A road trip around Calgary is the ultimate adventure for UK visitors eager to discover Alberta’s breathtaking beauty. Ditch the crowded coach tours and rigid schedules and embrace the freedom to explore at your own pace—stopping for mountain views, quaint prairie towns, or soaking in natural hot springs. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from renting a car in Canada and choosing the right ride to mapping out unforgettable routes, packing smart, staying safe, and making sustainable choices. Whether you're cruising through the rugged Badlands or alongside sparkling glacial lakes, every mile brings a new, unforgettable memory.
Calgary sits at the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, yet offers a cosmopolitan start and finish to your adventure. Driving yourself means you decide how long to linger at the glimmering shores of Lake Louise, when to sip a latte in the east‑end hipster district, and how early to catch wildlife in Banff National Park. UK travellers are often stunned by the sheer size of the Rockies and the endless clear skies over the prairies. A road trip around Calgary allows you to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene and the expansive landscapes that have made Canada famous worldwide. You travel at your own pace, pause for coffee and cake when the mood strikes, and steer clear of crowded coach parks in favour of hidden viewpoints and local diners.
To get started, the first step is renting a car in Canada. UK licence-holders only need to show a valid driving licence, passport, and credit card when picking up their vehicle. Most car rental companies allow drivers aged 21 and over, though those under 25 may incur a small additional fee. Basic insurance is included, but upgrading to cover windscreen damage and theft is a smart choice for extra peace of mind. It's best to book in advance, especially during the busy summer and winter ski seasons when popular vehicles sell out quickly. With Finalrentals, you can easily compare different cars, models, and prices in just minutes, so you’ll know exactly what to expect when you arrive.
Calgary’s roads range from smooth city streets to mountain highways above two thousand metres. A compact hatchback is perfect for solo travellers or couples who favour fuel efficiency and easy parking in downtown Calgary. Families or groups often opt for a medium‑sized SUV or MPV, enjoying extra room for luggage, ski kit, or camping gear. For rougher roads—such as the gravel stretches around Banff’s backcountry lodges—a 4×4 is invaluable, offering better traction and ground clearance. When comparing vehicles, check boot space, fuel economy, and tyre type. Many providers also rent GPS devices and child seats; reserve these in advance to avoid disappointment on arrival.
For more tips on driving in Canada and renting a car, check out Everything International Travellers Need to Know About Driving in Canada.
Your first adventure can follow the Trans‑Canada Highway west from Calgary towards the towering peaks of Banff National Park. After roughly an hour’s drive, you’ll enter Banff town, where Main Street offers artisan shops, coffee houses, and the chance to spot elk grazing near the Bow River. Continue another forty minutes to Lake Louise, whose emerald waters lie framed by glaciers. Pause for a lakeside walk or canoe ride before ascending the Icefields Parkway. Considered one of the world’s most scenic drives, this road takes you towards the Columbia Icefield. Set aside extra time to visit the Athabasca Glacier or the Glacier Skywalk, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that are definitely worth the detour.
If you have two or three days, head north from the Columbia Icefield towards Jasper. Stop at Peyto and Bow Lakes for stunning turquoise reflections and the chance to spot bighorn sheep. The road winds through mountain passes and past waterfalls before reaching Jasper National Park. In Jasper town, you’ll find charming shops on Patricia Street, and nearby Maligne Lake offers boat tours to Spirit Island. In winter, this route transforms into a snowy wonderland with frozen waterfalls and iced-over lakes—perfect for an adventurous drive with snow tires.
For a complete change of scenery, head east from Calgary towards the Badlands and Drumheller. This drive takes you across the rolling prairie before arriving at hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock sculpted by erosion over millennia. The Royal Tyrrell Museum here houses world‑class dinosaur exhibits, popular with families and geology enthusiasts. Continue along the Red Deer River valley to catch sight of the Atlas Coal Mine or traverse the Badlands Parkway for more out‑of‑this‑world landscapes.
A short thirty‑minute drive west brings you to Canmore, a lively town beneath the Three Sisters peaks. Canmore’s art galleries and bakeries are a delightful start before you explore Kananaskis Country’s lakes, trails, and picnic spots. Highway 40, known as the Kananaskis Trail, winds past Upper and Lower Kananaskis lakes. You may pause for a gentle walk by Herbert Lake or hire bikes to tackle gravel tracks along the shore. In autumn, larch trees glow golden; in spring, snowmelt feeds rushing creeks.
For a quieter retreat, point your wheels south towards Waterton Lakes National Park, where the prairies meet the Rockies. This three‑hour drive passes through rolling farmland before reaching Waterton townsite on the lake’s north shore. The Red Rock Canyon Trail offers an easy hike up the hillside, while boat cruises provide views of secluded bays and dramatic cliffs. If time allows, follow the Akamina Parkway to Cameron Lake, at the park's centre. Watch for grizzly bears grazing on berries (from a safe distance), or relax on a deck at the Prince of Wales Hotel, which overlooks the lake from its cliff‑top perch.
Even in summer, mountain weather can change quickly. Include waterproof jackets, layered clothing, and sturdy walking shoes to explore trails. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles are vital under Alberta’s bright sun. Don’t forget a first‑aid kit, insect repellent, and a portable phone charger for long stretches without service. In winter, thermal base layers, insulated boots, and a warm hat are essential for staying comfortable in the cold. If you're hoping to do some stargazing, bring binoculars. During peak season, you might see the Milky Way in Kananaskis Country or Jasper's dark-sky preserve.
In Alberta, driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and speed limits are in kilometres per hour. In urban areas, the speed limit is typically 40 km/h, while on highways, it can go up to 100 km/h. Seat belts are mandatory and must be worn at all times. Police checkpoints are uncommon, but officers may request your licence and rental agreement. Use headlights in rain, fog, or when travelling through tunnels. Be mindful of wildlife crossing signs—moose and deer may appear on roads unexpectedly, especially at dawn and dusk.
Emergencies are rare but knowing your options brings peace of mind. Save 911 for medical or police assistance, and programme your car rental provider’s 24/7 hotline before you set off. Locate the spare tyre, jack, and warning triangle at pick‑up—take a quick photo of the layout for reference. If breakdowns occur, call your rental company first; many include roadside assistance in their insurance packages. In national parks, follow bear safety guidelines: carry bear spray, make noise on trails, and secure all food in bear‑proof lockers at campsites.
Road trips leave a carbon footprint, but you can lessen yours by choosing a fuel‑efficient car and sharing rides with friends or family. Reuse water bottles and shopping bags, dispose of litter responsibly, and stay in eco‑certified lodges where possible. When hiking, stick to marked trails and avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation. Support community‑run tours and buy souvenirs from local artisans whose crafts reflect Canada’s indigenous heritage and pioneer history.
A road trip from Calgary offers stunning mountain peaks, vast prairies, and lively cityscapes that no package tour can match. You choose where to stop when to rest, and how to enjoy every moment. Ready to begin your Canadian adventure? Rent a car through Finalrentals, pick up your keys and set off on an unforgettable road trip. Safe travels!
