How Many Miles From Calgary To Edmonton
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Compiled past the Road Trip Alberta team
Last Updated December viii, 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 road in the province and if you're annihilation like us, you set the auto on cruise command once you've passed the congested traffic of the cities, and mindlessly let the road guide you in that location. You lot might make a finish in Red Deer to visit The Donut Mill (as yous should) or eat at 1 of the great restaurants in Red Deer, but otherwise, you just burn on through.
We'd like to claiming you lot to do something dissimilar this fourth dimension. And to anyone reading this who is visiting from out of province or state, it is likely that y'all accept been advised to just have the fastest road besides. But we want you to take our challenge too.
In this guide to travel between Alberta'south 2 biggest cities, we've given you details on the fast road for those in a hurry. Only we accept also outlined two alternative and more than scenic routes, plus a lot of fun stops to make along the way. Taking one of these alternative journeys is not only going to make the route trip a lot more than enjoyable, only also give you a glimpse into more than of what Alberta has to offer.
About the Road
The distance of the fastest route from Calgary to Edmonton is 303 km with a straight drive on the heavily trafficked QEII highway. It should have less than three hours to make the journeying, merely there are many factors that can modify that: construction (there always seems to be something going on in summer!), traffic, and of course, the variable Alberta weather.
If you lot have to get to either city speedily, there is no faster road. But if you take some actress time and an appetite for take chances, and then you lot take a couple of different options to go there.
Fastest Route from Calgary to Edmonton
Take the Queen Elizabeth II (known locally as the QEII or Highway 2), which has at least two lanes of free-flowing traffic in each management the entire way.
Alternate Breathtaking Route #1: "The Boomtown Trail"
You'll take a brief jaunt along the QEII, just north of Calgary, but the rest of your fourth dimension will exist on paved dorsum roads that volition accept you lot through quaint towns along the east. From Calgary, have Highway 2 northward and and then have go out 340A due 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 turns forth the way; follow the map beneath for the rest of the details!
This route should take you roughly four hours, only brand fourth dimension for the interesting stops and side-trip opportunities forth the fashion, which are outlined in the "fun things to do" section below.
Suggested breathtaking route #2: "The Cowboy Trail"
This is actually a 700km route that extends into far southern Alberta. Still, yous can get on the trail by heading w from Calgary towards Cochrane and and then turning north on Highway 22 to exercise a portion of it. To make it in Edmonton, have the Yellowhead (Highway 16) due east at Entwistle towards the city until information technology meets upward with highway 22, and turn due south at Entwistle.
For most of the drive up, you'll have the mountains out your left window and prairies out your right. Worthy stops along the way are detailed in the "fun things to exercise" section beneath. Depending on the stops you make, this should take y'all up to five hours.
Calgary to Edmonton (and Edmonton to Calgary) past Machine
As each urban center has an international drome, it's easy to pick up a vehicle (we advise using Rentalcars.com to compare pricing among your favourite agencies) and be on your way. Both the Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Edmonton International Airdrome (YEG) are near the QEII and you can be on your way chop-chop. If you want to have either of the more scenic routes outlined above, you'll demand your own wheels, as none of the other transportation listed below will have these roads less travelled.
If yous are not interested in using a traditional machine rental bureau, you can also rent cars through a website called Turo (retrieve Airbnb for motorcar rentals). Both airports serve equally frequent option-up/drop-off points.
Earlier you get on the route, exist sure to check out Alberta 511 for up-to-date road reports. Every wintertime there are at least a few days that this trip can be a treacherous journey thanks to inhospitable weather condition, and trust usa, you don't want to be caught in it!
Simply arrived and need a hotel?
If it turns out that the atmospheric condition doesn't wait good, or you become in late at either airport and want to become some sleep before undertaking such a bulldoze, we've got some recommendations for airport hotels at either end:
Calgary Aerodrome Hotel
- Hotel Clique is a super chic and affordable hotel that has gratis parking, free WiFi, and a corking restaurant onsite. It is a quick shuttle ride from the airport, and we have stayed hither several times when we take an early flight out of Calgary. Bonus: it has two rooftop pools!
Or, if you prefer to book a "home-away-from-habitation", nosotros've got a guide dedicated to the best Calgary Airbnbs that includes some options by the drome for a quick and easy stay in the city.
