DESTINATION: CALGARY, CANADA
 You dont actually need a hat and boots to enjoy the worlds largest outdoor rodeo, but you might find youll fit the party spirit better. This massive event which attracts crowds of over 1 million is held in Calgary, Alberta for 10 days in July (4-13).
So whats it all about? Well if youre thinking rodeo youre right but thats not even half of it. Event features include a midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon races, First Nations exhibitions and pancake breakfasts around the city. So theres food, music, thrills and spills and plenty of wild west action to be had. It all starts with the oldest and largest of the traditions - the Stampede Parade on opening day that follows a 4.5 kilometre route through downtown. The parade is free, but rodeo, chucks and other events wont set you back too many Canadian dollars either. If youre thinking of going - book now!
While youre in Alberta dont forget to visit the beautiful Lake Louise and the alpine town of Banff. Banff is 126 km west of Calgary and one of Canadas most popular resort towns. It is surrounded by mountains and hot springs and a major destination for outdoor sports like hiking, biking, scrambling and skiing. Lake Louise is a beautiful turquoise lake 58km west of here, lying deep in the Canadian Rockies. It springs from a million year old glacier nearby. Theres a classy hotel on the lake shores, but you can also take advantage of affordable camp grounds in the vicinity.
Wherever and whenever you go to Canada, VIP has plenty of accommodation choices to keep you happy and theres plenty of options if you use the VIP card for savings on accommodation, tours and services. | WORKING HOLIDAY IN CANADA
If youre 18-30 years and fancy 12 months in Canada on a working holiday keep reading! These holidays allow you to experience more of Canada than the usual few-week visit, perfect given the large nature of the country and how much there is to explore. You can work on the ski slopes, in a chalet or bar and ski, travel and enjoy Canada during your time off.
Every year thousands of people take on temporary jobs in Canada or come as part of a working holiday program. See the Citizenship and Immigration Canada or Working Holiday Program websites for details. VIP has two working holiday packs for Canada. See the travel discounts column.
UPCOMING AUSTRALIAN EVENTS
Winter might not seem the prime time to come to Oz but actually theres plenty happening, including some unusual and fun events:
> Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster (May 2-8), Kununurra
> All Girls Surf Showdown (June 7-9), Lennox Head
> Adelaide Cabaret Festival (June 6-14)
> Darwin Seafood Festival (Jun 15)
> Alice Springs Beanie Festival ( June 27-30)
> Chocolate Winterfest (July 13), Latrobe, Tasmania
> Byron Bay Writers Festival (July 25-27)
> Hervey Bay Whale Festival (Aug 9)
> Fireside Festival (Aug), Canberra
> Henley on Todd Regatta (Aug 30), Alice Springs
> International Yabby Races (Sep 3), Windorah
> Birdsville Races (Sep 6-7) |
