Sights in Alberta
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Banff Gondola
In less than 10 minutes, the Banff Gondola whisks you up to the 2281m (7484ft) summit for spectacular views over the surrounding mountains, Bow River and Banff town. The upper terminal looks like something from an old James Bond movie and has the expected restaurant. Alternatively, you can hike up the steep east side of the mountain in about two hours one way. You will be aptly rewarded with great views.
The trail starts from the Upper Hot Springs parking lot. Or just hike down.
The lower terminal is just over 3km (2mi) south of Banff on Mountain Ave; it's adjacent to the Upper Hot Springs pool.
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The Edmonton Space & Science Centre
The Edmonton Space & Science Centre is a great place for kids. With an emphasis on interactive displays, there are a million things to discover, all under one roof. Fight crime with the latest technology, see what living on a spacecraft is all about, go on a dinosaur dig and explore what makes the human body tick. Young and old will have a blast and maybe even learn something at the same time.
For the ultimate souvenir, you can buy the naming rights of an actual star: the more you spend, the brighter it is.
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Fort Edmonton Park
If the weather is nice, head to Fort Edmonton Park, where you can see a slice of the old west, right in amidst the city. Walk along the vintage streets lined with period buildings or take the steam train for a spin. Costumed guides are there to answer questions and add some flavor. There is a small amusement park for the kiddies too - who knew that miniature golf had such a long history?
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Cave & Basin National Historic Site
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is the birthplace of Banff. The discovery of hot sulfur springs in a cave here led to the area being set aside from development in 1885. Like condo developments of today, the idea spread rapidly and soon Banff National Park and Canada's national park system were created. The complex has been rebuilt to its 1914 appearance. Visitors can look at (and smell) the cave and sulfurous waters, but there's no bathing allowed.
The Middle Springs further down the hill are closed to visitors, to protect the delicate balance of waters. You can stroll around the attractive grounds, where you'll see both natural and artificially made pools, for …
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Heritage Park Historical Village
Want to see what Calgary used to look like? Head down to the Heritage Park Historical Village and step right into the past. With a policy that all buildings within the village be from 1915 or earlier, it really is the opposite of modern Calgary. There are 26 acres of re-created town to explore, with a fort, grain mill, church, school and lots more.
You can ride on the steam train, catch a trolley and even go for a spin on the SS Moyie, the resident sternwheeler, as it churns around the Glenmore Reservoir. Heritage Park has always been a big hit with the kiddies and is a great place to soak up western culture. At the time of research major expansion was underway, so expect…
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Museum
Be sure to join Babe Ruth as one of the visitors who've signed the guest book at the Banff Park Museum - he did so in 1922. Near the Bow River Bridge at the southern end of town, this lodge-style wood building was built by the CPR in 1903. Check out the surprising inner atrium.
Before trails first led curious wildlife watchers into the bush, the museum housed a zoo and aviary, so Victorian visitors to Banff could catch a safe glimpse of the park's wildlife. The museum, a National Historic Site, contains a collection of animals, birds and plants found in the park, including two small stuffed grizzlies and a black bear, plus a tree carved with graffiti dating back to 1841. …
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Alberta Railway Museum
The Alberta Railway Museum, on the northeast edge of the city, has a collection of more than 50 railcars, including steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock, built and used between 1877 and 1950. A trainspotter's paradise, it also has a collection of railway equipment, old train stations and related buildings.
On weekends, volunteers fire up some of the old engines and you can ride along for around C$3 (the diesel locomotives run every Sunday in season; the 1913 steam locomotive gets going only on holiday weekends).
To get there, drive north on 97th St (Hwy 28) to Hwy 37, turn right and go east for 7km (4.5mi) to 34th St, then turn right and go south about 2km (1.2m…
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Fish Creek Provincial Park
Cradling the southwest edge of Calgary, the huge Fish Creek Provincial Park is a sanctuary of wilderness hidden within the city limits. Countless trails intertwine to form a labyrinth, to the delight of walkers, mountain bikers and the many animals who call the park home. There was severe flooding in the park a few years ago, washing away many bridges and, in many cases, severely impacting the landscape.
The park is slowly returning back to normal with the assistance of the city and Mother Nature. There are numerous access points to the park, which stretches 20km between 37th St in the west and Bow River in the east. From downtown, take bus 3 via Elbow Dr.
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Calgary Zoo
More than 900 animals from around the world, many in enclosures simulating their natural habitats, make the Calgary Zoo one of Calgary's most popular attractions. Besides the animals, the zoo has a Botanical Garden with changing garden displays, a tropical rainforest, a good butterfly enclosure and the 6½-hectare Prehistoric Park, featuring fossil displays and life-sized dinosaur replicas in natural settings.
Picnic areas dot the zoo and a café is on site. During winter, when neither you nor the animals will care to linger outdoors, the admission price is reduced. To get here, take the C-Train east to the Zoo stop.
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Whyte Museum Complex
The Whyte Museum complex features an art gallery and a vast collection of photographs telling the history of early explorers, artists and the CPR. Many of the exhibits rotate, but be sure to check out the Heritage Gallery with its story of the unlikely romance of Peter and Catherine Whyte, the museum's founders. On the property are four log cabins and two Banff heritage homes, one dating from 1907 and the other from 1931.
The museum conducts tours of the complex and walking tours of the town year-round.
