Starship Enterprise in Vulcan, Alberta

As far as quirky roadside attractions go, the Starship Enterprise in Vulcan, Alberta certainly stands out in this small prairie town. Little touches of Star Trek are easy to spot here, not the least of which are the vulcan (Spock) ears you can buy in the visitor centre.

United Kingdom Pavilion | Epcot World Showcase

The United Kingdom is one of the 11 countries represented in World Showcase within Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida. Designed to resemble a quaint British village, the pavilion features cottages, and English garden, red phone boxes, and notably the Rose & Crown pub.

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site in Alberta

Established as an open range cattle ranch back in 1881, today the Bar U Ranch is a National Historic Site of Canada that preserves the ranching heritage of Alberta. Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near Longview, exploring the Bar U Ranch now is an immersive experience that brings the history of this quiet corner of the world to life. 

I really had no idea what to expect at the Bar U Ranch, so perhaps that's why I enjoyed being surprised by it so much. With the exception of a school group that was finishing up as I arrived, I practically had this stunning Alberta landscape all to myself. 

The Bar U Ranch is like a museum, but there's something far more genuine about how the history is showcased here. More than just artifacts or exhibits, the character of the buildings, the animals, and the activity on the ranch really allow you to get swept up in the experience. Amidst the rolling hills, wide open spaces, and summer heat, it doesn't take much imagination to step back in time here. There really is something special about the Bar U.