CALGARY STAMPEDE DAY TRIPS
Mountains to Lakes to Badlands to Prairies – One of the
Great Day Trip Cities in the World
OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO
The Calgary Stampede is an action-packed 10-day event, filled with rodeos, concerts, midway thrills, and non-stop festivities. But if you’re looking to take a break from the Stampede grounds and explore more of what Alberta has to offer, there are plenty of incredible day trips just a short drive from the city.
From the breathtaking Rocky Mountains to the rolling foothills and the rich history of the Badlands, Calgary’s surrounding areas provide the perfect opportunity for adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or thrill seeker, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a look at some of the best day trips to consider while in town for the Calgary Stampede.
WHICH POINT OF ENTRY POINT
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NORTH
Rocky Mountain House Red Deer Edmonton
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SOUTH
Waterton Lakes National Park Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump Bar U Ranch Crowsnest Pass
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EAST
Dinosaur Provincial Park Drumheller Blackfoot Crossing
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WEST
Canmore Banff Lake Louise Bragg Creek Kananaskis Provincial Park
Affectionately known as “The Chucks”, the Chuckwagon Races are arguably the most popular event at the Calgary Stampede. Every night at GMC Stadium, the world’s best chuckwagon drivers and their elite teams of horses charge into action in a breathtaking display of speed, skill, and split-second precision. The race begins with the legendary “Figure Eight” start, a heart-stopping maneuver where drivers navigate their wagons around barrels in a tight, high-speed formation before bursting onto the track in a full tilt sprint. From there, it’s an all-out battle to the finish line, with wagons flying around the half mile oval at breakneck speeds, dirt flying, and fans on the edge of their seats. Feel the intensity, the danger, the raw excitement—and witness history in the making as drivers chase the coveted Championship Canvas, $2 million in prize money, and a place in Stampede legend.
North
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE
215 KM – 2.25 HOURS DRIVE
First off, Rocky Mountain House is neither a home, nor in the Rocky Mountains. It is, in fact, a town which hosts a National Historic Site. It is known as the place “Where Adventure Began”due to it fur trading and expedition origins.
Why Visit?
- Rocky Mountain House is a National Historic Site that brings Alberta’s fur trade history to life.
- Explore the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, where the Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company once competed in the fur trade.
- Walk the interpretive trails along the North Saskatchewan River, featuring historic ruins, replica trading posts, and Indigenous storytelling.
Perfect for: History buffs, families, and anyone interested in Alberta’s Indigenous and fur trading past.
What Do We Recommend
Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
North
RED DEER
147 KM – 1.75 HOURS DRIVE
Why do we recommend Red Deer as a Day Trip? We don’t. People are going to ask and it is a day trip you can theoretically take.
Why Visit?
- Rocky Mountain It’s the 3rd most populated city in Alberta.
- Stroll through the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, one of Alberta’s oldest protected natural areas, perfect for birdwatching and scenic walks.
- Explore the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, showcasing the province’s rich sports history and interactive exhibits.
- Visit Bower Ponds, where you can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddle boats in summer or simply enjoy a picnic by the water.
- Walk or bike the Waskasoo Park Trails, a beautiful network of paths winding through the city’s green spaces.
Perfect for: People Who Live in Edmonton
What Do We Recommend
Gasoline Alley – A great stop while you’re passing thru
North
EDMONTON
300 KM – 3.25 HOURS DRIVE
You need to understand 2 things; First, Edmonton is not a day trip. It’s a 3 hour drive straight north. Second, no self-respecting Calgary tourist site would ever recommend Edmonton. It is possibly the worst city in the entire Galaxy – maybe the Universe.
Why Visit?
- We don’t know but if you find yourself there, you could.
- Visit West Edmonton Mall, North America’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, featuring a waterpark, amusement park, mini golf, and hundreds of stores.
- Explore Elk Island National Park, a short drive east of the city, home to free-roaming bison, elk, and scenic lakes perfect for canoeing and wildlife spotting.
