2010 OFFICIAL
vACAtIOn GUIDE
TRAVELALBERTA.COM
1-800-ALBERTA
From peaks to plains, Alberta has one of the finest settings ever handed to a province. The snow spackled Rocky Mountains. Shimmering wheatfields. Northern lights. The Calgary Stampede. West Edmonton Mall. Guest ranches. Sunny skies. Canadian Badlands. Powder-perfect ski resorts. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, action or relaxation – explore Alberta your own way by delving into this Vacation Guide. Tailor your holiday according to interest or region – each comes with its own unique feast of holiday ideas. Scenic road trips, a massive festival guide, a handy map, cost-saving tips and local wisdom – everything you need to design an extraordinary holiday.
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Ca ttle driv e, south o f Calgary1 Official Alberta Vacation Guide In this guide you will discover a host of holiday ideas in our six regions. Each one captures particular experiences and adventures across Alberta. Edmonton & Area
Known as Canada’s Festival City, this bustling metropolis has always put its arts and culture on centre stage. TravelAlberta.com/Edmonton
Calgary & Area
Home of the Calgary Stampede, this cosmopolitan dynamo is also the natural gateway to the Canadian Rockies. TravelAlberta.com/Calgary
Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are legendary for their breathtaking beauty, charming villages, backcountry lodges and alpine castles. TravelAlberta.com/Rockies
Alberta South
Loaded with natural and cultural wonders, southern Alberta is famous for the Canadian Badlands, buffalo jumps and dinosaur bone beds. TravelAlberta.com/South
Alberta Central
Checkered with golden prairies, grassy foothills, shimmering lakes, sandy beaches and rural charms, Alberta’s heartland is a naturalist’s paradise. TravelAlberta.com/Central
Alberta North
Can’t decide between remote lakes and the comforts of home? Have both, as well as the longest daylight hours in the summer, prime birdwatching and historical sites. TravelAlberta.com/North
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Ed M ON TO N & A RE A CA LG AR y & A RE A CA N Ad IA N RO Ck IE S AL BE RT A SO uT h AL BE RT A CE N TR AL AL BE RT A N OR Th Wonders of Alberta ...2–3 Natural Discoveries ...4–5 Outdoor Adventures ... 6–7 Western Ways ...8–9 Families Matter ...10–11 Cities & Towns ...12–13 Dining & Shopping ...14–15 Golf Getaways ...16–17 Waterways ...18–19 Spas & Wellness ...20–21 Winter Escapes ...22–23 Resort to Perfection ...24–25 Festivals & Events ...26–27 Travel Essentials ... 82Golden Eagle Resort, Fort McMurray Crimson Lake
Hoodoos, near Drumheller Herbert Lake, Banff National Park Calgary Stampede
Edmonton & Area
You weigh your options carefully. Swim with sea lions. Bungy jump over the world’s largest indoor wave pool. Watch hockey under a glass dome. Barrel down a 14-storey, triple loop roller coaster. They all sound like a gas. And that’s before you discover there are 800 stores and services, 13 movie theatres, a casino and a colony of African penguins at West Edmonton Mall (WEM). And now you can explore this mammoth place by hopping on a nifty battery-operated Segway. In a flash, you’re weaving and bobbing between the throngs of faces trying to decide where to start. And then you hear it ... duelling keyboards at the new Red Piano Cajun Bistro where you must order a lobster Po’Boy and some Louisiana Crab Cakes. Sometimes you just have to indulge every urban need and there is no better place than at WEM. Would you expect anything less from North America’s largest shopping and entertainment complex?
Calgary & Area
It’s early July and the Calgary Stampede has revamped its streets with hay bales, wooden fences and free pancake breakfasts. After you scarf that freebie down, you’ll realize you’ve got to look the part so hustle off to Alberta Boot for the right footwear, Smithbilt Hats for an authentic cowboy hat and Lammle’s for some serious western duds. Now that you’re geared up, swagger down to Stampede Park, nab some rodeo tickets and head for the midway. Cap off the day with a feast of prime Alberta beef in a suite at the Lazy S club or join the masses for Beef on a Bun on the midway. Then it’s back to the stands for the No. 1 crowd-pleaser, the chuckwagon races, before the fireworks that end every Stampede evening with a literal bang. Still want more of our western ways? Join the cowboys headin’ to Ranchman’s and two-step until the cows come home.
Canadian Rockies
Begin your day with a hefty feed of bison sausages and free range eggs in Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper and then head out to the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives on Earth. Tumbling glaciers, lacy waterfalls, meadows, saddles, cirques and tarns – this drive alone comes with its own distinct alpine language. You’ll learn these terms at the Columbia Icefield Centre, located at the toe of North America’s most accessible “living” glacier, the Athabasca. A specially designed all-terrain coach, the Ice Explorer, takes you on a guided tour up the glacier’s belly as it slowly and imperceptibly recedes into history. Snow that fell thousands of years ago crunches beneath your feet, at times 300 m (984 ft) thick. You’ll see miles of snowy icefields, recessional moraines, a few of its 30,000 crevasses and the dramatic effects of global warming.
wonders of alberta
Columbia Ic efields , Jasper Na tional P ark Calgary S tampede W at erpark , W es t E dmon ton M al l3 Official Alberta Vacation Guide
Alberta South
Leave the arid, lunar-like landscape of today’s Canadian Badlands and tiptoe back 75 million years to the land the dinosaurs once roamed. Time travel is what you get on a hike or an archaeological dig at either the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller or Dinosaur Provincial Park. However unlikely it seems, guides will convince you that today’s swirl of canyons, coulees and hoodoos was once a lush tropical Eden for dinosaurs, crocodiles, sharks and turtles. Sit on the lip of Horseshoe Canyon today and marvel at the history of this place – it’s all laid out for you in stripes of bedrock, reminding us of the last ice age that ended some 13,000 years ago. While you can hike independently through some of the badlands your appreciation for fossils, the ways of the dinosaurs and these peculiar land formations will only be heightened by a guide on a day dig or a week-long field experience.
Alberta Central
We’re not suggesting you paddle the 66-day voyageur route from Rocky Mountain House to Old Fort William that David Thompson did some 200 years ago – but you wouldn’t be the first! Canoeing in these parts is still an ideal way to see vast stretches of untrameled wilderness. Independent paddlers can canoe many stretches of the North Saskatchewan River (Nordegg to Rocky Mountain House is very popular) or you can join a voyageur canoe outfitter for a multi-day paddle on this historic waterway. When you’re in the bow of your boat and round the leafy corner of the river to see the peak of the fort, known as Rocky Mountain House, it’s an emotional moment for it’s a sight that hasn’t shifted much since the days of Thompson. Be sure to stop in at the interpretive centre for a cup of lavender tea, some Métis fiddling and jigging. Learn the ways of some of our First Nations people, just as Thompson did.
Alberta North
Cuddle up next to the other star gazers in your party and blow snow rings into the frosty night air. Ah yes, there’s one. No, that’s two explosions you see. Everyone is spellbound as that taut, black Alberta sky bends and stretches with strings of colour that dance across the largest screen you’ll ever find. Gold, red, purple, green – the entire night sky glows with the mesmerizing brilliance of pulsing light. Think of yourself at Mother Nature’s drive-in movie theatre … that’s what a northern lights blockbuster looks like. Except that you’ll likely get hot chocolate instead of popcorn and your guides will come with telescopes, binoculars, extra toques and loads of local lore. Wild, electrifying, otherworldly these lights in Alberta’s northern skies will dazzle you with one of nature’s most glorious performances. Northern Ligh ts , A ssump tion R eserv e El k Island Na tional P ark Hoodoos , ne ar Drumhel ler Jasper Na tional P ark
Look for this green symbol throughout this year’s Vacation Guide and you’ll discover bargains galore – from free museum passes to pancake breakfasts.
