destination west

destinationwestYOUR 2013 VACATION GUIDE

edmontonjournal.com

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destinationwestYOUR 2013 VACATION GUIDE

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Publisher JOHN CONNOLLY

AdvertisingLeads RHONDA VICKERS [email protected]

KIM CLAYTON [email protected]

Contributors SARAH PRATT, REBECCA DIKA

Designer CHRISTINE PEARCE

PUBLISHED BY THE EDMONTON JOURNAL, A DIVISION OF POSTMEDIA NETWORK INC., AT THE JOURNAL BUILDING,

P.O. BOX 2421, EDMONTON, ALBERTA T5J 2S6

CALGARY 40 The best of urban and rural lifestylesCAMROSE 50 A musical town in the heart of central Alberta

GRANDE PRAIRIE 60 Of dinosaurs, artisans and wildlifeJASPER 70 Alpine beauty at its best

VALEMOUNT 90 A destination for recreation enthusiasts

THOMPSON OKANAGAN 100 A lush valley perfect for orchards, vineyards and moreCANMORE KANANASKIS 120 Majestic beauty amongst the Rocky Mountains

BANFF 120 Everything a traveller could wantGET HOOKED FISHING 130

GofishingwithAlbertasfirst certifiedfreshwateranglingguide

ROAD TRIP FOR FOODIES 140 Take a culinary road trip around the province

Thismagazineisalsoavailableonlineatedmontonjournal.com

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< on the cover:1. Hole#7,SilvertipGolfResort,Canmore

(courtesySilvertipGolfResort)

2. SaddlebroncRiding,PonokaStampede,Ponoka(courtesyGovernmentofAlberta)

3. OrcaBreaching,HaroStraight,VancouverIsland(courtesyTourismVancouverIsland/BoomerJerritt)

4. Kayaking,KananaskisRiver,KananaskisCountry(courtesyTravelAlberta)

5. RoyalTyrrellMuseum,Drumheller(courtesyTravelAlberta)

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2 3 4 5

destinationwest > YOUR 2013 VACATION GUIDE 3

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As the largest city in Alberta, nestled along the Rocky Mountainsfoothills,Calgaryisathrivingcitythatoffersthe best of both urban and rural lifestyles.The big question is, what are you going to do with your time?Dayandnight,througheveryseason,Calgaryandareaoffers destinations that appeal to every age and interest. If youre looking for cultural appreciation, check out the CalgaryOpera,FortCalgaryandotherheritagesites,season-al festivals, live theatre and concerts. Popular attractions in-cludeCalgaryTower,CalgaryOlympicPark,SpruceMeadows,the Aerospace Museum, Heritage Park (check out the vintage midway)andthesciencecentre,TELUSSpark,sparkscience.ca.Ifyourelookingforadayofrides,food,attractionsandentertainment,headtoCalawayPark,calawaypark.com.

Perhaps thebest knownevent in the city is theCalgaryStampede,a10-dayfestivalthatrunseveryJuly.Thestam-pede is an energetic blend of a midway, rodeo, concerts, at-tractions and events. People come from around the world to enjoy the word-famous stampede, and everyone wants to go at least once just for the experience!

Calgary:a true western destination

CONTINUEDONPAGE5

photocourtesyTYECARSON/CALGARYSTAMPEDE

photo courtesy CANADIAN TOURISM COMMISSION

4 destinationwest > YOUR 2013 VACATION GUIDE

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Camrose may be best known for the BigValleyJamboreeoutdoorcoun-try music festival that takes place ev-ery August, but the city and surround-ing county also has so much culture, entertainment, recreation and history to explore and enjoy.This city in the heart of Alberta sits 88 kilometres southeast of Edmonton. The gently rolling parkland offers ag-riculturalbounties,308acresofparksand playgrounds in the city, and a va-riety of things to see and do.

ThehistoryofCamrosedatesbackto the early 1900s and self-guidedwalking tours of downtown are pop-ular with history buffs. Many of the shops and boutiques are in restored historical build-ings. Two mu-seums pay hom-

age to the areas

heritage: the Camrose Railway Mu-seum and the Camrose and District Centennial Museum. For informationon all things rail-related, check out canadiannorthern.ca/Camrose.

The areas long-tended farms andranches offer seasonal tastes, such as berries, honey, vegetables and meats, that you can enjoy through farm visits, farmersmarketsandgardens.Youcanalso enjoy the country air and small-town friendliness with events such as arodeo,parades,PrairieFunDays,carshows and jamborees.The year-round entertainment youll find in Camrose includes per-forming arts centres, a casino, an art society, the Bailey Theatre, live music, and festivals that celebrate food, his-toryandculture.ForallthedetailsontheBigValley Jamboree,visitbigval-leyjamboree.com.

Ifyourelookingforrecreationalop-portunities, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Golf, swim, hike, geocache, snowshoe, cross-country ski, go birding and explore the world of the purple martin, and meander through the vast natural areas. Be suretocheckouttheCamroseCountyNature Conservation Centre, with itslake, nature trails and picnic sites.

WhenyoustayinCamroseyoucantake your pick of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, lodges, a full service RV park and campsites. And when youre hungry, settle down at a grill,caf, pub, steakhouse, sports lounge or family restaurant.

