| In an effort to break out of the take-a-drive-to-Banff rut, you need not search very far. The following day trips offer the chance to explore Southern Alberta in some rather unexpected and enjoyable ways.
· Lacombe Corn Maze – Just west of Lacombe, this 15-hectare maze is the right combination of good clean fun and spatial awareness challenge to make the drive worthwhile. Interactive trivia and clues are posted along the way to guide you through the multiple routes, and corny photo opportunities abound. For those wanting an experience more akin to Signs, evening wandering is permitted Friday and Saturday evenings in October. Those trekking out with kids can also enjoy hayrides, picnic facilities and farm animals. The maze is officially open from July 28 to October 14.
Check out www.lacombecornmaze.com for directions and admission details.
· Alberta Birds of Prey Centre – Canada’s largest birds of prey centre sits on a 70-acre wetland in Coaldale (10 minutes past Lethbridge). Open until September 10, the centre houses a variety of hawks, eagles, falcons and owls. Many of the birds are rehabilitated at the centre, which offers daily flying demonstrations as part of the exercise regimen. One advantage of the displays are the fenceless enclosures, where the majority of the birds are tethered to perches, providing amazing photo opportunities and a chance to get quite close to majestic species like golden eagles. From the tiny saw-whet owls to impressive bald eagles, the collection is varied and has one of the largest breeding collections of the burrowing owl, one of Canada’s most endangered species.
Visit www.burrowingowl.com for more information.
· Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens – Situated in central Lethbridge, these immaculate gardens are the ultimate oasis on the Prairies. Guides are available as part of the nominal admission fee to explain the horticultural, cultural and architectural symbolism in the various areas of the garden. Special events such as tea ceremonies, sword presentations, bonseki or sand art demonstrations take place throughout the season, as well as moonlight viewing – a remarkably romantic way to experience the gardens, if that’s your thing. The entire site is on the small side, but manages to combine waterfalls, streams, rock gardens, bridges and numerous nooks and crannies for a moment of privacy even on a busy day.
Full event listings and detailed directions are available at www.japanesegardens.ab.ca
· Drumheller — You might not have been to this badlands landmark since junior high, but in addition to the Royal Tyrell Museum, the town boasts some fantastic easy to moderate hiking and photography possibilities in Horseshoe and Horsethief canyons. If building calf muscle isn’t high on the priority list, wander around the Atlas Coal Mine – a trek along the lines of Heritage Park, with character actors and tours inside and outside the mining tunnels. Just southeast of Drumheller is the ghost town of Wayne, home to the famous Last Chance Saloon and Rosedeer Hotel. Perfect for a day of meandering through a relic of Alberta’s history, Wayne is also the home of an annual music festival, Waynefest, held in early September.
For Drumheller ideas, check out www.dinosaurvalley.com, and for festival specifics, www.waynefest.com |
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