It’s about inviting visitors to dig up our past in dinosaur beds in a manner that follows rigorous environmental principles. It’s about conserving habitat for massive flyways used by hundreds
of thousands of boreal birds. It’s about being culturally sensitive to spiritual sites run by our First Nations people. It’s about being a responsible traveller with every step you tread. Go softly. In Alberta, sustainable tourism is about protecting our five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and our network of 500 parks and protected areas. It’s about seeking the delicate balance between wildlife demands and tourism needs in Banff, Canada’s first national park.
Big Horn Sheep
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A thabasca F al ls , Jasper Na tional P ark
Banff, Waterton Lakes and Jasper National Parks First established as sanctuaries for wildlife, these parks are crisscrossed with hiking paths and horse-packing trails allowing visitors unparalleled accessibility. You’ll often see elk, deer, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. All three parks surround charming alpine villages, home to many of Alberta’s most luxurious resorts and innovative restaurants.
Wood Buffalo National Park From a bush plane, zoom in on the largest herd of free-roaming wood bison in the world – and discover other conservation projects such as the remarkable return of the whooping crane. Elk Island National Park Less than an hour from Edmonton, this park is home to 250 species of birds and herds of free-roaming plains bison, wood bison, moose, deer and elk. The park protects aspen parkland, one of the most endangered habitats in Canada.
Provincial Parks With more than 500 protected sites and parks throughout Alberta, the list is too lengthy to repeat. Some of Alberta’s signature parks include: Dinosaur Provincial Park, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park and Kananaskis Country, which cradles nine provincial parks. Want to loll about in powdery sand and bask in warm water? Head north to Cold Lake or Moose Lake provincial parks.
HooDoo You Believe? For centuries, the Canadian Badlands provided protection for Aboriginal peoples as well as for gangs of outlaws – mostly renegade horse thieves. Blackfoot and Cree thought the huge pillars of wind-blasted sandstone (hoodoos) were petrified giants who came alive after dark. These oddly capped and twisted pillars are scattered all over the badlands with some of the finest examples along Highway 10 South (a.k.a. the Hoodoo Trail).
Hiking How-To Parks Canada provides interpreters who run programs throughout the summer, ranging from lakeside strolls to full day hikes. Private guides and knowledgeable tour operators span the province offering bird watching (Grande Prairie, Lesser Slave Lake and the Lakeland area are birding bonanzas), wildlife safaris, full moon night hikes and other nature-related activities. Eco-adventure guides can add an Aboriginal angle to an adventure and are found in the north. From food foraging to animal tracking – in places such as Fort McMurray, the Peace River area, Lesser Slave Lake and Lac La Biche.
Mother Nature’s Frequent Flyers Hold a trained falcon, owl or eagle, and discover the rehabilitation work at the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale. An estimated 27,000 shorebirds and 250,000 waterfowl pass over the tiny northern town of McLennan at the confluence of three major migration paths – the Mississippi, Pacific and Central. Every June, the shores of Lesser Slave Lake twitter with thousands of songbirds that the townspeople celebrate in a weekend Songbird Festival. While you’re in this neck of the woods, visit the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation, the only place on Earth that studies boreal birds exclusively. Birders also flock to many of the 250 lakes found in Alberta’s Lakeland region – prime habitat for more than 230 resident and migratory birds, including warblers, woodpeckers, ospreys, owls, turkey vultures and bald eagles.
Moun tain Goa t, Jasper Na tional P ark B an ff Na tional P ark Grizzly Be ar
head to a national park on Canada day, July 1, and you’ll get in for free! All gate entrance fees are waived.
Bruce Bembridge
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“I get to work at Lake Louise – what many say is the most romantic place in Canada. This is the place that artists, poets and writers describe as having the perfect composition. When people talk about getting gripped by Rocky Mountain fever, they’re talking about being love struck with the place. Be warned – it’s a contagious condition.”
If you can walk, you can hike. And one of the best ways to experience our parks is to abandon our highways for the tranquillity of our backcountry. From a mellow natural history hike with a park interpreter (available for free at many of our national and provincial parks) to a teahouse tromp in the Rockies, Alberta has a vast network of hiking trails.
Independent hikers can just lace up their boots and trek along classic, multi-day backpacking routes such as Jasper’s Skyline Trail, Banff’s Nigel-Jonas Pass Trail and Waterton’s Tamarack Trail. Ridge walks, high alpine meadows full of wildflowers and above-treeline rambles can be found on the 4,000 km
(2,485 mi) of trails in our Canadian Rockies. Or, history buffs can follow the era of steam train travel in northeastern Alberta, by hiking, cycling or horseback riding along the Iron Horse Trail, once used extensively by homesteaders and European explorers. R ock Lak e, ne ar Hin ton
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Ra t’ s Ne st Ca ve , Canmor e Co x Hil l, ne ar Canmor e
Gear Up Riders of all levels will find the perfect mountain bike ride amidst thousands of trails zigzagging through the mountains. There are about 600 km (373 mi) of designated trails – including fire roads or old logging roads – in the mountain parks. The Canmore Nordic Centre, built for the XV Winter Olympics, boasts an exhilarating 70 km (43 mi) tumble of trails. Kananaskis Country, Waterton Lakes National Park, Crowsnest Pass, Canada Olympic Park in Calgary and Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area near Edmonton are other places with extensive mountain bike trails. Fly High Get a bird’s-eye view of icefields, alpine lakes, wildlife and the majestic Canadian Rockies by helicopter. Whether you use Canmore, Grande Cache or the area around Nordegg, you’ll find helicopter operators equipped to transport you to a world where you can heli-ski, heli-fish, heli-hike, or, even do heli-yoga or heli-paint. If they can use a chopper to get you to some remote wedge of wilderness, they will.
Where the Sun Never Shines Explore 14 fragile caves in the Crowsnest Pass area, also home to the second longest, deepest cave in Canada (Yorkshire Pot). Or venture into the many chambers in Cadomin Cave, 75 minutes southwest of Edson, the Canmore Caverns, and nearby Rat’s Nest Cave. However, the granddaddy of the lot is the Castleguard Cave, the longest in Canada at 20.2 km (12.5 mi). But it’s best explored in the winter as the cave often floods during summer. Be forewarned: many of these caves require technical rock climbing skills, a guide and permission from the Alberta Speleological Society.
Hostel to Hostel Road Trips On what is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives – the Icefields Parkway – you’ll see many international bike touring companies guiding cyclists along its wide shoulders, with stays at charming lodges and resorts along the way. Independent cyclists can do the same and bed down at numerous hostels that operate between Banff and Jasper.
Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience On a 6 km (3.7 mi) long chunk of ice known as the Athabasca Glacier, a specially designed all-terrain coach glides you up the glacier’s belly.
Blaze New Trails Hop on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a 4X4 and take advantage of some of the most spectacular landscapes in Alberta. Operators are equipped to rent or guide multi-day trips to prime fishing spots, wildlife viewing areas, waterfalls – even sand dunes – from the Rockies to the Red Deer River, St. Paul up to Fort McMurray and beyond.
