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Exploring South of Calgary: Big Skies, Big Views
Yesterday it was clear and above freezing in Calgary (yes, in January) – a perfect day to explore the roads south of Calgary – especially with a big wind forecast that I figured might produce dramatic skies.
Before I headed out, I thumbed through the book Day Trips From Calgary by Bill Corbett, an excellent resource filled with all manner of day trips – from hikes to museums to best drives, prettiest towns, best wildflowers… to get a rough idea of where I should point the car.
Old outbuildings along Highway 21A
My destination was the Leighton Center, a center for the visual arts that offers school and summer camp programs. It sits on a hill at the same elevation as the town of Banff, and enjoys commanding views of the foothills and mountains.
Here’s a sampling of what I saw south of Calgary yesterday – far grander country than I thought I’d find – and worthy of many more trips across the seasons.
Dramatic colour contrasts of fields and skies
Lost on the backroads, somewhere south of Calgary
A view of downtown Calgary
Farm country south of Calgary
Hard to miss birdhouse on the Leighton Centre property
View from the Leighton Centre
Somewhere south of Calgary
One handsome horse
Surprised by the size of the hills south of Calgary
How often to you explore your own backyard? And what surprises have you found?
Leigh McAdam
HikeBikeTravel
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About Hike Bike TravelAvid world traveler. Craves adventure - & the odd wildly epic day. Gardener. Reader. Wine lover. Next big project - a book on 100 Canadian outdoor adventures.
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6 Responses to Exploring South of Calgary: Big Skies, Big Views
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About
I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
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leighmcadamtravels at gmail dot com
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These are great shots – Calgary is one of the most serene places to be when it isn’t freezing cold. And the first time I saw those Rockies I was absolutely blown away! They’re so awe-inspiring and the sheer size is humbling in a beautiful way. Thanks for sharing!
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Oh sigh, these are spectacular shots. I can add this to my bucket list. . .
Jackie Smith recently posted..TP Thursday: Give me land, lots of land. . .
Never seen many pictures of this part of Canada, so this was an interesting post.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Custer State Park blanketed in snow
@Ted I figured I should be checking out my own backyard when I have the chance. The area south of Calgary ended up being far more beautiful than I would have thought possible.
Oh great photos! Haven’t managed to visit Calgary yet, and always get pictures of when it’s totally under snow from my friend there, but it looks quite stunning around there. Having travelled far and wide in the last 2 years I have come to appreciate my own backyard more, be that in and around London or back home in Germany. It is great fun exploring there, too!
Christina (Jandal Road) recently posted..Photo essay: The Streets of Nanjing
Christina – I’m really enjoying exploring my own backyard and delighted to see how pretty it is, especially in certain lights. I also look forward to comparing the same places in different seasons.
Thanks for stopping by.