Frommer's Alberta

by Pashby, Christie

• ISBN13: 9780470964224
• ISBN10: 0470964227
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-02-07
• Publisher: Frommers

Summary

Blessed with a spectacular array of natural wonders, Alberta brings in tourists from around the globe to marvel at the Rockies and explore a unique slice of Canada. Frommer's Alberta guides them to the best places to see, both on and off the beaten path. This book offers lots of touring options to choose from, with detailed information on Calgary's robust restaurant scene and raucous nightlife, Banff's most scenic hikes and drives, shopping tips for the sprawling West Edmonton Mall and special tours for dinosaur hunters, movie buffs, and wannabe cowboys. Throughout the guide will be Frommer's trusted insider perspective, complete with detailed reviews, suggested itineraries, and extensive advice on how best to create your perfect holiday.

Author Biography

Christie Pashby has been writting for Frommer’s for a decade, contributing to titles like Frommer’s Argentina, Frommer’s Chile, and Best Hikes in British Columbia and also authoring Frommer’s Banff and the Canadian Rockies Day by Day. She divides her time between the Canadian Rockies and Bariloche, Argentina. A freelance journalist and translator, her website is www.patagonialiving.com.

Table of Contents

List of Maps.

1 THE BEST OF ALBERTA.

2 ALBERTA IN DEPTH.

The Best Travel Experiences.

The Best Historic Sites.

The Best Museums.

The Best Small Towns.

The Best Luxury Accommodations.

The Best Festivals.

The Best Dining.

The Best Scenic Drives.

The Best Experiences for Kids.

The Best Hiking and Walking Tours.

The Best Outdoor Adventures.

Alberta Today.

Looking Back at Alberta.

The Lay of the Land.

Popular Culture: Film & TV, Books & Music.

Food & Drink.

3 PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO ALBERTA.

When to Go.

ALBERTA CALENDAR OF EVENTS.

Entry Requirements.

Getting There & Around.

Money & Costs.

Staying Healthy.

Crime & Safety.

Specialized Travel Resources.

Responsible Tourism.

GENERAL RESOURCES FOR GREEN TRAVEL.

Special Interest & Escorted Trips.

Staying Connected.

Tips on Accommodations.

4 ACTIVE VACATION PLANNER.

National Parks.

Skiing.

Hiking & Mountain Climbing.

Fishing.

Bird Watching.

Horseback Riding.

Mountain Biking.

White-Water Rafting.

The Best of the Canadian Rockies in 1 Week.

The Best of Southern Alberta in 1 Week.

A Ski Weekend in the Rockies.

A Week of Outdoor Adventure.

The Best of Calgary in 1 Day.

The Best of Edmonton in 1 Day.

5 SUGGESTED ALBERTA ITINERARIES.

6 CALGARY.

Essentials.

CALGARY’S NEIGHBORHOODS IN BRIEF.

Getting Around.

FAST FACTS: CALGARY.

Where to Stay.

Where to Dine.

Exploring Calgary.

THE CALGARY STAMPEDE.

Outdoor Activities & Spectator Sports.

CYCLING TOUR 1: BOW RIVER PARKS.

TREE-LOVING BRIDGE BUILDERS.

CYCLING TOUR 2:. . . FISH CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ROUTES.

Organized Tours.

Shopping.

Calgary After Dark.

7 SOUTHERN ALBERTA.

Drumheller.

BLACKFOOT CROSSING: EXPLORING FIRST NATIONS HISTORY.

MOVIE MAGIC.

FOSSILS WERE NOT ALWAYS FIRST.

Medicine Hat.

Lethbridge.

VULCAN.

Waterton Lakes National Park.

WATERTON-GLACIER INTERNATIONAL PEACE PARK.

8 KANANASKIS COUNTRY & THE COWBOY TRAIL.

Canmore & Kananaskis.

HA LING PEAK.

The Cowboy Trail.

9 BANFF & JASPER.

Essentials of Banff & Jasper.

Banff National Park.

FAST FACTS: BANFF NATIONAL PARK.

Lake Louise.

The Icefields Parkway.

Jasper National Park.

FAST FACTS: JASPER NATIONAL PARK.

10 EDMONTON.

Essentials.

NEIGHBORHOODS IN BRIEF.

Getting Around.

FAST FACTS: EDMONTON.

Where to Stay.

Where to Dine.

Exploring the City.

Outdoor Activities & Spectator Sports.

THE BATTLE OF ALBERTA.

Organized Tours.

Shopping.

Edmonton after Dark.

11 NORTHERN ALBERTA.

Fort McMurray.

NORTHERN OUTDOOR ADVENTURES.

A WEEKEND IN FORT MCMURRAY.

Fort Chipewyan.

Grande Prairie.

APPENDIX: FAST FACTS, TOLL-FREE NUMBERS & WEBSITES.

FAST FACTS: ALBERTA.

Airline Websites.

Index.

Accommodations Index.

Restaurants Index.