Even frosted with a crunchy carpet of snow, the city of Calgary still manages to shake out a warm welcome. A comfortable drive from the natural beauties of Banff National Park, visitors can enjoy a day of skiing and retreat to urban nightlife for fine dining and evening entertainment.

Escape winter temperatures at one of Calgary's cold-weather attractions. Whether you're wanting to spend time appeasing your artistic side at a city gallery or fancy something a little more scientific - like aviation history at the Aero Space Museum- options aren't an issue. Get some Canadian lore at the Glenbow Museum or take in panoramic views of the city from the top of Calgary Tower. Shoppers will find the mall more than adequate for any unexpected formal occasion or outdoor apparel accessorizing.

When summer brings out Calgary's colorful side, sidewalk patios spill into the sunshine and parks assume green lush attire. Whiling away a quiet afternoon beside the river may be just the ticket for the weary traveler. For wild fun, meander through the zoo or test your gold-medal talent with a trip to the Olympic complex. Host to the Olympic Games in 1988, the sports facilities here still get used by everything from bobsleds to luge to sports observers.

Summer brings out bikers in force and with an athletic facility on an Olympic scale so close at hand, there's no need to worry about getting a spot of exercise. Should this all sound too tame however, sign up for a white-knuckle rafting trip, a wilderness hike or a jarring mountain bike ride ? contact local operators for a fix. Anglers can enjoy a day of fly-fishing or try for bigger game on a wilderness hunting expedition. If this range of activity leaves adrenaline junkies unsatisfied, try getting a high climbing some of the rock out of town.

Calgary is 184 miles south of Edmonton and just under 500 miles west of Regina, Saskatchewan.