Just a few of my favourite places to visit in and around Southern Alberta.  I only write about places and things I have visited and enjoyed or that somebody I know and trust has told me about.  We do invite questions and suggestions.  See the bottom of the page for contact information.

The Calgary Stampede - plan to attend the world famous Calgary Stampede - no matter what else you do.  If you live in Alberta it should be an annual must attend event.  If you are planning a visit make sure you do NOT miss this event.  It truly is the Worlds greatest outdoor show on earth.  That's what they call it and they are right.  Yes it seems to cost a bunch to get in but if you do a bit of planning you need spend very little once you get inside the gates.  There are a ton of Free or included attractions that are well worth seeing.  Check the Calgary Stampede web site for complete details - and don't miss it.  This year (2009)  it will be held from July 3 - 12.  Finding a place to stay can be a challenge so start your planning early and consider staying in Canmore if there is nothing reasonable in Calgary.  That way you will double your pleasure and your fun.
Make sure you catch at least one  Stampede Caravan   breakfast at a local shopping

centre.  Totally free and great fun for the whole family.

While visiting Calgary do not miss a visit to Spruce Meadows.  The home of world class show jumping events for decades now. You are welcome to visit the facility just about anytime.  This is a "do not miss" place. 

Canmore Alberta - A very special town West of Calgary about 100 K (60 Miles).  Nestled in the Rocky mountains it is a natural and beautiful resort area that caters to just about every travel desire.  There are at least 5 good/great golf courses in the area, - what the heck click here for the whole story on this wonderful place.  I can't do it justice in this little intro.  And for a spectacular place to stay in Canmore click here.

Heritage Park in Calgary is Canada's Largest Living Historical Village.  Take a good look through the web site.  Be sure to visit the Wainwright Hotel in the park for a great Sunday brunch at a price the whole family can afford.  Ride the train, the paddle wheeler and the antique midway rides.  Bring a picnic and spend the day.

Enjoying Alberta  There are many ways to enjoy Alberta. Explore the wonder of our parks, celebrate the creativity of our artists, or enjoy the history of our museums and historical sites. This is the government site and includes all kinds of places I have not seen "yet".  You can bet we will be exploring and might even bump into you somewhere in this great province.  Now then be prepared as some of the places they list may have a very limited interest.  Before you travel too far make the phone call and check out the specific web site carefully.

Lazy M Ranch  A real working ranch in the central Alberta foothills, with trout stream for the fly fishing enthusiasts.

Head-Smashed In Buffalo Jump  Located 18 km north & west of Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada at a place where the foothills of the Rocky Mountains meet the great plains, one of the world's oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jumps is known to exist -- Head-Smashed-In. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, Head-Smashed-In has been used continuously by aboriginal peoples of the plains for more than 5,500 years.   Again a great family outing and well worth the time spent.

Frank Slide  Interpretive Centre The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre highlights the rich history of the Crowsnest Pass amid the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology  World famous museum with life-sized dinosaurs in badlands.  This is a world class exhibit and experience.  Take the time to see it all. Bring the suntan lotion and take the hike offered.  Another fantastic family outing.

Glenbow   Museum and gallery in downtown Calgary.  Glenbow is western Canada's largest museum, with over 93,000 square feet of exhibition space spreading over three floors. More than 20 galleries are filled with artifacts from Glenbow's collection of over a million objects.  If you have already been then go again as the exhibits are changing all the time.  This place is bursting at the seams with our history.

Calgary Zoo  Safest place to view grizzlies and life-size dinosaurs in pre-historic park.  We have a world class zoo right in our own back yard.  Take the time to get to know this place.  The price may seem a little rich until you actually experience what they have to offer.  Every visit will reveal new treasures.  Check out the special events offered. 

Remington-Alberta Carriage Centre  World class collection of carriages at Cardston.  This is on my to do list in the near future and I will comment further then.

Reynolds Alberta Museum.  You have to witness this incredible collection of motor vehicles, vintage aircraft, agricultural equipment etc.  This was a fantastic collection when I first saw it over 35 years ago and memories of that visit are still etched in my old memory.  It has now grown from incredible to fantastic.  A family membership is a bargain and you will never see it all in one visit.  Take the time to enjoy and visit often.  Take the time (30 seconds) to view the video clip here

The Alberta Birds of Prey Centre open daily from May 10th to September 10^th is Canada’s largest birds of prey facility. Situated on a 70-acre wetland area site our centre is a celebration of nature featuring the hawks, falcons, eagles and owls of Alberta.  They do a fantastic job here and really know how to host a visitor.  Put this on your list of "don't miss its".

Bellevue Mine  The mine tour gives an authentic 'coal miner' experience as you don a
miner's lamp, battery pack and hard hat, then walk into the dark, damp, chilly depths of the original tunnel. Your lamp is the only light by which to see the artifacts and the various sections of the mine, including the coal seam, a coal room and loading chute. Guides explain the mine operation and the love the miner had for his work - despite the dangers and conditions. If at all possible ask for Wendy. She truly loves this place and will provide the "real story".

West Edmonton Mall.  Take a tour of this shrine to everything commercial.  This place is truly a massive complex with everything you can possibly imagine yours for the looking.  So if you have seen all the natural beauty of Alberta you must take a good look at this place at least once.