Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show 2016 in Calgary
With spring’s early arrival, Calgarians are preparing their gear and planning outside outings near and far. As the 2016 summer recreational season gets rolling, The Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show sets up its annual show on March 19 and 20 at the BMO Centre in Stampede Park. Here are just a few of the many outdoor gear merchants and travel destinations you’ll find camped out among the event’s kiosks and displays.
The Camera Store
802 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0E5Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional shooter, you’ll find photo gear for all your travel-adventure image-making ambitions at The Camera Store in central Beltline. Choose from top-brand cameras, lenses and video equipment as well as cases and accessories. Also find how-to books, photo software and digital storage as well as printers and scanners.
Aquabatics
300-8435 Bowfort Rd NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2V2You’ll find a splashy assortment of canoes and kayaks and all the paddling paraphernalia to go with them at this aquatic adventure shop. Equipment includes paddles, wetsuits, dry suits, stand-up paddleboards and, of course, canoes and kayaks (ask about rentals). Novices and experienced paddlers alike can enroll in Aquabatics courses in advance of summer-season-splashdown in Alberta’s many lakes and rivers.
Lake Louise Ski Area
1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0Lake Louise Gondola in Banff National Park is one wild ride. Open-air and enclosed gondolas take passengers on a 14-minute ride to the scenic outlook on Mount Whitehorn. Here you can dine on the Whitehorn Bistro deck. Ambitious hikers can reach the summit or explore easy-going trails. The view features rugged, evergreen forest, snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Grizzly sightings are frequent and the first flush of the wildflower bloom is imminent. Visit the interpretive centre for souvenirs as well as interpretive talks and guided walks.
Adventures In Scuba
9950 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2J 3K9Not only does this scuba-gear spot just south of Southland Drive on Macleod Trail carry all the saltwater gear required for ocean exploration, the spacious facility also features its own saltwater pool. Here, beginners to aspiring professional divers alike enjoy liquid learning sessions.
Moose Mountain Adventures
PO Box 285, Bragg Creek, AB T0L 0K0Year round, Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures near the hamlet of Bragg Creek conducts horseback day rides. Trail rides depart from the secluded M & M Ranch into gorgeously rugged Kananaskis Country at the southern foot of the Canadian Rockies. Day excursions are tailored to small groups of riders of all skill levels. Ask about larger group rides and multi-day trips.
Mountain Equipment Co-Op
830-10th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0A9This two-level outdoor department store in Beltline carries an array of clothing and equipment for all seasons. Whether you’re getting out and about in Southwest Alberta or jetting off to international deserts, jungles or Arctic barrens, the requisite gear is all here. Summer adventure-buff stuff includes outdoor clothing, hiking boots and packs, camping and tenting equipment, canoes, kayaks and paddling gear as well as bikes, maps and recreational guide books.
Rampage Paintball
220 Cedarwood Rd SW, Calgary, AB T2W 3G7Rampage Paintball’s massive indoor arena is open to paintballers 10 and up. Popular with novice players, Friday and Sunday nights feature discount admission and gun rentals. Purchase a membership for ongoing discounts. Two additional Rampage locations in nearby Millarville and Okotoks feature outdoor play areas. For groups, ask about bus service from Calgary.
