- Alberta SouthWest
Transcription
- Alberta SouthWest
OFFICIAL ALBERTA SOUTHWEST TRAVEL GUIDE A L B E R TA 2009/2010 W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Experience Southern Alberta’s Amazing History Year-Round Alberta SouthWest Southern Alberta is alive with authentic aboriginal and cowboy heritage and dramatic historic events. Learn about our rich past at our world class historic sites and museums. W Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Remington Carriage Museum Frank Slide Interpretive Centre UNESCO World Heritage Site North America’s Largest Carriage Museum Canada’s Deadliest Rockslide Nearly 6,000 years old, Head-Smashed-In is the largest and best preserved buffalo jump in North America. The Site interprets the buffalo hunting culture of the Plains People. Experience the Travel Alberta Alto Award winning tipi camping program. Phone: 403-553-2731 head-smashed-in.com At the head of the Cowboy Trail, this award-winning museum diplays an impressive collection of over 250 carriages, wagons and sleighs, many of them placed in original settings. Learn how carriages are conserved and restored. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage or hear intriguing stories of the carriage era in one of the guided tours. Phone: 403-653-5139 Feel the impact of the Frank Slide story. Brand new exhibit galleries feature first-hand accounts, audio-visual presentations, interactive computers, hands-on science-based displays, detailed models, and two award-winning high-definition shows. Phone: 403-562-7388 RemingtonCarriageMuseum.com ExperienceAlbertaHistory.com frankslide.com elcome to Alberta SouthWest. Throughout the year, this unique region offers visitors a chance to experience majestic mountain scenery, quiet getaways, astounding winter and summer recreational activities, terrific museums and historic sites, entertainment and, of course, legendary cowboy hospitality. 4 Rediscover Your Passion in Alberta SouthWest 6 Crowsnest Pass 10 Ten Terrific Things to Do with Your Kids 11 Cowley 12 Winter Fun in Alberta SouthWest 14 Pincher Creek 20 Camping – The Ultimate Getaway 21 Glenwood and Hill Spring 22 Summer Fun in Alberta SouthWest 24 Map 25 Events Calendar 2009 26 Waterton Lakes National Park 33 Explore the Crown of the Continent Cover Image: "Into the Mist" by Kim Taylor, Slidin U Photography Bragg Creek, AB 403 949 2389 [email protected] www.kimtaylor.com Published by: Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance 403 627 1165 www.albertasouthwest.com Design and Production: Ten by Twelve Design 403 242 8960 [email protected] Printing: Calgary Colourpress 403 730 8990 www.centralweb.ca 34 Cardston 37 Ride for Justice 38 Fort Macleod 42 Stavely 43 MD of Ranchland and Granum 44 Claresholm 47 Alberta SouthWest Has It All Printed in Canada for free distribution 3 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Hiking, Camping, Scenery, Adventure, Skiing, Riding, Golfing, History, Cowboy Hospitality, Biking, Music, Fishing … What’s Your Passion? Rediscover Your Passion in Alberta SouthWest Unhurried, uncrowded, unmatched...unbelievable! That’s Alberta SouthWest... A Magical Place The lure of Alberta SouthWest is the magical landscape coupled with the harmony a visit here can give your soul. There’s nothing quite like the peace you’ll feel watching the sunset paint the clouds and Rocky Mountain peaks in shades of gold, peach, red and vermilion. Or the exhilaration of standing in the wind looking down Waterton Lake to the mountains of Montana. Or the excitement of your first rafting or horseback riding experience. Family Fun Photo notes: Above: Highway 22, The Cowboy Trail Centre: Cowboy at work Right: Snowmobiling in the Crowsnest Pass 4 You can’t beat the great skiing at Castle Mountain, and the family fun at the Great Canadian Barn Dance. Here, you can re-connect with values you may have lost in the hurlyburly of work or the everyday rush of modern life. Kick back, try the solitude of fishing or the joy of watching your child discover wildlife and wildflowers amidst the waterfalls of Waterton Lakes National Park. Watch the stars twinkle with extraordinary brightness as you spend a night camping. Or choose a ranch vacation and experience an authentic cowboy adventure. Gripping History You won’t find a lot of people on your travels, but the human history of this area is long and fascinating. The life of Plains Indians, the achievements of the North West Mounted Police and the plights of early settlers are some of the stories told at fine museums throughout the region. Stunning landscapes, unlimited allseason outdoor activities, fascinating history...yours to discover in Alberta SouthWest while you rediscover yourself. We look forward to welcoming you. Check us out at www.albertasouthwest.com AREA ATTRACTIONS SUMMER ADVENTURE Frank Slide Interpretive Centre Crowsnest Museum Bellevue Mine Tour Leitch Colleries Hiking • Golfing Horseback Riding Sightseeing Mountain Biking Rock Climbing Canoeing, Quading and more WINTER ADVENTURE Snowmobiling Downhill Skiing Snowboarding X Country Skiing and more JOIN US for Thunder in the Valley 3rd Weekend in July Contact us today at 403-562-8857 www.crowsnestpass.com [email protected] 5 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Crowsnest Pass Discover the Crowsnest Pass Fly Fishing Hillcrest Mine Disaster Home to blue-ribbon trout streams, the region boasts several winding rivers, including the Crowsnest, Oldman and Castle, which offer ideal walk-and-wade fly fishing opportunities. Located beneath Turtle Mountain, in the Hillcrest cemetery, the Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial consists of a national monument, an interpretive pathway and sitting area that commemorate and tell the story of Canada’s deadliest mine disaster. Rum Runner Days Exploring the Pass T he human history of the Pass is gripping—a mix of unimaginable tragedy, spectacular booms and busts, and colourful criminals. The Crowsnest Pass is a municipality like none other. Incorporating five distinct former towns—Bellevue, Hillcrest, Frank, Blairmore and Coleman—this community of 6,300 people stretches along 32 kilometres of one of Canada’s loveliest mountain valleys. That’s a lot of scenery to soak in and landscapes to explore. Legendary History Comes Alive The human history is equally gripping —a mix of unimaginable tragedy, spectacular booms and busts, and colourful criminals. This rich history is arguably the best preserved and presented in Alberta. Practically every town has a museum or two, and some compelling stories to tell. The easy access to all these communities and attractions is from Highway 3, which follows the winding Crowsnest River west through the valley and into British Columbia. Indeed, the Pass provides the southernmost road and rail route between Alberta and BC. The eastern entrance to the Crowsnest Pass is marked by the famous, windgnarled Burmis Tree, now dead but still majestically standing. Nearby are the impressive stone remains of the Leitch Collieries, a provincial historic site, which can be toured on foot. Across the highway, the community of Hillcrest contains a cemetery that graphically tells the story of the 1914 coal mine explosion that claimed 189 lives—Canada’s deadliest mine disaster. Although all the mines in the Pass are now closed, visitors can don a miner’s helmet and lamp, and take a short guided tour into nearby Bellevue Underground Mine. The Town a Mountain Crushed A little further west is the Crowsnest Pass’ greatest natural attraction: the Frank Slide. In 1903, over 80 million tonnes of limestone slid off the face of Turtle Mountain and through the town of Frank, killing some 70 people and leaving a jumble of giant boulders strewn across the valley. This disaster, one of Western Canada’s most dramatic historical moments, is vividly brought to life at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. The newly renovated Interpretive Centre features state-of-the-art interactive displays and audio-visual experiences, a children’s activity area and enhanced guest services. Please visit www.frankslide. com for more information. Named after the thriving bootleg booze business in the Crowsnest Pass during the 1920s, Rum Runner Days (third weekend in July) is three days packed full of activities and capped off by Thunder in the Valley, a spectacular fireworks display. The Crowsnest Pass is on the doorstep of an immense playground of foothills, mountains, and secluded valleys and lakes. Nearly all of it can be explored on good trails by hikers, bikers and backpackers seeking everything from a streamside stroll to a summit view. Snowmobiling Frank Slide Crowsnest Pass offers award-winning snowmobiling, voted the best in Western Canada for the past ten years. Avid snowmobilers can explore over 1,200 km of trails. Visitors can feel the impact of Canada’s deadliest rockslide through interactive exhibits and award-winning highdefinition presentations. Interpretive trails around the Centre and through the slide provide spectacular mountain views. In the middle of the Crowsnest Pass is its business centre, Blairmore, which has fine eateries and sweeping views of the valley. The westernmost community is Coleman, where many old downtown buildings have been carefully restored. 403 562 8857 www.crowsnestpass.com Claresholm Crowsnest Pass Frank 22 Castle Mountain Resort 507 774 810 Pincher Creek 507 6 Blood First Nation 2 507 505 505 Waterton Lakes National Park 5 800 5 British Columbia GLACIER NATIONAL PARK 6 Fort Macleod 785 Piikani First Nation Slide Photo notes: Above: Crowsnest Mountain Right: Mountain biking terrain Midway, Rum Runner Days Turtle Mountain and Frank Slide Interpretive Centre 300-year old Burmis tree 23 2 Cardston Alberta Montana 77 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M We have stories to tell you about SPECIAL EVENTS 2009: Canada’s deadliest rockslide! april 25 – 26: Frank Slide 106th Anniversary june 20: Hillcrest Mine Disaster 95th Anniversary july 31 – august 3: Crowsnest Pass Doors Open & Heritage Festival Crowsnest Pass Golf and Country Club Bellevue Mine ~ 403 564 4700 or 403 563 3217 Located centrally on Highway 3, Crowsnest Pass Golf Course is ranked as one of the most scenic and exciting courses in the province. The 18-hole course challenges golfers’ abilities while they navigate terrain, watch wildlife and enjoy stunning views. Well-known for its warm, friendly service, the course appeals to both the low handicap player and beginner alike. Lessons and clinics available. Only two hours from Calgary and one hour from Lethbridge. Visit our website for a virtual shot-by-shot tour and additional information. The Bellevue Mine is Western Canada’s only underground coal mine tour, and a highlight of any trip to the Crowsnest Pass. Visitors don authentic miners’ gear and, with a guide, walk 300 metres through hundred-year-old tunnels listening to historic and heroic tales. Enjoy interpretive programs, indoor and outdoor artifact exhibits, and guest speakers. Daily tours from May 12 to Labour Day. Weekend tours in September and October. Thrilling Halloween Howler, October 29 & 30. Phone: 403 562 2776 Email: [email protected] www.crowsnestpassgolf.com Take Bellevue Centre access, off Highway 3, and follow signage to the mine. Email: [email protected] New display galleries featuring first-hand accounts, interactive computers, science-based hands on displays and award-winning audio-visual presentations. Open daily, year round 1.5 kms off Highway 3, Crowsnest Pass 403-562-7388 www.frankslide.com www.bellevuemine.ca Crowsnest Pass Lost��Lemon R.V.