Grab the Roof of the World Climbers can scale dozens of routes at the Wasootch Slabs, the Weeping Wall, the backside of Lake Louise and Mt. Athabasca. Hire a qualified mountain guide (through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) who will help you summit a peak in the Rockies.
Lak e L ouise , B an ff Na tional P ark De vils Thumb , Lak e L ouise
don’t be shy – if you see a Parks Canada interpreter out on a trail, ask them a question. dubbed “rovers,” these experts will regale you with local legends, lore and the park’s unique history. And don’t forget how cheap camping is!
“Alberta is home – it’s where I feel the most comfortable. Where the light is right, the vibe familiar and the mountains always welcoming. Within a 30-minute walk from my door in Canmore, I can hike, climb, kayak, ski and throw rocks in Quarry Lake with my daughter. Yet I can be at an international airport within 90 minutes.” Will Gadd ICE CLIMBER
After a long day in the saddle, when you’re swapping yarns around a crackling fire, you’ll realize you’re enjoying one of the most authentic sustainable tourism experiences you can have in Alberta – a stay at a working ranch. You’ll ride lonesome trails, round up cattle and learn about the cowboy way of life from local families. Discover more at Alberta Country Vacations Association.
Or, if you just can’t get enough of our western ways, volunteer at a farm where you’ll gain free food and lodging for labour. More than 30 Alberta farms
are part of the worldwide Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) organization that matches volunteers with farm vacation experiences.
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9 Official Alberta Vacation Guide Calgary Stampede Don’t miss this 10 day summer whoop-up, known as the
“The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” where you can pony up to the bar with rootin’, tootin’ cowboys or two-step till the cows come home.
The Cowboy Trail From Mayerthorpe to Cardston, drive this 700 km (435 mi) scenic route and you’re guaranteed to spot cowboys ropin’ cattle, a country fair or two, western art shops and small-town rodeos. The proximity to the Canadian Rockies means you’ll also witness a great diversity of wildlife and scenery. Superb historical sites such as Rocky Mountain House Museum, Bar-U Ranch National Historic Site, the Remington Carriage Museum and Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village also line this route.
Farm Tours If you thought Stampede grub such as cotton candy, corn dogs and Tom Thumb donuts were the foods that settled the West, you definitely need to go on a farm tour. Daylong trips organized by the Calgary Stampede, include a visit to a berry farm, a Hutterite colony, ranch and dairy farm, where you learn about the origins of good food.
Aboriginal Adventures Tipi sleepovers are popular in the summer at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Elk Island Retreat and Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park. The latter, an award-winning First Nations interpretive centre, features a museum, dozens of medicine wheels, a tipi village and numerous programs run by the Siksika people. Authentic Aboriginal programs offered in the north are spots such as Métis Crossing, the Narrows Cultural Resort on Lesser Slave Lake, O’Kimaw Peya ‘sew skwao traditional cultural camp near Lac La Biche – plus there’s a fascinating network of museums known as the Spirit of the Peace.
Home on the Range For real western hospitality, book a night at a guest ranch. Some stays include guided trail riding through secluded canyons and over mountain-top ridges and lodging in heritage log cabins. In the north, on the shores of Whitefish Lake, you’ll find the Kikino Ranch, home to a herd of bison and a cluster of log cabins. In the south, you’ll find the classic western movie ranch experience. The Rockies are known for their multi-day camps that combine lodge stays with base camps. Certain expeditions are co-guided by professionals who may be grizzly bear experts, professional photographers or botanists – depending on the theme of the trip.
Rootin’ Tootin’ Rodeos Sometimes it’s best to lean back and watch how the pros do it. Almost every small town in Alberta hosts a summer weekend rodeo. Watch real cowboys wrestle snorting steers into the mud, rope lightning-fast calves and hold on for life atop buckin’ broncs. And remember – there’s also the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton each November and the Ponoka Stampede, Alberta’s second largest outdoor rodeo and chuckwagon event.
The Lowdown on our Western Ways
Alberta’s Forts northamericanforts.com Big Valley Jamboree bigvalleyjamboree.com Calgary Stampede calgarystampede.com Glenbow Museum glenbow.org
Heritage Park Historical Village heritagepark.ca
Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village kootenaibrownpioneervillage.org
Remington Carriage Museum remingtoncarriagemuseum.com Royal Alberta Museum royalalbertamuseum.ca Spirit of the Peace
albertaaboriginaltourism.com/ experiences
The Galt Museum galtmuseum.com
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies whyte.org
Wild West Shooting Centre shootingcentre.com North P eac e S tampede , Grimsha w Chuckw agon Racing , Vermilion Al berta C en tr al Bo w F al ls , B an ff Na tional P ark Mac Makenn y h OMEPLACE RANC h
“My favourite time is springtime in the foothills. Feeding horses at 6:30 in the morning, saddling and grooming until breakfast. And then breakfast – coffee, eggs, pancakes, bacon, toast, fruit and more coffee. Then I like to go riding in the sunshine when the grass is turning green and the crocuses are starting to come up. Summer is in front of us and life is going on ... “
In many families, certain holidays are like yardsticks, marks on a doorjamb as the children grow. Perhaps you start off on a half-kilometer ramble or a sleepover at the Calgary Zoo. Next, when they’re old enough to sit on a horse, you might go on a multi-day horsepacking expedition. Or take them to Alberta’s equivalent of
Disneyland, a stay at West Edmonton Mall. For family togetherness, try camping in a tipi at one of our five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Alberta, intimate encounters with wild
things are common, and children can learn firsthand about animals and places they otherwise might only see on TV or in zoos – and you don’t even need to charter a bush plane. Although you could do that too!
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11 Official Alberta Vacation Guide Teen Awakenings Fly off the 90 meter (295 ft) ski jump tower at Calgary’s
Canada Olympic Park, just like elite ski jumpers, and experience an adrenaline rush that will knock your breath away. North America’s fastest zipline rockets you through the air up to 140 km/h (86 mph). Also new is the 3.3 m (10 ft) Z-pod, a giant bubble-like contraption (a.k.a. a Zorb) that lets you roll down the slopes like an insect in a cocoon.
West Edmonton Mall Bounce upside down on a bungy cord over a massive indoor waterpark, scream down the Mindbender roller coaster, a ride that brags of having the highest G-force on the planet, or jump on the spinning roller coaster, Galaxy Orbiter. Meet the Pirates of Hollywood at Sea Lions’ Rock where daily interactive shows feature the antics of California sea lions and take an underwater Sea Life Cavern tour in the world’s largest indoor lake.
Wet and Wild Wonders Besides West Edmonton Mall’s World Waterpark and Sherwood Park’s Millennium Place, visit the Wild Rapids Waterslide in Sylvan Lake (home to 16 slides including the zero-gravity Sidewinder). Sylvan Lake is also a great place to windsurf, sail or make sand castles on one of Alberta’s best beaches. The Collicutt Centre in Red Deer, leisure centres in Calgary, the Douglas Fir Resort in Banff (romp around its new four-level indoor play structure) and the TransAlta TriLeisure Centre in Spruce Grove are other popular bets with kids. Young fishers should make a beeline to Cold Lake, home to some of the best trout fishing around as well as sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing and diving.
