83 Beyond Calgary beginning of the skiing season . It is a great activity for all ages and an excellent substitute for those who do not know how to ski or snowboard . Tube rentals are included . Norquay is also the only ski resort in the Banff-Lake Louise area that offers night activities on Friday and Saturday evenings .
In the summer you can hike , take in the mountain views from a chairlift , or try the new Via Ferrata guided climbing experience . Via Ferrata allows you to climb and traverse a mountain without any prior training , as a series of secure pulleys , bridges , and ropes ( as well as a professional guide ) will help you make the climb .
PHOTOGRAPH : COURTESY ROYAL TYRRELL MUSEUM
DRUMHELLER
Located just one and a half hours from Calgary , in the unique geographical terrain of the Badlands ( think sand , hoodoos , and valleys ), is the town of Drumheller . The Royal Tyrrell Museum has one of the largest collections of dinosaur bones in the world and is dedicated to educating its visitors about paleontology . Watch as fossils are prepared for exhibition in the lab , stand in awe among dinosaur skeletons and fossils , and learn about Alberta ’ s crucial role in the preservation and study of fossils .
Visit the Trekcetera pop-culture museum at its new location in Drumheller . The museum is open yearround and has many different exhibits including memorabilia from the Star Trek series , as well as items that have been used in other shows and movies that have a special Alberta connection . The newest exhibit
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includes 32 costumes and props from AMC ’ s hit show Hell on Wheels , which was filmed right here in Alberta !
In July , the Canadian Badlands Passion Play is performed every Friday , Saturday , and Sunday . This unique theatre experience is set outside in a natural ampitheatre and tells the story of the life of Jesus Christ according to the Gospels .
TURNER VALLEY
Just 35 minutes southwest of Calgary , Turner Valley is a small town with lots of charm . Aside from
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Drumheller the very scenic drive through the Alberta foothills , visit a restaurant for a home-cooked meal for lunch or dinner , tee up for a game of golf , attend lively spring and summer festivals , and shop local at the farmers market from June through October . If you are particularly thirsty , check out the Eau Claire Distillery to try some of Alberta ’ s finest craft spirits . Take a tour for a behind-the-scenes look at how they craft their premium products , try some samples , and buy a bottle or two to take home .
BRAGG CREEK
Looking for an outdoor adventure ? Bragg Creek is the quintessential day trip from Calgary . Explore all the things that the foothills and Canadian Rockies have to offer , just 30 minutes from Calgary . Try hiking , biking , fishing , skating , skiing , or horseback riding , or simply visit the town to try some of the many great dining options , art galleries and shows , and festivals throughout the year .
CANMORE
For a close mountain town experience , try Canmore for a great day trip . This small town is nestled in the Canadian Rockies just one hour from downtown Calgary . Regardless of which season you are visiting in , Canmore will delight you . Go for an incredibly scenic hike at the beautiful Grassi Lakes trail overlooking the valley in the spring and summer , or go skating , cross-country skiing , or snowshoeing in the winter . Visit the
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Explore unique boutiques and antique stores , amazing restaurants and cafés , and more in Southern Alberta ' s " cool little towns " of Black Diamond , High River , Longview , Nanton , Okotoks , and Turner Valley . Visit coollittletowns . com for more information .
Canmore Nordic Centre for crosscountry skiing lessons and rentals , or Alpine Helicopters for a helicopter tour of the surrounding mountains and areas . Experience a Canmore Food Tour or finish it all off with a visit to one of the many great restaurants , bars , and cafés located within the town . For dinner with a five star view , be sure to check out The Iron Goat Pub & Grill . Located on the north side of Highway 1 , you can gaze at the famous Three Sisters mountain range from the restaurant . calgary . be part of the energy . visitcalgary . com