So, why not spend your next long weekend exploring a new city instead of watching the latest show on Netflix? Looking for some inspiration before you book your cheap weekend flights from Calgary? From Seattle to the sunny beaches of Cancun, we’ve got some great destinations for you right here.

Alberta’s statutory holidays

Planning around a long weekend is one of the best ways to fit in a quick getaway. Alberta’s statutory holidays include:

• New Year's Day: January 1

• Family Day: Third Monday in February

• Good Friday: Friday before Easter Sunday

• Victoria Day: The Monday preceding May 25

• Canada Day: July 1

• Labour Day: First Monday in September

• Thanksgiving Day: Second Monday in October

• Remembrance Day: November 11

• Christmas Day: December 25

Last-minute vacations from Calgary for every traveller

• Seattle, WA

• Winnipeg, MB

• Denver, CO

• Phoenix, AZ

• Cancun, Mexico

Why visit Seattle?

Seattle is a convenient last-minute vacation from Calgary. Only two hours by plane, this Pacific Northwest city offers a mix of urban activity, ocean views, and surrounding forests for hikers and nature-seekers. 

What to do in Seattle

There are plenty of fun things to do in Seattle for a weekend trip. Start at Pike Place Market, a waterfront farmers' market where you can get everything from produce and fish to some trinkets and homemade beauty products. For a fun evening, take a romantic nighttime ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, where you can take in the twinkling city lights from up above.

No visit to Seattle is complete without a trip to the Space Needle, where you’ll have a full-fledged tourist experience. If you’re into history, try out the Seattle Underground Tour, where you’ll quite literally head underground to explore the city’s hidden streets. You can even catch a Major League Baseball game and cheer on the Seattle Mariners—don’t forget the peanuts and hot dogs!

Best places to eat in Seattle

While you’re exploring Pike Place Fish Market, stop by Pike Place Chowder for an award-winning bowl of chowder or visit Beecher’s Handmade Cheese to sample its famous cheeses. Need some energy to fuel your adventures? Don’t forget to visit the original Starbucks store on Pike Place.

How to get around Seattle

Seattle’s public transport network, King County Metro Transit, makes it easy to get around the city without a car. You can also rent a bike, take a water taxi, or take advantage of the Link light rail if you’re exploring outside the downtown core.

Why visit Winnipeg? 

Winnipeg has a lot to offer visitors, so if you’re looking for cheap vacations from Calgary, don’t rule it out! From museums and history to cheap eats and art, there’s something in Winnipeg for everyone.

What to do in Winnipeg 

There are plenty of great activities to do in Winnipeg. If you’re looking for a historical adventure, check out The Forks National Historic Site and the Manitoba Museum. Animal lovers can visit the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, while shoppers can explore the boutiques, cafes, and local shops in Osborne Village.

Places to eat in Winnipeg

Winnipeg has food options for every taste. Grab a cup of coffee at one of the city’s many cafes, enjoy a burger from the local hole-in-the-wall VJ’s Drive-In, or explore the vendors at The Forks Market. Don’t leave without trying a piece of Winnipeg’s famous local-style cheesecake or a plate of perogies. 

Getting around in Winnipeg

Winnipeg Transit makes it easy to get around the city by bus. If you have a shorter distance to go, you can rent a bike, grab a taxi or rideshare, or explore on foot.

Why visit Denver? 

Whether you’re into art, spending your days exploring new parks, wining and dining, or taking in some local craft beer, there’s something in the beautiful city of Denver for everyone. Just a few hours' flight south of Calgary, Colorado’s capital is a great choice for a last-minute getaway.

What to do in Denver

Sports fans can catch a game at Coors Field, while art lovers can spend an afternoon exploring the Denver Art Museum. If you’re travelling with the entire family, check out the Downtown Aquarium or Elitch Gardens, where you can enjoy over 100 different rides.

In a shopping mood? Take a day trip to Boulder to check out the Pearl Street Mall, where you’ll find locally owned shops and boutiques, street performers, and tasty restaurants. 

Places to eat in Denver

Denver has a ton of food choices, regardless of what you’re craving. You can grab breakfast or brunch at Snooze and A.M. Eatery, eat fresh sushi at the Sushi Den, and top it all off with a treat at Little Man Ice Cream. Beer enthusiasts can also take a tour of the local breweries to try out the city’s famous craft brews. 

Getting around Denver

Denver International Airport is connected to downtown by RTD’s A Line train, making it easy to get from the airport to your accommodations (and back). Once you’ve checked in, you can take the RTD rail and bus network to almost anywhere in the city or catch an Uber or Lyft.

Why visit Phoenix?

If sun and desert sound like your ideal last-minute vacation from Calgary, then Phoenix is the place for you. With warm sun, gorgeous landscapes, and outdoor activities, it’s an easy escape from the cold Canadian weather.

What to do in Phoenix

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation on your weekend getaway, there are a ton of choices in the sunny city of Phoenix. For adventurers, take a hike on Camelback Mountain or spend the afternoon exploring the beauty at Desert Botanical Gardens. Ready to shop until you drop? Browse around the nearby Scottsdale Fashion Square for local shops, eats, and happy hours.

Places to eat in Phoenix

Phoenix has everything from casual comfort foods to upscale cuisines. You can indulge in some all-American brunch at Lo Lo’s Chicken and Waffles, enjoy some BBQ, ribs, and burgers on the outdoor patio setting at San Tan Flat, or sample authentic Mexican food throughout the city.

If you’re ready to head out on the town, Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix have live music most evenings, with a dance floor to help you burn off some of those calories.

Getting around in Phoenix

The Valley Metro Rail connects downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa, helping you explore the area without a car. Taxis and rideshares are also available throughout the city.

Why visit Cancun?

If you’re craving sunshine, turquoise water, and white sandy beaches, Cancun is one of the top picks for an all-inclusive vacation from Calgary. From underwater museums and historical ruins to amazing experiences and unique wildlife, Cancun offers something for everyone. 

What to do

Cancun isn’t only a popular spot for your March Break. It’s also an ideal last-minute vacation from Calgary. Plan a day trip to explore the underwater sculptures at MUSA, relax on one of the many beaches, and eat as many fish tacos as you can. 

If you’re looking for a fun daytime activity, snorkelling or catamaran cruises are both popular year-round. But if history and world wonders are more your thing, check out Chichen Itza and the Mayan ruins in Tulum. Cancun also has many nightlife spots, from local bars to clubs where you can dance the night away after a day in the sun.

Places to eat in Cancun

Cancun’s food scene is filled with fresh seafood, fish tacos, and local specialties. Start by exploring local eateries and cafes throughout downtown, or head to the Hotel Zone for beachfront restaurants and ocean views.

Getting around

Cancun’s Hotel Zone is relatively easy to explore on foot. If you’re heading farther out, you can also catch a bus or a shuttle for easy transit.

Find a last-minute vacation package from Calgary with Skyscanner

Still looking for the perfect last-minute getaway? Check out Skyscanner for daily flight deals and the most affordable travel packages from Calgary. We’ve also created a handy guide to help you get the best deals for last-minute trips.

Have somewhere else in mind? Download the Skyscanner app to get price alerts and cheap last-minute flight deals right at your fingertips.