Family Friendly Stays Hotels, motels and Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) throughout Alberta offer family plans, babysitting services, kids’ check-ins and menus, plus welcome packages. But the ultimate family-friendly dream lodging goes to the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton for its theme rooms such as the Truck Rooms, Sports Rooms, Igloo Rooms, and so forth. Other unique stays include family camps, where activities and guides arrange the works, available at the YMCA’s Camp Chief Hector and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology. Or, fall asleep in a tipi while listening to the coyotes howl at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park or at Elk Island Retreat.
Boredom Busters Starlabs, rooms of LEGO, hands-on galleries, special exhibits – the TELUS World of Science in both Edmonton and Calgary has fun down to a science. Find five interactive galleries in Edmonton’s science centre plus an Imax theatre. In Calgary, exhibits that are part of the 2011 Project Prototype Lab are now rolling out.
Sleep with the Wild Things Sleep next to an elephant or a giraffe in the Destination Africa pavilion – at one of the Calgary Zoo’s popular sleepovers. No time? Then just marvel at the 1,000-plus animals that inhabit the various ecosystems on display. Whether you find yourself eye to eye with a giant hippo, feeding an elephant or giggling over a gorilla – try to tear away from Africa for a peek at the Canadian Wilds, a safari-type area devoted to many of the mammals that call Alberta home.
R oy al T yrr el l M useum, Drumhel ler Canada Olympic P ark Hoodoos , Drumhel ler Se a Lions’ R ock , W es t E dmon ton M al l
If you’ve got a junior naturalist (aged 6-10) on your hands check out the free program at the Whistlers Campground, operated by the Friends of Jasper.
“When our four boys were little we camped a lot as a family – usually on lakes where they could waterski. Last summer, my boys joined me on our
Parks Tour in northern Alberta where we discovered a fantastic seven-lake canoe loop in the Lakeland area and the thrill of quadding. The days still end around a campfire where everyone now roasts Mom, and fewer marshmallows!” Cindy Ady MINISTER , ALBER TA TO uRISM , P AR kS AN d RECREA TION
Our cities and towns may not have appeared on road maps before the 19th century but our First Nations people left carvings and indicators of settlements as far back as 11,000 years. Discover our rich Aboriginal culture at the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton and then complete your history lesson with afternoon tea at the handsome Rutherford House – a stunning Edwardian home that hosts special events throughout the summer. In Calgary, take a trek through the
Glenbow Museum – western Canada’s largest museum with over one million objects or visit the newly expanded Heritage Park Historical Village where
you’ll stumble on life in Alberta, pre-1914. From wagon rides to Gasoline Alley to a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse – this is a family favourite. Al berta L egisla tur e Building , E dmon ton
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Calgary F lame s, P engr owth S add ledome 2008 B al le t Pr efigur ed Ef fect , The B an ff C en tr e Shak espe ar e in the Moun tains , B an ff Gr ande Pr airie Pr ovincial Building , Gr ande Pr airie
Olympic Legacy If you didn’t nab tickets to the 2010 Olympic Games – you can enjoy Olympic history any time in Calgary. Grab hold of the spirit that rocked this city in 1988 when it hosted the Winter Games by starting at the Olympic Hall of Fame at Canada Olympic Park, on the western fringes of Calgary. Jump on a bobsleigh and barrel down the very track Olympians train on, or get an icy blast on a skeleton run at the Ice House.
Cultural Capital Edmonton’s renowned as Canada’s Festival City. The biggest events include the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, the Heritage Festival and the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival. But for flat-out massive, you must head to Capital EX and Edfest for one of the country’s largest summer fairs.
The Play’s the Thing Prime time for dance and theatre performances is typically October through May, but the season doesn’t stop then – it just moves outside and takes on a different beat. During the fall and winter you’ll find the Alberta Ballet and both Calgary and Edmonton’s opera companies perform at the Jubilee Auditoria in both cities. The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Canada’s top orchestras performs at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. The province’s large resident theatre companies perform at the EPCOR CENTRE in Calgary (home to four theatres) and Edmonton’s Citadel (with five halls), the TransAlta Arts Barns and the Francis Winspear Centre. Described as one of the most acoustically perfect concert halls in Canada, the Winspear Centre is home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and hosts a wide variety of shows every year. It houses the $3 million Davis Concert Organ, the largest concert organ in Canada.
Exit, Stage Left Step outside our main urban hubs and you’ll also find top-notch facilities at The Banff Centre (don’t miss its summer-long, international arts festival and Mountain Film and Book Fest in the fall) and on a smaller scale, Drumheller’s Rosebud Theatre, the Centre for the Arts in Lethbridge and the Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod.
Come spring and summer, theatre buffs will find Shakespeare in the Park (in both major cities), the International Children’s Festival (every May, in Calgary and Edmonton/St. Albert), Edmonton’s Fringe Festival (North America’s biggest), Fort McMurray’s Interplay Festival and the unique Passion Play in the badlands. From Whimsy to World-Class If you want to see just how big visual arts projects can get, visit Edmonton’s Art Gallery of Alberta (slated to open its $88-million renovation in early 2010), Calgary’s Glenbow Museum and the Art Gallery of Calgary, all internationally recognized galleries renowned for their western art collections as well as contemporary exhibits.
Hockey Night in Alberta Streak your face with red paint and you’ll be baptised into the Calgary Flames club. Do the same with blue and you’ll be an instant Oilers fan – the point is to attend a hockey game, in either Calgary (at the Pengrowth Saddledome) or Edmonton (Rexall Place). Canada has only six National Hockey League teams so both cities are wildly passionate about their players, always evident at the post-game recaps which take over bars, pubs – and certain streets (The Red Mile in Calgary/The Blue Mile in Edmonton).
Buy an Experience Alberta’s history Pass and receive unlimited admission to 18 provincial historic sites and museums in Alberta for one year!
dean Stanton
P
AINTER
“I’ve lived in
Calgary all my life and I love city life, even when it gets hectic. We’re lucky because we can take detours to mountains, badlands and beautiful landscapes. It’s no wonder people come here to see what I have! I’m interested in pop culture, current events and things that are playful. You’ll find
cowboys, horses, rockets and astronauts in my art.”
Alberta is a province that knows how to eat – and more than just the regular cowboy fare of beef, flapjacks and beans. Today you’re as likely to find fresh-from-the-field produce as you are creamy goat cheeses and award-winning homemade Belgian chocolate, as well as locally raised succulent game.
Such exotic fare is served in equally eclectic spots, from hip martini bars to casual bistros and classic steakhouses. In Edmonton, you’ll find more than 60 restaurants in the funky neighbourhood of Old Strathcona plus more highbrow treats in the downtown forest of glass
towers. In Calgary, amble down historic Stephen Avenue Walk, known as Restaurant Row, where handsome 100-year-old sandstone banks and hotels have become home to the hottest young chefs and über creative restaurant concepts.
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Made in Alberta More than 70 per cent of Canada’s $15 billion beef industry comes from this province and half of the cattle are exported to nearly 70 markets world wide. Remember, beef in Alberta is linked to pride. Albertans don’t want to serve a beef dish that’s anything less than magnificent, whether it’s sliced or skewered or tucked into pita bread. Barley-fed porterhouse steaks, silky filet mignon, marinated bison steaks, locally ranched caribou and elk – people travel from afar just for a taste of what’s grown among the wheat fields in the shadow of our Rocky Mountains. For samples of Alberta’s freshest fare and a chance to meet locals, pop by our farmers’ markets in Calgary and Edmonton. Both have hundreds of booths, little food stands, artisan wares, buskers and are great spots for food-for-the-road and Made in Alberta gifts.
