Visiting Calgary and Southern Alberta

Banff, less than two hours west of Calgary, one of Canada's most well known destinations, is nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies amidst amazing outdoor landscapes. Popular Lake Louise, with the charming town of Banff nearby make a popular Alberta getaway. Spring brings the end of ski season with area resorts including Lake Louise Ski Area, Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay celebrating the last runs of 2012 as sunshine takes over Canada's Rocky Mountains. Nakiska Ski Resort, between Canmore and Calgary ends the winter season mid-April - Nakiska brands April party time. Visit on April weekends for music, events and kids activities on the deck. Get ready for Alberta warm weather fun.

Lake Louise Ski Area celebrates April with weekend music at the Kokanee Kabin. Special events like the Cardboard Box Downhill Derby on April 7th and the Spring Episode on May 5th, highlight the end of the season. Don’t miss 2012 Bikinis for Breast Cancer at Lake Louise also May 5th and the 84th Annual Slush Cup at Sunshine Village. The Slush Cup is the popular ride down the slopes into a slush pond, while you are dressed in your most outrageous outfit.

Banff greets spring 2012 as host of the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival. May 4th and 5th, Banff fills with amazing cuisine from local restaurants, and wine and spirits from across Alberta and the globe. Join special events like the Baby Back Rib Cook Off, Italian dinner Party or the Wine Maker’s Dinner. Or enjoy a session of sampling and tasting at the Festival Grand Tasting Hall. It’s a weekend of great food and drink in Banff.

Looking for a challenge? The Banff Jasper Relay is June 2nd, 2012, featuring 15 stages adding up to 258K from Banff to Jasper. The course runs along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway and Ice Fields Parkway making the relay arguably the most beautiful in the world. Gather a team, join a team or sponsor a team and help support the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

Calgary, home of the greatest outdoor show on earth, the Calgary Stampede, hosts spring agriculture events at Stampede Park. April brings Aggie Days, Stock Dog Arena Trials and the Canadian Horseshoeing Championships. The 2012 Calgary Stampede Spring Extreme Cowboy Race is April 22nd, featuring the new sport of Extreme Cowboy Racing. The event is part of Aggie Days and showcases horse and rider skills as they race through obstacles in a multi-faceted equestrian challenge.

Calgary hosts the 48th Annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon May 27th. Set your training goals for this late spring event, also featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Marathon. The marathon course takes runners through downtown Calgary and is considered on of Alberta’s best road races. New for 2012, the Marathon moves to Stampede Park, with the 2012 Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Health and Wellness Expo open for three days.

Calgary and Southern Alberta Hotel Map