Things to do this summer near Calgary
15 Awesome Alberta Destinations to Bring the Family this Summer
Summer road trip ideas near Calgary Alberta are on my mind as the snow is melting and the sun is shining in southern Alberta. Here is a list, in no particular order, of road trip ideas with the starting point of central Calgary, worthy of a day trip! Whether you want to hike, bike, swim kayak, do some off-roading, or simply have a picnic, start planning your summer now with these awesome 15 day trip ideas!
Summer Road Trip Ideas Near Calgary - Park Lake Provincial Park - 2 hours
Park Lake is a great family friendly summer destination. Enjoy a day of swimming, exploring the walking trails, fishing, eating at the concessions, relaxing on the dock, stay cool with all the trees for cover from the sun. Additionally, you will find a campground with a playground. Located just 2 hours south of Calgary towards Lethbridge.
Little Bow Provincial Park - 1 Hour 45 Minutes
A great destination located on the beautiful Travers Reservoir in southern Alberta. Come spend a relaxing day on the lake swimming, camping, spending some time on the playground, hide from the sun under the trees. Additionally, you'll find a nice big beach, as well as great fishing opportunities. Find this gem 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Calgary, east of Stavely.
Mount Lorette Ponds - 1 Hour
Buffalo Lake - 2 Hours 45 Minutes
A whole lot of fun to be found here at Buffalo Lake. Enjoy some swimming, fishing, watersports, walking trails, campgrounds with playgrounds, summer villages around the lake, as well as great opportunities to find some wildlife. Only 2 hrs 45 minutes northeast of Calgary, east of Red Deer near Stettler Alberta.
Porcupine Hills Public Lane Use Zone - 1 Hour 45 Minutes
So much backcountry fun to be found in Porcupine Hills. A rugged area, come enjoy hiking, off-roading, crownland camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Only 1 hr 45 minutes southwest of Calgary, west of Claresholm.
Chain Lakes Provincial Park - 1 Hour 20 Minutes
Chain Lakes Provincial Park is a great year-round destination, but this place is fantastic in the summer months. Come down for a swim, go paddleboarding, try your luck at fishing, stay awhile at the campground, explore all the trails, and find some wildlife. Don't forget to check out the playground and available concession booth for some ice cream. Only 1 hour and 20 minutes southwest of Calgary, west of Nanton.
Willow Creek Campground - 1 Hour 30 Minutes
This little campground on Willow Creek has a day-use parking area. It features a fun little river beach, playground, tubing opportunities, as well as camping. Close by and found within 1 hour 30 minutes of Calgary, west of Stavely.
Waterton Lakes National Park - 3 Hours
Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada is a stunning area and less crowded than Banff National Park. With so many things to do you'll want to stay longer than a day! Waterton is my go-to mountain destination even if only for a few hours. Get outside and do some hiking, fishing, shopping, or camping. Wander around and check out the many restaurants, walking trails, scenic views to be found, and a ton of wildlife. The maximum distance for me for a day trip at 3 hours. Found south of Calgary on the Canadian-USA border. Avoid the crowds of Banff and check out Waterton Lakes National Park.
Police Outpost Provincial Park - 3 Hours
Police Outpost Provincial Park is a relaxing destination featuring a lake and beautiful walking trails. Take a hike to the USA border, catch a fish, take some time and do some wildlife viewing, or stay awhile at the campground with a playground. Consequently, it is only a 3 hour drive south of Calgary on the Canadian-USA border.
Castle Provincial Park - 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Castle Provincial Park is a beautiful rugged area with waterfalls, camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Not to mention the vast amount of wildlife in this area. One of my favourite areas to explore, and only 2 hours and 30 minutes south of Calgary near Pincher Creek.
Beauvais Lake Provincial Park - 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Beauvais Lake is a quiet small lake with a campground, and playground, as well as hiking and biking trails. Bring your fishing rod, and watch for wildlife in the area. 2 hours 30 minutes south of Calgary near Pincher Creek.
Chinook Lake Provincial Recreation Area - 2 Hours 45 Minutes
Chinook Lake is a beautiful Crowsnest Pass destination, featuring a lake, with hiking, biking, nearby waterfalls, camping, fishing, and paddleboarding opportunities. An absolute gem of the south, find Chinook Lake only 2 hours and 45 minutes southwest of Calgary.
Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area - 2 Hours
Lundbreck Falls is a large, easily accessible waterfall with trails, fishing, camping on-site, and swimming opportunities. You'll find Lundbreck Falls just 2 hours south of Calgary near Pincher Creek, Alberta.
Big Hills Springs Provincial Park - 30 Minutes
Big Hill Springs is a fun destination close to Cochrane with hiking, small waterfalls, beautiful bridges, BBQs, picnic tables, and lots of tree coverage. Located 30 minutes northwest of Calgary, an easy destination to bring the kids to.
Many Springs Trail - 1 Hour
Many Springs Trail is in Bow Valley Provincial Park and is a quick easy and fun hiking trail. Featuring the beautiful springs, mountain views, wildflowers, wildlife, and interpretive trail signs. Nearby to a few other destinations worthy of a stop if you find the time after doing this quick hike. Found 1 hour west of Calgary in Kananaskis Country.
There you have it! 15 Awesome Day Trip Ideas Near Calgary Alberta
I hope this list of 15 beautiful destinations, all within a 3 hour drive of Calgary, helps you find a new awesome summer destination in southern Alberta! They're all just waiting for you to come and spend a beautiful summer day. Hopefully, this helps get you outside with the upcoming summer adventure season!
Alberta Parks Trails and Destinations