It’s a toss-up as to which is Alberta’s greater claim to fame: its first-class adventures or the amenities to match. Whatever corner of the Province you visit, nature has laid down a wondrous welcome mat. Carpeted with snow-capped peaks, lakes and boreal forests, it’s not just altitude that can take your breath away.

 

Banff Lake Louise

Banff National Park is a rare destination that offers the best of both worlds. It’s where comfort and culture effortlessly blend with the raw beauty of a pristine protected wilderness, jagged Rocky Mountains and glacier-blue lakes. Go hiking, canoeing or wildlife watching, then spend the night in a lavish resort hotel or charming boutique inn and sample the unique shopping, cultural festivals, music and theatre, luxurious spas and gourmet Canadian restaurants in Banff and Lake Louise. It’s the best of both wonderful worlds. www.banfflakelouise.com

 

Calgary

Calgary is a destination with diversity – four seasons of world-class arts and culture, outdoor adventure, sightseeing, dining, shopping and accommodation. When you visit Calgary, you not only invest in a business or leisure stay but also in the opportunity to immerse yourself in an experience authentic to Calgary, Heart of the New West.
A welcoming spirit weaves itself though this young, urban metropolis, mixing big city energy with genuine western hospitality. Safe, clean and with sustainable green initiatives, Calgary is Canada’s energy capital and the second largest head-office city in the country. Surrounded by rolling foothills, spectacular Canadian Rockies, flat prairies and eroded coulees, Calgary is a world-class destination positioned at the heart of a signature experience. www.tourismcalgary.com

 

Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede “The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth”
Event Dates: July 3-12, 2009
Parade Dates: First Friday, City Centre from 9-11:00 am
For 10 exhilarating days every July, it’s a citywide celebration of true western hospitality and rousing fun! The high steppin' two hour Stampede Parade kicks off to the streets with a burst of energy, colour and music. Every afternoon the best cowboys and cowgirls saddle up for ground shaking Rodeo action. And every evening, nine heart-stopping Chuckwagon Races thunder around the track in an all out dash to the finish line. The evening ends with the Grandstand Stage Show – 90 minutes of nonstop musical entertainment building to a fantastic Fireworks finale. Catch the thrill. Ditch your city slicker look and grab your western duds because if you thought the Wild West had been tamed, you’re only half right…. www.calgarystampede.com

Edmonton

Destination Edmonton…Experience one of Canada’s most popular urban destinations. Edmonton, Festival City welcomes visitors year round with thriving arts & festivals, natural beauty, exciting sports and cultural events, and one-of-a-kind attractions.
Nestled into the curves of the North Saskatchewan River, the capital of Alberta is a lively town with spectacular entertainment and deep cultural roots. History and the arts - and a dash of northerly spirit - have combined to develop this cosmopolitan centre - a place where creativity thrives, culture celebrated and nature embraced.
Also home to “the Greatest Indoor Show on Earth” – West Edmonton Mall has something for everyone to experience.
Edmonton is located between Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies and Elk Island National Park in central Alberta - visit and you'll soon learn you need several days to glimpse the best this city has to offer. Friendly and easy to access, Edmonton International Airport is also a natural gateway to Alberta's Rocky Mountains and the richness of Canada's North. www.edmonton.com

Jasper

Imagine a pace that’s set by nature where people greet you warmly, even though they’ve never met you. Welcome to Jasper.
SCENIC splendour is waiting to be discovered in Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Rocky Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town of Jasper is nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park with mountain views in every direction. Experience the vast unspoiled wilderness, embrace the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains and relax in the easy going atmosphere of Jasper, Alberta – our quaint mountain town. Jasper National Park is home to large numbers of elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and other large animals, as well as their predators-don’t forget your camera!
Jasper is a world class four season destination – whatever spectacular time of year you choose to visit – just be sure you plan to stay awhile. www.jaspercanadianrockies.com

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers a wide variety of holidays to choose from offering the “Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World”. Choose between three routes offering two day, all-daylight train excursions through Canada's West and the Canadian Rockies.
From mid-April through to mid-October, the Rocky Mountaineer travels between Vancouver, B.C. and Jasper, Banff or Calgary, Alberta.
Guests will travel through tunnels, along rivers and waterfalls, passing magnificent glacier clad mountains, discover the vast unspoiled wilderness of Banff, Yoho and Glacier National Parks, while sighting an abundance of wildlife.
Onboard, RedLeaf Service provides spacious, comfortable reclining seats, picture windows in an air-conditioned environment. The luxurious GoldLeaf Service bilevel dome coach provides panoramic viewing from seating on the upper level with an elegant dining lounge featuring regional delicacies and an open-air observation platform on the lower level.
Onboard Attendants entertain guests with commentary, serve meals and provide complimentary snacks and beverages.
Visitors can extend their visit to Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies with one of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations Independent Tours. www.rockymountaineer.com/uk