Canada — O, Canada — land of red-jacketed mounties and gravy-soaked poutine, you might think. But there’s more, so much more. Point your car true north for a true mix of outdoorsy and urban pursuits that will make you feel like a true Canuck. Uncover Canada’s brand of Old West charm on a road trip from Calgary to Edmonton, winding though national park majesty for swoonworthy views that leave a lasting impression.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Start: Calgary
Kick off your road trip with a bit of adventure at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, open year-round with everything from skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and tubing. In the summer, you can ride the chairlift to the peak for killer views of the city and the park’s famous jumps from the 1988 Olympic Winter Games.
The culinary scene in Calgary is booming. So, before you hit the road, fuel up at River Café, where the ingredients are locally sourced and all the bread is homemade. Save room for dessert and order milkshakes at Peter’s Drive-In.
But you’re still not ready to leave Calgary, because there are dinosaurs about. Between Calgary and Banff lies the Dinosaur Provincial Park. This nature preserve has the highest concentration of dinosaur bones in the world from dozens of species. It’s like stepping onto the set of “Jurassic Park.” Tours sell out in the summer, though, so make sure you book in advance.
Where to Stay: Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel
Banff
Leave the animals of the prehistoric past in exchange for the present-day creatures in Banff National Park, Canada’s first — and the world’s third —national park. Here, you’ll see them in their natural home surrounded by glacier lakes and snowy mountain peaks. If you want even more epic views, take to the sky in a gondola.
Banff isn’t just mountain views and wild animals. The city boasts a wild nightlife as well. Grab a genuine Canadian Rocky Mountain brewed beer at the Banff Ave. Brewing Co.
Where to Stay: Moxy Banff
Jasper
You haven’t posted nearly enough on Instagram. Head northwest to Jasper National Park. Ditch the car for a boat tour of Maligne Lake to see Spirit Island, one of the park’s most photographed spots. Then lace up your hiking boots and find one of the red Adirondack chairs strategically placed throughout the park for optimum mountain viewing and snapping.
Afterward, soak your muscles in the Miette Hot Springs – if you can stand the heat. The mineral water at Miette is the hottest in the Rockies.
For a more laid-back tour of the park, ride the Rocky Mountaineer or drive the Icefields Parkway. Both serve up views that put postcards to shame. Plan to stay at the park until the sun goes down. Jasper is a dark sky preserve, which means there’s no artificial light visible at night. You’ve never seen so many stars.
End: Edmonton
Unless you decide to camp out in Jasper, you’ll arrive late in Edmonton. But you’ll have plenty of time to roam the city come morning.
Start with a stroll or run along the riverbank or a cerebral game of giant chess in Sir Winston Churchill Square. Then go to the not-so-ordinary West Edmonton Mall. Inside this entertainment mecca, you’ll find a water park, roller coaster, pirate ship, penguins, sea lions, and more.
End your trip on Whyte Avenue, in the bohemian Old Strathcona neighborhood, and cap off your Canadian adventure with brisket and bourbon at MEAT and gelato from Block 1912.
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District
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