Alberta
Photo of AI-LewisClark
AI-LewisClark
04 Feb 2026
Plan Together
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

10 Best Places for Weekend Getaway form Red Deer, AB

10 Best Weekend Getaways from Red Deer, AB — Trip Overview

This itinerary highlights ten exceptional destinations within a few hours’ drive of Red Deer, offering a mix of mountain scenery, lakeside relaxation, unique geology and cultural experiences. From world-famous national parks like Banff and Jasper to quieter provincial parks and town-based hubs such as Canmore and Sylvan Lake, each stop provides distinctive activities: hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives (including the Icefields Parkway), water sports, and soaking in hot springs. Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller to explore paleontological treasures and the dramatic hoodoos, unwind at Radium Hot Springs in the Columbia Valley, or choose family-friendly fun at Sylvan Lake. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate extensive trail networks in Kananaskis, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and Canmore, while Waterton Lakes offers a compact, picturesque park with unique ecosystems. This collection is designed for flexible weekend plans—pick one or combine nearby spots for multi-day circuits, allowing both adventure and relaxation without long transfers from Red Deer.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Banff National Park

    Iconic Rocky Mountain scenery with turquoise lakes (e.g., Lake Louise, Moraine Lake), abundant wildlife, and extensive hiking, skiing and outdoor recreation opportunities—ideal for both relaxation and adventure close to Red Deer.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Jasper National Park

    Vast wilderness with rugged peaks, glaciers, dark-sky viewing, and quieter trails than Banff—great for wildlife viewing, scenic drives (Icefields Parkway), hiking, and experiencing vast alpine landscapes.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    Drumheller (Royal Tyrrell Museum & Hoodoos)

    World-class paleontology at the Royal Tyrrell Museum with extensive dinosaur exhibits and fossils, plus unique badlands formations and hoodoos offering dramatic, unusual landscapes and excellent photo opportunities.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin4

    Waterton Lakes National Park

    Stunning blend of prairie, foothills and mountains with emerald lakes, iconic Red Rock Canyon and scenic boat tours—offers quieter trails, abundant wildlife and a compact, picturesque park perfect for relaxing getaways.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Kananaskis Country

    Extensive backcountry and day-hike access with fewer crowds than national parks, excellent mountain biking, climbing and trail networks, plus family-friendly campgrounds and stunning alpine scenery close to Calgary.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin6

    Canmore (Canmore Nordic Centre & Three Sisters)

    Outdoor recreation hub with world-class cross-country skiing and mountain-biking at the Nordic Centre, plus dramatic views of the Three Sisters peaks, plentiful trails, shops and a lively small-town atmosphere ideal as a base for exploring the Rockies.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin7

    Sylvan Lake

    Popular lakeside destination with sandy beaches, warm swimming, boating and water sports—easy weekend escape from Red Deer with family-friendly amenities, restaurants and a lively summer events scene.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin8

    Little Red River (Hinton / Edson area access to mountains and trails)

    Serves as a gateway to foothills and mountain recreation with access to hiking, fishing and dispersed camping; quieter, less-developed routes for exploring scenic river valleys and approaching Jasper-area wilderness without the crowds.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin9

    Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

    Offers classic alpine scenery, extensive hiking and backcountry routes, canoeing on long lakes and abundant wildlife viewing—less crowded than nearby national parks while providing dramatic peaks, accessible trails and excellent camping for weekend adventures.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin10

    Radium Hot Springs / Columbia Valley

    Natural mineral hot springs for relaxing soaking with mountain views, plus easy access to Kootenay and Columbia Valley attractions—hiking, wildlife, scenic drives and nearby lakes combine relaxation and outdoor adventure for a restorative weekend escape.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    The Bison in Banff

    4.6
    $$$$

    The Bison in Banff

    Seasonal, locally sourced menu highlighting Alberta game and regional ingredients in a cozy, rustic setting—great for a memorable mountain-dining experience.
    4.6
    $$$$
    Picture for The Bison in Banff
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Juniper Bistro in Canmore

