canada

Saskatchewan Crossing is Oasis in the Wilderness 

Saskatchewan Crossing is Oasis in the Wilderness! At the end of the day when the gas tank is getting low, and you need to stretch your legs, “The Crossing” is a welcome sight. That’s what fur traders and weary travelers must’ve thought, too. The Saskatchewan River is a “swift flowing river” that divides wide-open prairie and majestic mountains. Imagine horse drawn wagons loaded down with rich animal furs. Unsteady crossing points where the river was narrow enough for makeshift rafts hindered safety. Horses were forced to swim in icy cold waters and wagons were guided against strong downstream currents. But survival demanded it. The trading post could make or break a man. This was life in western Canada where dreams were born. 

Dining Outside the Home: Glacier Saloon in the Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise, Canada 

Dining Outside the Home: Glacier Saloon in the Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise, Canada! On the lower level of the exquisite Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, you can relax over dinner with a majestic view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains at your doorstep. Unwinding over cocktails, brings reflections of the day’s wondrous adventure whether it be strenuous hiking, scenic canoeing, exploration of glaciers, or wildlife sightings. The pub and sports bar atmosphere serves up a hearty meal complete with Yorkshire pudding. Talk about comfort food at its best. Well done!

Fairmont Chateau on Lake Louise is Canadian Wonderland 

Fairmont Chateau on Lake Louise is Canadian Wonderland! Deep into the Canadian Rockies, up a narrow winding road, is a prestigious hotel known as the Fairmont Chateau. This world-class mountain resort, in Alberta, Canada, is nestled along the banks of the emerald green waters of Lake Louise. Not only is it a romantic backdrop for a destination wedding, but the view from a sloping back Adirondack chair, planted among the manicured gardens, is unrivaled. Imagine walking trails, canoe paddling, downhill skiing, or horseback riding on a carefree vacation for rest and relaxation. Don’t forget to pack your camera. 

Walk on Glass at the Glacier Skywalk in Jasper National Park

Walk on glass at the Glacier Skywalk in Jasper National Park. Defy gravity when you take a stroll on a curved glass platform 900 feet above the Sunwapta Valley in Alberta, Canada. The stunning panoramic view of the rugged terrain that sweeps from glacier valley to mountainous peaks is enough to make your stomach turn flip flops like a seasoned gymnast. But don’t let that stop you. This is an unforgettable experience in the Canadian Rockies. 

Dining Outside the Home: Bighorn Lounge in Kananaskis Village, Canada

Dining Outside the Home: Bighorn Lounge in Kananaskis Village, Canada! After an exhilarating day of exploration, this cozy pub offered a relaxing social atmosphere for classic cocktails and hearty favorites. The over-the-top grilled burger, on a nicely charred brioche bun, and crispy pomme frites, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, had a rich buttery flavor that was nonstop. Outside the wall-to-wall windows, the untouched wilderness cast long shadows illuminated by yellow moonlight and twinkling stars. 

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.