- Walk through Old Strathcona & Whyte Avenue, Edmonton’s trendiest district, full of local shops, breweries, and historic buildings.
- Learn about Alberta’s past at Fort Edmonton Park, a massive living history museum with recreated streets from different time periods.
- Take in the Royal Alberta Museum, showcasing Indigenous history, natural history,and interactive exhibits.
Perfect for: Criminals, politicians, and people who hate themselves
What Do We Recommend
Staying in Calgary or going anywhere else on the list.
EAST
DINOSAUR PROVINCIAL PARK
215 KM – 2.5 HOURS DRIVE
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dinosaur Provincial Park is one of the richest fossil bedsin the world, where more than 50 dinosaur species have been discovered. Nestled in theBadlands, dinosaurs are routinely discovered by the general public walking around.
Why Visit?
- Explore the park’s alien-like badlands landscape, filled with hoodoos, unique rockformations, and breathtaking views.
- Take a guided fossil safari or a dig experience with an actual palaeontologist, whereyou can see real dinosaur bones still embedded in the ground.
- Hike scenic trails like the Badlands Trail or Coulee Viewpoint, offering stunningdesert-like vistas.
- Visit the Dinosaur Visitor Centre, featuring exhibits on paleontology, fossils, and thehistory of the park.
Perfect for: Dinosaur lovers, geology enthusiasts, and families looking for an outdooradventure
What Do We Recommend
Alberta Parks – 1-Day Guided Excavation
EAST
DRUMHELLER
140 KM – 1.5 HOURS DRIVEWhy
One of the more unique towns in Alberta. A couple kilometres before arriving, you’re inthe Prairies. Nothing but flat farm land. Then as you descend into the town, you enter theBadlands and its incredible topography.
Why Visit?
- Drumheller is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the world’s top dinosaurmuseums, showcasing incredible fossils and interactive exhibits.
- Explore the unique Hoodoos, strange rock formations shaped by thousands of yearsof erosion.
- Drive the Dinosaur Trail, stopping at lookouts and historic sites, including the StarMine Suspension Bridge.
- Visit the World’s Largest Dinosaur, a massive T-Rex statue with a viewing platforminside its mouth.
Perfect for: Dinosaur lovers, geology enthusiasts, and families looking for an outdooradventure
What Do We Recommend
Royal Tyrrell Museum
EAST
MuseumBLACKFOOT CROSSING
115 KM – 1.5 HOURS DRIVE
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park is a National Historic Site of Canada and the locationwhere Treaty 7 was signed in 1877 between the Blackfoot Confederacy and the Canadiangovernment.
Why Visit?
- Learn about the rich culture, traditions, and history of the Siksika Nation throughinteractive exhibits, artifacts, and storytelling.
- Walk the sacred grounds of the Blackfoot people, where generations have gatheredfor ceremonies and trade.
- Take a guided tour led by Blackfoot Elders to gain firsthand knowledge of theirhistory, language, and traditions.
- Visit the Tipi Village, where you can experience Indigenous architecture and evenstay overnight in a traditional tipi.
Perfect for: History lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and those looking to deepen theirunderstanding of Indigenous heritage in Alberta.
What Do We Recommend
Blackfoot Crossing Historical ParkWATERTON
south
WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
255 KM – 3 HOURS DRIVEWhy
Waterton isn’t typically considered a day trip due to its three-hour drive from Calgary,but if you have the time, it’s a hidden gem worth exploring. As a UNESCO World HeritageSite, it offers breathtaking landscapes with far fewer crowds than Banff, making it afavourite getaway for locals.
Why Visit?
- It’s stunning natural beauty.
- Hike Bear’s Hump for one of the best panoramic views in Canada.
- Take a boat cruise on Waterton Lake, crossing into the U.S. at Glacier National Park.
- Stroll through the charming townsite and visit the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.
Perfect for: Travellers who want a peaceful nature escape with fewer crowds.
What Do We Recommend
Crypt Lake HikeSOUTH
south
HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP
180 KM – 2 HOURS DRIVE
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the best-preserved and most significantIndigenous hunting sites in the world, used by the Plains People for over 6,000 years.
