There’s nothing I love more than a good summer road trip. Here in Calgary, we’re lucky to have so many beautiful areas right out our back door, whether you have just a few days during a weekend or the luxury of more than a week, I thought I’d share some of my favorite local trips:
1. Waterton Lakes National Park, AB
via Travel Alberta
Waterton is one of my favorite parks in the province. Just 3 hrs south of Calgary, it’s a dramatic mix of scenery where the prairies meet the Rockies. It’s the smallest of the National parks which also means it’s the quietest. I know lots of people who live in Calgary and have never made the journey, but trust me it’s well worth it and make sure to take your camera! Highlights to check out in Waterton; Princes of Wales Hotel (pictured above), Red Rock Canyon (is a very fun scooter ride in the summer months) and the hike to Crypt Lake is one to put on your bucket list.
2. Mountain on Top Concert- Golden, BC
Another place we often recommend to visitors headed through the pass from Alberta to BC is making time to stop at Golden and take the gondola up to the Eagles Eye Restaurant at Kicking Horse Resort. Situated at 7,700 ft elevation the vistas allow you to look 360 degrees at 5 different national parks and mountain ranges. You can kick back have a meal and beverages, go for a self guided hike or mountain bike afterwards or not. AND this summer they are holding mountain top concerts for a super cool experience, check their event page here for more details.
3. Lussier Hot Springs, White Swan Provincial Park
via Hello BC
Ok, this one I have a hard time sharing, but we’re all friends right? And with the info out there on Destination BC’s website, I guess Lussier Hotsprings may not be so much of a secret anymore. If you are travelling down Highway 95 from Golden to Cranbrook, there are a number of commercial hot-springs to take in, Radium and Fairmont to name a few. Lussier is a bit of a journey off the beaten path but a true hot springs experience. There are rock-lined pools of varying degrees adjacent to a glacial fed river. The only tip I would give is to grab a coffee and get there early as it gets busy as the day goes on.
4. Kalamalka Lake- Vernon, BC
via Explore BC
Was there any doubt my hometown would make the list? Most of what you’ll read on the Okanagan is going to be about the numerous vineyards and beaches you’ll find as you pass through the valley. A little known gem is the smaller Kalamalka Lake as you travel through the North Okanagan. Plan for a detour to the provincial park and enjoy the warm turquoise waters. There are hiking and picnic trails all throughout so you can work off that wine tasting.
5. Chesterman’s Beach- Tofino, BC
via Destination BC
Awe the west coast. Although much further of a road trip from the land locked yyc, after visiting Tofino my heart has always held a special place for it. Surfing at Chesterman’s beach is the only time I can say I’ve had a seal pop up beside me as I was waiting for a set. It has a rugged beauty that feels remote, yet you can bike into town and have a culinary feast that you would find at any top restaurant in the city. Summer isn’t the only time to visit, I still plan on heading back someday to take in the winter storm watching.
