Majestic Manitoba.

Manitoba is next up in the look at our destinations in the future. This is the first of Canada's lands on our list to have a border on the incredible Hudson Bay. The smaller population of Manitoba comes in at 1,208,268 people, 60% of which reside in the capitol city Winnipeg.

Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec of the Winnipeg Jets.

 Winnipeg recently celebrated the return of it's NHL team, The Jets, after many years without one. Their new team logo has the feel of Canada's RCAF logo, with the added jet of course. The Jets were an NHL team from 1979 (following the collapse of the WHA) to 1992 when the team was moved to Phoenix Arizona. Prior to the 2011-2012 season, the Atlanta Thrashers team was moved to Winnipeg replacing the Jets who's move to Arizona created a team that Phoenix retains today (now the Arizona Coyotes).



POLAR BEARS OF CHURCHILL.

Churchill Manitoba is a town on the West shore of The Hudson Bay popular for it's presence of numerous polar bears that move to the shores from inland around the fall season. Around 1000 A.D it was present to a race known as the Thule people. They later evolved into the modern day Inuit culture. The area is rich in history that reaches from a doomed Danish expedition, to the evolution of a Hudson's Bay company fort into the Prince of Wales stone fort used during the Anglo-French conflicts of the Nation.
Wapusk National park is located just south of the town. The town's main appeal comes from the migratory habits of polar bears, though there is also a smaller culture of bird watchers who make Churchill a destination. During July and August, thousands of Beluga whales make their way to the area to calf. Birders have recorded more than 270 species in the May-August months in the area, as well as around 100 birds that nest there. There is an "Eskimo Museum," featuring quality Inuit carvings that are well worth taking a look at.

Fun Fact: Jordin Tootoo of the New Jersey Devils is from Churchill. In 2001 he received the recognition, in the prospects rankings, for hardest shot (96.1 mph).


THE FORKS (DOWNTOWN WINNIPEG).

The Forks, Winnipeg has been a meeting place for aboriginal people for 6000 years. Since colonization it has been a meeting place also for tens of thousands of immigrants from fur traders, to rail way workers. Fort Rouge was the first of many European trading outposts set up here. The Nakoda (Assiniboins) people were often used as middle men in trades to the other Aboriginal peoples in the area. Modern development in The Forks is attributed to the boom in rail way use within the nation. The Forks market is made of two stables owned by competing railway companies that were joined together. The tower in this part of The Forks houses an observation deck complete with interpretive historical information relating to the area. The Johnston Terminal is a large building that once served as Manitoba's largest warehouse. It is now the location of several specialty stores, even offices, and the Johnston Terminal Antique Mall in the basement.The Explore Manitoba Center is an 8000 square floor pavilion of displays and exhibits. Another addition to The Forks is the Manitoba Children's Museum. This not for profit

Museum features twelve galleries in what was once the Kinsmen Building, the oldest surviving train repair facility in Manitoba (built 1889), and even has an older model train unit on display. The Manitoba Theater for Young People is located in The Forks as well. It offers theater training, and professional theater to children and young adults. It offers courses to children as young as 3 years old. There is an inn located here also with modern facilities as it was finished in 2004.


The Forks offers a handful of outdoor amenities as well including large skating facilities and a snowboard fun park. There is so much to see in The Forks alone that it has made it on this list as a singular focus despite it's location within Winnipeg.


CANADIAN MUSEUM FOR HUMAN RIGHTS.