�Park�&�Campground��and��Cabins Open�year�round�! Cabin Perfume and Chemical Free Situated�at�the�west�end�of Blairmore along�the�Crowsnest�River, Lost�Lemon�Campground��is�a�nice,�clean,�52-site�family�campground that�includes�a�pool,�hot�tub,�playground�and�full�service�sites. Also�on�site�are�two�cozy,�winterized�cabins,�each�with�a�queen-sized bed,�fully-equipped�kitchen,�bathroom�and�shower.�An�angler`s paradise,�excellent�trout�fishing�can�be�had�in�nearby�rivers�and�lakes. Also�nearby�is�a�18-hole�golf�course�with�spectacular�scenery. Beautiful�hiking,�biking�and�walking�trails�are�moments�from�your doorstep.�And�guests�are�within�minutes�to�a�snowmobiling�heaven, local�ski�trails�and�two�great�ski�resorts. Phone:��403�562�2932 Email:�[email protected]���������www.lostlemon.com 8 Pass Powderkeg ~ 403 562 8334 Country Encounters Accommodations This family ski hill boasts consistent snow conditions, challenging terrain and outstanding service. Centrally located in the heart of the Crowsnest Pass (off Highway 3, Blairmore), Pass Powderkeg offers a ski lodge, a terrain park and 15 runs rated beginner to expert. The ski hill has three lifts servicing 1,200 vertical feet of skiing. Amenities include night skiing, equipment rentals, ski school, snow-making and ski patrol. Join us for racing and special events, plus discount Thursdays. Welcome to our restored 1908 heritage B&B. We offer guests three large full-service rooms, hearty breakfasts and dinners. For an affordable family or group getaway, experience our Guest House. This fully-furnished, twobedroom cottage provides the comforts of home plus an outdoor patio, BBQ, firepit, cable, VCR and DVD. Close to recreational sites and attractions. Additional services: fullservice catering company, Canadian Folkart Factory and used book shop. Open year round. Ask about all inclusive packages. Email: [email protected] www.passpowderkeg.ca 8126-20 Ave Coleman 800-290-0860/403-563-5030 [email protected] www.asafehavenbb.ca 403 563 5299 Email: [email protected] www.countryencounters.com 99 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Ten Terrific Things to Do with Your Kids Cowley 1 Discover Cowley 2 4 3 1 Cheer on the miniature horse chuckwagon races at Remington Carriage Museum, August 22- 23. It’s barrels of fun for the whole family. Sleep under the stars in an authentic Native tipi, and watch Native drumming and dancing at World Heritage Site, Head- Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. 2 3 Visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and learn about the 1903 rock slide that changed the face of Turtle Mountain forever. 4 Kick up your heels at the Great Canadian Barn Dance where weekly dinner and dance or show evenings entertain the whole family. Enjoy terrific food and fun activities for all ages. 8 5 Saddle up and ride at one of the many ranch vacation resorts throughout the region. Children and adults alike can delight in the wide open range as they ride, rope and learn ranching first hand. 6 Learn to fly fish in one of the many blue-ribbon trout streams and winding rivers throughout the region. 7 Enjoy Alberta SouthWest’s 33 provincial parks as well as the stunning Waterton Lakes National Park with recreational areas and well-marked and maintained trails for long walks, kite flying, biking and hiking. 9 Get ready to rock at Crowsnest Pass’ annual fireworks extravaganza, Thunder in the Valley, on July 18. This event marks the end of Rum Runner Days. Cowley is a small, friendly village, scenically located between the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the southern Alberta prairies. Not far from Pincher Creek, it’s ideally situated Crown of the Continent ALBERTA BRITISH COLUMBIA MONTANA including Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Cruise Waterton National Park’s pristine lakes on the MV International or private rentals. Pack a picnic and enjoy the panoramic views. 10 Celebrate Christmas with old time flair at Fort Macleod’s Santa Claus Parade on November 28. Begin the holiday season with special events throughout the town and at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. geo.tour.ism (n): Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. for skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, rock and mountain climbing, fishing, hunting, windsurfing, camping and sight seeing. Curious visitors are only minutes away from renowned attractions, National Geographic Society Spotlights Alberta SouthWest The spectacular Rocky Mountains that stretch along the southwestern Alberta/ British Columbia border into Montana were dubbed the “Crown of the Continent” more than a century ago by naturalist and conservationist George Bird Grinnell. In 2008, the mountain range was formally recognized as the Crown of the Continent by the National Geographic Society (NGS). In a unique partnership with participants from the region, the NGS produced a Mapguide that includes the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and sites throughout Alberta SouthWest. Visit www.crownofthecontinent.net for more information and to view this interactive Geotourism Mapguide. such as Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Oldman River Dam, Three Rivers Rock and Fossil Museum, and Pincher Creek’s Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village. Just to the south of Cowley are the elegant turbines of the famous Cowley Ridge Windpower site, the first installation in a now thriving southern Alberta wind energy industry. It’s a short drive to tour past this and several other area wind farms. 403 628 3808 • [email protected] Photo notes: Above, view west to the southern Rockies Left, mountain Goats adorn the cover of NGS Mapguide Claresholm 22 Crowsnest Pass Castle Mountain Resort Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Fort Macleod 785 Cowley Piikani First Nation 810 Blood First Nation 507 774 507 6 507 505 505 2 Waterton Lakes National Park 800 5 British Columbia GLACIER NATIONAL PARK 10 23 2 5 Cardston Alberta Montana 11 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T Winter Fun in Alberta SouthWest W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M I f your passion is winter sports, then Alberta SouthWest is the place for you. The region takes on a special splendour in crisp winter temperatures under a blanket of sparkling snow. Come and discover the region’s winter delights. Winter Perfection Downhill and cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, ice climbers and fishers will find perfect places in the Crowsnest Pass and Waterton Lakes area to enjoy their favourite winter sports. Powder Hounds’ Paradise Skiers and snowboarders will revel in the cold smoke powder, long runs and uncrowded slopes of Castle Mountain. They’ll find challenging expert terrain as well as novice and intermediate runs. Don’t miss the freestyle terrain of Mount Haig. This powder hounds’ paradise is one of western Canada’s best-kept ski secrets. Visit www.skicastle.ca for more information. Something for Everyone For family fun, Pass Powderkeg in Blairmore boasts warm, friendly service for reasonable prices. Check www.passpowderkeg.ca for details. Further west in the Crowsnest Pass, the Allison-Chinook Recreation Area provides groomed and track-set trails for cross-country skiers. The area even offers a biathalon range. Visit www.crowsnestguide.com and click on Allison Wonderlands for more information. Novice cross-country skiers and families can also enjoy the two circuits 12 along the upper Akamina Parkway in Waterton Lakes National Park. Folks who prefer snowshoeing choose Bertha Falls and Crandell Lake —both popular winter recreation destinations in the park. Unrivalled Wonderland For award-winning snowmobiling, enthusiasts know that the Crowsnest Pass has unrivalled trails—more than 1,200 kilometres of them. For almost a decade, the Pass had won Platinum Medals for the best snowmobiling in western Canada. A good place to start is the Carbondale Area near Beaver Mines. It offers 45 kilometres of marked trails. For a Crowsnest Pass snowmobiling trail map, call the Ranger Station at 403 562 3210 or visit them at 11901-19th Ave. in Blairmore. They also have a summer trail map for off-road vehicles. Winter is also a time for ice fishing on the many lakes of the region, and for nymphing the open waters of the Crowsnest River below Hill Spring. North of Crowsnest Pass off Highway #22, Chain Lakes Provincial Park is open year round for winter adventurers. It offers heated camp shelters with gas stoves and a groupuse camp. For those who enjoy the silent splendour of ice climbing, they can find the frozen waterfalls they seek in Waterton Lakes National Park, the Front Range Canyons and the Crowsnest Pass. Photo notes: Left Main photo: Downhill skiing, Castle Mountain Resort, Pincher Creek • Left: Snowshoeing, Rowe Lake Trail, Waterton Lakes National Park Right Main photo: Frozen waterfalls, Waterton Lakes National Park • Right: Snowmobiling, Crowsnest Pass 13 13 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Pincher Creek Discover Pincher Creek Lebel Mansion Fair & Pro Rodeo Lebel Mansion is home to the local arts council and its gallery. View exhibits of artistic works from near and far, and shop for artwork and handicrafts. The Pincher Creek Fair and Pro Rodeo is three action-packed days of family entertainment, featuring a parade, a pro rodeo, a gymkhana, mutton busting and cowboy polo. This year’s event, August 14–16, also celebrates the 57th anniversary of the Pincher Creek Agricultural Society. Heritage Acres Located near Oldman Dam, and open for self-guided tours, Heritage Acres houses an impressive collection of early farm equipment. For family fun, the site hosts an annual Chuckwagon Cook Out and August long weekend show. N amed for a pair of horse-shoeing pincers left in a creek by Montana prospectors in 1868, the thriving town of Pincher Creek and its surrounding area have a front-row seat to splendour. Sprawling prairies fold into rolling foothills that yield to the southern Rocky Mountains. The resulting vistas combine expansive western skies and mountain backdrops. Visitors to Pincher Creek have the pleasure of sampling diverse prairie landscapes coupled with exploring a charming ranching community steeped in beauty and history. Pioneer Heritage Lives On The area’s rich history is well documented at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village. The varied buildings of this local museum house a collection of more than 18,000 artifacts dating to the early 1880s. Nearby Lebel Mansion—once a private home and later a hospital—is now a provincial historic site and home to the local arts council. The hillside mansion and gallery offer a bird’s eye view of Pincher Creek. From the outskirts of town, vistas include long rows of elegant white turbines turning in the area’s considerable winds.The increasing 14 development of wind farms in the area has made Pincher Creek the wind energy capital of Canada. 