I'm traveling from CLE-IAH then IAH to YYC from Aug 10-14th. I'm wondering what you people could suggest to me on what to do in Calgary or the Surrounding area Jasper, Edmonton, Etc. I will have my girlfriend who has never traveled out to Calgary before and I would like to show her the mountains and other stuff. Please suggest what we can do in this time frame for Activities and maybe if u could suggest some good restaurants?

Thanks

N1Hawk

Go to Vulcan.

Seriously. Its about a hour and half drive.

Go where no man has gone before.........

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Its about 3 hour drive from Calgary but that was pretty amazing.
It is a World Heritage Site.

Dinos and Trekkie's - can't get more romantic than that.

Looks like you've got a few days.

I'd spend at least 1 day in Calgary proper.

I'd then go to Banff and and do an overnight. Nice, quaint village that Jasper doesn't have.

You could go to the Columbia Glacier (I think that's what it's called) and take a tour on the glacier itself.

While in Banff, hopefully you'll catch a clear day, and if so be sure to ride the Gondola up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

On your way from Banff to Jasper, of course stop at Lake Louise for some "iconic" photo ops.

Edmonton: Of course the West Edmonton Mall, the world's biggest mall (still true, right?), is a must see, "just because".

Edmonton-West Edmonton Mall...hmmmmm thas about it. It's not called Deadmonton for nothing.

Canmore/Banff-Biking Trails and lots of great hikes.

Lake Louise-Hike to the Tea Hut and Victoria Glacier

Columbia Ice Field (Half way between Banff and Jasper)

Dinosaur Provincial Park and Royal Tyrrell Museum (first rate)

Calgary has some specatacular opportunities but Edmonton is not worth a trip if you only have four days. Kananaskis is neaby and there are some great hikes and scenery. Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway are great in nice weather. The best hike: Go yo Yoho (Lake Louise to Rogers Pass) and go on the Iceline Trail - closeup view of the high mountains. If you want to see the Columbia Icefields you can get good views from trails off the road avoid the bus ride.

I would spend a day out in Drumheller to see the Tyrell Museum (it's awesome)
Then maybe do a day/night/day thing in Banff, and that leaves you a couple nights in Calgary.

That should be a good exposure to both Calgary and the natural greatness that surrounds it, considering your time constraints.

Disregard the comments that Edmonton is not worth the trip. Both cities offer great things to see and do (as an aside Edmonton sees more tourists than Calgary, most people land in Calgary and head to Banff, and not stay in Calgary).

You are actually coming at a terrific time to see Edmonton. The summer is fabulous and you happen to be in the area at the start of the Fringe Theatre Festival. This is one of the worlds best theatre festivals and is definitely worth a trip if you like live theatre.

As many have said going to Banff, Lake Louise and then heading up the icefields parkway to Jasper is an amazing trip the Columbia Icefields are great and you can go on them in special bus. Then head to Jasper and then on to Edmonton to the Fringe.

I personally would skip the mall but I am a jaded resident of Edmonton

A busy 4 days but it will make you want to come back for more!

Thanks for the help 32 days left before the trip!

I'd recommend choosing one of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. LL is nice, and the trail around the lake is nice, plus the Lake Agnes teahouse is there, but the trails, especially towards the weekend, will be swamped with people. Moraine Lake is nice, and the trails seem to have less people, though not by much.

Either way, arrive BEFORE 10 am or you're going to struggle to find parking.

Johnson Canyon is a nice easy hike for someone who's looking for a good payoff without too much effort. Note, though, that if you get there after about 10, you'll be in 'rush hour' traffic in the parking lot and trail.

If you're driving to LL/Moraine Lake/Jasper from Banff, an option is to drive the Bow Valley Parkway instead of the Trans-Canada. Slower drive, no wildlife fences, great views (TCH has some good views too) but a much better chance of meeting animals on or on the side of the road.

Drive up the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectecular drives in world!