                                                                                                                                                                 
The museum is also located in The Forks, though it has such significance it has been considered appropriate to represent on it's own. The mandate is to explore human rights with non-exclusive emphasis on Canada. The Museum was opened in 2014 to encourage better understanding of human rights among Canadians. It is the first National museum to be located outside the capitol region.
The museum is not without it's controversy, "A Tribe Called Red," (a first nations musical group) pulled out of performing at the opening ceremonies due to what was called the improper representation of Aboriginal people. There were around 100 submissions to potential design, the job was eventually given to an architect from Albuquerque New Mexico. There are many displays at the museum ranging from the holocaust and other genocides including one personal to me that happened in Rwanda. This holds significance to me personally for two reasons. My good friend survived the genocide and made it to Canada with most of his family, and it was the major mission mandated to my personal hero Romeo Dallaire (at the time a Canadian general in charge of the United Nations Mission in Rwanda). General Romeo Dallaire is a great Canadian hero who resigned his post with the Senate of Canada to fight a battle significant to him against the use of child soldiers globally. It also talks about the others, of five genocides recognized by Canada. Bosnia, Armenia, and Holodomor (Ukrainian famine). It also covers hot topics within Canada such as residential schools, and the forced relocation of Inuit and Japanese people during WWII. There are other topics such as the Chinese head tax (during the Chinese railworker era); the museum failed to recognize a lesser known event, the forced relocation of German people during war time. There is also strong controversy that the artifact exhumation prior to construction failed to be as thorough as needed. This is an artifact rich site dating back to 1100 A.D that is now obstructed by the museum.


GRAND BEACH.

In St. Clements, a rural municipality of Manitoba, lays the fresh water Grand Beach. It is located on the Eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg and offers a coastal feel to residents far from the ocean. It was made popular as a resort, the same way a lot of Manitoba gained popularity, by the presence of the railroad. The Provincial Park of Grand Beach offers, on top of the beach, sand dunes that rise high above the beach. There is available shopping, and food, at the beach making it a popular destination for Manitobans. There are a total of 306 campsites, about half of which offer electricity. There are many activities to choose from; Grand Beach has many Saskatoon, Choke Cherry, and Blueberries to pick. Though admission is the cost of a park pass, the park offers occasional free entry for certain times.


ICELANDIC FESTIVAL OF MANITOBA, GIMLI.

Gimli Manitoba was first settled by Icelandic people, later by Icelandic immigrants, and preserves the culture in a region of Manitoba referred to as "New Iceland."
Due to the relative prominence of Icelandic people in the region, Gimli plays host to the Icelandic Festival every August long weekend since 1932. The festival has been celebrated since 1890. The festival offers everything from Icelandic artwork, to traditional dishes. The festival is the second oldest North American based culture festival in existence. It even offers a genuinely Icelandic population of viking cosplayers lending it a very authentic feel.

Fun Fact: Vikings from Iceland are known to have come to Canada over 1000 years ago to trade with the Inuit. There is even a historical port in the Southern portion of Greenland used for trading with the Inuit people. This makes the Inuit of Canada one of the only people to be seen as trading partners first by Scandinavian vikings who more often invaded than traded. There are several amazing artifacts collected in the Canadian north to prove this theory. When we get in to the Maritimes we will explore other evidence of viking presence in Canada. The Icelandic culture is rather fascinating; Icelandic is a language based on High German with a mostly similar alphabet excepting a couple letters with altered phonetic meaning. It is a language spoken only by, roughly, 300,000 people globally.


FESTIVAL DU VOYAGEUR.

                            
Festival Du Voyageur is a winter festival held for 10 days in Winnipeg's French quarter. It is a celebration of fur trade and rich French heritage in the country. About 100,000 people attend annually to celebrate with snow sculptures being a fun attraction to those who visit.


MENNONITE VILLAGE IN STEINBACH.

