Banff National Park

Travel Guide for Banff National Park & the Canadian Rockies

Menu
  • Places to Stay
  • Things To Do
    • Backpacking
    • Banff Wildlife
    • Biking
    • Fishing
    • Golf Courses
    • Hiking
    • White Water Rafting
  • Plan Your Trip
    • How To Get Here
    • Banff National Park of Canada Maps & Guides
    • Maps of Banff and Area
    • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Canadian Rockies Vacation Planner
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Book Hotel
Menu


Day Trips in Edmonton – The Gateway to the Rocky Mountains

Posted on November 15, 2019November 15, 2019 by K. Gordon

Day Trips from Banff National Park

The road from Edmonton to Banff is well renowned as one of the most scenic routes in the world, passing wildlife and sights aplenty. However, should impatience take hold of you for a drive before you hit the Canadian Rockies, Edmonton has some exellent day trips. Below are but a few for your perusal.

Elk Island National Park.

Drive east on the Yellowstone Highway for about 45 minutes and before you know it, you are there. Prepare yourself for a walk. It doesn’t matter what your level of fitness is because the trails vary in length from 2km to 20km. Afterwards, there are open picnic areas and wood-burning stoves for cooking some fresh food. Camping is permitted in designated spots and golfers will be delighted to know that there is an excellent course adjacent to the campground. What more could you want!



Animals?

Fair enough! Elk Island is home to a herd of buffalo (bison) which you can often see right from the highway. It would not be a wise move to try to touch the buffalo. There is no shortage of stories of how this small gesture has ended up badly. It is also common to see deer, elk, beaver, lots of birds, and sometimes moose (called “elk” in Europe). Although the park is open year round, it is much more accessible in summer.

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

If you are looking for something a little different, you can combine your trip to Elk Island National Park with a visit to the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. This living history village has a number of buildings dedicated to explaining the vast influence Ukrainians have had on Albertan life. Located on Highway 16 just east of the national park’s boundary.

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake is about an hour and a half drive south on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway(QE2). This is a great place to get away from the city and just chill out for the day. There is a beautiful lake and beach here as well as waterslides. It is possible to camp here too.

It is also possible to make a day trip from Edmonton to Calgary – linking the two gateway towns to the Rockies. It is only a six hour return trip. Check out our Calgary section for more information.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Related Articles

Search for Banff Info

Banff Sponsors

 

The Banff Newsletter

Keep up to date on all the hotel deals, things to do, and latest news in Banff!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our Lodging Partners

paradise lodge bungalows

 

Basecamp Resorts

Banff Sponsors

 

Our Banff Activity Partners

Wild Warter Yamnuska Mountain Adventures Golf Canada's West

Banff Sponsors

 

Find It Fast!

  • Ultimate Canadian Rockies Vacation Planner
  • A First Timers Guide to Banff National Park
  • Plan Your Trip to Banff
  • How to Get to Banff
  • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Banff Alberta Maps & Guides
  • Maps of Banff and Area
  • The Must Dos in Banff Town

Accommodations in Banff

  • Where to Stay in Banff National Park
  • Banff Bed & Breakfasts
  • Hotels in Banff
  • Banff Inns
  • Banff Lodges
  • Banff Hostels
  • Banff Campgrounds

Banff Activities

  • Things To Do in Banff
  • White Water Rafting in Banff
  • Wildlife in Banff National Park
  • Backpacking
  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Golf
  • Hiking

Plan Your Trip to Banff

  • Ultimate Canadian Rockies Vacation Planner
  • A First Timers Guide to Banff National Park
  • Plan Your Trip to Banff
  • How to Get to Banff
  • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Banff Alberta Maps & Guides
  • Maps of Banff and Area
  • The Must Dos in Banff Town
© 2022 Banff National Park | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme

hotels

deals

budget

packages
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.