Scenic Drive from Calgary to Banff, Alberta Canada

Scenic Drive from Calgary to Banff, Alberta Canada via Highway 1A Alberta Rocky Mountain Road Trips, Series 6 (to Canmore) Welcome to this driving tour from Ghost Lake, Alberta to Canmore, Alberta. This scenic route will take you along the Highway 1A, also known as the Bow Valley Parkway, which offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the Bow River. We start our journey at Ghost Lake, a man-made reservoir that was created in 1929 by the construction of a hydroelectric dam. The lake is named after the Ghost River, which flows into it from the north. According to Indigenous legends, the river was haunted by a ghost that would lure people to their deaths. Today, Ghost Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, windsurfing and ice sailing. As we leave Ghost Lake, we head west on Highway 1A, passing through the hamlet of Cochrane and entering the Rocky Mountain foothills. Along the way, we can admire the rolling hills, ranches and farms that dot the landscape. We might also spot some wildlife, such as deer, elk, coyotes and bears. After about 40 minutes of driving, we reach Canmore, a charming mountain town that is known for its outdoor activities, arts and culture. Canmore was once a coal mining town, but now it attracts visitors with its ski resorts, golf courses, hiking trails and festivals. Canmore is also the gateway to Banff National Park, Canada's oldest and most visited national park. We hope you enjoyed this driving tour from Ghost Lake to Canmore. Thank you for joining us and have a wonderful day.