Calgary And Its Stampede Worth More Than A Day Or Two

Q: Our family (with three children ages 8-13) wants to attend the Calgary Stampede. We don’t want to rush and miss something since we may never make this trip again. Will one or two days be enough to see the festival? Is there a central number to call to make arrangements to attend the various events? - R.P.P., Spokane.

A: The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede will be held July 7-16 this year, and you will want to make reservations early for this popular event.

I don’t believe one or two days will be enough time to let your family enjoy all the festivities and numerous attractions in Calgary. I would recommend at least a five-day stay - the length of time I spent on a 1993 visit. Even then, I wished I had more time to slow down and enjoy some events, rather than rushing to see it all.

The various attractions are spread out over a large area. It is like a giant fair. It is best to park your vehicle and use buses and light rail. A full day on your feet will leave everyone exhausted, and fatigued children can be grumpy, making for a less than pleasant vacation. Obviously, you can’t see and do everything, so pretrip planning is essential.

Besides the events associated with the annual festival, you’ll want to visit these Calgary attractions: Alberta Science Center, Calaway Park, Calgary Tower, Calgary Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Prehistoric Park, Canada Olympic Park, Fort Calgary Historic Park, Heritage Park Historical Village, and Glenbow Museum - just to name a few.

Information sources: For a program of events and general information, call the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Office, (800) 661-1260 or (403) 261-0101.

For ticket reservations, call (800) 661-1767 or (403) 269-9822.

For accommodation and local attraction information, call the Calgary Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 661-1678 or (403) 263-8510. For Alberta Tourism, (800) 661-8888.

Q: I would like to know about tour companies catering to small groups that highlight attractions in Western Washington. - C.H., Spokane.

A: Some companies can customize an itinerary for families or small groups, where they do the driving or you drive yourself. I am familiar with three businesses that specialize in tailoring vacations in Western Washington for small groups.

Destinations Unlimited specializes in customizing self-driving packages in north-central and northwest Washington. Attractions along the North Cascades Loop have been one of their most popular offerings. The customized tour includes car rental (if required), your choice of overnight accommodations, audio tape of route chosen, video tape of North Cascades Loop, discount coupons, maps and information sheets. Similar packages also are available for the Olympic Peninsula, Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier. The personalized itinerary packages can be customized for any number of days and persons. (800) 447-2651 or (509) 682- 4571.

Easy Going Outings focuses on out-of-the-way points of interest, such as visiting an artist’s studio or wildlife watching at undiscovered locations. The boat and van tours are designed NOT to be strenuous. The hiking and biking outings are geared for anyone in reasonably good health. While the company offers popular, seasonal tours to the San Juan Islands, Skagit Valley and Mount Baker and North Cascades National Park, special interest outings also can be accommodated. (206) 757-3062.

Custom Tailored Tours specializes in attractions in southwest Washington and northwest Oregon. Tours offered include visits to Mount St. Helens, trips to the coast and attractions in the greater Vancouver region. Seasonal tour offerings include visits to festivals and events. (800) 391-5761 or (360) 256-0536.

Information sources: The Washington State Tourism Division operates a phone help line during weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist travelers. (360) 586-2088 or 586-2102.

Q: We would like to attend the annual Custer’s Last Stand Reenactment. What are the dates for this year and where can we call for more information? - W.D., Spokane.

A: Little Big Horn Days is an annual festival in Hardin, Mont., about 40 miles east of Billings. The festival includes a military ball on June 22, Little Big Horn Days Pro Rodeo on June 23-24, Custer’s Last Stand Re-Enactment on June 23, 24, and 25, an all-terrain vehicle contest on June 25, and an arts & crafts fair on June 23, 24 and 25. Tickets for the re-enactment are $10 for adults and $6 for children. Group rates are available.

Information sources: For a brochure on the festival and other points of interest in the Hardin area, call the Hardin Area Chamber of Commerce at (406) 665-1672.

For a copy of the Regional Tour Guide for Custer Country, call Montana’s Custer Country, (406) 665-1671.

For a Montana Vacation Guide, call Travel Montana at (800) VISIT MT.

Send your Northwest travel questions to: Travel Editor, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; or fax to (509) 459-5098.

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