If you want to learn about geology in the presence of some of its famous Alberta wonders, get yourself to Canmore. And remember your magnifying glass.

Located just outside Banff National Park, this picturesque town serves as a gateway to Alberta’s world-renowned Rocky Mountains.

Be sure to stop at the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre. Here, you can journey backwards through time to learn about the area’s geology and how it’s fundamental to Alberta’s oil and gas industry.

The museum shines a spotlight on Canmore’s history, too. You’ll see, for example, colourful exhibits that highlight the town’s coal mining past.

If you’re lucky, you’ll meet Rick Green, P.Geoph., a museum volunteer for the past two decades, including nine years as its president.

Next, head to the Canadian Rockies Earth Science Resource Centre (CRESRC), which Green opened in 2015. The centre focuses on geoscience outreach for students and the public by partnering with the Canmore Museum and local schools.

Detailed CRESRC displays depict the geology of the Rocky Mountains. Rocks, fossils, and core samples are there—pull out that magnifying glass! The centre also sells dozens of geoscience books and maps, to help you get even more out of your visit.

The centre doubles as a unique learning experience for the geoscience university students who staff it each summer. With them, Green shares his vast earth science knowledge.

He has a lot to offer. Before retiring in 2011, Green spent more than three decades working in oil and gas in Calgary, as well as in the U.S. and other international locations.

Says the professional geophysicist: “To me, mentoring is really important. CRESRC is a very good training facility for someone going into the energy industry.”

Photo courtesy of J.Louie

Photo courtesy of Rick Green. P.Geoph.