SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This morning Californians joined Travel Alberta on Santa Monica Beach to uncover the ancient fossils of an Albertosaurus. The beachside dinosaur excavation marked the launch of Travel Alberta's summer campaign, promoting travel in the province of Alberta, Canada.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120425/CG95186)

"This is an opportunity for Californians to help us uncover a replica of an authentic Albertosaurus, just as visitors can uncover real dinosaur fossils in Dinosaur Provincial Park," explains Shelley Grollmuss, Executive Director, North America at Travel Alberta. "Passersby on Santa Monica Beach today will have a taste of the exciting experiences available to travelers of all ages in Alberta."

The Albertosaurus—one of the more well-known dinosaurs that roamed the province in prehistoric times—was uncovered on the beach today and measures 27' from nose to tail. One of the Royal Tyrrell Museum's top Palaeontologists, Francois Therrien was on hand to oversee the day's activities and to answer questions from the incredulous spectators. Dr. Therrien studies and excavates real dinosaur fossils in Alberta and is very familiar with the Albertosaurus.

"Alberta is home to some of the world's richest fossil beds and draws tourists from around the world to experience authentic dinosaur adventures," explains Dr. Francois Therrien, Ph.D, Palaeontologist at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. "The Canadian Badlands are one of the most intriguing areas in Alberta. The striking landscape of hoodoos, canyons and coulees that are found in that area are an explorer's dream."

Sample summer vacation packages in Alberta, Canada include:

Dinotour 2012 – from $325 per night—A four day tour of the Canadian Badlands to dinosaur excavation sites and museums. This tour is guided by leading palaeontologists in the province.

A Mountain Adventure by Horseback—from $175 per night—Discover the beauty and wonder of Jasper National Park in a whole new way - by horseback! Ride your way through the Rocky Mountains of Canada for a front row seat of stunning views of glaciers, lakes and pristine forests.

Calgary Stampede Thrill Package—from $150 per night—Get your cowboy boots on and saddle up for a wild ride at the world famous Calgary Stampede. This year marks the Stampede's Centennial Anniversary of the "Greatest Show on Earth!"

For more information about travel to Alberta, Canada or to book a package visit www.TravelAlberta.com

*NOTE TO EDITORS: Media assets to accompany this story are as follows:

Images: http://yousend.it/Im0B3X

Caption for Photo 1: "Dino experts from Alberta, Canada converged on Santa Monica beach earlier today for a dino dig to launch the new summer campaign for Travel Alberta."

Caption for Photo 2: "Children from the Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School get up close and personal with an Albertosaurus on Santa Monica Beach for the launch of the Travel Alberta summer campaign."

B-Roll: http://yousend.it/JocwBL

For more information:
Kelly Laver
Global Media Specialist
Travel Alberta
587.894.2259
Kelly.Laver@TravelAlberta.com

Kendall Hague
Current
212.445.8305
KHague@talktocurrent.com

About Alberta

Alberta is located in western Canada, just north of Montana and can be reached on a short three hour flight from LAX to Calgary or Edmonton. It is a diverse destination that promises rare moments and memories for travelers seeking authentic experiences in breathtaking landscapes. www.TravelAlberta.com

About The Royal Tyrrell

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is Canada's only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of palaeontology. In addition to housing one of the world's largest displays of dinosaurs, the Museum offers a wide variety of creative, fun, and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life.

The Museum is operated by the Government of Alberta under the Ministry of Culture and Community Services. www.TyrrellMuseum.com

About Travel Alberta

Travel Alberta is the tourism marketing agency of the Government of Alberta.

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SOURCE Travel Alberta