https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/calgary/best-things-to-do/10070001430091
Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do near Calgary [2025]
Show All Photos
World Waterpark
4.8
/5
241 reviews
9.8
Based on 1,641 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +17804445300
Address: 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 2E3, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Pirate water park for kids
Swim with dolphins and feed sea lions up close
Saved by 103 users229 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The moment we walked in, we were captivated by the massive wave pool and colorful slides! We nearly choked on the water as we screamed down the "Tornado" slide, but the thrill kept us coming back for more. The artificial beach area is perfect for kids; my little one spent almost an hour playing with sandcastles. The showers were a bit slippery, though, so be careful. The pizza at lunch was average, but the ice cream stand was generous. The overall atmosphere was incredibly fun, though it can get really crowded on weekends, with long lines for every ride. It would have been much better to avoid peak hours.
The Canada World Water Park is located at the Edmonton West Edmonton Shopping Center and is the largest indoor water park in North America. There is a huge artificial wave pool, which is super exciting when the waves are high like a seaside storm. A variety of high-speed slides, such as speed slides, Cyclones, etc., let people experience the thrill of the wind. The rafting river can enjoy leisure time comfortably. The children's play area has rich facilities, which is very suitable for bringing children to play. It is a good place for the whole family to share joy.
Show All Photos
Banff National Park
4.9
/5
396 reviews
8.9
Based on 592 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +14037621550
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 days
Highlights:
Fall Wildlife Adventure
Boating & enjoy Tiffany-blue Lake Louise
Saved by 260 users187 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The moment the car drove into Banff National Park, I was stunned by the scenery before my eyes - snow-capped mountains, lakes, and forests, spread out like a huge oil painting. Especially Lake Louise, the blue water seemed unreal, like a huge sapphire embedded in the valley. When the sun shone on the lake, the surface sparkled, and it was so beautiful that it took your breath away.
Stepping into Banff National Park, I felt like I had fallen into a beautiful dream. The snowy mountains shone holy light under the light of the sun; the lake was as clear as a mirror, reflecting the magnificence of the surroundings, and the color flowed with the light and shadow, which was fascinating. In the forest, the pine waves, the encounter of the deer added a little bit of energy to this tranquility. Here, it is a treasure gift of nature, healing and beautiful.
Show All Photos
Banff Gondola
5.0
/5
10 reviews
8.0
From AU$ 75.79
Based on 14,076 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +18667561904
Address: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J3,Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Verified user reviews
Nice view! A few degrees lower than Banff village! Bring extra jacket if you want to stay outside! They have indoor viewing seats available too!
Really cool to go up and see the view. The short climb to the other side is even cooler
No.
4
Show All Photos
Lake Louise
4.8
/5
207 reviews
7.5
Based on 7,733 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +14037628421
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 3 hours
Highlights:
Canoeing, hiking & skiing adventures
Sapphire-like lake on Rockies
26% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Fairmont Hotel faces the lake. The quiet lake is turquoise and clear, surrounded by mountains. The snow on the top of the mountain has not melted. The white snow, blue sky and blue lake form the most beautiful postcard.
Who knows! A "magic lake" was discovered in Canada, deified in 1984, and hidden for 30 years before driving the Chinese crazy!
Family members who have seen this, hold on! Can you believe it? Deep in the Canadian Rockies lies a "blue cursed lake" that will make your social media posts 99+ and your camera memory explode—Lake Louise! Even if you've seen 100 internet-famous lakes, the moment you see it, your eyes will still tremble. This isn't a landscape; it's the purest blue from the palette, poured directly into reality!
For those who haven't heard, a shocking news item: In 1984, the Rocky Mountain National Parks, including Lake Louise, were directly added to the United Nations World Heritage List! World Heritage sites are often designated either for their impressive history or for their breathtaking scenery. Lake Louise boasts both: a towering, snow-capped mountain backdrop on the left, and a verdant forest on the right. The lake's surface is a brilliant blue, like a shimmering gem. The wind creates a shimmering, diamond-like effect, making any photo look like a movie poster—no Photoshop required!
