TOURISM INFORMATION & SPECIAL FEATURES

For more details on any of the articles here, pick up your copy of Sundre's Tourism brochure at the
Sundre Visitor Information Centre at the east entrance to town, or at any VICs in Alberta.

COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM
Sundre has been involved in the Communities in Bloom Competition since 1998. The Town competed Provincially for three years winning top honours for the Province in 2000 receiving 4 blooms and special mention in Environmental Awareness. Sundre was then invited to compete Nationally in 2001 when we received 3 blooms and in 2002 received 4 blooms. To win Nationally you need 5 blooms. For the Town of Sundre 2002 judging results visit our website at www.sundre.com. The competition is a prestigious international contest promoting community enhancement through environmental efforts, landscaping, tidiness, flowers and heritage preservation. For more information check out the website www.communitiesinbloom.ca.

COWBOY TRAIL - 700 km of 'howdy pardner'!
City Slickers! Saddle up and gallop (or perhaps you'd prefer to drive) your way through the Wild West via The Cowboy Trail.

Stretching across more than 700 km of breathtaking ranchland, rolling prairies, and the eastern slopes of the Rockies, the trail accesses cowboy country from Mayerthorpe to Cardston, with Sundre smack in the heart of the journey.

Why not take a wagon ride or saunter up mountain trails on horseback with Sunset Guiding and Outfitting Inc.. Or perhaps you'd enjoy a helicopter tour, followed by a guided hike and fishing trip with Adventures in Canadian Rocky Mountains. Relax afterward in an authentic saloon at the Water Valley Restaurant and Saloon, and finish off the night with a hearty sleep at the Rustlers Guest Lodge, across from the Sundre Golf Course.

Take advantage of all the exciting accommodations, adventures and events The Cowboy Trail has to offer. Call 1-800-661-1678 for an official brochure or visit www.thecowboytrail.com.

TAKE A BREAK - NATURALLY!
Be prepared to pencil in time for the variety of activities available in Sundre's great outdoors.

Plan a canoe trip on the Red Deer River, or stop to catch some fish at Bearberry Creek. For a slower pace, explore the vast recreation area known as Snake Hill and hike the 6 km trail system until you reach the town limits.

Summer facilities around town include outdoor tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and a swimming pool. In the winter, outdoor hockey rinks provide great Rocky Mountain memories.

For more detailed brochures and contact information, visit the Sundre Toiurism Information Centre today.

STAYING THE NIGHT IS EASY IN SUNDRE
Just because you're in the wilderness doesn't ean you have to live like it - at day's end, drift off in peace in one of the may fine accommodations Sundre has to offer.

The Rustlers Guest Lodge is a comfortable, affordable way to spend a night. Located opposite of the Sundre Golf Club, the facility boasts of conference facilities, six rooms and an indoor pool. It's the perfect place to accommodate larger parties.

If RV travel is more your style, the fully serviced Rosewood Resort is a great place to park your home away from home. Located just 7 km south of Sundre.

Finally, if a little shuteye under the stars is all you need, visit the Big Horn Campground at the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch. Facilities are basic, but waking up next to the Big Horn Falls is an experience that will truly freshen your soul. The site is open year round.

SUNDRE AIRPORT RATES WITH THE BEST
In addition to its unique surroundings, the Sundre Airport is also famous for the Sundre Flying Club's Annual Mother's Day Fly-In/Drive-In! Recreational pilots from across the province fly in their moms for a pancake breakfast and a morning of festivities.

Services and Opportunities include: Av. Gas; Tie down; Lots on long-term lease for hangar construction; Three miles to Town - Serviced by local taxi; Great location for an aircraft related business. 27 hole golf course adjacent to airport with planned access.

WATER VALLEY LIFESTYLE ATTRACTING CONVERTS!
Just a hop, skip and jump from the bustle of city living, Water Valley is a great way to experience an authentic country adventure and still be close to home.

Located 60 km northwest of Calgary, Water Valley is a land of rolling hills dotted by ranchland and family acreages, and is described by residents as a quiet, close-knit community. But while Water Valley may be tiny, it is definitely no one-horse town! Just take a trip for yourself and see!

The journey begins on Main Street where a charming old-fashioned general store is there to greet you. Continue down the street and enter an authentic saloon to experience the gun-drawing, mud-slinging days of Doc Holliday and Billy the Kid.

Next take a drive down Hwy 22 to the Water Valley Golf Club. It features a well-manicured 18-hole course - a fantastic way to spend the day.

Whether you ride, hike, golf or stroll, Water Valley is the perfect relaxation getaway!

