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www.chinookcountry.com Toll Free 1-800-661-1222
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Duty Free Shops Duty Free Shops at select border crossings and airports have tax free items for sale to departing visitors. For detailed information on restrictions, licenses and controls regarding this service please contact the Canada Border Service Agency or a customs official.
Customs & Duty Free Allowance Alcohol and Tobacco The legal age for alcohol consumption and tobacco possession in Alberta is 18 years old. Individuals who meet the minimum age requirements of the province or territory of entry may bring into Canada: • 1.25 litres of liquor or wine (40 ounces) OR 24 containers of 355 millilitres (12 ounces) each of beer, ale or equivalent. • Up to 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 200 grams (7 ounces) of loose tobacco. Any alcohol or tobacco in excess of these amounts is subject to duty and provincial fees and taxes.
Travelling with Pets All pets must be accompanied by their owners when entering Canada. Owners of dogs and cats must bring a valid certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian clearly identifying the pet and certifying that it has been vaccinated against rabies within the past 3 years. Special purpose dogs such as seeing-eye dogs from all countries are exempt from all import conditions when the dog is accompanying its owner.
Fishing and Hunting Licenses Alberta’s fishing and hunting is world famous, but to experience it you MUST have a valid license. Catch limits are set in order to preserve fish populations. Alberta’s “Catch and Release Program” encourages all anglers to release all fish that will not be used. Licenses for fishing in National Parks of Canada can be purchased at park information centres, administration, campgrounds, warden offices and select fishing shops. Fishing licenses to be used outside of a National
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Park can be purchased at Fish and Wildlife offices, hardware, convenience and department stores as well as at select gas stations. Hunting regulations and special licenses vary depending on what type of hunting you will be doing. No hunting is permitted in any National Park of Canada. For complete information contact: Alberta Environment Information CentreMain Floor, 9945 - 108th Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G6. By phone at (780) 944-0313 or online at www.gov.ab.ca/srd
until the first Sunday in November.
Highway Conditions For up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports, the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) Road Reports are your best source of information. All AMA Road Reports® regions are available through one toll free number: 1-877-AMA-HWYS (1-877-2624997). For links to all the online road reports in Alberta, visit www.highwayconditions.com/ab.htm
Travel/Health Insurance Motorcycles Visitors to Canada should obtain travellers’ health insurance before leaving home. Most health insurance coverage does not extend outside the country of residence. Visitors may find they have either no health insurance or inadequate coverage when in Canada. Visitors taking prescription medications should bring a copy of the prescription should it need renewal in Canada. Travel insurance offered by travel agents and credit card companies may be able to provide additional coverage for loss/ damage of baggage, cancellation, and medical incidents.
Motor Vehicle Insurance It is mandatory to carry valid documentation establishing proof of insurance and ownership for all vehicles you bring into Canada. Minimum liability coverage required in Alberta is $200,000.
Average Temperatures Summer: June - August 20°C/68°F Fall: September - November 11°C/52°F Winter: December - February - 11°C/12°F Spring: March - May 9°C/48°F
Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets and to drive with headlights on. Riding two abreast is prohibited.
Seat Belts Seat belt use is mandatory for all drivers and passengers in Canada.
Public Holidays January 1 - New Year’s Day February 15 - Family Day (Alberta) April 22 - Good Friday April 25 - Easter Sunday May 23 - Victoria Day July 1 - Canada Day August 2 - Heritage Day September 5 - Labour Day October 10 - Thanksgiving Day November 11 - Remembrance Day December 25 - Christmas Day December 26 - Boxing Day
Canada uses the metric system for distances, weights and measures. Distance 1 kilometre (km) = 5/8 mile
Currency and Banking Canadian dollars and cents form the monetary system in Canada. Although the operators of many retail outlets, restaurants, and other venues accept American money, visitors should exchange their travellers cheques or cash for Canadian currency. The use of credit cards are also recommended.
Time Zone Alberta is on Mountain Standard Time. Alberta observes Daylight Saving Time from the second Sunday in March
To calculate:
kilometres x 0.6 = mileage miles x 1.6 = kilometres
Miles per Hour or Kilometres per Hour: when driving, 100 km/hr on highway signs are equal to 60 mph.
Weight 1 kilogram = 2.2 lbs To calculate:
kilograms x 2.2 = pounds 500 grams (gm) = 1.1 lbs
Liquid Volume - (used for gasoline) 4.5 litres = 1 Imperial gallon 3.8 litres + 1 U.S. gallon
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The North West Mounted Police were formed in May of 1873, when Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister, declared that the Canadian prairies needed a strong police force. The creation of this police presence was intended to solidify Canada’s claim to the west, to improve relations with First Nations peoples, and to eliminate the illegal whisky trade that was all too common in the West. The first recruits for this new Force came from various parts of the country, forming six divisions totaling nearly 300 officers and men. The Force departed Dufferin, Manitoba on July 18, 1874 on what became known as the great “March West”. During the three month long 1,500 kilometer march, the men and horses faced a great deal of hardships. They finally arrived at their destination of Southern Alberta in October 1874 and began to build a permanent post by the Oldman River before the winter. This post, named in honour of Col. James Macleod for his strong leadership during the “March West”, served as the headquarters for the entire police force until 1878 and this early fort itself remained in use for almost 10 years. A new Fort built above the river valley was completed in 1884, and afforded the Mounties uninterrupted views of all the surrounding area, and moved the fort out of danger of flooding from the Oldman River. Today, a replica of The Fort, located on west bound Highway 3 near historic downtown Fort Macleod, houses The Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police. The museum focuses on the period between 1874 and 1884. Artifacts, dioramas, photographs and other displays continue to tell the story of all that is important to Southern Alberta’s history, from the Mounties to the First Nations people. The North West Mounted Police force has had a very active part in the history of Southern Alberta as well as in many other events in Canadian history. The “Red Coats”, known for their scarlet red tunics and trusted by the First Nation peoples, were instrumental in the signing of Peace Treaty 7 in 1877. The Mounties were involved in the North West Rebellion of 1885 and 10 years later had a presence in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890’s. Originally a Mounted Patrol, this tradition has been actively preserved in Fort Macleod by featuring daily reenactments of the world famous Musical Ride at the Museum of the North West Mounted Police. Riders dressed in replica uniforms perform, on horseback, many of the intricate maneuvers made famous by riders of the Mounted Patrol over 100 years ago. In 1920 the North West Mounted Police became the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Today, the scarlet red dress uniform of the Mounties, our National Police Force, is recognized around the world as a symbol of Canada.
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I had the great privilege to be born and raised in Picture Butte, Alberta. There are many advantages to growing up in a town where everyone knows you, your mom, your brothers and the car you drive. One of those advantages is being policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In Picture Butte we were fortunate enough to have a detachment situated right in town that was staffed with seven of our very own Mounties. I grew up accustomed to seeing the red serge, the riding breeches, the Strathcona boots and the Stetson. When I was younger I thought all police cars had red, yellow and blue stripes. That’s why when I decided I wanted to be a forensic scientist I knew I wanted to work for the RCMP. So off to the big city I went, to get my fancy degree. At around the same time I met and fell in love with my now husband (hometown Lethbridge), who is now also a Mountie. I graduated from University of Toronto with my degree in Forensic Biology but quickly realized that I did not want to spend my career in a lab assisting the police, I wanted to be on the front line collecting the evidence and solving cases. I spent just under two years working for the Edmonton “K” Division RCMP Forensic Identification Section as a Forensic Identification Assistant. I had the opportunity to assist the unit with a number of important cases and I became hooked. I knew there was no other option, I wanted to be a Mountie myself. So here I am at Depot 21 weeks into my 24 week training program. I am in the home stretch now and I can’t explain the pride I feel when I put on those high brown boots that every Mountie before me has worn since 1904; every Mountie including those that kept my town safe growing up; every Mountie including my beloved husband; every Mountie including my new family of troop mates from communities large and small across Canada. In three weeks I will stand before the Commanding Officer of Depot Division, with my husband beside him and I will accept the badge the gives me the right and privilege to serve a community just like Picture Butte as a proud member of the RCMP.
Cadet Chelsey Robinson (formerly Chelsey West) Regina, Saskatchewan
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• FORT MACLEOD is home to the first outpost of the North West Mounted Police in Western Canada. It was established in 1874 on an island in the Old Man River, then in 1884 moved to the actual town location. The town was named in honour of Colonel James Macleod.
• WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK was named by Frommers Travel Guide as one of the top destinations for 2009 (www.frommers.com). A spectacular place, Waterton is home to 30 rare flowers that grow no where else in Canada. More than 50% of Alberta’s wildflowers also grow in this Park.
• WRITING-ON-STONE PARK has the largest collection of rock art on the North American Plains. Both Petroglyphs (rock art carved into the stone) and Pictographs (rock art painted onto the stone) exist here, some are 5,000 years old.
• SOUTHERN ALBERTA is the only place in the world that AAA quality Ammolite gemstone can be found. The numbers of mineral deposits in the soil here create ammonite fossils and ammolite gemstones that showcase a rainbow of colours, including the rarest colours of blue and purple. Lethbridge has officially adopted Ammolite as the City gemstone.
• THE HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE in Lethbridge is the longest, highest trestle bridge in the world. The bridge is 5,327 feet (1,623 metres) in length and 314 feet (95.7 metres) in height above the bed of the river. The bridge celebrated its 100th birthday in 2009 and is considered to be one of the wonders of the world. • THE EMPRESS THEATRE in Fort Macleod is the oldest operating theatre in Alberta. This theatre showcases live artists, original plays, movies, and has even been featured on the television program “Creepy Canada” to tell the story of its resident ghost. • INDIAN BATTLE PARK in Lethbridge is the site of the last great Indian Battle on the North American continent. It was called the Battle of Belly River and took place on what is now known as the Old Man River between the Blackfoot and the Cree. • THE ALBERTA BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE is the largest facility of its type in Canada. This rescue and visitors centre is situated on a 70-acre wetland area and houses hawks, falcons, eagles, owls and more.
• CLARESHOLM is the location of the Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada Museum and Archives. The official opening was held on December 1, 1984. • THE KAINAI (BLOOD) NATION is Canada’s largest Indian Reserve in terms of land area. The Kainai are members of the Blackfoot Confederacy. • THE BAR U RANCH was one of the first corporate ranches in Western Canada. From 1882 to 1950 it was recognized for its outstanding management practices, as well as for the colourful characters it attracted including former slave John Ware, and the outlaw The Sundance Kid.
• OKOTOKS IS HOME TO THE DRAKE LANDING SOLAR COMMUNITY, the first of its kind in North America. This master planned community successfully integrates Canadian energy efficient technologies with the sun as a renewable, unlimited energy source.
• ACCORDING TO THE GEO-HAZARDS TEAM of the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, Turtle Mountain (Frank Slide) in the Crowsnest Pass is one of the most carefully scrutinized pieces of natural property on the planet! Turtle Mountain continues to move between 2 - 4.5 millimetres each year.
• DEVIL’S COULEE IN WARNER is where the largest group of Dinosaur eggs in Canada was discovered. The nest contained 10 eggs.
• RAYMOND is home to Canada’s oldest Stampede. In 1902, one year after the town of Raymond was founded, it hosted Canada’s first organized rodeo event.
• NEAR OKOTOKS IS “THE BIG ROCK”, the world’s largest known glacial erratic. An erratic is a rock transported by glacier ice. Okotoks is the Blackfoot name for “Big Rock”.
• VULCAN, is a destination for Star Trek enthusiasts, and features a lifesized replica of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
• RIC’S GRILL in Lethbridge is housed in the city’s former water tower. This structure once held 300,000 gallons of water.
The Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station is home to The State of the art Vulcan Space Adventure video game. • CASTLE MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT, located west of Pincher Creek, boasts the longest fall line in Canada. The Resort features 67 trails with runs for all levels of ability.
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WELCOME to Southwest Alberta!
to Southwest Alberta!
We are glad to have you as our guest! This is a place of amazing experiences, beautiful scenery, big dreams and lifelong memories. We want you to have the visit of a lifetime! How to use this Planner: The Southwest Alberta Travel Planner is divided into two regions – The Crown of the Continent and The Canadian Badlands. Both of these unique regions are actually much larger than the complete Southwest Alberta area, so this publication attempts to introduce you to the communities and attractions of each region that are located within Southwest Alberta. Each of these two sections has introductory pages to explain a little about why these regions are so special, followed by information about the communities that are located within each region. In addition to the two regions noted above, there are several individual pages of interesting and helpful information located throughout the Planner. On these pages you will find information such as Must See Attractions, One of a Kind Experiences, Traveller Information, and information about the special cultural features of Southwest Alberta. If you would like further information about anything you see in this Planner, please feel free to visit our website www.chinookcountry.com, or call toll free (in North America) 1-800-661-1222, or (403) 320-1222. Happy Travels!
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One of a Kind • Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Crowsnest Pass – Canada’s Deadliest Rockslide • High Level Bridge, Lethbridge – World’s Longest, Tallest Trestle Bridge • Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station, Vulcan – Live Long & Prosper! • Writing-On-Stone Park – Largest Collection of Rock Art in North America • Okotoks Erratic – World’s Largest Glacial Erratic • Remington Carriage Museum, Cardston Largest Collection of Horse Drawn Vehicles in North America
Fantastic Scenery • Waterton Lakes National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site • The Cowboy Trail/Highway 22 • Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Lethbridge • The Old Man River Valley, Lethbridge
Western Culture • Prairie Tractor & Engine Museum, Picture Butte • Bar U Ranch National Historic Site • Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, Pincher Creek • The Cowboy Trail/Highway 22 • Heritage Acres, Pincher Creek • Windy Rafters Barn Dance, Fort Macleod page 8
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First Nations/Blackfoot Culture • Blackfoot Crossing Historic Park • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump UNESCO World Heritage Site • Writing-On-Stone Park
Wildlife • Alberta Birds of Prey Centre, Coaldale • Waterton Lakes National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site • The Crowsnest Pass
Live Theatre • Empress Theatre, Fort Macleod • New West Theatre, Lethbridge • Carriage House Theatre, Cardston
Writing-On-Stone Park
Museums • Nanton Lancaster Air Museum, Nanton • Appaloosa Horse Museum, Claresholm • Galt Museum & Archives, Lethbridge • Remington Carriage Museum, Cardston • Fort Museum of the Northwest Mounted Police, Fort Macleod • Bellevue Underground Mine, Crowsnest Pass • Galt Historic Railway Park, Stirling • Taber Irrigation Museum, Taber • Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur Heritage Museum, Warner • Aspen Crossing, Mossleigh • Three Rivers Rock & Fossil Museum, Pincher Creek • Gem of the West Museum, Coaldale
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Crown of the Continent The Crown of the Continent is one of the wildest, most diverse and intact ecosystems in the temperate zones of the world.
