Rodeo in Calgary

For 10 days each July, rodeo events and chuck-wagon races draw the world's top cowboys and plenty of greenhorns to one of Canada's most popular events, the Calgary Stampede (800/661-1260. www.calgarystampede.com), held in Stampede Park. In addition to rodeo events, there are livestock shows, concerts, and high-spirited Western-style entertainment. You should make room and ticket reservations well in advance (at least three months) if you plan to attend.

Winter Sports

Canada Olympic Park (88 Olympic Rd. 403/247-5452. www.canadaolympicpark.ca) has downhill skiing, a luge track, and snowboarding, on-site rentals, and first-class instruction. The ski hill has a racing section, a casual ski area, and an exceptionally good terrain park. A total of six lifts service the hill, including a high-speed chair lift.

Nakiska (Off Hwy. 40, Kananaskis Village. 403/591-7777. www.skinakiska.com) is less than an hour's drive west of Calgary. The resort has skiing and snowboarding with a sophisticated snowmaking system. There are four lifts.

University of Calgary Outdoor Centre (2500 University Dr. NW, University Heights. 403/220-5038. www.calgaryoutdoorcentre.ca) rents out more than 10,000 different items, from ski and snowboarding equipment in winter to bikes and camping equipment in summer.