5 Adventurous Day Trips from Calgary
The Yervana Staycation Series is your guide to staying local but keeping your travel spirits high! Throughout this series we will be bringing you staycation inspiration, guides to must-see destinations in Alberta and BC, road trip and weekend itineraries to help you plan, and chances for you to win a staycation of your own!
The best part about staycations is that you can cut the hotel stay cost by planning day trips to enjoy. If you’re looking for some adventurous things to do, read on for 5 day trip ideas from Calgary!
While Calgary has lots of fun things to do, sometimes you just want a break from the big city. Why not plan an adventurous day trip! With Calgary’s enviable proximity to the magnificent Rocky Mountains, Calgarians live in the perfect gateway to some of Alberta’s best outdoor adventures, including skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and even ice fishing.
You can find yourself reaching your chosen Adventure in less time than it takes to finish your double-double (yes, Tim Horton’s coffee is a must on any Canadian road trip) and you’ll even be back home in time for dinner.
If you need some adventure in your life, fuel up and pack some road snacks, because here are 5 of the most adventurous day trips you can take from Calgary.
Note: Remember to take precautions and know of proper COVID regulations and practices in the area you are visiting. While now is not the time to travel outside of your community, it is a good time to explore local. Let’s do our part by following provincial health orders, wear a mask, and continue to support local businesses.
Calgary to Kananaskis
Just one hour outside of Calgary, along Highway 22 off the Trans-Canada Highway, is breathtaking, Kananaskis Country (or K-Country). Here you’ll find pristine lakes, incredible trails, and majestic wildlife sightings such as moose and bighorn sheep.
1. Book a guided Snowshoe tour with cheese fondue
Once you’ve taken in all the sights, strap on your snowshoes get ready for an Adventure! Yervana Local, Nathalie will guide you on a snowshoe hike and serve up a hearty cheese fondue for dinner.
Calgary to Canmore
Just over an hour drive from downtown Calgary is the cozy town of Canmore. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains on your drive there and once you arrive there are plenty of adventurous options to choose from.
2. Discover Fat Biking in Canmore
Explore the area on two wheels! Fat bike through the Canmore trails with Yervana Local, Ryan. Fat biking is a unique way to experience the snow, fulfil your sense of adventure, and revel in the beauty that is the Rockies.
New to fat biking? Learn all about this fun winter sport.
3. Explore the Rocky Mountains hiking in Canmore
Do you prefer to adventure on two feet? Explore the Rocky Mountains on a scenic hike with Yervana Local, Jacob. Travel through gorgeous snow-covered trails and breathe in the fresh alpine air while learning about the the history of the Rockies.
Calgary to Banff & Lake Louise
Some of the best adventures are found when you’re aimlessly exploring a new town on foot, Downtown Banff is an iconic spot perfect for just that. Before or after your adventure, make sure to explore downtown Banff.
4. Climb to new heights, Ice Climbing in Banff
Get up close and personal with the Rocky Mountains by ice climbing them! While this adventure may sound intimidating, it is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the sport of ice climbing, learn basic techniques and start climbing in no time. Book with Yervana Local, Jeff.
New to ice climbing? No problem have read through our Ice Climbing 101 blog post to answer some of your questions.
5. Learn to cross country ski in Lake Louise
Chances are, if you’ve seen a breathtaking photo of someone cross country skiing amongst a stunning mountain backdrop, you’ve wished to experience it for yourself. Adventure number 5 on our list is just that! Head out with Yervana Local, Shauna and she’ll teach you the beginner techniques on flat cross country ski terrain amongst the mountains.
Bonus for the early risers; Calgary to Edmonton
Up for a full day of adventure? Hit the road bright and early (5 am early!) to make it to Edmonton for breakfast. On you’re way you can watch the beautiful hues light up the ski as the sunrises over the mountains.
Go Ice Fishing in Edmonton
Spend the day out on the ice with Yervana Local, Ray. Regardless of your fishing experience, being amongst the fresh mountain air and unique atmosphere, will have you in the magical relaxing space that only ice fishing can bring.
Ready to hit the road for a local adventure?
There you have it, our picks for the most adventurous day trips you can take from Calgary. Where will you be heading first?! Take us along by tagging @myyervana or tagging us with #MyBackyardAdventure on Instagram.
Not in the Calgary are but looking for an Adventure of your own? Check out all upcoming Yervana Winter Adventures to find one in your local area.
Don’t forget to enter our staycation giveaway!
We’ve partnered with two adventurous local companies to give you the chance to win a Staycation Package for two in the Canadian Rockies. Head over to our Instagram page to enter!