Location The Crown region, located at the narrow waist of the Rocky Mountains, where Alberta, British Columbia, and Montana meet, embraces Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and the surrounding region of unbroken prairie, deep forest, plunging valleys, and jagged peaks. The Crown is defined largely by the habitat needs of wide-ranging wildlife that thrive here, such as the grizzly bear, wolverine, wolf, and bull trout.
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Beginnings In the early 1890s, conservationist and Glacier Park advocate George Bird Grinnell dubbed this transboundary region the "Crown of the Continent," highlighting the region's geographical importance as the headwaters of the continent, spilling cold, clean waters to the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Hudson Bay. This is a magical place. Incredible scenery, rich histories, and remarkable stories exist around every corner.
National Geographic Society & Geotourism Council In 2008, National Geographic Society joined together with 50 regional conservation, business and tribal organizations, local communities and government agencies to create The Crown of the Continent Geotourism Council. The
Council serves as a source of information about the Crown of the Continent region for visitors and residents to understand, appreciate, and help preserve its geographic character, including historical, cultural and environmental heritage.
Geotourism MapGuide An excellent resource is the Crown of the Continent Geotourism MapGuide. This unique map, based upon nominated sites, experiences, events and stories submitted by local residents, describes what's special about this place and what people are doing to keep it that way. The intended audience includes both local residents and visitors who seek to sustain and enhance the distinctive geographic character of this place. The Crown of the Continent Geotourism MapGuide, and more great information, can be found at www.crownofthecontinent.net.
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cardston In the southwest corner of Alberta, within sight of Montana and the mountains of The Crown of the Continent, the town of Cardston straddles the Lee Creek valley and serves as a hub for shoppers and tourists throughout the region. A visit to Cardston lets you experience and relive a time when horses and humans provided the muscle, and the only means of transportation. Wagon rides, and talking to the craftsmen who still build and repair wagons using hundred-yearold tools, are highlights of most people’s visits. There are also lots of opportunities in the area to climb aboard your own horse, and relive the time of the cowboys – either for an hour or a weekend!
Highlights
is a ‘dry’ county (alcohol • Cardston free) – perfect for family-friendly
events like Mini-Chuckwagons or the Great Canadian Barn Dance.
• Great golfing and serene camping are Remington Carriage Museum will • The fascinate every member of the family. available in the heart of Cardston.
• All summer, live theatre is another
It even made a Simpson’s episode!
family treat.
Contact us today at: www.town.cardston.ab.ca, or 1-888-434-3366
How the Town Got It’s Name The town of Cardston was founded in 1887 by a group of Mormon settlers and named after the man, who led the wagon train from Utah, Charles Card.
Vital Statistics • Who We Are In the southwest corner of Alberta, within sight of Montana and the mountains of The Crown of the Continent, the town of Cardston straddles the Lee Creek valley and serves as a hub for shoppers and tourists throughout the region. Cardston is famous for a couple of things: its founders, who came north from Utah in 1877 during one of North America’s last great wagon migrations; and for the wagon museum which, today, keeps that heritage alive with interactive displays, a working repair shop, and the largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles on the continent! The Card home, built by the leader of the first group of Mormon settlers, is open to
Reminton Carriage Museum page 14
the public on Cardston’s main street each afternoon, six days a week in the summer. See what life in a real ‘little house on the prairie’ was like! There are also lots of opportunities in the county to climb aboard your own horse, and relive the time of the cowboys – either for an hour or a weekend! Ride and raft packages delight real thrill-seekers.
List of Events • March 15-25- Rotary Music Festival • April 21-May 1- Cardston Community Theatre’s Presentation of “Sound of Music” • July 30-31- Temple City Cruisers Show and Shine • August -7- Heritage Week Rodeo • August 20-21- World Miniature Chuck Wagon Championships
Cardston is the closest full-service stop to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Waterton National Park. The county is home to the Great Canadian Barn Dance, and the town features a lovely RV park and golfing, both in the Lee Creek valley.
Famous People Fay Wray (1907-2004), an actress from Cardston, was most known for her leading role in King Kong, and became widely known as the first “scream queen”.
Card House
Lee Creek Golf Course
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ATTRACTIONS Remington Carriage Museum Main Street PO Box 1649 p: 403.653.5139 f: 403.653.5160 www.remingtoncarriagemuseum.com
The Remington Carriage Museum, operated by the Government of Alberta, and is open daily year-round. The museum is a true delight to visitors, who are continually surprised at the size of the collection, and the wonderfully informative displays, videos, and panoramas located inside the 63,000 square foot complex. From gravel dump wagons to the kid-soft Italian leather-lined carriages of the super wealthy, and stagecoaches made famous by Hollywood – this museum has them all! Visit the website to download a special admission discount: www.remingtoncarriagemuseum.com
Lee Creek Golf Course Located right in Cardston, the Lee Creek course is renowned among Southern Alberta golfers for it’s great play and interesting layout. The 18 hole course was
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designed by Les Furber, and features wonderful elevation changes as it winds its way in and out of the creek valley. The course is open to the public seven days a week in season, and tee times can be booked online at www.golfleecreek.com, or by phone at 1-866-653-4198.
Carriage House Theatre
ENTERTAINMENT Carriage House Theatre 353 Main Street West p: 403-653-1000 f: 403-653-0007 e: tickets@thecarriagehousetheatre.com www.tickets@thecarriagehousetheatre.com
For 41 nights each summer, the Carriage House Theatre amuses and entertains visitors with revues, musicals, and dramas, presented in this beautiful, completely renovated 333 seat theatre. Using a combination of hired professionals and local volunteers, the company has been in operation for more than 20 years. The latest addition is dinner theatre, presented at least once a week in the renovated “Silk Purse.” Enjoy a delicious meal and entertainment served by the actors before you see them in the play!
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claresholm With sunshine and Chinook winds as warm as its people, Claresholm is a wonderful place to stop on your travelling day, or spend a few days enjoying our 18-hole golf course. Known as the place “where the wheatlands meet the range,” Claresholm offers all of the services you need while visiting or living here. Because of its location right on Highway #2, our town is an easy stop-over on your travels. There are many restaurants and convenience stores ready and willing to make you a lunch to eat, while your children enjoy a break at our new water spray park and playground! Enjoy our western hospitality, helpful citizens, abundant services including an excellent hospital with 24-hour emergency, and beautiful views of fields to the East and the foothills to the West.
received a 2008 • Claresholm Municipal Sustainability Award in
Highlights
recognition of the Town’s outstanding Municipal Sustainability Plan.
recently expanded their • Claresholm campground. Be sure to book your spot and golf our 18-hole golf course, The Bridges of Claresholm.
• Claresholm has 2 historical murals
• Claresholm has great family-friendly depicting the past of the area.
parks including the new water spray park! This makes a great stop for those travelling with children in the summer… stop by for a break from the road and cool off!
Contact us today at: www.townofclaresholm.com, or 403-625-3381
How the Town Got It’s Name Claresholm was named in 1891 by John Niblick, a Canadian Pacific Railway superintendent. His wife’s name was Clare, and they referred to their house as “Clare’s home.”
Vital Statistics • Who We Are In 1940, as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Program, Claresholm was home to the Number 15 Service Flight Training School, training over 1800 pilots. The Harvard Memorial, located in Centennial Park, commemorates the contributions of the pilots, mechanics, and aircrew who trained in Claresholm. Claresholm was originally a watering stop for steam engines on the Canadian Pacific Railway line along the Macleod Trail which is presently the #2 Highway. Claresholm was founded as a town in 1905, the same year that the province of Alberta joined the Confederation.
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It is a thriving community of over 3,700 people. Claresholm’s traditional roles of agricultural service centre and industrial airport have been diversified in the last few years by the growth of the health care sector of the economy. Claresholm is home of the official registry of the Appaloosa Horse in Canada. The ApHCC Museum & Archives was officially opened on December 1, 1984. The aim of this museum is to collect, preserve, record and display artifacts, relics, books, pamphlets, publications, papers, documents, photographs and other materials illustrative of, or of interest to the history of the Appaloosa breed of horse.
List of Events • Canada Day Celebrations - July 1 in Amundsen Park, downtown Claresholm. • Claresholm Fair Days, second Saturday in August, features parade, bench show, rodeo, and more!
ATTRACTIONS Claresholm and District Museum 5126 - 1 Street East (on Highway #2 Northbound) p: 403.625.3131 www.townofclaresholm.com/museum.html
One of the Famous Five involved in the Persons Case of 1929, when women were legally declared people, Louise McKinney, lived in Claresholm and was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the area in the 1917 provincial election.
Have a look back at our history with a visit to our museum, a historic sandstone railway station that was originally part of Calgary’s 9th Avenue CPR depot in 1886, and rebuilt in Claresholm in 1912. Located on Highway 2, just off the traffic light, it also houses our Tourist Information Centre which is open from the May long weekend through to Canadian Thanksgiving.
Harvard Memorial
Claresholm Centennial Park Campground
Famous People
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Claresholm Baseball Complex Built by volunteers in conjunction with the Town of Claresholm, this facility is the host to many slow-pitch and baseball tournaments. The Millennium Baseball Complex is located in the Northwest corner of Claresholm.
Claresholm Agriplex 5950 - 4 Street West p: 403.625.2410
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Arena
CAMPGROUND
4918 – 2 Street East p: 403.625.2595
366 - 46 Avenue West p: 403.625.2751 e: clares@telusplanet.net www.townofclaresholm.com
The arena is a bustling place in the winter, hosting hockey, figure skating and lots of public skating time. In the summer, it is the home of the weekly Farmer’s Market held every Wednesday at 3 pm. Stop by for a visit… there’s always something going on!
Tennis Courts 628 – 55 Avenue West
The Claresholm Agriplex is the busiest recreational facility in the town. Every weekend, there are both locals and visitors participating in horse shows, ropings, or rodeos.
Three tennis courts are located at the Willow Creek Composite High School.
Historic Murals
430 – 53 Avenue East p: 403.625.3933
Claresholm’s first mural was completed in July 2002. It was painted by Calgary artist Doug Driediger and it depicts the farming and ranching history of Claresholm. To view this mural, turn West at the traffic light. To see mural #2, travel one block West and one block South and you will see “A Claresholm Celebration,” painted by artists Stan Phelps and Keith Holmes in August 2003.
Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada Museum & Archives P.O. Box 940, Claresholm, AB p: 403.625.3326 f: 403.625.2274 www.appaloosa.ca/museum.htm
Curling Rink
Centennial Park Campground offers full service camping, with hook-ups for water and sewer. The brand new water spray park is a community hot spot, and in this park you can also find an exceptional shower/washroom building, camp kitchen, horseshoe pits, ball diamonds, and playground. Enjoy a day of golfing followed by some cooling off at the spray park! Lots to do for both adults and children… make us a stopping point as you travel! This park is also home of the Harvard Memorial, a monument commemorating the contributions of the pilots, mechanics and aircrew who trained in our town.
The four sheet curling rink was built and is maintained by volunteers of the Claresholm Curling Club. Leagues run November to April.
Skateboard Park 4918 – 2 Street East
Appaloosa Horse The skateboard park is home to local skaters as well as available to those visiting. The park is located at the Claresholm Arena.
Claresholm Pool p: 403.625.3071 for swim schedule, or check out the schedule at www.townofclaresholm.com/pool.html
The Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada Museum and Archives is a unique museum dedicated to the history and development of a special breed of horse. This museum is a “must-see” for all horse lovers. No admission fee, but voluntary donations are appreciated.
Located on the south end of Claresholm, this wonderful facility features a 5-lane, 25 metre pool, graduated entry (handicap accessible), 30-person hot tub, diving board, Tarzan rope, kiddie slide, and many floating toys!
Appaloosa Museum
Claresholm & District Museum page 17
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fort Macleod Traditionally the crossroads and hub for Southwest Alberta, Fort Macleod is strategically located at the Junction of Highway 2 and Highway 3: North to Calgary, Edmonton and on to Alaska; East to Lethbridge, Taber, Medicine Hat, Saskatchewan, and/or Montana; West to Pincher Creek, the Crowsnest Pass, the Rocky Mountains and British Columbia; and South to Cardston, Waterton National Park, the United States Glacier National Park and Montana. Just 16 km west is Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
•
Highlights Fort Macleod is home to The Empress Theatre, the oldest continually-operating theatre in Western Canada.
• Take a day to explore nearby Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Fort Museum’s Musical Ride
performs daily (weather permitting) in July and August. Ask about the Red Serge VIP Horse Grooming Program!
• The biggest Santa Claus Parade west of Toronto is the annual Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade on November 27, 2010.
Contact us today at: www.fortmacleod.com, or 1-877-622-5366
How the Town Got It’s Name Famous People
List of Events
The Town of Fort Macleod is named in honour of Lieutenant-Colonel James Macleod, who served as the second Commissioner of the North West Mounted Police from 1876 to 1880. In addition to his service in the North West Mounted Police, Macleod’s career also included service as a militia officer, lawyer, magistrate, judge, and politician.
• 4-H Annual House Show – Held in June.
Vital Statistics • Who We Are The Town of Fort Macleod is a historic, vibrant community of over 3,000 people that has traditionally acted as a hub for Southwest Alberta. Within sight of the breath-taking Rocky Mountains, Fort Macleod also enjoys the most sunlight hours of any community in Canada. In 2006, Fort Macleod was chosen as the site of the future Alberta Police and Peace Officer Training Centre which, when completed, will train approximately 1,400 law enforcement personnel per year.
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Joni Mitchell – musician. Henrietta Muir Edwards – womens’ rights activist. Sir Frederick Haultain – former premier of the North-West Territories. Burial site of Jerry Potts (also known as Ky-yo-kosi, meaning Bear Child) – noted Canadian plainsman, buffalo hunter, horse trader, interpreter, and scout.
