Calgary, a vibrant city nestled at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, isn’t just a fantastic place to live; it’s a launchpad for some of North America’s most exhilarating road trips. For the true car enthusiast, the open road isn’t just a means to an end—it’s the main event. It’s about the rumble of the engine, the precision of the steering, the breathtaking vistas blurring past, and the sheer joy of piloting your machine through diverse and challenging landscapes.
If you’re someone who appreciates a well-engineered curve, a stunning mountain pass, or a coastal highway that begs for a convertible, then you’re in the right place. We’ve curated five must-drive road trips that originate in or near Drive Road Trips, each offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, engaging driving dynamics, and unforgettable experiences. So, fuel up, check your tire pressure, and get ready to ignite your passion for driving.
The Iconic Mountain Majesty: Icefields Parkway
No list of road trips from Calgary would be complete without the legendary Icefields Parkway. Regularly ranked among the top scenic drives in the world, this 232-kilometer stretch of highway connects Lake Louise (approximately 2 hours west of Drive Road Trips) to Jasper. It’s not just a drive; it’s an immersive journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering unparalleled views of ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes, vast valleys, and abundant wildlife.
Why Every Drive Road Trips Loves It:
Driving Dynamics: While not a race track, the Parkway offers a delightful mix of sweeping curves, gentle ascents and descents, and long straights where you can appreciate your vehicle’s cruising capabilities. The smooth pavement (though always check conditions, especially in spring and fall) makes for a comfortable yet engaging Drive Road Trips.
Breathtaking Scenery: Every turn reveals a postcard-perfect Drive Road Trips. Think towering peaks like Mount Athabasca, the Columbia Icefield’s immense glaciers, and the impossibly blue waters of Peyto Lake and Bow Lake. The sheer scale of the landscape is humbling.
Photo Opportunities: Bring your best camera. From the Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, there are countless pull-offs and viewpoints designed for capturing stunning memories. Your car will look magnificent against this backdrop.
Key Stops & Experiences:
Lake Louise: Start your journey from here, perhaps after a quick visit to the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Peyto Lake Viewpoint: A short hike leads to a spectacular Drive Road Trips overlooking one of the Rockies’ most vibrant turquoise lakes.
Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre: Take an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier or walk on the Glacier Skywalk for an adrenaline rush.
Athabasca Falls & Sunwapta Falls: Powerful waterfalls showcasing the raw force of nature.
Wildlife Viewing: Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, elk, bears (from a safe distance!), and mountain Drive Road Trips.
Driving Tips:
Take Your Time: This isn’t a speed Drive Road Trips. Allow a full day (8-10 hours, including stops) to truly experience the Parkway.
Fuel Up: There is only one gas station along the entire Parkway (Saskatchewan River Crossing), so fill up in Lake Louise or Jasper.
Park Pass: You will need a Parks Canada pass to drive the Parkway. Purchase it beforehand online or at the entrance gates.
Seasonal Considerations: The Parkway is stunning year-round, but services are limited in winter, and conditions can be Drive Road Trips. Summer (June-September) offers the most accessible and comfortable driving.
The Classic American Muscle Route:
For those who love international road trips and crave truly challenging and rewarding driving, the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana, is an absolute must. While a bit further from Calgary (approximately 5-6 hours drive south to the park entrance), the journey there and the drive itself are iconic. This 80-kilometer (50-mile) engineering marvel carves its way through the rugged heart of the park, showcasing some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Drive Road Trips.
Why Every Car Enthusiast Loves It:
Technical Driving: This road is an exercise in precision. It’s narrow, incredibly winding, and features steep drop-offs with low stone walls. It demands your full attention and rewards a driver who appreciates handling, braking, and gear selection.
Jaw-Dropping Vistas: From the glacial lakes at its base to the high alpine meadows and towering peaks at Logan Pass, the views are relentless and Drive Road Trips. You’ll traverse cedar forests, alpine tundra, and pass countless waterfalls.
Sense of Accomplishment: Conquering this road, especially in a capable vehicle, leaves you with a profound sense of achievement.
