Home RVC-2016 JOURNEY TO THE WEST: EXPLORING THE NEW ALBERTA

Alberta has come a long way since its days as a fur trading and ranching outpost. The wilderness is still present—from majestic Rockies to wide-open prairies—but bustling cosmopolitan cities now dot the landscape. Simply put, this western province has lots to offer, from cultural attractions to breath-taking natural beauty. And with flights to exciting destinations across Alberta, Air Canada wants your clients to experience this diverse province for themselves.

INTO THE WILD WEST

The outdoor enthusiasts among your clients will find plenty of reasons to visit Alberta via Air Canada. With gorgeous mountain views, pristine glacial lakes, dense forests, and rolling grassland, visitors can hike, camp, climb, swim, ski, and explore to their heart’s content.

Banff National Park is a must-see. Located 110 km west of Calgary, the park boasts numerous backcountry trails; wildlife sightings of caribou, elk, and bears; natural hot springs; and numerous hotels and ski resorts.

Visitors can also experience one of the most beautiful routes in Canada by driving north along the Icefields Parkway. This 230 km stretch of highway bypasses lakes, mountains, hiking trails, waterfalls, canyons, and the Icefields Centre, which overlooks the Athabasca Glacier. The Parkway ends in remote Jasper National Park—also reachable via shuttle from Edmonton International Airport—which offers the ultimate skiing and camping experience.

RELIVING THE PAST

History buffs will also want to delve into Alberta’s rich history. The province has enjoyed decades of oil boom, made possible by creatures that roamed the landscape eons ago. Today, visitors can see their fossils at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology in Drumheller, located 140 km northeast of Calgary. Clients wishing to relive the province’s Wild West days should visit Heritage Park Historical Village in Calgary for re-creations of historical buildings, costumed staff, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Finally, Air Canada destinations like Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat, and Grande Prairie all have guest ranches and farm stays right outside the city, which offer visitors a taste of Alberta’s frontier past.

URBAN DELIGHTS

Alberta is far more than range and ranches, and Air Canada is happy to transport your clients to its unique cities. Those visiting the capital of Edmonton can catch an Oilers game, then shop, eat, watch a movie, or even ride a rollercoaster in West Edmonton Mall, North America’s largest shopping centre. Visitors to Calgary can sample the city’s thriving culinary scene, or if it’s July, check out the iconic Calgary Stampede. Other cultural attractions include the symphony orchestra in Red Deer, the Reel Shorts Film Festival in Grande Prairie, and the Southern Alberta Art Gallery in Lethbridge.

A COSMOPOLITAN OUTLOOK

Years of economic diversification have drawn immigrants from around the world to Alberta. In turn, the province has grown increasingly multicultural. This transformation is reflected in an explosion of new cultural attractions: the Calgary Stampede is now joined by a bevvy of events like Serbian Fest, Expo Latino, and Cariwest.

Ultimately, Alberta welcomes international travelers with open arms, no matter how long their stay. And Air Canada is proud to introduce your clients to this unique province with best-in-class service to Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, and Lethbridge.

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