Empress Theatre
• Empress Theatre Live Tours – July & August. • South Country Fair – July • Musical Rides at the Fort Museum – Through July and August. • The Annual Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade is the Biggest Santa Claus Parade West of Toronto – End of November.
Fort Museum of the N.W.M.P.
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Historic Main Street 258 Colonel Macleod Blvd (Main Street) p: 403.553.4425 e: edo@fortmacleod.com www.fortmacleod.com
Take a walk through Western Canada’s history. The first home of the fabled North West Mounted Police, established in 1874, Fort Macleod became a vibrant community. Our “Main Street” is the only provincially designated Historic Area in Alberta. Over thirty historic and architecturally significant buildings, dating from the 1880’s can be enjoyed on a self guided walking tour. You may even recognize some of the buildings from feature films such as ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘Passchendaele’. Be sure to take advantage of the numerous shopping and dining opportunities on Main Street as well!
The Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police 219-25 Street P: 403-553-4703 toll free: 1-866-273-6841 e: info@nwmpmuseum.com www.nwmpmuseum.com
The story of Canada’s famous North West Mounted Police (NWMP), today known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP/GRC) comes to life at the Museum, with hands-on programs and interactive exhibits. In the tradition of the NWMP, the Fort’s Musical Ride performs daily (weather permitting) during July and August. Visitors can experience history by helping a rider prepare their horse for the Musical Ride in our Red Serge VIP Horse Grooming Program. Take a glimpse into the impact of the NWMP’s arrival upon the traditional culture of our First Nation’s peoples. The Trading Post Gift Shop features many unique items and books. Please call for hours and summer special events.
Historic Main Street
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Northwest Mounted Police 1884 Barracks
Fort Macleod Golf Course & Country Club
Located Hwy #3 on the western outskirts of Fort Macleod p: 403-553-4703 www.nwmpmuseum.com
270 Lyndon Road p. 403.553.4664
The 1884 Barracks Site represents one of the most pivotal eras of Western Canadian history. The 30 acre original site features are preserved with three reconstructed buildings, including a guard house and a stable. Located on Highway #3 on the western outskirts of Fort Macleod. For information and appointments call 403553-4703.
The Empress Theatre 235 Main Street p: 403.553.4404 toll free: 1.800.540.9229 e: administration@empresstheatre.ab.ca www.empresstheatre.ab.ca
The Empress Theatre has been wowing audiences since it opened in 1912. This Provincial Historic Resource is the oldest continuously operating theatre west of Winnipeg. Since opening, the Empress has offered an impressive line-up of entertainment, from early Vaudeville Acts, to popular live concert series, to first run movies. Special events in 2010 include (among others) the Cinemagine French Film Festival from April 30 – May 2, 2010 and the Windy Mountain Music Festival from May 27-31, 2010.
Play Western Canada’s Oldest Golf Course! Come and enjoy a round of golf at the Fort Macleod Golf Course, built in 1890. This diamond in the rough, nestled in the Oldman River Valley, will challenge beginners and pros alike. After your round relax in the fully licensed clubhouse. For Tee Times call the clubhouse at 403.553.4664.
Santa Claus Parade Please join us on Saturday, November 27, 2010 for our 29th Annual Santa Claus Parade.
Windy Rafters Barn Dance Located 10 minutes east of Fort Macleod p. 403.553.2130 f: 403.553.2106 e. wrbarndance@mail.com http://wrbarndance.tripod.com/
Experience a Country-Style dinner, barn dance, or best of all, both! Set in a horse barn built in 1911 and surrounded by memorabilia of early 1900s farm life, the Windy Rafters Barn Dance is only 10 minutes from Fort Macleod and 20 minutes from Lethbridge.
The Empress has held on to much of its turn of the century character. Unique features like neon tulips on the ceiling, to autographs on the dressing room walls, are all part of the Empress history. Take a tour and don’t forget to ask about Eddy, the resident Ghost!
NWMP Barracks
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nanton Pioneers first settled in the Mosquito Creek Community in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. On June 22, 1903, a village was formed and named Nanton, after the late Sir Augustus Meredith Nanton (1860 – 1925) of Winnipeg who directed firms that offered financing for farms and ranches throughout the west. He arranged financing of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway, sold subsequently to the C.P.R. It was his close association with these two companies that led the community to name the village, “Nanton”. Nanton was incorporated as a Town in the summer of 1907.
Highlights
backdrop features its three • Nanton’s giant, prairie grain elevators.
tours through the interior of a • Guided restored World War II heavy bomber highlight a visit to the Nanton Lancastor Air Museum.
• The antique and art walks offer a variety of great browsing and shopping.
• The Big Sky Garden Railway’s 7000
square foot layout is Canada’s largest, with 3500’ of track, 22 trains running and a huge “Thomas” play area.
Contact us today at: www.town.nanton.ca, or 403-646-2029
How the Town Got It’s Name Vital Statistics • Who We Are Nanton was named after Sir Augustus Nanton, of Winnipeg (1860 - 1925). As partner in a large financial firm, he arranged land sales and investment in the growing West, including the financing of the C&E Railway, which was later sold to the C.P.R., and from which Nanton’s formation was based. It was his close association with these two railways that led the community to name the village, “Nanton”.
Just 40 minutes south of Calgary and an hour north of Lethbridge, Nanton is just too good to pass by! Enjoy the small town character and distinctive atmosphere that will take you back to another time. Nanton proudly showcases its unique local attractions including the Nanton Lancaster Air Museum, Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Center and Big Sky Garden Railway. Browse through the many antique and specialty stores; take in the ambience of one of the local eateries or plan to visit during the great events and celebrations throughout the year. Nanton – where history lives!
by the commanding NWMP officer describes how “the citizens and farmers residing in and near Nanton” robbed a CPR coal train that was headed north out of town without having delivered any of its load to the waiting crowd. Three or four men jumped the slow moving train and ran along the top of the box cars followed by the officer, who fired off a shot to warn the men to stop. Once the train braked and returned to the station, the determined locals managed to unload three cars of coal divvied out in 1,000 lbs increments. In true Nanton spirit, each taker signed a note agreeing to pay $6.00 per ton for the coal and “further agree to stand by each other should any law suit or expense arise from the (incident)”.
The Town crest was recognized by the College of Arms, London, England, as a true crest of William Naunton, of Naunton Hall, Suffolk, England, in 1553. Another ancestor, Sire Robert Naunton, had the same Coat of Arms. He was a member of the Court of Queen Elizabeth I. Later, Naunton was the Secretary of State to King James I. In 1917, Augustus Nanton was himself knighted by King George V for his outstanding efforts in the first World War with respect to the “Patriotic Fund” and “Victory Loan Campaigns” in Western Canada. Changes to the family crest were required to allow the Town to use it as its emblem.
Nanton was also known as “Tap Town” because of the pure spring water “tap” in the heart of Town with sign that said “help yourself to Canada’s finest drinking water”. (Nanton still uses this source today but regulations require it to be treated before being distributed.) Nanton’s “Great Train Robbery” occurred February 5, 1907. A report of the incident
Nanton also dubbed itself the “Friendliest Town in the West” .
Lancaster Air Museum
Nanton Grain Elevators
Abundant Wildlife
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Interesting Facts
Nanton has a proud association with the Calgary Stampede White Hat Ceremony.
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Famous People
Nanton Grain Elevators
Lindsay Sears – 2008 Ladies Barrel Racing World Champion.
Except for the few elevators that have been saved by industrious communities, Alberta will be elevator free before you can blink an eye. The Nanton "Save One" Society is working hard to prevent the loss of these sentinels of our heritage by restoring the Nanton grain elevators an accessible heritage site and developing an educational tool for the future. Regular hours available during the summer months. Tours by appointment are available. Look for our special events on the long weekend in May and August. Check www.nantonelevators.com or phone (403) 646-5893 or (403) 646-6244.
Phil Crowe – Former NHL hockey player, played for the Kings, Flyers, Senators and Predators between 1994-2000. Orest Kindrachuk – Former NHL hockey player, played for the Flyers, Penguins, and Capitals between 1967-1982.
List of Events • Nanton Round Up Days – August long weekend. Includes: Rodeo events, annual chilli cook-off, duck races, pancake breakfasts, fireworks... • Nanton Lights the Way Christmas Festival – November. • Planes Trains and Elevator Event- May 29, 2010. Other events can be found at: www.nantonagsociety.com www.lancastermuseum.ca www.nantonelevators.com www.nantonchamber.com
Nanton Lancaster Air Museum Known internationally as “Canada’s Bomber Command Memorial Museum,” a Memorial Wall on the museum’s front lawn carries the names of the 10,659 Canadians who were killed serving with Bomber Command. As well as the huge, four-engined Lancaster, a twin-engined Blenheim bomber is on display together with eight training aircraft, three post-war jets, and several wartime vehicles that were used on training bases in southern Alberta. Displays, interpretive information, and dvd’s enable visitors to understand the legendary Lancaster and other aircraft and the history they represent. Visitors enjoy the museum’s impressive collections of original aviation artwork as well as valuable limited edition prints. Highlights of a visit to the museum include a tour of the interior of the Lancaster Bomber. Check www.lancastermuseum.ca for the dates of our 2010 special events. Several times during the summer the aircraft will be rolled outside and two of its Merlin V12 engines started up.
Antique & Art Walk Take a walk through history and visit our many and unique antique shops, furniture restoration and artisan businesses. There is even an old fashioned candy shop and cafes with the flavours of yesterday and the favourites of today. Nanton feels like a trip back in time with historical architecture and businesses offering friendly hometown service.
Nanton Agricultural Society It’s been 30 years of thrills and spills for the Nanton Rodeo as it continues to draw hundreds of people each week through the summer. For six weekends each year, the rodeo series has drawn local talent in to participate in family-oriented rodeo events. Culminating in the Nanton Nite Rodeo on the August long weekend, the roots of rodeo history run deep with grandparents and parents showing their children the ropes - literally. In the early days everyone threw their five bucks into a hat and the winners’ proceeds were divided up based on what was collected in the hat.
Nantonwh–ere history lives!
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okotoks A visit to Okotoks is not the same without a stop in Olde Towne Okotoks. In the heart of downtown, Olde Towne Okotoks is an eclectic mix of unique destination boutique retailers which includes fine dining, antiques, art, gifts, clothing, health, wellness and beauty and much more. It is a shopping experience for the young and old, something for everyone. Afterwards you can enjoy the pathways located along the Sheep River or head down the road to visit the Big Rock glacier erratic, a large rock formation 7 km west of Okotoks. Nestled along the Sheep River Valley in the heart of the Alberta Foothills, the Town of Okotoks is a young, vibrant and friendly community. Natural beauty, ideal location and a commitment to sustainability...Okotoks - It’s where we live, work and play.
•
Highlights Okotoks Erratic (The Big Rock) is the largest glacial erratic in the world that was left behind after the Ice Age.
• Okotoks is the second fastest
growing community in Canada with a 46% growth rate since 2001.
• Drake Landing Solar Community is
heated by a system that stores solar energy underground during the summer months and distributes it during the winter.
• The Station Cultural Centre,
located in the Canadian Pacific Railway station, boasts a huge selection of tourist-related information.
Contact us today at: www.okotoks.ca
ATTRACTIONS The Big Rock – North America's Largest Glacial Erratic Measuring 40 metres by 18 metres by 9 metres, and weighing 18,000 tonnes, the rock is located 7 km west of Okotoks on Highway 7. It is the biggest among
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thousands in a 650 km chain of quartzite boulders left by the retreat of the glaciers during the last ice age 10,000 years ago. The Big Rock originated from the Jasper area. The Big Rock was designated a Provincial Historical Resource in 1979 and in 1987
the Province of Alberta purchased the land on which the Big Rock sits. The Historical Resources Act of Alberta commemorates and protects such rare and fragile reminders of the past.
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There has been much said about Cowboy Culture, but for those who live it, it is sacred. The words below are from an old cowboy. “After the Fort Whoop Up scoundrels beat it back to the States, they were replaced by the cowboys. It is generally agreed that the cowboys were former army men who saw or heard of Southern Alberta from their comrades. There is no clear evidence that they were really explorers, but without a doubt, they were the foundation of our area. They were tough.
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They were braggarts. They were proud. They were without a doubt, the toughest breed of men on earth. They still are. There is probably nothing else on earth that has more ups and downs than raising a cow on the range. Ya ain’t never been a cowboy until ya held a dead calf in your arms and bawled. They honoured women to a fault. No matter what her vocation, a woman was to be treated like a queen.
They were rough. They stank. It is often said that the only time you washed was to soak the rest of your long johns off so you could put new ones on. Their food was plain. The coffee that always started their day was strong enough to float a horseshoe.
They could shoot the pips out of a playing card at 50 paces and never thought it was much. They were the builders. They were the stayers. They are still here and will always be. God bless them all.”
rolling hills steals the hearts of many who visit. Highway 22, known as The Cowboy Trail, is an especially beautiful and popular travel route. Throughout Southwest Alberta today you can experience Western traditions at guest ranches, rodeos, Cowboy Poetry events, and attractions such as The Bar U Ranch and the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village.
Some Good Cowboy Advice: • It always hurts when you know you are wrong. • Shoot straight, not often. • If it don’t feel right, it ain’t. • Never argue with a preacher, but you don’t have to listen either. • Some things that ain’t worth doing should be done tomorrow. • Never be afraid to try something new as long as it don’t hurt someone. • Don’t worry about biting off more than you can chew. There ain’t no harm in spittin’.
• Yes usually just means that they
They chewed tobacco and they spit. They didn’t smoke much for fear of fire, and because it was hard to keep their powder dry.
Southwest Alberta is rich with the living history of the Cowboys and Ranchers who settled this land. Head in any direction and at some point you will see a farm or ranch where hard working families continue the traditions of planting and harvesting, tending to animals, and praying for the weather to be kind.
They slept on the ground.
The beautiful scenery of prairies and
• Don’t squat with your spurs on.
They used five or six holes in their belts to keep away the hunger pains in case they didn’t have enough to eat.
• A woman is always right, but often is contrary. heard ya. • No is usually good advice. • It’s easier to be comfortable than pretty.