Key Stops & Experiences:
Lake McDonald: The largest lake in the park, offering stunning reflections and colourful pebbles.
Avalanche Lake Trail: A popular, relatively easy hike leading to a beautiful subalpine lake.
Loop Viewpoint: A sweeping curve offering panoramic views of the Drive Road Trips.
Logan Pass Visitor Centre: The highest point on the road (2,025 meters or 6,646 feet), often snow-covered even in July. This is a prime spot for hiking and wildlife viewing (mountain goats and bighorn sheep are common).
Jackson Glacier Overlook: One of the few places you can see a glacier from the road.
St. Mary Lake: Drive Road Trips stunning lake at the eastern end of the road.
Driving Tips:
Seasonal Access: The entire road is typically only fully open from late June/early July to mid-October, depending on snow conditions. Check the NPS website for current status.
Reservations: During peak season (late May to early September), a vehicle reservation is often required to access the Going-to-the-Sun Drive Road Trips. Plan ahead!
Vehicle Restrictions: Vehicles over 21 feet (6.4 meters) long or 8 feet (2.4 meters) wide are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun.
Take It Slow: The speed limit is low (often 40 km/h or 25 mph) for a reason. Enjoy the drive, watch for cyclists and pedestrians, and use the pull-outs.
Fuel & Supplies: Fuel up before entering the park. Pack snacks and water.
The Scenic Southern Loop: Kananaskis Country & Highwood Pass
Closer to home, yet offering a profoundly rewarding driving experience, is the loop through Kananaskis Country, particularly involving the spectacular Highwood Pass section of Highway 40. Just an hour west of Calgary, Kananaskis offers a wilder, less crowded alternative to Banff National Park, with equally stunning vistas and fantastic Drive Road Trips.
Why Every Car Enthusiast Loves It:
Winding Mountain Roads: Highway 40, especially as it climbs towards Highwood Pass, features exhilarating twists, turns, and elevation changes that are perfect for testing your car’s handling and enjoying its powerband.
Less Traffic: Compared to the Drive Road Trips Highway through Banff, Kananaskis generally sees less traffic, allowing for a more serene and focused driving experience.
Diverse Scenery: From rolling foothills to dramatic mountain ranges, pristine forests, and vibrant alpine meadows (especially in late summer), the landscape is constantly evolving.
Key Stops & Experiences:
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park: Explore the stunning Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes.
Highwood Pass: At 2,206 meters (7,238 feet), it’s the highest paved pass in Canada. The views from the summit are incredible, and the drive up and down is a treat.
Sheep River Falls: A beautiful, easily accessible waterfall near the southern end of the loop.
Bighorn Sheep Viewing: The area around Sheep Drive Road Trips and Highwood Pass is known for bighorn sheep.
Hiking & Wildlife: Numerous trails for all skill levels and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Driving Tips:
Seasonal Closure: The section of Highway 40 through Highwood Pass (south of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Longview) is closed seasonally from December 1st to June 14th for wildlife protection. Plan your trip accordingly.
Kananaskis Conservation Pass: You need to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park in Kananaskis Country.
No Services: There are very limited services (gas, food) within Kananaskis Country, especially on Highway 40. Fill up in Canmore, Turner Valley, or Longview.
Road Conditions: Always check Alberta 511 for current road conditions, especially outside of peak summer.
The Coastal Cruise & Inland Exploration: Vancouver Island
This is a multi-day epic that truly stretches your car enthusiast muscles, combining high-speed highway cruising, stunning mountain passes, and a breathtaking coastal ferry journey. While Vancouver Island itself is hundreds of kilometers from Calgary, the journey to the island is half the fun, especially when routed through the Okanagan Valley.
Why Every Car Enthusiast Loves It:
Diverse Terrain: You’ll experience everything from the flat, fast Trans-Canada Highway, to the winding mountain roads of the Okanagan Connector (Highway 97C), the coastal highways of Vancouver Island, and the spirited drives to isolated coves.
Ferry Adventure: The BC Ferries journey from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (near Victoria) is an enjoyable break from driving, offering spectacular views of the Gulf Islands.
