Page 19 - XperienceAlberta-EDA-2024-1

HOW TO CAMP LIKE A CHAMP
Alberta’s German tourists have the art of RV-ing down to a science. But, here are some great ways to enjoy some of Alberta’s most famous natural spots and its hidden gems.
THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
This 232-kilometre highway snakes and slithers through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, and connects Jasper and Banff National Parks. There are plenty of stops along the way, from the world-famous Columbia Icefields to the turquoise waters of Peyto Lake. There is an RV park adjacent to the Icefields, but remember at altitude to dress warmly, even in summer months. Visit Parks Canada’s website to reserve camping spots in the national parks. These need to be booked ahead because of the high demand.
DRUMHELLER
Located in the southeast of the province, the desert-like badlands is one of the greatest spots in the world for dinosaur finds. The famed Royal Tyrrell Museum is a dinosaur aficionado’s dream. And, there are four RV parks within Drumheller itself.
BIG KNIFE
A provincial park located in the centre of the province, with landscape that looks like it’s been split by the Battle River. There’s lots of great hiking, wildlife watching and kayaking opportunities.
WOOD BUFFALO
Located in the northeast of the province near Fort McMurray, and about seven hours northeast of Edmonton, this is Canada’s largest national park, with pristine forests, lakes and the world’s longest beaver dam. The Pine Lake campground is open from late May to early September and offers sandy beaches. Enjoy long summer days in Canada’s north.
WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
This national park is quite possibly one of the most known (and most beautiful) destinations in the Canadian Rockies. A three-hour drive south of Calgary, the town is only home to about 100 people, so there is plenty of space (and things to do and see).
BY THE NUMBERS $10.1
BILLION
Annual tourism expenditures in Alberta
$8.4
BILLION
Annual amount contributed to Alberta’s GDP by tourism
34.6
MILLION
In-person visits to Alberta per year
TOP INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
COUNTRY EXPENDITURES (000s)
UNITED STATES UNITED KINGDOM CHINA
GERMANY
$991,414 $200,168 $188,460
$114,019
AT A GLANCE
Alberta’s Ale Trail
Ayleigh Henderson thinks that Alberta has a great secret.
“We have the best barley in the world,” says the co-owner of Stronghold Brewing, located in the historic southern Alberta town of Fort Macleod, a place that has been used by many movie-makers for its Wild West, historic look.
The Alberta craft beer industry has exploded over the last decade. Eight breweries are located along the scenic Highway 3 route, that stretches 303 kilomteres from the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Blairmore, through prairies and badlands east to the city of Medicine Hat.
Tourism Lethbridge and Tourism Medicine Hat call this stretch
Riding High
Alberta’s long and rich history of ranching dates back to the late 19th century and the town of High Level celebrates that deeply rooted culture with its annual rodeo. Located in the northwest corner of the province, the town attracts visitors from across
the region as adrenaline and athletic prowess fuel the highly anticipated exhibition.
Hosted by the High Level Agricultural Exhibition Society, the
of Highway 3 the “Alberta Ale Trail,” and encourage visitors to stop and sample the craft beers from each of the eight breweries — no drinking and driving, of course.
“Alberta beer has been this extraordinarily collaborative industry,” says Henderson. “It’s been cool to watch the Ale Trail grow. It’s been cool to have a clique within the larger Alberta beer scene.”
The brewmasters from all eight of the Ale Trail unite once a year to collaborate on a beer. This past year, it was an American-style wheat ale, and it won a silver medal at the Alberta Beer Awards.
“It’s not just a nice group of people, but a talented group of brewers,” says Henderson. “And I think it’s actually helped tourism.”
multi-day event boasts fun activities for all ages including a parade, food trucks, a farmers’ market and dance with live music. Onlookers are treated to top-notch rodeo artistry with events in barrel racing, pole bending, horse racing, saddle bronc, bareback riding, bull riding and more.
The rodeo experience offers a captivating display of grit and skill while celebrating the dynamic history of agriculture and farming in Alberta.
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