The Mennonite Village in Steinbach is an outdoor village surrounding a Mennonite museum. The history depicted here is of the (low) German speaking Mennonite people from Russia (there was also an exodus of Mennonites in Germany to Mexico during the second world war). The site has two monuments that were originally erected in Russia. The village is located in Steinbach Manitoba (third largest city with a population of 13,524 people). It was first settled by the Mennonites who came to Canada in 1874. It is the fastest growing area in population that isn't in Alberta. They came to Canada because the government promised the military exemption that was denied them in the Russian Empire. Liquor prohibition, which continues prominently in the Alberta county of Cardston because of religious values in the region, was narrowly ended by referendum in 2003. Most prohibition based on values seems to end in favour of growth. Whereas Cardston wishes to preserve the values (population less that 5000), the growth of Steinbach seems to have influenced more liberal ideals in favour of progress. Steinbach is the home town of many prominent figures from sports to literature. The city was also home to Western Canada's first Ford dealership in 1912. We consider this odd due to Henry Ford's known fascist values.  


LOWER FORT GARY HISTORIC SITE.

Lower Fort Gary was constructed on high ground after a flood destroyed the original Fort Gary. The term Lower Fort seems almost a misnomer as it was built North of, and on higher ground than, the original fort. It was built by the Hudson Bay Company, like most forts in Canada; the new location was also to cut down on time consuming portage required to circumvent St. Andrew's rapids while moving fur by boat. The fort walls were apparently of no military significance. They were constructed to impress other traders, and impress high ranking HBC officials who visited. Though it was used for fur trading (especially on sending furs back to England), it was mostly used as a supply outpost for local farms to flourish. This was a strategic move by the company who supplied farmers that would, in turn, supply their expeditions to the North. The Fort would eventually house many buildings as it grew, this even included a brewery. The legacy of Fort Gary is around today. There is still a Fort Gary brewing company, and a heavy duty parts distributor known as Fort Gary Industries. Fort Gary Brewing Company makes several specialty brews worth checking out to the passionate beer advocate. It was used to train the Northwest Mounted Police for a winter, eventually being turned back to the militia when the Mounted Police vacated. Original buildings and walls, 1850s era specific role play, and hands on activities create a realistic feel that had this named one of the top 10 National historic sites by Canada's history magazine. This interesting testament to Canada's history, and the HBC's role in it, is why it makes our list of top Manitoba destinations.


WHITESHELL PROVINCIAL PARK.

Whiteshell Provincial Park is a beautiful park that offers everything from rivers and lakes, to the magnificence of the Boreal forest. The Canadian shield creates sooth, and flat, granite ridges where ancient cultures left evidence of their existence via petroforms. A more well known version of a petroform is the Celtic monument Stonehenge. The park's petroforms are smaller pictures drawn by laying rocks in a pattern on the ground. The rock forms have survived the test of time despite small rocks not being anchored down. This is greatly due to the efforts used to ensure they remain undisturbed.

These were often left by cultures without the ability to record with written language. Even the great Celtic culture had knowledge passed down by druids who exclusively used word of mouth to account for knowledge. The Inuit people made petroforms as Inukshuks which varied in use, often used for hunting tactics. The ones at Whiteshell are simple drawings made on the granite that bear resemblance to animals or other things. They are an interesting addition to the land, and a marvel that they have managed to survive so long. There is evidence of Copper trading as far back as 6000 years ago, Whiteshell being historically significant for this. There is also evidence the site was used for prehistoric quartz mining, and stone tool making. The railway, as it often does, brought the tourism to the area first. There is free admission to the local Whiteshell Natural History Museum; a goose sanctuary and interpretive center; a museum on the area's geology; a hatchery that raises Lake Sturgeon, Trout, and Walley comes complete with an interpretive center to teach about the fish. Mammals range from Black Bear to beavers, birds range from Blue Jays to Osprey. There are Turtles and an abundance of fish ranging from Burbot to Small Mouthed Bass. There is even Mooneye which is fished for the tasty smoked meant that is made from it.
West Hawk Lake was formed long ago by a meteorite and is popular for scuba diving, and ice diving. Aboriginal people still use the park for harvesting wild rice and ceremonies.


