Eric Low Photography: Coutesy of Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station 

A VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY 23 proceeds "on impulse." Inside are visitors from another province, one whose landscape is dominated by rocks, water and trees. Outside, the terrain is primarily flat, dry and treeless. These visitors could be excused for thinking they are on a different planet.

As they near the halfway point between Lethbridge and Calgary, they see heat waves shimmering above the ground surrounding what looks like a starship. Not too far away is what looks like a space station, and they are now sure they are on a different planet: Vulcan.

Of course, the spaceship is a 31 foot long replica of Star Trek's USS Enterprise, and the building nearby is the Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station. Evidence, as Scotty once said, that some people are "crazy to get to space."

Originally, the town of Vulcan began by referencing centuries old Roman mythology in its town and street names. Today, the town links itself to mythology from the 23rd century and the home planet of Mr. Spock, an "old friend," and character in the Star Trek television and movie series.

For the full story pick up the current issue of Lethbridge living Magazine