OUR Alberta 2018 | Page 45

Must-have Experiences Navigate a sunflower maze August to mid-October at Eagle Creek Farms, test your navigational skills in Western Canada’s only sunflower maze, created from 100,000 golden sunflowers! You can also pick your own strawberries, pumpkins and a variety of vegetables, or try one of their other challenging mazes, including a corn maze. eaglecreekfarms.ca Drive 100 years back in time The historical Boomtown Trail runs up and down Highways 21 and 56 connecting rural communities that emerged seemingly overnight during the expansion of Canada’s railway and discovery of coal and oil in that region. Visit museums and cultural landmarks that honour the histories of the First Nations peoples, buffalo hunts, coal mining and dinosaur digs in the area. boomtowntrail.com Meet all the great ones From archery and wheelchair sports to Gretzky and Wickenheiser, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame honours the achievements made by Alberta’s top athletes. Begin your training to earn your own spot in the hall at one of the virtual and interactive games, such as baseball, golf, skiing and more. ashfm.ca Solve a murder on the Prairie Express Take in Alberta’s scenic countryside during a one-day adventure aboard an old-fashioned steam train. Figure out ‘whodunnit’ during one of the Murder Mystery events, or simply enjoy a quaint ride to a rural town, and enjoy a delicious buffet. Just watch out for outlaws! The dreaded Reynolds Raiders roam the tracks searching for unsuspecting tourists! absteamtrain.com Explore the open plains of Central Alberta, and enjoy the breathtaking views of lakes, parkland, forests, golden canola fields and nearly cloudless big skies. After you escape the hustle and bustle of big-city life, you’ll be greeted with small-town charm and hospitality, as well as inspired opportunities to learn about Alberta’s rural history. Attractions in this area pay tribute to the pioneer lifestyle integral to the settlement and prosperity of the province. It’s also the perfect place to take advantage of those long summer days and warm nights by taking in some of the non-stop excitement at the outdoor music festivals and rodeos scattered across the region. Whether you’re cheering at a rodeo, experiencing a traditional Ukrainian festival, discovering new talent at a concert, or reliving the history of its ancestors — Central Alberta is “the” place to feed your cultural cravings. Float down rushing rapids Hop onto an inner tube, and drift down Pembina River with the entire family in tow. Enjoy spectacular views of the 62-metre gorge created during the last ice age, and maybe even spot wildlife on the banks of the valley. Rentals and shuttle services are available for a small fee. pembinarivertubing.com Dig into the past The Bodo Archaeological Centre provides a unique glimpse into the Indigenous cultures that predominated the grasslands of the province over 10,000 years ago. Tour the site and research lab to view bison bones, butchering tools, clay pottery and more. You can even sign up to participate in a dig! bodoarchaeology.com 45