RIDING MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK.
  Riding Mountain is the final highlight, so far on our future trip to Manitoba. This park attained it's protected status due to it's inclusion of three separate ecosystems. Grasslands, upland Boreal, and Eastern deciduous forests make up the three. It once contained a, now dismantled, prisoner of war camp during WWII. Now the only things close to prisoners are the captive prairie Bison being protected there. There are also Bears, Moose, Lynx, and many other animals who fall under North America's broad niche wildlife. The Black Bear population of Riding Mountain is, in fact, one of the largest in North America.    

                                                                                                                                                          There are various reasons for anyone passionate about wildlife to visit the park. It is sure not to disappoint anyone going to see the animals that will show.
There is a vast 400 km collection of trails for hiking. That is greater than the distance from Calgary to Edmonton, Alberta. There are other trails for cycling that vary in skill requirements from easy to difficult. Horseback riding is allowed in a lot of the park.

There are warming shelters, and heated base cabins, in the winter for popular cross country ski land in the park. It is allowed to snowmobile, though the protected land is off limits leaving only the lake to do so. This is so that, when the snow melts, the water simply returns to liquid and erases all evidence of the sport. National Park fishing licenses are required to fish the various lakes in the park. This ensures that all fishers are aware of the need for conservation and undergo special training. Our team will be aware of, and abide by, any regulations to the land we are filming. Our fish and wildlife representative, Ryan Sales, will be provided with the adequate training and permitting to ensure that we can get the most out of our visits to these National treasures. Many lakes offer motorized boating launches, and allow the activity. Though some lakes in the area only allow non motorized craft. Nothing beats the silence of being out on a lake in a canoe, I prefer to go the non motorized route, though in some instances our team will need to go out on motorized boats to offer the best coverage. With the deepest point at 114 feet, and the clear water being from springs, Clear Lake is another popular Manitoba location for scuba diving. The parks of Manitoba are by far the most incredible destinations to see in the province. The mild population and density focused largely in Winnipeg means most of the land is uninhabited nature at it's finest. This is one of the most exciting destinations to learn about as our team is very interested in the wildlife that calls Canada home. From Polar bears to Northern Pike, the nature of Manitoba is attractive to anyone who enjoys nature.

                                                                                                     

Stunning Saskatchewan.

Unfortunately, amoung Canadians, there is a plethora of humour centered around this province. Our aim at Explore Canada, when it comes to Saskatchewan, is to dispel any negative publicity about this truly remarkable Canadian province.


PRINCE ALBERT NATIONAL PARK.

Prince Albert National Park is a perfect example of why Saskatchewan is more than just grassy fields.

The beautiful, central Saskatchewan, Southern Boreal forest region is 3,874 square kms. Full of deciduous treen, and conifers, you could certainly lose your dog quickly amoung this land. That's why our first highlight alone is enough to counter any argument that Saskatchewan is just big and empty. Waskesiu is the only town located in the park. Though this single town offers everything from hotels and a movie theater, to the Wakesiu golf course and rental cabins. There is even an R.C.M.P detachment in the small town (much like a lot of park towns in Canada). The park is home to elk, moose, blackbear, red fox, beaver, deer, badgers, otters, red squirrels, wolves, and even a herd of plains bison that hang out where the prairie meets the forest. There are many more animals that call this park home, the broad niche of North American wildlife makes it possible to survive in several Northers environments. There are over 21 species of fish and, my personal favourite, osprey which are amoung several various species of fowl.
All in all, Prince Albert has made it on this list as a shining example of why many Canadians are wrong about Saskatchewan.


FORT WALSH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE.

Fort Walsh National Historic Site is just another example of fascinating places to see in Saskatchewan Canada. It is nestle in rolling hills, and crowned in forested area that splashes the landscape like a great conifer wave. 

This serves 1878-1882 as the Northwest headquarters for the mounted police. Many artifacts and old buildings have been found amoung the restored fort land, most of the artifacts have been stored with parks Canada.

