Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/1520274
Seize the chance to engage with the First Nations Peoples and watch the fancy footwork and rhythmic jangles of the dancers competing at a powwow or performing at one of the heritage sites and festivals. The awe-inspiring peaks of the Rocky Mountains enthrall visitors to the province's west, while massive ranches and parklands beckon to the east. The northern boreal forests offer secluded hiking, paddling and birdwatching, while the Canadian Badlands lure visitors with its lunar-like landscape and vast dinosaur bone beds. Urban escape artists flock to Alberta's two largest cosmopolitan cities, Edmonton and Calgary, for retail therapy, gourmet dining, and shopping at North America's largest shopping and entertainment complex, West Edmonton Mall. Smaller cities, including Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Airdrie, serve as important regional hubs for shopping, government, tourism and agriculture/industry. The annual Calgary Stampede celebrates all things cowboy and rodeo early each July. Edmonton's K-Days follows up with a tribute to northern Alberta's Klondike heritage, while dozens of other festivals across the province celebrate Alberta's unique pockets of regional pride—think perogies in Vegreville, or beef jerky in Longview. NATURE'S WONDERLAND Alberta has incredible national and provincial parks across the province. Spread across 661,848 sq. km (255,541 sq. mi.) of pristine terrain, the five major snow resorts and sprawling backcountry lure BY SUSAN MATE ALBERTA Alpine Vistas, City Sojourns and Rural Retreats The birthplace of the nation's Wild West cowboy culture, Alberta is blessed with abundant wildlife, jaw-dropping scenery and must-do adventures that run right through all four seasons. Check out trail rides in the Rockies, guided ice walks through frozen waterfalls or horse-and- buggy tours through historic towns. AB 42 4,800,768 Edmonton www.travelalberta.com Calgary International Airport, 18.4 km (11 mi.) from downtown Edmonton International Airport, 30 km (19 mi.) from downtown CALGARY • TRAVEL ALBERTA/COLIN WAY