North of Calgary, south of Edmonton and west to the Rocky Mountains lies a land of infinite variety. Grain fields and rolling cattle country dotted with oil and gas wells. Prairie, parkland, foothills and majestic mountains. Every town has a museum, every person on main street has a story to tell.

The David Thompson Highway travels west from Red Deer (halfway between Edmonton and Calgary) to the Saskatchewan River Crossing, where it meets the Banff-Jasper Highway in Banff National Park. The small town of Rocky Mountain House marks the transition point between the plains and mountains. The many museums and historic sites in the area are well worth a visit.

Throughout the summer central Alberta towns come alive with rodeos and pioneer day celebrations. It’s hard to find a weekend when there isn’t something happening. The Westerner Exhibition and Red Deer International Air Show are major attractions. Innisfail is the home of the RCMP Dog Training Centre. Some of the many provincial historic sites include Stephanson House, which was once home to Stephen G Stephenson, one of the most prolific poets in the western world. And if you are looking for a “road less traveled”, the Forestry Trunk Road runs parallel to Banff and Jasper National Parks. Spectacular waterfalls, breathtaking scenery, river, streams fish and wildlife galore.

For more information contact Travel Alberta at 1-800-661-8888. There are many more attractions in the region including.....

REYNOLDS - ALBERTA MUSEUM

If you wonder how planes stay in the air, what makes engines work, or why electric cars fell from fashion in the 1920s, then this museum is the place for you! Featuring an outstanding collection of vintage cars, trucks, aircraft, agricultural and industrial equipment.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

The only National Historic Park in Alberta. A salute to the fur trading era.

FORT NORMANDEAU

A reconstructed fort from the Riel rebellion era, featuring exhibit gallery, interpretive centre and living history interpretive program.

HISTORIC MARKERVILLE CREAMERY MUSEUM

Restored to the 1930s, features demonstrations, guided tours, coffee house and gift shop.

BIGHORN DAM AND ABRAHAM LAKE

A hydroelectric generating project forming Alberta’s longest man-made lake. Interpretive centre and groups tours by arrangement.