Edmonton Airport Hotel
- 4 Points past Sheraton Edmonton Airport is a straightforward hotel that is merely 5 minutes from the airdrome. Information technology has costless wifi, an indoor pool and a hot tub.
Calgary to Edmonton past Jitney or Shuttle
At that place are some proficient options for bus service betwixt Edmonton and Calgary that are reasonably priced. The following companies offering directly service betwixt Alberta's two biggest cities:
- Ruddy Arrow – Probably the most popular autobus service connecting the two cities (and more than spots in Alberta), Blood-red Pointer offers multiple pick-up spots in each city, and at each airport. Average one-fashion tickets run at only around $72 per person, including tax.
- Rider Express – A bargain with prices as starting at $47 per person, Rider Express runs twice times well-nigh daily between the two cities, with a end partway in Red Deer. The selection-up and drop-off spots in each city may testify to be a little awkward for some, and no stops are made at either international airport.
- Ebus – This is Ruby-red Arrow's offering of a more economic option; for $52 y'all tin get this convenient bus from Edmonton to Calgary (and vice versa) with ii scheduled routes near daily. This is too about convenient for shoppers, as information technology includes a stop at the popular CrossIron Mills Shopping Center northward of Calgary.
- Coldshot – $37 will get y'all between the two cities. Coldshot makes upwardly to 2 trips virtually daily (early morning and early evening). Bonus: every 6th trip is free!
- The Canada Autobus – A brand new service offering service between Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton. There are even plans to expand to Canmore and Banff in the nigh hereafter. A one-style ticket from Calgary to Edmonton is $39 and if you buy a six-ticket pack (good for 180 days) yous'll go a 15% discount.
Calgary to Edmonton by Individual Transfer
Individual transfers betwixt Edmonton to Calgary (and vice versa) can take all the stress out of driving the busy QEII. Some individual transfer options are beneath:
- Quest Limos – Prices start at $540 for luxury individual transfers between Calgary and Edmonton, just with vehicles that fit upward to 12 people, the depression cost per person makes this an bonny option to arrive in manner.
- Taxi – Taxis are ever an option, of form, merely 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 be as simple as searching for a ride on Kijiji.ca with your dates.
- Poparide.com – in that location are options to select your driver based on your luggage and equipment requirements if you are travelling with skis, bikes, etc. Poparide charges per seat so you 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 pick, nonetheless many drivers may not be willing or capable to make the bulldoze and the price is close to what a taxi would cost for only ane fashion.
Fun Things to do Along the Manner
If you have your own machine and some spare time, you can easily plow your three-hr trek into a day-long risk!
The Fastest Route
We'll keep this selection lite, as we know that most people driving the QEII highway only desire to get from Point A to Point B every bit quickly every bit possible!
As the city of Red Deer sits most exactly in betwixt Calgary and Edmonton, it makes for a logical remainder point, and what is commonly known as "Gasoline Aisle" (a stretch of the main highway at the due south finish of Red Deer) is the perfect identify to get gas, stretch your legs, and grab a seize with teeth.
If you just need a quick snack to fuel the rest of your trip, cease at the iconic Donut Mill for a pastry. You can't miss it – the storefront is a big windmill on the west side of the highway – and there is a very good reason why this spot is listed on our "foodie" road trip Alberta bingo card. Endeavor the unmissable Boston cream, or accept a chance on the variable "donut of the calendar month" which is always a crowd-pleaser.
If you're pulling into Carmine Deer around mealtime and demand something heartier, the Big Bend Marketplace is very worth the stop for their made-to-guild sandwiches. Self-proclaimed as a "year-round farmer's market place", their meat pick is award-winning and their products are almost entirely locally made.
We'll throw in one suggested finish purely for fun: if you really want to stretch your legs, book a time at nearby Heritage Ranch to experience the thrill of being a fugitive! You'll be released onto the ranch with a map and a mission: capture all four flags inside an hour while existence chased past a tracker on a horse. The game starts at 3 pm and comes with a steak dinner (hopefully in celebration of you non being defenseless)!
Along the Boomtown Trail
Heading northward of Calgary, after you have the exit to Highway 27 due east, just before you lot striking Trochu, make your first end at the Torrington Gopher Hole Museum. While it'due south not officially a part of the Boomtown Trail, information technology is on the way and certainly a quirky spot not to be missed. Touring the whole museum can be washed in just a few minutes, and nosotros promise, it will fuel a lot of laughter for the rest of your trip.
