5 Mountain Getaways Within Driving Distance
Best of Calgary is a celebration of the people, places and voices that make Calgary an amazing place to live and call home.
Written by: Kelsey Woods
Well Calgary, our warm winter weather this year has prolonged our usual daydream of jetting off to a tropical country and laying on a sandy beach somewhere, but everyone needs a break at some point. We know you’re busy people and it’s hard to find time away from the office, the family, the extracurriculars, you name it. However, what if your getaway spot was only a few hours away? You could go for one day, one night, a weekend or maybe even a full week! Whatever your schedule, check out some of these majestic mountain getaway destinations - the perfect way to unplug, relax and spend some time in the great outdoors.
Day Trip: Kananaskis Nordic Spa
In less than an hour drive, you can be relaxing in a multitude of outdoor pools, hot saunas and a variety of spa services centred in our very own Rocky Mountains. The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a modern, yet natural, alpine sanctuary that provides that spa-ahhhhh feeling you’ve been craving. Stay for an hour or four - enjoy the pools, the company and the outdoor air. This is an adults-only spa so book your babysitters and get ready for a day filled with relaxation and pure bliss. Purchase a spa service and you gain free automatic entry to the outdoor pools, or purchase entry to the pools separately but make sure you get there early to avoid the waitlist on busy days!
To book your spa date, visit the Kananaskis Nordic Spa website.
1-2 Day Trip: Rundle Ridge Chalets Outside of Canmore
1100 Harvie Heights Rd, Harvie Heights
Escape the city to spend a night in a rustic cabin only an hour away from home. Rundle Ridge Chalets are located just past Canmore off of Highway 1 so they’re easy to find and quick to reach. Each charming chalet is equipped with a full kitchenette and a wood burning stove for you to curl up around in the evening. Centred in the Rocky Mountains, you can fill your days with winter activities, trips into Canmore or Banff or just lazing around the cabin, enjoying your solitude. The best part is that these cabins rent for low rates of $89-$109/night, making mountain living affordable.
Book your stay at Rundle Ridge Chalets here.
1-2 Day Trip: Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets in Banff
Avoid the everyday hustle and bustle of Banff by staying at the Douglas Fir just four minutes out of town. This quaint destination offers mountain views, a fitness room, saunas and whirlpools, an outdoor hot tub and two gigantic indoor waterslides for you and the kiddos to enjoy. When booking your room, choose between individual condos, chalets, specialty suites or family rooms able to host up to ten people. Plus, registered guests have access to the free shuttle taking people into town and back again when they’re done perusing the streets, shops, restaurants and local attractions. Enjoy the 1.5 hour drive of busy city, quiet prairies, rolling foothills and eventually grand mountains to enjoy a weekend away amongst the Rockies.
Reserve at the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets here.
1, 2 or 3 Day Trip: Engadine Lodge
Drive two hours from the city and you’ll stumble upon the magnificent Mount Engadine Lodge. Travel south on the Smith Dorrien Trail from Canmore for approximately an hour before you arrive at this exclusive hidden gem. Whether you’re interested in booking a cabin, a room, a yurt or their winter glamping suites, there is something here for everyone. As an added bonus, every room rate includes a full breakfast, packed lunch, afternoon tea and a gourmet dinner, all inspired by their local surroundings. If you mention that you’re visiting from Calgary, you may also receive a ‘Local Rocky’ discount on your overnight stay.
Book a night at Mount Engadine Lodge here!
2-3 Day Trip: Pocahontas Cabins in Jasper
Highway 16 East, Jasper
A bit of a longer trek from Calgary, Jasper is home to some of the most beautiful mountain views and frozen waterfalls you can find. In just over five hours, you can be completely surrounded by untouched, thick, white blankets of snow, perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing - all things snow, really. From one and two bedroom suites to executive cabins and luxury suites, prices range from $118-$195+/night. Enjoy a fireplace, half-full kitchenette, full bathroom, comfortable beds and complimentary tea and coffee in an exclusive, rustic, mountain setting.
Book your Pocahontas Cabin now!
For all activities, events and things happening in and around Jasper, visit this Travel Jasper link.
Kelsey Woods is the Content & Editorial Manager for Best of Calgary