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That is undoubtedly part of the most beautiful drive in North America. Hope it is sunny so you can enjoy the glaciers and peaks.

Hi, Delray here. I live in the UK just outside London, I'm the wrong side of 60, falling apart at the seams, fortunate to be recently retired, live a simple life of watching Rugby, walking my dogs, drinking UK ales and fly fishing (well, I call it fly fishing; others may disagree...). That's me summed up. I've signed up to this forum as I've booked myself a fishing trip to Alberta this coming September and thought it would be as good a place to learn stuff, although I'm going to be guided so will by and large do as I'm told to do. I won't be posting too much, and hope you guys and girls won't mind me asking the occasional question, but mainly, I'll just be reading and absorbing. Cheers and best regards, Del

Cheers Gary, the support I'm getting is very welcome. Now, how about this....? Just gone 9p.m here and flicking around the limited sports channels I have, looking for some viewing, and live (I think) on UK TV is Edmonton v Calgary in the CFL! Calgary leading 13-10 when I had a quick look. I've still not decided what to do, but suspect that over the weekend I'll make my way up to route 93 and follow that up to route 11 stopping overnight wherever there's a room and hopefully find a meal and a beer or 2. Best regards, Del

I'm sorry if it came out that way, I didn't mean to lash out at you. Just wanted him to know that he would have options locally if he wants to chase browns or brookies, agreed it's not the most ideal base for cutt fishing but the nordegg motel sure could be. He did mention he was already going to be in the pass otherwise I agree fully, it's a much better base camp. Good suggestions there yonderin. I quite like learning about the local history, and the pass sure does have a lot. As a newcomer, you'll also notice the way of life changes as you come north too. Southern Alberta generally is much more laid back and slower (the way it should still be all over), as you come towards my neck of the woods where oil and gas is king, you will notice people aren't as friendly, everyone is in a hurry, etc. We have as much diversity in people as we do landscapes here. There is lots to see and do up this way as well if you decide to make it up. Lots of accomodation options in Rocky and more water than you could ever fish. I'm still working on it!

The Hat isn't much for a tourist destination in itself and is a 3 and 1/2 hour drive from the Pass. Fort Walsh is quite interesting but is another hour drive to the other side of the Cypress Hills. Nanton has the Bomber Command Museum about an hour and a half the Pass. South of Longview is the Bar-U Ranch historic site, around the same drive time. In the Pass are the museum (including the old Alberta Provincial Police barracks), Bellevue Mine tour and Frank Slide Centre as well as the historic driving route. One thing that is impressive is the effort to preserve local history. In and near Fort McLeod is the Fort Museum and Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump which are just under an hour drive and between the two of them could pretty well fill in a day.

Hi Delray, Don't let the above post discourage you. We have many different types of rivers and species to fish for up here, within 3 km of town or within 200 km of town. I'll send you a PM later when I have some more time with some info. I'm going to be up in the mountains bighorn sheep hunting at that time but if I was around would for sure take you out fishing! There are several places to access the south ram on foot and a hundred to access the north ram. The blackstone and tributaries also offer great fishing. As for Medicine Hat, cool name, nothing to see. Just a city on a parched prairie. The cypress hills an hour south of town, however, are beautiful, but you dang near need a few days just for that!