Camrose offers friendly people, avariety of events and activities and a breath of fresh air in the beautiful countryside. Check out tourismcam-rose.com for more information.

Lively, friendly Camrose in the heart of Alberta

Recreation enthusiasts and adrenalin junkiescanfindplentytodoontheBowandElbow rivers, nearby lakes, rolling hills and grasslands and, of course, the nearby Rocky Mountains. Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, ziplining, mountain biking and so many more activities are available.

Ifyoure looking tospendadayshoppingand exploring, there are malls with high-end stores, as well as markets, outlets and walk-able shopping districts with antiques, bou-tiques, cafes and local fare.Whenitstimetosatisfyyourpalate,Cal-gary is a haven for regional cuisine that in-cludes beef, barbecues and breweries. Local

tastes are explored at food and wine festi-vals,andglobalflavoursarefoundthrough-out the city.

Ifyourelookingforatruewesternexperi-ence,thenfollowtheCowboyTrail,thecow-boytrail.com/partners/calgary.html. Itsmorethan600kilometresoftrailthattakesyou through panoramic landscapes and small towns, and past ranches and various histori-calpointsofinterest.Youllalsofindincred-ible sights in nearby Drumheller, Longview andBraggCreek.

For more information on the sights andsoundsofCalgaryandthesurroundingareas,check out visitcalgary.com.

CALGARY CONTINUEDFROMPAGE4

photoscourtesyTRAVELALBERTA


Camrosealberta

UpComing events:Cruisers car show

Fly-in breakfastJaywalkers JamboreePurple Martin Festival

Battle of the BandsBig Valley Jamboree

Founders Days FestivalPrairie Fun DaysTour of Alberta StageOne FinishFestival of Trees

...and much more!

the new west is still a ton of fun and adventure!

tourismCamrose.com

CREDIT: Travel Alberta

CREDIT: Government of Alberta

CREDIT: Government of Alberta

GrandePrairiecanboastthatitsthelargest city between Edmonton andFairbanks,Alaska.Thischarmingand quickly growing Alberta city is 456 kilometres northwest of Edmon-ton and is developing a world-class reputation for tourism and especially paleontology.The area is becoming known as one of the densest dinosaur bone beds in the world, and scientists are currently working on three areas (some tours are available):

Pipestone Creek Bonebed;WapitiBonebed;andSpringCreek Bonebed. In June of2014 the Phillip J. Currie

Dinosaur Museum is set to open, and the museum team is already involved in education and research. One of the museumsbigfundraisersistheannu-alDinoBall,setforJune22thisyear.The themed ball features auctions, food and entertainment, and last year some celebrities made the trip to GrandePrairietocelebrate.Checkoutcurriemuseum.ca for photos, stories and details on all things related to the museum. A visit to the Grande Prairie area starts with your accommodations, and you can choose from hotels and motels, campgrounds, bed and break-fastsandmore.Ifyourelookingforaleisurely day of shopping,

therearemorethan400stores, including bou-tiques and art galleries. Local artisans display their talents at farm-ers markets, art showsand quilt shows. Annual events celebrate music, history and entertain-ment with jamborees, a stampede,afilmfestival,a streetperformers fes-

tival, concerts and live theatre.If youre looking for adventure,there are parks, wildlife, tours and recreation areas nearby. In the winter you can ski, snowboard, snowmobile and test your skill on a natural luge.

The warmer months offer golfing,mountain biking, adventure tours, fishingandmore.Thecombinationofboreal forest, wetlands, rolling hills and farmland offers a diverse land-scape from which to enjoy nature. Take in the northern lights and on clear days enjoy a view of the Rocky Mountain peaks.

Thetrumpeterswan is theofficialsymbol of Grande Prairie, and bird enthusiasts can view the birds as they pass through the area on their migra-tion routes and settle into their sum-mer nesting grounds.If youre a history or culture buff,visit the local museums, historical

sitesandtheHeritageDiscoveryCen-tre, http://gptourism.ca/listing/heritage-discovery-centre.

Formoreinformationthisthrivingcity and the surrounding areas, check out the visitor information centre and visit gptourism.ca.

Where life is

grand

Grande Prairie Museum Heritage Discovery Centre

Pipestone CreekphotoscourtesyGOVERNMENTOFALBERTA

Downtown Grande Prairie


For a full list of events go to

www.gptourism.ca780-539-7688 Toll Free 1-866-202-2202

Grande Prairie Stompede May 29 - June 2Wanham Plowing Match June 14-16

Guitars & Wagons June 20-24Bud Country Fever June 28-30

Rio Grande Rodeo June 28-July 1The Annual Rycroft Chuck Wagon Races July 4-797th Annual Teepee Creek Stampede July 11-14

Pioneer Days July 20, 21, SPCMValleyview Fair & Rodeo August 9-11Autumn Festival September 8, SPCM

Horse Trekking Adventures Awaken your senses & stimulate your spirit on one ofthe many diverse trail rides 780-835-4625 email: [email protected] & FacebookEquine City - Year Round facility - Riding lessons, pony/horse rides, petting zoo,sleigh/wagon rides, group events & more:1-877-887-6606www.equinecity.ca

June - August EveryWednesday, Free BBQ, 4-6 pm

Free Rotary Bus Tour - Mon.,Tues.,Thurs. 7-8:30 pmBoth events at the Visitor Information Centre

Reel Shorts Film Festival May 1-5Chautauqua Day Fair, Sexsmith June 1

Highland Games June 8Mud Fest - Evergreen Park June 14-16

Canada Day Celebrations July 1Street Performers Festival July 19-21East Coast Garden Party July 19-20

Canadian Native Fastball Championships August 2-4Heritage Day Festival August 5

The vast open spaces and natu-ralwondersinJasperareha-vens for intrepid travellers and adventure seekers of all kinds. No matter what the season, Jasperoffersanendlesssupplyofthings to see, do, taste and expe-rience.

