Why go
Calgary is a supply center, cultural stop and gateway to the Rockies. The city is particularly suitable for carrying out supplies, maintenance and larger purchases in front of the National Parks.
The stop is intended as a quiet stage. The Fifth Wheel remains on a suitable basis if possible, while narrow local, coastal and park roads are only explored with the pickup truck.
At a glance
Category | Information
Ideal stay | 2–3 days
Best time to visit | May–September
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Boondocking | very good outside the national parks
Downtown & Bow River
Riverside paths combine modern architecture, parks and neighbourhoods.
Heritage Park
The open-air museum shows the history of Western Canada.
Studio Bell
The Music Museum is a good bad weather stop.
Things to do
RiverWalk
Heritage Park
Market visit
Day trip to Ranchland
Shopping
Calgary offers the best selection for RV parts, service, food and outdoor equipment.
Food & drink
Alberta Beef, international cuisine and modern food halls offer a lot of choice.
Campgrounds
Calaway Park Campground
Mountain View Camping
Private RV-Parks on the outskirts of town
Boondocking & Supply
Boondocking-Eigenung in Alberta: very good outside the national parks. Suitable areas are not guaranteed pitches; land status, signposting, access and current bans must be confirmed on site and on official maps.
Ghost Public Land Use Zone
Livingstone Public Land Use Zone
Public areas in the David Thompson Country according to current map
Freshwater, dump station, gas, food and laundry supply points:
Calgary
Canmore
Rocky Mountain House
Red Deer
Edmonton
Practical tips
Don't hit downtown with the trailer.
Schedule Stampede time only with very early booking.
Note traffic jams.
Save offline maps. In rural regions, national parks and in the north, mobile communications can be missing over long distances.
Never take water untested from lakes or rivers into the fresh water tank. Replenish drinking water only at released sources or prepare it professionally.
Our recommendation
Use Calgary as a maintenance and supply break before staying in the National Parks for longer.