Continuing on to Trochu, stop to have a quick selfie at the (disputed) World'southward Largest Golf Tee. Built-in 2009, it stands a whopping xl feet tall.
In that location are several celebrated buffalo jumps within Alberta, merely Dry Island Buffalo Jump is 1 of the lesser-known, making information technology a true "hidden gem". Drive xx minutes northeast of Trochu (it will take y'all off the official "trial" for a wee scrap) to find this provincial park that offers a stunning vista of a coulee with the Red Deer River nestled in the valley. You lot can boat, hike, or merely bask nature and bird-watching. (Always check the link above in accelerate to be sure access is open; in wet conditions, the route may be closed.)
The town of Stettler is one of the biggest on the route, so this could be a good stopping point for a repast. And if you have the time, book a visit to Alberta Prairie Railway for one of their unlike themed excursions. Ride on a passenger train from the 1920s and hold tight to your jewels, as it's probable that you'll encounter a gun battle when your railroad train gets "robbed" forth the way.
Love checking out "world'southward largest" roadside attractions? A quick jaunt to Donalda will offer another selfie opportunity in front end of the world'southward largest lamp. Information technology stands 42 feet tall and lights upwards at dusk (equally a lamp should)!
Along the Cowboy Trail
Just near an hour due north of your plough from Cochrane, make a stop in the picturesque town of Sundre. In fact, we recommend planning your whole solar day around it, to ensure that yous hit Kodiak BBQ and Deli in fourth dimension for lunch. Be certain to order the ribs (we know yous'll thank united states after for them).
If yous've got your clubs in the car, accept a swing at the pristine Sundre Golf game Social club. Alternatively, pick upward some new skills at Painted Warriors, an Indigenous-owned business that specializes in outdoor fun and education. Acquire about archery and survival skills, or accept a horse ride, an interpretive hike, or a snowshoe bout (flavour-depending).
Some other hr away and you'll be in the modest boondocks of Rocky Mount Business firm, and a cease at the National Historic Site in boondocks is certainly worth it. Acquire about life at a trading post, explore the many Indigenous programs bachelor, and fifty-fifty find a new-to-y'all trade or craft. If you're towing a trailer or packing a tent you can also spend the night forth the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.
For a petty hazard forth the way – and especially on a really hot day – pull the car off at Pembina River Tubing, only due south of Highway 16. Go out your car and hop in a raft to float due north on the Pembina River, a shuttle will selection you upward on the other side of Highway 16, just before the Pembina River Provincial Park. Note that this can take over three ½ hours, depending on how loftier the river level is (cheque 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 end in that location! We've got a big guide on things to practice in Edmonton, too. Stay a few days in one of the dandy Edmonton hotels beneath and plan to make the almost of your stay in Alberta'due south capital city.
Luxury – In terms of luxury accommodations in Edmonton, nothing beats the iconic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. You lot can't miss this hotel as it offers spectacular views of the Edmonton river valley and features a restaurant and spa. Close to many Edmonton attractions and located right in downtown Edmonton, this hotel is worth the splurge fifty-fifty if it's merely for 1 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 h2o themes. Additionally, this boutique hotel features a cozy library with a fireplace!
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Budget – Close to Whyte Ave and W Edmonton Mall, Travelodge by Wyndham Edmonton Southward gives you access to Edmonton sightseeing without breaking the bank. Dandy for kids, information technology besides has a hot tub and pool and likewise includes a free continental breakfast.
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Where to Stay in Calgary
Doing the reverse trip? So plan to enjoy some fourth dimension in Cowtown as well! Volume a few nights at ane of the hotels beneath and follow our extensive guide on what to practice in Calgary.
Luxury – Stay in the centre of downtown Calgary in the historic Fairmont Palliser hotel. You'll be inside walking altitude to some of the metropolis'due south near renowned shops, amusement, and restaurants! There is a spa with a pool to pamper yourself likewise.
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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 lot're into the fine art scene. Sip cocktails and eat world-class nutrient around the poolside (open to non-hotel guests also). The hotel features ii superb local restaurants and it sports its own commuter bicycle program to help you explore the urban center.
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Budget – If yous're looking to budget more for excursions than where you rest your caput, check out Canada'south All-time Value Inn. Information technology'due south shut to the transit system and keen shopping at the nearby Chinook Centre.
Source: https://roadtripalberta.com/calgary-to-edmonton/
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