    4.5

    The Juniper Bistro in Canmore

    Praised for its stunning mountain views and contemporary Canadian cuisine using local produce—excellent for a relaxed, scenic dinner after a day outdoors.
    4.5
    Picture for The Juniper Bistro in Canmore
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Woolly Pub in Canmore

    4.3
    $$$$

    The Woolly Pub in Canmore

    Popular gastropub known for craft beer selection and hearty, well-executed comfort dishes—ideal for casual evenings and après-hike meals.
    4.3
    $$$$
    Picture for The Woolly Pub in Canmore
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Crimson in Jasper

    4.3

    The Crimson in Jasper

    Cozy bistro offering refined comfort food with local ingredients—perfect spot for warm, satisfying meals after exploring Jasper’s trails.
    4.3
    Picture for The Crimson in Jasper
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Drake Inn Dining Room in Drumheller

    4.3
    $$$$

    The Drake Inn Dining Room in Drumheller

    Locally beloved for approachable, flavorful dishes and friendly service—convenient for combining a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum with a nice sit-down meal.
    4.3
    $$$$
    Picture for The Drake Inn Dining Room in Drumheller

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Fairmont Banff Springs

    4.55

    Fairmont Banff Springs

    Iconic castle-style resort with luxurious rooms, extensive amenities (spa, golf, dining) and unparalleled access to Banff townsite and surrounding mountain activities.
    4.55
    Picture for Fairmont Banff Springs
  • Hotel Icon

    Jasper Park Lodge (Fairmont)

    4.5

    Jasper Park Lodge (Fairmont)

    Upscale lakeside resort offering rustic-chic cabins, golf, and proximity to Jasper’s trails and wildlife viewing — ideal for comfort amid wilderness.
    4.5
    Picture for Jasper Park Lodge (Fairmont)
  • Hotel Icon

    Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn

    4.1

    Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn

    Comfortable, well-located hotel in Canmore with easy access to local shops, trails and the Canmore Nordic Centre—good value for outdoor-focused travelers.
    4.1
    Picture for Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn
  • Hotel Icon

    Best Western Plus Drumheller Inn & Suites

    4

    Best Western Plus Drumheller Inn & Suites

    Convenient, family-friendly hotel near Drumheller attractions including the Royal Tyrrell Museum—practical choice for sightseeing and road-trippers.
    4
    Picture for Best Western Plus Drumheller Inn & Suites
  • Hotel Icon

    Radium Valley Inn

    4.7

    Radium Valley Inn

    Comfortable lodging in Radium Hot Springs offering easy access to the hot pools and Columbia Valley attractions—suitable base for relaxation and exploring nearby parks.
    4.7
    Picture for Radium Valley Inn

Local Events & Happenings

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Crowsnest pass you are like in the bottom of a valley so you dont get much for views. Only thing Id add here is that Abraham lake and lake Louise is worth it if you have the t...

    Vancouver to Red Deer - via Jasper, Banff, or Crowsnest?

    Crowsnest pass you are like in the bottom of a valley so you dont get much for views. Only thing Id add here is that Abraham lake and lake Louise is worth it if you have the t...

    /r/alberta
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    News, announcements and community resources for Red Deer and area including: Lacombe, Ponoka, Rocky Mountain House, Innisfail, Stettler, Bowden, Olds, Three Hills, Sylvan Lake...

    Highways to Banff

    News, announcements and community resources for Red Deer and area including: Lacombe, Ponoka, Rocky Mountain House, Innisfail, Stettler, Bowden, Olds, Three Hills, Sylvan Lake...

    /r/RedDeer
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    There's plenty of places around town to rent a canoe for the docile red deer river. Honestly though the real gems of the province require some driving. Banff, khaninaskis...

    Visiting Red Deer - things to do in surrounding area?

    There's plenty of places around town to rent a canoe for the docile red deer river. Honestly though the real gems of the province require some driving. Banff, khaninaskis...

