Discover the ultimate journey through Alberta's breathtaking landscapes, from urban exploration to majestic mountain adventures.
Calgary is not just a city in contemporary Canada — Calgary is a doorway to some of the most stunning scenery in North America. Located at the edge of the vast prairies and just an hour from the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is the perfect place to start a memorable road trip.
Alberta is beautiful, and this journey showcases its most appealing features, including city streets, alpine lakes, high mountains, and scenic country highways. Whether it's your first time or you're returning for another adventure, this guide will help you create an experience that blends culture, nature, and open-road freedom.
Calgary is the most convenient place to plan a car trip to western Canada. The city offers easy access to major highways, rental services, and everything you need before entering the mountains. More importantly, it enables travellers to witness a smooth transition from urban life to wilderness in just a few hours.
Calgary's Unique Personality: The city boasts authentic western culture, hospitable citizens, and an ever-expanding cultural scene. It's worth spending at least a day here before driving west to fully appreciate its charm.
Take time before departing to explore what the city has to offer. Calgary's blend of urban sophistication and western heritage creates a unique starting point for your mountain adventure.
Pro Tip: Many travellers prepare their vehicles before the trip, checking tires and even getting a quick car detail in Calgary to ensure a clean and comfortable ride on mountainous terrain.
Distance: Approximately 105 km | Drive Time: 1–1.5 hours
The scenery changes dramatically as you leave Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway heading west. Flat plains gradually give way to rolling foothills, and soon the majestic Rocky Mountains rise on the horizon.
Canmore is a beautiful mountain town with stunning scenery without the crowds of Banff. It offers a more relaxed introduction to mountain life.
Canmore is an excellent place to stretch your legs, have a meal, or even spend the night before continuing deeper into the Rockies.
Distance from Calgary: Approximately 128 km
Banff National Park is an iconic Canadian destination and Canada's first national park. As you enter the park, you're immediately surrounded by spectacular mountains, blue streams, and dense pine forests.
Banff is active year-round, offering hiking and canoeing in summer and world-class skiing and snowshoeing in winter months.
Distance from Banff: Approximately 60 km
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are among the world's most recognizable natural wonders. Their sparkling turquoise waters surrounded by towering mountains should be on every Calgary road trip itinerary.
Located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake features one of Canada's most photographed landscapes. Due to its popularity, parking is extremely limited, and access is typically by shuttle only. Advance planning is essential, but the view is absolutely worth the effort.
If time allows, head north on the legendary Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), consistently ranked among the most scenic drives in the world by travel experts.
Distance: Approximately 230 km (Lake Louise to Jasper)
This spectacular route takes you past ancient glaciers, thundering waterfalls, deep valleys, and endless mountain peaks that will leave you breathless.
Plan to spend an entire day on this drive, allowing ample time for stops, short hikes, and photography at these incredible natural wonders.
Jasper National Park, at the northern end of the Icefields Parkway, offers raw, untouched beauty and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in a less crowded setting.
Jasper is less developed and more remote than Banff, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and nature-focused activities away from the crowds.
A Calgary road trip from city streets to mountain peaks is more than just a drive—it's a transformative journey through some of Canada's most inspiring and diverse scenery. Every kilometer offers memorable experiences, whether exploring the urban energy of Calgary or immersing yourself in the serene beauty of alpine lakes and ancient glaciers.
Whether you opt for a short weekend trip to Banff or an extended adventure through to Jasper, this road trip delivers unparalleled freedom, breathtaking views at every turn, and unforgettable moments that will stay with you long after you return home. It's a Canadian tradition worth experiencing and sharing with fellow travelers.
Ready to explore? Start planning your Calgary road trip today and discover why this journey consistently ranks among the world's greatest road trips. Remember to travel responsibly, respect the natural environment, and create memories that will last a lifetime.