How Far From Edmonton To Calgary
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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Concluding Updated December eight, 2022
If you're an Albertan, you've undoubtedly made the drive from Calgary to Edmonton (and/or Edmonton to Calgary) many, many times. Information technology is the busiest route in the province and if you lot're anything like united states, you set the car on prowl control once yous've passed the congested traffic of the cities, and mindlessly allow the road guide y'all there. You might brand a stop in Red Deer to visit The Donut Mill (every bit you should) or eat at one of the great restaurants in Scarlet Deer, but otherwise, you just burn on through.
We'd like to challenge you to do something different this time. And to anyone reading this who is visiting from out of province or country, it is probable that you have been advised to just take the fastest route likewise. Just we want y'all to accept our challenge too.
In this guide to travel betwixt Alberta's two biggest cities, we've given you lot details on the fast route for those in a hurry. Just we accept as well outlined two alternative and more scenic routes, plus a lot of fun stops to brand forth the way. Taking i of these alternative journeys is not merely going to brand the route trip a lot more enjoyable, but also requite you a glimpse into more of what Alberta has to offer.
Nearly the Road
The altitude of the fastest route from Calgary to Edmonton is 303 km with a straight bulldoze on the heavily trafficked QEII highway. Information technology should take less than 3 hours to make the journey, merely in that location are many factors that can change that: construction (there always seems to be something going on in summertime!), traffic, and of class, the variable Alberta conditions.
If you have to go to either city quickly, at that place is no faster route. But if you take some extra time and an ambition for take a chance, then you have a couple of different options to get there.
Fastest Road from Calgary to Edmonton
Accept the Queen Elizabeth II (known locally as the QEII or Highway 2), which has at least 2 lanes of complimentary-flowing traffic in each management the entire way.
Alternate Scenic Route #i: "The Boomtown Trail"
Yous'll have a brief jaunt along the QEII, just north of Calgary, only the rest of your time volition be on paved back roads that will take you through quaint towns along the east. From Calgary, take Highway ii n and so take exit 340A east on Highway 27 toward Trochu. Once in Trochu, head north and follow the map to Edmonton. This route will take you through Camrose and Wainwright plus in that location are a few more than turns along the fashion; follow the map below for the residual of the details!
This route should have yous roughly four hours, but make time for the interesting stops and side-trip opportunities along the fashion, which are outlined in the "fun things to do" section beneath.
Suggested scenic route #two: "The Cowboy Trail"
This is actually a 700km route that extends into far southern Alberta. All the same, you tin can go on the trail by heading west from Calgary towards Cochrane and then turning n on Highway 22 to practise a portion of it. To arrive in Edmonton, take the Yellowhead (Highway 16) east at Entwistle towards the city until it meets up with highway 22, and plow due south at Entwistle.
For most of the drive upwardly, you'll accept the mountains out your left window and prairies out your right. Worthy stops along the style are detailed in the "fun things to do" section below. Depending on the stops you make, this should take you upwards to five hours.
Calgary to Edmonton (and Edmonton to Calgary) past Car
As each metropolis has an international airport, it'south piece of cake to choice upward a vehicle (we advise using Rentalcars.com to compare pricing amidst your favourite agencies) and be on your fashion. Both the Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG) are near the QEII and you can exist on your way quickly. If you want to have either of the more scenic routes outlined higher up, yous'll need your own wheels, every bit none of the other transportation listed below will take these roads less travelled.
If you are not interested in using a traditional machine rental agency, you lot tin as well rent cars through a website called Turo (think Airbnb for motorcar rentals). Both airports serve equally frequent pick-upwards/drop-off points.
Before you get on the road, be sure to check out Alberta 511 for up-to-date road reports. Every winter there are at least a few days that this trip can be a treacherous journeying thank you to inhospitable atmospheric condition, and trust the states, you don't want to be caught in information technology!
Merely arrived and need a hotel?
If it turns out that the weather doesn't look good, or you get in late at either airport and want to get some slumber before undertaking such a drive, we've got some recommendations for drome hotels at either finish:
Calgary Airport Hotel
- Hotel Clique is a super chichi and affordable hotel that has costless parking, free WiFi, and a peachy eating house onsite. Information technology is a quick shuttle ride from the airport, and we have stayed here several times when we take an early flight out of Calgary. Bonus: information technology has 2 rooftop pools!
Or, if you prefer to book a "dwelling house-away-from-home", we've got a guide dedicated to the best Calgary Airbnbs that includes some options past the airport for a quick and easy stay in the city.
Edmonton Airport Hotel
- Iv Points by Sheraton Edmonton Drome is a straightforward hotel that is only 5 minutes from the airport. It has free wifi, an indoor pool and a hot tub.