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Waterton Lakes Waterton is a place where natural wonder, history and people come together in a profoundly beautiful way. A place where time passes slowly and peacefully. It's a place where unique community is formed between locals, tourists and Rocky Mountain wildlife. Waterton is a place that will grab hold of your memory and never let go. There's just no place like it. Our park is small, but we like it that way. Even though more than 400,000 thousand people travel here each year, it's never crowded. You'll discover gems that will make Waterton feel like your own secret hideaway. When you're here, the stress of daily life simply falls away and all that's left to do is relax and take it in. You won't find any outlet malls here and no valet will offer to park your car. But you will enjoy fine meals, excellent shopping and nice places to stay. And, if you're like many of our visitors, you'll be so captivated by it all that you'll be planning your next trip before you even leave.
• A world’s ‘Top Destinations for 2009.’
Highlights
Editor’s of Frommer’s travel guides call Waterton “the least-traveled of Alberta’s Rocky Mountain Parks, and quite possibly the most spectacular.”
• Waterton is the only park in the world with these three designations; a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve.
• The park contains more than half of
all the wildflower species found in Alberta, along with an abundance of wildlife.
village puts you in the • Waterton’s middle of great hiking, boat touring, and nature experiences.
Contact us today at: www.mywaterton.ca, or 403-859-5133
wonder, explore the easy hiking trails that skirt the lake or rent a boat or a kayak for an even closer experience. You'll also have access to convenient services such as washrooms, an interpretive center and a concession/souvenir shop to provide you with what you need for a perfect day in the mountains.
Cameron Lake At an elevation of 1646 meters (5400 ft) this picturesque alpine lake offers the pristine beauty of a remote mountain environment and is only a short drive from the Waterton Village. Getting to Cameron Lake is almost as beautiful as being there. Drive 16 km (10 miles) along the Akamina Parkway, which is clearly marked just outside the village. Twists and turns in the road will reveal numerous rustic picnic areas. You will also drive past Oil City Western Canada's first oil well. This is a National Historic site.
Waterton Village If the heart of Waterton Lakes National Park is its pure beauty, then the Waterton Village is its pulse. This tiny but vibrant centre offers activities, lodging, dining and services for all who come here. In the summer, the streets are lined with happy tourists and locals shopping, dining or enjoying a cold treat. In the winter, it brings perfect solace and quiet beauty to
The Village is scenically located on a small delta which is closely guarded by the Rocky Mountains to the north and west and Upper Waterton Lake to the east and south. The majestic Prince of Wales Hotel is the sentinel that looks out over the entire Waterton Valley. Waterton Village enjoys beautiful warm weather in the summer that is cooled by warm breezes (and sometimes gusts) that sweep across the glacial lake. This quaint mountain Village offers everyone a taste of small town paradise in an internationally renowned environment. More info call at 403.859.5133
© Len Grant
At the end of this short journey, you will feast your eyes on the stunningly beautiful views of Cameron Lake. Enjoy a picnic on the shores of this aquamarine
More info call at 403.859.5133
the few local residents and wildlife that call it home.
A Waterton traffic jam page 24
Hiking in Waterton
Nesting bird
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View from Bears Hump
The Bears Hump At only 1.5 km (0.9 miles), The Bears Hump is a short, strenuous but rewarding climb that begins at the Waterton Visitor Resource Centre. Once known as Bear Mountain by the Piikani (Blackfoot) tribe for its humplike appearance, this rocky trail becomes a veritable staircase by the half way mark yet ends on the flat dome of the "Hump". At the end of this climb, you will be greeted by spectacular views of Waterton Valley and Mount Cleveland, the tallest summit in Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The luminescent Middle and
Cameron Lake
Lower Waterton Lakes glisten from this vantage point. The views of the rolling prairies to the north will give you unique and breathtaking insight as to why Waterton is described as "where the mountains meet the prairies". Bears Hump is a short family hike that allows even the most novice hikers the feeling of standing on top of the world. More info call at 403.859.5133
Carthew - Alderson Trail
hikes in the Waterton area. It is a 19 km (11.8 mile) trek from the shores of Cameron Lake to the windblown pass known as Carthew Summit (2377 m/7800 ft). From this majestic vista overlooking Glacier National Park in Montana, you will descend to Carthew Lakes and down further still to the cliff-surrounded Alderson Lake. A peaceful forest walk back to the Waterton Village ends the day with a wonderful vantage point of Cameron Falls.
The Carthew-Alderson Trail is considered to be one of the most visually rewarding
A full day adventure, the CarthewAlderson Trail is moderately difficult and
Wildflowers
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can take up to 8 hours to experience - but it is well worth the effort. Tamarack Outdoor Outfitters in the Village offers a daily shuttle to Cameron Lake to make this one-way hike both convenient and efficient. For more info call Tamarac Outfitters at 403.859.2378
Crypt Lake Trail This 8.5 km (5.3 mile) day hike is welltraveled and bursting with adventure. It begins with a short boat ride from the Village marina to Crypt Landing and the beginning of your hike. On the way up you'll pass the optional detour to Hell Roaring Falls and continue on your way through the dense forest. A boulder filled landscape provides the hike's first adrenalin rush - a crawl through a 4-ft wide tunnel that's been blasted out of the cliff wall. Once on the other side, you'll navigate a cliff wall while holding onto a steel safety cable to reach your destination of Crypt Lake. The views of the tightly walled in lake are spectacular, but keep your eyes on your watch in order to make it back for the boat ride home. This day of adventure to and from Crypt Lake takes 6-7 hours. More info call at 403.859.5133
Oil City In 1901 John Lineham brought his Rocky Mountain Development Company to Waterton. He started drilling along the shores of Cameron Lake in November and hit oil 10 months later at a depth of 311 meters. This was the first producing oil well in Alberta and it became known as "Oil City", with rigs, a bunkhouse and dining hall, cabins and even the beginnings of a small hotel. Plans were made for a complete town site as well as delivery of the continuous flow of black gold. Neither happened as the exploration crew hit bad luck and
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production was significantly less than expected. The dream that would become Oil City vanished into the wilderness until 1968 when the site became Waterton's first National Historic Site. Today, you can experience a taste of this history as you wind your way up the Akamina Parkway to Cameron Lake. You'll pass the solitary monument dedicated to the historical significance of this site and get a glimpse of Waterton's remarkable and varied history. More info call at 403.859.5133
Cameron Falls One of the most photographed scenic spots in Waterton, Cameron Falls is so much more than the perfect "photo op". Cascading over 1.5 billion year old preCambrian rock, this stunning natural wonder can be experienced so close that you can feel the refreshing Rocky Mountain spray tickle your skin. Located right in the town site on Evergreen Avenue, the natural beauty and geological significance of Cameron Falls attracts visitors from all over the world. You will find serenity here on warm summer days or in the evening on well-lit paths. Winter brings an entirely different experience, with the cascades becoming temporarily and impressively frozen in time. A short, paved pathway to the right of Cameron Falls allows excellent photographic vantage points of the upper waterfall. It is also the ending point of the Carthew-Alderson Trail, a 19 km one-way trek from Cameron Lake back to the Village. More info call at 403.859.5133
Red Rock Canyon Parkway To really experience why Waterton is "where the mountains meet the prairies" you will need to take the winding, rolling wonder of the Red Rock Parkway. If you are interested in history, numerous interpretive pullouts will satisfy your curiosity along the way. At the end of your journey, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the aptly named Red Rock Canyon. The Canyon Loop, a 0.7 km walk around
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the site offers fantastic views of the colourful rock. Walk a little further on a short but scenic hike to Blakiston Falls (2 km) to get an impressive birds-eye view of the water cascading over the deep-red rocks. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and spectacular sunsets await you on the Red Rock Parkway. More info call at 403.859.5133
List of Events • Waterton Wildflower Festival June 19-26, 2010 Phone: 1-800-215-2395/403-859-2663 • Waterton Wildlife Weekend September 24,25,26, 2010 Phone: 1-800-215-2395/403-859-2663 • Pat’s Annual Show and Shine Late August
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Cameron Falls
Red Rock Canyon
Cruise on Upper Waterton Lake
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WRITING-ON-STONE PARK Writing-on-Stone Park is a sacred landscape; a landscape of special spiritual significance to the Blackfoot people who hunted and travelled these Great Plains since the beginning of time. Writing-on-Stone Park contains the greatest concentration of rock art on the North American Plains. There are over 50 petroglyph sites and thousands of works. The location where the park now sits was, 85 million years ago, the coastal shelf of a large inland sea. Sand deposited in the Late Cretaceous Period compacted over time and became sandstone. With the melting of the ice sheets at the end of the last Ice Age, water, ice and wind eroded the sandstone to produce the hoodoos and cliffs that are part of the park today. The towering cliffs and hoodoos had a powerful impact on the native visitors, who believed these were the homes of powerful spirits. There is evidence that the Milk River Valley where the Park is located was inhabited by the Blackfoot people as long ago as 9000 years. It is thought that these natives created much of the petroglyphs and pictographs. Petroglyphs are a form of rock art that is carved into sandstone with tools made from wood, bone, antler, horn and rocks. Pictographs are painted on the sandstone with ochre. Ochre, made from a mixture of crushed iron ore and
DRUMHELLER animal fat, produces red, yellow and orange colours. Some pictographs may also have been drawn with charcoal. In the past, First Nations people created rock art to depict important events in their life, such as hunts, significant life experiences and battles. Rock art also played a ceremonial role, and some of the rock art may be a record of spiritual dreams attained during vision quests. These carvings and paintings tell not only of the lives and journeys of those who created them, but also of the spirits they found here. For many following traditional Blackfoot ways, the rock art at Writing-on-Stone is the work of the spirit world. The strange hoodoo’s and mysterious carvings fill them with reverence. First Nations people continue to visit the rock art sites today for spiritual guidance. This site has been nominated by Parks Canada and the Government of Canada as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more info visit www.albertaparks.ca or call 1-866-427-3582.
The Dinosaur Capital of Canada There is nowhere quite like the Drumheller Valley! In the Heart of the Canadian Badlands in Southern Alberta, the Drumheller Valley offers visitors a unique combination of spectacular scenery and interesting things to do. Within easy driving distance of Banff, Calgary or Red Deer, a few hours on good all-weather highways will take you into another world - the world of startling contrasts between the deep past and the exciting present. Rolling fields suddenly give way to steep, dry coulees ridged with the strata of hundreds of years of erosion by time, wind and water. Through it all, the tranquil Red Deer River gently makes its way through parkland and myriad of recreational opportunities. White explorers did not discover the area until the 1880's. J.B. Tyrrell, in his search for coal deposits along the river, discovered a skull of a dinosaur. That dinosaur is today known as the Albertasaurus. This marked the beginning of the collection of dinosaur remains that are sought after by museums all over the world, including the Royal Tyrrell Museum located in the Drumheller Valley. The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology opened in the valley in 1985 and is a major area attraction. For more information on Drumheller, visit www.traveldrumheller.com
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Canadian Badlands This unique area is located in southern and eastern Alberta. Known for its distinctive landscape featuring mystical hoodoos, multi-coloured valleys, sand dunes, and rolling prairies, The Canadian Badlands offers sceneries and experiences that awe and inspire. It’s a feeling that can’t be described…
Scenery Hoodoos and deep valleys carved by glaciers and erosion make eerily beautiful backdrops. Fields as far as the eye can see in every direction give visitors the feeling that they may be floating! Rivers and lakes that appear as a surprise create an unexpected oasis. Rolling coulees and big skies create an impression that stays forever.
Dinosaur Fossils and Coal Millions of years in the making, the Canadian Badlands are a hotbed for dinosaur fossils and coal. While the coal industry was short-lived, dinosaur fossil research and excavation continue today. Must-see sites for dinosaur enthusiasts include the world famous Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology
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in Drumheller, Dinosaur Provincial Park UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Brooks, and the Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur Museum in Warner, a site where dinosaur eggs were discovered.
Western Culture Farming and ranching are dominant industries in this area. The Canadian Badlands boasts the largest irrigation system in Canada! Guest ranches, farmer’s markets, rodeos and pow-wows
are all western experiences that visitors can enjoy.
Outdoor Recreation The diverse landscape of The Canadian Badlands means there are lots of options for outdoor activities. Biking, hiking, and river activities rate amongst the favourites for locals. Golfing is also a popular option, as is bird watching and wildlife viewing. For more information visit www.canadianbadlands.com
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Lethbridge Lethbridge had its beginnings with the notorious whisky trade. Fort Whoop-Up, which was located along the Oldman River, was an American trading outpost operating from 1869-74 when the NorthWest Mounted Police arrived on the scene. A replica of the Fort can now be found in Indian Battle Park located in the river valley. This park is the site of the last great Indian Battle in North America between the Cree and Blackfoot people in 1870. The Blackfoot were victorious, and in the following year peace was made between the tribes. In 1869, Nicholas Sheran discovered coal deposits near the original site of Fort Whoop-Up. He began quarrying coal in 1874 and opened a mine just north of what is now Whoop-Up Drive. In 1882 Sir Alexander Galt and William Stafford began to develop coal mines as well, sparking an industry that continued operation in the city until 1957. The Galt No. 8 mine tipple can still be seen on the west side of the Oldman River just north of the High Level Bridge.
Highlights
• Lethbridge is home to the longest and
tallest trestle bridge in the world, known as the High Level Bridge.
• Indian Battle Park is the site of the last
great Indian battle in North America between the Cree and Blackfoot tribes.
• Henderson Lake Park is an oasis in the heart of the city combining an outdoor swimming pool, baseball park, golf course and RV park.
• The University of Lethbridge is built into
the side of a West Lethbridge coulee. The building can be viewed from across the Oldman River.
Contact us today at: www.lethbridge.ca, or 403-329-7355
How the Town Got It’s Name When the community was founded in October 1882, it was called “The Coal Banks” or “Coalbanks” after the original Blackfoot name. The Post Office assigned the name Coalhurst, however, the settlement’s residents were already calling the place Lethbridge after North West Coal and Navigation Company President William Lethbridge. The Post Office resisted, as there was already a town in Ontario called Lethbridge. In the end, the citizens prevailed and the community was officially renamed Lethbridge on October 15, 1885.