You can see Jasper by train,bus, car, motorcycle, bicycle, he-licopter or boat. And when you decide where you are going to settle for the duration of your stay, you can choose from hotels, motels, inns, lodges, bungalows, cabins, campsites, resorts, cha-letsandmore.Foralistofaccom-modations, check out jasper.travel/where-to-stay.

If youre looking to spend time on theland, try a relaxing horseback ride, bike along a winding trail, hike an alpine meadow or steep valley, go rock climbing, take a mo-torcycle tour, golf a few rounds or exercise your camera with the breath-taking views ateveryturn.Onwatertheresrafting,fish-ing, boating, diving and more, and the lakes in the area are sparkling, clean and inviting. Take to the air with a helicopter tour or ride upamountainontheJasperTramway.

In winter, test out your legs with an ice walk, skating, sledding, snowshoeing, dog-sledding or world-class downhill skiing. Official toursrange fromraftingandback-country adventures to walking and hiking.

Jasper is home to some of themost pic-turesque natural wonders in the world. Ex-plorecanyonssuchasMaligneCanyon,visithot springs, waterfalls, the Columbia Ice-field, glaciers, caves, Pyramid and PatriciaLakes and so, so much more (pc.gc.ca/eng/ pn-np/ab/jasper/index.aspx).

Alpineofferings in the

majestic Rocky

Mountains CONTINUEDONPAGE8JASPER OFFERS

ENDLESS OPTIONS FOR TRAVELLERS

photoscourtesyTRAVELALBERTA

ABOVE: Jasper Tramway

TOP RIGHT: Golfing at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club

LEFT: Canoeing on Lac Beauvert, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge


Beckers Bungalows was

established in the 1940s.

After more than 50 yearsof

development, the Beckers

Chalets of today is a rst

class family operation that

is dedicated to your comfort

and to the enhancement

of your Rocky Mountain

experience.

Wooded setting by Athabasca River

Kitchens, Fireplaces, ColorCable, TV, Playground, Laun

dromat, Babysitting Service

Wheelchair accessible unitsavailable upon request

Housekeeping award winning

Beckers Gourmet Restaurant

Wooded setKitchens, FiWheelchair piHousekeepi Beckers Gou

For more information please visit our website

www.beckerschalets.com

Phone780-852-3779

Located on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93 South J

asper,

Alberta, Canada T0E 1E0

Becker

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JASPER CONTINUEDFROMPAGE7If you are a wildlife lover, al-pine meadows offer glimpses of Rocky Mountain goats, big horn sheep and hoary marmots, while forests are home to moose, deer, grey wolves, caribou, lynx, bears and more. Birdwatchers can search the skies for vari-ous species of woodpeckers, ptarmigans, jays and bluebirds, and golden eagles are not only watched, but also counted and photographed by eager scien-tists.There is never a shortage of thingstodoinandaroundJasperand Jasper National Park. Tryyour hand at geocaching, take in a culinary festival, spend a day at the spa, meander through galleries and museums, browse through boutiques and enjoy locally inspired food and drink. Sipona freshespresso, indulgein fresh pastry and sit down for a gourmet meal, all while soaking in the breathtaking views from every window and patio.

One of the most popular attractions in Jasper is theDarkSkyFestivalinOctober,celebratingtheareas11,000square kilometres that have earned the honour of being the largest dark sky preserve. Thefestivalsfocusistopro-tect and promote the night en-vironment and the clarity of darkskies.Checkouthttp:// jasperdarksky.org for more information.When you combine the natural beauty and spirit of Jasperwith its historical relevancy and sense of community, you have a special desti-nation.Foralotmoreinformation on Jas-per and the UNESCOWorld Heritage SiteJasper National Park(http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/304), visit jasper.travel.


Lac Beauvert, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Black bear, Jasper National Park

Elk, Jasper National Park

Jasper townsite

6 km north of Jasper on Pyramid Lake Road

1-888-852-7737www.mpljasper.com

Mountain Park Lodges

Pyramid Lake Resort

REFRESH IN THE ROCKIESNestled on a terraced hillside overlooking Pyramid Lake and surrounded by the splendor of the CanadianRockies, Pyramid Lake Resort provides a great setting for a getaway. Choose from a wide variety ofaccommodation including lofts and guest rooms with kitchenettes. The resort also features fitnessfacilities, a 10-person outdoor hot tub, boat rentals, bike rentals, a picnic area and dining in the PinesRestaurant.