In the Canadian Rockies, you’ll find all-star chefs galore – with recent awards piling up at The Bison in Banff, the Post Hotel in Lake Louise and the Trough in Canmore.
Graze Around Alberta Regional specialties can be sampled anywhere in Alberta – but loyal foodies still love the sizzle of Dine Alberta, an annual event held every fall that toasts what we grow. Other culinary events include the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival, held every October in Banff, Calgary and Edmonton; and Banff’s über-swanky International Wine & Food Festival, also in October.
Retail Therapy Nothing will yank you out of the doldrums faster than a day at West Edmonton Mall (WEM). Imagine a space with 58 entrances, 100 eateries, 13 movie theatres, three postal codes, the world’s largest car park (holds 20,000 vehicles), wave pools and water parks, penguins and of course, more than 800 stores and services plus two hotels. In keeping with “big,” visit the newest covered mall to be built in Alberta in the past 20 years – the massive CrossIron Mills in Balzac.
Go Beyond “the” Mall After you’ve shopped at WEM, hit Edmonton’s bohemian, boutique-laced Whyte Avenue in the neighbourhood of Old Strathcona, packed with one-of-a-kind shops that sell everything from handmade shoes to Aboriginal art. If you’re hunting for an enormous bargain bin head to South Edmonton Common. When fully developed, it will span 213,676 m2 (2.3 million sq ft) of retail space, making it the largest open-air retail development in North America.
Many of Calgary’s shopping malls have been themed, from food to furniture to fashion with the latter ruling at Southcentre, Chinook, Market Mall and the Calgary Eaton Centre. Boutiques and art galleries line 17 Avenue SW, Kensington Road and the Mission area. Calgary is also a great spot to pick up unique western goods from cowboy boots to Stetsons, belt buckles, bolo ties and blue jeans. Antique buffs should make a beeline to Inglewood, Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, or Edmonton’s Old Strathcona area. For a day trip to a town that’s been revived around its antique finds, head south from Calgary to Nanton where you can pick up an Antique and Art Walk map of the area.
Adventurous foodies can sample dozens of tasty morsels from more than 30 restaurants during summer festivals such as A Taste of Calgary or A Taste of Edmonton. Entrance is free. Samples are cheap.
“I step out of my door and into Alberta’s oldest farmers’ market, now in downtown Edmonton. I run cooking classes up in the loft and we start by shopping at the market which is so full of fantastic Alberta produce – from award-winning cheeses to Alberta beef. Now, because of the move toward nurturing local producers, it is a very exciting time to be involved in food.” Gail hall FOO d ACTIVIST AN d CONS uL TANT
Albertans know that when it comes to golf, far-away greens aren’t necessarily greener. Wedged between Waterton Lakes Golf Club in the south and the Athabasca Golf & Country Club in the north are more than 350 courses – more per capita than any other province in Canada. Alberta golf burst onto the world stage
in the 1920s when the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club opened for business. Today, it’s billed as the No.1 golf resort in Canada, by Score Golf. Players praise Jasper for its scenery, playability, and most importantly, its fun and
relaxing atmosphere. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts operates Jasper and its famous cousin, The Banff Springs Golf Club. Combined, these two Stanley Thompson masterpieces provide players with a formidable one-two punch in the world of golf.
De vil’ s Cauldr on, The F airmon t B an ff Springs Golf C ourse
17 Official Alberta Vacation Guide
Dinos
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rail Golf & C
oun try Club , Drumhel ler K ananaskis Golf C ourse , K ananaskis C oun try Silv ertip , Canmor e Shaganappi, Calgary
Fairways to Heaven Golfing at a historic Stanley Thompson creation goes beyond the game. Be sure to lunch at The Fairmont Banff Springs’ charming clubhouse with spectacular views of the castle-like hotel that looms over the 14th hole. The par 3 Devil’s Cauldron (#4) is considered one of the best golf holes in the world. Photographers say the 14th tee box at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s course rivals Pebble Beach for natural golfing beauty. Another Thompson work of art is Waterton Lakes Golf Course, which is fun, not too tough and brags of mountain vistas, trees and abundant wildlife. Designed in 1929, this course has recently been restored to its original splendour.
With a backdrop of Rocky Mountain peaks, Silvertip is another big hitter, ranked as one of North America’s most challenging courses. This carts-only course exploits the site’s dramatic elevation changes, nearly 183 m (600 ft), to create epic tee shots. While you’re in Canmore, golf Stewart Creek, loaded with par 4s and a thoroughly modern design. Other notables like the Kananaskis Country Golf Course include two 18-hole Robert Trent Jones designed courses – Mount Lorette and Mount Kidd – named for the 3,048 m (10,000 ft) peaks behind them.
City Greens In preparation for the 2007 CN Women’s Open, the Royal Mayfair in Edmonton sunk $3.5 million into its course, installing a waterfall, a pro shop and upgrading its landscaping. The Links of GlenEagles, on the outskirts of Calgary, was another stop on the circuit in 2003 when the Professional Golf Association’s Nationwide Tour was held here. Two other new favourites in the Calgary golf scene include the River Spirit Golf Club, which last year earned the reputation of having the best and truest greens in the city and the Sirocco Golf Club, which just opened a swanky new restaurant. RedTail Landing Golf Club in the Edmonton area is a high-end links-style public course designed for all levels of players. Blackhawk Golf Club is tucked along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River just 10 minutes west of Edmonton. Jagare Ridge Golf Club has bumped up the golfing landscape of Edmonton to that of the Canadian Rockies. Northern Bear Golf Club, southeast of Edmonton, is the only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Alberta. Stop in at the clubhouse, constructed of glass and featuring a seven m (23 ft) waterfall.
The Wolf Creek Golf Resort 27 hole course, on the skirts of Ponoka, was designed by Rod Whitman and has aptly transplanted Scottish traditions into a stunning and surprising prairie landscape. Or, try your clubs at the St. Paul Golf Club, home of long ball champ, Jamie Sadlowski.
On Par with Palace on Wheels On the roster of the ultra-luxurious railway line, the Royal Canadian Pacific is the ever-popular Royal Clubhouse Golf Excursion. This six day, high-end, golf trip includes daily rounds at some of Alberta and B.C.’s top courses, with nights spent on board a most unique “clubhouse” that’s hosted the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, King George VI, William Lyon Mackenzie King, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.
Want to squeeze as many rounds of golf into a long summer’s day? head north where you can tee off as late as 9 PM. Ry an V old GOLF d IRECTOR
“Purists say a links course, where sand is the base, is where the grass grows best and what you can do the most with in terms of design. That’s what Rod Whitman did on my father’s land when he designed Wolf Creek – built entirely on a natural sand belt. But Alberta has so many different land masses that golf experiences here are incredibly varied, we blow many U.S. visitors away.”