    /r/RedDeer
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    The town of Banff and Banff National Park, in Alberta Canada. ... All the best things to do, to see, and discuss in the San Francisco Bay Area! ... Un subreddit para todo lo r...

    Any suggestions on our 7 Day Itinerary?

    The town of Banff and Banff National Park, in Alberta Canada. ... All the best things to do, to see, and discuss in the San Francisco Bay Area! ... Un subreddit para todo lo r...

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    You are driving by the same spots about 3 times back and forth; Calgary to Emerald Lake in Field covers Lake Louise and Banff. At the very least you would want to swap day 1 a...

    Itinerary for a 4-day trip to Jasper and Banff from Calgary

    You are driving by the same spots about 3 times back and forth; Calgary to Emerald Lake in Field covers Lake Louise and Banff. At the very least you would want to swap day 1 a...

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    The town of Banff and Banff National Park, in Alberta Canada. ... Welcome to the Zion National Park subreddit! This community is dedicated to sharing everything related to Zio...

    3 Day Itinerary

    The town of Banff and Banff National Park, in Alberta Canada. ... Welcome to the Zion National Park subreddit! This community is dedicated to sharing everything related to Zio...

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Banff Upper Hot Springs is awesome, great view, hot pool overlooking the valley. $30 cdn for both of you. And since you have the discovery pass, every park is your playground....

    Tips for a low budget 5 day Banff itinerary

    Banff Upper Hot Springs is awesome, great view, hot pool overlooking the valley. $30 cdn for both of you. And since you have the discovery pass, every park is your playground....

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Banff is lot more commercialized than Jasper. If you enjoy hiking and fishing, you could spend a whole week at any of your destinations, with the possible exception of Drumhel...

    How should I structure 7 day itinerary for Calgary/Drumhelle/Banff & LL?

    Banff is lot more commercialized than Jasper. If you enjoy hiking and fishing, you could spend a whole week at any of your destinations, with the possible exception of Drumhel...

    /r/alberta
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    I am flying to Calgary this coming weekend and was thinking about doing a day trip to Banff ( First time visiting, so zero experience ). Had some

    One day trip

    I am flying to Calgary this coming weekend and was thinking about doing a day trip to Banff ( First time visiting, so zero experience ). Had some

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    You can Google to find more out about each place. Fenn is about an hour from Red Deer, than each location is about 20-40 minutes further.

    Fun road trips from Red Deer.

    You can Google to find more out about each place. Fenn is about an hour from Red Deer, than each location is about 20-40 minutes further.

    /r/RedDeer
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    16 votes, 26 comments. BANFF ITENIRARY May 24th: Arrive to Calgary at Arrive to Calgary at 11:32 am Get rental car Find lunch in Calgary (han

    My 8 Day Itinerary for Banff & Jasper Visit

    16 votes, 26 comments. BANFF ITENIRARY May 24th: Arrive to Calgary at Arrive to Calgary at 11:32 am Get rental car Find lunch in Calgary (han

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    51 votes, 17 comments. Hello friends! My wife and I spent the past week in the Canadian Rockies and I wanted to share some tips that we wish we knew

    A few quick tips from our trip to Banff & Canmore

    51 votes, 17 comments. Hello friends! My wife and I spent the past week in the Canadian Rockies and I wanted to share some tips that we wish we knew

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Banff - 4 Day Itinerary ~Thursday~ 9:30 AM: Pick up Car Rental. 10:00 AM: Drive from Calgary to Banff. 1:00 PM: Head towards Banff Gondola. 1:15 PM: Go up the Banff Gondola an...

    NEED HELP: 4 Day Banff Itinerary Mid-June

    Banff - 4 Day Itinerary ~Thursday~ 9:30 AM: Pick up Car Rental. 10:00 AM: Drive from Calgary to Banff. 1:00 PM: Head towards Banff Gondola. 1:15 PM: Go up the Banff Gondola an...

