Sunny Side Calgary & Rockies: 6/6–6/10 Itinerary

Drive from YYC Airport to Sunnyside (base). 6/6–6/7 car-only: YYC → High River → Heartland sites → return to Sunnyside. 6/8 bus tour: Calgary → Banff (day trip) → return. 6/9 Calgary downtown loop: Princes Island → Peace Bridge → Reader Rock Garden → Devonian Gardens → + Kensington coffee & Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. 6/10 depart from YYC.

Navigation Route (day-by-day)

• 6/6: YYC Airport → Sunnyside (Calgary)
• 6/7: Sunnyside → High River → Heartland sites → Sunnyside
• 6/8: Sunnyside → Bus tour to Banff → Return to Sunnyside
• 6/9: Sunnyside → Downtown Calgary loop (Princes Island, Peace Bridge, Reader Rock Garden, Devonian Gardens, Kensington coffee, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary) → Sunnyside dinners
• 6/10: Sunnyside → YYC Airport

6/6 — Arrival & Settle (Car available)

3:00PM: Arrive YYC — Drive to Sunnyside

Drive from Calgary International Airport to the Sunnyside neighborhood, check into accommodation and get oriented. Unpack, stretch, and stroll along the Bow River pathway near Sunnyside. (Gas/taxi $40–$60; drive 30–40 minutes; 1.5–2 hours to settle.)

6:00PM: Dinner in Sunnyside / Kensington

Walk to Kensington for dinner at a local bistro and explore nearby shops — cozy neighborhood vibe and multiple dining options. (Meal $20–$45 per person; 1.5–2 hours.)

6/7 — High River & Heartland Sites (Car-only day)

8:00AM: Depart Sunnyside for High River

Drive south to High River, visit downtown High River, local shops, historical markers, and riverfront parks. (Drive ~45–55 min each way; gas $15–$30; visit 2–3 hours.)

12:30PM: Lunch in High River

Grab lunch at a local café or pub in High River. Enjoy small-town Alberta cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere before heading to Heartland sites. (Meal $15–$30; 1 hour.)

2:00PM: Heartland Sites (regional attractions)

Visit designated Heartland sites (industrial/heritage or film locations depending on chosen Heartland itinerary) and interpretive areas. (Driving between sites 20–40 min; entry mostly free or small fee $0–$10; 2–3 hours.)

5:30PM: Return to Sunnyside, Evening Walk

Drive back to Sunnyside, walk the Bow River pathways, and relax. Dinner in Kensington or Sunnyside neighborhood. (Drive 45–55 min; dinner $20–$45; 2 hours.)

6/8 — Banff Bus Tour (No car needed)

7:30AM: Meet at Calgary departure point for bus tour

Board a guided bus from Calgary to Banff; scenic drive along the Trans-Canada Highway with commentary. Drop-off near Banff Avenue for full-day exploration. (Tour cost $70–$120; round-trip 2.5 hours each way; full day 8–10 hours.)

10:30AM: Explore Banff Avenue & Town

Stroll Banff Avenue shops, cafés, and viewpoints. Visit the Banff Visitor Centre and Cascade Gardens. (Self-guided; coffee $4–$6; 1.5–2 hours.)

12:30PM: Lunch in Banff

Lunch at a Banff restaurant or pub; try local fare with mountain views. (Meal $18–$35; 1 hour.)

2:00PM: Lakeside / Scenic Stop (e.g., Lake Minnewanka or Two Jack)

Visit a nearby lake or viewpoint included on the tour for short walks and photos. (Included in tour stops; 1–1.5 hours.)

5:00PM: Return Bus to Calgary

Head back to Calgary; arrive in evening for dinner in Sunnyside or downtown. (Tour returns ~7:30–8:30PM; dinner $20–$45.)

6/9 — Downtown Calgary & Parks (Walk / Transit)

8:30AM: Coffee in Kensington

Start at a popular Kensington café for specialty coffee and breakfast pastries before a riverside walk. (Coffee $4–$8; 1 hour.)

9:45AM: Princes Island Park Stroll

Walk to Princes Island Park for river views, trails, and public art; perfect for morning photography and people-watching. (Free; 1–1.5 hours.)

11:15AM: Peace Bridge Crossing & Bow River Pathways

Cross the iconic Peace Bridge and explore riverside pathways toward Reader Rock Garden. (Free; 30–45 minutes walking/photography.)

12:00PM: Reader Rock Garden Visit

Relax in Reader Rock Garden, a terraced rock garden with floral displays and city views. (Free; 45–60 minutes.)

1:15PM: Lunch Downtown

Lunch at a downtown Calgary restaurant or food hall near Stephen Avenue. (Meal $15–$35; 1–1.5 hours.)

2:45PM: Devonian Gardens (Core Shopping Centre)

Explore the indoor Devonian Gardens conservatory — tropical plants and seating inside the CORE shopping centre. (Free; 45–60 minutes.)

4:00PM: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

Transit or short drive to Inglewood Bird Sanctuary for birdwatching trails and wildlife observation along the river. (Free; donation suggested $0–$10; 1.5–2 hours.)

6:30PM: Dinner in Inglewood or Return to Sunnyside

Dinner in historic Inglewood with craft breweries and diverse restaurants; evening stroll through local shops. (Meal $20–$45; 2 hours.)

6/10 — Departure Day

8:30AM: Morning Walk & Final Coffee

Enjoy a last walk along the Bow River or a coffee in Sunnyside/Kensington, pack, and check out. (Coffee $4–$8; 1–1.5 hours.)

11:00AM: Drive to YYC Airport

Depart Sunnyside for Calgary International Airport allowing time for rental return/security. (Drive 30–40 minutes; airport parking/taxi $40–$80; arrive 90–120 minutes before flight.)

Practical Costs Summary

• Car rental / gas for 6/6–6/7: $80–$180 (depends on vehicle & fuel)
• Banff bus tour: $70–$120 per person
• Meals: $15–$45 per meal (varies by venue)
• Local transit / rideshare: $5–$25 per trip
• Attraction fees: mostly free; incidental $0–$20

Check hotel and flight prices: Search stays & flights on KAYAK

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Explore quieter spots like the Alberta Railway Museum (near High River), Riley Park in Kensington for farmers’ markets, the Calgary Corn Maze in season, small galleries in Inglewood, and riverside picnic spots along the Bow River — local cafés, craft breweries, and weekday market stalls are beloved by Calgarians.