Alberta Classic Road Trip Itinerary
The Alberta Classic Road Trip is an amazing journey that starts and ends in Calgary, Canada. Along the way, you will visit the towns of Drumheller, Medicine Hat, Milk River, Lethbridge and Longview. Drumheller is a great place to visit for its unique landscape and dinosaur fossils. Medicine Hat offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, golf courses and a world-class museum. Milk River is a small town with a unique history, while Lethbridge is a vibrant city with plenty of shopping and dining options. Finally, Longview is a picturesque town with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. The total distance of the trip is 1016km and can be completed in 4 days. It is best to take the trip between May and September when the roads are in excellent condition. It is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Alberta while creating lasting memories. This road trip is suitable for every driver and can be completed on a moderate budget.
4
number of days
1,016 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Calgary
Distance 1,016 km
Driving time 11.3 h
Pace: fast
304.7 kWh
Airports
YYC
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Calgary, the largest city in Alberta, Canada, is the perfect starting point for the Alberta Classic Road Trip. Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and Western hospitality. With its vibrant downtown, world-class attractions and stunning natural scenery, Calgary is a great place to explore.
For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC). Here, you can find several car rental companies to get you on your way. The Calgary Zoo, the Glenbow Museum, and the Telus Spark Science Centre are some of the most popular attractions in town. The Calgary Tower, the tallest building in the city, offers panoramic views of the city skyline. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city offers a variety of hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities.
Calgary is also the gateway to the Canadian Rockies, so don't forget to make time for a day trip to Banff National Park. Here you can explore glaciers, alpine meadows, and stunning mountain peaks. With so much to see and do in Calgary, it's the perfect starting point for your Alberta Classic Road Trip.
1
Calgary
- Drumheller
Distance 122 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: fast
36.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Calgary to Drumheller! This 122 km journey will take you less than two hours on the scenic highway, and you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular sights in the area.
Start your journey in Calgary, the largest city in Alberta, and make sure to visit the Calgary Tower, the Calgary Zoo, and the Heritage Park Historical Village.
After leaving Calgary, you will pass by the town of Strathmore, where you can visit the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society for a unique insight into the area's agricultural and cultural heritage.
When you reach Drumheller, you will be surrounded by some of the most spectacular badlands in the world. Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, the Atlas Coal Mine, and the Hoodoos.
This is just one of the many stages of your road trip, and there is much more to explore! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Drumheller - Canada - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Drumheller
- Medicine Hat
Distance 282 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: fast
84.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Drumheller to Medicine Hat road trip! This stage of your journey will take you through the breathtaking Alberta prairies, a total distance of 282 km and a driving time of fewer than 3 hours.
Along the way, you will be able to explore the Badlands of Drumheller, with its unique landscapes and dinosaur fossils. Take a break from your adventure and visit the World's Largest Dinosaur, a life-sized model of a T-Rex, or the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, the largest museum of its kind in Canada.
Continue your journey to the city of Medicine Hat, the sunniest city in Canada. Here, you can explore the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, the largest art gallery in southeastern Alberta, or the Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District, the largest collection of clay products in Canada.
As you drive, don't forget to take in the beauty of the Alberta prairies, with its rolling hills, vast fields, and picturesque views.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Medicine Hat - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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3
Medicine Hat
- Milk River
Distance 187 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
56.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Ready to take a road trip? Get ready to explore the beauty of Alberta, Canada, starting in Medicine Hat and ending in Milk River. This 187 km journey will take you less than 3 hours, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Make sure to fill up your tank before leaving Medicine Hat, as there may be few gas stations along the route. As you drive, take in the breathtaking views of the open fields and rolling hills.
When you arrive in Milk River, be sure to check out the Milk River Ridge and the nearby Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. You can also explore the nearby Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, a stunning natural area with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Milk River - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Milk River
- Lethbridge
Distance 89 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
26.7 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip experience? Starting in Milk River, Canada and ending in Lethbridge, this 89 km journey will take you less than 1 hour to complete. On the way, you will be able to explore the Milk River Ridge, the Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, and the Oldman River.
At Milk River Ridge, you can take in the beautiful views of the Milk River Valley and the Sweetgrass Hills. At Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, you can explore the hoodoos, hoodoo trails and the petroglyphs, which are the oldest known artwork in North America. At Oldman River, you can take a nature walk along the banks of the river and enjoy the beauty of the area.
This is only one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to explore all the places you pass by. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing road trip experience!
Lethbridge - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Invest in Alberta Magazine
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5
Lethbridge
- Longview
Distance 199 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
59.8 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start your journey in Lethbridge, Canada, and drive along the Cowboy Trail, a 199 km route that will take you less than 3 hours to complete. You will be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the Alberta prairies. Along the way, you will pass by some of the most picturesque towns in the region, including Longview. Make sure to take the time to explore and take in the beauty of the area.
For those who love nature, you can take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Fish Creek Provincial Park and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Canadian Rockies. If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, you can explore the area on horseback and get a taste of the Wild West.
