lifestyles
with CHERYL MacKINNON
Spring fever has hit. Doesn’t it make you want to travel, seeking out new and different places oft heard of, but not yet experienced? I love Calgary, more so than ever as I’ve been fortunate to spend quite a bit of time there the past few years. As a result, I invite you to go for a visit and check out the great adventures that lay at her doorstep. From world class golf, to attractions offering a glimpse into Canada’s western heritage, there’s so much to see and do in this great city. And it doesn’t matter what your age, there’s an excursion to suit everyone. Discover more at www.travelalbertastay.com.
A SPECIAL REPORT PROVIDED BY GLOBAL TV'S CHERYL MACKINNON AND
TRAVEL
&
Travel and Lifestyles Canada
Travel & Lifestyles is a weekly information report from Cheryl MacKinnon, Founder of ‘kid friendly!’ family tourism and Tourism Industry of Canada 2006 Travel Media Award Finalist for outstanding tourism promotion of Canada. Watch Cheryl on Global TV Morning News every Wednesday at 8:50 a.m. in B.C. www.cherylmackinnon.com
Please contact me at
cherylmack@shaw.ca"
An Adventurous Getaway to
Calgary
A
Journey Back
n urban getaway can be filled with a variety of adventures, especially true when you visit a vibrant Canadian city like Calgary, Alberta. Resplendent with a youthful, infectious energy, there isn’t anything you can’t experience here. Take fly fishing… downtown, in the Bow River. Yes, a river proudly known for great fish, such as ‘larger than average’ trout (browns and rainbows between 20 and 24 inches), more so than virtually any other stream in North America. A relaxing pastime further enjoyed while gazing upon the shimmer of the setting sun against the concrete towers of downtown Calgary.
Considered one of North America’s largest and most successful living history facilities, a visit to Heritage Park is fascinating. The village first opened on July 1, 1964 in the heart of south-west Calgary. Portraying the early settlement of Western Canada from the fur trade to the Great War, there are more than 150 exhibits and service structures laid out over 66 acres. Even more interesting is that approximately 75 per cent of the site is comprised of relocated and restored original pieces from a settler’s life in pre-1914 Western Canada. With its authentically costumed interpreters and service personnel, the Park comes to life through its interpretation and educational programs (families will love the ‘spontaneous’ plays offered throughout the day), as well as touring the site aboard the train pulled by a thundering steam locomotive, or during a relaxing ride in a horsedrawn wagon.
Horsing Around
Zip Line & Biking in Canada Olympic Park
Spruce Meadows sits on 360 acres in the foothills of the majestic Canadian Rockies, approximately 40 minutes from downtown Calgary. With a stellar, worldwide reputation for showcasing the sport of show jumping, Spruce Meadows tournaments have attracted champions from virtually every Olympic, World, European, and National competition since opening in 1975. Visitors are welcome at any time throughout the year, with non-tournament times actually being particularly enjoyable to those who seek the beauty and peace of simply being around horses. Embraced by the tranquil setting of the countryside, it is during this time that guests are free to wander the barns at their leisure (without a formal tour program in place, there is no charge during the off season), and watch the riders exercise their horses. You may also bring along a picnic as there are no food services during non-tournament times.
Spruce Meadows
Mountain Biker Zone A one-of-a-kind attraction, Canada Olympic Park is located just 15 minutes from downtown Calgary. Offering great recreation so close to the city during the winter months, this lasting legacy from the XV Olympic Winter Games held in Calgary in 1988, is enthusiastically enjoyed year-round by Calgarians and visitors alike. The summer draws a unique crowd – mountain bike enthusiasts arrive to test their skills on more than 25 kilometres of single and open track trails, an obstacle course and trials park. New in 2007, zip trek fans now fly from the amazing ‘Skyline in the Park’ which emulates a ski jumper. Soaring from the top of the ski jump tower (not for the faint of heart), to the bottom of the ski jump bowl, this newest attraction is fast becoming hailed as North America’s fastest zip line.
What’s next? Digging into the History of Southern Alberta
Heritage Park
Where to Find More Travel Alberta has an exciting contest running through to June 1, 2008. Visit the web site at www.travelalbertastay.com to learn more about Calgary, and then enter to win one of three travel prizes valued from $1,500 to $3,500. If you’d like to browse through Alberta’s colourful, official vacation guide, please call 1.800.Alberta (that’s 1.800.252.3782), to request one in the mail. For more help with planning your visit to this great Canadian city, visit www.tourismcalgary.com or call 1.800.661.1678 to speak with a travel counselor.