12 BEST Stops on the Drive from Calgary to Golden

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The short but sweet 3-hour drive between Calgary and Golden is a popular driving route for both Canadians and tourists. That’s because it passes by some of the best tourist destinations in Canada including Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise. So, as you can imagine, this is a very popular road trip at all times of the year. It’s equally beautiful in all seasons!

For this blog, I’ve done my research and come up with 12 of the best stops on the drive from Calgary to Golden. I’ve started this road trip in the bustling city of Calgary but of course, you can do this road trip in reverse (from Golden to Calgary) and stop at all the below listed places but in the opposite order!

About the Drive from Calgary to Golden

The drive from Calgary to Golden will take 3 hours and 264 kilometers (164 miles) long. It follows the Trans-Canada Highway for most of the way – except for a short section where you must drive on the scenic Bow Valley Parkway in order to visit the picturesque Johnston Canyon and Morant’s Curve!

This route is considered to be an easy drive, although it can be pretty busy, especially coming into the major tourist towns of Canmore and Banff. For such a short drive there’s so much to see along the way including Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and of course, Yoho National Park.

Even though this drive will only take 3 hours to complete, I highly recommend allowing at least a full day for this road trip if you want to stop at the best attractions along the way. There is just so much to see that it would be a shame to rush it! If you have time, you could turn it into a vacation and spend the night at some of the best destinations in Canada like Banff or Lake Louise!

Worth noting is that if you plan to drive this route in winter, you will need winter tires as there may be snow or ice on the roads, specifically in Banff National Park and Yoho National Park.

12 BEST Stops on the Drive from Calgary to Golden

1. Calgary

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and home to a large international airport – so it really is a popular place to begin any road trip. Even if you only have one day to enjoy Calgary, there is a ton of attractions that you can check out.

Despite being a major city in the plains, Calgary has a variety of fun things to do. In fact, the city’s position provides it with a leg up on the competition. It is home to a huge international airport as well as being on the brink of the Rocky Mountains. As a result, Calgary has become a popular port of entry in Canada, and starting point for tours of the Canadian Rockies. It’s surrounded by natural beauty!

So, since you’re going to be in town, you may as well spend some time seeing the city and take advantage of the city’s lower lodging costs than the adjacent Rocky Mountain resorts.

Calgary is especially a sight to see in the winter. While they may be cold, you’re still likely to have plenty of sunny days! Calgary actually has the most days of sunshine out of any Canadian city at 333 days a year!

One of the most unique ideas is to go to Olympic Plaza to do some ice skating. As the name suggests, it was built as part of the Olympic games in 1988!

Even if you’re trying to dodge the cold or rain, there are plenty of fun indoor activities to keep you busy!

One of my favorite indoor activities is the Calgary Tower. You get the best city views, plus it’s the highest 360-degree observation deck in the world! I also recommend grabbing a bite at Sky 360, their revolving restaurant.

If you want to see the top sights of the city efficiently I recommend this 2-hour city scooter tour. The best part is that it only costs $55 CAD per person which is significantly cheaper than other Calgary city tours. At each stop, you’ll learn some history from your guide.

If you’re into street art and beer you could instead opt for this 3-hour craft beer and street art tour. You will hit the streets and learn the stories behind the artist and art you are seeing while making stops for some local beer samples! What a great way to do two things at once!

You can’t talk about Calgary without mentioning the Calgary Zoo. It’s open year-round and has nearly 1,000 different animals and exhibits. If you want to see something extra adorable, make sure you’re there at 10 am to witness the penguin walk! It’s literally the penguins taking a 15-minute walk through the zoo for their daily workout.

Where to stay in Calgary

Within the central city area, the Wicked Hostels Calgary is a good choice for budget travelers. The hostel is clean, comfortable, and located in a good area. You have the choice to easily book on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com too!

If you can spend a bit more the Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel and Suites is perfect. The suites have a full kitchen which is perfect for homemade meals which can save you a lot of money.

For luxury travelers, check out the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire. This hotel overlooks the river valley, comes with an indoor pool (with waterslide), hot tub, fitness center, hair salon, and gift shop.

Related Read: Check out our guide on how to get from the Calgary Airport to Banff!

2. The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary 

Once you’re done exploring Calgary, your next stop is Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. This hidden gem is a non-profit that cares for rescued wolfdogs. You have the opportunity to learn about the wolves and see them in their own environment.

