Exhibit from Royal Tyrell Museum

Attractions in Southern Alberta

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Summer is the perfect time of year for a weekend or day trip. Southern Alberta boats tons of fun and interesting attractions for the whole family. Here is a short list to help you plan your perfect summer daytrip.

Exhibit from Royal Tyrell Museum

Royal Tyrell Museum

1)The Royal Tyrrell Museum

Southern Alberta is known for its huge deposit of dinosaur fossils. Come marvel at these gigantic and majestic creatures at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller. It will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to drive from Calgary to Drumheller, so you will want to get an early start. The museum is open from 9am to 9pm seven days a week. For more information, please visit http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/

2) Vulcan

Named after the planet and species from Star Trek, this town is a science fiction lovers dream! This charming little town has really embraced its name sake. Come see the Tourism and Trek station, a one of a kind visitor Center that looks like a landed spaceship! For more information, please visit http://www.vulcantourism.com/

3) Banff national park

Located about 1.5 hours from Calgary, Banff national park is a natural wonder! Full of majestic mountains, beautiful flora and fauna and a picturesque mountain town, Banff truly embodies the best of Alberta’s natural beauty. For more information (and national park admission rates) please visit http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/index.aspx. Want to hit the slopes? Check out the mountain resort of Lake Louise! More information at http://m.banfflakelouise.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.banfflakelouise.com%2F&utm_referrer=#2586

4) Hiking, biking and camping

For those who love the rugged outdoors, southern Alberta boats lots of biking and hiking trials as well as campsites. There are trails for every ability level, from novice to expert. To find the right trail for your group, please visit https://alltrails.com/canada/alberta as well as http://reserve.albertaparks.ca

Calgary Stampede Parade

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! – Calgary Stampede

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The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

Calgary Stampede Parade

Calgary Stampede Parade – Anna Webber.

Have you noticed a lot of hay bales around lately? Seen a lot of Western wear for sale? That is because it is almost time for the Calgary Stampede! This annual show is, for many tourists and locals alike, the event of the summer. This year, the week long event runs from July 3rd to July 12th. Touted as “the greatest outdoor show on earth”, this weeklong extravaganza has something for almost everyone. From the rodeo to the fairground, from family friendly fun to a night out with friends, you are sure to never be bored. Here is a quick guide to help you plan your stampede week.
1) Stampede breakfast
Pancake breakfasts are a long time Stampede tradition. Many companies host free pancake breakfasts for the public, usually consisting of pancakes, bacon or sausage, and juice or coffee. To find a lank age breakfast near you, please visit http://www.freestampedepancakes.com
2) The “duds”
Many people opt for traditional cowboy and cowgirl outfits, usually consisting of jeans, a plaid shirt, a cowboy hat and cowboy boots. That being said, be sensible. Cowboy boots are not comfortable walking shoes, and jeans can get very hot if you are outdoors. If you are visiting the fair ground, opt for comfortable summery clothing such as shorts and T-shirts. A sun hat and sunscreen are both must have items. Nothing ruins the day like sunstroke and a sunburn. If you plan to be out after dark, bring a sweater and long pants to keep warm and keep Mosquitos at bay. On a related note, drink lots of water throughout the day, and make sure to spend at least some time in the shade.
3) Getting there
Parking is at a premium at the stampede grounds, and the cost can be prohibitive for some. If you are looking for a more budget family ride, try taking the C train. The C train has two stampede stops, one at each end of the grounds. Victoria Park – Stampede station stops by the midway rides, and Earlton – Stampede stops by the Agricultural exhibits. Tickets can be purchased at the grounds, or in advance from select retailers. For more information, please visit http://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede
4) The Rodeo
The rodeo is what really sets Stampede apart from other summer carnivals. The rodeo hosts eight different events, from ladies barrel racing to bull riding. For more details, and ticket prices, visit http://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede/rodeo
5) The Faire
Especially for younger Stampede-goers, the midway rides are the main attraction. From terrifying roller coasters to kid friendly airplane rides, the midway has all your bases covered. There is even a special children’s ride section that hosts a variety of rides that are sure to delight, not terrify, the little ones.
6) The Food
Faire food is a cuisine all to itself, and the Stampede is no exception. The midway boasts all the classic foods like corn dogs and hamburgers, but the traditional Stampede lunch is beef on a bun. Slathered in rich barbecue sauce and served on a soft bun, this tasty treat is sure to delight. And for desert? Try some fresh, piping hot mini donuts made right before your eyes! These delightful snacks are covered in cinnamon and brown sugar and are sure to delight. Feeling adventurous? The midway now offers more exotic foods such as sour cream, onion and cricket pizza or a “beef sundae” consisting of beef, mashed potatoes, gravy and cheddar cheese served in a plastic parfait cup.
7) The Nightlife
Though the Faire grounds may close, the celebration is just beginning! Check out the nightly Grandstand Show (starting at 7:45 pm), a family friendly event featuring singing, dancing and fireworks! Up for something a little more wild? The party unofficially continues on 17th avenue, the Restauraunt district close to the Stampede Grounds. Many bars are open late all week long.

What to wear – dressing for Calgary’s weather year round. 

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CalgaryWinter

This weather isn’t far away. 🙁

 

Welcome to Calgary! One of the oldest jokes here is that if you don’t like the weather just wait ten minutes for it to change. As such, you really will need clothes for all types of weather. Here is a handy guide to help you dress appropriately.

1) Layers

Since the temperature can vary quite significantly throughout the day, it helps to prepare for all types of weather. Spring and fall usually hair require a light coat, but that can change. It’s always best to dress in layers: shirt, sweater, jacket. That way you can change as often as the weather does.

2) Rain

It doesn’t rain very often in Calgary, with the “rainy season” lasting from the end of April to the beginning of June. During this time it is advisable to buy rain boots, carry an umbrella, or bring a hooded rain jacket. Calgary often experiences “sun showers”, short bursts of rain while the sun is still shining. They don’t last long, and don’t tend to cover large geographic areas, but it never hurts to be prepared.

3) Snow

The dreaded “S word” that all Calgarians hate! Snow usually occurs between late September, through till May or sometimes even June. During this time of year it is best to invest in a good winter coat, a solid pair of winter boots with nice grippy bottoms (for the ice), warm mittens and a good toque (a winter hat, traditionally knit from wool). If you are planning long drives it is good to make sure all passengers have these items, and that you pack a warm blanket in the trunk in case you have car troubles. Calgary is also subject to the occasional freak snowstorm in the summer, but the temperature doesn’t tend to go too far below zero and the snow tends to melt quickly. A warm sweater and  raincoat or umbrella should suffice for most brief summer snow storms.

4) Sunshine

It can get quite hot in Calgary, with summer temperatures averaging around 22 degrees Celsius and sometimes climbing over 30 degrees. That may not seem very warm to some people, but it is warm enough to cause dehydration and heat stroke. Drink plenty of water in the summer, and avoid staying in the sun all day. Sunburn is not only unpleasant, but can lead to skin cancer.

5) Stampede

While not weather related, Stampede does come with its own dress code. Most Calgarians warmly embrace The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth, and dress accordingly. Jeans, cowboy hats and cowboy boots become the norm, from sales associates to CEOs. Cowboy hats and boots can be very expensive, especially right before Stampede. If you want to get in the spirit without breaking your budget, a pair of jeans or jean shorts paired with a plaid collared shirt will let you fit right in. If you aren’t use to cowboy boots they can be uncomfortable, so it is advisable to wear solid waking shoes to the fair grounds rather than cowboy boots.