Calgary to Edmonton past Bus or Shuttle
At that place are some good options for omnibus service between Edmonton and Calgary that are reasonably priced. The following companies offering direct service betwixt Alberta'southward two biggest cities:
- Red Pointer – Probably the most pop bus service connecting the two cities (and more spots in Alberta), Red Pointer offers multiple pick-up spots in each metropolis, and at each airport. Average 1-way tickets run at just effectually $72 per person, including tax.
- Rider Express – A bargain with prices as starting at $47 per person, Rider Express runs twice times virtually daily between the two cities, with a stop partway in Ruby Deer. The selection-up and drop-off spots in each city may prove to exist a little awkward for some, and no stops are made at either international drome.
- Ebus – This is Red Arrow's offering of a more economical option; for $52 you tin get this user-friendly bus from Edmonton to Calgary (and vice versa) with two scheduled routes almost daily. This is also most convenient for shoppers, every bit information technology includes a stop at the popular CrossIron Mills Shopping Center north of Calgary.
- Coldshot – $37 will become you betwixt the two cities. Coldshot makes up to 2 trips almost daily (early forenoon and early evening). Bonus: every 6th trip is gratuitous!
- The Canada Bus – A brand new service offering service between Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton. There are even plans to expand to Canmore and Banff in the near future. A one-manner ticket from Calgary to Edmonton is $39 and if you buy a 6-ticket pack (good for 180 days) you'll get a xv% disbelieve.
Calgary to Edmonton past Individual Transfer
Private transfers between Edmonton to Calgary (and vice versa) can accept all the stress out of driving the busy QEII. Some private transfer options are below:
- Quest Limos – Prices start at $540 for luxury individual transfers betwixt Calgary and Edmonton, just with vehicles that fit up to 12 people, the low cost per person makes this an attractive option to get in in style.
- Taxi – Taxis are always an option, of course, but rates run around $500 for a taxi to make the big journey.
With the number of rideshare options nowadays, finding a ride from Calgary to Edmonton or (Edmonton to Calgary) can exist as unproblematic as searching for a ride on Kijiji.ca with your dates.
- Poparide.com – there are options to select your commuter based on your luggage and equipment requirements if yous are travelling with skis, bikes, etc. Poparide charges per seat so y'all have an opportunity to meet other visitors if you are travelling solo to Edmonton or Calgary.
- Uber serves both cities and so is another rideshare option, however many drivers may not be willing or capable to make the bulldoze and the cost is close to what a taxi would cost for just i fashion.
Fun Things to practice Along the Fashion
If you have your own machine and some spare time, you can easily plow your three-hour expedition into a day-long adventure!
The Fastest Route
We'll go on this pick light, as we know that most people driving the QEII highway just want to get from Signal A to Indicate B as quickly as possible!
As the urban center of Red Deer sits almost exactly in between Calgary and Edmonton, it makes for a logical residue point, and what is ordinarily known as "Gasoline Aisle" (a stretch of the main highway at the south stop of Red Deer) is the perfect place to go gas, stretch your legs, and take hold of a bite.
If y'all but need a quick snack to fuel the rest of your trip, stop at the iconic Donut Mill for a pastry. You can't miss it – the storefront is a big windmill on the westward side of the highway – and there is a very practiced reason why this spot is listed on our "foodie" road trip Alberta bingo card. Try the unmissable Boston cream, or take a chance on the variable "donut of the month" which is always a oversupply-pleaser.
If y'all're pulling into Red Deer around mealtime and need something heartier, the Big Curve Market is very worth the stop for their made-to-club sandwiches. Self-proclaimed as a "year-round farmer's market place", their meat pick is honour-winning and their products are almost entirely locally made.
We'll throw in one suggested stop purely for fun: if you lot really desire to stretch your legs, volume a time at nearby Heritage Ranch to experience the thrill of being a fugitive! Y'all'll be released onto the ranch with a map and a mission: capture all four flags within an hour while existence chased by a tracker on a horse. The game starts at iii pm and comes with a steak dinner (hopefully in celebration of you lot not beingness caught)!
Along the Boomtown Trail
Heading northward of Calgary, later y'all take the exit to Highway 27 east, just earlier y'all hit Trochu, make your first stop at the Torrington Gopher Hole Museum. While information technology'due south non officially a role of the Boomtown Trail, information technology is on the style and certainly a quirky spot not to be missed. Touring the whole museum can be done in just a few minutes, and we hope, information technology volition fuel a lot of laughter for the residual of your trip.
Continuing on to Trochu, stop to take a quick selfie at the (disputed) World'south Largest Golf game Tee. Built-in 2009, it stands a whopping 40 feet tall.