6 km north of Jasper on Pyramid Lake Road

STARTING AT

$189PACKAGE INCLUDES One night accommodation with complimentary room uprade

when available Choice of the following:

- One hour boat rental- One hour bike rental for two- Breakfast for two- In-room welcome gift

Valid May 1-Oct 31, 2013. Per night, plus taxes, based on availability, based on single or double occupancy.

JustoveranhourwestofJasperisthevillageofValemount,perhapsbestknownasasnowmobilersparadise.Thevillage ishometo justover1,000residentsandsits

offtheYellowheadHighway5andatthefootofCanoeMoun-tain. And speaking of mountains, life in Valemount revolves around the three surrounding mountain rages: Cariboo,Monashee and Rocky. It is a place of glacial drifts and volca-nic rock, and is home to Mount Robson, the highest peak in theCanadianRockies.

Valemount is indeed a destina-tion for snowmobilers and recre-ation enthusiasts. In the cool, dry winters you can find incrediblesnowmobile trails and go heli-ski-ingandCat-skiing,cross-countryskiing, skating, dogsledding and more.During the warm summer months you can head out of the McLennan and Fraser Rivers toenjoy all the water has to offer. TheChinooksalmonrunisanaturalphenomenonthatcul-minates in the area, and viewing points for spawning include GeorgeHicksRegionalParkandRearguardFallsProvincialPark (env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/rear-guard). A number of lakes in the area offer opportunities for boating,fishing,canoeingandswimming,andthemountainshave perfect spots for hiking, mountain biking, geocaching, birdingandphotography.Spendrelaxingdaysatacampsite,horsebackridingorgolfing.

The village plans year-round activities, such as snowmo-bile poker runs and drag rac-es, a winter festival, a rodeo, mud racing and fishing derbies.A list of events is available at visitvalemount.ca/events. Af-ter an exhilarating day outdoors, replenish yourself with food from a variety of locally owned cafs, grills, pubs and restaurants and enjoyagoodnightssleepataho-tel, bed and breakfast, cabin or campsite.The village has grown from when it was settled in the ear-

ly1900sandthroughitsyearsasarailandforestrycentre.Now, as a popular tourism destination, it boasts more than 500hotelroomsandyear-roundvisitorswhoenjoythefreshair, friendly locals and numerous activities.

For further information on Valemount, check out visitvalemount.ca and visit the community page at valemount.org.

VALEMOUNT: a year-round destination in the heart of the mountains

photoscourtesyTOURISMVALEMOUNT


Valid May 11-31, 2013 starting at $109. $ 159 from June 1 - Sept 30, 2013 . Based on a Settlers Cabin, double occupancy. Other cabin types and prices are available.Cannot be combined with any other discount offer. Price does not include taxes. Additional costs for extra persons. Limited availability. This package is availablebeginning May 11, pending the projected opening day of Miette Hot Springs. Some restrictions apply.

STARTING AT

$109R E S TA U R A N T O U T D O O R P O O L G I F T S H O P

1-888-852-7737

One nights accommodation - cabins with a mountain view Two free tickets to Miette Hot Springs, just a short drive from your cabin door Full breakfast for two All the sun you can soak up in our outdoor hot tub

PACKAGE INCLUDES:STARTING AT

1 888 852 77371-888-852-7737

Two free tickets to Miette Hot Springs, just a short drive from your cabin door Full breakfast for two All the sun you can soak up in our outdoor hot tub

One nights accommodation - cabins with a mountain viewTw fr tickets t Miette Hot S in just hort dri f

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Soak & SunSoak & Sun

www.mpljasper.com

view

The Thompson Okanagan area of B.C.extends from the Alberta border near Valemount to theU.S.borderpastOsoyoosandGrandForks,and includessomeof themost awe-inspiring natural beauty in west-ernCanada.Thecommunitiesnestledinthisareaaredividedinto10districts:NorthandSouthThompson;North,CentralandSouthOkanagan; Shuswap; Boundary; Similka-meen;GoldCountry;andNicolaValley.The topography ranges from mountains

and valleys to deserts, marshes and grass-land. Each turn of the road offers a new pan-oramic view. Thompson Okanagan is home to Mount Robson, the highest mountain in theCanadianRockies,aswellaswaterfalls,pristine lakes, orchards and vineyards and an interesting history.

The First Nations people, collectivelyknown in thisareaas InteriorSalish,werethe first to settle this land.ThencameEu-ropeansexplorersandin1885theCanadian

PacificRailwaywascompletedthroughKa-mloops andexpanded from there. In1910,theKettleValleyRailwaybegan,andthelineroute is now a beautiful recreational trail.The Okanagan Valley is a lush, fertile area that extends for 200 kilometres andis surrounded by mountains. The land is well known for its impressive selection of fruit and vineyards. Many of the restau-rants partner with local producers to offer fresh,seasonaltastesthatreflecttheabun-dance and selection that are natural to the area. You can also enjoy the local flavourswith dinner cruises and wine pairings at restaurants and wineries. For a directo-ry of wineries and vineyards, check out thompsonokanagan.com/travel_guide/things-to-do/sample-our-local-flavour/wineries-and-vineyards-directory. And for details on winery tours through the re-nownedThompsonOkanaganCorridor,visit

thompsonokanagan.com/travel_guide/routes-and-corridors/thompson-okana-gan-corridor.No matter what you like to do with your time,youarecertainfindmorethanenoughactivitieshere.Fromzip-lining,cavingandbungee-jumping, to horseback riding along a desert trail, golfing, Cat-skiing throughfresh powder and hiking meandering moun-tainside trails, you can spend a lot of your time in fresh air and warm, dry summers and moderate winters. There are world-class golf courses in the area, and you can finda listof courses, alongwithmapsandmore, at bcgolfguide.com. There are four major ski resorts in the areas: Big White in Kelowna,bigwhite.com,SunPeaksResort,45minutesnorthofKamloops,sunpeaks-resorts.com; Silver Star Mountain Resort,25 kilometres northeast of Vernon, skisil-verstar.com; and Apex Mountain Resort,

