72hrs in Calgary - Mountains, Dinosaurs, Canyoning and More

Getting to Calgary

Calgary

@lisaberryman

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Chances are, you're flying into here. Without a car, you're going to want to take the number 300 bus from the airport which will take you to the downtown area, click on the link below for more info. 

YYC > Transportation > Public transit

www.yyc.com

Day 1 - Calgary

I would suggest spending your first day in Calgary, getting your bearings. The options on what to do really depend on the weather, most of the options require nice(ish) weather and in the 'Blue Sky City' you should be fine. The plus of being within the mountains is that if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes and it'll be something different. 

Things to do 

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

@lisaberryman

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Walk through the zoo, see the penguins hopping around and hippos getting their teeth brushed!

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Heritage Park

@lisaberryman

A living museum where you can learn about Canada's heritage, try some rock candy and see how they made newspapers originally.

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Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre

@lisaberryman

Take a tour of Studio Bell and learn about Canadian music history

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Prince's Island Park

@lisaberryman

Walk along the river, take a small detour to see Prince's Island Park and enjoy some live music. Often, during the summer, there are markets or events along the riverfront so keep an eye out for these.

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Activate Calgary South West

@lisaberryman

Great for a rainy day, bring a group here that's up for the challenge

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Places to Eat

Lisa Berryman

Available for hire

Calgary's Cosy Cafes

This list will walk you through some of the best cafes (up for debate of course) within Calgary. If you're looking for the best pastries, coffee or working space this is the list for you!

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Thai Thien Sub

@lisaberryman

I do have an unhealthy obsession with this place, great food for such a great price - make sure you're not in a rush though as sometimes the food takes a little longer during peak times

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Ten Foot Henry

@lisaberryman

Super cute, vegetable forward restaurant which has creative dishes that you never would've thought of possible before here

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Porch

@lisaberryman

Very aesthetic restaurant, both inside and outside, great for their extensive list of cocktails and focaccia pizzas

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Stable Tenth Avenue Café and Cocktail Bar

@lisaberryman

The vibe here is absolutely unmatched as the cafe is decorated with vinyls, guitars and cool prints and the staff are super friendly.

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Alumni Sandwiches

@lisaberryman

Super cool diner style with quality sandwiches, so big you'll need a box to go!

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Simmons Building

@lisaberryman

So many businesses in this old mattress warehouse, go for dinner or coffee or pastries!

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Places to stay

Le Germain Hotel Calgary

@lisaberryman

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Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

@lisaberryman

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Executive Residency by Best Western

@lisaberryman

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Centro Motel

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Wicked Hostels - Calgary

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Day 2 - Drumheller

Drumheller

@lisaberryman

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On the second day we’re going to dinosaur land! Drumheller is around a 2hr drive from Calgary, and I would recommend playing the game ‘how many farms did we pass?’ on the way there to keep yourself busy.

If you don’t have a car this is a bit more awkward to get to and I would recommend doing it through one of the tours listed below or checking Facebook pages for rideshares!

Places to go

Royal Tyrrell Museum

@lisaberryman

See real dinosaur skeletons, learn about the history of the badlands and how they were formed. And my favourite - find out which animal you are the same weight as!

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Drumheller Dino Walk

traveldrumheller.com

Willow Creek Hoodoos

@lisaberryman

Okay, warning these are slightly underwhelming BUT they’re still pretty cool and interesting to learn about how these were formed and the mystery around them

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Horseshoe Canyon

@lisaberryman

Walk within the canyon and check out the viewpoints for a look over the whole canyon (and some great photo ops!)

