If you're visiting Canada from Belgium and love wide open spaces, green parks, and scenic mountain drives, Calgary makes an ideal starting point. Set in the heart of Alberta, this vibrant city blends modern culture with easy access to some of North America's most breathtaking natural landscapes. From peaceful lakesides and quiet walking trails to incredible wildlife viewing, the region offers countless opportunities for memorable road trip adventures — all just a short drive from the city.
Once you arrive in Calgary, you’ll notice how easy it is to get around by car. The roads are smooth, the signs are easy to follow, and highways connect directly to nearby parks and natural areas. While public transport is fine for getting around the city, a car makes it much easier to reach the most scenic outdoor spots. This is one reason many European visitors choose to drive during their stay.
Calgary is a city that blends Western charm with modern living, all set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Unlike the busy pace of cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Calgary feels open and relaxed. Its wide streets, friendly atmosphere, and close connection to nature make it stand out. Even within city limits, you're never far from parks, rivers, or mountain views. For Belgian visitors used to compact towns and narrow roads, Calgary's space and openness offer a refreshing change.
The weather here is famously unpredictable — sunshine, snow, and rain can all happen in a single day — but that variety adds to the experience. Summers are warm and dry, perfect for hiking and outdoor exploring. Winters are crisp and scenic, with snow-covered parks. In autumn, trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and spring brings blooming flowers and active wildlife. Calgary is also the perfect starting point for road trips to places like Banff and Jasper, but you don’t need to go far to enjoy beautiful natural escapes.
Right in the heart of Calgary lies Prince’s Island Park, a peaceful green oasis located on an island in the Bow River. It's easily one of the city's favourite gathering places for locals and tourists alike. Named after Peter Anthony Prince, a lumberman who once ran a mill nearby, the park is now home to art festivals, outdoor performances, and picnic areas.
You can walk or cycle along winding paths, enjoy a riverside lunch at the park café, or simply sit beneath the trees and watch the river flow by. The park also hosts the annual Calgary Folk Music Festival, which draws artists and visitors from around the world. Prince’s Island Park is a great introduction to Calgary’s green spaces and an ideal first stop if you’ve just arrived in the city.
For a larger outdoor escape, head south to Fish Creek Provincial Park—one of the biggest urban parks in North America. Spanning over 13 square kilometres, it offers more than 80 kilometres of both paved and natural trails, perfect for walking, cycling, or exploring at your own pace. The park features quiet creeks, shaded woods, and wide grasslands, and is home to over 200 bird species, making it a favourite spot for birdwatchers. In summer, Sikome Lake—a man-made beach in the park—is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing in the sun.
In winter, the park transforms into a quiet, snowy retreat, perfect for cross-country skiing or peaceful walks. Fish Creek also has a deep history. Archaeological finds show that people lived in the area thousands of years ago, long before the city of Calgary was established.
Nose Hill Park sits in northwest Calgary and is one of the city's highest natural spots. From its grassy hills, you get broad views of the city skyline and the far-off Rocky Mountains. Covering over 11 square kilometres, the park is mostly natural grassland, making it feel like an open prairie in the heart of the city.
The quiet trails at Nose Hill Park are perfect for walking or hiking, and you might see deer, hawks, or prairie dogs as you go. Unlike more built-up parks, Nose Hill has a natural, untouched feel. It's open spaces and peaceful paths provide a real break from the busy city—especially at sunrise or sunset, when the hills are lit with soft, golden light.
On Calgary’s southwest side sits the Glenmore Reservoir, a large body of water used both for city water supply and recreation. Around it are several parks, but North Glenmore Park is one of the most enjoyable places to spend an afternoon. This park is perfect for walking, cycling, or enjoying a picnic with friends or family.
The paths are smooth and easy to follow, with plenty of places to stop and admire the view. In summer, you can see kayaks and sailboats on the water, and in autumn, the trees turn bright orange and red. The park also offers a nice look at Calgary’s residential life, with friendly communities nearby and coffee shops just a short drive away. If you're interested in photography or love the feeling of open space near water, Glenmore is not to be missed.
Though not within the city, Banff is such an important destination that it deserves a place in this guide. Located about 90 minutes west of Calgary, it’s Canada’s oldest national park and one of the most beautiful places on earth. The journey there is a stunning drive through the foothills of the Rockies, with mountains slowly rising on either side.
Once you reach Banff, there’s plenty to do — from visiting the iconic Lake Louise to taking a walk through Johnston Canyon. You can hike, relax in hot springs, or enjoy the fresh air and unbelievable views. Wildlife sightings are common, including elk, mountain goats, and occasionally bears. Banff is a full-day or multi-day trip from Calgary, but well worth the effort. It's a favourite among European visitors and a true highlight of any Canadian journey.
To help plan your visit, you might enjoy reading An Unforgettable Banff Road Trip Adventure for Taiwan Visitors, which offers additional tips and highlights that are useful for travellers from anywhere.
Exploring Canada by car is a rewarding experience, especially around Calgary where natural beauty is always just a drive away. However, there are a few important differences Belgian visitors should keep in mind to stay safe, comfortable, and confident on the road:
If you're visiting Calgary from Belgium, having your car makes it much easier to explore the city and its breathtaking surroundings. While public transport covers the basics, the real gems — from mountain drives to peaceful parks — are best reached by road. Here’s why renting a car with Finalrentals is the best choice for your journey:
With Finalrentals, you can rent a car and enjoy the freedom to explore Canada at your own pace — comfortably, confidently, and without relying on fixed schedules.
Whether you’re headed to a nearby green space or taking a longer drive into the Rockies, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Here are a few key tips to keep your travels smooth, scenic, and safe:
These tips can help make your journey not just memorable, but meaningful — with a positive impact on the places you visit.
Calgary is a welcoming city where culture and nature come together in a uniquely Canadian way. For Belgian visitors, it offers a refreshing contrast to home — with wide-open prairies, towering mountains, and crystal-clear lakes all within easy reach. Many of Alberta’s most beautiful parks are just a short drive away, making Calgary the perfect base for a scenic, nature-filled getaway.
To experience the Canadian outdoors and go beyond the typical tourist trail, a road trip from Calgary is the way to go. When you rent a car in Canada with Finalrentals, you gain the freedom to explore at your own pace — with comfort, flexibility, and reliable support every step of the way!
