Visiting Calgary and Southern Alberta

Alberta, the western most prairie province of Canada, is anchored by the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west. Calgary, the business and cultural center of Southern Alberta is an energetic and vibrant city. A gate way for travelers west to Banff and Lake Louise, two of Alberta's most beautiful and popular destinations. Medicine Hat called the gas city, to the southwest, and Lethbridge are two of Alberta's sunniest and warm cities, on account of both the weather and the people.

Calgary, the largest city in Alberta, hosts its most well know event, The Calgary Stampede, for ten days in July. A world class city, remember, Calgary's 1988 Winter Olympic games introduced the Jamaican bobsled team to the world, and curling was just an exhibition event. The Calgary Tower, remains the world's largest Olympic Torch, as a flame burned at the top for Calgary's Olympics. In honor of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics the cauldron was lit each day a Canadian athlete or team won a medal. That's a lot of fire, with Canadian athletes winning an unprecedented fourteen gold medals.

Winter sticks at Banff and in the Canadian Rockies with excellent boarding and skiing into May. Late season and closing day festivities at Mt Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village resorts add to the fun of spring skiing and boarding. The 7th Annual Big Mountain Challenge is held mid-April, drawing competitors from across the country to compete in a challenging freesking event.

Banff hosts the BoZo Cup, April 30th through May 2nd 2010. This event honors the legacy of a former employee and benefits the Canadian SADS foundation. Featuring three days of head to head racing starting with the Gentle Giant Slalom and includes Pro-AM and Kinder Cup races. A fun event to watch or participate in, while enjoying springtime in the Canadian Rockies. The Best Western Siding 29 Lodge, three blocks from downtown Banff, is convenient for the BoZo Cup event, as well as downtown restaurants and nightlife.

Kids need a change of surroundings? Pack up the family for the World of Wonders, the 11th Annual Canmore Children's Festival, May 21st and 22nd. An hour west of Calgary and 15 minutes from Banff, this award winning event is worth the trip. Begin the day with a pancake breakfast, and set off to enjoy two days of workshops, crafts, games and on-stage performances. Geared for the kids, but moms and dads may well find the day entertaining too.

The Best Western Pocaterra Inn in Canmore is the perfect place to stay. An indoor pool with a large waterslide will keep the kids entertained until bed time. If you need to travel, Best Western Hotels are conveniently located along the Trans-Canada Highway and Alberta Highway 2, and with affordable rates, be safe - stop and rest if you need to.