenery: Experience the beauty of a winter road trip through the Canadian Rockies.
- Adventure Activities: Try ice walking, snowshoeing, or even ice climbing during your visit.
10. The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Road Trip
A scenic road trip between Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada) and Glacier National Park (USA), offering views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
- Glacier Views: Marvel at the many glaciers found in both parks.
- Waterfall Spotting: Visit various waterfalls along the route, such as Lower and Upper Waterton Falls.
- International Border Crossing: Experience crossing the international border between Canada and the USA.
11. The Yoho Valley Road Trip
A scenic road trip through Yoho National Park, offering views of mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife.
- Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy stunning views of the mountain peaks and valleys that define the Canadian Rockies.
- Waterfall Spotting: Visit various waterfalls along the route, such as Takakkaw Falls and Wapta Falls.
- Hiking Opportunities: Stop by Yoho Valley for a chance to hike and explore the surrounding area.
12. The Icefields Parkway Loop (Highway 93),
A scenic loop drive through Jasper National Park, offering views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
- Glacier Views: Marvel at the many glaciers found in Jasper National Park.
- Waterfall Spotting: Visit various waterfalls along the route, such as Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls.
- Hiking Opportunities: Stop by Maligne Lake for a chance to hike and explore the surrounding area.
13. The Kootenay Rockies Parkway (Highway 93/95),
A scenic route connecting Banff National Park to Kootenay National Park, offering views of mountains, lakes, and wildlife.
- Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy stunning views of the mountain peaks and valleys that define the Canadian Rockies.
- Lake Views: Stop by scenic lakes like Vermilion Lakes and Radium Hot Springs.
- Wildlife Encounters: Be on the lookout for bears, moose, and elk as you travel through the park.
14. The Ansel Adams Wildlife Management Area Road Trip
A scenic road trip through the Ansel Adams Wildlife Management Area, offering views of prairies, wetlands, and wildlife.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot various species such as bison, elk, and white-tailed deer.
- Prairie Landscapes: Experience the beauty of the prairies in a unique protected area.
- Wetland Exploration: Visit various wetlands for birdwatching and nature photography opportunities.
15. The Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park Road Trip
A scenic road trip through Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, offering views of hoodoos, badlands, and Native American petroglyphs.
- Hoodoo Viewing: Marvel at the unique, rugged landscape shaped by wind and water erosion over millions of years.
- Native American History: Learn about the history and culture of the Native American peoples who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
- Badlands Scenery: Experience the beauty of the badlands and their unique, colorful landscape.