Reader Rock Gardens

Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, a picture-perfect mountain town and village, abundant wildlife and scenic drives come together in Banff National Park - Canada’s first national park and the flagship of the nation’s park system. Over three million visitors a year make the pilgrimage to the park for a variety of activities including hiking, biking, skiing and camping in some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain scenery. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff

Standing beneath a towering hoodoo with a cactus at your feet, it’s easy to imagine a time when dinosaurs roamed the area. At Dinosaur Provincial Park, history is rediscovered every day and you’re invited to join in. Located about half an from Brooks, this place is a must visit if you are visiting Alberta. Camp, tour, and explore all that Dinosaur Provincial Park has to offer. There is so much to see and do at Dinosaur Provincial Park that in order to truly enjoy the entire extent of the park you should be prepared to stay a day or two. https://www.todocanada.ca/dinosaur-provincial-park/

Look at gorgeous crafts that can be ceremonial, expressive, sculptural, and more with a strong emphasis on personal cultural expression. From musical instruments to sculptures, every piece of fine craft the gallery carries is a part of an artist's portfolio which evolves as they progress in their discipline. Experience original exhibitions and fabulous shopping at the Alberta Craft Gallery in Calgary. The best place to discover Alberta-based artists working in ceramics, wood, metal, jewelry, fiber, stone, and glass. The Gallery features rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Visit the Alberta Craft Gallery and over 30 other art studios and organizations at the new SPACE King Edward, located in the vibrant Marda Loop neighborhood. https://www.visitcalgary.com/places/alberta-craft-gallery

Operated by Alberta’s oldest charity, Calgary Zoological Society, Calgary Zoo is the second largest zoo in Canada. The zoo which had its origins in early 1900s, suffered extensive flooding during June 2013 Calgary floods. The zoo was closed during this period and reopened in November 2013. Calgary Zoo is also a leading Canadian Centre for conservation and is home to Centre for Conservation Research with many endangered animals in its care. https://www.todocanada.ca/city/calgary/listing/calgary-zoo/

When Devonian Gardens opened in 1977, it attracted international attention. Today it remains Calgary's only indoor park, full of tropical plants, natural light and balmy temperatures all year long. Meandering walkways lead guests past water fountains, over tree-decked plazas, to ponds teaming with fish. Enjoy the park during hours the CORE Shopping Centre is open, especially before or after the lunch hour on weekdays when it bustles with downtown office workers. https://www.visitcalgary.com/places/devonian-garden

Escape Today at Heritage Park Historical Village. See and feel the past as it comes to life in front of your eyes. This unique Park’s attractions and exhibits span Western Canadian history from the 1860s to 1950s. You will see the vital story of the settlement of the west not only preserved, but presented alive and in great working condition! Ride the authentic steam train, make old-fashioned ice cream with the prairie townsfolk, explore our First Nations encampment, enjoy the antique midway, savour fresh baked treats from the Alberta Bakery, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, and set sail on Calgary’s only paddlewheeler. With over 180 exhibits on 127 acres of land, Canada’s largest living history museum offers an authentic experience from four key periods: the 1860s fur trading era and First Nations encampment, 1880s rustic pre-railway settlement, a bustling 1910 prairie railroad town and the 1930s -50s in Gasoline Alley Museum and Heritage Town Square. As an accredited museum, Heritage Park is proud to preserve and share history in a way that lets visitors experience it with all five senses. Costumed interpreters add another dimension to the immersive historical experience and bring the attractions and exhibits to life. https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/attractions/heritage-park-historical-village

This 36-hectare wildlife reserve is visited by more than 270 species of birds, 21 species of mammals (including deer), 2 amphibians, 2 reptiles, 7 species of fish and 27 species of butterflies. The sanctuary is a short drive (5 km) east of downtown on the Bow River. It offers two kilometres of trails through open grasslands and forests. Trails are open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. Bring your binoculars and be ready to spot the Mourning Warbler, the Western-Wood Pewee and – if you're lucky – the Hairy Woodpecker. A Nature Centre with an exhibit hall is an educational resource for families and wildlife lovers, and records recent sightings in the area. https://www.visitcalgary.com/places/inglewood-bird-sanctuary

Calgary's newest natural wetland on the city's southeast border opened summer 2011. The 30-hectare park is named after former Mayor and Premier Ralph Klein. Learning gardens. Interpretive trails. Wetland viewing areas. Study stations. Environmental education centre includes classrooms and meeting rooms. Available for corporate functions, weddings and private bookings. The 30-hectare park on Calgary’s southeast edge offers learning gardens, a natural playground, interpretive trails and wetland viewing areas. The environmental education centre includes classrooms and meeting rooms. https://www.visitcalgary.com/places/ralph-klein-park-environmental-education-centre

TELUS Spark Science Centre is a space for people of all ages and abilities to let go and embrace the desire to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math. Exhibits and programs ignite a sense of wonder and excitement. Over 200 hands- on experiences and the largest Dome theatre in Western Canada. General admission covers all special exhibits, unlimited Dome shows and the award winning outdoor Brainasium park. Enjoy a bite in the Spark Eatery and find unique gifts for that science geek in your life in the Spark Store. Spark Science Centre is a registered charity, and every dollar you donate empowers a child, a student, a parent, or a new Canadian to discover a world inspired by curiosity. Drink out of a toilet! Lay on a bed of nails! Live science demos, amazing Facilitators and an open studio where you can create and explore. Currently showing Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out, as well as the new Dome show, Great Bear Rainforest! https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/attractions/telus-spark-science-centre

Kayben Farms’ Sunshine Adventure Park is a refreshing place to take the whole family for a delightful day of farm fun, about 10 minutes south of the city of Calgary. http://kayben.com/sunshine-adventure-park-home/