Banff, we love you but you get ALL the love, so here are a few fun day trip ideas that do not involve driving to the same scenic town as ten thousand other people on a Saturday:
Millarville Market
The Millarville Farmers Market is a fun add on to a visit to High River. An early rise on a Saturday gets you there so that you can enjoy the day! Check out their calendar to also discover other events, such as The Millarville Races.
Heartland & High River
High River – where Heartland is filmed!
You might enjoy visiting High River during your visit to Calgary. We have visited High River many times and it is a charming Albertan town that is the perfect day drive from Calgary.
Fill your cooler and hit the road! This self guided tour of High River is pretty neat! You can also plan lunch in town, walk around their main streets, and recognize some of the sets in the TV show Heartland.
Royal Tyrell Museum & Drumheller
A world class museum in the valleys of Alberta’s badlands, the Royal Tyrell Museum is unforgettable. On the way there you can also stop in the community of Drumheller and explore everything from the World’s Largest Dinosaur to Instagrammable Hoodoos.
Or go to Banff!
All kidding aside, Banff IS an amazing place and is filled with great restaurants, scenic views, and Canadian charm. Don’t take our word for it though – go check it out for yourself! If you want a local’s tip we encourage you to go on a weekday if possible, and book a shuttle to Moraine Lake in advance (trust us, it’s soooo worth it!).