30 Minutes to Adventure Pincher Creek is the hub of Alberta SouthWest. New and expanded hotel accommodations and increased shopping opportunities welcome visitors to the region thoughout the year. The town is also a service centre for visitors heading south to Waterton Lakes National Park to explore the Crown of the Continent. To the east is the historic community of Fort Macleod. Not far west of town are the popular ski and snowboarding area of Castle Mountain and the awardwinning snowmobile trails of the Crowsnest Pass. Make Pincher Creek your base; enjoy the accommodations and wide range of shopping the town offers. Explore the area from this central location. Sweeping Mountain Views In any season, the Pincher Creek area is a photographer’s and artist’s paradise. It offers dramatic mountains; big skies often with sweeping, brilliantly coloured painters’ sunsets; fields of grain that sway in the wind like ocean waves and turn to myriad shades of rust, beige and gold as harvest approaches; and hills folding into one another providing shelter for horses and wildlife. Keep your camera and sketching pad close at hand as you travel Pincher Creek and area’s varied landscape. Town of Pincher Creek 403 627 3156 www.pinchercreek.ca Cowboy Poetry Cowboys have been singing and reciting homespun poetry as long as they’ve been herding cattle. This June 11–14, take in some “free-range” rhyming at the 22nd annual Pincher Creek Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Pioneer Village Powerboating With strong, steady breezes, stunning scenery and very little traffic, the Oldman Dam Reservoir is a haven for powerboating and windsurfing. History comes alive at the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, which boasts a log house, an 1880s missionary church, a Doukhobor barn and bathhouse, and a ranch house filled with artifacts. Heritage gardens enhance the site. Wind Turbines From the first installation of a wind turbine in 1993, their number has grown in the area surrounding Pincher Creek to well over 220 turbines gathering the power of the wind. Download a tour of the windfarms at www.visionquestwind.com “Journey to the Wind.” Claresholm MD of Pincher Creek #9 403 627 3130 www.mdpinchercreek.ab.ca 22 Oldman River Dam Crowsnest Pass Photo notes: Above: Welcome sign graces Highway 6 Right: Cowboy Poetry Annual Gathering • Lebel Mansion, home of the local arts council • Oldman Dam Reservoir offers great powerboating • The famous wind turbines of Alberta SouthWest 23 2 Castle Mountain Resort 507 Beauvais Lake 810 PincherCreek 507 774 Fort Macleod 785 Piikani First Nation 6 Waterton Lakes National Park 507 505 505 2 800 5 British Columbia GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Blood First Nation 5 Cardston Alberta Montana 15 15 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M CENTURY 21 ALLIANCE REAL ESTATE ~ 403 627 2738 Heritage Acres ~ 403 627 2082 or 403 627 5199 As full-time, professional realtors, we go to great lengths to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality of service. We have helped many clients relocate to this beautiful corner of Alberta. Our market knowledge and expertise can be a huge asset to you, whether you are relocating, setting up a home-based business or looking for that ideal recreational property. Together we bring almost 20 years of experience to help you, whether you are buying or selling. We look forward to working with you. Event Dates: June 27, 2009 10th Annual Chuckwagon Cookout July 31 – August 2, 2009 22nd Annual Heritage Days December 4, 2009 Christmas Church Service Keep our history alive by understanding its past. East of the Oldman River Dam is a collection of restored antique farm machinery, historical buildings, a Doukhobor barn, a working grain elevator, Presbyterian Church, miniature train display and the Crystal Village, made of telephone insulators. Machinery goes from horse, to steam, to diesel power. Barn hall and grounds available for rental. www.pincher-creek.com Susan and Bud West www.century21.ca [email protected] Pincher Creek Fair & Pro Rodeo ~ 1 888 298 5855 Bloomin’ Inn Ranch Country Inn ~ 403 627 5829 Event Date: August 14 – 16, 2009 Get close to the action on the best stop of the pro rodeo circuit. Meet the rodeo contestants, and enjoy a weekend of crafts, cabarets, exhibits, gymkhana, festivities and entertainment for all ages. Pro Rodeo: Friday 6pm, Saturday 2pm, Sunday 1pm Cabaret: Friday and Saturday night Bench Exhibits: Friday night and Saturday Midway: Friday through Sunday Pancake Breakfast: Saturday 7:30-9:30am Parade: Saturday 11am, Main Street www.pincher-creek.com/agsociety Renowned for its scrumptious home-cooked meals and scrapbooking workshops, Bloomin’ Inn offers a chance to experience good ol’ western hospitality! Featuring 10 rooms and two cabins for up 44 guests. Plan an event: the 1,000 square-foot workshop hosts meetings and parties of up to 50 people. On-site retail includes home-grown meats and fine Alberta food products. Country Store sells antiques and collectibles. Hosts Francis & Colleen Cyr welcome you to their award-winning guest ranch. Box 1346, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0 www.bloomin-inn.com Fax: 403 627 4401 The Gathering – Cowboy Poetry ~ 403 627 2207 THREE RIVERS Rock & Fossil Museum ~ 403 627 2206 Event Date: June 11 – 14, 2009 “22 Years and Still Gathering” at the Annual Cowboy Poetry and music event. T he Gathering kicks up its heels Thursday night with cowboy entertainment in local restaurants, and lasts throughout the festive weekend with special events, wagon rides, great food and plenty of dancing. Main events begin Friday at 10am. Great Alberta Beef BBQ: Friday & Saturday 5pm Feature Performances: Friday & Saturday 7pm (Old Time Dance to follow) Pancake Breakfast and Cowboy Church Service: Sunday Gemstones, Dinosaur Bones, Carvings & Minerals Over 3,500 specimens on display, including: meteorites, fossils, dinosaur eggs, different minerals, gems, crystals, granite, sandstone and its derivatives. Ticket information: 1 888 298 5855 • www.pincher-creek.com/agsociety Admission charged. Open May 24 to Sept 1, Tuesday to Sunday. Hours 10 am to 5 pm. Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area ~ 403 382 4097 This barrier-free multi-purpose complex boasts a six-lane swimming pool, a wading pond complete with splash fountain and a 20-person spa equipped with 16 massage jets. 895 Main Street, Pincher Creek Information Line: 403 627 2565 • Fax Line: 403 627 4311 Email: [email protected] • www.pinchercreek.ca Camp at Windy Point and enjoy some of the highest winds and most challenging waves in southern Alberta! If shade is more your style, Cottonwood Campground is a quiet and scenic spot along the Oldman River, great for wildlife watching and fishing. (Power sites available.) An excellent out-of-the-way camping, fishing, boating and windsurfing opportunity within minutes of Pincher Creek. Group use camping available, register early. For more information, search for Oldman River Dam PRA online at: www.albertaparks.ca Sierra West Cabins & Ranch Vacations ~ 403 628 2431 Beauvais Lake Provincial Park ~ 403 627 2021 or 403 382 4097 “Where the Pavement Ends and the West Begins!” A working cattle ranch, self-catering log cabins, horse accommodations, Texas longhorns, overnight pack trips, trail rides, cattle drives, and authentic western charm. Canadian All Girls Rodeo • June 20 and 21, 2009 Frontier Cattle Drive • July 18 and 19, 2009 Cowboy Up • September 5, 6 and 7, 2009 Located on Hwy #22 • The Cowboy Trail (16 km N. of Hwy #3) Located 15 km from Pincher Creek, north of the Oldman River Dam. Take Hwy 785 and Hwy 510. Follow signs. Pincher Creek Indoor Swimming Pool ~ 403 627 4062 Open year-round, enjoy lots of public and family swim times, large blow-up toys and friendly staff. Beauvais Lake Provincial Park is a place to feast your soul on a landscape of wild- flower meadows and brilliant forests. Soak in the surroundings by the lakeshore; imagine the brown trout waiting to snatch the lure; listen as the loon sounds its call across the lake at sunset. Open year round only minutes from Pincher Creek. Group Camp Reservations: 403 382 4097 www.albertaparks.ca Email: [email protected] • www.sierrawest-777.com 16 17 17 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M brand name clearout prices outdoor gear, footwear & apparel at Downtown Pincher Creek 403-627-2227 | www.outdooroutlet.ca Twin Butte General Store Licensed restaurant serving authentic Mexican food and Western food too! • Live entertainment select weekends • Cold beer & liquor sales • Gift shop • Post office • Rustic camping Twin Butte – located halfway between Waterton & Pincher Creek on Hwy 6 403 627 4035 www.twinbuttestore.ca Stay with us and experience the natural beauty of the Crowsnest Pass and Waterton Lakes National Park! 40 Guestrooms & Suites in our existing wing and 38 Deluxe Club Rooms & Suites in our new wing Fitness Facility - Indoor Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Seasons Café & Cactus Parrot Lounge Meeting and Banquet Facilities for up to 200 People outdoor outlet the COME EXPLORE OUR FRONTIER HISTORY before you buy…give us a try! Swiss Alpine Restaurant 988 Main Street, Pincher Creek 403 627 5079 Walk our boardwalk and take a trip back in time. Featuring thousands of artifacts and 16 heritage buildings, including the Waldron Ranche House, Kootenai Brown’s home and Father Lacombe’s Hermitage. Veterans’ Memorial Campground • Warm chalet-style atmosphere • Authentic Swiss and French cuisine • Great steaks • Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-10pm • Closed Sunday-Monday • All major credit cards accepted Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village Close to all amenities & downtown • Creekside location • 75 sites • Full hookups • Sani Dump • Potable water • Washrooms & showers • Fire pits & firewood Events for 2009 include Canada Day festivites, Harvest Fest, and a showcasing of artwork by Annora Brown and Gordon Crighton. 