Thompson Okanaganoffers unparalleled


250-498-8330

74Kof Vines in Each Bottle

SOMEONE TOLD US TO TAKE A HIKE

GOOD ADVICE

SOMEONE TOLD US TO TAKE A HIKE

GOOD ADVICE

west of Penticton, apexresort.com. Besides winter sports, there are beautiful alpine meadows and festivals to enjoy on the mountains during the warmer months.The list ofwater activities on the areasstunning blue-green lakes is a long one and

includes fishing, paddling, waterskiing,whitewaterraftingandsailing.Ifyoureananimal lover, there are wildlife tours that take you in search of whales, bears, birds, salmon and more. There are other tours that highlight ecotourism and culinary tourism.

Year-round festivals celebrate food, his-tory, culture and the arts, and museums, heritage sites, casinos, theatres and night-life will keep you busy. Accommodations in the Thompson Okanagan are varied, and you have your choice of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, campgrounds, cottages, houseboats and more. And your mode of transportation

can range from vehicle, motorcycle and bicycle to train, aircraft, boat. Forinformationonvacationpackag-es, visit thompsonokanagan.com/travel_guide/packages.

FormoreinformationonthisgemintheheartofBritishColumbia,visitthompsonokanagan.com.

Thompson Okanagan

> Home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies: Mount Robson> More than 50 18-hole golf courses> Visitors centres are noticeable by their distinct blue and yellow logo> There are four ways to get to the area: air, rail, bus; and car> More than 120 wineries> More than 1,000 lakes> Boasts Canadas fourth highest waterfall, Helmcken Falls on the

Murtle River in Wells Grey Provincial Park. The falls measure 463 feet.

> Home of Canadas smallest city, Greenwood, population 625. In 1998, Greenwood was chosen to represent the fictitious town of Amity Harbor in the Oscar-nominated film Snow Falling on Cedars.

> Four major ski resorts in the area: Sun Peaks, Big White, Apex, and Silver Star

> The area covers 20,829 square kilometres> Accommodations include hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts,

cottages, lodges, campgrounds and houseboats

offers unparalleled natural beauty

factfile > THOMPSON OKANAGANphotoscourtesyTHOMPSONOKANAGANTOURISMASSOCIATION(TOTA)


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Withitsfourdistinctseasons,morethan1,600kilome-tres of trails and a thriving spirit of culture and com-munity,BanffisoneofwesternCanadasmostbeloveddes-tinations.

Located90minuteswestofCalgaryamidstruggedpeaksand rolling alpine meadows, Banff National Park covers 6,641 square kilometers and is aUNESCOWorldHeritageSite.Thepark,established in1885,welcomes fourmillionvisitors every year, and the town of Banff is in the heart of the park.

Year-roundactivitiesappealtoalltypesofvisitors. In the winter, enjoy world-class downhill skiing and snowboarding at MountNorquay,SunshineVillageorLakeLouise.Youllalsofindadren-alin rushes with heli-skiing, tub-ing, dogsledding and ice walks. Summerofferspanoramicviewsof stunning glacier-fed lakes, and you can immerse yourself in na-ture by hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding and boating.

The community celebrates with seasonal festivals, in-cludingafilmandbookfestival,wineandfood,pondhockey,bicycling, ice sculpting, skating and more.

Banffsmountain culture is evident in the townsarchi-tecture and style, as well as the shops that line the charmingstreets.BoutiquessellCanadianfavouritessuch as maple syrup and knitted wool outerwear, andyoucanfindfossilandgemstonetreasures,aswell as work by local artisans. Art galleries, muse-ums and gardens also show the history and beauty of theareas culture.Historybuffswill relish theopportunity to peek into the past at the Bank-head Ghost Town and Cave and Basin NationalHistoricSiteofCanada (pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/ caveandbasin/index.aspx).

If youre looking to relax, book time for aspa, massage or hot spring, dig into a picnic on a moutainside, take your camera on a me-andering walk, stroll through the farmersmarket, ride up a gondola or enjoy a drink in the sun on a patio.

When its time to eat, you justneed to decide what youre in the

mood for and youll find it in Banff. Ital-ian,GreekorFrench?HowaboutMexican,Thaior Indian? Do you want casual or formal? A pub, grill, caf, deli or bakery? Hearty barbecue or vegetari-

an?And dont forget a freshlymade dessert.FinishoffaneveningwithaRocky Mountain sunset walk, take in a concert or live theatre, go dancing or cuddle up in front

ofafireplace.For more information aboutall that Banff has to offer, check out banfflakelouise.com and

banff.ca.