The sanctuary is located about 45 minutes away from Calgary as you make your way toward Canmore (right outside of the town of Cochrane.) If you do decide to go, be aware that no children under the age of 6, dogs, and faux fur or real fur clothing items are allowed in the sanctuary. If you’re unsure about any rules or restrictions check the visitor rules on their website or call before you go.

You can visit the sanctuary Thursday through Monday for $13 CAD for youth, and $28 CAD for adults on a self-guided walk. They offer a variety of other tours too – some of them let you interact with the wolfdogs. It is a really unique experience that comes highly recommended.

3. Kananaskis Village & area

Bordering two of the most beautiful places in Alberta – Banff and Canmore, the Kananaskis is well worth the short detour off of Highway 40. In the surrounding area, there are over 4,000 square kilometers of hiking and mountain bike trails, so if you’re a lover of the outdoors this is an even more worthy stop!

Ribbon Falls is a popular hiking and mountain biking trail, which is 16.5 kilometers (10 miles) in length but only the first 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) are open to cyclists. It’s rated as medium and passes by several waterfalls before you have to climb steeply up to beautiful Ribbon Lake.

Personally though, Troll Falls is my favorite hike in the area. That’s because there’s a very photogenic waterfall at the end of the trail. It’s just 3.2 kilometers (2.1 miles) round-trip so is a great short hike option! This hike is most popular in the summer, but it’s equally beautiful during winter in Kananaskis when the waterfall can freeze over! If you do this hike in the winter be sure to wear ice cleats or spikes as it can be pretty slippy in parts!

Nakiska Ski Resort is located just a 5-minute drive from Kananaskis Village. It was built for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics and has excellent groomed ski runs as well as a state-of-the-art snowmaking system. Due to this system, it’s usually one of the first ski resorts to open in Canada every year and one of the last to close. It typically opens in mid-November and closes at the end of April.

If you’re considering spending a night in the Kananaskis area you might be fully convinced when you hear about the stargazing here. Thanks to the lack of light pollution out here, the Kananaskis have some of the darkest skies in the world!

Ever seen the Milky Way? Well, you can spot it here. If it’s the right time of the year, you might even see the northern lights dancing in the sky! To really experience the beauty of the night sky here, we love this guided stargazing tour. You’ll get the chance to snowshoe through the forest with an expert guide on a moonlit hike to the best stargazing spots. 

The tour is only $85 CAD and lasts around two hours also includes a hot chocolate and a cookie to warm up after your hike!

Important note: A Conservation Pass is required for any vehicles stopping in parks or public places in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley Corridor. A daily pass costs $15 CAD and may be purchased online or at any Kananaskis Visitor Information Center.

Where to stay in Kananaskis

If your itinerary allows, stay a couple of nights at The Crosswater Resort – a very family-friendly resort that won’t break the bank with a large indoor pool in the heart of the Kananaskis. Staying here also gives you access to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, which is famous for its innovative hydrotherapy treatments. Here there are several hot and cold pools with epic mountain views.

If you want something super affordable there is actually a hostel called HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel with bunks starting at 41 CAD and private rooms for around 100 CAD.

4. Canmore

Canmore is one of Alberta’s best mountainside tourist towns. But unlike Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise, Canmore isn’t actually located within one of Canada’s National Parks – making it cheaper and more accessible for everyone.

Sitting on the edge of Banff National Park, Canmore boasts some of Canada’s most impressive mountain peaks and is an outdoor playground for visitors.

We’ve been lucky enough to visit Canmore on several occasions. In fact, we also recently lived in Canmore for a couple of months (I know, lucky us!). So, we know all of the best things to do in Canmore and the top tours, which include:

• Go Skiing – Located about 55 km (34 miles) away from Canmore (a 45-minute drive), Nakiska is a popular ski resort known for its long seasons due to lots of snow. It has 64 trails with four chairlifts and costs $98 CAD for a day pass. Skiing is the most popular activity in the winter in Canmore.

• Caving – One of the coolest things you can do in Canmore is explore the caves! This Canmore caving adventure tour takes you through the beautiful yet mysteriously named Rat’s Nest Cave. You’ll rappel down 18 meters (59 feet) and spend several hours navigating challenging passageways and learning about how these caves were formed. It is pricier at $180 CAD but it is an experience you can’t replicate.