940 Canon Street 403 627 4322 Email: [email protected] Our Visitor Information Centre is an ideal place to start your Alberta SouthWest adventures. d e t i m i l n u Our giftshop offers unique handmade gifts. TERRAIN www.kootenaibrownpioneervillage.org pinchercreek.blogspot.com Pincher Creek 1037 Bev McLachlin Drive, Pincher Creek, AB 403 627 3684 • Ask about our travel packages • Waterslide, pool and huge hot tub • FREE breakfast and wireless internet • Kitchenettes, king jacuzzi suites, guest laundry and fitness centre Phone: 403-627-3777 or 1-866-473-3777 www.ramada.ca .skica FAMILY F skicastle.ca I 1.888.SKITONS Check out castlevacations.ca for the Best in the West ski’n sleep packages stle.c RIENDLY This hill is for and Albert people who enjoy an hospita the best fall line ter lity. rain, powder to share a 08/09 Photo: Skip Orlady www 19 19 18 CMR_SW Tourism_half_guide09.indd 1 2/2/09 9:40:48 AM A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Camping - The Ultimate Getaway D ust off your camping equipment, pack your golf clubs or fishing rods and take one of the trails that lead to Alberta SouthWest. Looking for a family vacation that is affordable and close to home? Look no further than Alberta SouthWest for a camping holiday that delivers the very best in outdoor adventures, family fun and spectacular scenery. All Trails Lead Here Travel south on Macleod Trail past Nanton and you are in cowboy country. Take the Crowsnest Trail east from BC and find yourself in Rocky Mountain splendour. Explore the Cowboy Trail south from Turner Valley and enjoy the changing ranchland landscape as you approach the heart of Alberta SouthWest. Or come west from Saskatchewan on the Red Coat Trail and explore the history of the mounties and the region’s Native people. Campers’ Delight Visitors have a wide range of camping options. In addition to the national and provincial park campgrounds in the region—often booked to capacity in the summer season—almost every community offers travellers a place to camp, whether you have a tent or an RV. You can choose from a riverside or municipal site where the camping is often free but the amenities are limited. Or, for a reasonable daily fee, you can pitch your tent or pull your rig into one of our many campgrounds that offer full amenities. The choice is yours. With 53 fully-serviced sites, Cardston offers the popular Lee Creek Valley Campground. Crowsnest Pass boasts Lost Lemon Campground and Cabins with 52 sites and a host of amenities. Close to the entrance to Waterton Lakes National Park, there is Crooked Creek Campground, operated by the Waterton Natural History Association. Daisy May Campground in Fort Macleod offers full hookups and easy Highway #2 and #3 access, as well as a convenient location across the road from Fort Macleod’s nine-hole public golf course —the oldest in western Canada. Plan Ahead It’s best to reserve your camping spot in the summer months, and check with the campground to ensure you have ample room to park and turn your camper. Backcountry hikers and campers should check with park authorities for up-to-date information on sites, conditions and wildlife. For more information, check out Camping under Where to Stay at www.albertasouthwest.com. Photo notes: . Main photo: Camping, Waterton Lakes National Park Left: Lundbreck Falls Recreation Area, Crowsnest Pass Glenwood Hill Spring Discover Glenwood Located just off Highway 810, between Fort Macleod and Waterton, the Village of Glenwood offers visitors a restful and scenic detour at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Stop in at the village’s cheese museum for a brief history about the glory days of cheese making in Glenwood. Then try some locally made smokies, cheese curds, beverages and the biggest ice cream cones for your money anywhere in Alberta SouthWest. Come the third weekend in July for Pioneer Days and the fourth weekend in August for Glenwood Days. Both offer terrific family fun. 403 626 3233 www.glenwood.ca Email: [email protected] Photo notes: Top: Glenwood • Right: Great Canadian Barn Dance • Below: Hill Spring Discover Hill Spring The village of Hill Spring is located in the middle of everywhere in our SouthWest corner! From prairie to mountain peak perfection, you will be mesmerized by the beauty and simplicity of the landscape. Hill Spring is best known for the famous Great Canadian Barn Dance, which features live western entertainment and dancing, as well as canoeing, camping, hayrides and more. The village also offers visitors fine camping at the undiscovered Spring Glen Park and good swimming, boating and a sandy beach at the nearby Waterton Dam. Hill Spring’s motto could well be “good things come in small packages.” It contains one store, one post office, one church and a school for students up to Grade Nine. Still, it’s connected to the world through high-speed Internet access. For more information 403 626 3876 Claresholm 23 2 22 Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Crowsnest Pass 785 Fort Macleod Piikani First Nation 507 774 507 Waterton Lakes National Park GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Blood First Nation Pincher Creek 507 505 Glenwood Hill Spring British Columbia 20 810 6 800 505 2 5 5 Cardston Alberta Montana 21 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Summer Fun in Alberta SouthWest an Alberta beef BBQ and the toetapping music of the Kunkel family band at the Great Canadian Barn Dance near Hill Spring. The Barn also has campsites and a small lake for canoeing. Explore Outstanding Hiking and ATV Trails I f summer is your favourite season for family fun, come to Alberta SouthWest where the choices are endless: river rafting, horseback riding, fishing, biking, wind surfing, camping, golfing and more. 22 Hiking choices in the Crowsnest Pass are varied: perhaps a stroll along the shores of Chinook Lake, a walk up to Star Creek Falls or along the Old Miner’s Path beside Nez Perce Creek. For those seeking more of a challenge, there are the area’s two signature peaks: Crowsnest and Turtle mountains. Further south to Waterton, the Crown of the Continent offers everything from easy walks beside the Waterton Lakes to challenging multi-day hikes. For a complete listing of Waterton hikes, go to www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/ waterton/activ/activ5_E.asp. The Crowsnest Pass is also riddled with old logging and coal mining roads, many of which have been cleared and their bridges repaired. The result is a network of more than 1,200 Creative Layouts Lure Golfers kilometres of marked trails—a haven for mountain bikers, horseback riders and all-terrain vehicle riders. For a Crowsnest Pass off-road trail map, call the Ranger Station at 403 562 3210 or visit them at 11901-19th Ave. in Blairmore. They also have a winter trail map for snowmobiling. A Weekend of Family Fun The area’s provincial parks and recreation areas provide fishing, boating, windsurfing and picnicking opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy a combination of horseback riding with Mountain Meadows Trail Rides in Mountain View and an exciting rafting excursion with Kimball River Sports located near Waterton. A perfect end to the day would be Golfers can be easily distracted by the spectacular scenery and wildlife that surround them. Take the Waterton Lakes Golf Course, where the Par 3 13th hole is a windswept shot across a deep valley to a tiny green carved into the mountainside. The Crowsnest Golf and Country Club, ranked eighth best in Alberta, provides a championship layout and superb mountain scenery. The challenges of the Les Furberdesigned Lee Creek Golf Club in Cardston include strategically placed water hazards and shaped greens guarded by white sand bunkers. The Bridges golf course in Claresholm offers two distinct nines. The front nine is traditional, with manicured fairways, whereas the Furber-designed back nine offers links-style golf featuring rolling hills and tall grass mounds. Photo notes: Left to right: Fishing Oldman River • Horsebacking Riding, Waterton Lakes National Park • Kayaking one of the area’s rivers • Fishing, Lundbreck Falls, Crowsnest Pass • Even the family dog enjoys a day hike in the Pass. • Crowsnest Pass Golf & Country Club 23 23 Alberta Montana Carway Police Outpost Chief Mountain 5 WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK 15 km 0 0 Border Crossing UNESCO World Heritage Site Provincial Park First Nations Reserve 10 miles British Columbia Waterton Village Mountain View 800 Hill Spring Twin Butte Castle Mountain Resort 774 Beaver Mines Hillcrest Blairmore Frank Bellevue Coleman GLACIER NATIONAL PARK 505 6 Beauvais Lake 507 Cowley To Fernie Municipality of Crowsnest Pass 22 To Calgary 24 Cardston 5 505 Pincher Creek Oldman River Dam 785 Piikani First Nation 507 Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Granum 2 520 Claresholm Stavely To Calgary 810 Glenwood 2 Fort Macleod Blood First Nation To Lethbridge EVENTS CALENDAR 2009 To Lethbridge A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Date Event Venue Town April 18 Spring Breakout Classic Car Show & Shine Main Street Fort Macleod 403-364-4598 April 23-May 2 Community Theatre Live Production Cardston Civic Centre Cardston 403-653-3100 April 24-26 Kananaskis Pro Rodeo Sports Complex Crowsnest Pass 403-563-0115 April 24-26 French Film Festival Empress Theatre Fort Macleod 403-320-7638 May 1-3 Indoor Pro Rodeo 52nd year celebration Stavely May 15-16 Opening Weekend Great Canadian Barn Dance Hill Spring May 29-31 Windy Mountain Music Festival (Chamber music) Empress Theatre Fort Macleod June 11-14 The Gathering – Cowboy Poetry Agricultural Grounds Pincher Creek June 13-21 Waterton Wildflower Festival Waterton/other regional locations June 20 95th Anniversary Hillcrest Mine Disaster Crowsnest Pass 403-562-7388 June 20-21 Canadian All Girls Rodeo Sierra West Ranch Lundbreck 403-628-2431 June 20-21 Antique Sale & Show Sports Complex Fort Macleod 403-553-3355 June 20-21 Doors Open Throughout town Fort Macleod 403-553-2500 June 21 National Aboriginal Day Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump June 27 10th Annual Chuckwagon Cook Out Heritage Acres Pincher Creek June 27 Barn Birthday & Family Festival Great Canadian Barn Dance Hill Spring July 1 Canada Day Celebrations In all communities July & August Drumming & Dancing on the Plaza (Wednesdays) Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump 403-553-2731 July & August Live Summer Theatre Cardston 403-653-1000 July 4-5 Sinister 7 Ultra-Marathon Crowsnest Pass 403-563-5766 July 10-12 Willow Creek Cowboy Gathering Stavely Arena Stavely 403-687-2878 July 16-19 Rum Runner Days Several venues Crowsnest Pass 403-562-8833 July 18 Thunder in the Valley Blairmore Crowsnest Pass 403-562-2486 July 17-19 Kainai Annual Celebration and Pow Wow Blood Tribe Standoff 403-737-3753 July 17-19 South Country Fair Fish & Game Park Fort Macleod 403-553-3070 July 18-19 Pioneer Days Glenwood 403-626-3233 July 18-19 Sierra West Frontier Cattle Drive Sierra West Ranch Lundbreck 403-628-2431 July 20 21st Birthday Bash Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump July 24-26 6th Annual Bluegrass/Country Music Festival Great Canadian Barn Dance July 24-26 Willow Creek Gospel Jamboree Granum 403-687-3867 July 31-August 2 22nd Annual Heritage Days Pincher Creek 403-627-2082 July 31-August 2 Piikani Nation Annual Celebration and Pow Wow Piikani First Nation Brocket 403-965-3940 July 31-August 3 Heritage Festival & Doors Open Crowsnest Pass 403-562-7388 August 4-8 Heritage Week Celebrations Cardston 403-653-3366 August 7-9 Claresholm Annual Fair Days Celebration Claresholm 403-625-3381 August 8-9 Heritage Fair/Quilt Show The Fort Museum Fort Macleod 403-553-4703 August 14-16 Pincher Creek Fair & Pro Rodeo Ag Grounds Pincher Creek 403-627-5199 August 15 FM Chiropractic Triathlon In & around Fort Macleod 403-553-4003 August 22 Castle Mountain Huckleberry Festival Castle Mountain Resort Pincher Creek 403-627-5101 August 22-23 Miniature