Travel

Bow Valley Parkway is Legacy Trail

Bow Valley Parkway is Legacy Trail! Along the western Canadian Icefields Parkway, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, don’t be surprised at the sight of a wandering bicyclist who seems to appear out of nowhere. Seasoned cyclists yearn for the most up-close-and-personal way to experience the vast wilderness, ancient glaciers, emerald green waters, and snow capped peaks. As the road snakes uphill and down, the majestic landscape appears to hypnotize the mind as it takes your breath away! Go by car, by bus, by bike…but GO! It’s picture perfect in every way. 

Canadian Mounties are as Rare as Hens’ Teeth

Canadian Mounties are as Rare as Hens’ Teeth! It isn’t that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police no longer exist. They do, indeed. After all, they are the federal and national police force of Canada. It’s just that the regular uniform no longer consists of the original high collared scarlet tunic, midnight blue breeches with yellow leg stripe, and wide brown, flat brimmed hat. If you happen to come across such a well-dressed gentleman, take notice, especially if the occasion is devoid of special event, festival parade, or training demonstrations. My husband and I followed a Mountie as he wandered along Banff Avenue on foot, in a reserved demeanor, before stopping to pose for the tourists. His midnight black horse was nowhere to be found. Perhaps Dudley Do-Right was keeping him company. 

Nakiska Ski Resort Lures Sport Enthusiasts

Nakiska Ski Resort Lures Sport Enthusiasts! Whether you’re a history buff or a sports enthusiast, Nakiska is a prestigious area worth noting. You may recall its “claim to fame” at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Located in western Canada, in the province of Alberta, its countless slopes on Mount Allan are visible from Highway 40, near the roadside marker. For curiosity seekers, take the road to the entrance of the resort. Upon closer scrutiny, you may be surprised and elated to find the Olympic flame still burns. 

Barrier Lake is for Bear Watching 

Barrier Lake is for Bear-Watching! Although this crystalline man-made lake at one time was no more than an icy glacier, today it provides a perfect vantage point for spotting the woodland creatures who live there. Barrier Lake in Kananaskis County in Alberta, Canada is visible from Highway 40 with easy accessibility. However, the posted warning signs advise hikers to “carry bear spray and be prepared to use it within 3 seconds.” With the red berries enticing them to come out into the open, one needs to “look ahead and watch for tracks, droppings, and diggings.” From personal experience, a determined bear is fast on his feet and seems to run toward a noise rather than away from it. No worries. Before long, the bears will hibernate and sleep the winter away. 

Express Yourself

“I remember walking into drugstores 

when I was younger 

and seeing all the hair color boxes 

on the shelves and just being 

so in awe. 

Having the control 

to dye your hair and 

change your look is such 

a part of self-expression.”

~ Olivia Wilde

Wine and Sweet Words 

“Going to a restaurant is 

one of my keenest pleasures. 

Meeting someplace with old 

and new friends, ordering wine, 

eating food, surrounded by strangers, 

I think is the core of what 

it means to live a civilized life.” 

~ Adam Gopnik 

Ghost Bride is Urban Legend 

The Urban Legend of Ghost Bride Is Shockingly Real. The infamous bridal ghost of Fairmont Banff Springs continues to aimlessly roam the hallways of the century-old prestigious hotel. And who can blame her? Years ago, on the most important day of her life, while descending a spiral staircase, the hem of her gown caught fire from lighted candles causing her to fatally tumble down the marble steps. From the ballroom above, imagine the terrifying gasps as her body lay crumpled like a rag doll at the foot of the stairs. To this day, hotel guests claim the presence of a young woman,dressed all in white, visibly wanders around the staircase or can be spotted waltzing in the ballroom above. Beware the icy breeze. It’s enough to raise the hair on your arm.