• Rafting down Bow River – Right from town you can hop in a raft and gently float down the Bow River for an hour. Your eyes will be glued to epic views of the Rocky Mountains, forests, and valleys while keeping watch for some native wildlife. Tours are a steal at only $45 CAD!

• Hike to Grassi Lakes – Grassi Lakes is also one of the easiest hikes in Canmore at only 5 kilometers long return (3.1 miles) with only a 125-meter (410 feet) elevation gain. This means it’s family-friendly and suitable for most fitness levels. 

• Visit the local breweries – Canmore is one of the best places to try amazing craft beer and there are lots of local breweries in Canmore to visit! One of my favorites is The Grizzly Paw. They have a bar on 8 St and their brewery is located on Old Canmore Road on the outskirts of town (called Tank 310). You can also join this e-bike and brew tour for even more fun! You get to bike 15 kilometers (9 miles) through the mountains and then be rewarded with a beer flight for $122 CAD.

• Hit the trails at the Nordic Centre – The Canmore Nordic Centre offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, or even cross-country skiing. The area was developed to host cross-country skiing events at the 1988 Olympic Games and is now an active training center as well as a recreational area.

Where to Stay in Canmore

In case you want to spend a couple of nights in Canmore (and you should!) there are plenty of hotels to choose from.

For budget travelers, I love the Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn. If you don’t mind spending a little more you can certainly get a nice hotel closer to town. The Grande Rockies Resort-Bellstar Hotels & Resorts is still a short walk from town (but it only takes 5 minutes) and the hotel itself is beautiful complete with a pool, hot tub, fitness center, and restaurant and bar.

Related Read: There are some really incredible coffee shops in Canmore that you should check out while you’re there!

5. Banff

In Banff town, book yourself a hotel for a few nights as you’ll definitely need time to explore this vibrant mountain town!

Truthfully, there are tons of fun things to do in Banff, it can be hard to know even where to start – to make it easy you can check out our 1, 2, and 3 day Banff itinerary! Or here are some of my personal favorite activities in Banff:

• Visit Mt Norquay – The views from Mt Norquay are unlike any other. In the summer, ride the sightseeing chairlift and visit the restaurant at the top for a beer with a view. If you visit Banff in the winter, you can’t miss hitting the slopes or testing out their famous tube park (fun for the whole family!) If you buy the SkiBig3 Lift Ticket Mt Norquay is the third ski resort you’ll have access to.

• Banff Upper Hot Springs – You can relax in Banff’s very own hot springs with mountain views. As one of the best hot springs in Alberta, it can get busy though so it’s best to go first thing in the morning or the last hour before they close.

• Take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain – Ride the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience panoramic views of Banff National Park. If you want to skip paying for the ride, hike up instead!

• Indulge in food and drinks – Banff has tons of tasty restaurants and bars. For beer, head to Banff Brewing Co. For a delicious meal with crafted cocktails, head to Parks Distillery. Did you know that you can also join this food tour that explores the many different rooms inside the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel? Food and drink pairings are included from 4 of the property’s high-end restaurants for $206 CAD. What a unique activity for foodies!

• Go hiking – The hiking trails in and around Banff are almost endless. In the summer in Banff, conquer difficult summits. But even in the winter, there are tons of epic hikes to challenge you. Hiking is one of the best free things to do in Banff.

• Check out the Bow Falls Lookout – The Bow River is a stunning river that runs through the heart of Banff. Turquoise in color, it is nothing short of picture-perfect. A short 1.5 km scenic walk from Banff town (or drive) you’ll come to the Bow Falls viewpoint on the river’s edge. Here, not only will you see the river, but also the Bow River Waterfall!

• Cave and Basin National Historic Site – Another great place to visit in Banff is Cave and Basin Historic Site. Here you can see some historic hot springs that are home to a rare species of snail. The museum is the main attraction in my eyes and it is very interactive and fun especially for kids. You’ll find lots of information about Banff and the surrounding area.

Where to stay in Banff

There are lots of amazing hotels to choose from in Banff town. My personal favorite is Moose Hotel & Suites which has a great location, is reasonably priced for the area, and has all the amenities you could want including two rooftop hot tubs.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider checking out High Country Inn. It quite possibly could be the most affordable place to stay. Plus, it is located right in town on Banff Ave!