Horse Chuckwagon Championships Remington Carriage Museum Cardston 403-653-5139 August 22-23 Glenwood Days Glenwood 403-626-3233 August 29 Ag Society Horse Show & Amateur Rodeo Stavely 403-549-2424 August 30 “Run for the 49th” Waterton Wheels Show ‘n’ Shine Waterton 403-859-2266 September 5 Family Dance Festival Hill Spring September 5 Glen Keeley Memorial Bull Riding Stavely 403-549-2336 September 5-7 Sierra West Cowboy Up Lundbreck 403-628-2431 September 25-30 Waterton Wildlife Week Waterton September 26 Summer’s End Harvest Festival Great Canadian Barn Dance Hill Spring October 29-30 Bellevue Mine Halloween Howler Bellevue Mine Crowsnest Pass November 28 Heritage Through My Hands Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump 403-553-2731 November 28 28th Santa Claus Annual Parade 11:00 am Main Street Fort Macleod 403-553-2500 November & December Cowboy Christmas Dinner Shows Great Canadian Barn Dance Hill Spring December 4 Heritage Acres Pincher Creek Christmas Church Service Carriage House Theatre Heritage Acres Throughout town Great Canadian Barn Dance Sierra West Ranch Hill Spring Contact 403-549-2107 1-866-626-3407 403-553-4404 403-627-2207 1-800-215-2395 403-553-2731 403-627-2082 1-866-626-3407 403-553-2731 1-866-626-3407 1-866-626-3407 403-859-2266 1-866-626-3407 403-564-4700 1-866-626-3407 403-627-2082 25 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Waterton Lakes National Park Discover Waterton Lakes National Park Hiking – a Favourite Waterton Activity There are over 200 kms. of trails for every level of fitness in Waterton Lakes National Park, some of which lead to extensive trail networks in adjoining Glacier National Park to the south and British Columbia’s Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park to the west. Motor Vessel ‘International’ T ucked away in the very southwest corner of Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park has been described as the most stunning of the Rocky Mountain parks. Who Says So? Well, the editors of Frommer’s Travel Guides, for one, who named Waterton one of the world’s ‘Top Destinations for 2009.’ These travel professionals called it “the least-traveled of Alberta’s Rocky Mountain Parks, and quite possibly the most spectacular.” But you don’t have to take their word for it. Ask anyone who’s been here. This place is special—for the abundant diversity of its wildlife and plant species; for the magnificent mountain scenery rising so abruptly from the prairies; for the quaint village nestled in the heart of it all. Or, better yet, discover it for yourself. Why Come Here? Because visitors don’t come here for the accolades bestowed on the park by others. They come to experience this magnificent place for themselves. 26 Because every Waterton experience is personal. Whether you’re a hardcore backcountry enthusiast, or a less adventurous fan of outdoor activities, Waterton lets you bask in the glory of the Rocky Mountains, deep blue lakes, abundant wildlife, and incredible vistas from both land and water. High Praise A National Geographic Society survey found that Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and the surrounding region is one of North America’s “great unspoiled places.” The park enjoys two UNESCO designations—a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. It is also part of the world’s first International Peace Park, along with Glacier National Park in Montana. And now, it is the centerpiece of a “Crown of the Continent” project from the National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations. For more information on accommodations, events, and activities: www.MyWaterton.ca Canada’s National Parks Service: www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton National Geographic’s Interactive ‘Crown of the Continent’ Site: www.crownofthecontinent.net Plying its trade on the waters of Upper Waterton lake since 1927, the MV International was built by the owners of the Great Northern Railway to serve guests of their Prince of Wales hotel. It still cruises daily to the Ranger Station at Goat Haunt, Montana, and is among the park’s most popular attractions. Info on tickets and timing can be found at: www.watertoncruise.com Prince of Wales Hotel The Prince of Wales Hotel is a historic site in its own right, and is part of the Great Northern Railroad legacy in Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Construction began on the hotel in 1926, and was completed the next year. Guests and visitors can still enjoy afternoon high tea in the lobby. Waterton is located at the narrowest part of the whole Rocky Mountains, making for some dramatic and beautiful contrasts in terrain and climate. Backcountry campsites can be reserved through Canada’s National Parks Service. Special Events and Festivals: Waterton Wildflower Festival: June 13 to 21 - Seminars, workshops and hikes, with professional guidance on identifying and photographing the unique diversity of flowers. www.watertonwildflowers.com Canada Day: July 1 - Free admission. Show ‘N Shine: August 30 - Dozens of hot cars and trucks on the ballpark. Free admission. Waterton Wildlife Week: Sept. 25 to 30 - Lectures, viewings, seminars and a wildlife film festival at the Opera House. www.trailofthegreatbear.com Waterton Natural History Association: events include a late-summer ‘Moonlight Cruise’. www.wnha.ca Claresholm 23 2 Photo notes: Above: View over Prince of Wales Hotel looking down Upper Waterton Lake into Montana Right: MV International cruises Waterton Lakes Prince of Wales Hotel Lobby Carthew Alderson trail with Glacier National Park, Montana in the background. Wildlife enjoy a refreshing mountain drink 22 Crowsnest Pass Fort Macleod 785 Piikani First Nation 507 774 810 Blood First Nation Pincher Creek 507 6 507 505 505 Waterton Lakes National Park British Columbia GLACIER NATIONAL PARK 2 800 5 5 Cardston Alberta Montana 27 27 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Prince of Wales Hotel ~ 403 236 3400 Bear Mountain Motel ~ 403 859 2366 Built between 1926-1927, Prince of Wales Hotel is located in Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. It overlooks picturesque Upper Waterton Lake and the township of Waterton. This antique hotel, named after Prince Edward, offers 86 guest rooms and a traditional British atmosphere complete with afternoon tea, a fine dining restaurant, lounge, and distinctive gift shop. The Bear Mountain Motel welcomes you to Waterton! Simple, Clean, Affordable Rooms. Vintage 1960s design. Singles to three-room kitchenettes. Located in the Park. From $89.00+tax Open early June to mid-September Walk-ins Welcome www.princeofwaleswaterton.com PWH_AlbertaSouthwest_2009_Watert1 1 Alpine Stables ~ 403 859 2462 208 Mount View Road, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0 11/20/2008 10:37:00 AM Cameron Lake Boat Rentals ~ 403 859 2396 Wildlife, alpine habitat, and wildflowers can be enjoyed as you meander through wooded trails or climb to the tops of mountains on an experienced horse. Our guided rides provide western adventure for the whole family with hourly, half day and full day rides. We accommodate beginners to experienced riders. Box 53, Waterton Park • Located across from the golf course road Off season call 403 653-2089 www.explorewaterton.ca Open May thru September 9:00 am –5:00 pm. www.alpinestables.com Cameron Lake is Wateron’s best kept secret, located 16 km from the townsite on Akamina Parkway. This spring-fed mountain lake has breathaking scenery and is abundant with wildlife, including moose, bears, birds and deer. Brook and rainbow trout can be fished on the lake. Visitors may choose from canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and row boats for rent. There are hiking trails, an interpretive building on site, and a concession offering snacks and souvenirs. Cameron Lake Boat Rentals is open mid- June to mid-September. For more information, call 403 859 2396. Crooked Creek Campground This lovely campground, situated six km east of Waterton Lakes National Park entry gate on Highway No. 5, offers large pull-through sites and tenting sites in the trees. Enjoy a brand new shower/toilet building. All funds generated are used to fund park-improvement projects. Nightly rates as follows: Full Service (water, power and sewer) $29 • Partial Service (water and power) $25 • Unserviced $18. Visa, MasterCard, debit and cash accepted. Weekly, monthly, seasonal and group rates available. Reservations encouraged. Tamarack Family Owned & Operated Since 1922 In Season, contact on-site manager, Larry Richardson, at 403 653 1100 Email: [email protected] Out of season, contact WNHA at 403 859 2624 OutdOOr Outfitters Bayshore Inn ~1 888 527 9555 & Waterton Glacier Suites ~1 866 621 3330 wat e r t o n l a k e s n at i o n a l pa r k Bayshore Inn • Full-service lakefront resort with lakefront rooms and suites. We feature a lakefront dining room, lounge, bar, gift shop and the largest convention centre in the park. www.bayshoreinn.com out d oor g ea r | q ua l i t y foot w ea r & a p p a rel Waterton Glacier Suites • Open year round, Waterton’s newest luxury resort is an all- suite hotel with jacuzzis, fireplaces, mini-fridges, microwaves & coffee makers in all our rooms. www.watertonsuites.com hiker shuttle services Cameron Lake for Carthew-Alderson Hike Chief Mountain Customs/Belly River trailhead Tamarack Trail trailheads Red Rock Canyon area email: [email protected] Waterton Lakes Golf Course ~ Tee Times: 403 859 2114 18 holes, full service restaurant and clubhouse. We book tournaments and social functions. History Trivia: The original design was a nine-hole course that was put into action in 1929, with a second nine holes added in 1939. Events: • Ladies Open: June 24 • Mixed Scramble: June 27 • Waterton Open: August 8 and 9 Email: [email protected] • www.golfwaterton.com 28 licensed hiking guides Scheduled & Custom Day Hikes Specializing in Adventure Travel & Corporate Groups Interpretive Walks & Outdoor Education Programs Experienced Local Guides email: [email protected] information & reservations Email: [email protected] Phone: 403.859.2378 Fax: 403.859.2605 www.hikewaterton.com 29 29 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Waterton Wildflower Festival ~ 1 800 215 2395 June 13–21, 2009 From beargrass to orchids, wildflowers are on display in Waterton Lakes National Park. Over 900 species form a panorama of blossoms among prairies and peaks. Fifty of Canada’s rare flowers grow in Waterton, 30 of which are found only in this park. Come to Waterton for 10 days of special events: field walks, art classes, photography workshops, flora identification excursions, music and more. www.WatertonWildflowers.com Waterton Wildlife Week ~ 1 800 215 2395 September 25-30, 2009 Fall is an excellent time to see and enjoy the impressive range of wildlife in spectacular Waterton Lakes National Park. The third annual Waterton Wildlife Week is an invitation to learn about Waterton’s wildlife and their habitat. Come join excursions to view elk, migratory birds and other species, take in photography workshops, the International Wildlife Film Festival and more. www.TrailoftheGreatBear.com Great Canadian Barn Dance & Family Campground Mountain Meadow Trail Rides Quite possibly the only campground where the whole family can camp, dance, enjoy recreational activities and take in live entertainment, all in one scenic location. Step into a time and place where the “Spirit of the West” lives on. Ride side-by-side on responsive horses from the historic Nelson Ranch, and discover the Legendary Mountain West next to spectacular Waterton Lakes/Glacier International Park. Day ride options: 1.5 hr to full day, cookout ride, canoe & ride. 2-, 3- or 4-day overnight backcountry riding trips include: wilderness base camp, cedar hot tub, delicious meals. • Showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, playgrounds, concessions • Pull-through sites, power/water hookups, tenting, group campsites • Variety of recreational activities Visit the website for a complete list of dinner and dance shows and special events. Cruise Waterton Lake Box 163, Hill Spring AB T0K 1E0 403 626 3407 • 1 866 626 3407 www.greatcanadianbarndance.com Sign on Hwy 5 in Mountain View 18 km east of Waterton Park entrance. 