Don’t forget to take a few moments to appreciate the scenic roads that wind through the region. As you drive, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the mountains, the rolling hills, and the lush forests.
When you reach Longview, you can explore some of the local attractions, such as the Longview Historical Society and the Longview Museum. You can also take a tour of the local wineries and sample some of the region’s finest wines.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please visit the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for a road trip of a lifetime!
Longview - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Longview
- Calgary
Distance 136 km
Driving time 1.6 h
Pace: fast
40.7 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable journey from Longview, Canada to Calgary, a mere 136 km drive that will take you less than 2 hours! Along the way, you will get to explore the best of both cities. Start your journey with a visit to the Longview Historical Society and Museum, where you can discover the history of Longview and its surrounding area. Then, head on to the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, where you can explore the remains of one of the most successful ranching operations in Canada's history. As you continue your drive, don't forget to take in the stunning scenery of the rolling foothills and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Finally, arrive in Calgary and make sure to visit the Calgary Tower, where you can take in stunning views of the city skyline. For a more cultural experience, visit the Glenbow Museum and explore the history of the city and its people. With so much to see and do in both cities, your journey will be truly unforgettable! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary provided.
Calgary - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Flickr
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Calgary
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The end of the Alberta Classic Road Trip brings you straight to Calgary, the largest city in Alberta and Canada’s third-largest municipality. This vibrant city is full of surprises and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Start your exploration at the world-famous Calgary Stampede, an annual ten-day celebration of western culture and the largest outdoor rodeo in the world. Be sure to take a tour of the park and check out the historic Grandstand, the iconic Calgary Tower, and the bustling BMO Centre.
Calgary is also known for its outdoor recreation. Take a short drive to Fish Creek Provincial Park, the second largest urban park in Canada. Here, you can take in the spectacular views while hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, head to Kananaskis Country, an outdoor paradise with four mountain parks, over a dozen provincial parks, and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
If you’re looking for some urban excitement, explore downtown Calgary. Here, you’ll find an array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. There’s also the iconic Stephen Avenue Walk, a pedestrian-only street lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafes.
Calgary is also home to an international airport, the Calgary International Airport (YYC). So, if you’re flying in to end your road trip, you won’t have to go far.
No matter how you choose to explore Calgary, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your needs. With its vibrant culture, stunning outdoor recreation, and urban amenities, Calgary is the perfect way to end your Alberta Classic Road Trip.
Calgary - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Needpix.com
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Alberta Classic Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Calgary
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End:
Calgary
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Distance:
1,016 km
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Stay:
4 days
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Getting there:
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Alberta Classic Road Trip is a captivating journey that forms a loop starting and ending in the vibrant city of Calgary. This expedition traverses 1,016 kilometers (632 miles) through the diverse landscapes and quaint towns of Alberta, Canada, offering a harmonious mix of stunning natural wonders, intriguing historical sites, and the amenities of modern cities.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Calgary: This cosmopolitan city provides a plethora of urban attractions, including the iconic Calgary Tower and the annual Calgary Stampede, a world-famous rodeo festival.
- Drumheller: This town is a paleontology hotspot with the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the world's largest displays of dinosaurs, and surrounded by the otherworldly badlands known for their striking geological formations.
- Medicine Hat: Also known as `The Gas City` due to its vast natural gas fields, it offers recreational activities like canoeing on the South Saskatchewan River and a vibrant arts scene.
- Milk River: Steeped in Indigenous history and culture, it is a gateway to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, where you can find ancient petroglyphs and pictographs amidst the sandstone cliffs and hoodoos.
- Lethbridge: Features the High Level Bridge, the longest and tallest trestle bridge in the world, and provides access to the serene Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, symbolizing the friendship between Canada and Japan.
- Longview: Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies, this hamlet is renowned for its western heritage and is a stone's throw from the Cowboy Trail, offering a picturesque drive through Alberta's ranching country.
Best Time to Go:
Embarking on the Alberta Classic Road Trip from May to September is optimal, as the weather tends to be mild and conducive to outdoor activities and unimpeded travel.
Potential Risks:
Roadtrippers should stay vigilant for abrupt weather shifts, especially in the mountains where it can affect driving safety. Wildlife encounters on highways are a risk, and it's advisable to plan for stretches with limited services and amenities.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- While the Trip can be completed in 4 days, a longer duration allows for in-depth exploration and leisurely enjoyment of each destination.
- The route is accessible for drivers of various skill levels and can be enjoyed with a reasonable budget.
- The journey offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from delving into dinosaur history to marveling at the grandeur of the Rockies.
- It's crucial to ensure your vehicle is in good condition, to have navigation tools like a map or GPS, and to check for any travel updates or Road obstructions before setting off.
A good choice for:
The Alberta Classic Road Trip is an extraordinary escapade for those eager to experience the multifaceted splendor and cultural heritage of Alberta. It's a journey that offers enduring memories and an authentic appreciation for the Canadian prairie and mountainous terrains. History enthusiasts, nature lovers, and seekers of stunning vistas will find this Road Trip to be a truly remarkable exploration.
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