And for a little luxury, the Rimrock Resort Hotel is a must! With an onsite spa, balconies with amazing views, as well as a restaurant and bar this hotel is a must! Plus, it is located a couple of minutes from town in a quieter location.

Alternatively, there are lots of other places to stay around Banff National Park including Lake Louise and the Bow Valley Parkway.

6. Jonhston Canyon

Once you’ve left Banff, be sure to head to the stunning Bow Valley Parkway, where your first stop will be the iconic Johnston Canyon.

The hike through Johnston Canyon is an easy walk with huge rewards. The boardwalk along the path leads you right into a canyon filled with seven glacial waterfalls that cascade over rocky cliffs.

You can get right next to the water flowing from Johnston Creek and close enough to waterfalls to feel the spray of the water on your face! 

This is also a great place in the winter! The waterfalls freeze over and create layers of giant icicles, which are incredible to see. The ice on the Lower and Upper Waterfalls here also takes on a blue color that is quite beautiful. 

It’s a good idea to book a guided ice walk tour in the winter to ensure you’re safe and have the right gear. Plus, this tour costs $96 CAD and includes a professional guide who can tell you about these unique formations as well as a steaming mug of hot chocolate at the end.

Johnston Canyon is open all year and it’s free to get to – including free parking in one of two parking lots. It is one of the more popular hikes in Banff National Park and is great for families as the path is wide and not too steep.

The hike is about 2.5 km (1.6 miles) to get all the way to the Upper Falls. However, you can shorten it and just walk the 1.2 km (0.75 mi) to the Lower Falls before turning back around to return to the parking lot.

Note: There will be some closures to vehicle traffic on sections of the Bow Valley Parkway this year (2024). From March 1-June 30 and then again from Sept 1-Sept 30 vehicles will NOT be able to drive the 17 km/11 mi stretch of road from the TransCanada-Highway junction to Johnston Canyon, it will be restricted to cyclists’ use only. This is the eastern part of the road that is affected if you’re traveling to Johnston Canyon from Banff. You will still be able to access Johnston Canyon and the Bow Valley Parkway via the intersection near Castle Mountain Chalets.

7. Morant’s Curve

This is an excellent viewpoint for a photo along a bend in the Bow River where trains typically pass through with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Morant’s Curve is about 30 minutes along the Bow Valley Parkway after you leave Johnston Canyon. Keep an eye out for the signs indicating the viewpoint and park across the highway in the small parking lot.  

The best photos are when a train is traveling around the bend and framed perfectly in the shot. Your best chance to catch a train is during a weekday – trains typically pass by at least once an hour. The curve is named after a photographer (Nicholas Morant) who worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway and this was one of his favorite places to capture.  

8. Lake Louise

Lake Louise Drive Construction Notice: This summer (2024), construction will be on Lake Louise Drive, causing significant traffic delays. This means you could spend well over an hour sitting in traffic just to be turned away for lack of parking (over a thousand people are turned away each day during the peak summer months!). To avoid this, consider booking this hop-on hop-off shuttle from Banff instead! Check availability for the shuttle here – it fully books out in the summer months!

Lake Louise is definitely one of the most popular stops on the drive between Calgary and Golden. From hikes with the most gorgeous views (the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail is one of my favorites) to amazing restaurants Lake Louise really has it all in terms of awesome things to do.

Even something as simple as relaxing on the Lake Louise beachfront is sure to leave you in awe as you look out at the glaciers, mountain peaks, and clear lake!

One of my favorite times to visit is at sunset because it is the least busy and the views are incredible!

If you want some more action, why not canoe on the lake in the summer, it is so peaceful and there aren’t many other places in Canada that are as blue to go canoeing on!

If you’re visiting Lake Louise in the winter, get out there on your ice skates or go skiing at the Lake Louise Ski Resort which is only 15 minutes from town.

It just so happens to be one of the largest ski resorts in Canada with a 935-meter (3,068 feet) vertical descent, 7 ski lifts, and 142 kilometers (88 miles) of ski runs. It is well-equipped for any skill level and the gondolas are great for a cold day.

Note: From May until mid-October, you’ll be required to pay $36.75 CAD per vehicle per day to park at Lake Louise Lakefront (2024 updated price). The paid parking is in effect from 3 am until 7 pm daily. 

Where to Stay in Lake Louise

There are lots of different places to choose from when it comes to accommodation in Lake Louise.

