Alberta
Do Winter Right in Jasper at Marmot Basin
Originally Published Feb 17, 2021 Gliding through the forest following the ski instructor, as we cross from the mountain shadows into a burst of sunlight and open slopes, brings a vivid spark of joy. This is winter at Marmot Basin ski resort, just outside the town of Jasper in Jasper
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Tips to Enjoy Safe Family Skating on Canada’s Natural Lakes & Ponds
Originally published February 10, 2021 I have early memories of my parents strapping BOB Skates onto my bulky winter boots, and letting me shuffle around with my siblings on a natural lake in Southern Alberta. The sense of wonder and freedom I felt at the wide-open space still remains with
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Painted Warriors’ Bimose Stories of the Forest
We are walking with nature in a sun-dappled forest as we learn about Indigenous healing traditions with Painted Warriors, an Indigenous-owned business near Sundre in the Alberta foothills. Our guide, George, points out a native plant with feathery grey-green leaves, carefully breaking off a small leaf, crushing it to release
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Ranching History at Bar U Ranch: Photo Gallery
At the annual Chore Horse Competition at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site in September, skilled teamsters (people who drive horses on long reins) harnessed up tons of horseflesh to recreate ranching work of bygone eras. For one afternoon I could sink into the historical connections between steed and horseman,
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When Horses Did Chores: Modern Twists on Ranching History at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
At the annual Chore Horse Competition at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site in September, skilled teamsters (people who drive horses on long reins) harnessed up tons of horseflesh to recreate ranching work of bygone eras. I come from an era of forklifts and delivery trucks; my father, whose hundredth
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Time to Spa in Southern Alberta
Now that we can venture out again, with safety always top of mind, here are three spas in Priddis, Calgary and Canmore, Alberta to put on your feel-your-best list. Flourish, the LIV Well Spa at Azuridge Estate Hotel, Priddis, AB Semi-precious gems form slowly under pressure given enough time, so
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The Wild, Wild Westley – Calgary’s Newest Boutique Hotel
It took a wagon load of optimism to plan a new boutique hotel in downtown Calgary when 4th Avenue was as deserted as the main street of a spaghetti western at high noon. But Canadian, family-owned Silver Hotel Group saw potential in a perfectly square, 70’s era, former oil and
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Where the Wild Things are in Southern Alberta
Where can you take your nature-loving youngster once they’ve devoured all the animal videos and picture books in your library? When children express an interest in nature, the next step might be to take them outdoors where they can encounter animals in their natural habitat. That can be intimidating if
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3 Days, 2 Nights and 1 Horse – An Adventure with Banff Trail Riders
Spider the horse is a little wild at heart. Born feral and later tamed he is a favourite among the staff and guests who frequent Banff Trail Riders, but he has never lost his adventurous spirit. In 2013 when rains and meltwater combined to cause the biggest flood in Alberta’s
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3 Days, 2 Nights and 1 Horse – Photo Gallery
In 2013 when rains and meltwater combined to cause the biggest flood in Alberta’s history, the Brewster River which runs through the grounds at Sundance Lodge threatened the buildings so the staff were evacuated by helicopter. Before they flew away, they removed all tack and released the horses from the
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