Spring is in full swing, which may mean you’ve been itching for a chance to get out of YYC for a bit. While the price of gas may stop you from planning a full-fledged road trip, there are plenty of great places to visit within a few hours’ drive from Calgary. Of course, Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise are popular options, but we’ve rounded up a few Calgary spring getaways that may not have been on your list already.
Pack your bags and get ready to hit the road – here are 7 of our favourite places to visit for a spring getaway!
Ideas for Calgary Spring Getaways
1. The Heartwood Inn and Spa | heartwoodinn.com
Drumheller, Alberta (135 km from Calgary)
The only thing better than a trip to the land of the dinosaurs is a stay at The Heartwood Inn, located at the edge of downtown Drumheller. Each of the ten guest rooms at the Heartwood is uniquely-designed and comes with a fireplace and a jetted tub. There are even family and pet-friendly rooms with barbecues, yards with room to play, and an outdoor fire pit. Of course, you’ll want to head out to explore the many tourist attractions that Drumheller has to offer, including the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Rosebud Dinner Theatre, the Atlas Coal Mine, Barney’s Adventure Park, Cactus Coulee Fun Park, The World’s Largest Dinosaur, and more.
2. Cozy A-Frame Cabin | vrbo.com
Sylvan Lake, Alberta (160 km from Calgary)
There’s plenty to see and do in Sylvan Lake, but at the top of your list should be a stay in one of the cutest accommodations out there – this Cozy A-Frame Cabin. Pack your swimsuits and take a half-a-block walk to check out the Sylvan Lake beach, playgrounds, restaurants and pubs. Head out on the lake in the provided canoe, warm up by the fire pit in the yard, or play some board games while listening to records inside. Don’t forget to go for a hike at Jarvis Bay Provincial Park, check out some Go-Karting and Mini Golfing, and grab a delicious frozen treat at The Big Moo!
3. Radium Elk Park BnB | radiumelkparkbnb.com
Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia (260 km from Calgary)
Did you know that Canada’s largest mineral hot pools can be found in the village of Radium, located in the East Kootenays? Although the town is small, a slow-paced getaway awaits with a stay at the gorgeous, timber-frame Radium Elk Park BnB. Take in mountain views from your deck or the outdoor fireplace in the common area. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the kitchen area or back decks (weather permitting). Keep your eyes peeled for big horn sheep, who call the area home! Radium is also a popular getaway for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, and golf.
4. Waterton Glacier Suites | watertonsuites.com
Waterton Lakes National Park (270 km from Calgary)
Waterton may be a bit further out of the way than Calgarian favourites like Banff or Canmore, but trust us – it’s worth the drive. Miles upon miles of hiking trails for travellers of all skill levels await in this scenic provincial park. Head out in a canoe or kayak on Waterton Lake, rent a mountain bike, Surrey bike or E-bike to explore on 2 wheels, or take in the views on horseback. All sorts of wildlife make their home in Waterton, so you may just catch a glimpse of bears, big horn sheep, deer and more during your stay. There are several fantastic accommodations in the area, including Waterton Glacier Suites, which has a variety of tastefully decorated rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant and spa.
5. Copper Point Resort | copperpointresort.com
Invermere, British Columbia (280 km from Calgary)
Have travel restrictions stopped you from heading to that sunny resort you’ve been dreaming of? We’d suggest adding Copper Point Resort in Invermere to the top of your list! Your family (including pets!) will have a blast splashing or lounging around the indoor/outdoor pool, complete with a cabana bar, playing at the playground or sport court on the grounds, or taking in a round of golf. Be sure to check out the packages they offer, including passes to Radium Hot Springs. If you decide to venture away from the resort, there is plenty of fun to be had in Invermere, including kayaking, paddleboarding or swimming on Lake Windemere, mountain biking at Panorama Mountain Resort, whitewater rafting, ATV exploring, or enjoying shopping and dining in downtown Invermere.
6. Guesthouse 71 | guesthouse71.com
Medicine Hat, Alberta (295 km from Calgary)
Searching for a cute little getaway in a beautifully-styled guesthouse? Look no further than Guesthouse 71, located just outside of the city of Medicine Hat. Enjoy a cozy 600 square foot home away from home that includes a coffee bar and self-catered breakfast. Be sure to ask about the summer picnic and hayloft charcuterie (offered from September to April) for an extra special addition to your visit. While you’re in the Hat, be sure to explore the shops and dining downtown, take a self-guided tour, or visit nearby Elkwater for outdoor exploring including hiking, biking, swimming and boating. We’d also definitely recommend booking a romantic sunset picnic for two, or a family-style Sunday picnic under the dome with Country Garden Events, just up the road from the guesthouse, before heading back to YYC!
7. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort | fairmonthotsprings.com
Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia (300 km from Calgary)
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort checks all the boxes for a getaway filled with fun and relaxation. Whether you love to swim or prefer to lounge, everyone in the family will definitely enjoy taking a dip in the 3 outdoor hot spring pools, and indoor hot and cold pools. Currently, these pools are only open to guests of the resort, and not the general public, although you may want to contact the resort to see if there have been changes to this policy. Off the resort, the Columbia Valley is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors. Golf, mini golf, ATV tours, horseback riding, river rafting, geocaching and zip lining are just a few of the activities at your fingertips when you’re in the area!
Have you found a few places to add to your road trip destination list this spring? Do you have a favourite spot that didn’t make our roundup? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Tagged under: calgary spring getaways,calgary getaways,getaways near calgary
Category: family-life,travel,attractions,outdoor-play,active
