Bow Valley
Bow Valley will transport your mind to a place of pure bliss, with its turquoise waters and vast mountain ranges. Grab a canoe and paddle along Bow River for an even better view of the beautiful outdoors! If you are a rock climber, this place offers several routes for you to ascend (or try to, at least).
Where: Bow Valley Campground, Hwy-1, Bighorn No. 8, Alberta. Distance Away: 1 hour (from Calgary)
Willmore Wilderness Park
Willmore Wilderness Park is abundant in activities if you are looking for more than just an afternoon sitting by the lake. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and backcountry camping all await you here! This oasis also provides several hiking trails for those wanting to experience the outdoors by foot.
Where: Improvement District No. 25, Alberta
Distance Away: 7 hours and 30 minutes (from Calgary)
Writing on Stone Provincial Park
Stories and tales have been carved into these stones by Indigenous people more than several hundred years ago. Writing on Stone Provincial Park is the perfect place to get away from the city and get in touch with your Canadian roots — all while enjoying a lazy day near Milk River, or taking a dip in the refreshing water. Where: NW 36 TW1 range 13, Milk River, Alberta. Distance: 3 hours and 3o minutes (from Calgary)
Two Jack Lake
The large mountains surrounding Two Jack Lake will have your jaw hitting the ground — sure, you can take a picture, but nothing will compare to the real thing. The campsite is perfect if you are looking to get some privacy from neighbouring campers because it is located in a largely forested area. Keep your eye out for a bighorn sheep, or elk — there’s an abundance of wildlife around the lake for you to observe up close and personal.
Where: Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Distance Away: 1 hour and 30 minutes (from Calgary)
Crescent Falls
You won’t want to leave these falls after seeing them this summer! Stay a night — or a week — and enjoy the cool water of Crescent Falls, along with horseback riding and some fishing as well! Maybe — if you are brave enough — take a dip in the chilly water to wash off that summer sweat.
Where: Clearwater County, AB
Distance Away: 3 hours and 20 minutes (from Calgary)
Honeymoon Lake
Newlyweds or not, this lake is the perfect get-away from reality. Bring a canoe and launch it into the crisp and clear water for an expedition to discover the magical places only a canoe can reach. Take a hike and discover the two neighbouring lakes — they’re well worth the trek.
Where: Improvement District No. 12, Alberta
Distance Away: 4 hours and 22 minutes (from Calgary)
