Rockies / Foothills / Badlands
Stretching more than 4,800km (2,980mi) from Northern BC to New Mexico, the majesty of the Rockies' craggy peaks will take your breath away. With so much to recommend just four hours from Calgary, we have included highlights of Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise, the Foothills, and Badlands for you to explore. Don't miss all that natural Alberta has to offer!
Banff
Nestled in the Bow Valley, the spectacular Banff National Park is Canada's oldest National Park. The nearby historic town of Banff, founded in 1883 when hot springs were discovered nearby, is equally enchanting, and was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984. At an altitude of 1375m (4530ft), Banff is the highest town in Canada.
Surrounded by rugged peaks, glacier fed rivers, and clear mountain lakes, Banff is one of the most famous and popular tourist destinations in the world, welcoming five million visitors annually. With such a rich and varied landscape, Banff has activities for every sightseer, backcountry enthusiast, hiker, golfer, fisherman, birdwatcher, downhill or cross-country skier, dog sledder and snowshoer.
Located just 120km from Calgary, Banff is close enough to enjoy a day trip or a short weekend stay. Book a room at the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, the Rimrock hotel, or at one of the many charming cabin bed-and-breakfast retreats. Enjoy great food, designer boutiques, and unique local galleries.
Canmore
First settled in 1883 during the building of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, Canmore was an active coal-mining town until the last mine closed in 1979. Today, Canmore is a popular site for vacation homes, and home to over 12,000 permanent residents who seek a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle. During the 1988 Winter Olympics, Canmore hosted the Nordic events at the Canmore Nordic Centre, which features over 70km of trails for year round use. Local art galleries add to the vibrant local community, as well.
Residents enjoy many recreational activities including, hiking, golfing, fishing, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. Here, people and wildlife coexist, with many special wildlife corridors and natural spaces set-aside for the conservation of the wildlife. Kananaskis Country, Alberta's most significant Provincial Mountain Park system, cradles Canmore to the south and east. The Bow River, which flows south from the Bow Glacier, through Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, and Calgary, is renowned as one of the premium trout fishing rivers in the country. Just a short trip out of town, take a day to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Three Sister Mountains in Canmore.
Lake Louise
Originally named Emerald Lake by one of Canada's most intrepid traveler's, Tom Wilson, and later renamed Lake Louise in honor of Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Elisabeth, Lake Louise is a must see while in the Banff National Park area. World-class skiing, lodging, and breathtaking scenery await you just 58km west of Banff.
Canadian Badlands
A 90-minute drive east of Calgary, you will find the Canadian Badlands, a spectacular set of winding canyons containing one of the largest deposits of dinosaur fossils in the world. Visit the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology and research facility in Drumheller, or explore Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Foothills Region
Explore this soothing landscape of long ridges and rolling hills, winding streams, and grasslands swaying in the gentle Alberta breeze. Elk, moose, deer, bears, and other wildlife are widespread. Lakes and Provincial Parks are scattered throughout. The Foothills Region is an extremely scenic area with many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Take Hwy 8 west to Bragg Creek, follow Hwy 22 south until Priddis, then return on Hwy 22X east for a scenic drive of only a small part of the Foothills Region.