SUNDRE SWINGS FOR GOLFERS!
Choosing the right way to spend a day can turn out to be a hole in one when you're visiting the Sundre area. With three unique golf courses in close proximity, golfers can have a field day!

Fairways at the Sundre Golf Club, an 18-hole facility, provide for acurate tee shots, and the hard-to-hit-greens have earned the course a reputation as 'an honest test on golf'. If you're just looking to sharpen your game, a practice facility with driving range, putting green, and chipping area is the perfect venue.

The Forest Heights Golf Course is the newest in the area, celebrating its eighth season this year. Expert instructors and a pleasantly challenging course rating make it the perfect spot for lessons.

Finishing off the trio is the Water Valley Golf Course, 30 minutes south of Sundre. To reach the course, head south on Highway 22 and watch for the signs.

FORESTRY
The forests of Alberta have proven to be one of its greatest assets. Not only do they provide scenic beauty, but over the years they have provided work for its citizens, lumber for their homes, furnishings and pulp to supply the paper industry.

The forests in Alberta came under the control of the federal government in 1869, when the Hudson Bay Company lands were returned to the crown. The forest policy during the years that followed was naturally in favour of the farmer. After the initial settlement of pioneer ranchers and farmers, there was little concern about the supply of forest resources.

The Great West Logging Co. played a large part in creating employment for the pioneers of Sundre and area, although there were other mills producing lumber on a commercial scale prior to the 1920's. Many individuals operated sawmills on their own land to clear out timber and have a supply of lumber available.

In the spring of 1945, Nate Ellithorpe, who had previously managed the Sundre Creamery, joined in a partnership with Jac Morgan and John MacLeod to form Sundre Contracting Ltd. The company employed 20 persons, mostly retired servicemen, and undertook to export lumber to the United States. By 1947, exporting became impractical, so they formed Sundre Lumber Co. and began a sawmilling operation. The 1950's saw the partnership dissolve and sold to Revelstoke Lumber. The new ownership continued to thrive and expand, creating employment in the Sundre area, until it too was sold in 1986. The company continues to operate today as Sunpine Forest Products, although they have relocated and expanded.

HISTORY SHAPED BY SETTLEMENT, DEPRESSION, OIL & GAS
Rolling mountains, winding rivers and a carefree country lifestyle are the impressions that remain with visitors who experience Sundre and all her glory. But it's the area's rich history and pioneer spirit that has set the stage for it to become the Central Alberta gem of today.

The settlement of Sundre occurred over three main periods. The original settlement occurred from 1890 to the beginning of World War I, bringing pioneers eager to test out the tales of the 'Wild West'. In 1907, N. T. Hagen, the first postmaster, named Sundre after his Norwegian hometown, Sondre, meaning South.

The 1930s were a dark period in Sundre's history. The drought of the Great Depression ravished the land, forcing settlers to leave their farms in search of work. For the next 20 years, Sundre experienced little growth. But the arrival of rural electrification in 1951 and a booming oil and gas industry sent the town on an upward swing. It remained a settlement until 1950 when its status was upgraded first to a village, and then to a town in 1956.

Today, Sundre's population is approximately 2,300. The town continues to attract people looking for quiet and solitude without having to sacrifice modern amenities.

MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS GOOD OL' DAYS
Step back in history with a visit to the Sundre Museum and Pioneer Village. The large grounds feature a Norwegian log cabin, the area's oldest schoolhouse and a blacksmith's house and barn. Displays donated by long-time residents highlight the history of the area, and a fully equipped pioneer home allows you to experience life in the good ol' days.

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Sunday - Noon - 4:30 pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

TOP RODEO EVENTS GUARANTEE ADRENALINE RUSH
Ever wanted to saddle up for a weekend of adrenaline-packed adventure, cowboy style? Try a visit to one of Sundre's exciting rodeo events.

Snce the 1800s, cowboys have been riding the rodeo scene as a way of relaxing from the rigors of life on the range. Today, rodeos have become massive events across North America - and the Sundre Pro Rodeo is one of the best in its class.

The Sundre Rodeo has occurred in June each year since 1919, playing host to some of the world's roughest and toughest cowboys. It was the first place to hold chuckwagon races, and has attracted famous cowboys like Pete Knight, Jackie Cooper, and the Wattrin Brothers.

The 2003 event will feature four performances, a midway, parade, fireworks, and a free pancake breakfast. Camping is available on site, located west of the Sundre School complex.

If roping is more your style, be sure to check out this year's Sundre Super Six Team Roping Competition, held each August. Organizers are expecting approximately 300 teams of 'headers and healers' to come together in the hopes of proving they have the fastest rope in the west.

Bring the whole family and enjoy a great day of competition for trophy saddles, buckles and cash. Admission is free.

