Your adventure to Banff, Jasper, and beyond starts in Calgary and here’s how to make the most of it.

If the Canadian Rockies are calling your name this summer, there’s one place you should land first: Calgary. This vibrant city is more than just a gateway to jaw-dropping mountain scenery. It’s a launchpad to some of the most iconic experiences Canada has to offer. Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise lakes, soaring peaks, glacier walks, or charming alpine towns, Calgary is your perfect starting point.

Let’s break down why.

Why Calgary? A City at the Crossroads of Adventure

Calgary is a city with big energy where prairie skies meet downtown buzz. Just an hour from the Rockies, it’s the ideal place to fuel up (with some great food), soak up local culture, and then head west into nature. Bonus? Calgary is incredibly accessible, with an international airport that welcomes visitors from around the world.

From Calgary, Your Canadian Summer Begins

Once you’re here, your options multiply. Here are just a few of the unforgettable places you can reach within a few hours (or even minutes) of Calgary:

1. Banff National Park

Just 90 minutes away, Banff is a world-renowned destination with postcard-perfect views around every corner. Think jewel-toned lakes, cozy mountain towns, and wildlife sightings that will make your jaw drop.

2. Lake Louise

Continue past Banff to the turquoise-blue waters of Lake Louise. Paddle a canoe, sip a drink at the Fairmont Chateau, or hike to a teahouse with a view that will stop you in your tracks.

3. Yoho National Park

Cross into British Columbia and you’ll find Yoho, a hidden gem full of waterfalls, natural bridges, and fossil beds. Don’t miss Emerald Lake... It lives up to the name.

4. Jasper National Park

For a wilder, more rugged Rockies experience, head north along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper. You’ll pass glaciers, icefields, and endless mountain views on one of the most scenic drives in the world.

5. Waterton Lakes National Park

Located in southern Alberta, this lesser-known park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic landscapes, a charming village, and connections to Glacier National Park across the U.S. border.

6. Drumheller and the Canadian Badlands

Located northeast of Calgary, Drumheller is a striking departure from the alpine landscapes of the Rockies. Known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, this region is famous for its prehistoric fossils, dramatic hoodoo rock formations, and the world-class Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Make It Easy: Westar Tours Can Take You There

Feeling overwhelmed by the options? That’s where Westar Travel comes in.

Westar offers curated tours that start right in Calgary and take you to all the must-see spots: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Yoho, the Icefields Parkway, and beyond. You don’t have to worry about driving, planning, or missing out. Expert guides handle the logistics so you can sit back, take photos, and soak up the views.

Whether you’re looking for a 5-day national parks getaway, a day trip from Calgary, or a multi-day adventure across the Rockies, Westar has an itinerary that fits your timeline and travel style.

And the best part? Westar's tours offer guaranteed departures, even for one guest. So whether you’re a solo traveler or with a group, you can count on the trip happening.

Start Your Summer Right

Calgary is where your summer turns into a story. It’s the beginning of alpine highs, glacier walks, lakeside sunsets, and wildlife moments that don’t feel real.

So, if you're planning a Canadian summer? Start in Calgary.

And when you're ready to explore, check out the full lineup of Westar Travel’s tours to make it easy, memorable, and completely stress-free:

👉 See Westar Tours