Alberta: More Than Just the Calgary Stampede

We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country. Coast to coast, each province and territory has its own unique topography which makes Canada so beautiful. There isn't one province that you cannot just "ohhhh and ahhhh" over what it has to offer. 

This month, I’m joining up with the rest of my fellow Canadian Homeschool Blogging Team and Lisa Marie over at The Canadian Homeschooler to take you on a quick virtual trip across each of our provinces.

I'm sharing with you a quick trip through my province of Alberta. I'd like to add a small disclaimer to this post. I know I will miss many highlights of this gorgeous province, and I apologize in advance. I was born and raised here in Alberta, and in all honesty, there are places here that I have yet to see with my family. If you get the chance to visit Alberta (for more than just a weekend) these are a few places to visit...and this is just the tip of the iceberg. (On a side note...As I was trying to find pictures for this post, I realized that most of these pictures are throwbacks to when my crew was younger...hmmm note to self...we need to revisit these places here in the near future).

1....Calgary....This is my hometown!  I am a second generation born and raised Calgarian. Admittedly, I’m very biased about the beauty and the many venues and parks that this fabulous city has to offer. This is just a brief overview of what Calgary has to offer. Step back in history and head to Heritage Park to see "the olden days" or to Fort Calgary where Calgary was established at the crossing of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. We have spent much time and both these places and have learned so much of our past. More into science? Head to the new Telus Spark Science Center. We used to haunt the old science center when the kids were younger, but the new exhibits and location of this center is outstanding as well.  Right across the road from the Science Center is the Calgary Zoo . A great place to spend the day, with so many programs and exhibits for kids. You can also enjoy The Glenbow Museum and discover world renowned art and exhibits. This is another great place to discover Alberta and world heritage with wonderful exhibits. Don't forget to visit the iconic Calgary Tower. At one point, it used to be the tallest tower in our city; however office skyscrapers have taken over. Nevertheless, it’s still a great way to get a bird’s eye view of Calgary.  Want to get the adrenaline going? Try the bob-sled or zip-lining or even some downhill skiing at Calgary Olympic Park. Don't forget to stop in at Winsport and visit The Sports Hall of Fame. Sigh...there are so many more venues I could mention but I really need a blog post to cover what Calgary has to offer. If you want to check out more of what Calgary has to offer go to http://www.visitcalgary.com/  

2...Edmonton and area...HA! Bet you were not expecting me to mention our neighbor to the north considering I'm a true blue Calgarian! But I digress... Alberta's capital city is situated 3 1/2 hours north of Calgary and has just as much to offer as Calgary!  Take a tour of the Provincial Legislature . Poke around at the Royal Alberta Museum. A trip to Edmonton HAS to include West Edmonton Mall. Where else can you go shopping, ice skating, or experience the World Water Park or Galaxy-land Amusement Park right under one roof?  There are zoos, gardens, art galleries galore in Edmonton. Again, I'd need a whole other blog post for the complete low down on all that Edmonton has to offer. Check it out for yourself and visit http://exploreedmonton.com/

3... Banff and Lake Louise... A trip to Alberta means a trip to the mountains. Period. Honestly, it does not matter which season you visit, the mountains and the small towns of Banff and Lake Louise are always beautiful. This is THE place for all outdoor enthusiasts to participate in hiking, cycling, skiing or just unwinding in the gorgeous, historical Banff Hot Springs For more info you can check out this site

4...Canmore and Kananaskis...Right before Banff and Lake Louise is Canmore and Kananaskis. This is another great area for hiking, skiing, camping, day hikes, cross country skiing or snowshoeing. We have spent much time in the Kananaskis area camping. It’s a great get away from the bustling city. 

Check out http://www.tourismcanmore.com/ and http://www.albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country.aspx for more info.

5...Canadian Badlands...If you have dinosaur enthusiast in the family this is the place to be! About 2 1/2 hours east of Calgary you'll come across the Badlands. Some of the most important dinosaur discoveries have been found in the area; and some of them are located at the Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Want to go or an authentic dinosaur dig? Dinosaur Provincial Park has guided tours, dinosaur digs and other great family programs to check out. This area of Alberta is a treasure, and not just for the dinosaurs. Check out all the attractions at this link

Now I know I haven't mentioned many outstanding treasures Alberta has to offer. Two that are still on my bucket list include the Unesco World Heritage site Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump and Writing On Stone Provincial Park These venues are south of Calgary, and can be day trips. I'm hoping we can get to these places maybe this spring or summer...so keep an eye on my blog. 

Whew....Well? This trip was short and sweet...and I didn't even mention once the Calgary Stampede! There is so much to see and do here in beautiful Alberta. I hope, dear reader, that you will get an opportunity to visit my neck of the woods soon!  And don't forget to enter this month’s fabulous giveaway below. This one is AWESOME! Win a Family/Group Discovery Pass from Parks Canada and also win this travel guide 

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