Our waters run deep in Alberta. For thousands of years Canada was traversed by our First Nations people and French-Canadian voyageurs via birch-bark canoes and so we have well developed “voyageur highways” in Alberta. But if canoeing isn’t your thing, rent a
cottage on a northern lake, a cabin on an alpine pond or check into a fishing lodge. Want to water ski, jet boat or go whitewater rafting? With 600 lakes,
245 rivers and 315 creeks to choose from – this province is a water-fed dream. Whatever your fancy, fancy our waterways. Tw o Jack Lak e, B an ff Na tional P ark
19 Official Alberta Vacation Guide
R ed Deer Riv er W at ert on Lak es Na tional P ark M ar gar et Lak e, northern Al berta M aligne Lak e, Jasper Na tional P ark
Hooked on Alberta For a world-class fishing holiday, circle Alberta on your map – it attracts both novice and expert with its waterways. If you love fishing, this province is a dream. Rated as one of North America’s top 10 trout streams, the world-famous Bow River is loaded with brown and rainbow trout. In central Alberta – on numerous lakes such as Gull, Buck, Moose and Pinehurst – catch pike, walleye, perch and lake whitefish. Most of Alberta’s fly-in fishing lodges are in the north, on lakes full of back-snapping pike, perch, walleye, lake trout and Arctic grayling.
Northern lakes such as Colin, Cornwall, Burstall and Charles are famous for their lake trout, lake whitefish and northern pike (in the 9-13 kg/20-30 lb range). Prime walleye pickings can be found at McLelland, Ryan and Barrow lakes. Easy spots to haul in trout, burbot, emerald shiner and yellow perch are in the south – the Crowsnest River, the Oldman, Travers Reservoir and West Castle River.
Paddle Power For a northern wilderness venture, join a guide for either a sea kayak or canoe expedition down spectacular rivers such as the Clearwater (Alberta’s first “heritage” river), the Peace or on Lesser Slave Lake (Alberta’s largest auto-accessible lake). To access rivers such as the Clearwater, you can use a jet boat or a float plane to deposit you at the put-in.
Mellow canoe excursions can be arranged at some of the most photographed lakes in North America – namely Moraine and Lake Louise. Other top mountain lakes to paddle include Two Jack, Minnewanka and Vermilion in Banff plus Pyramid, Patricia and Maligne lakes in Jasper National Park. Cruise Control If you love the leisurely days of bygone paddlewheels, slip onto the S.S. Moyie in Calgary or the Edmonton Queen Riverboat and enjoy the gracious elegance of another age. The leisurely three hour Miss Mermaid Cruise on Sylvan Lake combines cruising and dining on a 40 seat houseboat as you glide from the Sylvan Lake marina to Honeymoon Bay and back. To view the Rockies by boat, you can cruise among the towering peaks on Waterton Lake, Lake Minnewanka in Banff or to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake in Jasper, winner of the “Best Cruise in Canada 2007” award, by Reader’s Digest magazine.
Wind/Kitesurfing Legendary winds can whip across Alberta’s all-star lakes – Keho, the Oldman Reservoir, Lake Newell, Beauvais, Waterton, Abraham and Cold Lake – up to 100 km/h (62 mph), luring windsurfers and kitesurfers galore.
Wild and Woolly Whitewater Enjoy white-knuckle river rafting on the mighty Smoky, Sheep Creek and Kakwa Rivers or tone it down a notch on the still-roiling waters of the Athabasca, the Maligne, Red Deer, Kananaskis and Slave. For a lazy canoe trip, float down the Milk River through the badlands to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, home of North America’s largest collection of ancient, mysterious petroglyphs. Or, paddle the Lower Red Deer River to Dinosaur Provincial Park, where you can go on a guided hike through ancient fossil beds amidst the hoodoos.
Tightwads know the cheapest dip in Banff is at the Banff Centre’s never-crowded, glass-roofed pool in the Sally Borden Building. Massages are also available.
Jaret Llewellyn WORL d Ch AMPION W ATERS
kIER “The Lake of Kastyn Stone
is one of the finest places I have ever skied. My perfect day is waking up early and having a cup of hot chocolate on the deck of my parents’ house that overlooks Dodd’s Lake. Then I like to go for a ski when the water is like glass. After that I often go golfing with friends, then for a bike ride over the ski hill and back to my parents for a barbeque.”
Medi-spas. Organic spas. Day spas. Destination spas. Urban spas. Alpine spas. Hammams. Be prepared to be dazzled by the sort of spa experience you can have in Alberta. As for treatments, they’re equally as dizzying. Wildrose scrubs. Thalassotherapy wraps. Photofacials. Reiki. Rolfing. From our bike paths and yoga studios
to our gyms galore, Alberta is a healthy place. Whether you’re at a spa or on a fitness retreat, a wellness getaway in
Alberta will refresh your spirit and nurture your soul. For a higher state of consciousness, consider a heli-yoga holiday in the Rockies.
Wil lo w S tr eam, The F airmon t B an ff Springs
21 Official Alberta Vacation Guide
B an ff Upper Ho t Springs Rimr ock R esort Ho tel, B an ff
Canada’s First Spa So historic are Alberta’s hot springs that most Canadians know precisely the link between our natural hot pools and how Banff National Park was established. It was in the late 1800s that three railway workers (near the present-day townsite of Banff) spotted a plume of steam curling out of some rocks and discovered a cave bubbling with hot springs. Today, you can slip back to those steamy days in the historic Upper Hot Springs in Banff or Jasper’s newly renovated Miette Hot Springs, both of which have spawned a huge spa industry in Alberta.
Destination Spas We mean overnight indulgences when we use this term, knowing you’ll find many “destination” spas in hotels or resorts. You’ll find spas in the North, such as those in Grande Prairie’s Podollan Inn and Holiday Inn as well as others in Fort McMurray. In central Alberta, discover The Inn & Spa at Heartwood Manor in Drumheller that boasts of body polishes, wellness soaks, hot stone therapy and numerous facials. The Rocky Mountain towns of Canmore, Banff and Jasper are other spa hubs. At The Fairmont Banff Springs is one of Canada’s largest spas, still partially fed with the natural mineral waters that first put this town on the map. Be sure to test the waters, so to speak, at Banff’s Red Earth Spa, which uses natural ingredients in their Essence of Canada treatment. If you’re visiting Banff in the winter, warm up with a desert heat wrap at the Rimrock Resort Hotel or an Alpine Aroma-Detox at the Temple Mountain Spa in the Post Hotel in Lake Louise. Other spas in the Rockies include the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis, Verde in Canmore, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and the Beloved Natural Healing Centre in Jasper as well as Waterton’s Bayshore Inn.
Urban Day Spas Back in Alberta’s two main urban centres are scores of spas, ranging from the spacious high-end Stillwater Spa, in Calgary’s Hyatt Regency Hotel, to Edmonton’s Dtox Natural Hair and Skin Care. This salon is for clients concerned with allergies or who have sensitivities to the chemical components often found in cosmetics. Other notables include Edmonton’s Carrie’l Salon & Spa – a multiple award winner for best salon team and other services. There’s also the Eveline Charles Salons & Spa group, as well as Swizzlesticks, with salons in both Calgary and Edmonton. All of these day spas offer individual treatments as well as full day packages, which often include various massage therapies, reflexology and a multitude of esthetics. Depending on the spa, Asian techniques may be emphasized or a clinical approach such as at Calgary’s Santé Spa (Canada’s first medi-spa) may be taken. Here services go beyond the conventional to include Botox injections, laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion and photofacials – some of these treatments can only be performed by their physicians.
Om Sweet Om Whether you subscribe to Bikram or Ashtanga yoga – you will find a host of facilities, courses, weekend workshops and overnight retreats aimed at this white-hot sector. Drop-in classes are standard, allowing travellers the flexibility to pick and choose a class across the province, with the highest concentration of facilities found in Calgary and Edmonton. Heli-yoga practices and overnight stays usually depart from Banff, Canmore and Cline River.
Pop by a yoga shop and inquire about free classes. They often have them outside in a local park – or sometimes in their very shop!