If you want to stay in Lake Louise town, consider the Lake Louise Inn, or the budget-friendly HI Lake Louise Hostel. Dan and I often stay at the HI Hostel and think it’s clean, comfortable, and great value for money.

For a little luxury or to spoil yourself, don’t miss the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This is arguably the most beautiful hotel in Canada set in the most beautiful location (right on the lake!)

9. Moraine Lake

We might be biased (as this is where we got engaged) but we think Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Banff and an absolute must-stop on your road trip from Calgary to Golden.

The lake itself is the brightest turquoise color possible and the surrounding mountains are nothing short of amazing. Daniel chose this place to get engaged because of how beautiful it is!

Unfortunately, because of its beauty, Moraine Lake is one of the most visited places between Calgary and Golden. Plus, getting to Moraine Lake can be a challenge since the access road and parking lot are closed to all personal vehicle traffic (except those with disability parking permits) in 2023.

You’ll need to check into parking alternatives at Moraine Lake including public transit, shuttles, and tours. Most people visit by taking a shuttle either from Banff town itself or from Lake Louise. One of the most popular departures is the Park and Ride from Lake Louise Ski Resort.

The Parks Canada shuttles also only run during select hours so if you want to go early in the morning, you’ll need to be on the first shuttle around 6:30 am. If you want to beat the crowds and make it for sunrise, hop on this new shuttle offered by the Moraine Lake Bus Company. To me, the sight of Moraine Lake in those early morning hours is one of the most beautiful things to see in Banff.

You can also visit Moraine Lake at sunrise by going on this early bird tour. That tour is the only other way to get there for sunrise since the road is closed to personal vehicles as of 2023.

The alternative to taking a shuttle is going on an organized tour like this one for around $100 CAD. This way you get dropped off and picked up as well as shown around to the most beautiful spots with an experienced guide!

The issue here is that these tours depart from Banff or Calgary so you would have to do it before or after your road trip.

Avoid the crowds: If you want to avoid the crowds then it’s best to visit Moraine Lake in the late afternoon. This is by far the least busy time.

Important info: Moraine Lake is open from the end of May to mid-October and closes for the winter due to avalanche risk. This means it’s only one of the best things to do if you’re driving this route in the summer.

10. Yoho National Park/Field

Yoho National Park, which includes the municipality of Field, is a terrific place to visit! Plan on spending at least a few hours (maybe even a whole day) here! The park is known for its towering waterfalls, dazzling lakes, and a variety of year-round activities. There are also shops, restaurants, and other attractions in the town of Field.

The gorgeous Emerald Lake (pictured above) is a must-see, with its brilliant waters that live up to their name. You can walk around the entire lake in approximately an hour, or snowshoe/cross-country ski across it in the winter.

It’s a great opportunity to see wild orchids, bald eagles, moose, and more. You may also canoe or kayak on the lake’s calm waters. Spoil yourself and stay a night at the Emerald Lake Lodge on the edge of the lake.

Another stunning site is the Natural Bridge, an ancient rock formation that spans the Kicking Horse River. Emerald Lake Road is approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) from Field, making it easy to reach there by car. A guided hike to the area’s fossil beds, which feature 500 million-year-old fossils, is also available.

11. Wapta Falls

A short 15-minute drive from Yoho National Park is Wapta Falls, which at a huge 107 meters wide (350 feet) is considered the largest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River.

The falls are 18 meters tall (60 feet), and what I love the most about visiting these falls is that when the water levels in the river are low (typically in peak summer) you can walk onto the islands in the middle of the river. This gives you an up-close look at the falls and is the perfect spot for a photo. Beware though – you will get sprayed from the waterfall!

The hike from the car park into Wapta Falls is just 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete both ways. This trail is rated as easy and mostly follows a gravel path so it’s ideal for the whole family.

The only tough section on this trail is the 60-meter (200 feet) downhill section on the approach to the falls, on your return you will need to climb back up this steep section. So keep that in mind!

To reach the start of the trail, take the Wapta Falls turnoff of the Trans Canada Highway.

12. Golden

Golden, British Columbia is a small town of just around 4,000 people in the Canadian Rockies. But what it lacks by way of population, it absolutely makes up for in terms of epic things to do! This small town is surrounded by a bunch of national parks and mountain ranges, so there are endless outdoor activities to enjoy.