403 653 2413 • 1 866 653 2413 www.mountainmeadowtrailrides.com (Canada to U.S.) Cruise • • • • See and Cross the International Border View Spectacular Mountain Scenery and Wildlife Informative & Entertaining Commentary Memorable Photographic Stops HIKE Water Shuttle provides access to hiking trails on Waterton Lake and Goat Haunt, Montana. Daily water shuttle service to top-rated “Crypt Lake Hike,” featuring spectacular waterfalls and passage through a mountain tunnel. Waterton Inter-Nation Shoreline Cruise Co. Stop by the Waterton Marina or Visit: www.watertoncruise.com • Email: [email protected] Box 126 Waterton Park, AB, T0K 2M0 • Phone: (403) 859-2362 • Fax: (403) 938-5019 30 Simply the Best B & B Retreat Kimball River Sports Enjoy this working cattle ranch setting surrounded by picturesque scenery and close to major attractions. Comfortable rooms, home-cooked meals served with warm hospitality, and thoughtful conversation make for lasting friendships and memorable vacations. Open from May long weekend to September 30. Located 16 km east of Waterton on Highway 5. We are the only rafting company located near Waterton, as well as the closest rafting company to the north side of Glacier National Park, Montana, located 35 minutes from Many Glacier, and 45 minutes from St Mary. We specialize in beginner and intermediate rafting, inflatable kayaks, guided fishing tours as well as fun-water tube and equipment rentals. We love being the only company offering tours on two rivers in the area. Box 8 Mountain View AB T0K 1N0 403 653 2462 Email: [email protected] www:simplythebestbb.com 1 800 936 6474 www.raftalberta.ca 31 31 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T T he spectacular Rocky Mountains that stretch along the southwestern Alberta/British Columbia border into Montana were dubbed the “Crown of the Continent” more than a century ago. W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Explore the Crown of the Continent A Unique Partnership In 2008, the mountain range was formally recognized as the Crown of the Continent by the National Geographic Society (NGS). In a unique partnership with participants from the region, the NGS produced a Mapguide that includes the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and Alberta SouthWest, and made it available online at www.crownofthecontinent.net. Hiking Mecca of the Rockies The Crown of the Continent has hiking trails that rival the best in the world, pristine alpine lakes, remarkable flora and fauna, and waterfalls and vistas that are truly breathtaking. Enjoy the World’s Best Hikes For the less daring, there is the popular 1.2 km hike up Bear’s Hump behind the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, or strolls beside Upper Waterton or Cameron lakes. More challenging hikes beckon the truly adventurous. In fact, the highly acclaimed Carthew/ Alderson Lakes hike and the Crypt Lake hike are considered two of the world’s best high-alpine day hikes. For a complete listing of hikes, see www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/ activ/activ5_E.asp 32 Photo notes: Main photo: Lineham Lakes Trail Left: Red Rock Canyon Right: Approaching Crypt Tunnel 33 33 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T Cardston W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Discover Cardston Where the wagons rolled to rest. The Remington Carriage Museum I n the southwest corner of Alberta, within sight of Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park, the town of Cardston straddles the Lee Creek valley and serves as a hub for shoppers and tourists from throughout the region. North by Wagon to a New Home Cardston is famous for two key things: the religious orientation of its founders —who came north from Utah in 1877 with one of North America’s last big wagon migrations; and for the wagon museum which, today, keeps that heritage alive with interactive displays, a working carriage repair shop, and the largest collection of horse-drawn wagons and carriages on the continent! Stepping Back in Time A visit to Cardston’s Remington Carriage Museum lets you experience and relive a time when horses and humans provided the muscle, and the only means of transportation. Wagon rides, and talking to the craftsmen who still build and repair wagons using hundred-year-old tools, are highlights of most people’s visits. There are also lots of opportunities in the area to climb atop your own horse, 34 and relive the time of the cowboys— either for an hour or a weekend! Life on the Prairies The Card Pioneer Home, built by the leader of the first group of settlers, is open to the public on Cardston’s main street each afternoon, six days a week. See what life in a real ‘little house on the prairie’ was like! The county is also home to the Great Canadian Barn Dance, which provides another opportunity to kick up your heels like they did in the old days, when neighbours would come from miles around to ‘party in the barn.’ With Cardston and the area’s focus on activities for the whole family, the Barn, like most of Cardston County, is alcohol-free. Family Lives in Cardston County Driving through the beautiful scenery on a typically sunny day in Alberta SouthWest, it’s easy to see why early Mormon settlers circled their wagons here. Every year, families from far and wide come to celebrate in Cardston County. A unique mix of Mormon, Aboriginal and Hutterite cultures guarantees a focus on family, which is reflected in Cardston’s Rotary reunion centre, family-friendly festivals, and group accommodations. Each August, Heritage Week sees parades, pancake breakfasts and, of course, the famous mini-chuck chuckwagon races. Cardston is also the site of the first Mormon temple outside the United States. The temple, with its Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, sits as a stunning town landmark. The Remington Carriage Museum, operated by the Government of Alberta, is open daily year-round. The museum is a true delight to visitors, who are continually surprised at the size of the collection, and the wonderfully informative displays, videos and panoramas located inside the 63,000 square foot complex. From hard-working farm wagons to the kidsoft Italian leather-lined carriages of the super wealthy, and stagecoaches made famous by Hollywood—this museum has them all! Visit the website to check hours of operation and download a special admission discount: www. remingtoncarriagemuseum.com Lee Creek Golf Club Carriage House Theatre, Main St. Located right in Cardston, the Lee Creek course is renowned among southern Alberta golfers for its great play and interesting layout. The 18-hole course was designed by Les Furber, and features wonderful elevation changes as it winds its way in and out of the creek valley. The course is open to the public seven days a week in season, and tee times can be booked online at www.golfleecreek.com, or by phone at 1 866 653 4198. For 41 nights each summer, the Carriage House Theatre amuses and entertains visitors with revues, musicals and dramas presented in this beautiful, completely renovated 333-seat theatre. Using both hired professionals and local volunteers, the company is currently celebrating its 20th year. Card Pioneer Home Tour the original log home of the town’s founder, Charles Ora Card. Original artifacts, artwork and complimentary tours highlight this Registered Provincial Historic Site. The latest addition is dinner theatre, presented at least once a week in the renovated “Silk Purse.” Enjoy a delicious meal and entertainment served up by the actors before you see them in the production! 403 653 1000 Email: tickets@ thecarriagehousetheatre.com Claresholm 22 Crowsnest Pass Fort Macleod 785 Piikani First Nation 507 774 Photo notes: Above: Cardston then and now. Right: Remington Carriage Museum • Lee Creek Golf Club • Carriage House Theatre The Card Pioneer Home 23 2 810 Blood First Nation Pincher Creek 507 6 507 505 505 Waterton Lakes National Park British Columbia GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Cardston 800 2 5 5 Albe r ta M o n t a na 35 35 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T Lee Creek Golf Club Gently shadowed by the majestic Rocky Mountains and nestled in the Lee Creek Valley lies a vast stretch of pure enjoyment. Designed by Les Furber, this par-71 course offers an experience both challenging and gratifying for golfers of all levels. White sand, paved cart paths and numerous water hazards are all part of the natural lie along the peaceful Lee Creek. 403 653 4198 Toll-free: 1 866 653 4198 Email: [email protected] www.golfleecreek.com Rangeview Ranch Vacations Come ride with us along the historic Milk River in sunny Alberta. Enjoy ranch life with trail rides into spectacular rolling foothills with panoramic views of the southern Rocky Mountains. Guests experience the things that real cowboys do. Eight cabins each with modern amenities, as well as a lodge/dining room facility. Daily fee includes: delicious homecooked meals, lodging, horses, tack, guide and entertainment. Novice to experienced riders welcomed. Box 28 Site 10 Cardston, AB T0K 0K0 [email protected] www.rangeviewranch.com 403 653 2821 Dairy Queen ~ 403 653 1531 Most people know us for our great-tasting, high-quality treats. We put all the same care into our great-tasting, high-quality food too, like our NEW GrillBurgers™. Made fresh with unusually thick and juicy 1/4 lb. patties, green leaf lettuce, thick-cut tomatoes, Swiss and cheddar cheeses, lots of other savory ingredients all piled-high on soft, butter-toasted buns. Something Different Main Street, Cardston, Alberta R elive the wild-west adventures at Fort Macleod’s historic sites and enjoy the Fort Museum’s unique NWMP Musical Ride. Ride for Justice Riding into History In 1874, 275 men on horseback rode across the untamed western prairie and into Canadian history. After arriving in Fort Macleod, the newly-formed North West Mounted Police (NWMP) achieved two remarkable objectives—peacefully stopping the illegal whiskey trade and paving the way for orderly settlement. Tales of Another Time The Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police showcases the stories of the Mounties, the Aboriginal peoples of Southern Alberta and the area’s early settlers and ranchers. The site’s historic buildings include a 19thcentury trading post and the restored office of lawyer Frederick Haultain, who became premier of the Northwest Territories, before Alberta’s formation as a province in 1905. Lee Creek Valley Campground Dazzling Horsemanship Centrally located by the Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, we are ready to serve you! Our campground features 53 full-service sites with power, water and sewer. We also offer free showers, laundry facilities and Wireless Internet. Located nearby: Cardston town pool, walking and biking trails, the Lee Creek Golf Club, the historic Cobblestone Manor restaurant and Remington Carriage Museum. A Fort Museum highlight is watching a re-enactment of the North West Mounted Police Musical Ride. This dazzling display of precision formation horsemanship is held four times daily except Tuesdays throughout the summer months. 