7 best places near Calgary to escape city life and enjoy nature
The hustle and bustle of Calgary can be really fun and exciting with so many places to explore, but it can also feel exhausting and overwhelming at times.
One of the many great things about Calgary is how close we are to so many getaways that are bursting with nature. Here are seven ways to escape the city and recharge.Â
Fish Creek Provincial Park
While still within the city limits, Fish Creek Provincial Park offers an easy escape into nature. The park boasts over 80 kilometres of pathways for walking, hiking, and cycling, plus a dedicated mountain bike skills park.Â
View this post on Instagram
Visitors can spot some of the 200 bird species recorded in the area, picnic at one of the many day-use areas, go for a swim at the Sikome aquatic facility, or keep an eye out for the wildlife that inhabits the park, perfect for a peaceful day.
- You might also like:
- Only one major city in Alberta is seeing rent prices on the rise
- Screamfest returns to Calgary with seven EPIC haunted houses
- Driver clocked going more than 200 km/h on rural Alberta highway
Bragg Creek
Around 30 minutes from the city sits Bragg Creek. Surrounded by the foothills and the mountains, this charming hamlet is a great place for a quick escape.
AIVRAD/Shutterstock
Take a stroll through the town and find fun places to shop, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, all while taking in the beautiful scenery. The rolling foothills, scenic trails, and nearby waterways make it the perfect place to get out and breathe in some nature.
Drumheller
Dinosaur fun meets small-town charm in Drumheller. Located in the Badlands and known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” Drumheller is a fascinating place to spend a day away from the city.
Nalidsa/Shutterstock
If you’re into dinosaurs, visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology to see a large collection of dinosaur fossils and exhibits or stop in at the World’s Largest Dinosaur for a photo op. The Badlands offer unique scenery and landscape shaped over millions of years by erosion, creating a distinctive contrast from the Rockies and prairies around Calgary.
Nose Hill Park
Nose Hill Park is another destination within the city, but that doesn’t mean it lacks adventure or natural beauty. The park features native grasslands, hiking and walking trails, and stunning views of Calgary’s skyline and the Rocky Mountains.
Autumn Sky Photography/Shutterstock
It’s a great place to birdwatch, picnic or simply take a stroll surrounded by wildflowers and open skies. It’s the perfect destination for a quick, refreshing escape without even leaving the city.
Canmore
Banff has been seeing crazy crowds, making it a bit more chaotic than peaceful for a day trip. Luckily, just an hour west of Calgary, lies Canmore, still nestled near the Rocky Mountains
View this post on Instagram
While it can get busy at times, Canmore has plenty of quaint cafĂ©s, local shops, and art galleries to explore. It’s an ideal destination for a laid-back day trip with beautiful mountain views, without the added stress of Banff crowds.
Ghost Lake
Just a 40-minute drive west of Calgary, you can find your perfect lake day awaiting you at Ghost Lake. The lake is ideal for all kinds of boating and water sports.
Urban Images/Shutterstock
From kayaking and paddle boarding to fishing and sailing, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the water and soak in the stunning foothill scenery.
Bar U Ranch
Bar U Ranch offers a captivating look into Alberta’s ranching history. The preserved ranch offers a variety of activities during your visit, such as roping lessons, exploring historic buildings, group tours, and campfire stories.
Ramon Cliff/Shutterstock
It’s a hands-on immersive experience that lets visitors experience the daily life of ranchers on the Canadian prairies. Bar U Ranch offers a unique chance to connect with Alberta’s heritage.