Fort Walsh was intended to help curb illegal whiskey trade (though they should have been closer to fort Whoop-up in Lethbridge, AB). It was also used as a stationing post for the forces who helped supervise surviving Lakota who fled to Canada for safety. This was mostly to prevent any strife between them and existing Canadian tribes in the area. Fort Walsh is a magnificent piece of Canadian history. It is settled in a magnificent prairie landscape with present wildlife and flora that gives it the strong feel of the old West Canada style. These, and many more, reasons are why it has made our list of destinations in Saskatchewan.

RCMP HERITAGE CENTER.

The R.C.M.P Heritage Center in Regina Saskatchewan is an amazing example of where we came from in terms of Canada's national law enforcement. The brave people of the R.C.M.P once protected the settlers from sea to sea, and now serve to protect the smaller towns across the nation who have no local law. Now brave men and women serve across the country to keep it's people strong and free. 

No trip to Saskatchewan would be complete without visiting yet another historical location contained by the magnificent province. There is a very rich culture of history in this province; the RCMP were once the front line of defense for the Western frontier in Canada. This wasn't Dudley Do-Right's RCMP either, these brave men and women undergo intense training that allows them to respond to various threats to Canadian security at home. We at Explore Canada would be remiss to forget taking time to learn more about the history of those who protect our citizens at great personal risk.

SASKATOON.

The city of Saskatoon is Saskatchewan's largest city. Though not as big as many other cities, coming in at 257,300 according to 2014 census information, Saskatoon has a lot to offer and tends to catch people off guard who have never been there before. Saskatoon has a rich personal history, having been set up in an attempt to avoid the liquor trade, and today offers many events that draw crowds annually. They host Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Fringe festival of alternative theater, and even a jazz festival. Saskatoon has national recognition as one of the top college towns for live music lovers. The city even offers a live theater with various groups, including improve. 

In 1939 it even welcomed my favourite monarch, King George the VI who struggled with his speech and overcame a stammer after his older brother was the first monarch in England to abdicate the throne. King George the VI was king of England, and in essence Canada, during the second world war. His daughter Elizabeth II is the current Queen of England, his daughter Margaret being as much trouble as his older brother.

Now Saskatoon makes our list and, given it's central location, is a great staging point from which to visit our Saskatchewan destinations.

REGINA.

Though not the largest city in Saskatchewan, Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan. Much like the Alberta cities Edmonton and Calgary, the smaller of the two houses the provincial government. That doesn't mean that, at just under 200,000 people, 

Regina has less to offer. When Alberta and Saskatchewan once formed part of the Northwest Territories, Regina housed the territory government. Louis Riel, seen as a villain by anglophone Canadians, was tried and hanged in Regina. The city was also decimated in 1912 by the "Regina cyclone."

There are several amazing landmarks that have survived the ages, or been erected, such as the old post office on 11th avenue. Mosaic stadium in Regina is home to the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders. Currently the province's only major sports team, Roughrider fans are arguable some of the most loyal and intense fans in major sports. There are even several goods with team related names such as "All Dressler chips," named after a crowd favourite Weston Dressler. Dressler tied the CFL and NFL record for most two point conversions in a single game by one player. Having once played for the NFL's Kansas city Chiefs, he is an asset to the team and definitely a crowd favourite.

The fan base is so dedicated that they will often make trips to watch away games in other provinces. In Edmonton it costs more to see the Eskimos play Saskatchewan than it does to watch them play battle of Alberta rivals Calgary. The people of Saskatchewan have high hopes of one day winning a hockey team in coming NHL expansions, though for economic reasons it'll most likely be housed by larger Saskatoon. 

BATOCHE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE.

