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Global magnet. When the world comes to Alberta.
Welcome to Alberta, where the sound of clattering skis, whooshing brooms and slicing skate blades reverberate in a natural World Cup playground. The province plays host to seven – count them, seven – World Cup events over the winter months with the most talented and exciting athletes competing for top marks. As the temperature drops and the competition heats up, pack your bags for Alberta – your home base this winter. Here’s a guide to the perfect circuit:
Start with Calgary’s Olympic Park where the Viessmann Luge World Cup (Nov 20-21) takes to the track with skin-tight suits, tiny sleds and speeds of more than 125 kilometres per hour.
Next up is the Men’s (Nov 28-29) & Women’s (Dec 4-6) Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup. Crisp mountain air and more celebrities than you can shake a ski at. Don’t forget to take in the Super G on December 7th before you leave the mountains.
Move and shake it back to the city as Calgary hosts the Essent ISU World Cup Speed Skating (Dec 4-6) at the Olympic Oval, and Edmonton brings on the feisty Tim Horton’s Roar of the Rings CCA Curling (Dec 6-13) at Rexall Place.
Get down and dirty with the rebels of winter as Calgary’s Olympic Park sees the 2010 FIS Freestyle (Jan 8-10) and the 2010 FIS Snowboard Halfpipe & Slopestyles (Jan 28-31) hit the snow.
Last but not least, take in the 2010 FIS Cross Country World Cup (Feb 5-6) in Canmore.
For all the ins and outs of Alberta’s World Cup portfolio, check out Travel Alberta’s World Cup site WorldCup.TravelAlberta.com.
Give it all up. How to be a ski bum in Alberta.
You’ve been dying to do it for years – cut up the credit cards, sell the house, grab your dog and head to the mountains where the living is easy and the slopes are sweet. All you need is a fast chair, champagne powder, sexy singles and a place to call home. Here’s our advice on where to go for the best of the best in Alberta:- Four-way. If doing it four at a time – not to mention fast – is important to you, Marmot Basin in Jasper is the place to get it on. The ski hill’s Leitner Poma system will be the longest high-speed quad detachable chairlift in the Canadian Rockies, with a measured slope length of approximately 2300m and a vertical rise of some 596 meters. (expected opening Nov 11) The Canadian Rockies Express is pictured above.
- All terrain. Scrutinizing snowflakes and waxing boards, the Lake Louise lifties are counting down to opening day (Nov 6) at the Rockies’ biggest ski area. Wide open spaces and friendly faces wait on the mountain and in the bars.
- Eco-happy. Just in time for Christmas, Sunshine Village (expected opening Nov 11) is building you a new home chock-full of eco-luxury. Easy on the environment and on the conscience, the new wing of Sunshine Mountain Lodge boasts solar heat and reduced water consumption.
- Live forever. Speed demons will appreciate the new work done to lengthen ‘Mapmaker’ and if that’s not enough, try out invincibility for size as you roar through trees in the Monster Glades at Nakiska (expected opening Nov 7).
- Powder power. Castle Mountain (expected opening Dec 12) offers the raw thrill of extreme skiing with unforgettable descents inside and outside of the boundaries for the ultimate powder experience. Go deep at Castle.
- Got kids? Ski bums have kids, too. Head to Mount Norquay, the Rockies’ most family-friendly mountain, where the steep slopes appeal to the ‘rents and the wee ones will be taken care of at ski school. Be sure to try out the new tubing park this winter! (expected full opening Dec 4)
Rodeo drive, Alberta. How the west was won.
A rare glimpse into the rough and tumble world of the working wild west, the Canadian Finals Rodeo (Nov 11-15) rides into Edmonton this month for days and nights of wrangling, roping and all-star rodeo. Men and women from across Canada and the United States use skills they’ve perfected in everyday life of running farms and ranches, transforming them into the thrills and spills of the rodeo. Real cowboys take on brute force in the Steer Wrangling, use their expert coordination in Tie-Down Roping and even the cowgirls get in on the action with precision and speed in the Ladies Barrel Racing. Setting new attendance records every year, the CFR purse is over $1 million for 2009 and the competition is fierce!
Don’t forget to check out other events such as the Dodge City Western Trade & Gift Show, Blacktie Bingo or the Miss Rodeo Canada competition. Mosey on through Farmfair International (Nov 6-15) and chat with Alberta farmers who’ve brought their top-quality livestock to show and sell. Cattle and equine programs partner with the bare bones of the business showcasing the Canadian Genetics Exposition & Exchange during the fair. Drawing an international crowd, the event also facilitates the exchange of Albertan agricultural industry knowledge.
Get your tickets online or at the door for this event the whole family will enjoy. Yee-haw!
The Empress reigns. Sit back and enjoy the show in Fort Macleod.
