Adventurous 5-Day Itinerary in Calgary

  • Day 1: Banff National Park
    1.5 hours (80 miles) from Calgary

    Start your adventure by visiting the pristine waters and serene beauty of Moraine Lake. Afterwards, hike the Plain of Six Glaciers trail and witness the jaw-dropping views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks. End your day by soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

  • Day 2: Kananaskis Country
    1 hour (45 miles) from Calgary

    Begin your day by exploring the beauty of Elbow Falls, then try rock climbing at Nakiska Ski Resort or rafting at Kananaskis River. Take a scenic drive to Spray Lakes Reservoir for kayaking and paddleboarding. End the day with a delicious meal at Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.

  • Day 3: Canmore Caving
    1 hour (60 miles) from Calgary

    Experience the thrill of caving as you crawl, climb and squeeze through the underground world of Rat's Nest Cave. Afterwards, hike the Grassi Lakes Trail for stunning views of the Canmore area. Enjoy a relaxing evening at The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company with a flight of local beer.

  • Day 4: Zipline Adventure
    30 minutes (15 miles) from Calgary

    Begin your day with a zipline adventure at Winsport, offering spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies. Explore Calgary's biggest urban park, Fish Creek Provincial Park, and take a leisurely bike ride through the peaceful pathways. End your day with a visit to Glenbow Museum to learn about the culture and history of Calgary.

  • Day 5: Canadian Badlands
    2 hours (115 miles) from Calgary

    Start your day at Dinosaur Provincial Park and go on a guided hike to explore the dinosaur fossils and hoodoos. Continue your adventure by visiting the Royal Tyrrell Museum to learn about Alberta's prehistoric past. End your day by marveling at the stunning views of Horsethief Canyon.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Moraine Lake (3 hours, $10)
  • Banff Upper Hot Springs (2 hours, $8)
  • Nakiska Ski Resort (4 hours, $48)
  • Kananaskis River Rafting (3 hours, $99)
  • Spray Lakes Reservoir Kayaking (4 hours, $40)
  • Canmore Caving (3 hours, $120)
  • Glenbow Museum (2 hours, $18)
  • Dinosaur Provincial Park (4 hours, $40)
  • Royal Tyrrell Museum (3 hours, $16)
  • Horsethief Canyon (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $409

Transportation

For most of the outdoor activities, a rental car will be the most convenient mode of transportation. However, for visits to Calgary's urban parks, biking and walking may be preferred. Taxi services and ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft are also available in the city. Estimated travel cost for a rental car for 5 days is approximately $250 CAD.

Useful Tips

For those with more than 5 days, consider adding a day trip to the spectacular Lake Louise. For those with less than 5 days, it is recommended to reduce one location from the itinerary. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor activities.

Airports

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the main airport serving Calgary and is located approximately 11 miles from the city center. It is a hub for major Canadian airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet, and offers flights to destinations across Canada, the United States, and internationally.

0