Stampede Toyota’s Guide to Weekend Road Trips

A Stampede Toyota Blog by: Alec Lautermilch

Being based in Calgary Alberta, we as travelers are very lucky in that we are such a short distance to so many awe-inspiring sites. Whether it be breathtaking mountain ranges, glassy lakes, or any number of charming towns; we live in one of nature’s finest playgrounds. As a Stampede Toyota guest, you have yet another advantage, that being your ownership of reliable-adventure machine.  Given this unparalleled location, we at Stampede saw it fit to put together a collection of our favorite locations, all close enough for an effortless weekend trip. 

Fernie/ Southeastern BC

If you are looking for a mountain getaway that takes you further into the mountains while offering great stops along the way, Fernie is the perfect place to go. Just over three hours southwest of the city, Fernie is a beautiful mountain town offering world class skiing, fishing, and the makings of an excellent culinary tour. Along the way, be sure to stop in Crowsnest Pass to take in the natural beauty of the rolling foothills then continue to Frank Slide, a town completely encapsulated by a rockslide from 1903. Sparwood, a town just east of Fernie offers photo opportunities with the world’s largest tandem axle truck along with an extensive golf course. Fernie is certainly a place you will want to spend a few nights in to fully experience it, no matter the season, this beautiful town in British Columbia offers a variety of leisure options. 

Sylvan Lake

A summer favorite of many locals, Sylvan Lake is about 1 hour and 45 minutes straight north of Calgary. This beautiful lake offers sandbars that allow you to walk out far from the public beach along with some of the warmest water nearby. Downtown is located right on the beach and has plentiful shopping and dining options suitable for the whole family or an intimate meal. All summer, the town puts up an enormous inflatable water park that floats on the lake ensuring hours of fun for thrillseekers of all ages. Boat owners, you will be hard-pressed to find a more inviting boating opportunity. Even towing a boat, models like the Tacoma, Sequoia, and Tundra are able to provide a highly comfortable journey. Sylvan Lake is a terrific place to spend some time and your Toyota is the perfect companion for this adventure. 

Drumheller Alberta

About 1.5 hours northeast of Calgary, Drumheller Alberta is a lovely town nestled right in the Canadian Badlands. Downtown offers dining and shopping options worthy of a beautiful afternoon, along with handmade dinosaur statues situated on nearly every street. A short drive outside of town, the Royal Tyrrell museum is Canada’s only museum exclusively dedicated to the study of ancient life. You’ll pass Horseshoe Canyon on your way into town, this provincial site offers hiking options as well as some breathtaking viewpoints of the hoodoos. Might we suggest you bring lots of water on your outdoor endeavors as the summer in this region can be extremely hot. Drumheller is a favorite of many Calgarians and offers recreation and education options for the whole family. 

Banff/ Kananaskis 

Each of these locations deserve an article all their own; however we will summarize some of our favorite places to stop when visiting these worldfamous sites. Featuring natural beauty paired with luxury, these two parks offer something for everyone. In Kananaskis, mountain trails provide endless exploration while the lodge and spa offer a high luxury experience for the discerning guest. Banff is one of the most visited destinations in the world, this is for good reason. A plethora of accommodations provide a great variety of places to stay and culinary options line the streets, you’ll only wish you could eat more. Natural hot springs make for a great stop on your way back to town after visiting the falls or to unwind after a long day of skiing at one of the three nearby ski resorts. Canmore, a town on the way to Banff also offers mountain charm and great dining! Banff provides an incredible experience year-round and will be appreciated by everyone who comes along. 

Your vehicle from Stampede Toyota is the perfect companion for any of these trips and our experts are here to keep it prestine for years to come. If you are looking for a new car, Stampede Toyota has exactly what you’re looking for, visit us today and make Stampede Toyota your go-to adventure outfitter.