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Horsethief Canyon

@lisaberryman

Check out Horsethief canyon for some easy hikes and try your hand at fossil hunting

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Badlands Amp Events

@lisaberryman

If you can catch a concert here, you’re in for a treat. A super unique amphitheatre in the middle of Alberta

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Places to eat

Valley Brewing

@lisaberryman

Not only do they have great beers and an incredible patio, there’s a food truck just outside perfect for a summer lunch or dinner

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Last Chance Saloon

@lisaberryman

A bit further out but definitely worth popping by if in the area

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Valley Ice Cream Shoppe

@lisaberryman

Could not recommend this place enough for a sweet treat

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Bernie & The Boys

@lisaberryman

Craving a burger and milkshake? There really is no place better than here, with over 75 flavours of milkshake you can’t go wrong

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Places to stay

Heartwood Inn

@lisaberryman

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Ramada by Wyndham Drumheller Hotel & Suites

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Travelodge by Wyndham Drumheller

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Day 3 - Banff

Banff

@lisaberryman

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On the 3rd and final 24hrs in this guide, I’d recommend visiting Banff. Now, it is super touristy and as long as you’re ready for that you’ll enjoy it. There’s plenty to do there, if you drive you can visit many of the places listed below or there are also tours that leave from Calgary which show you some of the best spots in Banff National Park, I've listed some options below for you. 

Again, the weather changes quickly here so pack for 4 seasons! 

Places to go

Canmore

@lisaberryman

Worth stopping at on the way to Banff, it still gives the mountain resort vibes but with slightly less toursits!

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Lake Louise

@lisaberryman

If you're gonna be a tourist, may as well embrace it. Lake Louise is beautiful and I would recommend walking around the lake or to the tea houses to escape the crowds a little!

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Moraine Lake

@lisaberryman

One of the most iconic places in Banff, so much so they've had to close the general public access to this lake so make sure you book a bus or tour to here as you can't get in otherwise.

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Peyto Lake

@lisaberryman

My favourite place in Banff (so far!) with its stunningly blue waters and massive mountains surrounding it. Definitely worth a visit even if it is more out of the way.

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Icefields Parkway

@lisaberryman

Listen, it's called one of the most scenic drives in the world for a reason. This road leads from Banff to Jasper and is definitely not one to be missed.

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Bow Lake

@lisaberryman

I mean, just look at the pictures. Need I say more?

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Lake Minnewanka

@lisaberryman

Gorgeous for a swim (if you're brave) in summer or go in winter to walk along the ice!

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Johnston Canyon

@lisaberryman

You can cycle here from Banff in the summer which I would 100% recommend (we saw a bear while cycling!!). Johnston Canyon itself is super busy and touristy so be prepared to be lining up for photos and walking slow.

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- This is the tour that I did and I really cannot recommend it enough, such an incredible experience!

Places to eat

Rocky Mountain Bagel Company

@lisaberryman

Stop here for lunch and fuel up on the best bagels there is

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Fairmont Banff Springs

@lisaberryman

If you can afford to eat and stay here then you absolutely should for the iconic Banff experience

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Hello Sunshine Sushi & Karaoke

@lisaberryman

If you're craving some sushi (and maybe karaoke?) this is definitely the place you need to go in Banff

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UNA pizza + wine - Banff

@lisaberryman

Support local Alberta restaurants and try out UNA for some incredible pizzas

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BeaverTails Banff (West)

@lisaberryman

Go all out tourist and try a beavertail, they're super sweet so perfect end to a dinner!

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Bluebird Wood-fired Steakhouse

@lisaberryman

This high end restaurant is the perfect end to your trip in Banff

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Places to sta

Fairmont Banff Springs

@lisaberryman

If you can afford to eat and stay here then you absolutely should for the iconic Banff experience

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Buffalo Mountain Lodge

@lisaberryman

You will be fully embracing the mountain lodge/ski village atmosphere by staying here.

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Canalta Lodge

@lisaberryman

This gorgeous lodge will not disappoint on your trip to Banff, with walking distance to the centre of Banff

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HI Banff Alpine Centre

@lisaberryman

This hostel is perfect for all my fellow solo-travellers with the options of bunk rooms or private

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Get Planning Your Trip

If you're planning your next trip and don't know where to start with the planning, hire me to do all the background research so all you have to do is get on a plane, have a drink and enjoy your holiday!