Why Visit?
- Learn about the traditional buffalo hunting practices of the Blackfoot peoplethrough immersive exhibits, artifacts, and storytelling.
- Walk the interpretive trails to see the actual buffalo jump cliffs and imagine howherds were skillfully driven over the edge.
- Watch live demonstrations and Indigenous drumming and dancing performances(seasonal).
- Gain a deeper understanding of Blackfoot culture, survival skills, and the spiritualconnection between the people and the land.
Perfect for: Travellers who want a peaceful nature escape with fewer crowds.
What Do We Recommend
Visitor Information CentreCROWSNEST
south
CROWSNEST PASS
220 KM – 2.25 HOURS DRIVE
Known for its dramatic mountain scenery, ghost towns, and legendary disasters,Crowsnest Pass is a hidden gem offering a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, andoutdoor adventure.
Why Visit?
- Explore Frank Slide, the site of Canada’s deadliest rockslide, where a massivelandslide buried part of the town of Frank in 1903. The Frank Slide InterpretiveCentre tells the gripping story of the disaster.
- Visit the Leitch Collieries, the ruins of a once-thriving coal mining operation, givinga glimpse into Alberta’s industrial past.
- Take a walk through Blairmore and Coleman, former mining towns now known fortheir charming local cafes, historic buildings, and mountain-town vibe.
- Hike to Lundbreck Falls, a stunning waterfall just outside of town, perfect for photosand a picnic.
- Experience the legend of The Crowsnest Pass Rum Runners, bootleggers whosmuggled alcohol through the region during Prohibition – visit the Ranchman'sSpeakeasy to learn more.
Perfect for: History lovers, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking for an authentic andless-touristy mountain experience.
What Do We Recommend
Frank Slide Interpretive
CentreCrowsnest MuseumBAR
south
BAR U RANCH
100 KM – 1.25 HOURS DRIVEW
A visit to Bar U Ranch is like stepping back in time to Alberta’s Wild West days. Whetheryou’re learning about cattle drives, watching skilled ranch hands in action, or taking inthe stunning foothills scenery, it’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the realcowboy spirit of Alberta!
Why Visit?
- A National Historic Site of Canada, Bar U Ranch offers an authentic glimpse intoAlberta’s ranching history and cowboy culture.
- Once one of the largest and most successful cattle ranches in Canada, it played akey role in shaping the province’s ranching industry.
- Explore historic barns, blacksmith shops, and cowboy quarters, preserved from thelate 1800s.
- Watch live demonstrations of roping, blacksmithing, and horse-drawn wagon rides.
- Learn about famous ranchers, including John Ware, one of Alberta’s first Blackranchers and a legendary figure in Western history.
Perfect for: History lovers and those wanting to experience real cowboy culture beyondthe Stampede.
What Do We Recommend
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site Visitor’s Centre
WEST
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
130 KM – 1.5 HOURS DRIVEWhy
A visit to Banff is an unforgettable experience, offering world-class hiking, incrediblewildlife, and some of the most stunning mountain landscapes in Canada. Whether you’resoaking in hot springs, riding a gondola, or exploring pristine lakes, Banff is a must-visitdestination for any Alberta traveler!
Why Visit?
- Located in Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site, Banff is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world.
- Stroll down Banff Avenue, a charming mountain town filled with boutique shops,restaurants, and art galleries, all set against a stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop.
- Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree panoramicviews of the Bow Valley.
- Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a natural thermal pool with spectacularmountain views.
- Explore iconic sights like Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, and Bow Falls, perfectfor photography, picnicking, and hiking.
- Spot wildlife such as elk, deer, and even bears in their natural habitat.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for a quintessentialCanadian Rockies experience.
What Do We Recommend
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Fairmont Banff Springs
Lake Minnewanka
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
WEST
LAKE LOUISE
185 KM – 2 HOURS DRIVE
A trip to Lake Louise is a must when visiting Alberta, offering some of the mostbreathtaking views and outdoor experiences in Canada. That picture you’ve seen of theCanadian Rockies… it’s Lake Louise and it’s a real picture.
