Calgary & Heartland Roadtrip: 6/6–6/9

YYC Airport arrival → car rental pickup → Sunnyside dinner (6/6). 6/7 drive Calgary → High River (Heartland filming locations: Heartland Ranch near Springbank/Longview area, set sites around High River and Millarville) → scenic returns via Okotoks, Turner Valley, Bragg Creek or Black Diamond → return car at YYC. 6/8 Banff bus tour from Calgary (day trip). 6/9 Calgary downtown walking loop: Calgary Tower → Central Library → Devonian Gardens → Bow River/Peace Bridge → Prince's Island Park → Reader Rock Garden → Saddletow/Stephen Avenue/Inglewood Bird Sanctuary → YYC departure.

Itinerary

• 6/6 — 5:00PM: Arrive YYC, Pick up Rental Car

  Arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC). Collect rental car from on-site counters (approx. $60–$100/day incl. insurance; 45–60 min). Drive 20–30 minutes to Sunnyside neighborhood along Memorial Drive for dinner and riverside stroll. Time spent: 1.5–2 hours.

• 6/6 — 6:30PM: Dinner in Sunnyside

  Explore Sunnyside on the north bank of the Bow River near Kensington: try local restaurants on 10th Street NW (approx. $20–$40 per person). Walk river pathways and the nearby Riley Park/Community Centre. Time spent: 1.5–2 hours. (Public transport from YYC to Sunnyside options below.)

• Public transit option: YYC → Sunnyside

  From Calgary Airport Transit (Route 300) to Downtown/Westbrook transfer to CTrain: take Route 100/300 or airport bus to Downtown, transfer to CTrain Red Line to Sunnyside station. Fare: ~$3.70 single (cash/Platinum). Total transit time: ~45–60 minutes. Alternately taxi/Uber ~30–40 min, $40–60.

• 6/7 — 8:00AM: Depart Calgary for High River / Heartland sites

  Drive south on Macleod Trail/Highway 2 to High River and surrounding areas used as Heartland locations. Heartland Ranch filming was centered around locations near Millarville/Longview/Bragg Creek areas and ranch sets outside High River—heartland ranch sets are privately held ranch properties southeast of Calgary near Springbank and High River. Time: 1–1.5 hours drive. Fuel & tolls: $20–40.

• 6/7 — 9:30AM: High River / Heartland filming locations visit

  Park and explore public-access film spots in and around High River and Millarville; view exteriors used for the series and nearby small-town streets (Free; 1.5–2 hours). Respect private property—many sets are on private ranches. Time spent: 1.5–2 hours. Possible short walk/photo stops.

• 6/7 — 12:00PM: Lunch in High River

  Lunch at a local café in High River (Heartland Heartland Café-type spots or main street diners). Cost: $12–25 per person. Time spent: 45–60 minutes.

• 6/7 — 1:30PM: Scenic Return Route — Option A: Millarville → Bragg Creek → Calgary

  Drive west toward Millarville and Bragg Creek for scenic foothills and river views. Stop at Bragg Creek Provincial Park and the Elbow River viewpoints (park fee minimal/free; hiking options 1–2 hours). Time driving + stops: 3–4 hours. Fuel: $15–30.

• 6/7 — 1:30PM: Scenic Return Route — Option B: High River → Okotoks → Turner Valley → Black Diamond → Calgary

  Head north via Highway 2A: stop in Okotoks (Sheep River Park), then Turner Valley and Black Diamond (historic Main Streets, scenic valley overlooks). Good photo ops and short walks. Time driving + stops: 3–4 hours. Cost: minimal, parking fees unlikely.

• 6/7 — 6:30PM: Return to YYC, Drop Off Car

  Drive back to Calgary Airport for rental drop-off (allow 60–90 min for return and shuttle). Final fuel/top-up: $10–30. Time spent: 1–1.5 hours.

• 6/8 — 7:00AM: Banff Bus Tour (full day)

  Depart Calgary on a guided Banff day tour (many operators depart early from downtown or hotels). Visit Bow Falls, Banff Avenue, Lake Louise/Two Jack/Sulphur Mountain depending on tour. Cost: $70–140 per person (coach tour); full day 9–11 hours. Includes scenic stops and narrated route through the Rockies.

• 6/9 — 8:30AM: Calgary Downtown Walk — Calgary Tower

  Start at Calgary Tower (admission ~$18; 45–60 min). Panoramic city/rocky mountain views from observation deck and interpretive displays. Time spent: ~1 hour.

• 6/9 — 9:45AM: Central Library

  Walk to the New Central Library (free; 30–45 min). Explore the striking architecture, reading spaces, and public art in the East Village area. Time spent: 30–45 minutes.

• 6/9 — 10:30AM: Devonian Gardens (TD Square)

  Visit Devonian Gardens — indoor botanical conservatory in Core Shopping Centre (free; 30–45 min). Enjoy tropical plants, waterfalls, and seating inside downtown mall complex. Time spent: 30–45 minutes.

• 6/9 — 11:30AM: Peace Bridge & Bow River Pathway

  Cross the iconic Peace Bridge and stroll Bow River pathways, great river and skyline views. Free; 30–45 minutes walk/photo stops. Time spent: 30–45 minutes.

• 6/9 — 12:15PM: Prince's Island Park

  Relax on Prince's Island Park (free; 45–60 min). Picnic areas, river beaches, and paths—excellent spot for lunch or a casual walk. Time spent: 45–60 minutes.

• 6/9 — 1:30PM: Reader Rock Garden

  Visit the Reader Rock Garden in Brownes Flats—a heritage rock garden with paths, seasonal plantings, and urban tranquillity (free; 30–45 min). Great for photos and quiet respite. Time spent: 30–45 minutes.

• 6/9 — 2:30PM: Stephen Avenue / Sobaow Trail & Downtown Stroll

  Walk along Stephen Avenue (historic pedestrian street), browse shops, murals, and cafés. Use nearby Bow River paths (Sobow trail references pathway networks along river). Cost: free to browse; shopping extra. Time spent: 1–1.5 hours.

• 6/9 — 4:00PM: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

  Head east to Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre (small entry donations suggested; free parking). Spot local bird species, walk boardwalks along the Bow River and enjoy urban wildlife. Time spent: 1–1.5 hours. Admission: free/donation.

Hotel & flight price checks: Check hotels & flights on KAYAK

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Explore lesser-known spots: Sunnyside’s riverfront cafes and 10th Street boutiques, the Calgary Farmers’ Market in Inglewood, the historic Lougheed House, and small galleries in Inglewood/Bridgeland. For nature, try the Elbow River pathway near Sandy Beach, Fish Creek Provincial Park south of the city, or a sunrise walk at Nose Hill Park—local favorites for quiet views and neighborhoods with character.