There are several historic buffalo jumps within Alberta, just Dry Island Buffalo Jump is one of the lesser-known, making it a true "hidden gem". Bulldoze twenty minutes northeast of Trochu (it will take you off the official "trial" for a wee flake) to detect this provincial park that offers a stunning vista of a coulee with the Red Deer River nestled in the valley. You tin can boat, hike, or merely relish nature and bird-watching. (Ever check the link higher up in accelerate to be certain access is open; in moisture weather condition, the road may exist closed.)
The town of Stettler is one of the biggest on the route, and then this could exist a proficient stopping point for a repast. And if y'all have the time, book a visit to Alberta Prairie Railway for one of their different themed excursions. Ride on a passenger train from the 1920s and concord tight to your jewels, as it's likely that you'll meet a gun battle when your railroad train gets "robbed" along the style.
Honey checking out "world'south largest" roadside attractions? A quick jaunt to Donalda volition offer another selfie opportunity in forepart of the world's largest lamp. Information technology stands 42 feet tall and lights up at dusk (equally a lamp should)!
Forth the Cowboy Trail
Simply about an hour due north of your plow from Cochrane, brand a stop in the picturesque town of Sundre. In fact, nosotros recommend planning your whole day effectually it, to ensure that you hit Kodiak BBQ and Deli in time for lunch. Be sure to order the ribs (we know yous'll thank us afterward for them).
If y'all've got your clubs in the car, accept a swing at the pristine Sundre Golf Club. Alternatively, pick up some new skills at Painted Warriors, an Indigenous-owned business that specializes in outdoor fun and education. Learn well-nigh archery and survival skills, or accept a equus caballus ride, an interpretive hike, or a snowshoe bout (season-depending).
Another hr away and you'll be in the small boondocks of Rocky Mount House, and a stop at the National Historic Site in boondocks is certainly worth information technology. Learn well-nigh life at a trading post, explore the many Indigenous programs available, and fifty-fifty observe a new-to-you lot trade or craft. If y'all're towing a trailer or packing a tent y'all can as well spend the night along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.
For a fiddling adventure along the manner – and especially on a actually hot solar day – pull the car off at Pembina River Tubing, only southward of Highway xvi. Leave your car and hop in a raft to float due north on the Pembina River, a shuttle will option you lot up on the other side of Highway xvi, just before the Pembina River Provincial Park. Annotation that this tin can take over 3 ½ hours, depending on how high the river level is (check their website for estimates, and book in advance). If you are heading through in winter, they as well now offer snowshoe rentals for taking a walk along the Pembina River.
Where to Stay in Edmonton
Your adventure doesn't finish there! Nosotros've got a large guide on things to exercise in Edmonton, too. Stay a few days in ane of the not bad Edmonton hotels below and program to make the well-nigh of your stay in Alberta's capital metropolis.
Luxury – In terms of luxury accommodations in Edmonton, nothing beats the iconic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. You tin can't miss this hotel as information technology offers spectacular views of the Edmonton river valley and features a eating place and spa. Close to many Edmonton attractions and located right in downtown Edmonton, this hotel is worth the splurge fifty-fifty if it's just for one night!
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Mid-range – The Mettera Hotel on Whyte is shut to the shopping and vibrant amenities Whyte Ave is known for. Fitting in with the funky vibe of Old Strathcona, Mettera Hotel on Whyte offers rooms decorated in fire, earth, air or water themes. Additionally, this bazaar hotel features a cozy library with a fireplace!
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Budget – Shut to Whyte Ave and West Edmonton Mall, Travelodge by Wyndham Edmonton South gives you lot access to Edmonton sightseeing without breaking the bank. Not bad for kids, information technology also has a hot tub and pool and also includes a complimentary continental breakfast.
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Where to Stay in Calgary
Doing the opposite trip? Then program to bask some time in Cowtown too! Book a few nights at one of the hotels below and follow our all-encompassing guide on what to do in Calgary.
Luxury – Stay in the heart of downtown Calgary in the historic Fairmont Palliser hotel. Yous'll exist inside walking distance to some of the city's most renowned shops, entertainment, and restaurants! There is a spa with a pool to pamper yourself too.
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Mid-range – Hotel Arts offers a beautiful and eclectic infinite; this boutique hotel in downtown Calgary is a must if you're into the fine art scene. Sip cocktails and eat world-class food around the poolside (open to non-hotel guests too). The hotel features two superb local restaurants and information technology sports its own commuter bike program to help you explore the metropolis.
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Budget – If you're looking to upkeep more for excursions than where y'all rest your head, check out Canada's Best Value Inn. It'due south shut to the transit organization and great shopping at the nearby Chinook Centre.
Source: https://roadtripalberta.com/calgary-to-edmonton/
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