3 Weekend Trips From Calgary That Feel Like Another World
One of the best parts of living in Calgary? You don’t need a plane ticket to feel like you have traveled somewhere completely different. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can find yourself in landscapes that look—and feel—like another planet.
Here are 3 weekend trips from Calgary that will blow your mind.
1. Drumheller – The Badlands & Dinosaurs
Just 90 minutes northeast of Calgary lies Drumheller, home to Alberta’s famous badlands. The rolling hoodoos, canyon-like valleys, and prehistoric fossils make this destination feel like you have landed on Mars.
What to Do in Drumheller:
- Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the world’s best dinosaur museums
- Hike through Horseshoe Canyon and Horsethief Canyon
- Snap photos at the hoodoos—unique rock formations carved by wind and water
- Drive the scenic Dinosaur Trail
Why it feels like another world: The stark desert landscapes and dinosaur history transport you far away from the prairies you left behind.
2. Waterton Lakes – A Hidden Mountain Paradise
About three hours south of Calgary, you will find Waterton Lakes National Park—a gem that many overlook in favour of Banff or Jasper. With rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and far fewer crowds, Waterton feels like a hidden paradise.
What to Do in Waterton:
- Take in the views from Prince of Wales Hotel overlooking the lake
- Hike the Crypt Lake Trail (voted one of the best hikes in the world)
- Stroll through the quaint townsite and enjoy local cafes
- Kayak or paddleboard on Upper Waterton Lake
Why it feels like another world: Waterton combines alpine beauty with a sense of untouched wilderness, giving you space to breathe and explore.
3. Writing-on-Stone – Desert Meets History
Located about 3.5 hours southeast of Calgary, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking sandstone formations and ancient Indigenous rock carvings.
What to Do at Writing-on-Stone:
- Explore the hoodoos and desert-like terrain
- Join a guided tour to see petroglyphs and pictographs thousands of years old
- Picnic along the Milk River
- Camp under some of the darkest skies in Alberta for incredible stargazing
Why it feels like another world: The mix of desert landscapes and cultural history makes this one of Alberta’s most unique destinations.
Why These Trips Matter for Calgary Homebuyers
These weekend escapes highlight what makes Calgary such an incredible place to live. Beyond affordability and community, you gain access to some of the world’s most diverse and stunning scenery—right in your backyard.
When buyers from Ontario, BC, or beyond consider moving to Calgary, it is not just about the home—it is about the lifestyle. And being able to drive a few hours to what feels like another planet? That is a lifestyle perk money can’t buy.
FAQs: Weekend Trips From Calgary
Q: How far are these trips from Calgary? Drumheller: about 1.5 hours. Waterton Lakes: about 3 hours. Writing-on-Stone: about 3.5 hours.
Q: Are these trips family-friendly? Yes! Each destination offers activities for kids and adults, from museums to easy hikes and cultural experiences.
Q: Can I visit year-round? Yes, but accessibility varies. Drumheller and Writing-on-Stone shine in spring through fall. Waterton offers both summer adventures and winter quiet escapes.
Q: Do I need to book ahead? For Waterton and Writing-on-Stone, campsites and hotels fill up quickly in peak season. Always plan ahead if traveling on long weekends.
Related Reading
- Hidden Parks in Calgary You’ve Probably Never Seen
- Day in the Life: Suburban Calgary vs Downtown Calgary
- Top 5 Things Ontario & BC Buyers Love About Calgary
Conclusion
Living in Calgary means you are never far from adventure. Whether you are wandering through dinosaur country, hiking lakeside trails in the Rockies, or exploring desert landscapes with ancient carvings, these weekend trips remind us how lucky we are to call Calgary home.
Thinking about moving to Calgary and experiencing this lifestyle for yourself? Get in touch and I will send you my free Calgary Lifestyle Guide.