Banffs year-round offerings a treasure for visitors

Canmore Kananaskis is one of the mostcharminglocationsinCanadasRockyMoun-tains.What began as a mining and rail town in the 1800shasbecomeoneofthepremierdestina-tions for outdoor adventurers and nature en-thusiasts.SituatedontheeasternslopesoftheRockies,CanmoreisonehourwestofCalgary.With Nordic trails, golf courses, ranches and historic buildings combined with quaint alpine architecture,Canmoreofferseveryopportunityto enjoy stunning views and fresh mountain air. Visitors challenge themselves by hiking, biking, fishing,climbing,skiing,snowshoeing,dogsled-ding and more. The Three Sisters mountains

arelocatednearCanmoreandof-ferexceptionalclimbing.TheCan-moreNordicCentrewasbuilt forthe1988CalgaryWinterOlympicsand is a world-class facility and a favourite of cross-country skiiers. Annual recreations events, such as a marathon and mountain bike race, offer the opportunity to test your endurance. A folk music festival and Highland Games are two events that add culture and fun for residents and visitors.

Ifyoureinterestedinwildlifepho-tography or just viewing, you can see

birds, deer, elk, moose, big horn sheep, moun-tain goats, bears, cougars, lynx, wolverines and more. A helicopter tour might be just the thing to do some high-altitude spotting.History buffs and rock hounds will want to visittheCanmoreMuseumandGeoscienceCen-treandtheAmmoniteFactory.Youcanalsome-ander through shops, galleries and boutiques for art, pottery, sweets, toys, body care products andmore.Besideslocalproducts,Canmorealsooffers locally brewed beer and regional cuisine. Refresh yourself at a selection of pubs, patios, cafes, bistros, bakeries, delis and steakhouses. Anddontforget,everywindowoffersaview!

Check out tourismcanmore.com for more information.Canmore and Banff National Park border

KananaskisCountry,anareathatencompassesmorethan4,000squarefeetandfiveprovincialparks. Mountains, foothills and parkland offer rafting, caving, skiing, fishing, hiking, horse-backriding,rockclimbing,sledding,golfingandso much more. Visit kananaskis.com for a lot more information.

Canmore and Kananaskis Country: a slice of heaven for adventurers and nature addicts

photocourtesyTRAVELALBERTA

photocourtesyCANADIANTOURISMCOMMI

SSION

photo courtesy YAMNUSKA

Hiking near Mt. Assiniboine, Banff National Park

photocourtesyBANFFLAKELOUISETOURISM


FishinginwesternCanadaisascience,anart and a lifestyle for many.With winding rivers, vast lakes and se-cret fishing holes, our land is a true desti-nation for anglers of all ages and skill levels. If you really want to catch the big one or finally reel in that elusive species youvebeensearchingfor,findyourselfaqualified,knowledgeablefishingguide.

KeithRaeofGetHookedFishingAdven-

tures is about as committed and enthusias-tic as they come. He and his team offer river and lake trips in the Edmonton area, and lo-cation is an important part of the job.GoingontheNorthSaskatchewanRiverand the nearby lakes is a true wilderness ex-perience that is close to the comforts of the

city,saidRae.Ialwayssay,itsfly-infishingwithouttheflying.

The fishingspotsRaechoosesarequiet,

beautifulandbountiful.Thefishspeciesyoucould catch include walleye, goldeye, moon-eye, northern pike, whitefish, brown troutandmore.When Rae took TV fishing hostBob Izumi out for a trip, Izumi was excited tocatchhisfirstgoldeyeinourlocalwaters.Rae also does trips toB.C. to catch the in-credibleprimitivefish,thesturgeon.

Wedospinandfly-fishingandwehavecustom-made jet boats, he said. We do half-, full- and multi-day trips for individuals or groups. We also provide a gourmet lunch, chairs and the opportunity to do things like pan for gold and view fossil beds a lot of value added on these trips.Get Hooked has welcomed anglers from asfarawayasDubai,Greece,JapanandAus-tralia.

WehavesuchanincrediblefisheryinAl-berta, he said. Besides his experience and knowledge, Rae is unique as a guide for a few reasons.

HeisAlbertasfirstcertifiedfreshwateran-gling guide. This is a national certificationprogram that includes CPR, First Aid, lia-bilityinsurance,aboaterslicence,hoursofexperience and a written exam. This summer, Rae plans a special some-thing for certain guests on his guided trips. This is the second season Rae will be mea-suring and recording fish for SustainableResources, and some of his clients can par-ticipate in the program.This is a great hand-on experience where people can feel a part of the informa-tion gathering, said Rae. And new this year, all who participate in the program receive a special pin that we designed.Rae has seen countless people get hooked onfishing,andheispassionateaboutexpos-ing rookies to the sport, as well as exploring thewaterwithseasonedanglers.Formoreinformation, check out gethookedfishing.com.

right here at home


A total fishing experience,

photo SUPPLIED

A great getaway is not far away

780-963-4279 www.gethookedshing.com

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Preparetohaveallfivesensestitillatedonaroad trip that tantalizes. This is a roadtrip for the foodie, starting in the Capital City,from whence all good things come.

