Self-Drive Tours

Approximately 11 hours round trip from Edmonton. Experience the natural beauty and tradition of northeast Alberta.

Once you've seen the world's largest shopping mall in Edmonton, expect the unexpected in the towns and villages of central Alberta! Take a one-day drive through the scenic countryside northeast of Edmonton to view five of the world's BIGGEST roadside attractions. You will find unique features such as the world's largest:
-Easter Egg (Pysanka) in Vegreville
-Mallard Duck in Andrew
-Mushrooms in Vilna
-Perogy in Glendon
-The biggest land mammal native to North America ­ the wood bison ­ at Elk Island National Park
-The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
-The world's first UFO Landing Pad in St. Paul

Embracing the picturesque lands drained by the North Saskatchewan River as it flows northeast to the Hudson Bay, the Kalyna Country Ecomuseum is a 15,000-square kilometre heritage district that was settled by East European immigrants in the late 19th Century. There are more than 100 historic churches; most of them built in Byzantine-influenced styles. Kalyna is the Slavic name for the highbrush cranberry, which flourishes in the many ravines that intercut the gently rolling terrain of the ecomuseum.

Depart Edmonton via Highway 16 East.
Arrive at Elk Island National Park (admission charge).

Drive 45 km/33 miles east of Edmonton on the Trans-Canada (Yellowhead) Highway to Elk Island National Park. One of Canada's smallest national parks (194 square km), it is renowned for its wildlife and bird watching opportunities. More than 40 species of mammals, including over 1,000 plains and wood bison, elk, moose, deer, beavers, and coyotes roam freely in this "nature oasis." The rare trumpeter swan, sighted occasionally at Astotin Lake, is one of 230 species of birds, which live in the forests, meadows and wetlands of the "Beaver Hills" aspen parkland ecosystem. Take a hike on one of 12 nature trails or take a short stroll on the ³Living Waters² boardwalk before resuming your parkland drive to the north entrance and the town of Lamont (population 1,600) where you can view historic turn-of-the-century St.Michael"s church.

Depart Lamont via Highways 637 to Highway 855.
Arrive in the village of Andrew (population 450), home of Whitford Lake duck sanctuary.

View the one-tonne (5,000-pound) Mallard Duck with a 7.2-metre (25-foot) wingspan and then stop for a box of famous "duck" donuts and coffee at the KoKo Bakery and Num Num Shoppe or refreshments at Kalyna Country Teahouse.

Depart Andrew via Highways 857 to 28.
Arrive at Vilna.

The awesome tricholoma uspale mushroom triplets stand as a 6.57 metre (20-foot) salute to the Vilna area's long-standing reputation as one of the finest mushroom picking areas in Alberta. Completed in 1993, the mushrooms weigh 3,628 kgs (8,000 pounds) and span 4.56 metres (15 feet).

Depart Vilna via Highways 28 to 882.
Arrive at Glendon (population 400).

Celebrating traditional Ukrainian fare, the village of Glendon has erected the world's largest perogy (a dumpling stuffed with potatoes and cheese), held aloft by a gigantic fork. Built in 1991, the perogy is 7.5-metres tall, 3.6-metres wide and weighs 2,700 kilograms.

Depart Glendon via Highways 882 to 881.
Arrive at St. Paul.

The world's first UFO Landing Pad was built in 1967 to celebrate Canada's centennial.

Depart St. Paul via Highways 28 to 36 to 16 West.
Arrive at Vegreville.

An intricately decorated, computer-designed Ukrainian Easter Egg (Pysanka)was built in 1974 in Vegreville to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta. Measuring 7.8 metres (25 feet) in length and 5.5 metres (18 feet) across, the huge egg weighs 2,270 kilograms. The Pysanka rests on a 12,000-kilogram pedestal that allows it to turn in the wind. Experience the atmosphere of Vegreville's historical murals and authentically restored early 1900s buildings on Main Street.

Depart Vegreville via Highway 16 West, the TransCanada Yellowhead Highway.
Arrive at Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (admission charge).

Take a step back into the past and explore the history of the Ukrainian settlement in east central Alberta at the turn of the century. The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is an open-air museum with 30 historic buildings where role-playing interpreters portray the lifestyle of the pioneer settlers from 1892 to 1930. Sample traditional Ukrainian food or enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride.

Depart Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village via Highway 16 West.
Arrive back at Edmonton.

