Take a Road Trip from Calgary, Alberta to Denver, Colorado: Top Things to Do
From the picturesque Canadian Rockies to the scenic landscapes of Montana and Colorado, a road trip from Calgary to Denver offers plenty of breathtaking views and exciting activities. At around 12 hours of driving time, that stretch of road is an ideal trip for a long weekend or a leisurely week-long stay.
The Top 5 Things to Do
Here are the top 5 things to do on a road trip from Calgary to Denver.
1. Explore Banff National Park
The first stop on the drive should be Banff National Park, which offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, alongside outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. From natural hot springs to picturesque lakes, Banff National Park has an array of nature-inspired adventures that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Interesting Fact: Banff National Park is Canada's first national park, established in 1885.
2. Soak in the Great Falls
Great Falls, located in Montana, is a must-visit location. What’s a road trip without a stopover for a bit of relaxation and rejuvenation, right? The Sip-n-Dip Lounge is a popular location to grab a drink while watching mermaids in the pool.
- Interesting Fact: Lewis and Clark discovered the Great Falls of the Missouri River in 1805.
3. Visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is a 3-and-a-half hour drive away from Great Falls, but it’s worth the long drive to learn about a historic battle that changed America's history. The monument has preserved the location of the Battle of Little Bighorn, during which the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes led by Sitting Bull defeated U.S. General George Armstrong Custer's troops.
- Interesting Fact: The battle was fought on June 25-26, 1876, also known as "Custer's Last Stand."
4. See Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming and boasts of Teton Mountains and Jackson Hole. It’s the perfect road trip destination for anyone who loves outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring the rugged terrain.
- Interesting Fact: The stunning Teton Mountains are part of the Rocky Mountains and have been sculpted by glaciers over the last 2-3 million years.
5. Get a Dose of Art in Denver
No road trip would be complete without exploring the city of Denver. For art-lovers, the Denver Art Museum has a permanent collection of over 70,000 works ranging from ancient sculpture to contemporary art. The museum of Contemporary Art is nearby as well, offering visitors something a bit more modern.
- Interesting Fact: The Denver Art Museum has seven floors and over 350,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Conclusion
Driving through Canada to the American border is a beautiful journey with vibrant colors, scenic beauty, and historical landmarks. The trip is a great way to introduce friends and family to the great outdoors or to relax and enjoy some breathtaking views. The road through Banff to Denver is just over 12 hours, but it’s recommended to take a few days or even a week to complete the journey and experience all the wonders along the way.