Romancing the Rockies in 2009

Alberta has played a starring role as a backdrop to some of the movie industries finest blockbusters including “The Assassination of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Ford”, “Legends of the Fall”, “Brokeback Mountain” and Clint Eastwood classic “Unforgiven”.

Three “Reel Adventure” tours have been created to take visitors to the heart of the prime locations. “The Stuff of Legends”, features stunning mountain locations and windswept plains and visits Calgary, Banff, Kananaskis and Alberta’s Cowboy Country. “Saddles and Side Trips” includes many of the heart-rending locations from Brokeback Mountain and “Badlands and Bad Guys” follows in the hoof prints of some of Hollywood’s greatest cowboy films – a must for Western lovers. For more information see Albertamoviemaps.com.

Follow the Buffalo

Mighty and mystical, follow in the footsteps of the buffalo and discover Alberta’s unique aboriginal heritage. A hands-on experience can include visiting a buffalo ranch, riding the range and studying these powerful animals in their family groups at Elk Island National Park or Wood Bison National Park, home to the largest herd of free-roaming buffalo in the world.

Learn the economic and historical importance of the buffalo to Alberta’s aboriginal hunters at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and meet the elders as you stay overnight in a tepee. Then travel to the recently opened Blackfoot Crossing, the site where the Treaty Seven was signed. During the trip discover Alberta characters from intrepid explorers and maverick oilmen to ranchmen and revered First Nations People. For more information see travelalberta.com.

Calgary Stampede 3 – 12 July 2009 – behind the scenes tour & ranch stays

Stampede is a ten day spectacular that takes-over the city of Calgary. Famous for its oil industry, even business men swap their suits for jeans, boots and hats. Every day commences with pancake breakfasts for all before the rodeo, fun fair, Indian Village and numerous attractions open for the day.

The Chuck wagon races, the Grand Stand Show, Agricultural Fair and late night Western hoe-downs and new casino are all waiting to be experienced.

Following Stampede why not head for one of Alberta’s ranches and sharpen your riding skills or learn special horsemanship techniques? Take time to relax and unwind and meet authentic ranchers. Home cooking, camp fires and cowboy songs come as standard. To find out more visit calgarystampede.com.

Hidden Alberta – Waterton Lakes, the first International Peace Park and a haven for wildlife

Many visitors to Alberta head straight to the Rockies. No less stunning, but quieter in the summer months is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Waterton Lakes National Park. Declared as a National Park in 1895, Waterton then joined with Glacier Park of Montana to become the World’s first International Peace Park. It is here that the prairies collide with a wall of jagged mountain peaks creating a varied terrain and landscape which is perfect for wildlife watching, hiking, golfing, camping, fishing, cycling and canoeing.

No other national park in Canada protects so much wildlife within such a small area. In just 505 sq. kilometres (195 sq. miles), Waterton has over 250 species of birds, more than 60 species of mammals, 24 species of fish, ten species of reptiles and amphibians, as well as thousands of species of insects, arthropods and other invertebrates.

For more information see pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/visit/index_E.asp

Edmonton – Life’s a party in Canada’s Festival City

Renowned as Canada’s leading cultural city Edmonton host more than 30 annual music, arts and cultural events. Those that draw world-class performers include the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, the International Fringe Festival (second only in size to Edinburgh), the Heritage Festival and the International Street Performers Festival. In addition to this Edmonton has now attracted its own Grand Prix which takes place every July.

With Canada’s largest urban park, meandering along the river valley there is plenty of open space and outdoor pursuits to enjoy. The 17,348 acres of green space is 22 times larger than New York’s Central Park and features 150km of trails. Also on Edmonton’s doorstep is Elk Island National Park whilst across the prairies by road or rail visitors can easily access Jasper National Park, Canada’s largest mountain park. For more information visit festivalcity.ca.

Family Adventures – dinosaurs and hoodoos from as little as £110 for three nights

Excavating for fossils and sleeping in a tepee is a family holiday that will not be forgotten. The Royal Tyrrell Museum is home to one of the most extensive dinosaur collections in the world and offers families the chance to explore together on their Badlands Science Camp programme. Operating in July the camp costs from just £110 for 5 – 14 year olds and £130 for adults. After learning more about the prehistoric giants, head for the eerie beauty of the Canadian Badlands and Dinosaur Provincial Park.

Here you can see where complete skeletons have been unearthed and wind erosion has scraped sandstone into surreal structures called hoodoos. With their mystical appearance it is no wonder that the Blackfoot and Cree people thought they were petrified giants that came to life after dark - now that will enthral the children! For more information see Tyrrellmuseum.com/programs/index.php.