 No trip to historic sites of  Saskatchewan would be complete without a stop by Batoche. In 1885 Canada was struggling with the Northwest rebellion. The battle of Batoche took place at this historic site, a decisive battle of the rebellion. Canadian authorities, led by Major General Frederick Middleton and with superior numbers and firepower, were able to decisively put down the insurrectionist Métis force led by Louis Riel. Louis Riel was later hanged in Regina for his actions. Middleton set up and shelled the area for a whole day on May 10th 1885. By the time he commenced his advance on Batoche, two thirds of the Métis force was dead or badly wounded. The defending Métis were so desperate, they fired back foraged government ammunition from the ground or fired forks and cutlery. This was the decisive battle in the rebellion. After the battle was won for the government, many of the force members were sent back to Eastern Canada. No historic venture in Saskatchewan would be complete without a visit to the site of that long ago battle. 

CYPRESS HILLS INTERPROVINCIAL PARK.

             

Cypress hills interprovincial park is another shining example of the beautiful landscape of Saskatchewan. It straddles Southern Saskatchewan and Alberta as Canada's only interprovince park. It is the highest point in Canada between the rockies to the West and Labrador to the East. There are roughly 700 species of plants and animals thriving in the park, including an astounding 14 species of orchids. There are many fish species in the park ranging from walleye, to the Shorthead Redhorse. There is even a fish known as Burbot. These are the only member of the Cod family that live in fresh water. The eel-like fish required frigid temperatures to breed. This particular species, though odd, is edible. In Finland it's eggs and liver are seen as delicacies. You can rent kayaks or canoes in the park; Fort Walsh historic site is located within the park's limits.

FORT CARLTON PROVINCIAL PARK.

                                                                  

  Fortunately not named for Carlton Banks, the Provincial park at Fort Carlton wont be seen alongside Will Smith at any Fresh Prince reunion shows. From 1810-1885 it served as a Hudson's Bay company fur trading post. It is the third, and only permanent, of three attempts at making fur trading posts. The fort, like other palisade style forts, sits on the edge of abundant wooded area. It was leased by the Northwest mounted police in 1880 as a police outpost. The current site is a partial reconstruction of the original fort designed as a national historic attraction.  

  Now the park is a great destination to anyone visiting the province of Saskatchewan. This, and the other forts like it, are great looks at what it was once like to live in Western Canada. We hope to stop by and truly respect what it was like to live before the Roughriders were even a pipe dream.









MOOSE JAW.

The often less thought of City of Moosejaw is a small retirement/tourist city in South Saskatchewan. Though it would be a great sadness to forget the history that this city contains. The population is even less that my home town of St. Albert Alberta, coming in at 33,274 people.

The city downtown is riddled with various tunnel systems that were originally built as a steam system. Eventually they were used to house entire families of Chinese railway workers who had come there to escape persecution at a time when Asian people were being poorly painted as a vicious terror. They would work for the shops above in exchange for food and supplies. Then in the 1920s the tunnels were used to move rum during american prohibition. They are said to have housed all the rum sent south of the border via the "Soo line Railroad," an American subsidiary of CP rail.
RCAF station Moosjaw was established in 1940 for training pilots. After the war it remained in operation throughout the cold war; the area around Moosjaw offers great conditions for training new pilots. It is currently Canada's main flight training base, and home to the well known flight group called The Snowbirds. It is another of Saskatchewan's cities to have been visited by my favourite monarch and his wife. Queen Elizabeth II made her first visit in 1959 and has since made several returns. All in all we think this city is another filled with rich Canadian history. It offers yet another example of the wonder that is Saskatchewan.


QU'APPELLE VALLEY.

Qu'Appelle Saskatchewan was once thought to be the future major metropolis of the North-West and for good reason. Back when Saskatchewan was part of the Northwest Territories, it was going to be considered territorial headquarters of the Northwest by the Church of England.
At one point it was the terminus for CP rail in the district of Assiniboia N.W.T.
When the Lieutenant-Governor Edgar Dewdney eventually decided to give significance instead to what is now Regina, where he happened to own land, Qu'Appelle lost all but it's historic significance. Qu'Appelle is a modification of the french Qui Appelle or "who calls," a reference to the legend on the nearby Qu'Appelle valley found here.
General Middleton made Qu'Appelle the muster point for his forces against the Northwest rebellion as they arrived from the east.
Edward Rawlinson is a figure of Canadian history who was the youngest chartered accounted in the country. He is recognized in Canada for his leadership in broadcasting after his purchase of several media brands. During the second world war he was the manager of British commonwealth air training plan flying school in Prince Albert. He was born in Qu'Appelle Sask, 1912 and survived until 1992.