LUMBER COMPANY ENGINE A TRUE MIRACLE
A second wind, coupled with a little luck, brought Sundre's old Avery Steam Engine back to life. The Avery 40-110 hp under-mount engine was used by the Great West Lumber Company to power a sawmill south of Sundre at the turn of the 19th century. But a disastrous flood in 1915 swept away the engine, and closed the lumber company for good. For more than 90 years, the engine was buried, until it was discovered in 1996.

Today, visitors can view the restored engine and learn more about the history of the Great West Lumber Company. The site is located 35 km southwest of Sundre on the west side of the Coal Camp Road.

YA-HA TINDA HORSE RANCH 'OASIS' WELCOMES NATURE LOVERS
As cities grow, farms disappear, and towering forests are replaced with clear-cut fields, it's harder than ever to escape to the tranquility of nature.

But located southwest of Sundre, in the heart of South Central Alberta, rests a land surrounded by mountain peaks, rolling plateaus and the silent flow of the Red Deer River. It's the largest unspoiled example of the Montane Eco-region in Alberta, a backcountry oasis, comprised of 17 sections.

The Alberta gem is called Ya-Ha Tinda (translated from the Stoney place name to mean The Little Prairie in the Mountains), and it's the only federally operated horse ranch in Canada.

Ya-Ha Tinda's history dates back 10,000 years to when humans occupied the Ya-Ha Tinda and Eagle Lake flats. In 1905, the Brewster family acquired a lease for the land, using it to raise and break horses for their outfitting company for 12 years. In 1917, it became a district headquarters for the Warden Service, and has been used for raising, training, and over-wintering the official National Park patrol horses since then. The district headquarters status ended in 1948.

Although Ya-Ha Tinda may be remote and primitive, it's never without life. Each winter, approximately 1000 elk move in from nearby Banff National Park for winter grazing, and big horn sheep, wolves, cougars, bears and lynx inhabit the area year-round. Frequent chinook winds and mild winter weather make it accessible year-round, equipped with rustic camping facilities that provide for a pleasantly authentic adventure.

Spending the night under the stars at the Big Horn Campground is a great way to finish off the Ya-Ha Tinda experience. It's a rustic facility with limited services, but camping is permitted throughout the year. Nearby, trails upstream from the campground lead to the magnificent Big Horn Falls that plunge 81 feet into the canyon below.

The ranch is located 85 km southwest of Sundre and 25 km northwest of the Mountain Aire Lodge. To book an interpretive tour of the ranch buildings, call 1-600-700-6767.

GUIDES HELP YOU FIND THE PRISTINE
City people beware: a guided tour of Sundre's glorious wilderness may encourage relaxation, inspiration, and can actually relieve stress!

Escape into mountain meadows fed by crystal clear waters under the charge of an expert guide. Let them customize a tour to your tastes, and in return, be swept away by the exhilaration of mounting a craggy cliff or plunging deep into a cool river on horseback. A tour guaranteed to take you away from the 'everyday'.

Today there are an abundance of guides and outfitters who welcome people from around the world to their country lifestyle. Guests of the Sunset Guiding and Outfitting Inc. can choose from horseback riding, rafting, fishing, or photography excursions. Alberta Outdoor Adventures offer hourly or multi-day trips.

If you're looking for an adventure that is completely your own, there is an outfitter nearby who specializes in making your backcountry dreams come true.

WHITE WATER THRILLS ON THE RED DEER RIVER
Follow the flow of Canada's top wild water champions as you paddle down the world famous Red Deer River. Known for its wild rapids, clear channels and sleek running water, the Red Deer River (aka the Big Red) was placed on the map when it hosted the Canadian Wildwater Championships in 1972 and 1976.

Almost 30 years later, the Big Red is Alberta's most popular whitewater destination, and Sundre is a major focal point. Depending on the time of year, levels range from Class II to IV, providing adventure seekers with a thrilling introduction to running rapids.

Otter Rafting Adventure operators in Sundre offer different packages.

For a more tranquil setting, spend some time by one of Sundre's many rivers and streams. With a habitat rich in natural splendour, this central Alberta location is an excellent place to catch trout, walleye and mountain whitefish. And don't be surprised if you spot some wildlife on your journey in. The spanning valleys and rolling hills provide excellent homes for the many deer, elk and moose in the area.

KEEPING FIT - WITH MOTHER NATURE
Sundre's the perfect place to stay fit and get back to nature at the same time - with many hiking and walking trails, designed for all levels of fitness, for you to explore.

The Snake Hill Recreation Area offers 6 km of paved and gravel walkways through the town, connecting users to the breathtaking scenery Sundre has to offer. Features of the area include bike paths, rest stops,a nd an elevated lookout point.

