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Canada
Return to Local Secrets, Big Finds homeView 2007 Local Secrets, Big Finds
Conners Hill Photo Courtesy of Edmonton Tourism/ Edmonton Economic Development Corp.
town of Lethbridge. Situated along the Oldman River there are many hiking and biking trails boasting mountain and prairie views.
Millarville Farmers' Market
Millarville
403.931.2404
At Alberta's largest outdoor market, "there are lovely organic foods," so be sure to have the "great special breakfast," before taking a look at the arts and crafts on sale. "Many local artisans sell their wares," and the gazebo at the center of the marketplace usually features live entertainment. After looking at the offerings of 160 vendors, you'll appreciate the "beautiful" drive along the highway, with "fall colors and mountains in the backdrop." To extend your adventure, "drop in at the Sakatoon Berry Farm on the way to Calgary." Read more.
Medicine (Mystery) Lake
Jasper
780.852.3858
Located just outside of Jasper Park, this "very interesting sight to see" is a great place for fishing and winter sports--but only if you time it right. "Named appropriately by Indians," the mystery of the lake is that it "disappears in the fall and returns in the spring." The disappearing act takes place over a period of three weeks. Experts figure it is the largest underground cave system in the world. They've also "tried to figure out where the water goes," but it remains a mystery to this day. Read more.
Tower of Babel
Banff
403.762.8421
Sulfur Mountain Caves
Banff
403.762.1557
Although many ascend the gondolas to the top of Sulfur Mountain, "this little-known attraction was once available to the general public many years ago." However, "due to the high traffic and the town's inability to provide constant maintenance and patrol," the caves have "fallen out of touch with the tourist trade." If you're into caving, or if "you are a serious spelunker," then the "caves are worth a look." Emerge back into the light of day for Canadian Rocky Mountain majesty.
Peters' Drive-in
Calgary
403.277.2747
If you're looking for diner food, head to Peter's Drive-in for burgers, hotdogs, onion rings, and fries. Even though "the large order of fries could feed a family of 10," you need to make sure you save some room for a milkshake, which is "the true prize." The consistency is "thick and creamy." All the numerous flavors "are made from real fruit, real chocolate, and Dairyland ice cream;" You won't find any "fake syrups" here.
Bragg Creek Sunset in the Rocky Mountains
Bragg Creek
In Alberta's foothills, "there is something profoundly awesome about dusk," so leave the big city behind for a sunset to remember. When you hit Bragg Creek, "the combination of rolling hills, wildflowers, and majestic mountains" along with "the smell of pine trees" makes for a "spectacular" experience. The perfect chaser for your sunset viewing is a visit to the Powderhorn Saloon "for some great western hospitality and a Big Rock beverage that's brewed locally." Read more.
Connors Hill
Edmonton
800.463.4667
Drumheller Dinosaur Museum Campouts
Drumheller
403.823.7707
"The scenic drive through the badlands" to get to this museum "is remarkable." The canyon harbors rocks dating back to the Cretaceous Period, and fossils and dinosaur skeletons have been unearthed here. "Driving through Drumheller is like driving through a movie set," and it's easy to imagine what it was like when dinosaurs roamed the area long ago. The museum offers "overnight camp-ins for children with the dinosaurs" on Friday and Saturday evenings. This "great value" adventure allows kids to see what happens after the lights go out in the dinosaur hall. Read more.
Ellis Blue Bird Farm
Lacombe
403.346.2211
Amid "peaceful and relaxing surroundings," this working farm and nonprofit center lies in "a beautiful, rural country setting." The farm is dedicated to the conservation of mountain bluebirds, tree swallows, and other cavity-nesting birds. "Watch baby birds being fed by their mothers" and "sip on wonderful coffee or Rhubarb Refresher" at the tea house, which also "serves the best lunches and strawberry tea biscuits around." There's a gazebo "extending into a small lake," where you can just sit and "smell the fresh air." Read more.
Lethbridge Train Bridge
Lethbridge
403.320.3910
Built in the early 1900s, the Lethbridge Train Bridge stands as "the longest freestanding train bridge in North America." The structure is "a marvel of construction" that is "fascinating in scope and size." Try to time it right so that you can watch a train go over the span. After, you can explore the small
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