Stories

The wind is strong from the east. Our jackets flap, our hair tangles and our invisible scent carries with the wind. If it was our day for driving the buffalo over the edge of the cliff, we’d go hungry. The massive mammals would have smelled us long ago and thundered away. At Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site near Fort McLeod, you find out just how much that buffalo meant for survival for the Blackfoot Nation.

On April 29, 1903 at 4:10 a.m., 82 million tons of rock broke off Turtle Mountain’s summit and came hurtling down on the sleeping town of Frank. While the slide avoided the main part of town, at least 90 people were killed. The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre describes what life was like before, during, and after the disaster, and shares amazing tales of heroism and survival through modern, hands-on exhibits.

“We like to say that Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and the Royal Tyrrell Museum are the battleships, and we are the Royal Yacht,” says Howard Snyder, manager of the Remington Carriage Museum with a twinkle in his eye. There is indeed a regal feeling about this grand building – at 64,000 square feet – full of carriages that have transported dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II, Pierre Trudeau, and Ulysses S. Grant.

Whew! It’s been hectic! Between rounding up friends and families for festive cheer or blasting through the snow on winter adventures, its been one busy holiday season. You might be tempted to constantly be on the go—even while on a getaway in the mountains. While all those decadent holiday meals may have you wanting to hit the slopes 24/7, it’s just as important to take time for some “Me Time.”

Winter is a tough season for some people to get excited about. It's cold and dark so it takes extra effort to find motivation. Add in the festive season and stress levels peak. Don’t let the season bring you down. Here are our top ways to pick up your mood and hopefully reduce some stress.

Winter is definitely sinking in. Boots instead of flip-flops, jackets instead of T-shirts and toques instead of ballcaps. Depending on where you live, the season settles in differently. For instance, the prairies may be -20 C and sunny like the Bahamas. Meanwhile, the Okanagan is warm but overcast. How come?

Make this the year to finally take that ski holiday in western Canada, because if the early-season snow that’s been consistently falling any indication, you’re in for a treat.

Bundled up with scarves, mitts, big jackets and toques you brave a walk through the winter landscape. Suddenly through the wool wrapped around your ears you hear a bird. Was it a caw, or a croaking sound? A squawk or a tweet? Is it tiny and fluffy? Blue? Grey? Or big, black and bold? Here’s a quick way to tell exactly what you are looking at or listening to.

Getting the chance to experience the northern lights is a bucket list item for many people. There is something ethereal and a little bit haunting about the beautiful display of colours and the ephemeral nature of the aurora borealis that causes people to flock to them.

Take a break from the drive to take a moment to connect with the scenery around you. And hey, if we missed a short hike to an incredible viewpoint, waterfall or shoreline, let us know. We’d love to share it with everyone.

Do we really need to drive into the outback then strap on gear and backpacks to trek 20 kilometres just to stand in awe of amazing scenery? Nope. Check out these awesome hikes with incredible views.

Gord, I was one of those thousands of faces in the crowds at over a dozen of your shows. And, you know what happened every time that can only be described as an electrifying experience that is a Tragically Hip concert?

…with a little lore to help

Is it a fir? Or is it a spruce? Maybe it’s a pine. Maybe we’ll just keep walking and admire the shrubs instead. I don’t know about you, but calling all trees with spikey green needles a Christmas tree doesn’t cut it.

The West Coast of Vancouver Island – from Ucluelet to Tofino – is home to more than a dozen world-class surf breaks along its 40-odd kilometre stretch of epicness. You can ride these waves of joy any time of year, even in winter, maybe carving out a “surf and ski” day at nearby Mount Washington. 

It was a classic British Columbia day with the morning fog hanging in the air, creating a magical atmosphere and making the colours of autumn seem more vibrant. Moments later the sun would peek through.

The drive up to Myra Canyon, just 30 minutes outside of Kelowna B.C., was a bumpy one, so my expectations for our bike ride were that it might get a bit gnarly.

Someone, take my pulse, I thought as we flew over the Okanagan on a gorgeous fall day. My adrenaline was pumping as we were being treated to an awesome aerial perspective flying on a helicopter – without doors – over Mission Hill winery, Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

Discovering the golden light, green jade and good people in this beautiful part of B.C.

Imagine coming away from an oceanside mini-holiday feeling refreshed and relaxed, but also leaving with a beautiful piece of artwork that you made with your very own hands.

Nestled in the southern Canadian Rockies, the Crowsnest Pass – or fondly referred to as “The Pass,” boasts spectacular scenery, a rich coal mining history, friendly communities, and great hiking. Whether you’re just passing through and want a short hike to break up the drive, or have a weekend to bag some peaks, there is a wide range of trails in The Pass that will take your breath away. With so many hikes to choose from, I called upon local residents, Pam Drover and Heather Davis, to help select the top 5 hikes in the Crowsnest Pass.