It had been years since our last visit to Calgary, Alberta — since around 2009? But, this time we actually saw the city. And what better way to explore than by bike?
It was definitely a workout (especially with a few hills and chilly weather to contend with), but the scenery made it pedal-worthy! We stopped to admire the scenic views and stopped at local spots like the Peace Bridge, the Veterans Memorial, Calgary’s stunning downtown public library, and of course, bubble tea and lunch in Chinatown to refuel.
By the end of the day, we hopped on the C Train home like locals, just as the rain began to fall — perfect timing! The kids handled the ride like champs! I’m convinced they could’ve done the full route without breaking a sweat! It was such a fun and refreshing way to rediscover the city.
Next, we explored the incredible sights a little further out from the dinosaur capital of Drumheller to the crystal-blue lakes of Banff National Park, every day brought something new to discover — and a reminder of just how stunning Canada truly is.
Drumheller: Where Dinosaurs Once Roamed
We kicked things off in Drumheller, the dinosaur capital of the world — and it did not disappoint! Visiting the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology was such a highlight, especially with the kids this time around. Seeing real fossils and learning about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this area made it easy to see why it’s such a hit with kids (and adults too).
After the museum, we ventured into the Badlands, which felt like stepping into a scene from a Sci-Fi movie — dry, rocky landscapes stretching out as far as you could see. And of course, we couldn’t miss the famous Hoodoos, those quirky rock formations that quickly became the kids’ favorite part of the whole trip! They were eager to climb higher and explore every viewpoint, while I happily stayed at a level that felt a little more… grounded. I decided to stay at a height I could actually enjoy — one that didn’t come with the heart-racing anxiety of looking down from too high up!
Hiking Through Grotto Canyon
It was time to head to the Rocky Mountains near Canmore and Kananaskis. Our home base was the town of Canmore and only 10 minutes away from Grotto Canyon.
With rain in the forecast, we opted for a lighter hike and found the perfect spot at Grotto Canyon which is only accessible by foot. The 5K round trip was the ideal mix of adventure and ease. The gentle trickle of water followed us through the narrow canyon creating a tranquil atmosphere as we walked and a natural kind of serenity with every step.
We skipped stones, admired the rock formations, and ended at a small waterfall. These are the simple joys that made the day feel relaxed and memorable. Of course, it turned into a bit more of a workout than we planned, but we loved every minute of it!
The Columbia Icefield Adventure
Next up, Jasper! This was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip — the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure. It was quite the trek (about 2.5 hours each way), but absolutely worth it. tough to come by (right after things reopened post-pandemic), but we managed to snag a little Toyota Corolla with a manual transmission on Turo! Not exactly ideal, but it got us where we needed to go! We had booked the excursion before leaving and didn’t want to miss our time slot.
As our huge ice explorer (built to handle the glacial terrain) departed for the Icefields, we felt the temperature drop dramatically — 10–15 degrees colder than the visitor center — and stepping onto the Athabasca Glacier was exhilarating because it felt like a wild, winter expedition surrounded by ice, wind, and wilderness. While we were there, we even scooped some glacier water into our bottles — ice-cold, pure, and surprisingly tasteless. Nature at its freshest!
Standing on that vast sheet of ancient ice, surrounded by the crisp mountain air, was one of those moments that makes you pause and appreciate what the world we live in. It was a humbling experience to witness something so breathtaking.
After the glacier adventure, we made our way to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. The Skywalk is a glass-floored observation platform overlooking a 280m drop jutting out over the Sunwapta Valley, offering a breathtaking (and slightly nerve-wracking) view straight down. Standing there, you feel completely alive with a mix of awe, wonder, and just the right amount of fear.
We lingered there for a while, taking in the view and the fresh alpine air before heading back toward our home base in Canmore. By the time we got to town, the sun was setting and it was almost time for dinner. A perfect way to end to a truly unforgettable day.
Moraine Lake Magic
If I had to choose a highlight, Moraine Lake in Banff National Park takes the crown for me (though the kids still vote for the Hoodoos).
A note of caution, this attraction along with Lake Louise is extremely popular and busy so planning ahead is a must! Parking lots fill up quickly so opted to park at the Lake Louise Park and Ride and take the shuttle into the National Park.
That day, the weather was a little cool but just right for exploring. The glacially fed alpine lake with its turquoise blue water shimmering against the beautiful mountain peaks was honestly even more stunning than Lake Louise. It’s hard to put into words how peaceful it felt. The quiet, the stillness, was absolutely mesmerizing. You really can’t get enough pictures!
We took a short hike around the lake, soaking in the views and keeping an eye out for wildlife (Rachel was hoping we’d spot a bear… thankfully, we didn’t ).
It was the perfect way to wrap up our Alberta adventure — surrounded by nature’s beauty, feeling small in the best possible way.
From hiking canyons and glaciers to biking through Calgary and standing in awe of Moraine Lake, Alberta offered the perfect mix of adventure and beauty. It’s a trip we’ll remember for a long time — even if we can’t all agree on which stop was the best.