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    ... Canmore here... it truly depends if you enjoy city things or outdoorsy things. Me, I'd skip Edmonton and Calgary (and the towns of Banff and Jasper) and spend every m...

    April CA Rockies Trip

    ... Canmore here... it truly depends if you enjoy city things or outdoorsy things. Me, I'd skip Edmonton and Calgary (and the towns of Banff and Jasper) and spend every m...

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    The town of Banff and Banff National Park, in Alberta Canada. ... A community for Paris lovers and first-timers about travelling to the city, as a tourist or off the beaten pa...

    Any Suggestions on our 3 Day Itinerary?

    The town of Banff and Banff National Park, in Alberta Canada. ... A community for Paris lovers and first-timers about travelling to the city, as a tourist or off the beaten pa...

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Get your questions answered and share any tips and advice you might have for travellers. PLEASE search the sub before posting there is great wisdom here. Try winter itinerary,...

    Banff itinerary

    Get your questions answered and share any tips and advice you might have for travellers. PLEASE search the sub before posting there is great wisdom here. Try winter itinerary,...

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    As the title mentioned. Planning on landing in Calgary or Edmonton and doing the C trip that takes you through Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. Need to know which is the better...

    Planning a trip to Alberta from Edmonton to Calgary through Jasper and Banff (or the other way around)

    As the title mentioned. Planning on landing in Calgary or Edmonton and doing the C trip that takes you through Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. Need to know which is the better...

    /r/alberta
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    The town of Banff and Banff National Park, in Alberta Canada. ... Hi! I'll be visiting Banff in September. I put together an itinerary of what seems to be the top things ...

    6-day Banff Itinerary

    The town of Banff and Banff National Park, in Alberta Canada. ... Hi! I'll be visiting Banff in September. I put together an itinerary of what seems to be the top things ...

    /r/Banff
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Canmore is less of a tourist town than Banff but worth a tourist visit for sure. ... Yes! Skip off of Highway 1 before Strath Orr and head North. Or even before that go to Dru...

    Good morning beautiful Albertans. I'm starting my 10-12 day road trip from On to BC on October 1st. Which route should I take? I want to spend most of my time in Banff and then Jasper. Any input will be greatly appreciated :)

    Canmore is less of a tourist town than Banff but worth a tourist visit for sure. ... Yes! Skip off of Highway 1 before Strath Orr and head North. Or even before that go to Dru...

    /r/alberta
    View on RedditView on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

    Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

    An anthemic, road-trip classic that captures the freedom and exhilaration of hitting open highways and chasing horizons.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run
  • Music Icon

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Upbeat and driving, it keeps energy high and suits long stretches between towns and scenic routes.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway
  • Music Icon

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Whimsical and uplifting, this feel-good tune pairs well with sunny drives and lighthearted moments.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way
  • Music Icon

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Warm and reflective, it evokes the comfort of returning to familiar places and the calm of nature stops along the way.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home
  • Music Icon

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    A spirited rock track that adds momentum and a sense of independence as you explore new trails and viewpoints.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster
  • Music Icon

    Bon Iver - Holocene

    Bon Iver - Holocene

    Atmospheric and contemplative, perfect for quiet drives past mountains or watching a sunset over a lake.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Bon Iver - Holocene
  • Music Icon

    Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World

    Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World

    Bright and upbeat, this song matches the exhilaration of reaching summits, scenic overlooks, and memorable photo spots.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World
  • Music Icon

    The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

    The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

    Emotional and resonant, great for reflective moments between destinations or during dusk drives.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads
  • Music Icon

    Arcade Fire - Wake Up

    Arcade Fire - Wake Up

    Energetic indie rock that fuels morning departures and the excitement of beginning a new day of exploration.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Arcade Fire - Wake Up
  • Music Icon

    LP - Into the Wild

    LP - Into the Wild

    Cinematic and expansive, this instrumental-like piece inspires a sense of adventure and fits contemplative stretches of wilderness.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for LP - Into the Wild