Why Visit?
- Famous for its stunning turquoise waters, Lake Louise is one of the mostphotographed and breathtaking spots in the Canadian Rockies.
- Nestled in Banff National Park, this glacier-fed lake is surrounded by toweringmountain peaks and the iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
- Canoe on the lake in the summer for an unforgettable experience with postcard-perfect views.
- Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House, a scenic 7.6 km round-trip trail leading to a charmingalpine tea house overlooking a high-altitude lake.
- Visit in winter for world-class ice skating, snowshoeing, and skiing at Lake LouiseSki Resort.
Perfect for: Photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
What Do We Recommend
Lake Agnes Tea House
Moraine Lake
WEST
CANMORE
110 KM – 1.25 HOURS DRIVEWhy
A trip to Canmore is perfect for those who love the Rocky Mountain experience withoutthe crowds, offering incredible hiking, dining, and adventure in one of Alberta’s mostcharming small towns!
Why Visit?
- A quieter alternative to Banff, Canmore offers stunning Rocky Mountain views,outdoor adventure, and a laid-back small-town vibe.
- Stroll through downtown Canmore, filled with local art galleries, craft breweries,and cozy cafés.
- Hike the Grassi Lakes Trail, an easy but rewarding trek leading to crystal-clearturquoise lakes and breathtaking views.
- Try rock climbing, mountain biking, or cave tours for a more adventurousexperience.
- Enjoy the view of one of the most beautiful and distinct mountains in the CanadianRockies - The Three Sisters
Perfect for: Travelers looking for outdoor activities, scenic hikes, and a relaxedmountain-town atmosphere.
What Do We Recommend
Canmore Nordic Centre
WEST
BRAGG CREEK
45 KM – 0.75 HOURS DRIVEWhy
Beautiful Bragg Creek is a hamlet nestled in Alberta’s foothills. Famous for hiking,cycling, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the summer, Bragg Creek is the perfectgetaway to recharge from those long, busy days at Stampede.
Why Visit?
- Explore Bragg Creek Provincial Park, with scenic hiking trails, picnic spots, andaccess to the Elbow River.
- Visit Elbow Falls, a beautiful waterfall just a short walk from the parking area,perfect for photos and a peaceful nature break.
- Stroll through Bragg Creek’s historic hamlet, filled with local boutiques, western-style shops, and delicious eateries.
- Ride the West Bragg Creek Trails, a top spot for mountain biking and cross-countryskiing in Alberta.
- It’s the unofficial beginning of the Cowboy Trail
Perfect for: Nature lovers, families, and those looking for a relaxing day trip away fromthe city.
What Do We Recommend
The Powderhorn Saloon
Elbow Falls
Hike Moose Mountain
WEST
KANANASKIS PROVINCIAL PARK
45 KM – 0.75 HOURS DRIVEWhy
Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Kananaskis is a wilderness paradiseoffering breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor adventure. Oftenseen as a quieter, less touristy alternative to Banff, it’s the perfect destination for thoseseeking hiking, wildlife spotting, and year-round adventure without the crowds.
Why Visit?
- A rugged and less-crowded alternative to Banff, Kananaskis is where the locals go.
- Hike Rawson Lake, Ptarmigan Cirque, or Ha Ling Peak, each offering stunning alpineviews.
- Visit Kananaskis Nordic Spa for a luxurious outdoor hydrotherapy experience withhot and cold plunge pools, saunas, and mountain views.
- Take a guided horseback riding tour through pristine wilderness for an authenticwestern experience.
- Spot wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, bears, and even wolves.
- Try whitewater rafting on the Kananaskis River, perfect for thrill-seekers.
Perfect for: Adventure seekers, hikers, golfers, and those looking for an off-the-beaten-path Rocky Mountain experience.
What Do We Recommend
Kananaskis Country Golf Course
Kananaskis Nordic Spa