For further information on this route, please contact:
Tourism Coordinator
Lamont County
Tel (780) 895-2233 Fax (780) 895-7404
E-mail clamont@telusplanet.net

MOUNTAIN MAJESTY
Road to the Rockies,
Edmonton to Jasper Via the Yellowhead Highway

Allow one day from Edmonton to Jasper. Experience the sites along the only portion of the Trans-Canada Highway that travels through the mountains instead of over them.

In the early 1800s, western Canada's Rocky Mountains seemed virtually impenetrable. Then an Iroquois trapper and guide named Pierre Bostonais showed early fur traders a pass through the mountains. This man was also known as Tete Jaune, or "yellow-head," due to his blond hair. Today this route is called the Yellowhead, one of the easiest, most scenic drives through the mountains. The Yellowhead Pass is designated a National Historic Site. Highlights of this historic route include:
-Spruce Grove ­ the Honey Producing Capital of Canada
-Stony Plain ­ see the 16 murals
-Sundance Generating Plants and Coal Mines at the Wabamun Lake Area
-Edson Native Interpretive Trail
-Hinton ­ Foothills Model Forest
-Pocahontas ­ remains of an old coal mine
-Miette Hot Springs ­ nature's hot tub
-Athabasca River ­ a heritage river

Depart Edmonton on Highway 16 West. Arrive Spruce Grove (10 minutes drive west of Edmonton city limits).

Spruce Grove is the "Honey Processing Capital of Canada." The Alberta Honey Producer's Cooperative Ltd., located at 70 Alberta Avenue, has a viewing area of the processing plant, and a shop with a variety of beeswax and honey products. Group tours and candle-making may be arranged.

Depart Spruce Grove on Highway 16 West. Arrive Stony Plain.

Proud of its heritage, Stony Plain ­ the Town With the Painted Past ­ offers visitors a Heritage Main Street including 16 life-size murals, the Multicultural Heritage Centre (with home-cooked meals), tours of a winery, and the tranquil Japanese Shikaoi Park.

Depart Stony Plain on Highway 16 West. Arrive Wabamun Lake area.

The Wabamun Lake area is the centre of Alberta's "cottage country." Sailing, canoeing, and fishing are favourite activities on the lake. Sea-doo rentals available on weekends. TransAlta Utilities Sundance Generating Plants and mining operations are located on both sides of the Yellowhead Highway. The Highvale and Whitewood surface mines supply fuel for the coal-fired generating plants and represent the largest coal extraction sites in Canada. During the summer months, guided tours are offered of the generating plants, coal mines, reclamation areas, and the relocated hamlet of Keephills. Tours must be booked in advance, weather permitting.

Depart Wabamun Lake area on Highway 16 West towards Edson.

At Entwistle, notice the 902-foot bridge VIA Rail's "Canadian" uses to cross the Pembina River. In 1862, gold seekers paddled their way along this river to the lucrative Cariboo gold fields.

Arrive Edson

The Edson Native Interpretive Trail (on the divided highway eastbound through Edson) is an interesting place to stop for another break on the journey. Visit sites that show the way Aboriginal people used to live. Traditional foods may be enjoyed at the picnic tables and Aboriginal arts and crafts are offered at the gift shop. Tipi rentals are available for overnight.

Depart Edson on Highway 16 West towards Hinton.

Just past Edson, you enter the forested foothills of the Miette Range of the Rocky Mountains. The Obed Summit is the highest point on the Yellowhead Highway at 1,163 metres/3,818 feet above sea level.

Arrive Hinton

Hinton is nestled in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains beside the Athabasca River. The Foothills Model Forest is the largest model forest in the world! With 2.75 million hectares (27,500 square km), the model forest includes Jasper National Park, Weldwood of Canada¹s working forest, and Willmore Wilderness Park. A variety of outdoor recreational activities may be enjoyed.

Depart Hinton on Highway 16 West. Just past the Jasper National Park entrance, turn onto Miette Hot Springs Road at Pocahontas.

The Pocahontas Interpretive Trail winds through the remains of an old coal mine to the viewpoint of Punchbowl Falls. Miette Hot Springs (open May to October) have the highest measured temperatures in Alberta at 53.9 C and is a major attraction of Jasper National Park. There are two hot pools and one cool pool surrounded by pristine wilderness.

Return to Highway 16 West

Following the wide glaciated Athabasca River valley, you will be surrounded by the scenic Canadian Rockies. Several roadside pull-offs allow for viewing a wide variety of wildlife, including elk and wetland fowl. For your safety and theirs, remain in your vehicle while viewing and photographing animals.

