Major city · Canada
Sundre
Go for 1–2 nights if you want foothills rafting, golf and wild-horse country with a car; skip without one — no rail, no bus, 120 km (75 mi) from Calgary.Go for 1–2 nights if you want foothills rafting, golf and wild-horse country with a car; skip without one — no rail, no bus, 75 mi (120 km) from Calgary.
Sundre is a small foothills town of about 2,700 people on the Red Deer River, 120 km northwest of Calgary. It works as a 1–2 night base for rafting, golf, trail rides and the wild horses west of town, and as a slower alternative to Banff. A car is essential: there is no scheduled bus or rail service into town.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for rafting, golf and hiking; Feb–Mar for a quiet winter stop
- avoid Nov–Apr for river activities; check wildfire smoke in Jul–Aug
- Airports
- YYC · YQF
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Sundre911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Sundre Hospital and Care Centre (24/7 emergency)+1 403-638-3033
- Alberta Health Services health advice (24 h)811
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Sundre, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyLow crime and a safe small town; the real risks are wildlife, wildlife on the road at night, and winter cold.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 403-638-3033 Sundre Hospital and Care Centre (24/7 emergency) · 811 Alberta Health Services health advice (24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYYC Calgary International (About 1 h 30 min by car; rent a car at the airport, there is no bus to Sundre.).
- Getting aroundDrive.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–5 (≈ US$2–4)
- Street or quick mealBreakfast or lunch specialC$12–22 (≈ US$9–16)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubC$7–10 (≈ US$6–8)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryC$5–15 (≈ US$4–11)
- Budget bedCampground or RV site, a night, per roomC$35 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedBudget motel double room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedBudget motel double room, a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YYC Calgary International (About 1 h 30 min by car; rent a car at the airport, there is no bus to Sundre.) · YQF Red Deer Regional (Smaller field about 1 h east; limited flights, check schedules.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Feb
Care
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Mar
Care
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Apr
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Care
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Care
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Dec
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Jun, Sep. Mixed: Feb–Mar, Jul–Aug. Avoid: Apr, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C) low), wettest Jun (13 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Sundre: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
8 rd
Feb
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
7 rd
Mar
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
8 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
13 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
Nov
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
7 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Drive. Sundre has no public transit and no scheduled intercity bus or rail; everything outside Main Avenue needs a car. Fuel up in town before heading west on Hwy 584 or south on Hwy 22 — services thin out fast.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bergen International Sculpture Garden
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive 6.6 km (4.1 mi) south on Hwy 760, then west and south on range roadsDrive 4.1 mi (6.6 km) south on Hwy 760, then west and south on range roads
Outdoor stone sculptures in a forested garden; check opening before you drive out.
Rocky Mountain House
goDoor to door: About 45 min
North on Hwy 22
Adds a national historic site and a bigger service town.
Drayton Valley
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
North on Hwy 22
Mostly a drive-through; combine with the Hwy 22 route rather than a return trip.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Hwy 27 east to Olds, then Hwy 2 south
Airport run or a city day; do not attempt it as a late-night return after rafting.
Edson
skipDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
Hwy 22 north, then east
Too far for a day; treat it as a separate stop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown Main Avenue
Walkable to pubs, cafés and the museum; motels and the Chinook Country Inn are here.
East end (Hwy 22/27)
Mountain View Inn & Suites and Rustlers Lodge, next to the golf club and the road out of town.
Hwy 584 west
Ranch and lake stays such as Schott's Lake, 20 min west; you need a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or inn double room1 × 2 nights × C$190 | C$380 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$160 | C$640 |
| Car rental, one day, compact1 × C$90 · Book from Calgary | C$90 |
| Fuel, Calgary return, about 240 km1 × C$35 | C$35 |
| Guided rafting trip, half day2 × C$130 | C$260 |
| Round of golf, 18 holes2 × C$80 | C$160 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$161 |
| Trip total≈ C$442 per person per day, bed included | C$1,766≈ US$1,300 |
Rates start around C$159 in summer
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car rental and fuel are the big variable. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–5 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Breakfast or lunch special | C$12–22 (≈ US$9–16) |
| Pub main dish | C$18–30 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Draught beer in a pub | C$7–10 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Museum entry | C$5–15 (≈ US$4–11) |
| Campground night, unserviced | C$30–45 (≈ US$25–35) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bear and cougar country: carry bear spray on trails, walk in groups of three or more, seal food and pack out all trash.
- Moose and deer cross roads, especially at night: slow down and be ready to stop.
- Wild horses are wild: view from a distance, never approach or feed.
- Summer runs 18–32°C (64–90°F) with strong sun; winter reaches −40°C (−40°F), so layers matter.Summer runs 64–90°F (18–32°C) with strong sun; winter reaches −40°F (−40°C), so layers matter.
- Cell coverage is patchy west of town; download offline maps before you leave.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Sundre Hospital and Care Centre (24/7 emergency)
- +1 403-638-3033
- Alberta Health Services health advice (24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
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SundreSundre
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Sundre Hospital emergency+1 403-638-3033
- Health advice (24 h)811
Embassy
No embassies in Sundre; US, UK, Australian and other consulates are in Calgary.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Calgary airport → Sundre by rental car: about 1 h 30 min, 120 km (75 mi)about 1 h 30 min, 75 mi (120 km)
- Fuel, Calgary return: about C$35 (≈ US$30)
- Guided half-day rafting: about C$90–180 (≈ US$70–140)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Sorry — Sorry / Excuse me
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the washroom? — Where is the toilet?
- Bear in the area — Bear in the area
Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis. Sales tax is added at the till.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Sundre. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for rafting, golf and hiking; Feb–Mar for a quiet winter stop · avoid Nov–Apr for river activities; check wildfire smoke in Jul–Aug · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YYC: rental pickup times, last fuel before Sundre, winter-road fallback.
- Four walking and driving clusters with anchors: Main Avenue, the museum, the golf and lodge east end, Hwy 584 west.
- Place pages with verified hours (museum, sculpture garden, visitor centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wildfire-smoke and winter-closure fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialTown of Sundre
- officialSundre & District Museum
- officialWild Horses of Alberta Society
- officialAlberta BearSmart program
- secondaryWikivoyage: Sundre, revision 5238997 (CC BY-SA 4.0)