Vital Statistics • Who We Are Lethbridge, the fourth largest city in Alberta, at a population of 85,000+ is the service centre for southern Alberta. This beautiful city is home to the longest, tallest trestle bridge of its kind in the world, the largest airshow in Western
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Canada, and the rare gemstone Ammolite. Lethbridge, located in the heart of southwestern Alberta, is a gateway to the Canadian Badlands and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. A friendly and growing city, Lethbridge offers a wealth of attractions, services and facilities – all designed with hospitality in mind. Come explore our community – many opportunities await you in southwestern Alberta’s major service centre!
List of Events
Famous People
• Heritage Day, August 2
Theo Tams- winner of Canadian Idol 2008.
• Whoop Up Days, August 24–28
Tara-Jean Popowich - Canada’s Favourite Dancer, winner of So You Think You Can Dance Canada 2009.
• Art Walk, September 17-18
Bowman Art Centre
• Yuki Masturi Snow Festival, February 15 • Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, June 25–27 • Canada Day, July 1 • Street Wheelers Weekend, July 9–11 • Alberta International Airshow, July 24 & 25
Henderson Lake
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ATTRACTIONS Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Corner of Mayor Magrath Drive & 9th Ave South P: 403.328.3511 www.nikkayuko.com
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden was built 42 years ago and is one of the most outstanding Japanese-style gardens outside of Japan. Established during Canada’s Centennial in 1967, it has achieved a worldclass reputation through its magnificent design, enthusiastic community involvement and meticulous maintenance. It is a well-known symbol of Lethbridge and southern Alberta, enjoyed by residents and international visitors alike. The adaptation of time honoured Japanese Garden design principles have been applied to depict the mountains, the sea and the prairies in Canada. Come and experience the serenity as you stroll the paths and leave with a sense of peace. Open seasonally from Mother’s Day Weekend to Thanksgiving with hours varying. Group rates and tour packages available by booking in advance.
Helen Schuler Nature Centre Located north of the High Level Bridge in Indian Battle Park p: 403.320.3064 www.lethbridge.ca/hscc
Explore the Oldman River Valley at Lethbridge’s Urban Nature Centre. The Centre offers hands-on exhibits and nature interpretive programs. Self-guided trails invite you to discover the forests and coulees of the surrounding 200 acre nature reserve. Open year round. Admission free. Visit us in the river valley, Lethbridge, Alberta.
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ENTERTAINMENT
New West Theatre
Whether you wish to take in a theatrical performance, see a concert or take in a major touring group, Lethbridge is proud of the variety of opportunities available for your enjoyment. In downtown Lethbridge The Yates Theatre and the Sterndale-Bennet Theatre (in the same complex) provide a showcase for a variety of local, regional and national arts groups to show their talent. As well, Lethbridge hosts many special events, including festivals like Canada Day celebrations, St. Jean Baptiste Day, Aboriginal festivals, or participant events like the Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, Street Wheelers Weekend and many more. For a list of events, performance dates and times visit the Calendar of Events at www.lethbridge.ca
Yates Centre - 10 Street & 4 Avenue South Tickets: 403.329.SEAT(7328) www.lethbridge.ca/tickets information: www.newwesttheatre.com
SPORTS Lethbridge has a variety of sports entertainment as well as numerous venues for participation. The Lethbridge Hurricanes are part of the Western Hockey League and play at the Enmax Centre, with home games from September until March. For game schedule and tickets go to www.enmax.ca. Lethbridge Bulls Baseball play home games at Henderson Stadium on North Parkside Drive South. Games run from late May through to the Western Major Baseball League playoffs in August. For game schedule see: www.bullsbaseball.com Lethbridge has 5 spectacular golf courses ranging from Par 3’s to professional calibre. Bridge Valley Golf Course, Evergreen Golf Course, Henderson Lake Golf Course, the Lethbridge Country Club and world famous Paradise Canyon offer plenty of challenges for every golfer! Outdoor and indoor pools, public skating arenas, the Lethbridge Curling Club, Lethbridge Community College and the University of Lethbridge all offer fun activities to either watch or participate.
Spitz Stadium
New West Theatre's season of seven professional productions kick off in June with two original music-comedy revue shows. These high energy productions fill the Yates Theatre until the end of August and are jam packed with hilarious comedy and favourite musical numbers. New West Theatre promises all the ingredients for an evening guaranteed to delight musical tastes across generations!
The Ticket Centre To obtain entertainment tickets for the majority of sporting events and performances in Lethbridge contact The Ticket Centre, www.lethbridge.ca/tickets or 403-329-SEAT (7328).
Lethbridge Public Library 810, 5th Avenue South Hours: Monday- Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday, 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Summer Hours – closed Fridays at 5:30 p.m.) Ph: Adult Services – 403-380-7311 Web: www.lethbridgepubliclibrary.ca
Connecting You to Ideas … wireless Internet, computers and online resources such as Press Display, (a choice of 800 newspapers in 40 languages), as well as a browsing collection of over 395,000 items. Visit the Library’s stunning Millennium Rock Garden and The Lois Hole Memorial Garden, both designed by Masa Mizuno in the Japanese landscape style. As a downtown gathering place, we invite you to delve into a history collection initiated by Senator Buchanan, view Art exhibits and check our website for featured adult and children’s events. Experience Lethbridge’s famous ‘brie, chicken and avocado’ sandwich at the Page!break Cafe by Round Street Café and shop for used books at our Booktique.
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AMMOLITE
Downtown Lethbridge
Lethbridge’s Official Gemstone
“The Heart of Our City”
“Rare and beautiful with iridescent colours ranging from the brightest red to radiant blue.” First discovered in southern Alberta in 1978 and given official gemstone status in 1981, Ammolite, with its glorious colours, is truly a wonder of nature. It is formed from Ammonites, which are an ancient marine fossil. Although fossilized ammonites are found worldwide, it is only in this one isolated region in southern Alberta that this deposit produces the gemstone Ammolite. Seventy-one million years of tectonic pressure, heat and mineralization have resulted in the formation of this geological wonder. The supply of this gemstone is extremely limited and, with only this one area for mining, Lethbridge is home to one of nature’s rarest gems, Ammolite.
Ammonite Fossil
People are drawn to the lively and character rich atmosphere in Downtown Lethbridge. They come to shop at the local boutiques, have lunch at an outdoor patio or to be part of the stimulating ‘coffee culture’. From sculptures and murals to the new Rotary Plaza water feature there is lots to see and do. The city centre has traditionally been a place where Lethbridge has played and celebrated. It was - and is again - a place where commerce, conversation and community easily mingle along treed avenues, bustling sidewalks or the sanctuary of Galt Gardens.
Downtown Shopping: It’s All Here An eclectic mix of shops and boutiques pepper the centre core, adding spice to the variety found in more conventional shopping locales. Men’s and women’s designer clothing and accessories, home furnishings, fine jewellery, bridal attire, crafts and dozens of specially retail stores abound, all amid the history of this intriguing commercial district. Our business owners take great pride in providing customers with exceptional product knowledge and outstanding personalized customer service. Many of the businesses that make up the downtown are familyowned and operated and have served generations of customers. In most instances, the owner is the person serving customers, taking time to give solid advice on their wares or just share a story with a new client. Parking is generous and many spots allow for a two-hour time block that give
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NWMP Uniforms on Horseback
shoppers time to make it around the block or better, conduct business, make a purchase or two, and still have time for a coffee. Park Place Shopping Centre, located just north of tranquil Galt Gardens, is a regional mall with more than 100 retail shops and services. The centre extends along four city blocks, anchored by Sears on one end and a popular selection of large-format stores on the other. Within walking distance of Park Place Mall, just east of Scenic Drive, is Lethbridge Centre. Anchored by The Bay, this mall that has reinvented itself as a unique blend of professional services, conference room facilities and retail shopping.
The Taste of Downtown Downtown Lethbridge has an abundance of restaurants with many menus offering a wide choice of cuisine. Much of the globe’s cuisine is represented here, from sushi to steaks, pasta and unique African dishes. Through all the city’s seasons, coffeehouses have become part of the pace of downtown life, little getaways for caffeine and camaraderie that make being downtown just that much more attractive.
What’s Happening? There is always something happening downtown from buskers performing on downtown street corners to riders, dressed in turn-of-the-Century North West Mounted Police (NWMP) uniforms on horseback (during the summer months). In July and August take in the Wednesday’s Farmer’s Market noon until 5:00 pm at Festival Square on 6 Street. Galt Gardens hosts several community festivals, performances, events and activities. For further information check out What’s Happening at www.downtownlethbridge.com
Shopping Galore!
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Where is the “Brewery” at the Brewery Gardens? The Alberta Brewing & Malting Company first operated near the site now known as Brewery Hill in 1901. This Brewery was later known as Sick’s Lethbridge Brewery Ltd. Their most popular product was a Pilsner beer and at their peak produced 100,000 barrels of beer a year. The plant was closed and finally demolished in 1991. The garden was started at the Brewery sometime in the early 1960’s. The Brewery Gardens, maintained by the City of Lethbridge, is a popular stop for tourists. The garden can be seen throughout the year with flowers and seasonal displays. It is also a great location to view the High Level Bridge, or to take a short hike through the coulees. For More Information on Lethbridge 1-800-661-1222 (ask for operator #26) or visit www.chinookcountry.com or www.lethbridge.ca
HISTORICAL INTERPRETATIONS Fort Whoop-Up Natural Historic Site Located at the south end of Indian Battle Park p: 403.329.0444 www.fortwhoopup.com
Established by Montana fur traders in 1869, Fort Whoop Up was founded by scoundrels seeking profit and adventure. It was the largest of the established posts and forts throughout Blackfoot country and soon developed a notorious reputation by using whiskey to encourage trade. The Fort interprets the legacy of the North West Mounted Police, Blackfoot Confederacy, Last Great Indian Battle, and
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Fur Trade through twelve period rooms, an interpretive centre, Blackfoot Gallery, and an extensive firearms display. Our on site gift shop and concession features ice cream, books, unique gifts and trade goods. Today, the Fort interprets the notorious whiskey fort through period displays and signature interactive elements that commemorate and pay tribute to the legacy of the NWMP, Blackfoot Confederacy and those colourful traders and adventurers who lived, worked and played at the Fort and shaped Western history. Experience the days when they wondered - is today a good day to trade? Fort Whoop Up National Historic Site ... Founded by Scoundrels.
Galt Museum & Archives West end 5 Avenue South off Scenic Drive p: 1.866.320.3898 www.galtmuseum.com
Stories unfold at the Galt Museum & Achives… discover southwestern Alberta and the Kainai peole in the Discovery Hall. Experience the stunning Viewing Gallery with adjacent outdoor patio - see the historic High Level Bridge, spot pelicans and enjoy a cup of locally roasted Galt Blend coffee. The Galt overlooks the Oldman River valley and historic Indian Battle Park where the last great battle between the Blackfoot and Cree took place. Our grounds offer access to the parks and walking paths of the valley - a red shale trail takes you to Fort Whoop-Up in the valley below. Ask about our backpack and treasure hunt programs, downtown and cemetery tours, and don’t miss the Museum Store with
High Level Bridge
one-of-a-kind quality gifts and mementos of the area, or the original 1910 Galt Hospital wing now housing the education centre with programs for all ages. Stop in before your visit - our website features a virtual tour, archives online and regularly updated schedule of upcoming programs and events.
ARTISTIC IMPRESSIONS Southern Alberta Art Gallery The Southern Alberta Art Gallery 601- 3 Ave South p: 403.327.8770 f: 403.328.3913 e: info@saag.ca www.saag.ca
Located in the heart of the community, the Southern Alberta Art Gallery offers a dynamic exhibition schedule featuring contemporary art by renowned local, regional, national, and international artists. A tempting gift shop, in close proximity to cafes and other shopping, carries unique handcrafted items produced by local and area artisans. Committed to the learning and growth of our visitors and community, the Southern Alberta Art Gallery offers a variety of educational programs for all ages. Hours: Open year round, Tues- Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 1-5pm Admission Fees: General Admission $5.00, Student/Senior Citizen $4.00, Group Rate $3.00/person, Members/Children under 12 free. Sundays are free.
Bowman Arts Centre 811 – 5 Avenue South p: 403.327.2813 www.communityartscentre.org
Located in a heritage building, the Bowman Arts Centre has been the home
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of Lethbridge’s community art centre since 1965. The centre provides classes in visual art, speech and dance. Five active resident guilds and numerous casual art groups use the facility. As a promoter for local art, the centre’s three galleries offer over thirty yearly exhibits from our vibrant artistic community. Admission is free. Open weekdays from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, July and August 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
The Alberta Birds of Prey Centre (Located in Coaldale 10 minutes east of Lethbridge on Hwy 3) p. 403-345-4262 www.burrowingowl.com
The Alberta Birds of Prey Centre is Canada’s largest birds of prey facility. Situated on a 70-acre wetland area site, the centre is a celebration of nature featuring the hawks, falcons, eagles and owls of Alberta. The Birds of Prey Centre has been called a “must-see” attraction, delighting many visitors from around the world. All visitors have the opportunity to have a live owl or falcon perch on their arm for a once-in-a-lifetime photograph. Daily flight shows (weather permitting). Open daily May 9th to September 11 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
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What is a Coulee? A coulee is a steep-sided V-shaped valley or ravine. The name “coulee” was first used by early French Canadian Voyageurs crossing the Great Plains. The word coulee comes from the French word “couler”, meaning “to flow”. The coulees are distinct formations, some of which have been created by glacial erosion after the last ice age, and others from continued water and wind erosion.
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The High Level Bridge The Lethbridge High Level Bridge, called a viaduct by Canadian Pacific Railway engineers, is the longesthighest bridge of its type in the world! When the Bridge was completed in 1909, it was described as one of the “wonders of the world”. Designed to be in use for only a few decades, the Bridge celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009. HISTORY With the growth of coal mining in the city, the population of Lethbridge continued to grow. Need for rail line access for the mines saw the construction of bridge. Beginning in August of 1908, the bridge was completed June 22, 1909 and officially opened on November 1, 1909. It cost a whopping $1,334,525.00 to build.
What is a Chinook?
This bridge is still the longest and highest of its kind in the world reaching 5,327.625 feet long (1.6km) and 314 feet high (96 meters).