But do you think this lake's only drawcard is its beauty? Wrong! It has a hidden twist that will astound you! In its early years, this lake wasn't the internet sensation it is today. Hidden deep in the mountains, it was even known only to a handful of locals. It wasn't until 1990, with the sudden expansion of the Rocky Mountain National Park complex, that Lake Louise was officially unveiled to the world. The first visitors were stunned: "Why is this place only now being revealed? Was it hidden away to avoid being snatched up?"
What's even more amazing? Do you think the lake becomes deserted in the winter? Quite the opposite! In winter, Lake Louise transforms into a fairytale of ice and snow. The surface freezes into a thick layer of ice, crackling underfoot. The surrounding snow-capped mountains are blanketed in white, and even the air smells of Christmas! One netizen commented, "Come here in the summer to see the 'Blue Sapphire,' come here in the winter to experience it like you've fallen into Frozen. It's never the same twice a year! This isn't just a lake, it's nature's partiality!"
But seriously, those who haven't been might ask, "Is it really that amazing? Is it just a photo manipulation?" I can honestly say: it's 10 times more beautiful in person than in photos! Just imagine standing by the lake, looking up at the snow-capped mountains towering overhead, looking down at the lake reflecting the sky, the wind carrying the sweet fragrance of pine needles, and even breathing feels like a lung cleansing. It's so breathtaking, a phone screen can't even capture it!
Now the question is: would you rather see the "Blue Sapphire Lake" in the summer or enjoy the "Ice and Snow Amusement Park" in the winter? Share your choice in the comments! If you're still undecided, feel free to ask me for details—after all, with such a stunning place, you don't want to regret it by choosing the wrong season! Finally, a final warning: If anyone goes to Lake Louise and doesn't post on their Instagram feed, I'll be the first to disagree!
No.
5
Columbia Icefield
4.8
/5
203 reviews
7.0
Based on 5,313 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Spectacular glaciers & views
Alberta's famous glacier wonderland
29% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The second time I took my family there, I felt that Skywalk was similar to many in China, so I didn’t buy a package ticket. But I didn’t pay attention when I was riding the bus, and I went there for free. I felt like I had made a good deal.
Get up close and personal with the glacier, step on it, and hear the crackling of ice. Have a sip of glacier water, said to be the purest water in the world. Remember to bring an empty mineral water bottle to refill.
No.
6
Show All Photos
Bow Falls
4.0
/5
61 reviews
6.7
Based on 4,248 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +14037621550
Address: Banff, AB T1L 1B4, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1.5 hours
Highlights:
Filming location that attracts backpackers
Explore Hidden Mysteries on Waterfall Hiking Trails
28% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The trip to the Rocky Mountains in eastern and western Canada has been completed. The lakes and mountains in the Rocky Mountains are so beautiful that people can't help but linger.
I want to start with the "lakes", but it always takes "lakes and mountains" to show its overall momentum and beauty.
The first article is Bow Falls, which became famous because the American movie star Monroe's movie "The River Flows East" was filmed here. Although it is far inferior to Niagara Falls, it is the first stop in the Rocky Mountains.
We went there early in the morning and felt the sunlight was a bit glaring, and we were backlit, so the photos we took were not very beautiful. However, the water of this waterfall is cream-colored, and you can hear the sound of the waterfall from a distance.
No.
7
Show All Photos
Johnston Canyon
4.5
/5
36 reviews
6.3
Based on 2,666 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +14037621550
Address: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
9 km canyon views hiking
Ideal drive on Bow Valley Parkway
Verified user reviews
Johnston Canyon is one of the four major canyons in the Canadian Rockies. It is located on the Bow Valley Parkway, which connects the town of Banff with Lake Louise. It was formed by thousands of years of river erosion. There is a clear and rapid stream flowing in the canyon beside the plank road. After walking along the relatively gentle trail for more than 30 minutes (about 2 kilometers), we arrived at the Lower Falls. You can take photos on the viewing platform or walk across the small bridge and go into the cave to observe the waterfall up close. The Lower Falls is actually very small and the scenery is average.