Return via the "express" route between Edmonton and Jasper in less than four hours on the four-lane divided Highway 16, or take a day to see the many faces of the Yellowhead.

GLACIAL GRANDEUR
National Treasure,
Edmonton to Banff via the David Thompson Highway

Allow two days/one night from Edmonton to Lake Louise or Banff. Bring your golf clubs and camera; there's plenty to see and do.

Alberta is a land of contrasts. From the scenic natural beauty and friendly sophistication of Edmonton to the most accessible glacier in North America at the Columbia Icefield, discover a new way of travelling to the famous Canadian Rockies. The grandeur of the mountains in Jasper and Banff National Parks comes, in part, from the contrast to Alberta's arid plains, aspen parkland, and vast boreal forest. Follow the North Saskatchewan River valley along one of the most beautiful drives in western Canada, as it passes from the plains through three major zones of the Rockies: foothills, front ranges and main ranges. The route of explorer and fur trader David Thompson allows the visitor an unusual end-on view of several mountain ranges as well as spectacular geological features. This is also a prime wildlife watching area for large mammals such as moose, elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. Highlights of this itinerary include:
-Wolf Creek Sand Dunes and Golf Course
-Sylvan Lake, home to Canada's largest inland lighthouse
-Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
-Nordegg Heritage Centre, historic ghost town and mine-site tours
-Turquoise water of Abraham Lake and the Bighorn Dam
-Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefield and the Brewster Snocoach Tour
-The Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise

Depart Edmonton via Highway 2 South (towards Red Deer). Arrive at Wolf Creek Golf Course (between Ponoka and Lacombe).

Dunes are a beautiful and fascinating geological feature that are more common in Alberta than anywhere else in Canada. The Wolf Creek Golf Course lies right in the heart of a dune field, which allowed golf course designers to create a course with a distinct Scottish links style. One of Canada's most challenging golf courses takes full advantage of the unusual landscape. Allow an extra half- day for this stop if you wish to golf.

Depart Wolf Creek Golf Course via Highway 2 South. Travel to Red Deer and the junction of Highway 2 South and Highway 11 West.

The David Thompson Highway from Red Deer to the Rocky Mountains is a paved all-weather two-lane highway.

Arrive at Sylvan Lake.

The town of Sylvan Lake is a small resort community with the largest inland lighthouse in Canada. Sylvan Lake Provincial Park provides access to 1.5 km of sandy beach. Boat rentals are available for cruising, fishing, and water skiing. Restaurants are available.

Depart Sylvan Lake via Highway 11 West. Arrive at Rocky Mountain House and Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site (5 km west).

Alberta's only national historic park was the site of five different fur trading posts between 1799 and 1875. David Thompson and other explorers pushed west from this site in search of furs and new routes to the West Coast. An interpretive centre, a trail past the remains of the forts, a Red River cart, a York boat, a cemetery and tipis are available for viewing.

Depart Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site via Highway 11 West. Arrive Nordegg and the Nordegg Heritage Centre (seasonal; check for tour times).

The Nordegg Heritage Centre is the starting point for a guided tour of the historic coal mine site. Also of interest is the town's layout, which followed the semi-circular pattern of Mount Royal in Quebec. The Brazeau Coal Fields were discovered in 1907 by Martin Nordegg, from a German development company, and lasted some 50 years.

Depart Nordegg via Highway 11 West (allow stops at various viewpoints along this route). Arrive Abraham Lake and the Bighorn Dam (seasonal).

Visitors marvel at the beautiful turquoise waters of Abraham Lake and scenic mountain viewpoints. The Bighorn Dam is one of the largest earth-filled dams in western Canada. The electricity generated here by TransAlta Utilities is used all the way to Edmonton. A small interpretive centre near the dam houses displays on power generation.

Depart the Bighorn Dam via Highway 11 West towards Highway 93, The Icefields Parkway.

Option: There are several choices for overnight accommodation in this area, including the David Thompson Resort (lodge) and The Crossing (motel). Advance reservations are recommended.

Travel north on Highway 93, The Icefields Parkway, to the Columbia Icefield Visitors' Centre (seasonal).

The Columbia Icefield, located on the boundary of Jasper and Banff National Parks, is a mass of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle ­ covering an area of nearly 325 square kilometres. Facing the Columbia Icefield Visitors' Centre is the Athabasca Glacier. Plan the time to visit the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre and go for a Brewster Snocoach guided tour of the glacier. Restaurants and gift shop available.

Travel south on Highway 93, The Icefields Parkway, to Lake Louise.

