5 Best Day Trips Within 90 Minutes of Calgary (2026 Edition)

Day Trips Calgary

We all love Calgary, but sometimes you just need to get out of the city. Whether it’s the urge to see a mountain, the need for a dinosaur fix, or just a craving for really good ice cream, the best part about living here is what surrounds us.

The “90-Minute Rule” is the golden standard for a stress-free day trip: less than 1.5 hours of driving each way means you spend more time exploring and less time staring at brake lights on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Here are the 5 best day trips from Calgary for 2026, including the new “Diamond Valley” hot spots and updated Kananaskis costs.

1. The Classic Mountain Fix: Canmore & Kananaskis

Drive Time: 55–65 minutes (West on Hwy 1)

Forget Banff. In 2026, Banff is for tourists; Canmore and Kananaskis are for locals. You get the same jagged peaks and turquoise water with a fraction of the crowds (and no Park Pass required if you stay in Canmore town).

  • The Morning: Start with a hike. If you have kids, Troll Falls in Kananaskis is an easy win (winter or summer). If you want a challenge without the crowds of Ha Ling, try Grotto Canyon—walking on the frozen creek bed in winter is unforgettable.
  • The Afternoon: Head into Canmore for lunch. Skip the main street chains and hit Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. or grab a bagel at Rocky Mountain Bagel Co.
  • The 2026 Update: If you head into Kananaskis Country (Highway 40), you absolutely need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.
    • 2026 Price: $15 per day (1 vehicle) or $90 for a yearly pass. Enforcement uses license plate scanning, so buy it online before you lose cell service.

2. The Badlands & Dinos: Drumheller

Drive Time: 90 minutes (East on Hwy 9)

Driving east feels like landing on Mars. The prairies suddenly drop away into the prehistoric coulees of the Badlands. It is stark, beautiful, and significantly warmer than Calgary in the summer.

  • The Main Event: The Royal Tyrrell Museum remains world-class.
    • Pro Tip: In 2026, “walk-in” tickets are a gamble. Book your time slot online 3 days in advance.
  • The Hidden Gem: After the museum, drive 15 minutes south to the Hoodoos. It’s a quick stop, but the landscape is surreal. On your way back, stop at Horseshoe Canyon for a sunset view that rivals the Grand Canyon (okay, the mini version).
  • Don’t Miss: The Little Church—it seats six people. It’s a great photo op and hilarious to see a “full house” of one family.

3. The “Cool Cowboy” Trip: Diamond Valley

Drive Time: 45–50 minutes (South on Hwy 22 “The Cowboy Trail”)

If you haven’t visited since the towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley officially amalgamated into “Diamond Valley,” it’s time to go back. This area has transformed from a sleepy ranch stop into a hipster-cowboy hybrid.

  • The Drink: Eau Claire Distillery is the anchor here. Their tasting room is stunning (try the Parlour Gin). Note: You need a designated driver for this trip.
  • The Food: The Chuckwagon Cafe in the red barn is legendary for its burgers. If the line is too long, grab a burger at the Stop Coffee House & Gathering Place.
  • The Vibe: Wander the antique shops on Government Road. It feels like a Hallmark movie set, but with better coffee.

4. Wolves & Ice Cream: Cochrane

Drive Time: 35–40 minutes (North-West on Hwy 1A)

This is the easiest trip on the list, perfect for a Sunday morning when you slept in but still want to do something.

  • The Wildlife: The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is a must-do. It is one of the few places in Canada where you can safely get up close to high-content wolfdogs.
    • 2026 Rules: The “Sanctuary Walk” is open to ages 6+, but the “Interactive Tour” (where you go inside the enclosure) is strictly 15+. Book the interactive tour weeks in advance.
  • The Treat: You cannot go to Cochrane without stopping at MacKay’s Ice Cream. Yes, the line wraps around the block. Yes, it moves fast. Yes, the “Avocado” flavour is surprisingly good.
  • The Walk: Walk off the ice cream at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, offering sweeping views of the Bow River valley and the mountains in the distance.

5. The Quick Nature Fix: Bragg Creek & Elbow Falls

Drive Time: 40 minutes (West on Hwy 8)

When you only have half a day but need trees, this is the spot.

  • The Falls: Elbow Falls is a 2-minute walk from the parking lot. It’s accessible, roaring, and beautiful.
  • The Hike: For something more active, the Fullerton Loop is a great 6km hike that offers ridge views without burning out your legs.
  • The Village: Bragg Creek itself is charming. Stop at The Italian Farmhouse for a rustic dinner or Cinnamon Spoon for a latte before heading home.

Day Trips from Calgary FAQs

Contact us to get our “Day Tripper’s Playlist” and a map of the best gas stations with clean bathrooms.

Do I need a park pass for all these trips?

No.
Canmore: No pass required (unless you enter the National Park).
Kananaskis/Bragg Creek: Yes, you need the Kananaskis Conservation Pass ($15/day).
Cochrane/Diamond Valley/Drumheller: No pass required.

Are these trips dog-friendly?

Mostly. Bragg Creek and Canmore are dog paradises (keep them on leash). Drumheller is tough because the pavement/ground gets dangerously hot for paws in summer. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary does not allow dogs (obviously).

Do I need winter tires?

If you are heading West (Canmore, Kananaskis, Bragg Creek) between October and April, yes. The weather in the foothills changes instantly. Highway 1 can be dry in Calgary and a blizzard by Scott Lake Hill.

What is the best time to leave?

If you are heading to the mountains on a Saturday in July or August, leave by 8:00 AM. If you leave at 10:00 AM, you will spend your “day trip” sitting in traffic on Sarcee Trail.

Is there cell service?

It is spotty. Kananaskis Country (past the casino) has notorious dead zones. Diamond Valley and Drumheller have full service. Always download your trail maps offline (AllTrails or Google Maps) before you leave the city.

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