5 Must-See National Parks Within 3 Hours of Calgary

Banff National Park in a file photo. Aleksei Potov/Shutterstock

Some of the most stunning scenery in Canada is just a short drive from the city of Calgary, making unforgettable day trips a reality.

Whether you’re looking for a mountain adventure or just some time to relax on the beach, here are five must-see national parks that are three hours or less from the city.

Banff National Park

Just over an hour away from the city is world-renowned Banff National Park—a one-stop adventure. A United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, the park is home to the Rocky Mountains, glacial lakes, and more than 1,600 kilometres of hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy the cool mountain water with a boat ride or swim. There is also scuba diving available at Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake. Fishing is also permitted in the park.

Kootenay National Park

Less than a two-hour drive from Calgary lies Kootenay National Park, with valleys, canyons, glaciers, mountains, and fossil finds. Visitors can drive along the historic highway to enjoy all the scenic elements in the park. It’s also home to Radium Hot Springs, where you can look at the mountains while enjoying the springs or cool down in the 25-metre pool, complete with a diving board and two slides. Other activities include fishing, kayaking, paddling, canoeing, rock climbing, and hiking.

Beautiful reflections can be seen in a lake in the Canadian Rockies at Yoho National Park, in British Columbia. Shutterstock/Ronnie Chua

Yoho National Park

History comes alive at Yoho National Park with a hike to Burgess Shale fossils, which can be found in the mountains at the park. The fossils show a diversity of marine life that lived more than 500 million years ago, according to the Parks Canada website. Fossils at Yoho are well-preserved with details like eyes and brains visible to viewers. The park also offers various outdoor activities including walking, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, and cycling. The British Columbia park is a 2.5-hour drive from Calgary.

Elk Island National Park

Slightly more than a three-hour drive, Elk Island National Park still makes the list because it’s worth the extra 15 minutes. This national park is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve with herds of bison and elk, along with more than 250 bird species. Activities to enjoy include swimming, relaxing on the beach, kayaking, cycling, hiking, and sailing. If you’re not ready to go home at the end of the day, there is a campground and several oTENTik tents—an A-frame tent and cabin merged into one—for those wanting to stay in style.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Less than a three-hour drive from Calgary, Waterton Lakes National Park offers clear lakes, waterfalls, rainbow-coloured streams, and mountain vistas to explore. Visitors can hike and walk through the area enjoying scenic views, come close to wildlife like the park’s bison herd, and explore vivid red canyons and misty waterfalls. Horseback tours are available for those wanting to see the park in a different way. Plenty of water activities are also permitted in the park including swimming, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. For those wanting to relax, the beach is an ideal spot for a picnic.