A “Chinook” is a warm west wind that pre-dominates the weather patterns of southwest Alberta. It is result of westerly winds from the Pacific losing their moisture over the Rocky Mountains and descending as warm, dry, gusty winds onto the prairies. “Chinook” is thought to be a Blackfoot word meaning “Snow Eater”, and is known for increasing temperatures by several degrees in minutes.
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Native History Alberta has a vibrant and diverse array of Native communities and cultures, found in most urban centres and on 51 reserves throughout the province. The Blackfoot Confederacy includes the Siksika (Blackfoot), Pikani (Peigan) and the Kainai (Bloods) in Southern Alberta, and the Blackfeet located in Montana. The First Nations peoples have a distinct cultural heritage and way of life. The Blackfoot traditional historic sites and museums in Southwest Alberta are based upon facets of Aboriginal culture such as dance, drumming, pow-wows, arts and crafts, and traditional ceremonies.
Historic Sites and Museums Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump An internationally renowned attraction is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, located south near Fort Macleod. On a landscape where the prairies meet the mountains, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that illustrates the art of the buffalo hunt as it was traditionally practiced for 6,000 years. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is the largest, best preserved buffalo jump in North America.
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park The Blackfoot Historical park is located on the top of the bow river valley overlooking a 6,000 acre park where visitors can experience the early Blackfoot culture through story telling by Native Elders and visit the site where Chief Crowfoot, signatory of Treaty Seven is buried.
Writing-On-Stone Nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Writing on Stone provincial park is home to the largest collection of rock art in North America. First Nations people created rock art to depict important events in their lives. Featuring both Petroglyphs (rock carvings) and Pictographs (rock paintings) Writing-On-Stone park offers an educational experience amongst the amazing hoodoos of the Canadian Badlands.
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Story-Telling at Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
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Hoop Dancer at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
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Picture Butte Two historic events were largely responsible for the founding and development of Picture Butte and District: The Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District System in 1923 and the railroad which would provide access to markets in 1925. These two events precipitated an influx of settlers from the dryland areas of Southern Alberta. A post office was opened in 1926 and the hamlet sprang to life. Another milestone was marked with the turning of sod for the sugar factory in 1935. In 1943, the hamlet attained village status and was incorporated as a town in 1960.
Highlights
• Amazing shopping at our bakery,
antique shop, art gallery, flower shop and much more!
• Restaurants & lounges. • The renowned Picture Butte Golf
Course is home of Southwest Alberta’s only 27 hole Golf Course.
• See over 100 antique farm machines, irrigation equipment, static displays and pioneer village at the Prairie Tractor and Engine Museum Society.
Contact us today at: www.picturebutte.ca, or 403-732-4555
How the Town Got It’s Name Picture Butte received its name from a prominence (butte) southeast of town. By 1947, however, the prominence's soil had been reworked and used for street improvements, highway construction and a dyke on the shore of the Picture Butte Lake Reservoir. The prominence no longer exists.
Country Skating Club and Picture Butte Minor Hockey. Summer sporting activities include outdoor swimming at the Lions Aquatic Centre, tennis, volleyball and baseball. Family picnics can be held at Lions Park or in the Gazebo at the downtown Gathering Place. Camping is available at the Regional Park with wildlife viewing on the nearby Walkon-the-Wildside nature trail.
List of Events • Piyami Cruisers Show n Shine Car Show • Fishing Derby • Jamboree Days - fireworks display and tractor pull at the Prairie Tractor Club
Vital Statistics • Who We Are Picture Butte residents show a deep sense of community through many active organizations. Residents are proud of their active volunteer Emergency Services department, state of the art archery club, Happy Old Timers organization, North County Transportation Society, Picture Butte Fish & Game Society, a modern library, the Butte Players, religious organizations and service clubs such as the Elks and Lions Clubs. Winters are spent at the Picture Butte Curling Club and the North Country Recreation Complex with the North
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Picture Butte Golf Course
Park Lake
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Southwest Alberta has a reputation for wind. The prevailing westerly wind is known as a “Chinook” wind. The “Chinook” is defined as a warm west wind that pre-dominates the weather patterns of Southwest Alberta, flowing from the Rocky Mountains and descending as warm, dry, gusty winds onto the prairies. “Chinook” is a Blackfoot word that means “Snow Eater”, and is known for increasing temperatures by several degrees in minutes. These same “Chinook “winds have also been blamed for drought that has affected Southwest Alberta throughout history.
development is essential in creating a sustainable future in which we are not always relying on fossil fuels. Several of Canada’s largest producers of clean, renewable wind electricity operate wind farms across Southwest Alberta. This Green Energy is then supplied to customers committed to making a difference through their electricity purchases. The City of Calgary for instance, powers its Light Rail Transit system with green, Wind Generated electricity from Southwest Alberta. Thousands of Alberta homes and businesses are powered by Wind Energy.
More recently these same winds have been responsible for the dramatic increase in a new industry - green, clean, environmentally friendly wind powered electricity generation. An impossible sight to miss when travelling through Southwest Alberta is the plethora of majestic wind turbines fuelled by the strong “Chinook” winds. Wind farm
As the industry expands across Southwest Alberta, cleaner, renewable wind electricity will be available to Alberta, Canada and U. S. A. reducing the dependence for electricity produced from nonrenewable resources.
Photo: David Tanaka
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Raymond
Highlights
• The town of Raymond is home to the First Stampede in Canada held each year on the July 1 holiday.
The Town of Raymond is heralded as “The Home of the First Stampede”. In July 1902 the first Stampede was held on a bleak and barren patch of prairie featuring cowboys from surrounding ranches in only 2 events – steer roping and bronc riding. Several cowboys and hundreds of spectators showed up for the big event. The success of this first stampede inspired the development of a better and more permanent site that also included a horse racing track and a grandstand. The work on the new site was completed just in time for the second Raymond Stampede in 1903 that featured brass bands and baseball in addition to the rodeo events. Raymond continues the Stampede tradition today hosting the annual Raymond Heritage Days and Stampede June 30 – July 3 each year.
• Raymond’s Temple Hill Motorcycle
Park is a world class motocross and dirt bike facility.
• Raymond’s Historic Broadway
Theatre is gaining a reputation among arts and entertainment enthusiasts.
• The Raymond and District Golf Club operate a challenging and scenic nine-hole course and driving range. The course features grass greens, a restaurant and pro shop.
In addition to the Stampede, Raymond is known for excellent live theatre at the Historic Broadway Theatre, and a new, state-of-the-art outdoor swimming pool. Raymond is a vibrant, friendly community offering great experiences to visitors and residents. Raymond invites you to bring your family to enjoy Raymond’s incomparable community spirit, fun events, and year round recreational activities. Contact us today at: www.raymond.ca, or 403-752-3322
How the Town Got It’s Name Early in 1901 Jesse Knight, a Utah Industrialist and humanitarian, sent his two sons, Oscar Raymond and Jesse William to Alberta to investigate the land where Raymond is now located. The result was they purchased a block of 30,000 acres and set to work to stock it. Later in the spring their father met them at the nearby village of Stirling. The weather was ideal, and the country beautiful and green. It looked like a real paradise to him. He was only there a few days before he had a clear idea of what he wanted to do. He would build a sugar factory that would give employment to settlers and others who would come where they might secure land on easy terms and build their homes.
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On July 10, 1901 he entered into a contract with the Canadian Northwest Irrigation Company and the Alberta Railway and Irrigation Company to purchase an additional 226,000 acres, and build a beet sugar factory, to have the same ready for operations to handle the beet crop of 1903, and keep it in operation for twelve years. The agreement was guaranteed with a pledge of $50,000. Following the signing of the contract a townsite was located and named "Raymond" after Mr. Knight`s oldest son.
Vital Statistics • Who We Are Raymond is home to the First Stampede in Canada, first organized in 1902, a full ten years before the founding of the Calgary Stampede.
Famous Raymond Stampede
Raymond’s Temple Hill Motorcycle Park is a world class motocross and dirt bike facility. Raymond is also known as “The Sugar City” due to the sugar beet factory that was built and founded by Jesse Knight. The Town of Raymond is located just 20 minutes (34m km) south of Alberta`s fourth largest city, Lethbridge, in the County of Warner #5 in southern Alberta. Raymond is enjoying tremendous population growth and currently has approximately 3674 residents.
Raymond at Sunset
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List of Events • June 30 – July 3rd -Heritage Days & Stampede – Heritage Days is a celebration of Canada Day, and the annual stampede created by founding father Raymond Knight. • August 20-21 -Agriculture Society Fall Fair. • November 11- Remembrance Day Ceremony. • December 3rd – Old Fashioned Christmas Town Festival. • December 27-28 – “Sugar Bowl” Basketball Tournament.
ATTRACTIONS Raymond Golf Course A challenging 9 hole course and driving range. Raymond Golf Course offers grass greens, a restaurant and pro shot. Call to inquire about league play, book a tee time or personal lessons. Open from April to Mid-October Located on Highway 52 Phone: 403-752-3743
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Raymond & District Historical Society
Raymond Historic Broadway Theatre
The museum is home to rich collections and unique artifacts that chronicle the lives of pioneers who have settled in the area. The museum also holds the Raymond Sports Hall of Fame, showcasing sport achievements from the town of Raymond.
In art and entertainment circles, Raymond is becoming known for hitting the right notes. Raymond's historic Broadway Theatre is a spectacle unto itself, boasting classic architecture and amazing acoustics. March- Cinderella. A show to delight young and old alike.
Open June 15-September 10 Phone: 403-752-3743 www.geocities.com/raymond_museum
Spring/Christmas- Raymond High School Show & other entertainment throughout the year. Phone: 403-752-3985
Temple Hill Motocross Track World Class motocross and dirt bike facility. The park is host to many events including the Western Canadian Amateur Championships. • April 19- Southern Alberta Spring Motocross. • July 2-4- Amateur National Motocross September 20- Fall Series Motocross. Located 3 km north of Raymond Phone: 403-328-8973 www.cdnmx.com/lmc
Buggy Barn Studio and Gallery Photographer, Chuck Graves, is offering some of his photos as well as other artists' works from southern Alberta. Painters of oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic, silver jewellery, quilts and pottery. Scheduled to open mid-June 2010. Township Road 70 Phone: 403-752-4476
Japanese Canadians in Southern Alberta During World War II, The War Measure’s Act instigated the systematic removal of many Japanese Canadians from the west coast of British Columbia to Southern Alberta. Alberta’s labour shortage provided an ideal setting for the displaced Japanese Canadians, and sugar beet growers requested their presence to work as labourers. The Japanese community preferred sugar beet labour to internment, as toiling in the fields provided them with the opportunity to work with their friends and family. However, it was backbreaking work, and their living conditions – often in granaries or chicken coops – were poor. The Japanese community was resilient however, and saved whatever meager funds they earned to construct better housing. The adults worked in the fields while the children fetched food and water. With the help of pastors, the Japanese Canadian community also built Buddhist Temples and opened cooperative stores. After the war ended many displaced Japanese Canadians stayed in Alberta, and in 1948, they became residents of Alberta with full privileges equal to those afforded to other Albertans. Today these families are strong, successful, valued members of Southern Alberta society. Their hard work, determination, and desire to hold no grudges tell a story worthy of admiration and respect. Their example is an inspiration. Reference: Alberta Online Encyclopedia http://www.albertasource.ca/homefront/ww2/alberta_at_war/camps/japanese.html
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stirling
Highlights
• Stirling Settler Days are held every July • The Fall Festival is held every
and involves the entire community.
Stirling is among Canada’s most unique tourism destinations - a designated National Historic Site in the midst of an operating, thriving village! For visitors with a sense for pioneer history, they will find that Stirling Agricultural Village National Historic Site boasts a spectrum of features that will take them to a different era. There’s a tour of the extensive Michelsen Family farmstead, roadside irrigation dating back to the late-1800’s, a visitor’s information kiosk, and streets wide enough that you could do a u-turn with a team of horses effortlessly. The self-guided walking and driving village tours give an appreciation of the distinctive settlement pattern associated with Mormon settlement areas in the dry farming district of Southern Alberta, as well as the many architectural qualities that were brought to the region by early pioneers and are being preserved by today’s residents. Stirling is the perfect escape from the city, south on Hwy 4 from Lethbridge.
September and involves a number of family-orientated interactive activities.
• Stirling is home of the Michelsen
• The Centennial Reunion Centre features Farmstead, a Provincial Historic Site.
outdoor soccer, baseball, tennis courts, swimming pool and horseshoe pits plus a fully serviced campground.
Contact us today at: www.villageofstirling.com, or 403-756-3379
How the Town Got It’s Name Stirling was named after John A. Stirling, Managing Director of The Trusts, Executors and Securities Corporation of London, which owned shares in the Alberta Coal and Railway Company.
Vital Statistics • Who We Are The town was one of two communities that owed its existence to a partnership between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Charles A. Magrath of the North Western Coal and Navigation Company, and is one of only three communities designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. Theodore Brandley planned the town site after the Plat of Zion, which Stirling still follows today, and is recognized as the most well-preserved, Canadian example of the Plat of Zion. Stirling is home to some of the most well preserved historical buildings in Canada,
Kiosk page 48
something which led to the town’s designation as a National Historic Site. Some notable buildings include the Michelson Farmstead, The Galt Historic Railway Park, and the William T. Ogden House. The William T. Ogden house is decorated each Halloween as a haunted house, and has become the largest haunted house in Southern Alberta.
List of Events • July 15, 16, 17 - Stirling Settler Days. • September 11 - Fall Festival. • Stirling Lions Community Centre Grand Opening – Late Summer 2010.
to miss include the Parade, Chili Cook Off, Movie in the Park, Pancake Breakfast, Cake Walk, the Stirling Laker Athletics Alumni Basketball Game, the Silver Saddle Club equestrian event, and Beef on a Bun and a spectacular Fireworks display to finish the event Saturday night.
Centennial Reunion Centre & Campground Phone: 403-756-3379 Featuring a campground with full hookups and wheelchair accessible washroom and shower facilities. Baseball diamonds, tennis court, newly renovated outdoor swimming pool with waterslide, and horse shoe pits. Rentals of the Centennial Reunion Centre can be made through the Village Office.
