On April 29, 1903, 82 million tonnes of rock tumbled from Turtle Mountain and buried the inhabitants of Frank, Alberta. The apocalyptic avalanche was one of Canada’s worst natural disasters. The nearby interpretive centre in the Crowsnest Pass examines the event today through a world-class museum, complete with historic buildings, authentic mine ruins, and original documentary footage. The Crowsnest Pass also offers fascinating prehistoric sites, intriguing people, and abundant wildlife, all amid the rugged mountains. Come and explore the area.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and prominent feature in Dave Barry’s Only Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need, Head-Smashed-In celebrates the ancient Aboriginal tradition of the buffalo hunt.  The Centre’s museum and frequent live events showcase the noble culture and history of Alberta’s native peoples. Head-Smashed-In is fifteen minutes northwest of Fort Macleod, Alberta.

The North West Mounted Police brought law and order to the Canadian prairie in the late 1800s. This museum celebrates the Mounties’ colourful century-plus service to Canada and, particularly, to Fort Macleod. It’s how the west was won.

She just turned 93 years old, becoming the oldest theatre in Alberta. Reposing on Fort Macleod’s charming Main Street, the Empress has served up an eclectic mix of movies, concerts, and live theatre since 1912.

A black diamond in the rough, Castle’s boundless snowscapes of untracked powder, natural half-pipes, and perfect fall lines delight thousands every year. Enjoy short lift lines, long runs, and endless fun. You’ll be the king of the Castle.

The legendary George “Kootenai” Brown single-handedly beat back Alberta’s southwest frontier. Buried in Waterton Lakes between his two wives, he’s credited for having the area established as a national park. Visit his painstakingly restored settlement and experience the life of one of Canada’s true heroes.

Situated on seventy acres of wetlands, it’s Canada’s largest facility for carnivorous birds. Tours and special events let anyone get up close and personal with Alberta’s eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Watch your fingers.

The Japanese wise men say, “The Nikka Yuko experience is to see and sense nature’s beauty.” Promenade through lush groves and limpid waterfalls, and listen as hostesses in traditional yukata dress reveal the garden’s aesthetic mysteries.

Restoring, preserving, and presenting southwest Alberta’s historic drama, the Galt keeps human history alive. With passion and innovation, the museum’s exhibits, collections, and special events get the story behind the history.

See the softer side of dinosaurs at Devil’s Coulee. Featuring a Hadrosaur nest and embryo, ancient fossils, dinosaur models, and murals depicting the massive beasts caring for their young, the museum will have you agreeing that, maybe, the dinosaurs weren’t so ferocious after all.