Calgary, Alberta, stands as a dynamic city set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, renowned for its lively Western spirit and entrepreneurial drive. Home to the famous Calgary Stampede, a celebration of rodeo and cowboy culture, the city also boasts a thriving arts scene, vibrant festivals, and diverse culinary offerings. Calgary's skyline is dominated by modern skyscrapers, while its downtown core is connected by an extensive network of pathways and parks along the scenic Bow River. As Canada's energy capital, Calgary blends its rich heritage with a forward-thinking outlook, offering visitors and residents alike a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and warm western hospitality throughout the year.
If you're a local and looking to escape for a weekend, keep reading. With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also some international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Calgary, Alberta area within a non-stop 4-hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends on what you want to do at your destination.
Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Vancouver boasts a stunning blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking natural beauty, offering visitors a unique experience of world-class dining, diverse cultures, and abundant outdoor activities all in one place.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Vancouver
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $30+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Gambling, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Partying, more Gambling.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Las Vegas
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from YYC - See flight deals
Spirit from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $70+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ, YTZ) - 3 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, people, cleanliness, Hockey Hall of Fame.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Toronto
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YYC - See flight deals
WestJet from YYC - See flight deals
Swoop from YYC - See flight deals
Flair Airlines from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $70+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 3 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Los Angeles
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
United from YYC - See flight deals
Delta from YYC - See flight deals
Alaska from YYC - See flight deals
SkyWest from YYC - See flight deals
Horizon from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Seattle, Washington (SEA) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Whales, Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, gorgeous views, intelligent individuals, good breweries.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Seattle
When to go?
Summer (you can't really avoid the rain but you can pray)
Who can fly you there?
United from YYC - See flight deals
Delta from YYC - See flight deals
Frontier from YYC - See flight deals
Alaska from YYC - See flight deals
Southwest from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the REI flagship store. Wow.
San Francisco, California (SFO, SJC, OAK) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Tours, Food, Silicon Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Surfing
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in San Francisco
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
United from YYC - See flight deals
Frontier from YYC - See flight deals
Southwest from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $90+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
San Diego, California (SAN) - 3 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in San Diego
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from YYC - See flight deals
Alaska from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $140+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Denver
When to go?
Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
United from YYC - See flight deals
Southwest from YYC - See flight deals
Frontier from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 3 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Nashville
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
United from YYC - See flight deals
Southwest from YYC - See flight deals
Frontier from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 3 Hour 25 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Chicago
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
AA from YYC - See flight deals
Southwest from YYC - See flight deals
United from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
Portland, Oregon (PDX) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing. Oregon coast is only 1 hour away. Mt. Hood is nearby as well.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Portland
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from YYC - See flight deals
Alaska from YYC - See flight deals
SkyWest from YYC - See flight deals
Horizon from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Austin
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
AA from YYC - See flight deals
Southwest from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Skiing, Salt Flats, Mormons, and great National Parks within a moderate drive.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Salt Lake City
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from YYC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $280+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
