Provincial Legislature
Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, sits geographically in the center of the province of Alberta on the North Saskatchewan River. Called the oil capital of Canada, Edmonton is a hub for petrochemical industries and a gateway to the vast oil and gas reserves in Northern Alberta. Edmonton is also a premier cultural and education center for the province. Northern Alberta is prime habitat for the endangered woodland caribou herds found in the Caribou Mountains Wildland Park. Canada's largest protected land area, Wood Buffalo National Park is also in Northern Alberta. With seemingly endless natural resources for hiking, fishing and enjoying the outdoors, Northern Alberta is a wonderful summer playground.

Cold Lake in Northeastern Alberta is at the end of the Iron Horse Trail, which is popular in summer for hiking, mountain biking and ATV's. Home to Canada's largest Air Force Base and exercise Maple Flag. Maple Flag is an international air combat exercise held annually in summer. The 2010 Maple Flag ended in June showcasing the latest and most sophisticated military aircraft. The Best Western Cold Lake Inn and the Best Western Bonnyville Inn & Suites nearby in Bonnyville are convenient locations for travelers on business or pleasure. Close to local lakes, you can enjoy some summer fun while you are in the area.

The town of High Level, just 45 years old, is called the gateway to Southern Alberta because of its location at the crossroads of the Mackenzie Highway and Highway 58. With terrific summer weather and many outdoor recreation opportunities, there is plenty to enjoy in High Level. You may find yourself in town in September for the High Level Trade Show or to enjoy the High Level Rodeo, so stay a day or two longer and enjoy Hutch Lake Recreation Area or check out Watt Mountain. The Best Western Mirage Hotel & Resort in High Level is a Northern Oasis. Bring the entire family – kids will love the water park at the Best Western, while you relax amidst the palms throughout the solarium.

One of the world's most challenging endurance races is held in Grande Cache from July 30 to August 2, 2010. The 10th Annual North Face Canadian Death Race is a 125 kilometer course through three mountain summits and a major river crossing. Deathracers compete over a 24hr period, and even some children join in. A finish worth celebrating, racers, friends and family join in a weekend of festivities including the all Canadian Rock Music weekend concert lineup. This is a lot of excitement for the small town of Grande Cache. The Best Western Grande Mountain Getaways & Hotel in Grande Cache is perfect to rest up, recover and enjoy the weekend.

Calgary Tower
Calgary, Alberta

Summer in Calgary, the largest city and centre of the largest metro area in Canada's Alberta province, is stampede time. The famous Calgary Stampede, called the world's richest rodeo and roughest ride, takes place for ten days in July. Calgary and Southern Alberta, traversed by the Trans-Canada highway leads travelers from Medicine Hat in the East to the amazing beauty of Banff National Park near the British Columbia Border. Destinations like the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, Jasper National Park and Drumheller (the dinosaur capital of the world), are busy with summer visitors. World-class ski resorts are filled with hikers enjoying the great weather, stunning views and alpine forests.

Medicine Hat celebrates its culture and heritage at the community 2010 Exhibition and Stampede July 28th through 31st. Headliners this year include Travis Tritt, LeAnn Rimes and the Little River Band – a great concert line-up for everyone. Regular events include three nights of rodeo, kid's parade and festival royalty. Fun for the entire family! Travelers can book accommodations at the Best Western Inn in Medicine Hat for a nice home away from home.

Lethbridge in Southern Alberta celebrates the 2010 Whoop-Up Days Family Festival August 24th through 28th. This popular summer event begins with the Whoop-Up Days Parade with the 2010 theme “ Family Festival”. Events continue through the week at Exhibition Park with over 100 vendors in the marketplace, cooking demonstrations and a reptile zoo. Entertainment includes roving street performers, clowns, dog agility demonstrations and a rodeo. Grandstand headliners include Colin James, Unzipped and Aaron lines. A terrific family and community celebration to top off your summer. The Best Western Heidelberg Inn in Lethbridge is an ideal location for a family getaway in the area. With clean, comfortable and affordable rooms, it is a wise choice for travelers.

Canmore, about an hour and a half west of Calgary, is an active and energetic community. The Canmore Nordic Centre hosts 24 hours of Adrenalin on July 24th. This is a mountain bike race where teams compete to see who can do the most laps in 24 hours. The 2010 race draws the best mountain bikers from the west coast and rocky mountains to compete and have fun. Canmore also hosts CAUSE Canada's 15th Annual Rocky Mountain Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K Run/Walk. The 2010 race will be held September 12th. Enjoy beautiful Alberta with courses in the shadows of Ha Ling Peak and Three Sisters.

The Best Western Pocaterra Inn in Canmore is set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, convenient for travelers to area events and the surrounding natural wonderland. An ideal spot to enjoy summer in Southern Alberta. With affordable rates, make sure to stay and see all the surrounding attractions.