With the change of the seasons comes opportunity for plenty of new adventures, and with the weather we've been having in Calgary lately I know plenty of people who are eager to get outside as soon as the cold disappears.
Spring adventures are some of my favourites, simply because everything is so much more beautiful. All the trees and flowers are back in bloom, baby animals are being born, and the air is so refreshing - the whole world just feels magical.
If you feel the same way, and are craving some Spring fun, this is just the list for you! Here are some of our best recommendations for quick day trips from Calgary for you and yours to make this season:
12. Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 20 minutes
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Big on trailblazing? Want to check out somewhere new? Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is located in Kananaskis Country, just a quick 90km away from Calgary! It's the ideal spot for you to get out of the city for a day and enjoy the refreshing Spring sunshine.
11. Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
Distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 50 minutes
The Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains at Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump and trust us when we say it's a sight to behold. Whether you're simply looking to get out and adventure, or you're a photographer looking for a great spot to shoot some boho-themed photos, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
10. Drumheller
Distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 30 minutes
What better way to spend a Spring day than by checking out the Dinosaur capital of the world? Pack yourself a little picnic lunch and hit the road with your family, friends, or special someone for a day of digging in Drumheller! While here, be sure to conquer the World's Largest Dinosaur - it's one Insta-worthy spot that you won't want to miss.
9. Icefields Parkway
Distance from Calgary: 3 hours and 45 minutes
This one's a bit longer of a trek, but it's worth it. If you've got a weekend to spare, book yourself an Airbnb in the area and check out the many attractions that await! The Icefields Parkway makes for a great driving tour, and there's plenty of pit stops to make along the way where you can hike, explore, and snap some photos.
8. Sunshine Village
Distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 45 minutes
If you haven't had enough of the snow by the time Spring rolls around, you can always hit up Sunshine Village for a quick ski or snowboard session! Alternatively, there are also an abundance of great hiking trails and viewpoints for you to check out in the area.
7. Invermere
Distance from Calgary: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Sure, Alberta is great - but there's only so much you can do within one province. Sometimes you need to take a hop across the border for a day of new experiences and excitement. Invermere is roughly three hours from Calgary, but it's the perfect spot to go when it's warm enough to get out on the water. Go for a swim, or try house boating with your friends!
6. Radium Hot Springs
Distance from Calgary: 3 hours
@marybello18We've got some beautiful hot springs here in Alberta, but again, if you find yourself in beautiful British Columbia, you definitely have to make a pit stop at the Radium Hot Springs. Spring is the most ideal time for a soak, as it's just chilly enough outside that the water won't overwhelm you!
5. Waterton Lakes National Park
Distance from Calgary: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Tired of visiting our National Parks in the north? Switch things up a bit and head down south to see what sort of beauty the other half of Alberta has to offer. Waterton is home to so many fun outdoor activities, both on land and in the water. They also happen to be home to the stunning Prince of Wales Hotel - the perfect place to spend a weekend.
4. Canmore
Distance from Calgary: 1 hour and 15 minutes
With Canmore being so close to Calgary, I say that you're crazy if you don't head out to the mountains every once and a while! The hustle and bustle of the city can get to be too much from time to time, so even just a quick walk with your dogs or bite to eat in this quaint mountain town can do you a world of good.
3. Big Hill Springs Provincial Park
Distance from Calgary: 40 minutes
If you're on a time crunch, but still are feeling the urge to get out of Calgary may we suggest Big Hill Springs Provincial Park? It's just 40 minutes away from YYC, but will make you forget that you're anywhere near home. Don't forget to bring along your hiking boots!
2. Ellis Bird Farm
Distance from Calgary: 2 hours
Are you an animal lover too? Then you absolutely have to add Ellis Bird Farm to your Spring bucket list! Spend your day among the critters, petting, watching, and admiring. They have a wall full of beautiful bird houses where the tiny creatures often flock to hang out or grab a bite to eat.
1. Aspen Crossing
Distance from Calgary: 1 hour
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So many Calgarians spend their day commuting on the C-Train, so why not shake up your usual routine and head out to Aspen Crossing? Here, you can ride on an old-school train all through the beautiful prairies - plus, it's a lot more punctual than local Calgary transit.
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