Stirling Settler Days Fun the Way it Use to Be! Activities begin on Thursday night with the Fireman games and continue on Friday and Saturday. Highlights you won’t want
Spray Park
Michelsen Farmstead
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Stirling Swimming Pool & Waterslide Phone: 403- 756-3379 Phone: 403-756-2254
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- Explore the secrets of steam train travel - Discover how food at the station tasted. - Imagine the uncertainty immigrants faced in a new land.
The Stirling Swimming Pool now features a fully renovated pool house, a 104 foot waterslide and spray toys. The entire swimming pool can even be rented by the hour for birthday parties or family functions.
Phone: 403-756-2220
GALT HISTORIC RAILWAY PARK
Located one km north of Stirling, Alberta on 4th Street North.
This Victorian Depot was built in 1890 by Sir Alexander Galt and his son Elliott Galt who were partners in a consortium of investors from Canada, England and the United States. As part of the facilities on the Great Falls and Canada Railway (stretching from Great Falls to Lethbridge) it was one of only two "Lunch Stations".
- Hear about pioneer life on the prairies, the bustling activities at the station, and challenges of cross-border travel more than 100 years ago.
MICHELSEN FARMSTEAD From the very beginning it was clear that the new settlement of Stirling was expected to be economically self-sufficient. Allotment of 2.5 acre building plots were
designed specifically so the individual owners could provide their own food. Equally important, but sometimes overlooked, was the expectation that the newly established village should be a community in the fullest sense. This must of course, include cultural outlets to relieve the monotony of daily labour. The continued importance of the Michelsen Farmstead can still be seen today. In 2001 the Andreas Michelsen Homestead was declared a Provincial Historic Site with the house and outbuildings restored to the period of the 1930's. Located on the NE corner of 2nd Avenue and 6th Street. Phone: 403-756-3491 or 403-393-3492
Straddling the international border its massive length and platform stretched from Sweetgrass, Montana into Coutts, Alberta N.W.T. from 1890 to 1917. It was truly the international "port of entry" by rail. Moved for a second time in 2000, this grand old depot was relocated to a site developed to reflect an exciting era of railway in Southern Alberta, the Galt Historic Railway Park at Stirling, Alberta. Visit the Station and share the experiences of train passengers, station employees, customs officers and the North West Mounted Police. - Learn of their journeys, hopes and expectations.
Train Passengers
Galt Historic Railway Park page 49
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Taber
Highlights
was settled by homesteaders in • Taber the late 1890’s and initially was a coal-
Taber is a regional centre famous for its sweet corn, rodeos, eclectic shops, and superb recreation facilities. Whether as a destination, or a stopping point on your travels, Taber has something for everyone. If you are passing through on vacation, stop at Confederation Park to unwind and let the kids loose at the new skateboard park. Then head downtown for gourmet ice-cream at the deli on main street (48 Avenue). And be sure to mark the Taber rodeos (May and July) and Cornfest (late August) on your calendar! Taber has a range of excellent motels, and camping is available at the MD of Taber RV Park along the picturesque Oldman River, just minutes from town.
• The Lantic Sugar factory is a landmark mining town.
which can be seen clearly from Highways #3 and #36 and is one of the largest employers in Taber.
• Taber is know as the “Sweet Corn
Capital of Canada” because of its reputation of producing this delicious delicacy year after year.
Contact us today at: www.taber.ca, or 403-223-5500
How the Town Got It’s Name Downtown Attractions There are many stories of how the town received the name ‘Taber’, but the most accepted is that it was named for Mt. Tabor in Palestine.
Vital Statistics • Who We Are Taber is known as the “Sweet Corn Capital of Canada” because of its reputation of producing this delicious delicacy year after year. Taber's sugar beet processing plant (Lantic Sugar) plays a vital role in the economy. There are also several food processing companies based in the town, including a Frito-Lay factory, which produces various snack products for much of Western Canada.
Famous People Devin Setoguchi – forward with the San Jose Sharks. Johnny Longden – a famous horse jockey, and inductee of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
Aquafun Centre page 50
Downtown Taber is home to an amazing variety of unique businesses offering antiques, electronics, health food, gifts, apparel, framing, jewelry, physiotherapy, computer classes and gourmet ice cream. The heart of the downtown (48 Ave. - 53 St.) looks great with new paver brick sidewalks, crosswalks, decorative streetlamps and trees.
Regional Centre for Sports Facilities Taber’s recreational facilities for team and individual activities include: • Aquafun Centre • Taber Community Centre • Conferderation Park • Ken McDonald Memorial Sportsfield Complex
Cornfest Taber residents pay homage to the mighty corn cob during Cornfest, to be held from August 26 to 29, 2010. Cornfest is the largest outdoor free festival of its kind in Western Canada. The fun-filled weekend has something for everyone. Activities include a 5K-10k Fun Run, a tradeshow, contests, a three block long classic auto “Show and Shine”, art & quilting displays, a free Midway, beer gardens, free stage entertainment, and much, much more. The Saturday night fireworks are boasted to be the best west of the Rockies.
Taber Cornfest
• Taber Golf Club • Taber Skateboard Park
List of Events • Taber Cornfest – August 26-29, 2010. • Taber Rodeos – May and July, 2010. • Taber Parade – May 29, 2010. • Midnight Madness & annual PreChristmas Sale-November 19, 2010.
Skateboard Park
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vauxhall You’re invited to STOP IN VAUXHALL located in the heart of irrigation country. Vauxhall is known as “The Potato Capital of the West”, and Sammy and Samantha Spud are the town mascots. The Town of Vauxhall has approximately 1100 residents, and services a market area of roughly 8,500 people. Our local economy is diversified with a variety of service and retail businesses, and the oil and agricultural industries. We are a full service community!
Highlights
is known as the "Potato Capital • Vauxhall of the West".
• Vauxhall is home to the Vauxhall
Academy of Baseball started in the Vauxhall High School in 2006.
• The town of Vauxhall boasts a high
school that is ranked in the top 10 high schools in Alberta.
Vauxhall is conveniently located on Highway #36 (between Highway #1 and Highway #3) in beautiful southern Alberta.
Contact us today at: www.town.vauxhall.ab.ca, 403-654-2174
How the Town Got It’s Name In 1913 when CPR presented a plan to land titles office for the railway right-ofway for a line from Retlaw Alberta to Suffield Alberta, the Vauxhall townsite was sited. The name “Vauxhall” was derived from a town near London, England. “Vaux” is an old French word meaning valley and hall is after an English manor referred to as a hall.
Vital Statistics • Who We Are Vauxhall is located in the heart of irrigation country, and is known as “The Potato Capital of the West”, and Sammy and Samantha Spud are the town mascots. The town of Vauxhall has approximately 1100 residents. Our local economy is diversified with a variety of service and retail businesses and the oil and agriculture industries. Vauxhall is home to the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball started in the
Demolition Derby
Vauxhall High School in 2006. The town of Vauxhall values fitness and recreation with facilities for hockey, curling, tennis, swimming, camping, and fishing available.
Vauxhall Lion’s Campground PO Box 729 1 mile north of Vauxhall p: 403.654.4052
30 sites, hook-ups, showers, mini golf, volleyball, horse shoe pits, fire pits and fire wood supplied as well as fresh drinking water. Open May till October, on site caretaker. “Stay awhile, golf, fish, swim, play tennis”
a licensed clubhouse and a nine hole course with flat design and open fairways. Public, 9 holes, Par 72.
Vauxhall Academy of Baseball 623 5 Ave North p: 403.654.2145 www.vauxhallbaseball.com
A superior skills development and academic program for talented student athletes from across Canada.
List of Events • July 1st Celebration: - Canada Day Parade
Vauxhall Golf and Country Club 1 mile south and 2 miles west of town off Highway #36. p: 403.654.4085
- Kids Activities - Spurs Baseball game - Community supper - Fireworks
Vauxhall Golf and Country Club features
Vauxhall Academy of Baseball
Sammy and Samantha Spud page 51
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Vulcan County
• In 2010, Vulcan was recognized by
Highlights
CBS Studios Inc. as the Official
Experience a surprising trip through time, as you journey around Vulcan County – From the golden age of the railway to the science fiction future of Star Trek, a trip through our region of southern Alberta is sure to inspire fun stories for you to bring home to friends and family. The Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station is the county’s “out-of-this-world” source of local tourist information. Step inside and be transported into outer space – surrounded by floor to ceiling planetscape murals, with a large solar system suspended from the ceiling. Summer Staff, all decked out in Star Trek uniforms, are happy to show off the Town’s large collection of Star Trek memorabilia and collectibles. The “Trek Station” (as it is affectionately called) is also home to the Vulcan Space Adventure Virtual Reality game, and the Galaxy Gift Shop stocked with licensed souvenir Star Trek merchandise unique to Vulcan. Being an accredited visitor information centre, the Trek Station carries a complete assortment of Alberta tourist information, as well as detailed information about the Town of Vulcan and Vulcan County (including a STAR TREK WALKING TOUR of the town). So lay in a course to family-friendly Vulcan for your Alberta holiday and set your phasers to FUN!
Star
• Plaques at the base of the Vulcan Trek Capital of Canada.
Starship FX6-1995-A greet visitors in the English, Klingon and Vulcan languages.
• You bring the camera, we provide the
costumes! Dress up as your favourite Starfleet officer and take your picture on the bridge of the Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station.
• In 1910, Vulcan was named after the
Roman God of Fire – contrary to popular belief, Vulcan, Alberta was not named after Mr. Spock’s home planet.
Open year-round, 7 days a week from Victoria Day weekend through to Halloween, and 6 days a week through the winter. Contact us today at: www.vulcantourism.com, 403-485-2994
Local folklore claims that shortly after Star Trek was first broadcast on television in the late 1960s, Vulcan’s sports teams began to be teased about the pointy-ness of their ears. (Vulcan is Mr. Spock’s home planet)
In the late 1980s, the community, looking for ways to revive a then slumping economy, came up with the idea to promote itself around a Star Trek theme. The concept seemed “logical”, and the Vulcan Association of Science and Trek (V.A.S.T.) was born. First came Vulcan Ears (the town’s official must-have souvenir), followed by the town’s first Star Trek Convention in 1993. In 1995, Vulcan unveiled a 31 foot long, 9 foot tall, 5 tonne replica of the USS Enterprise, and christened it the Vulcan Starship FX61995-A. It was named after the Vulcan airports’ identifier 'FX6'; '1995' for the year
U.S.S. Enterprise
Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station
“Trek” to the Future: Vulcan, Alberta (population 1,792), is located on highway 23, halfway between Calgary and Lethbridge. Recognized as the “OFFICIAL STAR TREK CAPITAL OF CANADA”, this spacey little town on the prairies offers a fun tourism experience for visitors and “Trekkers” alike.
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it was unveiled and 'A' signifying the town’s first major project launched in pursuit the Science and Trek theme. At the base of ship are 3 plaques, engraved in the English, Klingon, and Vulcan languages, welcoming visitors to town. Live Long & Prosper! TM & © 2010 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Step back to the past: Vulcan County offers a diverse range of activities for history buffs as well: • Walk among authentic Tipi Rings as you picnic at the Carmangay Tipi Rings Recreation Area on Hwy 23. • Dine in the restored 1887 dining car that was once used as former Prime Minister John Deifenbaker’s private car when he travelled across Western Canada, then see the collection of historic rail cars surrounding a replica 1905 train station gift shop and museum at Aspen Crossing in Mossleigh.
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• Discover the remains of the RCAF Vulcan Aerodrome, where World War 2 bomber pilots once trained, hiding in the prairies halfway between Vulcan and Nanton. • Explore Arrowwood’s Museum and Siphon exhibit, and the Vulcan and District Museum in Vulcan. • See the casting of a large meteorite that was found in a Vulcan County field in 1962 at the Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station.
Vulcan Trek Station at Night
Photo: Leah McFadden
Photo: Canadian Badlands
Vulcan’s 18 Hole Golf Course
Star Trek Memorabilia Collection
Dress-Up and Photo Opportunities
Klingon Group page 53
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Calgary Heart of the New West Urban sophistication and warm western hospitality uniquely mingle in this growing, world-class destination. Whether you’re looking for a cosmopolitan or outdoor adventure, a fun-filled city getaway or a one-stop vacation experience to the Canadian Rocky Mountains, you’ll find it all in Calgary. Create experiences you’ll always remember in a city you’ll never forget when you visit Calgary – a destination where big-city energy meets traditional western values.
Main Attractions The White Cowboy Hat - is Calgary’s most enduring symbol of legendary western hospitality. Calgary Farmers Market - a year round indoor market offering seasonal produce, organic meat and artworks from over 100 vendors. Calgary Stampede - if you’re here from July 7-17, 2010, be sure to take in the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth Calgary: with a $2 million rodeo, large midway, world class exhibitions and entertainment, there is something for everyone.
Calgary Zoo - the best in Western Canada and second largest in Canada with over 1,000 animals from around the world. Canada Olympic Park - enjoy outdoor activities like mountain biking as well and the zipline in the summer as well as skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Fort Calgary - discover what Calgary was like during the early years with an authentic reconstruction of the 1875 North West Mounted Police fort. Glenbow Museum - a premier art and artifacts museum, with permanent galleries on Alberta history, Aboriginal culture and headline exhibitions that bring the world to the city. Heritage Park Historical Village - a detailed re-creation of a turn of the century pioneer village complete with a steam train, paddlewheeler, antique midway and main street. The Military Museum - learn, discover and honour Alberta’s strong military heritage through exhibits and artifacts at this award-winning facility.
Pengrowth Saddledome - Watch the Calgary Flames or the Calgary Hitmen hit their home ice, or watch several major concerts throughout the year.
Spruce Meadows - this renowned show jumping venue host some of the world’s best horses and riders during nine outdoor annual competitions.
Calgary Tower - outstanding views of the city, the Rocky Mountains and the prairies. Test your nerves and experience an all-glass platform cut into the side of the building 160 meters (525 feet) above the ground. The Tower offers two fine dining options including the newly renovated revolving restaurant.
Calaway Park - invites your family to enjoy endless fun at Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park. Located 10km west of Calgary on the TransCanada Highway.
