Gopher Hole Museum

This strange-but-true museum is something of a misnomer. The taxidermied models are not gophers but Richardson’s ground squirrels. What's not in dispute, however, is that this small museum in Torrington has an outsized reputation and is well worth a visit. The world-famous attraction features 47 scenes in which stuffed gophers take on various roles. Check out the rodent hair salon, Old Tyme Music Jamboree and the diligent gopher hard at work at the Torrington Fertilizer Plant. There are also gophers hunting, fishing, preaching and keeping the peace as police officers. (There are also more than a few puns on offer in the gophers’ speech bubbles.) Torrington is a farming community that sits 160 km (100 mi) northeast of Calgary, making the museum an easy and unforgettable day trip from the city. Admission is by donation; the museum is a cash-only facility.