THE BATTLEFORDS.

 The small Saskatchewan city of North Battleford has a minimal population of 13,888 people. The town of Battleford (population 4,065) is located just south of the river from it's Northern counterpart. Together they are known as "The Battlefords."
The Battlefords provincial park is located 40 kms North and offers swimming, fishing, hiking, golf, and more.
Prior to European settlement, the area was strongly contested for it's resources. North Battleford became home to a CP line from Saskatchewan to Edmonton. There are a number of historic buildings here and it is home to the only psychiatric hospital in Saskatchewan.
Battleford - Though there has been talk of both communities merging, they remain separate entities today except when referred to collectively.
Fort Battleford is located in the smaller Battleford and played an important role in the Northwest Rebellion. Because of a decline in prairie bison, Battleford was raided by starving Cree people. 500 residence held up in the police fort as the Cree came and looted the town. There are a handful of historic buildings in Battleford, though the Fort is why it manages to make our list.


MOOSE MOUNTAIN (AND TRANS CANADA DETOURS).

Moose Mountain Provincial Park is among a couple detours within Saskatchewan on the trains Canada highway. It is also one of the only provincial parks in Saskatchewan with a town inside it's boundaries. You can visit the artist colony in the park to see local works of art that can be purchased. There are many activities in the park from swimming and golf, to horseback riding. There are a couple other attractions in the area worth mentioning as well. The nearby Cannington Manor Provincial Park is a recreated 1880s town complete with role playing actors to complete the feel. Prairie Dog Drive-In is one of the few remaining Drive-In theaters and is located just outside Carlyle. The Red Barn flea and farmers market occurs in the summer months and even features live entertainment. The Bear Claw casino and hotel is also located south on highway 9.
The entire area is rife with attractions that will be great short stop offs in our trip through Saskatchewan. The province has many spread out attractions on the prairies that prove Saskatchewan to be way more than just a big empty field. I know I wouldn't want my dog to run away here, there are surely many places to lose sight of him.

Afterword

This article, and those following it, are intended as a first hand look at the upcoming 'Explore Canada' series that will highlight various destinations around this great nation. The Explore Canada team doesn't lay claim to any of the photos used in any of our blogs (unless specified) about the destinations. The only pictures we own are either featured in the documentary, or available on our facebook page Explore Canada. The blogs on destination were created by team member, and creative director, Aantyn Klein and are by no means the final list of what is to be covered. The posts can, and will, be edited to include new content as the project matures. Thank you for your interest in Explore Canada, we hope to bring you many more interesting projects as we finalize plans to begin filming.

Aantyn Klein  

Amazing Alberta.

We aren't just saying Alberta is amazing because it is home to the team, though growing up in this province has left a special place for it in the heart, there are many places worth noticing within the great province that makes it really dear to us. I guess the main focus here would be to remind the world that it isn't just some tar filled beach of chaos; Alberta is a truly magnificent province with so much to offer for all levels of adventure. 

HEAD SMASHED IN BUFFALO JUMP.

Head smashed in buffalo jump is a UNESCO world heritage site located just Northwest of Fort Macleod. Not only is it a beautiful natural site, with a historic past, it is also home to a museum of Blackfoot culture. 

