5 Day Beyond Calgary City Stay

Hit the open road to the east of Calgary towards Drumheller. Drumheller is approximately 1.5-hour drive from Calgary and serves as a step back in time to the prehistoric era with its unique natural landscapes such as the Drumheller Hoodoos and Horsethief Canyon. Your day includes a visit to the Royall Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology which is home to more than 130,000 fossils. The Royall Tyrrell is an internationally recognized public and scientific museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of palaeontological history.

Today stay local and enjoy some of the popular sights of the city. Studio Bell, The Home of the National Music Centre is 160,000 square-foot international hub for music in Canada and features five floors of exhibitions, three Canadian music halls of fame and multiple performance spaces. The award-winning architecture was inspired by instrument cases and the Western Canada Landscape. The neighbouring King Eddy is an exceptional live music venue and a great place to grab a bite to eat from its menu of Southern-soul inspired food.

Today also includes admission to Canada Olympic Park, a short drive to the west side of Calgary. Canada Olympic Park was one of the key venues for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. See the iconic ski jump tower and a stunning view of the Calgary city skyline to the east and the Canadian Rocky Mountains to the west. Your evening is for you to enjoy at your own leisure, you might choose to visit one of the many craft breweries throughout Calgary, enjoy some live music or dine at one of the many local restaurants.

This morning, rise early, make the most of your day in the mountains and drive west towards Banff National Park. Banff National Park is a year-round destination known for its world-class skiing and over 1,600km of maintained trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding. The town of Banff has many boutiques and restaurants to explore nestled within the towering peaks of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain.

Your package includes an adventure at the top of Sulphur Mountain onboard the Banff Gondola, the views from the top are breathtaking looking towards six stunning mountain ranges and the Bow Valley. Walk along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to the top of Sanson's Peak. Explore the Above Banff interpretive centre which includes hands-on interactive displays that explain your surroundings within Banff National Park. If time allows we suggest dining in Sky Bistro with its floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views where you can savour a distinctly Canadian menu. Take a drive to Vermillion lakes where on a calm day it is the picture-perfect opportunity to capture the reflection of the iconic Mount Rundle.

There are a number of small hikes to consider during your day trips, such as Tunnel Mountain which is accessible right from downtown Banff, a stroll by Bow Falls, a small walkout to the Hoodoos or even adventure to Johnston's Canyon on a paved hiking trail to the lower or upper falls. You might choose to dine before returning to Calgary or stopping partway in Canmore, another small town nestled in the mountains.

Today, before you depart Calgary, discover the Canadian Signature Experience - Heritage Park Historical Village. During the summer months, you can experience a paddlewheel boat, steam train, midway and horse-drawn wagon rides as you step back in time in this living history village. Year-round discover the impressive collection of antique vehicles at Gasoline Alley Museum or dine and explore the Heritage Town Square and gift shops.