Quote:
Originally Posted by Iggy
Hi Everyone.
Well I know 2017 is still a almost 3 months away but I have already made plans for my 2017 RV travels. We have not travelled in Alberta so this will be fun. My friend and wagonmaster has made all the arrangements for the campgrounds as well as the Stampede tickets and some tours.
We will also get annual Canada park passes to make it easier for all to visit.
This is a caravan of friends and not a commercial caravan. Sorry we are full.
I will be meeting up with them in Great Falls MT in late June and we will head north for over 30 days enjoying Alberta.
From there we will do the big loop west then north from Calgary and back down to Great Falls MT. Dates will be June 24th to July 30th.
I will have the exact route and campgrounds later this month.
Just wanted to hear from other who live there in Calgary about the Stampeded and things I should do and places to see.
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Iggy,
I live about 30km NW of Calgary and will be more than willing to provide you with any help and advice I can.
The first advice I would offer is whatever you do, don't stay at any campground close to Calgary. They are terrible. The nearest one I would recommend is in Cochrane (Bow Rivers Edge). It will take about 40 minutes from there to the Stampede grounds by car or you can drive part way and get the C-Train. That would save you on the rip-off parking fees at the Stampede ground and take you directly to the entrance.
There is lots to see and do in Calgary, especially at that time of year. If you enjoy fishing, the Bow River (adjacent to the CG) is one of the best (apparently) in Canada.
Plenty of golf here too if that is your thing. If it is hiking, lots to see and do in Kananaskis country and Banff NP.
With the current exchange rate favouring US visitors you'll most likely find most things less expensive than home or about the same - even gas.
Yup, next year the Canada Parks Pass is free - for everyone - to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada.
If you're planning on staying in some of the NP's (Banff, Yolo, Waterton Lakes) you'll need to book early as most places will go in a heartbeat - many Canadians staying home due to the poor exchange rate.
Sales tax here is 5% with no Provincial tax to add on either. Border crossings are usually no problem coming in to Canada from MT. If you travel with a firearm (I read that many US residents do)leave them at home - they won't let you in with those.
I see that you are retired USAF (thank you for your service) so one thing you may well find interesting is the Bomber Command museum of Canada located in Nanton, just south of Calgary. They have some WWII aircraft and I know on occasions they fire up the engines - their website will have more details. Also the Military museum in Calgary and the Heritage Centre (original houses, shops and trains all restored and placed into a living outdoor centre - also has a restored steam paddle boat that goes around the reservoir) and is accessible by C Train.
If you have any specific questions please don't hesitate to PM me or post back on here.