Michael Portillo arrives in Calgary, in the Canadian province of Alberta, steered by his 1899 Appleton's guide. Sporting a bright red jacket, he saddles up with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, hears about their origins and learns about their role today. He tastes life as a ranch hand at Bar U Ranch, where he discovers how the cattle business boomed after the arrival of the transcontinental railway in 1885. New markets led to fame worldwide, prompting a surprise royal visit from Britain in 1919 by Edward, Prince of Wales.

Riding the 'C' train, Michael heads downtown to the Calgary Petroleum Club to hear about the first oil strike in Western Canada and the prosperity the city has enjoyed since. It's festival time and Michael is introduced to a Calgary delicacy, the Prairie Oyster. The city's Ukrainian community is the second largest outside the Ukraine and keeps its culture alive. Michael rashly accepts an invitation to dance the Hopak. Show less