695 2nd Street West Cardston, Alberta, Canada Reservations accepted Phone Toll Free 1 800 936 6474 W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M www. nwmpmuseum.com The nearby 12-hectare NWMP 1884 Barracks Provincial Historic Site includes three reconstructed buildings housing period displays and artifacts, including a guard house and working stable. 36 Photo notes: Above: The Fort Museum’s Musical Ride Left: North West Mounted Police 37 37 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Fort Macleod Discover Fort Macleod Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Fishing Alberta SouthWest boasts fine angling and fly fishing opportunities in its many rivers. Fishing for brown trout, whitefish, northern pike and walleye on the stretch of Oldman River below the Peigan Reserve gives anglers plenty of challenges. Public access is available at bridges on Highway 2 and Highway 3, and in Fort Macleod. D iscover our Town. Discover the past. Taking Pride in the Past Located at the junction of Highways 2 and 3, Fort Macleod takes pride in its past. The main street of Fort Macleod —named Colonel Macleod Boulevard —is a designated Provincial Historic Area. Many historic buildings that line the street are still in use today—the Queen’s Hotel (1903), the Reach Block (1907) and Holy Cross Catholic Church (1898) among others. Guided tours of historic Fort Macleod run twice daily throughout July and August. 38 the museum offers visitors a dramatic interpretation of early aboriginal and police culture, as well as a reenactment of the NWMP Musical Ride. Rebuilding the Past The NWMP 1884 Barracks Provincial Historic Site just west of town marks the actual location of the NWMP fort. Development of the site is proceeding, with three accurately reconstructed buildings currently on the grounds. Museum Celebrates Mounties Tales of the Buffalo The Fort Museum one block north of the main street celebrates the history of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP), who made their western headquarters in Fort Macleod in 1874. Several years of flooding at the original site of the fort 3 kms downstream persuaded the NWMP to relocate to the present townsite in 1884. Open early May to Thanksgiving weekend, Just 18 kms along secondary highway 785 into the Porcupine Hills, visitors will find Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the Jump is one of the oldest, largest and bestpreserved buffalo jumps in North America. Open year round, the site welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year. Lush Fairways & River Trails If golf is your pleasure, try the Fort Macleod Golf and Country Club. Founded in 1890, the nine-hole course is the oldest west of Winnipeg. The club boasts lush fairways lined with 60-foot trees and a course that suits both experienced and novice players. Or if you prefer walking, the many trails of River Valley Wilderness Park located along the banks of the Oldman River invite exploration. Historic Downtown Fort Macleod’s restored downtown, Alberta’s first Provincial Historic Area, features restored woodframe, brick and sandstone buildings. Most recently, the historic streetscape of Fort Macleod doubled as 1917 Calgary in Paul Gross’s 2008 feature film Passchendaele. In the summer, twice-daily walking tours introduce visitors to this historic community. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is one of the oldest, largest and bestpreserved buffalo jumps in North America. Located in the Porcupine Hills just west of Fort Macleod, the Jump features unique architecture that blends the building seamlessly with the landscape. The site’s superb interpretive centre, built right into the cliff face, depicts the unique relationship between ancient Plains people and the buffalo. For more information about programs, events and activities at the site, see www.head-smashed-in.com. Empress Theatre Take a tour or enjoy a live production at Alberta’s oldest theatre, the beautifully restored 1912 Empress Theatre. Find out about the theatre’s resident ghost. Located on Fort Macleod’s historic main street,the theatre also hosts musical events, movies and community meetings. Summertime features lively, energetic entertainment from the resident summer troupe. For a schedule of events see www. empresstheatre.ab.ca. Online ticketing now available! Claresholm For more information contact: 403 553 2500 www.fortmacleod.com Fort Macleod 23 2 22 Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Crowsnest Pass 785 Piikani First Nation Photo notes: Above: Fort Museum Right: Nice catch from the Oldman River Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump The Empress Theatre Main Street 507 774 810 Blood First Nation Pincher Creek 507 6 507 505 505 2 800 British Columbia GLACIER NATIONAL PARK 5 5 Cardston A lbe r ta Mon ta n a 39 39 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M The Empress Theatre ~ 1 800 540 9229 Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Experience Alberta’s Oldest Theatre. Hilarious summer theatre for the whole family! Free interpretive tours… all in the historic and haunted Empress Theatre! Visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump—one of southern Alberta's UNESCO world heritage sites—and feel the spirit. During the summer months, Head-Smashed-In offers interpretive programs that allow guests to experience authentic Native culture and history. On Wednesdays, enjoy Native drumming and dancing on the main plaza (two performances daily). Or for those who seek the extraordinary, spend a night on the plains in an authentic Blackfoot tipi and thrill to the legends of the Native people who have called these foothills home for thousands of years. Main Street Fort Macleod. For more information, visit www.empresstheatre.ab.ca Daisy May Campground and RV Park ~ 403 553 2455 Convenient location with easy access to Hwys 2 and 3. Full hookups • outdoor heated pool • mini golf course • showers • laundry • Internet access • adjacent to 9-hole golf course and close to historic downtown Fort Macleod. Contact the Jump for more information about these programs. Hours of Operation: from July 1 to Labour Day weekend, open daily from 9:00 am to 6: 00 pm (for the rest of the year, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm). 249 Lyndon Road, turn off Hwy. 3 across from the A&W in Fort Macleod www.daisymaycampground.com Email: [email protected] Carry Me Away B & B ~ 403 553 3161 Make yourself at home in our welcoming, non-smoking environment: • two bedrooms (one queen, one double) • shared bathroom • large family room with TV, books and movies • full breakfast, featuring many organic ingredients • pets allowed, at host’s discretion 403 553 2731 www.head-smashed-in.com SOME MOVIE LOCATIONS FEATURED: 1804 7th Avenue, Fort Macleod, easy access to town and Hwys 2 &3 [email protected] Rivervalley Getaway ~ 403 553 0211 or 403 360 1266 Make us your home away from home while touring Southern Alberta and enjoy country living at its best. Our comfortable cabin with a fully-equipped kitchen, a bedroom with a queen and a loft with two doubles is perfect for your family. We are located in the picturesque Oldman River valley just 10 minutes from historic Fort Macleod. Children and pets welcome. For reservations please call or visit our website. Email: [email protected] www.rivervalleygetaway.com Sunset Motel ~ 403 553 4448 8th ANNUAL Fort Macleod ANTIQUE SALE & SHOW 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, June 21 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fort Macleod and District Sports Complex 21st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues 40 Scougall’s RV Centre ~ 403 553 3111 Clean, comfortable, reasonably- • RV Sales priced AAA/CAA approved motel. Air • RV Parts & Service conditioned, park-at-your-door ground floor with TV, fridge, microwave and • Propane coffee maker. 807 18th Street (Hwy. 3 East) Toll Free 1 888 554 2784 Fort Macleod Near the junction of Hwys 2 and 3, at Email: [email protected] west entrance to Fort Macleod Antiques and Collectibles Saturday, June 20 Discover Southern Alberta’s Movie Locations Southern Alberta’s own style of frontier history, set amid unspoiled natural beauty, has made it a favourite location for many movies. Chart your course through the wide variety of southern Alberta’s movie locations. The Assassination of Jesse James Brokeback Mountain Open Range Passchendaele RV Unforgiven REEL ADVENTURES: Badlands and Bad Guys Saddles and Side Trips The Stuff of Legends Download map tours at www.albertasouthwest.com 41 41 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Stavely MD of Ranchland Photo Notes: Top: MD of Ranchland, open rangeland Right: Granview Recreation Park and Campground Below: Cowboys at dusk Discover the MD of Ranchland Discover Stavely Straddling scenic Highway #22, the MD of Ranchland flows over the foothills and comes to rest against the southern Rocky Mountains. This sprawling rural area includes some of the finest rangeland and grazing country in southwestern Alberta, and boasts a proud heritage of ranching and stewardship of the land. Stavely is the home of Canada’s first indoor rodeo, a three-day event the first weekend in May. Other events include the Willow Creek Music and Cowboy Poetry Gathering in July and the Glen Keeley Memorial Bull Riding event in September. A thriving town of 500 residents, Stavely is strategically located midway between Calgary and Lethbridge on Highway 2. Stavelyites call it Alberta’s “Banana Belt”—an ideal ranching and farming area with rolling prairies to the east and foothills to the west. Stavely also has a fine museum and one of Alberta’s few remaining wooden grain elevators. Local attractions include archery lanes, a golf course, hockey arena and community centre. Town of Stavely 403 549 3761 www.stavely.ca The town is close to Pine Coulee, Clear Lake and Twin Valley Recreation Centres. They offer excellent camping, boating, windsurfing, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Photo notes: Welcome to Stavely, town sign Above: Willow