The town of Golden also has some amazing restaurants, shops, bars, and cultural attractions to offer.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Golden in the summer and winter months, allowing me to create an epic list of things to do in Golden, but here are some highlights:

• Walk the Golden Skybridge – Why not start off with Golden’s newest attraction? The Golden Skybridge is Canada’s highest suspension bridge and it only just opened in the summer of 2021! At 130 meters (426 feet) above the canyon, you’ll experience such a thrill walking over it and taking in all the amazing views of the Columbia Valley.  If walking along a suspension bridge is not enough for you, there is also a zipline experience, ropes course, and a super-cool canyon swing that fits two people!

• Explore downtown Golden – You’ll be pretty busy with all the different outdoor recreation activities around Golden, but don’t forget the town itself! Downtown Golden is a quaint, historic-looking town with a bunch of things to do! A good place to start your exploration is 9th Avenue, which has a lot of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. You can learn more about the city at the Visitor Centre or Golden Museum.

• Visit the Wolf Centre – Wolves are only one of the many magnificent creatures that may be found in the Canadian Rockies. While you probably don’t want to run into any in the wild, the Northern Lights Wolf Centre in Golden is an excellent location to learn about wolves and even see them.

• Go whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse – The best way to experience the river is to go whitewater rafting! Whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River is such an adrenaline rush. With grade 3-4 rapids, it’s one of the best rivers in Canada to go rafting. There are a number of tour groups that you can join, such as this full-day tour. For $109 CAD, you will get a 5-hour experience out on the river. All equipment is included, along with a buffet lunch! You will also have an expert guide leading the way and keeping you safe.

• Hit the slopes at Kicking Horse Resort – Golden’s Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a very popular ski resort in Canada, and for good reason! It’s known for the huge amounts of annual snowfall and expert terrain that will challenge even the most experienced riders. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Golden in the winter months.

So now that you know about all of the amazing things to do in Golden, you’re going to need somewhere to stay a few nights. There’s just so much to explore in the area you might as well book a great hotel and enjoy a few days in one of Canada’s most underrated mountain towns.

Heading to Vancouver next? Check out our road trip guide to driving from Calgary to Vancouver!

Where to Stay in Golden, BC

There are plenty of places to stay in Golden, and when compared to nearby towns like Revelstoke and Banff, Golden hotels are generally more affordable.

Here are some of the best places to stay in Golden for every budget:

$$$ – Golden Acres Mountain Lodge

Located outside of Golden surrounded by nature, this lodge is the perfect luxury escape for anybody looking fo a little R&R. The rooms are best suited for couples, with king suites with private kitchenettes, a balcony, and a spa bath. There is an onsite sauna here too and hiking trails start from the property.

$$ – Glacier Mountaineer Lodge

This is the perfect place to stay if you’re visiting Golden for a ski or snowboard holiday. This hotel is located only 50 meters from Kicking Horse Mountain resort’s chairlift – how convenient! Besides that, all rooms have mountain views and there is an onsite sauna to enjoy after a day of hitting the slopes.

$$ – Best Western Mountainview Inn

This is a great choice if you’re looking for something in town. This hotel is clean and comfortable and has everything you could want including an indoor pool and an included breakfast. The reviews are great and the price is modest.

$ – Travelodge by Wyndham Golden Sportsman Lodge

Those on a budget can’t pass on the Travelodge. With a central location, an indoor pool with a waterslide and hot tub, as well as an included breakfast, this hotel is a steal! they even have pet-friendly rooms and an outdoor picnic area with a BBQ.

Of course, there are lots of hotels to choose from in Golden – check them all out here! It’s a good idea to book well in advance too, the best ones book up quickly!

For more detailed info on the different areas to stay in Golden, check out our blog all about where to Stay in Golden, BC.

Renting a Car in Alberta

If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.

Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.

Thanks for reading!!

I’m so excited that you’re planning to drive the scenic route between Calgary and Golden. I mean, along the way you get to see some of the most beautiful natural sights in the world such as Lake Louise, Banff National Park, and Yoho National Park. I hope that after reading this blog post you’re filled with enthusiasm for your road trip!

If you enjoyed this blog post, you may also enjoy some of my other road trip posts. Some of my favorites include:

Golden Skybridge Review – Is it Worth it?

Stops on the drive from Calgary to Canmore

Things to KNOW before visiting Bow Valley Provincial Park

FUN things to do in Revelstoke