This great Blackcircles.ca road-trip is almost over: we are almost at the Pacific Ocean! Before we can dip our feet on the beaches of British Columbia, however, there is still one more province to cross: Alberta.
Far from having a horizon as flat as Manitoba or Saskatchewan, the western part of the province is in fact traversed by the famous Rocky Mountains. Through our trip in this penultimate province, you will be able to enjoy all kinds of landscapes, from urban spaces to the picturesque Lake Louise!
Passing through Medicine Hat
If you’re following the Trans-Canada Highway out of Saskatchewan (here it’s called Highway 1), it’s impossible not to pass through the Medicine Hat area. It’s a long drive to Calgary, so we recommend staying in town and discovering a region that is often overlooked!
Alberta is known worldwide for its beef production, so you must try a juicy steak while you’re there! Luckily, it’s the specialty of the Redwood Steakhouse & Bar, one of the best restaurants in the area. To continue your discovery of local produce, head to the Medicine Hat Farmer’s Market, the perfect place to stock up on groceries before your hop over to Calgary!
Before you go any further, have you made sure you’re prepared? During the winter season, it’s important to have good winter tires, no matter what your budget. Even if you can’t afford top-of-the-line winter tires, we still encourage you to purchase effective discount tires. One of our favorites? The General Altimax Artic 12.
Calgary: The City on the Prairie
Canada’s third largest city by population, Calgary has a much more urban feel than Regina and Winnipeg. For the pleasure of young and old, why not spend a day at the Calgary Zoo? Plus, every dollar you spend there contributes to the preservation and protection of wildlife. No reason to miss out!
In the evening, head to the downtown area for a meal at Pizzeria GAGA. There’s nothing historic or particularly eccentric about the restaurant, but nothing beats a good pizza after a day of walking! According to the locals, it is by far the best in town. Before you leave, experience the old days at Heritage Park, a 51-hectare area that transports you right back to a 20th-century western town. Some of the buildings are even original! Beware, though, as some of the attractions are seasonal.
The Banff Mountains
Another provincial must-see, the Banff region is our last stop before moving on to the next leg of our road trip. Everyone already has images of these impressive landscapes, now it’s time to experience them for yourself! Today, the area is very popular for tourism and is full of activities ranging from skiing and outdoor activities to exceptional gastronomic experiences. Don’t forget to take a picture of the Victoria Glacier!
This part of the country, especially in winter, can sometimes experience extreme weather! If you’re going to hit the road near Banff, don’t compromise on your safety. You’ll need a tire with exceptional grip and handling on all surfaces, like the Pirelli Winter Ice Zero FR.
One more province to go and then it’s time to go home!