Creek Provincial Park Willow Creek Gathering Stavely Museum July 10 – 12, 2009 49th Avenue & 52nd Street Cowboy Poetry so authentic you may need a shovel! Open 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. June, July & August The Tradition Continues At the Stavely Arena www.stavely.ca and click on Attractions May 1-3, 2009 at the Stavely Arena Come and see our many fine displays 403 549 2107 403 549 3761 www.stavely.ca and click on Attractions Stavely Hotel At the Stavely Arena Professional Bull Riding 403 549 2336 www.stavely.ca and click on Attractions 52nd Annual Otherwise by Appointment Glen Keeley Memorial Bull September 5, 2009 Stavely Indoor Pro Rodeo • Air Conditioned Tavern • Open 7 days a week • Chinese Restaurant • Full-Service Liquor Store • Cash Machines & VLTs • Coldest Beer on Hwy 2 403 549 3772 In addition to working ranches, the Webster family’s Chimney Rock B&B offers unique western vacations. From roping and riding, to relaxing and recreational opportunities, a ranch vacation offers a truly western experience. The area’s abundant wildlife and natural beauty make it popular with campers, hikers and photographers. Granum Within the MD’s borders, Chain Lakes Provincial Park offers allseason activities for the whole family. MD of Ranchland 403 646 3131 Discover Granum Granum is located just east of the beautiful Porcupine Hills, with distant views of the Rocky Mountains. It’s the ideal springboard for adventures throughout the SouthWest region. Play a round of golf at the Granum Golf and Country Club or play horseshoes, have a picnic or go for a walk in Granview Recreation Park and Campground. The park’s twoacre lake features a rough sand beach and fishing for rainbow trout. The last weekend in July, take in the Willow Creek Gospel Jamboree, a free family event that attracts more than 1,000 visitors annually. Town of Granum 403 687 3822 Email: [email protected] Stavely 520 23 Granum 22 Stavely Golf Club • 9 holes, artificial grass greens • Par-32 2 Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Crowsnest Pass 785 Fort Macleod Piikani First Nation 507 774 810 507 6 507 505 505 • $10.00 per day on an honour system 2 • Walk-ons welcome • Tee-times not required Blood First Nation Pincher Creek 800 British Columbia GLACIER NATIONAL PARK 42 Claresholm 5 5 A lbe r ta Mon ta n a 43 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Claresholm Discover Claresholm Appaloosa Museum Claresholm Spray Park The Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada Museum and Archives is uniquely dedicated to this spotted breed. Examine fascinating exhibits and peruse an official Appaloosa registry, while your children colour pictures and complete word puzzles. Cool off on a hot summer day at the new Claresholm Spray Park, located in Centennial Park, just off Highway 520. Open 10 am - 8 pm throughout the summer. Experience the Real West The Cowboy Trail T here is much within this tree-lined town of more than 3,700 residents to keep visitors fascinated for hours. The Claresholm Museum, housed in the town’s beautiful 1912 sandstone train station, features many interesting historical displays. In front, a lovely garden honours Louise McKinney, the first woman legislator in the British Empire. The site also includes Claresholm’s 1903 school, a pioneer log cabin and a CPR caboose. Charming Railway Town In 1891, the Calgary and Edmonton Railway established a rail siding at this location. John Niblock, Superintendent of the CPR between Medicine Hat and Calgary, named the site Claresholm for his wife Clare. The first buildings were a water tower for the steam engines and a station house. In 1902, settlers began to flood into this area in response to the offer of “Free Land” for homesteaders. A town site was surveyed and stores were built to provide goods and services for the settlers. 44 Today, visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of historic buildings and view several murals by Alberta artists. A tour map is available in the visitor information centre, located within the museum. Fun Activities at Your Doorstep It is worth stopping in Centennial Park to view a mounted Harvard aircraft, a tribute to the Flying Service Training School built here in 1941 to train British Commonwealth pilots to fly twin-engine aircraft. In the 1950s, NATO airmen were trained here in response to the tensions of the Cold War. The park also contains a fullservice campground. Time your trip to Claresholm so you can join in the Canada Day celebrations, or come on the second weekend in August to enjoy Claresholm’s Fair Days. Fair Days features a candy parade, carnival games, a junior rodeo and “Tea on the Lawn” at the Museum. Looking for other activities? Head to Claresholm’s indoor pool for a swim and a soak in the 10-person hot tub. Northwest of town, Pine Coulee offers camping, boating and fishing for walleye. East of Claresholm, Clear Lake is a terrific spot for camping, boating, water skiing and jet skiing. For a scenic drive, go west on secondary Highway 520 into the Porcupine Hills, prime ranching country. Many visitors will be amazed by the large, deep hillside channels that were formed by the Laurentide Glacier. For further information, contact the Town of Claresholm: 403 625 3381 Nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian prairie, in the high ranching country of Alberta, is the historic Cowboy Trail. This 700 km route along Highway 22 is the source for western adventures. Take in a rodeo, festival or a pow-wow for a day. Expect to be overwhelmed by the rugged mountain scenery and the pristine wilderness. Visit www.thecowboytrail.com for more information. Claresholm Rancher’s Memorial Located in Centennial Park, this 120foot long Memorial commemorates the contributions of the ranching community to the development of Claresholm and area. Think the cowboy era is long gone? Not so. There are still plenty of working cowboys and cowgirls riding the ranges of Alberta SouthWest. Ride alongside them with the Dames on the Range (www.damesontherange. com), or your hosts at one of the area’s ranch vacations. See www. albertacountryvacation.com for more information. Murals View murals by Alberta artists, including “Claresholm Celebration” seen on the A&B Bakery. The Bridges at Claresholm Play a round at The Bridges at Claresholm, Alberta SouthWest’s newest 18-hole golf course. The Bridges is just over one hour from Calgary and offers a great golf experience at affordable prices. Claresholm 520 23 2 22 Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Crowsnest Pass 785 Fort Macleod Piikani First Nation Photo notes: Above: Claresholm Museum Right: Porcupine Hills • Working Cowgirl Claresholm Spray Park • Ranch vacation activities 507 774 810 Blood First Nation Pincher Creek 507 6 507 505 505 2 800 British Columbia GLACIER NATIONAL PARK 5 5 A lbe r ta Mon ta n a 45 45 A L B E R TA S O U T H W E S T W W W . A L B E R T A S O U T H W E S T. C O M Alberta SouthWest Has It All Lucasia Ranch Vacations Frontier Western Shop ~ 1 800 661 7939 Sharing our Western Heritage Riding horses, moving cows, watching wildlife, or just plain relaxing; share our western way of life on our historic working cattle and horse ranch. Located in the foothills of the great Canadian Rockies, one hour south of Calgary, with access to 4,000 acres of riding terrain. Wayne and Judy Lucas invite you to share in their daily lives and those of their ‘cowboy’ neighbours and friends. Packages are all-inclusive: meals, riding and accommodation. Horses, tack, western wear and everything for the cowboy have been our business for over 27 years. Look for a wide selection of western home decor, furniture, giftware, art, apparel, boots, saddles, and horse equipment. Secure online catalogue with everything equine! Whether you ranch, rodeo, pleasure ride or just love the western lifestyle, get what you need at the Frontier Western Shop. 403 625 2295 • Toll-free 1 877 477 2624 Email: [email protected] Phone: 403 625 2777 Email: [email protected] www.westernshop.com … rolling prairie vistas, endless blue skies, pristine lakes, the spectacular southern Rocky Mountains and legendary cowboy hospitality. World Class All the Way Add to this amazing setting our world-class hiking and snowmobiling, blue-ribbon fly fishing, trail riding, authentic Native experiences, fascinating museums and historic sites, inviting inns and bed and breakfasts, and most of all, friendly Albertans. Chimney Rock Bed & Breakfast The Bridges Golf Course ~ 403 625 3500 How Loud Can Quiet Be? The Bridges at Claresholm is the place for a great round of golf. The professionally designed 18-hole course offers manicured trees, links-style design with rolling hills, tall grass mounds, water and sand. A full-length driving range is available and we have a certified Golf Professional on site. One hour from Calgary and 45 minutes from Lethbridge makes The Bridges a great place to meet a buddy or hold that company tournament. Escape the fast city life. Discover The Bridges! Webster Ranch is nestled in the foothills of the Livingstone Range offering hikes and tours of Chaffen Creek and the rangeland. Fishing and hunting are nearby. Settle in for some western hospitality, learn about the area’s ranching heritage or set off to explore our local attractions. Tony has lots of stories to share . . . and most are true! Tony and Debbie Webster 403 646-0151 Email:[email protected] www.bbalberta.com/chimneyrock www.thecowboytrail.com/chimney.html 46 Email:[email protected] www.bridgesgolfatclaresholm.com Step Back in Time Step back in time and experience life on a working ranch, learn to ride a horse and move cattle, enjoy a real western BBQ, revel in fields of wildflowers, swing your partner in an old-time barn dance or just kick back and relax. Stay a While Bring your whole family and stay a while in one of our motels, hotels B & Bs or campgrounds, or plan an overnight under a canopy of stars in an authentic Native tipi. Experience our welcoming communities where you can shop or sightsee, and the children can swim or skateboard. gear, authentic Native crafts, handcrafted jewellery, stained glass art and more. And don’t forget to capture the beauty of this unique corner of the province in your holiday photographs. Discover Our Secrets Come to Alberta SouthWest and learn about our wildlife, how to make an arrowhead or how to do a fancy western two-step. Enjoy wide open spaces with views that take your breath away. And don’t forget that legendary cowboy hospitality. It’s all here waiting for you in Alberta SouthWest. Come and discover our secrets: winds that power not only the tall white wind turbines that march across the foothills but also the colourful windsurfers who speed across our recreational lakes and waterways. Delight in our golf courses that surprise and challenge. Make Magical Memories Take home a reminder of your vacation in Alberta SouthWest when you leave. Choose from real western Legendary Cowboy Hospitality Photo Notes: Majestic snow covered southern Rockies Wildlife abounds in Waterton Saddle up for adventure Musical ride delights visitors 47 Feel the Spirit www.head-smashed-in.com 403-553-2731