Beyond Calgary
BY JAMES YOUNG
SHEEP RIVER PROVINCIAL PARK
Whether you are looking for a day trip that includes picnicking , hiking , camping , fishing , or horseback riding , Sheep River has something for you . The scenic drive from Calgary alone is worth the trip , as the road bends and weaves through thick forests and rolling mountains with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife . Stop at any one of the turnoffs along the way to take in the epic mountain views but be sure to make the Sheep River Falls your main destination as its a place you ' ll long remember ( page 56 ).
FARM TO GLASS
Check out step one of Eau Claire Distillery ’ s “ farm to glass ” process at Bar U Ranch this spring . Established in 1882 , Bar U Ranch ( page 56 ) was one of the first ranching operations in Canada . Today it ' s where 25 acres of barley are planted and harvested the oldfashioned way each spring for Eau Claire Distillery to use . From May 20 - 22 , 50 draft horses will plow and seed the land using vintagestyle plowing equipment and spent water ( leftover from the spent grain in the distilling process ), and visitors are welcome to watch . Looking for an adult twist to this outing ? Be sure to visit the Eau Claire Distillery on your way back to the city . Located just 30 minutes down the highway , taste some of the spirits , and take a guided tour to learn more about the complete distilling process ( page 56 ).
THE ORIGINAL CANADA
Travel back in time to when wild buffalo freely roamed the prairies and take a cultural adventure at the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump UNESCO World Heritage Site . Through interactive activities , learn about Southern Alberta ’ s First Nations people who ' ve been on the land for over 6,000 years , long before Canada ’ s confederation . For a one-of-a kind experience , visit on weekends May 6 - June 3 and take a guided hike to the ancient drive lanes with Blackfoot guides and hear stories of how the plains people hunted the mighty buffalo . Celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21 with extra programming including drumming and dancing , listening to Blackfoot elders tell stories about the plains buffalo culture , and samples of Aboriginal cuisine including bannock ( page 56 ).
PHOTOGRAPHS : ( TOP TO BOTTOM ) BY EPPO ERKES , COURTESY TRAVEL ALBERTA ; BY NEIL ZELLER , COURTESY TRAVEL ALBERTA ' BY ROTH & RAMBERG , COURTESY TRAVEL ALBERTA
54 where . ca MAY / JUNE 2017