Looking to travel this summer, but not quite ready to jet off to Europe on a big adventure? I encourage you to stay close to Calgary, as you might be surprised at some of the cool places you can find along the way! Staycations are a great way to get that travel fix while keeping costs lower. Here’s your ultimate guide for summer staycation spots close to the city, and throughout Alberta. Whether you’re a scenic landscape lover or looking to get some fresh air in the great outdoors, there’s a little something for everyone. Read on for more!
Kananaskis
Ok, this is seriously one of my favourite areas for how close it is to our city. Only roughly 45 minutes away, Kananaskis boasts incredible views and opportunities for exploration. You can stay at the Mountain Lodge, indulge in some rest and relaxation at the Nordic Spa or get in some golf at one of the nearby courses. There are also TONS of hiking trails in the area for every skill level.
Jasper
Everyone knows the Fairmont Lake Louise and the Banff Springs, but have you seen the Jasper Mountain Lodge? I joke around that the architecture reminds me of the nostalgic Lincoln Logs, but in the best way. Similar to Kananaskis, and a little farther away, a weekend in Jasper is perfect for those looking to get away from the bustle of city life, whether it’s going for a long hike or camping under the stars. During the summer, it’s always fun to stop at the Miette Hot Springs for a little alpine soak.
Waterton
Waterton is one of the most popular and picturesque places within a few hours drive of Calgary. I know I’ve mentioned that when it comes to every spot on this list, but Waterton has a specific kind of charm about it. Although it can be windy, standing outside of the Prince of Wales Hotel overlooking the Waterton Lakes is breathtaking. If you have a bit of extra time, you can always bring your passport and head across the border into the U.S. for a day trip! The summer season is the most popular time to visit, and there is plenty to do on the lake, from sightseeing cruises to kayaking. If you’re looking for a hike, Crypt Lake is a cool one, but make sure you schedule the right ferry out to the trailhead and time your hike appropriately. We wouldn’t want you to miss the ferry back! I’m always up for a good challenge, and this one has small ladders, chain cables and a tunnel along the way. Don’t worry – it sounds a lot scarier than it is!
Drumheller
The dinosaur capital of the world! Approximately 110 kilometres away from Calgary is a town known for its dinosaurs and prehistoric looking landscape. It’s like we just walked into The Land Before Time (if you have kids, you know)! This is a really amazing staycation place for those with families, as the kids will love the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Here’s a bit of a guide to the area. You can also walk up the stairs of the world’s largest T-Rex, and there are tons of little adorable dinosaur statues that litter the town’s small downtown streets. If you’re not already familiar with the lore of the area, over the years, thousands of dinosaur fossils have been located in Drumheller and surrounding areas!
Sylvan Lake
Summer is nothing without a trip to the lake, and Sylvan Lake is one of the most popular in Alberta. Whether you want to rent a boat or just SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) around the lake, there’s an abundance of activities to enjoy in the area. This vibrant lake town is the topping on the cake, but keep in mind, it can get extremely busy during those really hot days. If you need a break from the beach crowds, you can always pop into town for a bite to eat or an ice cream snack. Big Moo is a popular ice cream shop that has the biggest ice cream menu you’ve ever seen.
For all you campers, Jarvis Bay is a good campground in the area, and there’s always the option for an AirBnB, VRBO, B&B or more for accommodations. Make sure you do some searching around to find the best location and deal!
Excited for summer? I am too! Keep up-to-date on all of my staycation adventures and trips abroad by following my Wealth With Julie Instagram. I also recently published my favourite travel destinations on my blog here – I encourage you to read through to get some inspiration on that next big adventure.
