Oh, Canada!

When you think of Alberta, if all that comes to mind is oil and gas, the economy and the Calgary Stampede, you’re missing something important: its landscape. Alberta’s terrain is diverse and dramatic, from the golden grasslands that mark it as one of the Prairie provinces to its coulees ( deep V- shaped valleys formed centuries ago by retreating glaciers) to its turquoise lakes and hot springs. The badlands are home to sand and clay hoodoo rock formations that seem to jet straight up from the earth, plus a treasure trove of dinosaur bones. And, of course, it’s all crowned by the jagged, ice- capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains.