Surroundings, Calgary

A tour of the Badlands starts from Calgary city center on the TransCanada Highway 1, branching off after 30 km (19 mi.) on to Highway 9 to the north. Passing through rich, partly irrigated arable and pasture land with flat hills it arrives at Drumheller in the valley of the Red Deer River. Some 25 km (16 mi.) west of the town, in the deeply-slashed Horseshoe Canyon, can be seen for the first time the erosion forms so typical of this part of the Red Deer River and known as the "Badlands"; the complete lack of vegetation makes a lasting impression. It is wise to obtain brochures about the various tours on offer from the Tourist Information Office when arriving in the town.

The town of Bragg Creek located just east of Calgary is a pleasant spot for a day trip. Easily reached either by car or, for the adventurous, by bicycle, the town is a great spot to see some trees (which Calgary has very few of) and soak up a bit of the country side.Numerous shops provide souvenirs, and some interesting galleries are located throughout the town. Many restaurants feature outdoor patios and they are a great spot to linger and pass the afternoon away.The town features a 2 km / 1.25 mile walkway that meanders through the trees and along the Elbow River. Also nearby is a golf course, and in the winter, a ski hill.The area around Bragg Creek is popular with mountain bikers.

About 10 km (6 mi.) west of the city - take the TransCanada Highway and then the Springbank exit - lies the largest adventure park in the whole of south-west Canada. Coach-loads of visitors come to enjoy the numerous attractions, including roller coasters and an artificial watercourse, as well as colorful evening entertainment programs.This is an excellent family facility. From the park, and especially some of the rides, there are good views to the mountains. Visitors can enjoy the 33 rides, 19 food locations, 27 games and 4 attractions. There is also live entertainment with their 2-3 stage shows per year.

Pioneers first settled in the Nanton area in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The town is named for Sir Augustus Nanton, a partner in the financial firm, Osler, Hammond and Nanton, of Ontario. He was sent west to investigate investment in farm mortgages and was renowned for his sound judgment. The small town of Nanton is located just 40 minutes south of Calgary at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 533. Of interest here are the Big Sky Garden Railway and the Lancaster Air Museum.

The Vulcan Trek Station is a Star Trek themed tourism station with a Captain and crew who can answer your questions about the town of Vulcan and the Trek Station. A replica of the original starship Enterprise was unveiled in 1995.Interactive games and a colouring station for children are available along with the mountains and craters of the planet Vulcan.