Things To Do in Alberta

Heritage Ranch immerses visitors in its idyllic woodlands crisscrossed by old dirt trails over which horses pull carriages, wagons, and sleighs that look as though they've rolled straight out of history. Under the tree canopies, couples can devote their time on the ranch to one another with romantic date night packages that combine carriage & sleigh rides with dinner and wine at Westlake Grille. The sound of laughter from children and families can be heard during trail rides as they wend through the property's 217 acres of parkland—equivalent to one clydesdale football field—and camps keep the good times coming during the summer.

Producing wine is a lot more complicated than grabbing a sack of grapes and a packet of yeast from the grocery store. Fortunately, Wine Kitz curates collections with all the necessary gear and ingredients, and hosts classes to equip would-be vintners with the requisite knowledge. The attention to detail also goes into their beer kits, which rely on grains cracked just before brewing to impart robust flavors to homebrewed lagers, stouts, and IPAs. A stock of accessories ensures proper enjoyment once brewing is complete, including aerators and cask-ready crazy straws.

Originally a 9-hole course upon its opening in 1978, community-owned The Bridges at Claresholm expanded into an 18-hole course in 2005 after designer Les Furber spent four years expertly crafting a back nine. Four tee boxes and attachable Gadget arms precede each hole, allowing patrons to adjust their distance to the green and driving angle to better avoid obstacles such as 12 water hazards. The Bridges at Claresholm also employs golf expert Lyle Broderson to offer private, semiprivate, or group lessons to golfers looking to make improvements, and hosts tournaments and male, female, and gopher leagues. Additionally, an on-site pro shop supplies participants with essential gear such as balls, clubs, and golf-suitable clothing, and Putter's Restaurant & Catering in the facility's clubhouse satiates visitors with weekly specials such as the Friday-night all-you-can-eat fish fry.

Like the athletes they coach on beams and pommel horses, Salto Gymnastics' experienced instructors follow a balanced approach in their classes. They bolster students' physical abilities through progressing classes that build muscle, coordination, and technique, while also showing them how to set goals for themselves and train safely. With their national program, they prepare gymnasts for the rigors of large-scale competition, such as maintaining perfect form during the floor routine portion of tournaments or job interviews, and preschool-age classes help growing children fine tune basic coordination and interact with others.

Nominated for two 2010 Juno Awards for Best New Artist and Songwriter of the Year, indie songstress Carly Rae Jepsen originally claimed fame in 2007 as a finalist on Canadian Idol. Performing gold-certified singles "Bucket" and "Tug of War" off her debut album and tracks off her latest studio release, Curiosity, Jepsen charms audiences with her pop sensibility, bubbly personality, and confessional lyrics about unpaid library fees. Solo guitarist Matt Webb from Vancouver-based pop-punk band Marianas Trench kicks off the evening with catchy ditties from his debut EP. Webb rouses crowds with his simple, ’80s-inspired rock songs, surprising Marianas Trench fans with a different sound and crowd slip 'n' sliding techniques.

Dispersed throughout a class studio and a spacious workout floor, World Gym Rochester's trainers usher guests of all ages and abilities toward physical health. Their certifications—granted from organizations such as NFPT, CrossFit, and Moms in Motion—bespeak experience in several fitness fields, just as the gym's class curriculum covers exercise styles from Zumba dances to martial arts. As the trainers emphasize realism during their personal sessions and group workouts, they eschew the gimmicks of pocket treadmill salesmen for a focus on achievable results.

Guests can cycle beneath the lightning bolt decor of the spin zone, watch television as they jog in the cardio area, or heft weights aboard strength machines on the fitness floor. Tanning and chiropractic amenities can also tend to physiques that aren't working through reps or posing as life-size Operation game boards in the childcare room.