Travel to Canada

Day spas

Alberta's two main urban centres, Calgary and Edmonton, have scores of spa facilities—both stand-alone and hotel based. And most of our smaller towns also have at least one day spa. At a day spa, you can book an individual treatment as well as half- and full-day packages. Although the majority of spa clients are women, this is fast changing as more men discover the health and cosmetic benefits of spa treatments. Both Calgary spas and Edmonton spas have men-only facilities.

St. Mary's Basilica

St Mary's was built in 1820. Attend services or just stop in for a quick visit; the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Canada still celebrates daily mass. The church is truly fascinating to look at outside and inside you will find a museum where you can learn about St Mary's grand history. There is a tour guide on site Monday through Friday.

Calgary Science Centre

This science and technology learning center attracts many visitors for its notable Discovery Dome Theatre, a huge dome screen equipped with digital sound. There is a series of exhibitions for children, with plenty of hands-on learning stations. A food kiosk and a science-oriented gift shop round out the experience.

Sunshine Valley Ski Resort

Sunshine boasts "Canada's best snow," and it is one of the few resort operators that does not require snow making equipment—all the white stuff is real. Twelve lift systems bring skiers of all abilities to any of 91 runs spread out over 3 mountains. Some of the runs are the steepest in the Canadian Rockies. For beginners, Sunshine offers rentals and lessons, and Sunshine Inn is one of the country's best ski lodges.

Calaway Park

Calaway Park offers a wide range of fun attractions to keep youngsters happy and active for a full day. The vaguely Flintstones-style theme park offers rides to suit all ages, with a special area just for toddlers. A corkscrew rollercoaster, log flume ride, bumper cars, boats and several other whirling, twirling and plunging attractions make kids squeal with delight, and their parents turn green.

Galaxyland

One of many superlatives at the West Edmonton Mall, Galaxyland is currently the world's largest indoor amusement park. The mascot is the inevitable man in a suit, named Cosmo, and is a big hit with the little ones. There are 25 rides to choose from, including Mindbender, Autosled, and Drop of Doom. If you want to organize a children's party, be sure to call the Party Launch Pad.

Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola

Ride this safe, glass-enclosed gondola system to the top of Sulphur Mountain for unparalleled views of Banff and the Rocky Mountains. The eight-minute journey is a year-round attraction, and during the summer you can hike around when you reach the summit. Marvel at the breathtaking and photo-worthy vistas from the observation deck, have a snack at the Summit Restaurant cafeteria (summer only) and visit the gift shop. For full meals, visit Panorama Restaurant (closed from December 3 to December 26). Gondola fares are CAD19.95 for adults and CAD9.95 for children.

West Edmont Mall

This mall is Alberta's number attraction and the largest shopping center in the world today. Measuring 5.3 million square feet, there is over 800 stores and services, over 100 eating establishments, 26 cinema theatres, a spa, and Las Vegas style casino. There is also 7 theme park attractions of varying admission prices: Galaxyland Amusement Park, World Waterpark, Deep Sea Adventure Submarine Ride, Sea Life Caverns, Professor Wem's Adventure Golf, Ice Palace and the NEW Aquatics Entertainment Stage. Disabled access varies. Rates and hours operation vary per attraction.

Spruce Meadows

One of the world's top equestrian facilities is placed in the rolling ranch lands just south of Calgary's city limits. Built and maintained by the Southern family, this sprawling site is now home to some of the world's top show-jumping events. The facilities are also a year-round attraction for horse-lovers and aspiring competitive riders. Competition occurs on six different grass rings, including the main venue that pulls in more than 30,000 spectators for events. Not bad huh?

Bowness Park

An open expanse of ice with smaller tributaries that wind off out of view, the artificial  lagoon is great for youngsters just learning to skate on any winter day, or others who need to burn some energy. A fire burning in the on-ice pit warms chilled hands. Canoes, foot-powered watercraft rentals, a miniature train ride, mini-golf, carnival rides, a kiddie spray pool, playground and sports fields are all available in the summer.