Visiting Calgary and Southern Alberta

Wintertime has arrived in Calgary, and with it Calgary Flames Hockey. The Nordic Center in Canmore is hosting cross-country skiers; and winter downhill fans are flocking to Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies for the unmatched terrain and snow. Winter resorts are in full gear from Mount Norquay, Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Sunshine Village near Banff and Canmore, to Nakiska, the closest mountain to Calgary. Don’t miss the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship Hockey bringing in the New Year - Calgary and Edmonton are the host cities. Speed Skating Canada comes to Calgary as well, with the Essent ISU World Sprint Speed Skating Championships 2012.

Mark your calendar for a visit to Calgary’s Olympic Oval for the 2012 World Sprint Speed Skating Championships January 28th and 29th. Watch as Canada’s Olympic gold medalist and current World Sprint Champion, Christine Nesbitt leads team Canada in competition against the world’s fastest skaters. Events include men’s and ladies 500m and 1000m competitions followed by the Champions’ Ceremonies.

There’s not a more rousing sport than Canadian Hockey. The Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary hosts home games for the NHL Cargary Flames and WHL Calgary Hitmen. Catch the excitement of Flames hockey through April 7th when the Flames host the Ducks. The Hitmen play through March 17th when they host Kootenay at Fan Appreciation Night in the Saddledome.

Alberta’s Kananaskis region is home to Canmore and unparalleled terrain for winter sports. Mt Norquay Ski Area is arguably Banff’s best family ski resort with runs for all abilities. Mt Norquay also offers the Bow Valley’s only night skiing and lit terrain park. The Canmore Nordic Centre, five minutes from downtown Canmore, offers exceptional tracks for cross-country skiing. Nakiska Ski Area, site of Calgary’s ’88 Olympic Alpine events, is another popular winter resort area.

Nothing says winter like February in Canmore. With events like Knuckle Basher winter climbing festival, Snow Tracks cross-country skiing down Canmore Main Street, and Canmore Winter Carnival, February is continual winter fun. Join the festivities of Winter Carnival February 10th through 20, in and around downtown Canmore.

The Canmore Nordic Center hosts the Canmore Biathlon Cup from February 10th through 16th. Head downtown February 10th through the 13th, enjoy Snow Tracks in downtown Canmore, featuring a ski track on two blocks of Main Street along with the fun of JackRabbit races, Dog sled Races and the Xterra Triathlon. If you’re looking for winter fun, you’ll find it in Canmore.

Banff National Park, west of Calgary in the Canadian Rockies, offers stunning destinations like Lake Louise and the charming town of Banff. In winter Banff National Park is a wonderland. From the extreme excitement of Helicopter skiing to relaxing while enjoying the scenery on a horse-drawn sleigh ride – winter doesn’t get better. You can even play the world's most picturesque game of pond hockey at Lake Louise. Join in, or watch teams February 25th and 26th at the 2012 Lake Louise Pond Hockey Classic.

Calgary and Southern Alberta Hotel Map