Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/651528
TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA Learn about local geology and fossils and explore stalactites and stalagmites with safety gear and headlamps (www.canmorecavetours.com). St. Patrick's Island: The pride of Calgary's revitalized East Village is a four-season place for urban families, cyclists, joggers and the savvy traveller. Located on the eastern edge of downtown, this redeveloped island on the Bow River has river-fed play ponds, playgrounds, fi repits, a giant toboggan hill, skating rinks, über-cool benches . . . the list goes on ( www.ev experience.com/patrick-island). Wild Rapids Waterslide Park: There's no ID necessary to prove you're young enough to enjoy Alberta's most famous outdoor waterslide park in Sylvan Lake. Try the Sneaky Snake, Cinnamon Twist, or even the Hell's Gate. A wading pool and play area take care of smaller kids, and there's plenty of lakefront beach if you need a change of pace. The Calgary Stampede is an annual 10- day whoop-up in early July, celebrating the area's Western roots, with many hotels booked a year in advance. SCENIC DRIVES Cowboy Culture: The ranch experience offers an authentic taste of Alberta's western culture along 735 km (447 mi.) of highway from Mayerthorpe to Longview that will leave more great memories than saddle sores (www.thecowboytrail.com). Victoria Trail—Kalyna Country: This 547-km (340-mi.) route winds through the province's central heartland, a taste of prairie life and European culture, where you'll fi nd Canada's largest Ukrainian settlement. Along with traditional foods, the region has several roadside attractions including the world's largest pysanka (Easter egg) at Vegreville, 103 km (64 mi.) east of Edmonton. The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is a step back in time with costumed interpreters, historic buildings and artefacts. FAMILY FUN Head for Lake Country around Red Deer for boating, parasailing, waterskiing and swimming. Families can't miss the indoor World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall or the Calgary Zoo's Penguin Plunge. The TELUS Spark Centre in Calgary has a wildly popular new outdoor fun zone called The Brainasium. Climb an 11 m (36 ft.) tower and zip down a 19 m (63 ft.) slide. Kids fl ock to the Tropical Pyramid at the Muttart Conservatory, as well as the animatronic dinosaurs at the Calgary Zoo. The Great Canadian Barn Dance at Hillspring features campfi res, music and food ( www.gcbd.ca), while the Gopher Hole Museum at Torrington northeast of Calgary is a quirky indoor diorama of stuffed, costumed gophers depicting daily prairie life. The acclaimed Royal Tyrrell Museum is a Jurassic joyride, as is the chance to climb into the belly of the World's Largest Dinosaur, both in Drumheller in the Canadian Badlands ( www.canadianbadlands.com). PARK PICK JASPER NATIONAL PARK four and a half hours, 365 km (230 mi.) by car from edmonton, this national park is rich with wildlife: black and grizzly bear, moose, elk, mountain sheep and countless bird species. it is busiest in July and august when a convoy of rVs pass through en route to the alaska Highway, but it's a must-see desti- nation in its own right. Drive or cycle the glorious icefi elds Parkway from Lake Louise, a 237-km (148-mi.) roller coaster ride past a string of dangling glaciers, emerald lakes and impossi- bly steep rock faces. Climb into the mouth of athabasca Glacier, or pitch your tent next to a babbling creek. Paddle a canoe on Canada's deepest alpine waters at Maligne Lake, or book a boat cruise to its often-pho- tographed Spirit island. in winter months, the world-class Marmot Basin ski area keeps Jasper in busi- ness, as do natural attractions such as Miette Hot Springs and the glacial athabasca and Sunwapta falls. take a guided walk through an ice- encased canyon, or strap on skis for an endless journey of nordic and backcountry skiing. astronomers are lured to Jasper at night to witness carpets of glittering stars and the shape-shifting northern lights. (www. pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/index.aspx). More info on National Parks and Historic Sites: www.pc.gc.ca • 1-888-773-8888 Moraine LaKe • KriStina CaJiPe