Culinary tourism is a growing trendandone of the best ways to have an authentic, down-to-earth experience when travelling, says Nikola Berube, Director, Marketing and

Business Development, AMA Travel. Be ad-venturous.Stopata farmersmarket,u-pickfarm, restaurant or specialty food retailer thatsnotnormallyonyourradar.

HeadoutofEdmontononHwy14east toTofield. Its less than an hours drive to ourfirststop,butyoullwanttogetanearlystart.The breakfasts at the Footloose CabooseLodge are truly unparalleled. Eva and Ray-mond Loranger bought some old cabooses a few years ago and have had lots of fun since! One is now an exquisite dining car that offers famous king-sized omelettes, a variety of egg benedicts and equally tantalizing crepes withavarietyoffillings(footloosecaboose.com).

Onceyourbellyisfull,findyourwaybackto Hwy 2 on your way to Ma-Me-O Beach at Pigeon Lake. Have a stroll around the lake and drop by the village. By then, you should be ready for lunch at the Ecocaf, which of-fers Game Pie prepared with duck, pork and elk. The ECO is dedicated to sourcing theproductsusedwithina100-mileradiusandoffers17yearsoffabulouscuisine.Visittheirwebsite at ecocafepigeonlake.ca.

Itsabout90minutes to thenextstoponour road trip; enjoy the pastoral scenerysouthalongHwy2untilyouseetheSylvanLakeexit.There,JohnSchalkwykhasearneda renowned reputation for his aged Gouda. Sylvan Star Cheese, a 48,000- square-footproduction and retail space, offers an array of to-die-for award-winning cheeses. Griz-zly Extra Aged Gouda earn lots of press, but there are about a dozen other cheeses to try, including an Edam, aged Gruyres and a cay-enne and green-peppercorn spiced Gouda producedfromsome14,000litresofmilkperweekfromSchalkwyksherdofalfalfa-andgrass-fed Holstein cows (sylvanstarcheese-farm.ca).

Its really only a hop, skip and a jumpfrom there over to Red Deer, where the

Public Market has become the go-to place ev-erySaturday.HostedintheparkinglotoftheRed Deer Arena, more than 250 vendors offruits and vegetables, meat, baked goods and handicrafts sell their delectable wares from May to October (reddeermarket.com).

Nottoofarafieldisagreatnewfoodmarketcalled Big Bend Market, just east of Gasoline AlleyonHwy2inRedDeer.Freshsandwichesa laEdmontons ItalianCentre areprepareddaily;localgrownbisonincludingdelicutsisavailableatthestore.Take some with you in case you get hungry ontheroadtoPasuFarms(taketheCarstairsexitoffHwy2).Thelambhereisunsurpassed;most items are grown at the farm or locally purchased.Theres SouthAfricanBarbecuesandabuffetlunchonSundays.Ifyouretherein time, try afternoon tea with homemade scones (pasu.com). Get back on Hwy 2 and in a little under an hour, youll be in Calgary where a world ofculinary delights await. But be prepared, this road trip just got a whole lot longer.

For help planning your own custom roadtrip, go to AMA TripTik Travel Planner at AMATravel.ca/TripTik.

with files from the Alberta Motor Association

wheretostay!CALGARY> Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Suites Near Canada Olympic Park and minutes

from downtown CAA/AAA preferred hotel partner AMA members save up to 15% off standard

room rates, based on last room availability Free upgrades to preferred room when

available

> Best Western Premier Free Point Inn & Suites

Located close to airport and downtown Calgary

CAA/AAA preferred hotel partner Members save up to 10 % or more on

standard room rates Earn CAA dollars

EDMONTON> Sawridge Inn Edmonton South Great location on Gateway Blvd AMA Best Price Guarantee hotel partner Includes hot breakfast each morning

> The Westin Located downtown in the heart of the City CAA/AAA preferred hotel partner AMA members save up to 15% off standard

room rates, based on last room availability Free upgrades to preferred room when

available

The Alberta road trip for foodies

photo SUPPLIED

Chefs around the province prepare

incredible meals, many that include local

meat and produce.


Guaranteed!

Best Price Guarantee is a member only offer applicable to existing hotel bookings made with AMA Travel. If a lower price is found, AMA Travel will secure this rate once per the originalreservation. Proof of the available rate, from a Canadian supplier, for a booking of the same hotel, room type and dates, must be provided to AMA Travel, seven days prior to arrival and doesnot apply to promotional discounts, special offers, minimum night stays or packages.

On your way to the Rockies? Already there? Book your room onlinewith AMA Travel and youll get the Best Price Guaranteed at 14 RockyMountain hotels in Banff, Jasper and Canmore!

AMATravel.ca/AlbertaHotels

Book online for the best price

Call toll-free 1-888-799-1522

Stay & Play in Vernon, BC Theres something for the whole family!

Visit Okanagan Spirits in downtown Vernon and experience firsthand the processing of locally grown fruit distilled in our copper-pot still. Our internationally acclaimed craft distillery produces award-winning spirits and liqueurs, genuine absinthe, rye whisky, gin and vodka. Enjoy a tour and tasting, then choose your favourites to take home. Open year round.

