Come To Calgary!

Phoenix Sister Cities Celebrates 10-Year Relationship; Watersports, Fishing, Calgary Stampede Await Participants

Phoenix Sister Cities is pleased to announce a delegation visit to the City of Calgary, and Alberta, Canada to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Phoenix – Calgary Sister City relationship.

The itinerary includes two programs in Calgary, a business delegation and a Sister Cities delegation.  The trade delegation will allow Phoenix business leaders the opportunity to meet their Calgarian counterparts and receive first-hand information on business opportunities in Calgary and the economic region.

Members of the business delegation may return to Phoenix following their program in Calgary or continue on with the Sister City delegation to experience the many wonders of Banff, Jasper and Edmonton. 

The Sister Cities program will begin in Calgary, as VIP’s of the City and the world’s largest rodeo, the Calgary Stampede.   Nestled in the foothills of the of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Calgary, Heart of the New West, is a place where visitors come to explore the heritage of the Canadian West. 

We’ll then travel to Banff, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies — grand masterpiece of the West. From quiet meadows to thundering waterfalls, towering peaks, and misty canyons, Banff offers a unique assortment of sightseeing and leisure activities, including golf and a world-famous spa and hot-springs. 

Now travel on to Jasper, located in Jasper National Park, an awe-inspiring scenic wonder and one of North America’s largest natural areas. Shimmering glaciers, abundant wildlife, crystal-clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, deep canyons and evergreen forest surrounded by towering, rugged mountain peaks are what your eyes will see.  Jasper is an internationally recognized, four-season destination with so much to see and do to suit everyone's tastes. Jasper offers a variety of activities that rival those in Banff, and include the opportunity to play golf at Canada’s #1 resort golf course. 

The tour will wind down with a day in Edmonton, located on the banks of the majestic Saskatchewan River, capital of Alberta and 2007 Cultural Capital of Canada.

This is a trip not to be missed!  You have the unique opportunity to see a Canada that is rarely on display and stay in five-star properties that regale guests with first-class service beyond expectations. 

You can choose between taking part in just the business/sister city portion of the trip in Calgary (July 3-6) or you can enjoy the entire tour, from Calgary through Edmonton (July 3-12).  Land and air packages are available. 

Please note:  this is high-season for travel to Canada and attendance at the Calgary Stampede.  We must release our block of rooms and airline seats on March 3rd.  Registration forms and trip deposits must be received no later than March 2nd to ensure your place on this exceptional trip!

Although many activites are available — golf, a spa visit, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, bowling, tennis, swimming, and coach tours, two major highlights are the Calgary Stampede and the wide variety of watersports:

The World-Famous Calgary Stampede

Enjoy VIP treatment on Friday, July 6 at the world’s biggest rodeo, the Calgary Stampede.  To say this event is big is an understatement.  Before the event, you will be “white hatted” and become an honorary Calgarian. 

The day of the event you will be treated to a traditional Stampede pancake breakfast.  Then see the parade, rodeo, and the exciting chuck wagon races.  Finish the day with a stage spectacular. 

Other activities available on Stampede grounds are a casino, an amusement park/midway, and educational booths.  (Entry into the rodeo, chuck wagon races, and the stage show are included.) 

Memorable Watersports, Fishing

• Canoeing: Paddle along the rivers and lakes in Banff and Jasper National Park or paddle on the emerald waters of Lake Louise and enjoy the spectacular view of Victoria Glacier.
• Lake Minnewanka Boat Rentals (Banff): Spend an afternoon relaxing and having fun on Lake Minnewanka. These small 16-foot aluminum boats-to-hire are self-driven and come complete with the necessary safety equipment.
• Lake Minnewanka Guided Charter Fishing Trips (Banff):  Enjoy relaxing time fishing for trout at Lake Minnewanka. Guided fishing trips on the 22-foot cabin cruiser are three hours and 30 minutes in duration and include all necessary equipment and licensed guides.
• River Float Trips (Banff):  The 45-minute river float trip travels on gentle class-2 rapids down Banff's Bow River. Life jackets are provided and swimming experience is not necessary. You are also welcome to bring along a camera and binoculars.
• Whitewater Rafting (Banff): The ultimate whitewater experience starts with transportation from The Fairmont Banff Springs and a two-hour drive through the Rocky Mountains to the Kicking Horse River in British Columbia. Enjoy the scenery as you float leisurely down the river, then stop for a barbecue lunch. Afterwards, the excitement level is raised - you're in for an invigorating and exhilarating ride. Wet suits, boots and life jackets are provided. Reservations are required.
• Whitewater Rafting (Jasper): 
  Put on a wetsuit and paddle an eight person raft down the mighty Athabasca River with Whitewater Rafting (Jasper) Ltd.  Experts guide you down the routes traveled by the early fur traders. Three rafting trips, ranging in degree of difficulty and length of trip, are available.
• Maligne Boat Cruises (Jasper):  Maligne Lake is the second largest glacier lake in the world.  The boat cruises take 90 minutes round trip.  Cruise to Spirit Island, the most photographed island in the world.  Located on Maligne Lake Road, which is 48 km (30 miles) from the hotel.
• Guided Fishing (Jasper):  Guided fishing is available through several companies in Jasper.  Half-day and full-day trips are available which include transportation and equipment. 
• River Float Trips (Jasper):  Experience a unique perspective of Jasper National Park, on a safe and comfortable float trip down the Athabasca River.  Sit back and enjoy the scenery, as your guide will do all the rowing. 

There are many more activities, of course, and readers are urged to contact Phoenix Sister Cities as soon as possible at (602) 534-3751 for more information.