With small town charm, a resident ghost and a full dance card, Alberta’s oldest continually operating theatre – the Empress Theatre – thrives on Main Street, Fort Macleod at a spritely 97 years of age. The gem of a theatre, originally opened in 1912, served as a vaudeville house, concert and lecture hall, live theatre and now as both a moving picture theatre and multi-use venue. The exterior structure is largely untouched; the interior features a classic balcony, original seats and a pressed tin ceiling with neon tulips. The theatre remains at the heart of the community welcoming performing artists, school groups and regular movie-goers to the place.
With such a rich, living history, friends of the Empress plan to document its heritage that includes silent films accompanied by live music and live drama and film exhibition during the great hey-day of Hollywood film making. The history project is well underway with photographs, memorabilia and above all, stories from those who remember the “old days.”
Of course, it isn’t just the community with a fondness for the Empress… A friendly ghost regularly makes himself known by tossing the discarded popcorn boxes out of the rubbish bins, appearing in reflections of the bathroom mirrors and emitting a strong odour of alcohol, tobacco and manure. While the theatre history suggests a few theories on the ghost’s identity, he is just commonly referred to as “Ed.”
Next time you pass through Fort Macleod, be sure to stop in for a movie and popcorn with real butter, watch the Southern Alberta Film Festival or perhaps listen to the Canadian Brass perform. Sit back and enjoy the show.
Get your game on, Alberta! Grey Cup fever strikes.
Football fever sweeps Alberta as the province welcomes the Canadian Football League’s final showdown of the season, the 97th Grey Cup Championship Game (Nov 29) at McMahon Stadium, with Blue Rodeo performing the halftime show. Grey Cup 2009 comes to Calgary not only with the game of the year, but the party that goes with it. Photo at left courtesy of 2009GreyCupFestival.com.Cowtown’s western hospitality shines through with concerts headlined by Great Big Sea joined by 54-40, Aaron Pritchett, George Canyon and Econoline Crush. More than just entertainment, Grey Cup week also feeds the belly with the First Down (town) Food Fest (Nov 22-29). Chow down on a week of Grey Cup-inspired dining experiences.
Not a football fan? Not a worry! In addition to the music and the food, sheer atmosphere is just as much fun. Take in the “unofficial” parties such as the Pro Players Award Show After Party featuring Divine Brown and surprise CFL player appearances; the 4th Annual Calgary’s Bravest Men competition; or the Atlantic Schooners Down East Kitchen Party. The kids will love the Grey Cup Festival Parade and the Olympic Plaza Family Fun Fest.
If you love the Grey Cup in Calgary, then stick around. Edmonton hosts Grey Cup 2010 – get your tickets early because the Edmontonians are Hot to Huddle!
Fall frolics for less. Alberta offers great value.
Never a better time to explore Alberta than now. Take a moment to getaway for a night, a weekend or longer. Here are the best escapes for less – use your Holiday Card and save even more!Escape to Edmonton. With free breakfast, wine tasting, parking, Internet and local calls, the Matrix Hotel in Edmonton is the ideal metropolitan hideaway. Plenty of creature comforts abound such as flat-panel televisions and MP3 compatible clock radios so you can get away without being out of touch. 10% off the room rate for Travel Alberta Holiday Card holders! The Matrix Hotel lobby is pictured above.
Fall into Savings at Tunnel Mountain. This mid-week special in the Canadian Rockies lets you live in style for less in Tunnel Mountain’s chalet loft accommodation. Ideal for families, the rooms can sleep six, plus has a fireplace and kitchen. Travel Alberta Holiday Card holders save $100 on the room rate.
Couples Massage Package. Woo her with romance, sparkling wine and chocolate dipped strawberries when you check in to the 5 Calgary Downtown Suites. Visit the spa for a couples massage and she’ll be putty in your hands… Travel Alberta Holiday Card holders save $45!
Discover Lethbridge. Go south for the night and stay at the Sandman Hotel Lethbridge. Play the VLTs, splash in the pool or relax in your room. Your southern connection made easy with the Travel Alberta Holiday Card with 50% off the rack rates.
Quiet Comfort in Grand Prairie. Your country sojourn starts at Maple Meadows Country Inn Bed & Breakfast in Grand Prairie where every room on the quiet, treed acreage has a queen bed and crackling fireplace. Travel Alberta Holiday Card holders get 10% off their stay, plus a 20% discount at the Keg Steakhouse.
Fall Hibernation Retreat. Blissful quiet, strolls by the pond and a cup of hot cocoa. Savour time alone at the Prairie Breeze Inn. Bed and breakfast, discounted for Travel Alberta Holiday Card holders. Contact Crystal Sloane at info@prairiebreeze.ca for more details.
For more holiday deals around Alberta, visit TravelAlberta.com.
Looking Ahead ►
December
Celebrate Creativity – Balancing Acts9: Calgary’s Annual Disability Arts Festival
December 2-5, Calgary Balancing Acts: Calgary’s Annual Disability Arts Festival is a celebration of creative self-expression by emerging and professional artists with developmental, physical, or sensory disability, mental illness, brain injury, and/or chronic illness. The work of over 100 disabled artists is showcased, with a primary focus on performances of originally created work and on diversity in media and across disability. It’s the only professional multidisciplinary arts festival in Canada that is dedicated to advancing the concerns of the global disability art and culture movement. Pictured at left: Spirit Synott, courtesy of Balancing Acts.
Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future – The Citadel Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol
November 27-December 23, Edmonton A Christmas Carol returns to the Citadel this season for its 10th anniversary, continuing an Edmonton holiday tradition. Experience the warmth, the magic and the spectacle of Tom Wood’s brilliant adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic. Whether this is your first time, or your 10th, A Christmas Carol is sure to warm your heart on a cold winter night.
January
Explore a Winter Paradise – Jasper in January
Come and enjoy the fun that Jasper in January 2010 will bring. The whole town of Jasper is celebrating with a variety of parties, culinary treats, activities for children, and historical observances. You are sure to find something fun and exciting to do in Jasper during Januaries' winter wonderland celebration!
Cool Carvings – Ice on Whyte Festival
January 14-24, Edmonton In 2003, the Ice on Whyte festival officially began because a few creative individuals wanted to showcase ice carving. This event has grown into Edmonton’s premier winter festival. Ice on Whyte now features an ice competition, complete with outstanding artistic talent that is sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association and 11 days of interactive outdoor winter activities. Families can now enjoy beautiful ice sculptures, an ice castle, a giant ice slide, a children's play area, live musical entertainment, and ice carving workshops for school groups and families.
February
Feel the Heartbeat: Ski the Legend – Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival
February 12-13, Edmonton Experience North America’s largest classical cross country ski festival. The 22nd running of this annual race is fun for the entire family with a variety of events from the 2.4km Ole’s Tour to the 55km premiere event, the Torskeklubben Birkebeiner. This celebration serves as a remembrance of the historic legend of the original Birkebeiners over 800 years ago on their quest to save the heir to the Norwegian throne.
Did you know: The total distance skied by participants in 2007 was 55,263.5 km, equal to 1.38 times around the world!
Celebrate the Season – Winter Magic Festival
February 12-21, Hinton Celebrate winter with events and activities held throughout Hinton, including family skating and shinny on Maxwell Lake along with a bonfire, hot chocolate and music. Participants can watch the chuckwagon races and can learn-to-luge. A family dance put on by the Boys and Girls Club of Hinton is also a favourite.
Our Picks for November ►
Anastasia
Ewe Are Beautiful – Picturesque Views and Tasty ‘Cues at PaSu Farm.
Located 45 minutes northeast of Calgary, PaSu Farm features a restaurant (decorated with beautiful African artifacts by owners Patrick & Sue de Rosemond, who moved from South Africa to Canada in 1977), boutique shopping and a working farm. Here visitors can enjoy a toothsome old fashioned country meal (the barbequed lamb ribs are my favourite!) while enjoying grand views of Alberta’s scenic foothills in the background and lively sheep roaming nearby. PaSu also offers an eclectic selection of gift items, as well as clothing that focus on natural fibres and high quality craftsmanship.
Good Things Come in Threes – Gourmet Food, Tasty Tarts and the Perfect Vino. Need I say more?
722-11 Ave SW in Calgary is home to an extraordinary culinary hub that features specialty foods, artisanal pastries, wine and more. Here are the highlights:
- The Cookbook Co. Cooks. Where cooking classes, gourmet food shopping, catering and cookbooks prevail. Its 3,000 square feet of ‘delicious retail space’, in addition to a cutting-edge kitchen, set the stage for people who love to cook and eat good food to come together and gather.
- Metrovino. Enjoy a tasting and tour of the bins at this independent shop that leans to idiosyncratic, small production artisan wines. Their service goes beyond just finding the perfect bottle for dinner to providing cellar planning, private wine tastings and food & wine pairings for your next big party.
- Brulée Patisserie. Has been creating beautiful and delicious desserts since 1997. Passionate about the art of the tart, this artisanal pastry shop uses fresh fruit and flowers to decorate its desserts so that each is unique. Pick up a customer favourite like the Lemon Cream or Chocolate Ganache cakes, or have this talented team design a dessert menu for your special occasion.
Amy
View from the Top – Banff Gondola
Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola to experience a bird's eye view of six mountain ranges. This exhilarating activity is open year-round - a definite 'must-do' on your trip to the Canadian Rockies. The adventure begins with an eight minute journey to the summit in a modern, fully-enclosed four passenger gondola cabin. Once you reach the upper terminal, the Banff Skywalk is an easy 1km self-guided interpretive walkway along the summit ridge that leads to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site of Canada, and the historic Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station.
An Enchanted Journey – Festival of Trees 2009
November 26-29, Edmonton Experience the magical sights and sounds. Hundreds of trees and festive decorations delight visitors of all ages. Surrounding the special displays are children’s activities, live entertainment, shops with holiday treats and special gifts. The Festival of Trees is Edmonton’s favourite Christmas event!