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For more information on Calgary visit www.tourismcalgary.com
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Montana A mix of the rugged Wild West, the even more rugged Rocky Mountains, and a few almost-modern cities or what we might call overgrown cow towns make the state of Montana a delightful vacation spot. This is especially true for people who savor outdoor adventures. Montana has a greater variety of wildlife than any other state in the lower 48. Here you'll find some of the most breathtaking scenery in
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America; a vast array of wildlife that not only thinks it owns the place, but actually does; and even some first-class Westernstyle lodges, restaurants, and museums. Take the Going-to-the-Sun Road, an 85 kilometer road, that travels through the heart of Glacier National Park. The road was completed in 1932, and is the only road that crosses the park, going over the Continental Divide at Logan's Pass. In Montana, you’ll find countless historical and cultural experiences that will do just that. From musicians jamming
on an outdoor stage in a park to museums that will transport you to another time, Montana will stimulate your mind and touch your soul. It is recognized worldwide for its pristine rivers, majestic mountains and wide open spaces. Montana features Glacier and Yellowstone national parks that offer a variety of things to do including shopping, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking and fine dining. For more information visit, www.visitmt.com
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FUR HOODOO CORNFEST CAMPING DINOSAURS PRAIRIES MOUNTAINS
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BADLANDS CROWN BUFFALO PETROGLYPHS COULEE FOSSILS RODEO
MUSEUM GLACIER AMMOLITE MOUNTIES BARN WILDLIFE
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Rodeo is a strong western tradition that many communities in Southwest Alberta still celebrate. Attending a rodeo is great entertainment if you know what to look for! Below are some common rodeo terms to introduce you to this great sport. Common Rodeo Terms:
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so that the lariat can be tightened when thrown over the head of a steer or horse. To lasso is the art of catching an animal with a lariat. • Spurs - worn on the back of the boot, spurs are made up of heel band, shank, and rowel. The spur is a tool used to persuade, but not injure, the horse.
• Bronc - A wild horse. • Cinch - The strap which goes around the horse’s belly to hold the saddle on. • Flank Strap – a strap that fastens around a horse’s flank area. This is done to encourage the horse to kick as he tries to kick the flank strap off. • Lariat - A braided rope used by cowboys.
• Calf Roping /Tie Down Roping – the oldest of rodeo’s timed events, the cowboy ropes a running calf around the neck with a lariat from horseback. His horse then stops and sets back on the rope while the cowboy dismounts, runs to the calf, throws it to the ground and ties three feet together. The job of the horse is to hold the calf steady on the rope. This event is based on ranch work where calves are roped for branding, medical treatment or other purposes.
• Lasso - A lariat tied with a special knot • Barrel Racing – a timed speed event where where the horse and rider gallop around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels, making agile turns without knocking the barrels over. This is almost exclusively a women’s sport.
• Steer Wrestling/Bulldogging – a timed event where the rider jumps off his horse onto a steer and wrestles it to the ground by grabbing it by the horns. • Saddle Bronc Riding – an event where the cowboy attempts to ride a wild horse using a specialized western saddle without a horn, and hanging onto a heavy lead rope, called a bronc rein, which is attached to a halter on the horse. The rider must stay on the horse for 8 seconds. • Bareback Bronc Riding – An event where the cowboy attempts to ride a wild horse by only hanging onto a type of flank strap called a Rigging. The rider must stay on the horse for 8 seconds. • Bull Riding – an event where cowboys ride full grown bulls instead of horses. The Cowboys hold onto a wide piece of leather attached to a Flank Strap, and must stay on the bull for 8 seconds. This event differs considerably from bronc riding because of the degree of danger involved. Bulls are unpredictable and may attack a fallen rider, so Rodeo Clowns or Bull Fighters work during bull riding competitions to distract bulls and prevent injury to riders.
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Services Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur and Heritage Museum Devil's Coulee is the site of Canada's first dinosaur egg nesting site - new discoveries are still being made. Take the tour through our Museum which shows the embryo in the egg, as well as local heritage. There are great dinosaur related activities for kids. Take a guided tour to the site.
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September Springs Ranch Unique Art Antique Memories Tea Room A Prime Southwest Alberta Destination. Discover the Unique! Quality Art and Antiques, Fashion, Gems, Jewellery, Cafe Lisenced, Healthy Food, Natural Foods, Health Products, Alternative Heath Counselling and Natural Treatements. Spectacular Rockies View and Walk with Nature. Colourful Alpine Gardens. A True Family Adventure. Come Celebrate the Beauty of our Thousands of Iris’ at their Prime. June 15 - July 15 yearly.
See website, email or phone us for information and hours of operation.
Pincher Creek, AB Phone: 403-627-2706 or 1-877-686-4782 www.uniqueartantique.com
Warner, AB Phone: 403-642-2118 Email: dinoegg@telusplanet.net
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
Ric’s Grill
Visit Canada’s Deadliest Rockslide! The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre tells the story of the devastating 1903 slide where 82 million tonnes of mountain crashed down in 100 seconds on the town of Frank. Turtle Mountian continues to move between 2-4.5 millimetres each year. Tour the new exhibit galleries that feature personal accounts, audio visual presentations, interactive computers, hands-on displays, detailed models, and two award winning, high definition shows.
Ric’s Grill and The Mix Lounge is in Lethbridge Water Tower. Steak Seafood and Chop House. Sterling Silver TM Beef, Fresh Fish, Seafood, Local Ingredients and House Made Specialties. Come up anytime for the view of Lethbridge, the Prairies and the Mountains, and stay for the Ric’s Grill experience. 103 Mayor Magrath Drive South Lethbridge, AB Reservations Phone: 403-317-7427
Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur & Heritage Museum page 58
Accomodations Rangeview Ranch Vacations Enjoy real ranch hospitality in rustic cabin rooms with up-to-date ammenities. Rates include lodging, food, horses, tack, guide entertainment and many other aspects of ranch living. Located in the heart of Canadian Cattle Country on top of the Milk River Ridge, the property offers spectacular views of mountains and prairie. 20 minutes from Cardston, Alberta and 30 minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park Phone: 403-653-2292 www.abworkranch.com
Crowsnest Mountain Resort Clean and cozy one bedroom chalets and two bedroom suites (AHLA House Keeping Award 2009 and 2010). Outdoor hot tub. Fully serviced RV sites (year round, seasonal or overnight). Restaurant connected to Gathering House for your romantic escapes, family and business functions. Beautiful, secluded location, ample parking, outdoor activities close by (fishing, golfing, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing). Crowsnest Pass, AB Phone: 403-562-7996
Crowsnest Pass AB Phone: 403-562-7388 www.frankslide.com
Fly Fishing in the Crownsest Pass
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
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www.mywaterton.ca
For more Waterton accomodations see pages 28 - 29 of this guide
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Ports of Entry Aden, Alberta Whitlash, Montana Open year round, 9:00am - 5:00pm daily
Carway, Alberta Peigan, Montana (Hwy 2) Open year round, 7:00am - 11:00pm daily
Chief Mountain, Alberta Chief Mountain, Montana (Hwy 6) Seasonal: May 15 - May 31, 9:00am - 6:00pm daily June 1 - Labour Day, 7:00am - 10:00pm daily Labour Day - September 30, 9:00am - 6:00pm daily
Coutts, Alberta Sweetgrass, Montana (Hwy 4) Open year round, 24 hour service daily
Del Bonita, Alberta Del Bonita, Montana (Hwy 62) Open year round: June 1 - September 15, 8:00am - 9:00pm daily September 16 - May 31, 9:00am - 6:00pm daily
Entry Regulations U.S. Visitors A valid U.S. Passport is required for all travelers. Visitors from the U.S. who were not born in the United States must carry a valid passport from their country of origin. Permanent residents of the United States must bring their ‘green card’. Visas’ are required for entry into Canada from a number of foreign countries. These visas must be obtained prior to entry from a Canadian Consulate, Canadian Embassy or High Commission. Only original documents will be accepted. In addition to proper documentation, visitors are not admitted into Canada if they have a criminal record. This includes any conviction for driving while intoxicated. Please contact the Canada Border Service Agency for more detailed information. CANADA BORDER SERVICE AGENCY Within Canada: 1-800-461-9999 Outside Canada: 1-800-731-4000 www.cbsa.gc.ca
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Visitors From Abroad All citizens from abroad are required to have a valid passport for entry into Canada as visitors. Citizens from a number of foreign countries are required to obtain a visa prior to departure to Canada. These visas may take extended periods of time to obtain so please contact your nearest Canadian Consulate well in advance of a trip to Canada. For further information visit www.cic.gc.ca
Personal Baggage, Recreation Equipment Visitors can bring non-restricted sporting goods and personal baggage into Canada duty and tax-free by declaring them on arrival to customs officials. It is a good idea to register serial numbers of all equipment including bicycles, skis, snowboards, cameras, and other sporting equipment and personal items.
Travelling with Children
Restricted and Prohibited Goods
In an effort to reduce incidences of child abduction, adults must carry the following information for all children entering Canada:
There are numerous items that are prohibited or restricted for import into Canada for the protection of our citizens and agricultural trade. These include such goods as endangered species, pepper and bear sprays, firearms, fireworks, certain meat and dairy products, drugs, fresh fruit and vegetables, and various types of plant and wood products.
• A valid passport for all children is required. • A notarized letter of permission from the parent(s) of any children being accompanied by individuals who do not have legal custody of the child entering Canada. • In addition to a passport for the child, divorced parents with shared custody rights and non-custodial parents should carry all the legal documents establishing their status and a notarized letter authorizing the child to travel with that parent. Only original documents will be accepted. Children entering Canada unaccompanied by an adult must carry a letter of permission from their parent(s) or legal guardian for entry into Canada.
If you are unsure about whether a particular item is permissible to bring into Canada please contact the Canada Border Service Agency at 1-888-732-6222.
Importing a Firearm or Weapon Into Canada You have to declare all firearms and weapons at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office when you enter Canada. If you do not declare all firearms or weapons, they will seize them and you could face criminal charges. You need documents to prove that you are entitled to possess a firearm in Canada, and you must transport it safely. For more information please call the Canada Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000, or visit their Web site at www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca
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www.chinookcountry.com Toll Free 1-800-661-1222
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Duty Free Shops Duty Free Shops at select border crossings and airports have tax free items for sale to departing visitors. For detailed information on restrictions, licenses and controls regarding this service please contact the Canada Border Service Agency or a customs official.
Customs & Duty Free Allowance Alcohol and Tobacco The legal age for alcohol consumption and tobacco possession in Alberta is 18 years old. Individuals who meet the minimum age requirements of the province or territory of entry may bring into Canada: • 1.25 litres of liquor or wine (40 ounces) OR 24 containers of 355 millilitres (12 ounces) each of beer, ale or equivalent. • Up to 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 200 grams (7 ounces) of loose tobacco. Any alcohol or tobacco in excess of these amounts is subject to duty and provincial fees and taxes.
Travelling with Pets All pets must be accompanied by their owners when entering Canada. Owners of dogs and cats must bring a valid certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian clearly identifying the pet and certifying that it has been vaccinated against rabies within the past 3 years. Special purpose dogs such as seeing-eye dogs from all countries are exempt from all import conditions when the dog is accompanying its owner.
Fishing and Hunting Licenses Alberta’s fishing and hunting is world famous, but to experience it you MUST have a valid license. Catch limits are set in order to preserve fish populations. Alberta’s “Catch and Release Program” encourages all anglers to release all fish that will not be used. Licenses for fishing in National Parks of Canada can be purchased at park information centres, administration, campgrounds, warden offices and select fishing shops. Fishing licenses to be used outside of a National
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Park can be purchased at Fish and Wildlife offices, hardware, convenience and department stores as well as at select gas stations. Hunting regulations and special licenses vary depending on what type of hunting you will be doing. No hunting is permitted in any National Park of Canada. For complete information contact: Alberta Environment Information CentreMain Floor, 9945 - 108th Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G6. By phone at (780) 944-0313 or online at www.gov.ab.ca/srd
until the first Sunday in November.
Highway Conditions For up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports, the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) Road Reports are your best source of information. All AMA Road Reports® regions are available through one toll free number: 1-877-AMA-HWYS (1-877-2624997). For links to all the online road reports in Alberta, visit www.highwayconditions.com/ab.htm
Travel/Health Insurance Motorcycles Visitors to Canada should obtain travellers’ health insurance before leaving home. Most health insurance coverage does not extend outside the country of residence. Visitors may find they have either no health insurance or inadequate coverage when in Canada. Visitors taking prescription medications should bring a copy of the prescription should it need renewal in Canada. Travel insurance offered by travel agents and credit card companies may be able to provide additional coverage for loss/ damage of baggage, cancellation, and medical incidents.
Motor Vehicle Insurance It is mandatory to carry valid documentation establishing proof of insurance and ownership for all vehicles you bring into Canada. Minimum liability coverage required in Alberta is $200,000.
Average Temperatures Summer: June - August 20°C/68°F Fall: September - November 11°C/52°F Winter: December - February - 11°C/12°F Spring: March - May 9°C/48°F
Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets and to drive with headlights on. Riding two abreast is prohibited.
Seat Belts Seat belt use is mandatory for all drivers and passengers in Canada.
Public Holidays January 1 - New Year’s Day February 15 - Family Day (Alberta) April 22 - Good Friday April 25 - Easter Sunday May 23 - Victoria Day July 1 - Canada Day August 2 - Heritage Day September 5 - Labour Day October 10 - Thanksgiving Day November 11 - Remembrance Day December 25 - Christmas Day December 26 - Boxing Day
Canada uses the metric system for distances, weights and measures. Distance 1 kilometre (km) = 5/8 mile
Currency and Banking Canadian dollars and cents form the monetary system in Canada. Although the operators of many retail outlets, restaurants, and other venues accept American money, visitors should exchange their travellers cheques or cash for Canadian currency. The use of credit cards are also recommended.
Time Zone Alberta is on Mountain Standard Time. Alberta observes Daylight Saving Time from the second Sunday in March
To calculate:
kilometres x 0.6 = mileage miles x 1.6 = kilometres
Miles per Hour or Kilometres per Hour: when driving, 100 km/hr on highway signs are equal to 60 mph.
Weight 1 kilogram = 2.2 lbs To calculate:
kilograms x 2.2 = pounds 500 grams (gm) = 1.1 lbs
Liquid Volume - (used for gasoline) 4.5 litres = 1 Imperial gallon 3.8 litres + 1 U.S. gallon
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