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5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Calgary, Banff

  1. Friday, August 4: Calgary
    10 minutes (4.6 miles) from Calgary International Airport

    Start your trip in Calgary, a vibrant city known for its western heritage. In the morning, explore the impressive Calgary Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Afterward, head to the Glenbow Museum to delve into the region's history and art. In the afternoon, stroll through the picturesque Prince's Island Park and relax by the Bow River. In the evening, visit the lively Stephen Avenue Walk for dining and entertainment.

    • Calgary Tower: $18, 1-2 hours
    • Glenbow Museum: $16, 2-3 hours
    • Prince's Island Park: Free, 1-2 hours
    • Stephen Avenue Walk: Free, evening activities
  2. Saturday, August 5: Banff National Park
    1 hour 30 minutes (80.4 miles) from Calgary

    Embark on a day trip to Banff National Park, a stunning wilderness paradise. Start your morning with a scenic hike to Johnston Canyon, where you can marvel at the breathtaking waterfalls. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lake Louise and take a leisurely stroll along its turquoise shores. End the day with a relaxing dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs to soak in the natural mineral waters.

    • Johnston Canyon Hike: Free, 2-3 hours
    • Lake Louise: Free, 2-3 hours
    • Banff Upper Hot Springs: $8.30, 1-2 hours
  3. Sunday, August 6: Calgary Zoo
    1 hour (5.2 miles) from Downtown Calgary

    Spend your morning at the Calgary Zoo, home to over a thousand animals from around the world. Explore different habitats like the Canadian Wilds and Penguin Plunge. In the afternoon, visit the Heritage Park Historical Village to experience life in Western Canada during the 19th and early 20th centuries. End your day with a visit to the lively Kensington neighborhood, known for its trendy shops and eateries.

    • Calgary Zoo: $29.95, 3-4 hours
    • Heritage Park Historical Village: $26.50, 2-3 hours
    • Kensington: Free, shopping and dining
  4. Monday, August 7: Drumheller
    1 hour 30 minutes (80.8 miles) from Calgary

    Embark on a day trip to Drumheller, known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World. Start your morning at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the world's largest displays of dinosaurs. Afterward, explore the stunning Badlands landscape and visit the Hoodoos, unique geological formations. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Atlas Coal Mine to learn about the region's coal mining history.

    • Royal Tyrrell Museum: $21, 2-3 hours
    • Badlands and Hoodoos: Free, 1-2 hours
    • Atlas Coal Mine: $15, 2-3 hours
  5. Tuesday, August 8: Calgary Tower
    10 minutes (4.6 miles) from Downtown Calgary

    Wrap up your trip with a visit to the Calgary Tower, a must-see attraction offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Spend the morning exploring the tower and enjoying the Sky 360 restaurant for a memorable dining experience. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Bow River Pathway and enjoy the scenic beauty. End your trip with some souvenir shopping at the CORE Shopping Centre.

    • Calgary Tower: $18, 1-2 hours
    • Sky 360 Restaurant: Varies, lunch/dinner
    • Bow River Pathway: Free, 1-2 hours
    • CORE Shopping Centre: Varies, shopping

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Canada Olympic Park, where you can try various sports activities like ziplining and skiing. For day trips, Kananaskis Country offers beautiful hiking trails and scenic drives. Additionally, a visit to the charming town of Canmore is worth considering. To make the most of your budget, opt for picnic lunches and explore the city by foot or public transportation. Take advantage of happy hour specials and look for discounted attraction tickets online. Enjoy your trip and have fun exploring Calgary and Banff!

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