Visiting Calgary but looking for a little time outside the city? Hosting friends and family and ready to explore the great outdoors? These six hiking adventures offer a sampling of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and Badlands landscape.

Easy Hikes Near Calgary

Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park

A favourite year-round hike no matter what your age, Johnston Canyon is especially fun in winter when a thick layer of ice might coat the trail and ice cleats are needed. Hike to two sets of waterfalls via catwalks bolted into the canyon wall, with stops to admire the churning water below.

Distance from Calgary: 2 hours (150 kilometres/93 miles)

Troll Falls, Kananaskis Country

The easy family-friendly hike along the Troll Falls Trail near the Nakiska Ski Resort rewards you with a beautiful waterfall at the end of the hike. In winter, be prepared to share the trail with snowshoes and cross-country skiers.

Distance from Calgary: 1.25 hours (98 kilometres/68 miles)

Horseshoe Canyon, Canadian Badlands

Horseshoe Canyon is just 15 minutes west of Drumheller and dishes out a big dose of badlands scenery, and that’s just from the parking lot. Descend into the canyon through layers of geological history and explore a network of easy and very visible trails.

Distance from Calgary: 1.5 hours (118 kilometres/73 miles)

Moderate to Difficult Hikes Near Calgary

Prairie Mountain, Kananaskis Country

No matter what the season, the popular 7.6 kilometre hike that boasts a 726 meter elevation gain to the summit of Prairie Mountain will test your conditioning program but reward you with fantastic prairie and mountain views. Fit hikers can knock it off as a half day trip from Calgary.

Note: Prairie Mountain is currently closed for trail repairs. The hike will re-open October.

Distance from Calgary: 1 hour (67 kilometres/42 miles)

Chester Lake, Kananaskis Country

The 4.5 kilometer hike to the stunning Chester Lake Trail gains a moderate 287 meters and offers great mountain scenery for the physical effort. Energetic hikers can continue into Three Lakes Valley. Come winter bring the snowshoes.

Distance from Calgary: 2.25 hours (147 kilometres/91 miles)