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From Toronto to Tofino in 17 Days: Part 3 – Drumheller, Calgary, and Banff’s Rocky Adventures

Updated: 3 days ago

After enjoying the charm of Saskatoon, it was time to leave the prairies behind and begin our journey toward the majestic Rocky Mountains. This leg of the trip was a stunning transition, showcasing the wide-open beauty of Alberta before the breathtaking peaks came into view.


If you missed the first part of our adventure, where we traveled from Toronto to Thunder Bay, you can catch up on all the highlights here.


If you missed the second part of our adventure, where we traveled from Thunder Bay to Saskatoon, you can catch up on all the highlights here.


Day 7: Saskatoon to Calgary


We began the day with a hearty breakfast at the Delta Bessborough before hitting the road. The open prairies stretched out endlessly as we made our way toward Alberta. The sheer vastness of the landscape was humbling, with fields of golden wheat and a horizon that seemed to stretch forever.


Our first major destination was Drumheller, the dinosaur capital of the world. We kicked off our exploration by visiting the World’s Largest Dinosaur, a towering T-Rex statue that stands over 86 feet tall. Climbing to the top gave us sweeping views of the surrounding badlands and was a fun way to connect with our inner child.



YouTube shorts

Click the links below to view clips from our adventure


Next, we stopped at the Star Mine Suspension Bridge, an impressive 117-meter-long pedestrian bridge originally built for coal miners. Walking across the swaying bridge was both thrilling and a little nerve-wracking, but the views of the Red Deer River below were worth it.



YouTube shorts

Click the links below to view clips from our adventure


Afterward, we visited the Willow Creek Hoodoos, unique and surreal rock formations that looked like they were from another planet. These natural wonders left us in awe of the diversity of Canada’s landscapes.





Our final stop in Drumheller was the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, where we got a hands-on look at the region’s mining history. Riding the old coal train and exploring the historic site gave us a fascinating glimpse into the life of miners in the area.



YouTube shorts

Click the links below to view clips from our adventure



As we continued our drive to Calgary, the landscape gradually shifted from the dramatic badlands to the bustling cityscape. We arrived in the evening, checked into the Applause by Clique hotel, and enjoyed a relaxing dinner at Tonic Kitchen + Bar. It was the perfect way to end an exciting and adventure-filled day.





Day 8: Exploring Calgary


Day 8 was dedicated to exploring Calgary, and we kicked things off with a peaceful walk along the Peace Bridge and Bow River. From there, we headed to the Calgary Stampede Grounds, where we explored the iconic venue and learned more about its history.


YouTube shorts

Click the links below to view clips from our adventure





YouTube shorts

Click the links below to view clips from our adventure


Next, we visited the Calgary Tower, where panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains took our breath away. It was incredible to see the Rockies on the horizon, knowing we’d be exploring them soon.



YouTube shorts

Click the links below to view clips from our adventure


After the tower, we stopped at the Reader Rock Garden, a tranquil oasis filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. It was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy Calgary’s quieter side.



YouTube shorts

Click the links below to view clips from our adventure


Later in the evening, we returned to Tonic Kitchen + Bar for dinner, and this time we were joined by Melanie and her husband for drinks. It was a lovely way to end our day in the city, sharing great conversations and laughs with friends.