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Royal Alberta Museum
Exhibits in Edmonton’s leading museum include sections on insects and diamonds, and a lauded display of Alberta’s First Nations’ culture. The highlight, however, is the ‘Wild Alberta’ gallery which splits the province into different geographical zones and displays plants and animals from each. The museum – in operation since 1967 – is situated high on a bluff to the west of downtown in a modern granite building that was visited and renamed by Queen Elizabeth II during Alberta’s centenary in 2005.
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Glenbow Museum
In the heart of Downtown, have a look for the stunning Glenbow Museum. The Glenbow is a world-renowned museum that traces the recent and not so recent history of Calgary and Alberta. Contemporary art exhibitions and stunning artifacts, dating back centuries, fill its halls and galleries. With an extensive permanent collection and an ever-changing array of traveling exhibitions, there is always something for the history buff, art lover and pop culture fanatic alike.
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Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
The Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum is in the fort-like wooden building. Popular with kids, it mainly explores the history of the First Nations of the Northern Plains and the Rockies, but also covers indigenous groups from all over Alberta. Through life-sized displays, models and re-creations, it depicts traditions such as buffalo hunts. The museum was started by Norman Luxton in 1952; he had lofty inclinations after years running a souvenir shop on the site.
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Calgary Tower
This 1968 Calgary Tower is an iconic feature of the Calgary skyline. There is little doubt that the aesthetics of this once-proud concrete structure have passed into the realm of kitsch, but, love it or hate it, the slightly phallic 191m structure is a fixture of the downtown area. The views from the top are fantastic and there is even a revolving restaurant so you won't miss a thing. Back in '88, the Olympic flame burned brightly on top of the tower.
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Alberta Legislature
Home to politicians, debate and some nice art is the Alberta Legislature. Where Fort Edmonton once stood, the Leg is a grand old building. With its iconic dome and marble interiors, it has grown to become a local landmark. There are free tours to take you behind the scenes and the grounds themselves are a splendid place to spend a warm day. To hook up with a tour, head to the interpretive center/gift shop in the pedway at 10820 98th Ave.
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Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
Inside the impressive Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, built by skilled Chinese artisans in 1993, you'll find a magnificent 21m-high dome ornately painted with 561 dragons and other imagery. Its design was inspired by Beijing's Temple of Heaven. The 2nd and 3rd floors frequently house changing art and cultural exhibitions. Downstairs, the museum holds Chinese art and artifacts, including a collection of replica terracotta soldiers.
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Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Get the flock over here and look out for some foul play at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. With more than 260 bird species calling the sanctuary home, you are assured of meeting some feathered friends. It's a peaceful place with walking paths and benches to observe the residents. There is a small interpretive center to give you some more information about the birds, complete with displays that are popular with the young ones.
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Canadian Ski Museum West
Scattered throughout the Cascade Plaza Mall, Canadian Ski Museum West exhibits chronicle Banff's ski history through bronze statues of skiers and panels describing the evolution of the sport and its growth in Banff. If you can survive the smells of potpourri from the boutiques, you can learn about everyone from the charming Swiss guide Bruno Engler to modern national ski greats such as Ken Read and Karen Percy.
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Banff Center
Banff Centre, off St Julien Rd east of downtown, contains one of Canada's best-known art schools, complete with facilities for dance, theater, music and the visual arts. Exhibits, concerts and various other events take place regularly. During the Banff Summer Arts Festival, which happens throughout the season, students and internationally recognized artists present pieces in workshops and performances.
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Canada Olympic Park
In 1988 the Winter Olympics came to Canada for the first time. Calgary played host and many of the events were contested at Canada Olympic Park. Located near the western edge of town along Hwy 1, you won't be able to miss the distinctive 70m and 90m ski jumps crowning the skyline. Check out the Olympic Hall of Fame and learn about some great Canadian athletes and the story of the Calgary games.
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Lake Minnewanka
The largest reservoir in Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka is 11km (7mi) east of the Banff town. Forests and mountains surround this scenic recreational area, and there are plenty of hiking, swimming, sailing, boating and fishing opportunities. The easy trail around the lake is a good option for a walk; the path is easy to follow and popular.
There is no public transport to the lake.
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Banff Upper Hot Springs
You'll find a soothing hot pool and steam room at the Upper Hot Springs spa, 4km (2.5mi) south of town. The water emerges from the spring at 47°C (117°F); in winter it has to be cooled before entering the pool, but in spring the snowmelt does that job. In addition to the pool, you can indulge in a massage or an aromatherapy wrap. Bathing suits, towels and lockers can be rented.
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Telus World of Science
You'll wish science class was as fun as the Telus World of Science. Kids get a big bang out of this user-friendly and very interactive science center. There is a giant dome, where light shows depicting the cosmos are projected, and a whole raft of other things to discover. Plans are in the works to move on from its current Bow River location, so it's best to phone ahead.
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Muttart Conservatory
Looking like some sort of pyramid-shaped, glass bomb shelter, the Muttart Conservatory sits south of the river off James MacDonald Bridge. Each of the four pyramids holds a different climate region and corresponding foliage. It's an interesting place to wander about, especially for gardeners, plant fans and those in the mood for something low-key.
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Canada Place
You'll want to wave a maple leaf - or rent the South Park movie with the 'Blame Canada' song - after you visit this unusual, almost jingoistic location. Various exhibits and interactive displays celebrate all things Canuck. You can sit in a birch-bark canoe but try as we might, we couldn't find a Tim Hortons doughnut anywhere.
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