Travelling is one of the best things life has to offer. Not only is it super fun to get away from our super insane lifestyles and switch up the scenery a bit, it's always really nice to explore how truly beautiful this world is (and eat delicious foreign food, but that's a conversation for another time.)
But the worst part about travelling is how crazy expensive it is. Airfare alone can cost more than our rent. For a broke person who regularly only has enough money for medium fries and possibly a Buddy Burger after paying all their bills, a trip to Cancun doesn't quite seem to be in the cards.
However, just because we're too broke to fly to Dubai, doesn't mean we can't enjoy a nice getaway.
Alberta is full of beautiful places that'll settle your wanderlust without completely abusing your bank account. And we've found them for you. Most of them really just require gas money (and most likely some snacks). Especially since all of Canada's National Parks are free in 2017 in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday!
Whether you're a thrill seeker, an explorer, or a "fun in the sun" type of traveller, there's a place for you in Alberta. These places are perfect for day trips, weekend getaways, or even to get away from the hectic-ness of life for a few days.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Perfect Destination For: Thrill-seekers, Outdoor Adventurers/Explorers
Where: Waterton AB | ~260 km south of Calgary / ~600 km south of Edmonton
Attractions: Hikes, Mountains, Waterfalls, Lakes
Stay: Day Trips/Weekend Trips
Herbert Lake
Perfect Destination For: Fun-In-The-Sun/Relaxation Trips, Outdoor Adventurers/Explorers
Where: Banff National Park | ~190 km north of Calgary / ~480 km south of Edmonton
Attractions: Swimming, Mountains/Hikes
Stay: Day Trips/Weekend Getaway
Moraine Lake
Perfect Destination For: Thrill-seekers, Outdoor Adventurers/Explorers
Where: Banff National Park | ~180 km west of Calgary / ~450 km southwest of Edmonton
Attractions: Hikes, Mountains, Lakes
Stay: Day Trips
Glacier Skywalk
Perfect Destination For: Thrill-seekers, Outdoor Adventurers/Explorers
Where: Jasper National Park | ~315 km northwest of Calgary / ~460 km southwest of Edmonton
Attractions: Mountains, Glaciers, Waterfalls
Stay: Day Trip
Canmore
Perfect Destination For: Outdoor Adventurers/Explorers
Where: Canmore, AB | ~104 km west of Calgary / ~390 km southwest of Edmonton
Attractions: Exploring, Town of Canmore, Camping, Mountains/Hiking
Stay: Weekend Trip, Getaway
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Sylvan Lake Provincial Park
Perfect Destination For: Fun-In-The-Sun/Relaxation Trips
Where: Sylvan Lake | ~170 km north of Calgary / ~170 km south of Edmonton
Attractions: Swimming, Beach, Lakes
Stay: Day Trips/Weekend Getaway
Hoodoos
Perfect Destination For: Outdoor Adventurers/Explorers
Where: Drumheller | ~150 km east of Calgary / ~300 km south of Edmonton
Attractions: Exploring, Geological Structures
Stay: Day Trip
Abraham Lake
Perfect Destination For: Outdoor Adventurers/Explorers
Where: Clearwater County | ~350 km northwest of Calgary / ~340 km southwest of Edmonton
Attractions: Skating, Under-ice bubbles, Hiking, Mountains
Stay: Day Trip
Lesser Slave Lake
Perfect Destination For: Outdoor Adventurers/Fun-In-The-Sun
Where: Clearwater County | ~660 km north of Calgary / ~370 km north of Edmonton
Attractions: Beach, Swimming, Fishing, Camping
Stay: Weekend Trip/Getaway
Johnston Canyon
Perfect Destination For: Outdoor Adventurers/Explorers
Where: Banff National Park | ~150 km west of Calgary / ~440 km southwest of Edmonton
Attractions: Waterfall, Hike, Mountains
Stay: Day Trip
Lake Louise
Perfect Destination For: Outdoor Adventurers/Explorers
Where: Lake Louise | ~180 km west of Calgary / ~470 km southwest of Edmonton
Attractions: Resort, Hikes, Mountains
Stay: Day Trip, Weekend Trip, Getaway
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Perfect Destination For: Fun-In-The-Sun/Relaxation Trips, Outdoor Adventurers/Explorers
Where: Banff National Park | ~190 km north of Calgary / ~480 km south of Edmonton
Attractions: Swimming, Mountains/Hikes
Stay: Day Trips/Weekend Getaway
Wood Buffalo National Park
Perfect Destination For: Outdoor Adventurers/Explorers
Where: Wood Buffalo | ~1600 km north of Calgary / ~1300 km north of Edmonton
Attractions: Canada's Largest National Park, Hikes, Mountains, Lake, Buffalo
Stay: Weekend Trip, Getaway
...Worth the trip.