Although the Upper Falls is larger, it takes more than 5 kilometers to go back and forth. I didn't go up because I didn't want to be too tired and didn't have enough time.
There are tourist cabins and a large parking lot at the entrance of the canyon, which is very convenient for driving.
No additional tickets are charged.
It takes 4 hours of hiking to reach the innermost waterfall in the canyon, but if you hike for an hour or two it will also be fine, as you can return by the same route anyway. The scenery is very ordinary and has no special features.
No.
8
Show All Photos
Banff Avenue
4.6
/5
7 reviews
6.1
Based on 1,535 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +14037621200
Address: Banff Ave, Alberta, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
A rich variety of festivals and events year-round
Overlook spectacular mountain views from the Banff Gondola
Verified user reviews
A broad, straight road leads to the mountains and rivers on either side, ending at exquisite gardens and ancient houses. On both sides of the road, hotels and restaurants are lined up side by side, and on summer evenings, the place is bustling with people.
Banff is truly breathtaking, resembling a scene from "Frozen." Every little shop here has its own unique charm, and I wish I had more than half an hour to explore. Next time, I’ll definitely stay overnight to fully enjoy each store. The surrounding scenery is also incredibly pleasant, with stunning mountains and lakes that refresh the soul. I highly recommend everyone to take a stroll around Banff; I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the atmosphere here!
No.
9
Show All Photos
Moraine Lake
4.8
/5
89 reviews
6.0
Based on 6,078 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +14035223733
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
360° panoramic viewpoints available
Glacial melt lake & ten peaks
26% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Canada🇨🇦Moraine Lake in the Rocky Mountains. The blue-green color of Moraine Lake cannot be explained in words or photos. Because words cannot explain the gem-like blue-green color. Photos cannot capture the color that the eyes see. So it must be You have to visit in person to know how beautiful it is‼ ️
People say that Banff is one of the must-visit places in life.
When the car drove into the national park, my eyes were immediately attracted by the scenery outside the window. The mountains, the lake, the trees... Everywhere I looked, it was a picturesque scenery. It was really super beautiful! It was worth falling down four times.
No.
10
Show All Photos
Maligne Lake
4.4
/5
72 reviews
5.8
Based on 1,631 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +18666254463
Address: Improvement District No. 12, AB, Canada
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Guided 1.5-hour lake cruise
Unique lake colors & island
Verified user reviews
Maligne Lake
The largest natural lake in Jasper National Park, 22 kilometers long, 1 kilometer wide, and 96 meters deep at its deepest point. There are cruise ships and water recreational activities in the park, and there are many hiking trails around the lake. It is a very enjoyable thing to take a yacht ride on Maligne Lake. The cruise ship sails in the picturesque scenery of lakes and mountains. There are rolling snow-capped mountains on the lakeside. The lake is calm and open, and the water color is blue-green. The white clouds and snow peaks in the sky are set against the deep blue sky. The cruise ship stops at an island in the middle of the lake, Spirit Island, and there is a short stop to visit the island for a while. This is a small island exposed above the water in the center of the lake. It is said to be the most beautiful place in Maligne Lake. It was also bad luck. When we toured Maligne Lake, it was cloudy and windy. The boat had stopped sailing at the beginning, and later it was said that it would sail in the afternoon. However, taking a cruise in the strong wind and cloudy weather greatly reduced the scenery and interest.
It's more than 20 kilometers from Jasper to Maligne Lake, and we passed Medicine Lake halfway. The parking space is still small, but fortunately there are two dams for parking. When it's more popular, parking should be a hassle. It's still okay to see the snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake when the weather is clear. You can hike and row a boat. If you walk along the lake, the route is relatively long.
1
2
