10 Views that Fascinate

10 Views that Fascinate Copyright (c) 2006 Travel Alberta, All Rights Reserved Written by: Travel Alberta http://industrytravelalberta.com

Though he wasn't writing about travel in Alberta, T.S. Eliot
aptly put it: "We shall not seek from exploration/And the end of
all our exploring/Will be to arrive where we started/And know the
place for the first time." He was talking about a transcendental
interpretation of time, but his meaning can apply to that inward
bound feeling so many people have when they travel in Alberta and
glimpse these 10 transcendent places.

Lake Louise Mountain Resort Summit

This is a view with a heart-pounding travel pedigree. Ski
Magazine selected Lake Louise Mountain Resort the most scenic
resort in North America during its 2004-5 annual reader survey.
Among other accolades, this resort was awarded Best Scenery and
Most Romantic Accommodations by Ski Canada Magazine. It's just
as stunningly beautiful during the summer. In the summer, the
six-passenger gondola called The Grizzly will whisk you to the
top of a 360-degree panorama at the summit of the Lake Louise
Resort area. It's a sweeping vista of the Rocky Mountains to the
east, along with the pine forests and wilderness of Banff
National Park. You can view pictures of the gondola and other
sights at the online photo gallery. Hiking in the region is a
favored summer activity and is supported by world-class
accommodations.

Canada's Icefields Parkway

It's a highway to heaven. This mountain drive is a 142 mile (230
kilometer) romp across the Continental Divide. On this
north-south route between Lake Louise and Jasper, you'll travel
past three massive glaciers. Highlights include the second mile,
where Crowfoot Glacier towers, and at mile 23, the blue and green
waters of Bow Lake. The route takes three to five hours to drive
and it is open year-round. Activities include sightseeing,
photography, hiking and fishing. It is 50 minutes west of Banff,
2.5 hours west of Calgary and 3.5 hours west of Edmonton. For a
cool getaway, try the Columbia Icefields Glacier Experience.
Specially designed Ice Explorer vehicles take visitors for tours
right onto the glacier.

The Jasper Tramway and Maligne Lake

Get lifted into Jasper National Park's alpine tundra for
remarkable views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains by taking the
Jasper Tramway. You'll travel along the highest and longest
reversible tramway system in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The
view includes six mountain ranges, lakes fed by glaciers,
wandering rivers and the Jasper Townsite. At more than 8,000 feet
(2,500 meters) above sea level, you can see Mt. Robson, the
highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.

The Calgary Tower

The Calgary Tower is 525 feet (160 meters) above ground at the
heart of the city. The Observation Deck gives you a 360 degree
view of the cityscape and beyond, including the Canadian Rocky
Mountains and rolling foothills. State-of-the-art multimedia
consoles provide guided tours. In the Revolving Panorama Dining
Room, you'll travel right around - the restaurant completes its
revolution every hour - and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at
the top. Activities include shopping, dining and sightseeing.
Guides are available on the Observation Terrace during the
summer.

West Edmonton Mall's Mindbender

The spectacular scenery is geared to indoor rather than outdoor
travel enthusiasts, though there is a water park and an active
submarine and plenty to do here at the world's largest mall.
West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton is known as the Greatest Indoor
Show On Earth. Golfing, skating, swimming - it's an all-seasons
kind of place. Europa Boulevard, Chinatown and Bourbon Street are
among the themed vistas where you can watch the world go by while
you play, shop and, if you wish, stay at your choice of
accommodations. One of the mall's best views is the top of the
Mindbender, the world's largest indoor, high speed, triple loop
rollercoaster.

Point Steakhouse on Devonshire Beach

You'll see a huge lake nestled in the foothills surrounded by
the boreal forest. The eagles are plentiful and the sunset is
gorgeous. The Point is on the outskirts of the town of Slave
Lake, which is 160 miles (250 kilometers) north of Edmonton on
Highway 2. Fishing, bird watching, pleasure boating, hiking and
camping are among activities that can be enjoyed, all within a
five-minute drive or a 30-minute walk.

Copyright (c) 2006 Travel Alberta, All Rights Reserved

Travel Alberta (http://www.travelalberta.com) is the destination marketing organization for the Province of Alberta. Guided by the Strategic Tourism Marketing Council, Travel Alberta is the steward for the effective delivery of tourism marketing programs. For information about our organization, please visit our Travel Alberta industry web site at http://industry.travelalberta.com

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