7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Calgary

As a digital nomad living in Calgary, you're perfectly positioned to explore the stunning landscapes and unique destinations that Alberta has to offer. While the city itself provides a vibrant scene for work and play, the weekends are an opportunity to escape and discover the natural beauty and hidden gems surrounding Calgary. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to serene lakes and quirky small towns, there's a weekend getaway to suit every taste. Here are seven fun weekend getaways, including both popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations, that are sure to rejuvenate any digital nomad.

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is a world-renowned destination offering breathtaking mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and a plethora of outdoor activities. As a digital nomad, you can unwind from a busy workweek by exploring the many hiking trails, soaking in the natural hot springs, or skiing at one of the three ski resorts in the winter. The town of Banff itself is charming, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions to enjoy.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Banff National Park is by car, which takes about 1.5 hours from Calgary via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Where to Stay: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views, while the Banff Aspen Lodge provides a more budget-friendly option with great amenities.

Where to Eat: The Maple Leaf Grill & Lounge is famous for its Canadian cuisine and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a post-adventure meal.

Lake Louise

Just a short drive from Banff, Lake Louise is a jewel of the Canadian Rockies. The emerald waters of the lake, framed by towering peaks, offer a serene escape for kayaking, hiking, or simply enjoying the view. In winter, Lake Louise Ski Resort becomes a snowy playground for skiers and snowboarders. The nearby village has quaint shops and eateries, making it a perfect weekend retreat.

How to Get There: Lake Louise is about a 2-hour drive from Calgary, heading west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).

Travel Tip: Take the Lake Louise Gondola for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and possible wildlife sightings.

Where to Stay: The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers luxury accommodations right on the lake's shore, with breathtaking views.

Where to Eat: The Station Restaurant, set in a historic train station, offers a unique dining experience with a menu that highlights local ingredients.

Drumheller

For a change of scenery, head to Drumheller, the dinosaur capital of the world. This unique destination is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits. The surrounding badlands offer striking landscapes and trails to explore, such as the Hoodoo Trail. Drumheller also has a charming downtown area with shops and cafes.

How to Get There: Drumheller is approximately a 1.5-hour drive northeast of Calgary via Highway 9.

Travel Tip: Check out the World's Largest Dinosaur, a four-story high T-Rex model that you can climb for a view of the town and badlands.

Where to Stay: The Heartwood Inn and Spa offers cozy accommodations and a chance to relax after a day of exploration.

Where to Eat: Bernie & The Boys Bistro is known for its mammoth-sized burgers and milkshakes, perfect for fueling your dinosaur-sized appetite.

Canmore

Canmore is a less crowded alternative to Banff, offering a more laid-back mountain experience. Nestled in the Bow Valley, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with easy access to hiking, biking, and climbing. The town itself has a vibrant arts scene, with galleries and festivals throughout the year. Canmore also boasts a variety of dining options and craft breweries.

How to Get There: Canmore is just over an hour's drive from Calgary, heading west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).

Travel Tip: Visit the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, a world-class facility for cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and disc golf.

Where to Stay: The Malcolm Hotel provides luxury accommodations with stunning mountain views and an outdoor hot tub.

Where to Eat: The Trough Dining Co. offers an intimate dining experience with a menu that changes seasonally to reflect the freshest local ingredients.

Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country is an outdoor playground that's a bit off the beaten path compared to Banff and Lake Louise. It offers a vast network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. In the winter, the area is great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Kananaskis Village area provides amenities and accommodations in a peaceful setting.

How to Get There: Kananaskis Country is about an hour's drive from Calgary, taking Highway 1 to Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail).

Travel Tip: Enjoy the Kananaskis Nordic Spa for a unique hydrotherapy experience in the heart of the mountains.

Where to Stay: The Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge offers comfortable lodging with access to the Nordic Spa and stunning mountain views.

Where to Eat: The Woody's Pub & Patio in Kananaskis Village is a great spot for a casual meal with a side of spectacular mountain scenery.

Crowsnest Pass

Crowsnest Pass is a collection of five small towns nestled in the Rocky Mountains, offering a quieter and more authentic mountain experience. The area is rich in history, with sites like the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre telling the story of Canada's deadliest rockslide. Outdoor activities abound, from hiking and fishing to exploring the numerous mountain passes.

How to Get There: Crowsnest Pass is about a 2.5-hour drive southwest of Calgary via Highway 2 and Highway 3.

Travel Tip: Visit the Bellevue Underground Mine for a guided tour that takes you into the depths of a historic coal mine.

Where to Stay: The Country Encounters Accommodations in Coleman offers a cozy bed and breakfast experience with a personal touch.

Where to Eat: The Stone's Throw Cafe in Blairmore is a local favorite for its fresh, homemade dishes and excellent coffee.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

For a truly unique weekend getaway, visit Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, where you can see one of the largest collections of Indigenous rock art on the North American Great Plains. The park's landscape of hoodoos and sandstone cliffs is otherworldly, and you can explore it by hiking, canoeing, or taking a guided tour. The park also offers a chance to learn about the Blackfoot culture and history.

How to Get There: Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is about a 3.5-hour drive southeast of Calgary, taking Highway 2 and then east on Highway 3 to Highway 4.

Travel Tip: Participate in a guided tour to view the petroglyphs and pictographs up close and learn about their significance from knowledgeable interpreters.

Where to Stay: While there are no hotels in the immediate area, the park offers a campground for those looking to stay overnight in a tent or RV.

Where to Eat: For dining options, you may need to venture into nearby towns such as Milk River, where you can find local eateries like the Sandstone Motel's restaurant, offering hearty meals to end your day of exploration.