Excursions
Here are some of the exciting excursions we have planned for the delegates of CC19. There may be additional costs involved for admission or transportation that is not covered by the convention membership fee.
The Glenbow Museum is a valuable resource centre for researchers and western history buffs. A comprehensive Library and Archives contains a wealth of books, periodicals, photographs, maps and manuscripts which are all available for study.
We have co-ordinated a back room tour focusing on Western and 1st Nations cultural history as it pertains to costume. Admission to the museum and the cost of the tour will be $12/ Adult, $10 for Seniors and $8 for Students with valid ID (13 – 17yrs). The tour will run Friday and the time will be posted on the web site as it comes available. Advanced booking is a must as there are a limited number of people we can accommodate. The Glenbow is within walking distance of the Westin Hotel.
Heritage Park is Canada's largest living historical village and represents life as it was in turn-of-the-century Western Canada. There are over 150 exhibits spread over 66 acres beside the Glenmore Reservoir, including a 1910 town, a steam locomotive, sternwheeler boat and antique midway. CC19 has planned the trip for Friday morning. The admission rate will be dependent upon how many people sign up and whether you wish go on any rides. Lunch is not included with admission, but breakfast is.
Here are more of the exciting excursions we have planned. There may be additional costs involved for admission or transportation that are not covered by the convention membership fee:
Bernard Callebaut Chocolaterie
Bernard Callebaut has been making chocolates in Calgary since 1982, and is the first North American to win the Grand Prix Award of Excellence. His delectable chocolates are well worth sampling and we have requested a tour of his facilities. There is limited space for this half-hour tour, so sign up early.
The Sari District Tour
There are several sari shops in Calgary's Northeast, and we are touring a few of them Monday afternoon. They continue to have some of the best prices for fabric in the city, especially for silks and certain types of velvet. I am happy to report that one of them is nestled between a spice shop and an East Indian bakery for those who wish to indulge in honey-laden treats.
The Calgary Centre for Performing Arts
At the time of printing, both Theatre Calgary and Alberta Theatre Projects couldn't give us a firm commitment for a tour of the Centre's wardrobe department. They won't be able to give us an answer until much closer to the convention date. Unfortunately, we won't be able to have the tour if another group is using the space.
The following are two alternative day trips planned tentatively for the day after the convention for those who have a little extra time to sightsee. Please let me know if you are interested so that we can organise a group trip. If you have time before the convention, let me know, and we see if we can assist you.
1. Banff National Park
In 1883, the attempts of 3 Canadian Pacific Railroad workers to stake a claim to the natural hot springs they had discovered in Alberta's Rocky Mountains led to the establishment of Canada's first national park and the world's third. Banff National Park spans 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) and contains over 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) of trails and spectacular landscape. Designated a "World Heritage Site" by the United Nations in 1985.
Banff
The resort town of Banff is open all year round to cater to the needs of skiers and tourists alike. Some of the attractions include the historic Banff Springs Hotel, the Upper Hot Springs, Bow Falls and Sulphur Mountain Gondola as well as many fine shops and restaurants.
Lake Louise
Named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria, the gorgeous blue-green water of this glacier lake is probably the most photographed scene in the Canadian Rockies. The Chateau Lake Louise offers lakeside views of the Victoria Glacier, and there are trails for walking, skiing and interpretive displays.
For information (such as climate, travel tips, attractions etc.) try the Banff / Lake Louise Tourism Bureau at www.banfflakelouise.com or Phone: (403) 762-8421
Fax: (403) 762-8163. Or write to P.O. Box 1298, Banff, Alberta Canada T0L 0C0
2. Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is a world class exhibition and research facility. Its mandate is to collect, conserve, research, display and interpret palaeontological history, with special reference to Alberta's fossil heritage. Most of the fossils you see in the Museum were discovered in Alberta – many in the Drumheller area and Dinosaur Provincial Park. It is one of the largest palaeontological museums in the world with more than 35 complete dinosaur skeletons and 800 fossils on display.
For more information try www.tyrrellmuseum.com. Call total free in North America: 1 - 888-440-4240
fax: (403) 823-7131. Or write Box 7500 Drumheller, Alberta Canada T0J 0Y0
I can be reached at (Removed), and would be delighted to sign you up or answer any question you may have about any of the excursions.