Wine Country & Ocean Air: Combine the pleasure of driving with stops in world-class wine regions and the refreshing salt air of the Pacific coast.
Iconic Drives on the Island: Highways like the Pacific Rim Highway (19/4A/4) to Tofino and Ucluelet offer captivating drives through old-growth forests and along rugged coastlines.
Key Stops & Experiences:
Okanagan Valley (Kelowna, Penticton): World-renowned wine region. Sample local wines, enjoy lake views, and cruise the scenic Highway 97.
Fraser Valley: A lush agricultural region as you approach the coast.
Victoria: Explore the charming capital city of BC, with its historic architecture and vibrant harbour.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (Tofino/Ucluelet): A pilgrimage for surfers and nature lovers. The drive itself is spectacular, leading to dramatic coastlines, ancient rainforests, and endless beaches.
Nanaimo, Comox, Campbell River: Charming coastal towns with unique attractions and access to outdoor adventures.
Malahat Drive (Highway 1 between Victoria and Nanaimo): Offers incredible views of the Saanich Inlet.
Driving Tips:
Plan Ahead: This is a 4-7 day trip easily. Book accommodation and BC Ferries reservations well in advance, especially during peak season.
Ferry Logistics: Arrive early for your ferry. Check schedules and fares on the BC Ferries website.
Island Roads: Many roads on Vancouver Island are narrower and more winding than mainland highways. Drive cautiously.
Rainforest Weather: Be prepared for rain, especially on the west coast of Vancouver Island, even in summer.
The Wilderness Loop: Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks
This is a quintessential Rockies experience, a grand loop that combines the best of several national parks in Alberta and British Columbia. It’s a slightly different flavor than the Icefields Parkway alone, offering more varied roads and a broader perspective of the region.
Why Every Car Enthusiast Loves It:
Continuous Scenery: From the moment you leave Calgary, you’re immersed in stunning mountain vistas that rarely let up.
Variety of Roads: You’ll drive major highways, smaller park roads, and even some twisty sections through passes, offering a full range of driving enjoyment.
Iconic Landmarks: Hit all the major highlights of the Canadian Rockies on one epic drive.
Wildlife Rich: This expansive loop increases your chances of encountering diverse wildlife.
Key Stops & Experiences:
Banff National Park: Start with the classic Banff Drive Road Trips, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake (often requiring shuttle access).
Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A): A scenic alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway between Banff and Lake Louise, often quieter and with more wildlife viewing opportunities.
Yoho National Park (BC):
Emerald Lake: Another stunning turquoise Drive Road Trips, perfect for canoeing.
Takakkaw Falls: Canada’s second-highest waterfall, a truly powerful sight.
Spiral Tunnels: An engineering marvel where trains navigate the steep grade through tunnels.
Kootenay National Park (BC) – Highway 93 South:
Marble Canyon & Paint Pots: Unique geological formations and colourful mineral deposits.
Radium Hot Springs: Relax in natural mineral hot springs after a day of driving.
Canmore: A charming mountain Drive Road Trips just outside Banff National Park, offering great food and amenities.
Driving Tips:
Park Passes: You will need a Parks Canada pass for Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks.
Fuel & Food: Ample Drive Road Trips in Banff, Lake Louise, and Radium Hot Springs. Fewer options in Yoho and Kootenay.
Take Side Roads: Don’t just stick to the main Drive Road Trips. The Bow Valley Parkway and the road to Takakkaw Falls offer fantastic detours.
Traffic: Banff and Lake Louise can be very busy, especially in summer. Start early to avoid crowds.
Whether you prefer the thrill of a mountain pass, the tranquility of a coastal cruise, or the raw beauty of ancient glaciers, these five road trips from Drive Road Trips offer something spectacular for every car enthusiast. Each journey is an invitation to explore, to connect with the landscape, and to rediscover the sheer joy of driving. So, choose your adventure, tune up your ride, and hit the open road – the Canadian West is waiting to be explored. Safe travels, and happy driving!
