10 Best Places to Visit Near Calgary

Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Kananaskis is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers are drawn to the emerald waters of the Grassi Lakes and Elbow Lake’s blend of forest and mountain scenery dotted with colorful wildflowers. In the fall, you can embark on a “larch hike” for sweeping views of golden larch trees.

Windtower Trail offers vistas of Canmore and the Spray Lakes Reservoir. During winter, experience ice skating across the reservoir’s crystalline surface. Discover enchantment at Troll Falls or kayak on Goat Pond. To rejuvenate, relax in a nature-fed spring pool at Mist Mountain Springs and savor epic mountain views. At night, turn your gaze upward to witness the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis.

Escape the city life to Sundre, where ranching is a way of life. Ya Ha Tinda Ranch, owned and managed by Parks Canada, functions as a working horse ranch dedicated to breeding horses used by wardens to patrol national parks. Local outfitters offer horseback riding, whether you want to take a short horseback ride to nearby Big Horn Falls or embark on a backcountry trip through majestic Rocky Mountain scenery.

For adventures on foot, you can take a nature walk with an Indigenous guide to learn about plant medicines or visit Sundre Pioneer Village Museum & World of Wildlife. For intrepid adventurers, experience the thrills of water rafting on the Red Deer River and a cliff jump into icy waters.

In the prehistoric times, Drumheller was a tropical forest where dinosaurs thrived. The present day Drumheller is one of the best places near Calgary to visit. This is where the Canadian Badlands meet the wide-open prairies. The landscape features peculiar formations called hoodoos, tall, thin spires found throughout the area.

Explore the downtown on a dino walk to learn about 20 dinosaur discoveries, including Albertosaurus, a T-Rex relative. You can even climb to the top of the 86-ft. T-Rex statue and wave hello to downtowners. For budding paleontologists, the Royal Tyrell Museum boasts one of the world’s largest dinosaur displays and interactive exhibits. For scenic hikes, Horseshoe Canyon and Horsethief Canyon offer views of the Badlands landscape.

If you enjoy waterfalls, one of the best places to visit near Calgary is Lundbreck Falls, celebrated as the most spectacular waterfall on the Crowsnest River. Two thundering cascades of water plunge 39 ft. into a deep turquoise pool in the canyon below. Admire the enchanting falls from a viewing platform. For a closer look, you can take the stairs to the river and wade in the shallow water.

During the fall season, see the waterfall framed by the fiery hues of autumn. In winter, the landscape is transformed into a snowy wonderland, and the falls nearly freeze in place. The canyon becomes a fusion of icicles and running water, a natural masterpiece resembling a glistening chandelier of ice.

Renowned for its farming and ranching, Nanton is a popular destination for weekend getaways from Calgary. Take a stroll on Main Street, where you’ll find a variety of shops, galleries and restaurants. Dive into the past at Nanton’s antique shops, which offer plenty of options to suit your interests, from art and collectibles to jewelry and vintage clothing.

After treasure hunting, grab a bite to eat at the farmer’s market. If you prefer more rural adventures, saddle up for an unforgettable trail ride into rugged scenery and a sense of freedom in the open range on the prairie. To diversify your experience, take a fishing trip to catch trout at Chain Lakes or Sheep River Provincial Park.

At Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, you can explore and learn about the history of the Blackfoot, Native People of the North American Plains. This unique UNESCO World Heritage site is focused on the hunting technique practiced by the Blackfoot for nearly 6000 years.

Using their advanced knowledge of buffalo behavior and hunting techniques honed over generations, skilled hunters were able to drive bison over a precipice. The exciting exhibits at the center cover various aspects of the prehistoric plains including Native origins, lifestyle and cultural practices, buffalo hunting, European trade impact and archeology.

Explore the historic charms of downtown Okotoks and one of the best places near Calgary to shop. Visit Lineham House Galleries, a historic home showcasing paintings, jewelry and glass art crafted by local artisans. Immerse in nature at Sheep River Provincial Park on a scenic hike through forest and river landscapes that provide opportunities to spot deer, elk and Canadian Geese.

Don’t miss the Okotoks Erratic or Big Rock. Weighing 16,500 tons, this quartzite rock was transported to the prairie by glacial movement. According to a Blackfoot Legend, Napi, a supernatural trickster, gifted his robe to the rock but reclaimed it, leading the rock to chase him until it was broken in half with the help of Napi’s winged friends.

Known for rugged landscapes, wildflower meadows, and verdant rolling hills, Castle Provincial Park and adjacent Castle Wildland Provincial Park are considered sacred to local First Nations groups. They contain watersheds and important corridors for wildlife, including grizzly bears. There are also over 200 rare plant species living in the parks.

Castle Falls beckons with weekend getaways from Calgary to the majestic site of Pincher Creek plunging into a swirling turquoise pool below. For calmer waters, visit Beaver Mines Lake for a serene paddle across the placid lake’s lapis-blue waters. The park’s hiking trails will take you through diverse terrain. At night, gaze at the canvas of stars above and marvel at the celestial beauty of the Milky Way.

Explore the charm of 1800s ranching life at Bar U Ranch, a national historic site. Relax in the shade of a cottonwood tree to hear stories of ranching life in the Canadian West, including contributions from Indigenous people. You can also enjoy a picnic with picturesque views of the ranch set against the verdant foothills of the Canadian Rockies.

In the heart of operations, the cookhouse where cowboys ate and welcomed visitors, you’ll find 35 historic structures to explore, each with its own story. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride and learn to cast a rope on a replica steer. Walk along the Pekisko Creek trail to see cows and bison grazing in the grasslands.

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is one of the most popular places near Calgary to learn about wildlife conservation. This sanctuary is a non-profit organization that provides education about wolfdogs and wolves in the wild. The sanctuary is home to wolfdogs, hybrids of wolves and domestic dogs. Many of the wolfdogs living at the sanctuary were surrendered pets but the sanctuary provides a safe and natural environment where they can thrive.

During your tour, you’ll learn about wolfdog behavior, their role in ecosystems, and about responsible wolfdog ownership. If you take the interactive tour, you’ll meet friendly ambassador wolfdogs. The tour is mostly held outdoors. If you plan to visit the sanctuary, dress accordingly.