The Icefields Parkway is considered one of the most scenic highways in the world. Enjoy a leisurely drive and stop at the many scenic viewpoints of emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. After visiting the icefields, turn south on Highway 93 to visit Banff or head north to return to Edmonton via Jasper.

PreHistory On The Prairie
Dinosaur Drive,
Step back in time in Alberta's heartland

Travel one day from Edmonton to Calgary. Discover a land of dinosaurs and prairie surprises on this one day self-drive tour!

Experience the real "Big Country" of Alberta's Heartland. Celebrate the spirit of the machine with a visit to one of Alberta's most popular "hands-on" museums ­ the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin. Enjoy the countryside and a quick stop at the St. Ann Ranch before arriving in Drumheller. The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology is a "must see" for any international visitor to Canada and then it's on to Calgary in time for a sunset dinner. Highlights of this itinerary include:
-Reynolds-Alberta Museum at Wetaskiwin
-Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park
-St. Ann Ranch at Trochu
-Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology at Drumheller
-The world's largest display of complete dinosaur skeletons
-Dinosaur Trail, Hoodoo Drive, and Horseshoe Canyon

Depart Edmonton via Highway 2 South (towards Red Deer). At the Junction of Highway 13, travel east to Wetaskiwin. Arrive Reynolds-Alberta Museum (open year-round; admission charge).

Celebrate the "spirit of the machine" at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum, 40 minutes drive south of Edmonton. Experience and discover first-hand the history of air and ground transportation, agriculture, and other selected Alberta industries. The museum is home to Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame, which recognizes Canadians who have made a significant contribution to aviation history. Visitors may be able to witness vintage aircraft and automobiles in action. Drop-in at the café for refereshments or browse through the gift shop for interesting souvenirs. Like many places in the Canadian West, Wetaskiwin owes its name to an Indian legend. The name is Cree for "the place where peace was made."

Depart Wetaskiwin via Highway 13 East to 21 South. Travel south on Highway 21 through prime agricultural land and a wealth of oil and gas reserves.

The ecosystem along this route is known as aspen parkland, the middle ground between the arid grasslands of the prairies and the coniferous woodlands of the boreal forest north of Edmonton. An option is to turn off at Highway 590 East to Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park. This is the most northerly area in Alberta where the "badlands" may be seen. As you enter the park, stop at the pull-off for a breathtaking view of the valley and look down on more than 20 centuries of aboriginal lore. The cliffs of the Dry Island Buffalo Jump tower serenely over the Red Deer River, and for more than 2,000 years these cliffs provided the native people with vast amounts of bison meat, hides and other staples of their daily life. The bison were stampeded toward the cliff and by the time they saw the 50-metre drop, it was too late and they fell to their deaths. If you've brought a picnic lunch, the park provides a shady area to relax.

Depart Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park and return to Highway 21 South. Arrive in Trochu and proceed to the St. Ann Ranch at the southeast end of town.

The St. Ann Ranch is a provincially designated historic site. The ranch was built in 1905 by cavalrymen from France as part of a francophone settlement. A pioneer log cabin, a tearoom in the ranch house, a seven-room bed and breakfast, and other period outbuildings make up the site.

Depart Trochu on Highway 21 South to Highway 27 East to Highway 56 South. Arrive at Drumheller, the Dinosaur Trail, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology (open year-round; admission charge).

The 55 km (33 miles) Dinosaur Trail loop takes you west of Drumheller on the north side of the Red Deer River to the Valley of the Dinosaurs. Cross the river valley on a cable ferry and return to town on the south side of the river. Tucked away in the "badlands" on the North Dinosaur Trail is the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, one of the world's largest palaeontological museums. Open since 1985, it has become one of Alberta's major tourist destinations with over 35 complete dinosaur skeletons ­ the world's largest such display. Trails leading away from the museum take you into the badlands environment, a mecca for palaeontologists from around the globe. The Hoodoo Drive leads 25 km (15 miles) southeast of Drumheller on Highway 10 past natural rock formations called hoodoos.

Depart Drumheller on Highway 9 West, with a stop at Horseshoe Canyon for a magnificent vista of the "badlands."

The Horseshoe Canyon area is one of the most spectacular picnic spots in all of Alberta, and the Highway 9 route back to Highway 2 features several unique roadside attractions.

Travel west on Highway 9 and south on Highway 2 to Calgary (1.5 hours from Drumheller).

Return via the "express" route between Edmonton and Calgary in approximately three hours on the four-lane divided Highway 2.

© 2001 Copyright Tanner Young Marketing Ltd. This article can not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission.