Experience Southern Alberta in a Road Trip

Itinerary best for

Outdoor Adventurers
History Buffs
Culturally Curious

A southern Alberta road trip from Calgary, taking in the Canadian Badlands, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and towering mountains along the way.

This route rewards the curious with four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, prehistoric fossils in Drumheller and some of Alberta's best hidden gems. Wander hoodoos and dinosaur country, stand among ancient rock art and buffalo jumps, then follow the prairies to where they crash into the mountains—far from the crowds, big on discovery.

At a glance

7-day itinerary
1,585 km (985 mi) total distance
17 hrs 49 mins drive time
Your starting point is in Calgary

7 destinations

Starts in

Calgary

Day 1 drive time: 36 min, 26 km (16 mi)

Day 1

Calgary

Start your seven-day road trip with a day exploring Calgary, the province's largest city.

People play instruments inside the Studio Bell museum.

Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre

Take in five floors of exhibits that span 450 years of music history. The National Music Centre boasts a collection of more than 2,000 pieces, plus interactive exhibits where visitors can try their hand at different instruments. Don't miss the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and featured exhibitions.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

After Studio Bell, visit East Village and Inglewood, two of Calgary's most popular neighbourhoods.

Heritage Park Historical Village

History comes to life at one of Canada's largest living-history museums. Explore southern Alberta's pioneer past through 180 exhibits and 55,000 artifacts that span from 1850 to 1950. Take a ride on a steam train and a Ferris wheel from 1893. Watch for featured exhibits and events during your visit.

Day 2 drive time: 5 hr 11 min, 484 km (301 mi)

Day 2