Arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC). Pick up rental car at the airport counters (Varies $50–100/day, 30–45 minutes). Collect maps and drive toward Sunnyside in Kensington for check-in and dinner.
Cost estimate: $50–100/day rental + fuel $10–20. Time spent: 45–90 minutes.
Check into a Sunnyside/Kensington hotel or B&B along 9A St NW or 10 St NW near the Bow River (Hotels $120–250/night). Walkable neighborhood with boutiques and river views; great base for downtown access and transit.
Cost estimate: $120–250/night. Time spent: 1.5–2 hours to settle and wander.
Dine at a local favorite on 10th St NW—options include gastropubs, cafes, or riverside patios (Meal $20–50 per person). Stroll the Riverwalk or Kandahar Steps after dinner.
Cost estimate: $20–50/person. Time spent: 1.5–2 hours.
Check hotel and flight prices: Compare stays & flights on KAYAK
Drive from Sunnyside to the Heartland filming ranch near High River, AB (approx. 45–55 km, 40–50 minutes). The Heartland ranch used for filming is the Shepherd family ranch set in the High River area; common fan-identified filming areas include farm properties and surrounding foothills south of High River off Highway 23/24. Park respectfully and follow private property rules.
Cost estimate: Fuel $10–20. Time spent: 40–50 minutes drive, plus time on site as allowed.
Visit the approximate Heartland ranch filming sites around High River and nearby county roads—fields, barns and fences that represent the Larson/Shepherd ranch in the series (Free to view from public roads; on-site access may be private). Great photo ops of prairie and ranch architecture.
Cost estimate: Free; respect private property. Time spent: 1.5–2 hours.
Drive west toward Turner Valley/Longview via Highway 2A and Highway 22 for foothills scenery (approx. 50–70 km depending route). Stop at viewpoints and small towns for coffee and photos of rolling prairie and Rockies foothills.
Cost estimate: Fuel $10–20, coffee $3–6. Time spent: 1–1.5 hours with stops.
Stop at a local café or diner in Millarville or Turner Valley—regional farm-to-table fare with mountain views (Meal $15–25). Stretch legs and enjoy local shops or market if available.
Cost estimate: $15–25/person. Time spent: 1 hour.
Visit Elbow Falls near Bragg Creek (small waterfall and river canyon, short walk, parking fee or free), an accessible spot for photos of clear water and boulders in the valley. Great mid-afternoon nature break.
Cost estimate: Free–$5 parking. Time spent: 45–60 minutes.
Drive toward Calgary along HWY 22X/Devonshire Road and stop at Glenmore Reservoir and Weaselhead Natural Area for river views and short trails before heading to the airport (free; pleasant urban nature site).
Cost estimate: Free. Time spent: 30–60 minutes.
Return rental car to airport counters and prepare for evening. Allow 45–60 minutes for drop-off and shuttle to terminal if needed. Plan buffer for traffic and fuel return policies.
Cost estimate: Final rental charges + fuel $10–20. Time spent: 45–60 minutes.
If you keep the car and return to Sunnyside/downtown instead of immediate drop-off, enjoy an evening meal in Kensington or downtown (Meals $20–50).
Cost estimate: $20–50/person. Time spent: 1.5–2 hours.
Use Calgary Transit (CTrain Red Line) or local buses to Sunnyside station (Victoria Park or Sunnyside station on Red Line). Single fare $3.60 CAD (tap card or app). Quick, reliable access to downtown and bus terminals.
Cost estimate: $3.60 single fare. Time spent: 20–40 minutes depending start point.
Board a coach from Calgary to Banff (various tour operators depart from downtown/terminal near 9th Ave; fares $60–120 round-trip including park entry sometimes). Enjoy mountain views en route and guided stops in Banff townsite and viewpoints.
Cost estimate: $60–120/person. Time spent: 8–10 hours round-trip with stops.
Visit Calgary Tower (Admission ~$20 adult) for panoramic city and mountain views. Iconic downtown landmark near Stephen Avenue Walk and Centre Street.
Cost estimate: $20/person. Time spent: 45–60 minutes.
Walk to the Calgary Central Library (free), an architectural highlight with atrium, reading spaces and community events. Great for photos and a calm indoor stop.
Cost estimate: Free. Time spent: 30–45 minutes.
Stroll Prince's Island Park and the Bow River pathways, crossing the Peace Bridge for river views and evening light; picnic or grab dinner nearby in Eau Claire or Stephen Ave (dinner $20–40).
Cost estimate: Free walk; dinner $20–40. Time spent: 1.5–2 hours.
Finish with coffee or dessert in Kensington (10th St NW) — cozy cafés and late-night bakeries. Walk Reader Rock Garden nearby if time allows; quiet neighborhood charm.
Cost estimate: Coffee $3–6. Time spent: 45–60 minutes.
Explore the quieter spots locals love: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary for spring/fowl watching, Reader Rock Garden for seasonal blooms, Devonian Gardens (indoor botanical atrium) inside CORE shopping, and the Bow River Sobow (Bow River pathways) for sunset walks. Try small cafés in Kensington, patios on 4th Street, and independent shops in Inglewood for authentic Calgary flavor.