Page 47 - 2024-25 Travel Guide to Canada

arts centre that offers high-calibre, family-friendly theatre and
music. Many tourists stroll along the hamlet’s two streets, which are
spattered with funky art shops and galleries
(www.rosebudtheatre.com).
Historic Fort Macleod, in southern Alberta, is the birthplace of the
North-West Mounted Police—now the RCMP. The first musical ride
in Canada was held in the town in 1876. Modelled after British Army
cavalry drills, the musical ride is held daily in July and August
(www.nwmpmuseum.com).
SCENIC DRIVES
Crowsnest Highway: This historic route stretches from Fort
Macleod in the province’s far south to the town of Coleman, where
the province’s coal-mining heritage was born. Travellers should not
miss the jaw-dropping boulder fields lining the highway to the
town of Frank, where 82 million metric tonnes of rock crashed
down from the mines at Turtle Mountain and buried the town. A
visit to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre tells the story of the
nighttime tragedy.
Deh Cho Trail: The best of northern Alberta is found along this
journey northwest of Edmonton to High Level. It offers vast tracts
of stunning wilderness with countless lakes and rivers; the boreal
forests, parkland and wetlands are teeming with wildlife including
rare birds. Explore old fur trade posts at historic sites such as Fort
Vermilion, or cross Alberta’s longest vehicle suspension bridge
over the Peace River at Dunvegan.
Cowboy Trail: Western heritage takes the spotlight along this scenic
Highway 22 drive through the foothills of the Rockies between
Pincher Creek and Mayerthorpe. Highlights of the route include Bar
U Ranch National Historic Site and historic Cochrane RancheHouse
(www.thecowboytrail.com).
FAMILY FUN
Don’t miss the World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall, the
Calgary Zoo’s Penguin Plunge or The Brainasium outdoor
playground at the TELUS Spark Science Centre. Kids enjoy the
Tropical Pyramid at the Muttart Conservatory. The Great Canadian
Barn Dance at Hillspring features campfires, music and food
(www.gcbd.ca), while the Innisfail Discovery Wildlife Park is a 36
ha (90 acre) zoo housing more than 30 species of orphaned animals
including bears, wolves and lions (www.discoverywildlife
park.com). The Royal Tyrrell Museum offers a Jurassic joyride; also
the chance to climb into the belly of the World’s Largest Dinosaur
in Drumheller in the Canadian Badlands.
BREWSTERS GLACIER SKYWALK, ICEFIELDS PARKWAY • TRAVEL ALBERTA