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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Calgary: more than horses, cowboy hats
Last week, after visiting New Brunswick, I responded to questions about the Maritimes. In honour of Canada Day, let's deal with some questions about our western provinces.
QUESTION: I am taking in the Calgary Stampede for the first time, and it will be my first visit to Calgary as well. Beyond that exciting event is there much more to do in and around Calgary?
ANSWER: The July 6-15 stampede has become a major international attraction. But Calgary is about much more than horses and cowboy hats.
When it comes to animals few, zoos in Canada match the offerings of the Calgary Zoo. Take a drive out to Drumheller to the Royal Tyrrell Museum to see an excellent mix of prehistoric dinosaur skeletons, set up as they lived thousands of years ago.
Back in the city, Calaway Park is billed as Western Canada's largest amusement park with attractions and rides for children of every age. It would be easy for a family to spend the entire day there and not tire of the shows and activities.
The Calgary Science Centre, known as Telus Spark, is truly an amazing discovery experience. Split into sections to suit various age groupings, there truly is enough to spark the imaginative juices in every visitor.
There are plenty of excellent dining options to select from, whether it is fast food or fine dining you are seeking.
QUESTION: We are going to take a driving vacation to British Columbia next year. We want to make a number of stops along the way. I have the impression that the flat openness of Saskatchewan makes it a province we want to drive through as quickly as possible. Is there anything really worth seeing in that province?
ANSWER: Saskatchewan was cursed when the decision was made to create the Trans-Canada Highway through that flattest and shortest bypass of the province.
Saskatchewan really is quite a beautiful province when you get off the main roads. Take the Yellowhead Highway instead, and even then branch out to capture other attractions that make Saskatchewan residents so proud of their province.
If you use the Trans-Canada, take a detour through the Qu'Appelle Valley. Stay a night in Cypress Hills Provincial Park and you may hear the howling of wolves in the distance or the spirit of past aboriginals embracing what we now call eco-wonders.
Saskatoon has now become a happening city that is growing in stature every year. As a university city, it embodies the drive of young people. And north of the city waits Prince Albert National Park, with more to see and do than you can experience in a week.
Running more or less through the centre of the province is Diefenbaker Lake. Created out of an impoundment, it has become the fishing, camping and cottage centre for thousands annually.
Forward your travel questions to askjourneys@journeystravel.com. Ron Pradinuk is president of Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre and can be heard Sundays at noon on CJOB. Previous columns and tips can be found on www.journeystravelgear.com or read Ron's travel blog at www.thattravelguy.ca
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 1, 2012 D5
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