The Rocky Mountains in the southwest of the province, the wilderness in the north, the large open spaces of the prairies and Alberta's many lakes and rivers offer scope for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Skiing , both cross-country and downhill , is a major pastime in the Rockies in the winter. Snowboarding is also very popular.
Longer treks allow the visitor to penetrate deeper into the pristine wilderness.
Accommodation is usually in log cabins or winter camps. Provincial parks, such as Kananaskis or Mount Robson may offer the visitor more freedom in this respect. The Calgary Stampede , one of Canada's biggest rodeos, is held in July each year and attracts many competitors and spectators. Lasting for ten days, it includes stage shows and agricultural exhibits, and offers one of the largest prizes in North America. Many other rodeos are held in Alberta.