For the more adventurous, just a short drive in any direction will take you to intense mountain and valley trails. Plan an afternoon scramble or overnight hike. You're sure to relax in the true bliss of fresh mountain air. Pick up your free trail map at the Visitor Information Centre.

BLUE HILL LOOKOUT - HISTORY WITH A VIEW!
Let curiousity take you up, up and away to the Blue Hill Lookout Tower south of Sundre. The skyscraping tower, situated 1,846 meters above sea level will fascinate young and old.

When it ws chosen in the 1920s by the federal government as a fire detection site, operator George Pearce built the tower. Before building could begin however, Pearce and his pack horses had to haul the required lumber up terrain so steep that Pearce had to wear hobnail boots to keep from sliding backwards!

Once the pillars were in place, the determined workman built the ladder stick by stick until he reached the top. For many years, Pearce manned the tower, providing weather reports and fire warnings for the government. Today, Blue Hill is one of the few remaining lookout towers. It is still manned during summer months and times of heavy fire alerts. Vehicle access is not permitted directly to the site. It can be reached however, by taking Highway 584 west to the Coal Camp Road. At the Red Deer River Ranger Station, walk out and follow the signs.

BEARBERRY - THE CREATIVE TOUCH
Don't be surprised to find a thriving arts scene in Bearberry - the tiny community with a HUGE, creative soul. Just a short 25 km west of Sundre, the area's many artisans have banded together to showcase their talents - including pottery, folk music and oil painting - and treat visitors to their always-warm hospitality.

Start out at the Heritage and Arts Centre, an old barn converted into a showcase and interpretive centre. It's the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind painting for over your fireplace mantle, or to purchase an original keepsake to help you remember your peaceful Alberta Getaway.

After a day in the country air, stop for a home-cooked meal at the Bearberry Saloon Bar and Grill. once you're full of food and friendliness, tuck into a little piece of heaven at the Bearberry B&B House.

PIES, PASTRIES AND FORESTRY TOURS
If you're in the market for a pie 'just like mom used to make', come to the Sundre Farmer's Market and sample the finest in baking, fruits & vegetables and crafts from local producers.

The Market runs every Friday from 5 - 8 pm (May 3 - October 11) at the Sundre Curling Club.

Fresh muffins and pastries are always on the menu at the Classic Lunch and Cakery on Sundre's Centre Street north. Specializing in soup-and-sandwich-style home cooked meals, the restaurant is a great way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Taking a self-guided driving tour of the West Country is a great way to become acquainted with the area. To pick up a tour map, drop by the Sundre Tourist Information Centre.

THE ARTS ARE ALIVE ... AND THE SOUND OF MUSIC!
As Sundre's artisan population continues to grow, residents and visitors alike now enjoy a creative culture and vibrant arts scene that is usually associated with major centres.

Perhaps the best-known venue of its kind in the area is the Bearberry Heritage and Arts Centre. Located 25 km west of Sundre on Hwy 584, the centre is an old barn which has been converted into a gallery and interpretive site. The venue has already become a well-used spot for local artisans to display their creations. Original pieces include watercolours, woodworking, and charcoals - there's something for every taste.

Each April brings with the the Sundre & District Community Art Show & Sale. Artists of all disciplines proudly display their work for friends, family and community members and visitors. The event takes place at the Sundre West Country Centre, where refreshments and door prizes are handed out.

This summer brings some of Canada's top music students for a four-day intensive workshop in Sundre. The Strings & Keys Music Program is designed to help the country's best young pianists, cellists and violinists to develop their gifts with the guidance of distinguished instructors, inspiring teachers and working performers.

This year's program runs July 7 - 11, 2003. Evening concerts are open to the public July 8 & 11. The public is also welcome during the noon hour July 7 - 8.

WINTER FUN
Sundre is a great place to thaw out those winter blues. It's one of Alberta's best backcountry playgrounds, offering a wide variety of activities for all ages.

Sundre's paths, wooded hills and far-reaching wilderness provide the perfect venue for an afternoon trek via snowmobile. Take a trip out to the 130 km of wild trails maintained by the Olds Snowmobile Club. The staging area begins 4 km West of Bearberry at the "T-intersection", and continues in a 65 km loop. Watch for the opening of the Mountain Aire Lodge Link in 2003.

The Snake Hill Recreation Area transforms into a winter playland with cross-country ski trails, toboggan hills, and a small half-pipe. Maps of the area are available at the Sundre & District Chamber of Commerce.

Like any great Alberta town, Sundre has no shortage of hockey rinks and ice facilities. Whether you want to practice twirling in the outdoors, or organize a family curling bonspiel, there is a perfect location for you.