The drive from Edmonton to Calgary may only take three hours, but it can feel a lot longer.
Beyond the occasional cow field, questionable billboard, and oil derrick, there’s not much to break up the monotony. Luckily, there’s no shortage of quirky, cool, and downright beautiful stops just off the QEII.
Here are a few gems worth checking out to make your next road trip a little more fun — and a lot less boring.
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What: Located just a short drive east of Highway 2 is the whimsical “world-famous” Gopher Hole Museum. The museum features taxidermied gophers dressed up in themed costumes and accessories and posed in front of corresponding backdrops. It may sound a bit morbid, but you just have to see it for yourself.
Where: 208 1st St. SW, Torrington, Alta.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday
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What: If you have ever driven through Red Deer on the QE II, you have stopped or have thought about stopping at The Donut Mill. It may just be one of the best spots to grab a donut in the province. The Mills menu has dozens of donut flavours, with fan favourites like Oreo, Rolo, Apple Pie and Rainbow Dip, just to name a few.
Where: 123 Leva Ave., Red Deer County
Take the scenic route (West)
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What: If you’ve got a few extra hours to spare on your drive between Edmonton and Calgary, consider trading the QEII for Highway 22. The scenic detour offers sweeping views of Alberta’s foothills and mountains — and makes the journey feel like part of the destination.
What: The Reynolds-Alberta Museum is one of those places you need to visit at least once. It celebrates Alberta’s agricultural and industrial roots and features one of the most impressive collections of cars, planes, tractors, and machinery in Western Canada.
Where: 6426 40th Ave., Wetaskiwin
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What: Just a little bit further east of the Torrington Gopher Hole Museum is this odd little bunker in the middle of the plains. The Sunnyslope Shelter is a historic site built in the early twentieth century; these types of shelters were common among homesteaders upon arriving on the prairies. It’s a must-see!
Where: Township Road 314, Kneehill County, Alta.
What: Tucked away in the middle of the prairies, this five-acre forest garden feels like something out of a fairytale. It’s the perfect place to pause, reset, and give your eyes a break from the flat, endless stretch of the QEII.
Where: 622nd Rd. N., Trochu
What: You’ve probably driven past this picture-perfect dining car on the QEII, but have you ever stopped in? The Starlite Diner Car serves up classic comfort food and retro vibes, making it well worth the detour (and a great spot to grab some old-school content for the ’gram).
Where: 1-3 Heritage Dr. #1, Bowden
What: You never know what you’ll find at this massive mall just north of Calgary, like a giant fish tank inside the equally oversized Bass Pro Shops. Whether your road trip starts or ends at CrossIron Mills, it’s worth a stop at least once.
Where: 261055 Crossiron Blvd., Rocky View County
What: This was the first provincial park established in Alberta. Located near Red Deer, it’s a fantastic halfway point to stop and get your legs moving. Visit the gorgeous Ebeling Beach on the shore of Gull Lake and relax in the sand.
Where: Lacombe County, Alta.
Take the scenic route (East)
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What: Think the western route has the best views? Head east instead, and you might be surprised. Passing through Drumheller, you’ll get to explore Alberta’s one-of-a-kind badlands — a landscape that’s just as stunning in its own way.
