4 Alberta Road Trips Worth the Drive
When you think of Alberta getaways, you probably think of Banff. Situated in the Rockies, this village attracts millions of people a year. As pretty as Banff is, there’s more to our fair province than some fenced off mountains and kitschy moose souvenirs.
Road trips are a fun and cheap way to travel and Alberta road trips can’t be beat. Here are my favorite weekend getaways:
Get Your Nature on with Waterton Lakes National Park (3 hours from Calgary)
Waterton Lakes National Park is situated in the Rocky Mountain foothills along the border between the United States and Canada. I love Waterton because it has all the scenery and fun of Banff without the heaving crowds and extortion-level costs of visiting.
Visit Red Rock Canyon for amazing wildlife viewing like mountain goats and black bears (don’t feed them!) and an easy hike around the gorge. Rent a canoe on Cameron Lake, go horseback riding along mountain trails, and check out the shopping in Waterton Village to complete your trip.
Dinosaur Adventures with Drumheller (2 hours from Calgary)
If you’ve heard of city of Drumheller, AB, you’ve probably heard of the Royal Tyrell Museum. This dinosaur museum will amuse you for hours as you take a trip down prehistoric memory lane. This is one of the Alberta road trips ideal for families with kids – as well as for the young at heart.
But that’s not all. Make time for a tunnel tour at the Atlas Coal Mine to relive the days of mining yore or go quirky and visit the Torrington Gopher Hole Museum, which celebrates all things prairie dog. There are also helicopter tours, local dining delights (Last Chance Saloon!), and walking trails to take in all the badlands has to offer.
Go Wild at West Edmonton Mall (2.5 hours from Calgary)
I love West Edmonton Mall. It’s a one stop shop for anyone wanting to do it all. In addition to having more than 800 stores, WEM sports 9 world class attractions, two hotels, and over a hundred places to dine.
Its size is equivalent to 48 city blocks and features the world’s largest indoor wave pool with tropical details, the largest indoor lake with seal shows and a pirate ship, and the largest indoor amusement park featuring rollercoasters, whirly-gigs and other daredevil rides. It’s very fun!
Historical Bar U Ranch and Black Diamond (1.5 hours from Calgary)
Bar U Ranch is tucked into the foothills of the Rockies in the southwestern corner of Alberta. Every summer, thousands of students and other visitors come out to watch a historical ranch in action with all the original trimmings. Take a wagon ride tour and listen to volunteers recount the days when the Sundance Kid and Edward, Prince of Wales called the ranch home.
If you want a treat, take the twenty-minute drive to Black Diamond and visit Marv’s Soda Shop for one of their Elvis burgers. While you’re there, check out the art galleries, hand-crafted artisan stores, and unique little shops along their main street.
Even if you’re staying closer to home, travel insurance can be an important consideration. Breaking your leg in the mountains can mean a big ambulance bill and a shorter vacation than you expected.
There’s something for everyone looking to get away with Alberta road trips, so take your pick and enjoy your stay.