Banff National Park
Driving time: One hour 30 minutes
Banff National Park is a prime spot for skiing and snowboarding. If you’d rather stay off the slopes or are visiting in summer, take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for its epic views, or head to the area’s famous hot springs for a warming dip. You’ll also find the impossibly clear Lake Louise in Banff – it's perfect for canoeing, paddle boarding and fishing.
Waterton Lake
Driving time: Three hours
Located just north of the American border, Waterton Lake is one of those natural sights that will stay with you forever. The peaks that surround it offer panoramic views of both the Rockies and the prairies, while the lake itself is a picture of serenity. Head out on hiking trails, hire a boat, or just explore charming Waterton town. The Prince of Wales Hotel, perched just above town, is a great spot for a scenic lunch.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Driving time: Two hours 30 minutes
This UNESCO World Heritage site has fascinated visitors for decades with its unusual Badlands landscape. The area gets its name from – you guessed it – the huge volume of dinosaur fossils that have been discovered here, and you can get up close to some of them at the Dinosaur Visitor Centre. Outside, well-marked trails lead you to panoramic views of this arid yet beautiful region.