Bo w Lak e, B an ff Na tional P ark Spa, Gr ande Pr airie kim Wiebe y OGA INSTR uCTOR “Alberta is a great place to
be in the health and wellness industry. Although Albertans work hard, they’re also very aware of health and fitness and have the disposable income to invest in their health. The yoga community here is very strong – you feel it in studios, in our parks, and even on our mountaintops where I’ve led a heli-yoga practice.”
Alberta may look like the land of a million Christmas trees but it’s more than just a pretty picture. Ski, ride, dogsled, ice fish, skate, snowshoe, snowmobile or lounge under a twinkling tarp of northern lights. From our legendary Rocky Mountain ski resorts to the lonely beauty of a frozen lake in a northern forest, Alberta lets you step into its photo frame with plenty of winter adventures.
Have you always wanted to soar like an eagle, specifically Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards ... the Coke-bottled Brit who stole the hearts of millions during Calgary’s ’88 Winter Olympics? Then, strap into North America’s fastest zipline at Canada Olympic Park in
Calgary, and rocket off the 90-meter (295 ft) ski jump, just like Eddie. While there, discover the heart-pounding thrill of a bobsleigh ride. You may not be an Olympian but in Alberta you can certainly pretend – this is where going for gold is a winter pastime!
The Lak e L ouise Ski Ar ea, B an ff Na tional P ark
23 Official Alberta Vacation Guide
R ocky Moun tains W at ert on Lak es Na tional P ark Ic e Fishing , W abamun Lak e Lak e L ouise , B an ff Na tional P ark
Downhill Skiing/Riding Deep in the south lies an unknown powder hound’s heaven with basic slopeside accommodation called Castle Mountain. Just west of Calgary lies Nakiska, home of the XV Winter Olympics. Farther west is Ski Norquay, legendary for its hang-on-tight steeps and proximity to Banff. Sunshine Village brags of Canada’s longest ski season with a new wing of suites just opening at the base of its runs. Largest in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise consistently wins “best scenic views” of all Canadian resorts. Veer north and you’ll find the family-friendly resort of Marmot Basin, in Jasper National Park. Just remember – where there’s a major ski resort, there’s a terrain park. (See more on page 54.)
Nordic Skiing Nordic racers from around the planet annually flock to the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival (every February), held in Edmonton and Strathcona County. Named for a Norwegian family renowned for saving the life of a crown prince by skiing 55 km (34 mi) over three mountain ranges, it’s the biggest classic Nordic race in North America. Certainly the biggest Nordic terrain can be found in the 70 km (43.5 mi) tumble of snowy hills at the Canmore Nordic Centre, the setting for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games and where the world’s fastest cross country skiers will compete on February 5 and 6, to qualify for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Rev Up Those Engines Every winter Alberta grooms 5,000 km (3,107 mi) of white carpet into two fine lines, welcoming snowmobilers to award-winning playgrounds all over the province. Whether it’s a southern loop in the Crowsnest Pass area, Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail or on one of our frozen winter roads in the North – the variety of snowmobiling terrain in Alberta is enough to rev up any engine.
Anglers – Drop Your Line If you just can’t get enough of fishing in the summer, don’t stop. Winter is when anglers build temporary sheds or simply drill holes and drop lines in popular lakes such as Spray Lake (near Canmore) and Upper Kananaskis Lake (stocked with rainbows). Combine a unique fly-in ice fishing trip with snowmobiling on North Leland Lake. Various eco-tourism lodges offer multi-adventure packages that combine ice fishing with ski-joring, nordic skiing, ice climbing and winter camping.
Harness the Huskies Dogsledding will thrill every historical bone in your body. Plenty of operators run services out of Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Rocky Mountain House – and will take you into the backcountry for a gourmet picnic or a mug of hot cocoa ’round a ripping bonfire. Star Gazing One of the most spectacular sights that link together many northern towns such as Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Slave Lake and Grande Prairie, is the northern lights. Tours are available out of Fort McMurray and other northern communities.
Crawling the Canyons Canyons that roar with whitewater fury in the summer and are utterly inaccessible get transformed in the winter into wonderlands of ice. Curtains, walls and chambers of ice glow pearly shades of iridescent blue and literally pop and hiss with beauty. Guided walks in Banff’s Johnston Canyon and Jasper’s Maligne Canyon can be organized through most hotels and outdoor hubs.
Jasper in January is a bargain fest that discounts everything from hotel rooms to lift tickets, special events and attractions. Or, skate for free through a frozen ice castle on Lake Louise.
“Almost every day in Canmore is a perfect day. But one that I will always remember was walking along the Bow River a week after my daughter was born. She was inside my jacket and it was cold and icebergs were floating down the steaming river. The mountains were plastered with snow and I felt like my eyes couldn’t handle so much beauty. I was overwhelmed.” Sara Renner O Ly MPIC SIL VER ME dALIST CROSS CO uNTR y Sk IING
Whether you fancy a basic campsite or an über-luxe suite at a resort, the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) should be your No. 1 go-to site, with more than 1,200 annually inspected properties listed online. Start here and discover eco-friendly
lodges like Aurum, on the cliffs of Abraham Lake or Mt. Engadine Lodge, near an alpine meadow in Kananaskis Country. Charming backcountry properties, cottages, cabins, B&Bs, fly-in
fishing resorts, CPR bungalow camps, even tipi stays and canvas-sided tent- cabins in spectacular wilderness settings are detailed at TravelAlberta.com/
accommodation. Princ e o f W ale s Ho tel, W at ert on Lak es Na tional P ark
25 Official Alberta Vacation Guide Living the High Life Three of Canada’s most iconic properties have been built
in Alberta, at the toes of glaciers, alpine lakes or tucked in the crevices of rocks. The Fairmont Banff Springs, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge have recently been revamped to hold either a spa, heritage centre, a floor of boutique suites or a conference centre… all are considered destinations in themselves and offer unique attributes such as the spa at the Springs, the mountaineering program at the Chateau and golf at the Lodge.
Bunk Down with History Historic backcountry lodges reflect Alberta’s mountaineering roots, influenced by Swiss guides and early explorers. There is a series of 13 rustic alpine huts found on glaciers, in alpine towns or in our national parks, operated by the Alpine Club of Canada. Typically they cater to those looking for a humble property that will launch them into remote adventures.
From Baker Creek in Banff to the Whistlers in Jasper are historic CPR bungalow camps that run along the most scenic highways in Banff and Jasper national parks. Most have been converted into clusters of charming log cabins, usually cradling a main lodge and dining facility.
Charming Inns and B&Bs You’ll find them in cities, small villages and sometimes in the middle of nowhere. Most are owner operated and offer intimate surroundings, hearty fare and the opportunity to meet other travellers. History buffs should hop on a horse-drawn carriage at Fort Edmonton Park and check into the Hotel Selkirk (a 1920s-style hotel), right in the middle of this urban park.
Hostel Territory You’ll find architectural wonders, complete with boardrooms and licensed restaurants, at hostels in Lake Louise and Banff (both are on the top 10 list of hostels in North America). Others, such as those in Calgary and Edmonton rely on their convenient locations, while those along the Icefields Parkway have been strategically positioned for cyclists, skiers and hikers. Happy Campers Whether you’re hoofing it with your household on your back or loading up a luxurious RV, matters not – for camping in Alberta is not only about stripped-down pleasures. Yes, the coffee always tastes better when brewed in a tin pot and bed-time snacks are always best when they’re gooey s’mores, but Alberta’s campgrounds provide numerous options depending on your style of camping.