1-888-292-5270 www.okanaganspirits.com

OPEN ALL YEAR, Planet Bee is a favorite family attraction where you can learn a little more about bees and experience and sample the many delicious and healthy products of the honeybee hive. Now introducing Honeymoon Mead, a delightful table wine made from fermented BC honey and water. This ancient Beverage of Love was referred to as The Nectar of the Gods and dates back over 20,000 years.

1-877-233-9675 www.planetbee.com

HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT HISTORIC OKEEFE RANCHStep back in time and experience our roots and historySee how it used to be; keeping the stories of ranching cowboys, farming and agriculture alivethe turn of the Century General Store with old fashioned candy - Original Okanagan Post Office - Artisans and Farm Animals - Vintage Farm Machinery - Mansion Tours - Special Events - Education Programs - Model Railroad - RV Parking available.

250-542-7868 www.okeeferanch.ca

What would a trip to the Okanagan be without indulging in a wine tour? MJO Wine Tours offers full and half day tours every day of the week you can indulge yourself with private tasting in stunning Reidel Crystal glasses or simply sip some of our top tier choices in wine. We pick up at all hotels in the region. Call us today to explore all of your options we specialise in catering to you.

1-877-726-6548 www.mjotours.com

Pick up your coupon book for these fine attractions at the Village Green Hotel.

Colin Baxter

Consider the newly renovated Village Green Hotel as your friendly home away from home. All rooms come equipped with mini-fridges, coffee/tea, hairdryers, 40 TVs, irons and ironing boards, free WiFi & local calls. On-site amenities include a family-style restaurant, lively pub, liquor store, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness room. 100% non-smoking , ample free parking and the best pet friendly rooms in town!

1-800-663-4433 www.villagegreenhotel.com/stay-play4801 27 St Vernon, BC

Stay & Play in Vernon, BC Theres something for the whole family!

Visit Okanagan Spirits in downtown Vernon and experience firsthand the processing of locally grown fruit distilled in our copper-pot still. Our internationally acclaimed craft distillery produces award-winning spirits and liqueurs, genuine absinthe, rye whisky, gin and vodka. Enjoy a tour and tasting, then choose your favourites to take home. Open year round.

1-888-292-5270 www.okanaganspirits.com

OPEN ALL YEAR, Planet Bee is a favorite family attraction where you can learn a little more about bees and experience and sample the many delicious and healthy products of the honeybee hive. Now introducing Honeymoon Mead, a delightful table wine made from fermented BC honey and water. This ancient Beverage of Love was referred to as The Nectar of the Gods and dates back over 20,000 years.

1-877-233-9675 www.planetbee.com

HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT HISTORIC OKEEFE RANCHStep back in time and experience our roots and historySee how it used to be; keeping the stories of ranching cowboys, farming and agriculture alivethe turn of the Century General Store with old fashioned candy - Original Okanagan Post Office - Artisans and Farm Animals - Vintage Farm Machinery - Mansion Tours - Special Events - Education Programs - Model Railroad - RV Parking available.

250-542-7868 www.okeeferanch.ca

What would a trip to the Okanagan be without indulging in a wine tour? MJO Wine Tours offers full and half day tours every day of the week you can indulge yourself with private tasting in stunning Reidel Crystal glasses or simply sip some of our top tier choices in wine. We pick up at all hotels in the region. Call us today to explore all of your options we specialise in catering to you.

1-877-726-6548 www.mjotours.com

Pick up your coupon book for these fine attractions at the Village Green Hotel.

Colin Baxter

Consider the newly renovated Village Green Hotel as your friendly home away from home. All rooms come equipped with mini-fridges, coffee/tea, hairdryers, 40 TVs, irons and ironing boards, free WiFi & local calls. On-site amenities include a family-style restaurant, lively pub, liquor store, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness room. 100% non-smoking , ample free parking and the best pet friendly rooms in town!

1-800-663-4433 www.villagegreenhotel.com/stay-play4801 27 St Vernon, BC

B+B, ROMANCE & ACTIVITY PACKAGES

Featuring JASPERS FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATION FOR

STAY & PLAYOne & Two Bedroom Suites Executive suites & standard rooms Kitchens, fireplaces & balconies Free wireless internet Indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna & steam room Convention facilities & business centre

GEIKIE & BONHOMME ST., [email protected]

BOOK NOW! Call 1.800.661.1933 or visit www.bestwesternjasperinn.com

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Jasper Inn & SuitesThe Inn Restaurant

One- & two-bedroom chalets Executive suites & standard rooms Kitchens, fireplaces & balconies Free wireless internet Indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna & steam room Convention facilities & business centre

Also at the Lake

Hiking trails and picnic sites View Restaurant Afternoon tea at the historic Maligne Lake Chalet Canoe, rowboat and sea kayak rentals at the historic Curly Phillips Boathouse Shopping Guided fishing

Join us for a 90-minute narrated cruise to worldfamous Spirit Island in Jasper National Park.

Shuttle Service from hotels and downtown Jasper available.

MALIGNE LAKE TICKET OFFICEDowntown Jasper, 616 Patricia St. Ph: 780.852.3370

BOOK NOW! Call 1.866.maligne or visit www.malignelake.com

Best Cruise in CanadaREADERS DIGEST MAGAZINE

Destination West - Mar 12-13.indd 1 13-03-12 7:11 PM

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