Historic Backcountry Lodges Legendary lodges such as Skoki, Shovel Pass, Shadow Lake and Sundance require stamina, as you must hike, ski, snowshoe or horseback into these remote spots.
Lodging Options
Alberta Hotel & Lodging
TravelAlberta.com/accommodation Alberta Bed & Breakfast
bbalberta.com Alberta Country Vacations albertacountryvacation.com
Charming Inns of Alberta charminginnsofalberta.com Hostelling International hihostels.ca Alpine Club of Canada alpineclubofcanada.com The F airmon t Cha te au Lak e L ouise , B an ff Na tional P ark The F airmon t B an ff Springs Ho tel Shado w Lak e L odge , B an ff Na tional P ark Pe ac e V al le y Gue st Ranch, Berwyn
Whether it’s a front- or backcountry campsite you want, Alberta is laced with numerous affordable options. At certain sites, you can even rent a tipi or a tent with all the trappings – from sleeping bags to lawnchairs and cots.
Alan and Madeleine Ernst
Au Ru M L Od GE “Any type of tourism development changes the nature of a place, it leaves an impact. We wanted our lodge to follow environmental principles of sustainability – but be more of an accessory to the untouched wilderness around it, than the focal point. We didn’t want to change the character of the area.”
Alberta Public holidays
Holiday 2010 2011
New Year’s Day ...January 1 ... January 1 Alberta Family Day ... February 15 ... February 21 Good Friday ...April 2 ... April 22 Easter Monday ...April 5 ... April 25 Victoria Day ...May 24 ...May 23 Canada Day ... July 1 ...July 1 Heritage Day ...August 2 ... August 1 Labour Day ...September 6 ... September 5 Thanksgiving Day ...October 11 ...October 10 Remembrance Day ... November 11 ...November 11 Christmas Day ...December 25 ... December 25 Boxing Day ...December 26 ... December 26
Canada Da
y, E
dmon
27 Official Alberta Vacation Guide Edmonton & Area
International Children’s Jun 1-5 Festival, St. Albert
The Works: Art and Jun 25-Jul 7 Design Festival
Freewill Shakespeare Jun 29-Jul 25 Festival
Edmonton International Jul 9-18 Street Performers Festival
Rexall Edmonton Indy Jul 23-25 Edmonton’s Capital EX Jul 23-Aug 1
A Taste of Edmonton Jul 23-Aug 1
Edmonton Heritage Jul 31-Aug 2
Festival
Edmonton Folk Aug 5-8
Music Festival
Cariwest-Edmonton Aug 6-8
Caribbean Arts Festival
Edmonton International Aug 12-22 Fringe Theatre Festival
Edmonton Dragon Aug 20-22
Boat Festival
Edmonton’s Labatt Aug 20-22
Blues Festival
Symphony Under Sep 3-6
the Sky Festival
Edmonton International Sep 24-Oct 2 Film Festival
Canadian Finals Rodeo Nov 10-14
Grey Cup Festival Nov 28
Calgary & Area
High Performance Rodeo Jan 7-31 Enbridge playRites Festival Feb 3-Mar 7 of New Canadian Plays
Calgary International Apr 1-30 Spoken Word Festival
Calgary International May 25-29 Children’s Festival
4th Street Lilac Festival May 30
HSBC Calgary Marathon May 30
Spruce Meadows, National Jun 9-13 Calgary C-Jazz Festival Jun 21-27
Spruce Meadows, Jul 7-11
North American
Calgary Stampede Jul 9-18
Fiestaval Latin Festival Jul 16-18 Calgary Folk Music Festival Jul 22-25 Calgary Fringe Festival Jul 30-Aug 7 Calgary International Aug 5-8 Blues Festival
Afrikadey Aug 9-14
Global Fest Aug 20-28
Calgary International Aug 21 Reggae Festival
Expo Latino Aug 27-29
Calgary Highland Games Sep 4 BBQ on the Bow Festival Sep 4-5 Spruce Meadows, Masters Sep 8-12 Calgary International Sep 23-Oct 3 Film Festival
WordFest; Banff-Calgary Oct 12-17 International Writers
Festival
Zoolights at the Nov 26-Jan 2
Calgary Zoo Canadian Rockies
Jasper in January Jan 15-31
Ice Magic International Jan 22-24 Ice Sculpture Competition,
Lake Louise
Rocky Mountain Wine & Apr 30-May2 Food Festival
Banff Summer Arts Festival May 1-Aug 31 Wild River Rendezvous, Jun 4-6 Grande Cache
Wild Mountain Music Jul 9-11 Festival, Hinton
Parks Day, All Jul 18
National Parks
Canadian Death Race, Jul 31-Aug 2 Grande Cache
Mary Reimer Memorial Jul 31-Aug 2 Rodeo, Hinton
Canmore Folk Festival Jul 31-Aug 2
Behind the Scenery Aug 29-30
Wildlife Festival, Jasper
20th Annual Canmore Sep 5
Highland Games
Banff Mountain Book Oct 30-Nov 7 and Film Festivals
Christmas in November – Nov 6-19 Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Winterstart Festival, Nov 27-28 & Banff & Lake Louise Dec 4-5 Alberta South
Spectrum Festival, Jun 4-6
Medicine Hat
Waterton Wildflower Jun 19-26 Festival, Waterton Lakes
National Park
The Medicine Hat JazzFest Jun 21-27 The Canadian Badlands Jul 9-11 & Passion Play, Drumheller 16-18 Rum Runner Days & Jul 16-19 Thunder in the Valley,
Crowsnest Pass
Medicine Hat Exhibition Jul 28-31 and Stampede
Whoop-Up Days, Aug 24-28
Lethbridge
Alberta Central
Kinsmen on the Pond Mar 6
Hockey Tournament, Lac La Biche
History Road, Reynolds- Jun 12 & 13 Alberta Museum,
Wetaskiwin
Ponoka Stampede Jun 28-Jul 4
Ukrainian Pysanka Jul 2-4
Festival, Vegreville
Westerner Days Fair Jul 21–25 and Exposition, Red Deer
Big Valley Jamboree, Jul 29-Aug 1 Camrose
Haying in the 30’s, Mallaig Jul 31-Aug 1
Voyage Days, Metis Aug 28-29
Crossing
Thunder in The Valley, Sep 3-5 Drayton Valley
Canadian Professional Sep 10-12 Chuckwagon Association
Finals, Lloydminster
Canadian Pony Sept 10-12
Chuckwagon Races, Vegreville
22nd Annual World’s Oct 2-3 Pumpkin Fair, Smoky Lake Alberta North
Alberta Pond Hockey, Feb 11-14 Peace River
Winterplay Festival, Feb 26-28 Fort McMurray
Arctic Winter Games, Mar 6-13 Grande Prairie
Reel Shorts Film Festival, Apr 19-25 Grande Prairie
Slave Lake Songbird Fest, Jun 5-6 Lesser Slave Lake
Provincial Park
Magnificent River Rats Jul 1-2 Festival, Athabasca
Riverboat Daze, Slave Lake Jul 8-10 Peace Fest, Peace River Jul 9-10
Alberta Open Sand Jul 17
Sculpture Championship, Slave Lake
interPLAY Festival, Aug 6-8
Fort McMurray
Golden Walleye Classic, Sep 4-5 High Prairie