The Blackfoot people would use specialized roles, like men skilled at animal behaviour, to channel a herd of buffalo off the cliff edge and take a single hunt to provide for the tribe. Hunting was a necessity in the days without supermarkets; none were as skilled as America's native people at ensuring nothing went to waste when an animal gave up it's life to allow them to survive. There are many stories among the people about why it is they hunted buffalo. The beautiful cultures of the various tribes have many great tales about why things are the way they are. I have been very privileged to hear many stories ranging from where the dream-catcher came from, why different things were used for smudging, and even a story about when the people came down to live on the plains. Remember that every culture of America's native people has their own stories to tell that vary from group to group. I have a very special place in my heart for the Native American's, their reverence for nature and respect for all life is a powerful influence on my own beliefs. No matter what group they hail from, my friends are always reminding me that the message is the same. Love and respect for the land that gives you life. Heritage sites like this one remind me that there is a rich history to these lands we too often forget.

WRITING-ON-STONE PROVINCIAL PARK

                                                                                    

Writing-on-stone is situated on one of the largest areas of protected prairie in Alberta. The land is known as "Áísínai’pi National Historic Site of Canada," which is a Blackfoot word translated to mean "it is written."
This beautiful area is riddled with a plethora of petroglyphs and pictographs as well as a natural abundance of hoodoos.The natural sandstone of the area made it ideal for use as a canvas.
People have probably inhabited the area as long ago as 9000 years. The Blackfoot people are thought to have made a majority of the carvings, other groups such as the Shoshone have also roamed the area leaving evidence of their passing. This area is an amazing trip through time to a place long before smart phones, even before paper was a common medium in North America.

This beautiful land straddles the Milk river 100 km southeast of Lethbridge Alberta, and has found itself on our list of fundamental locations in Alberta for obvious reasons.

JASPER NATIONAL PARK.

Jasper is a necessary stop to anyone who hopes to capture the true magnificence of Alberta. The town of Jasper is open year round due to the abundant ski culture that has formed around the park's Marmot basin. To reside in the town of Jasper, one must work in Jasper. That means that the only residents who don't spend their days in this beautiful mountain getaway are the local CN rail employees who are often busy between the park and Edmonton's rail yard. The city of Edmonton is a main hub for the province when it comes to goods, it's situated an about even distance from Jasper and Calgary in different directions. No trip to Jasper would be complete without a visit to Maligne canyon, Miette hotsprings, or many of the various trails available to hiking aficionados. My favourite place for pizza happens to be in Jasper at Jasper Pizza. This location is one of my fundamentals for a complete Jasper experience. We always managed to stop in for some delicious fire cooked pizza on every trip to Marmot basin. Another tradition to my Jasper experience was to always stop by the town's bear Jasper. Every trip I have made to the beautiful park has included a stop by the bear for a memorable photo op. I will attempt to add many personal pictures to bolster the Alberta experience.

Me and the Jasper bear.

Maligne canyon.

 DINOSAUR PROVINCIAL PARK.

Often mistaken for the park in Drumheller, Dinosaur provincial park is located near Brooks Alberta. The park became a heritage site in 1979; thanks to my Oma working for the park in my childhood, I was able to experience the park many times and in many ways. 

Chasmosaurus

                                                                            I spent many summers taking trips to Dinosaur provincial park. When I was in grade two in Medicine Hat Alberta, we were even close enough to justify a school trip. The park features camping that allowed us to spend nights out there in the sticks where the stars are magnificent. It's lesser known presence meant that it was a quieter experience to the sometimes crowded Tyrell museum in Drumheller Alberta. That isn't to say that it was any less magnificent. When faced with the mastodonic creatures that once ruled the earth, it's easy to feel even smaller on the cosmic scale. Remembering that humbling experience is a great way to put things in perspective. I was told that, in those days, earth's oxygen levels were much higher. This meant that insects, plants, and animals could attain much greater sizes.

Whatever the mystery of prehistoric times be that draws us into an age before man, Dinosaur provincial park makes our list of must see destinations on a journey to explore Alberta. There is a peace on the prairies here that can't be beat. Rolling hills of silence mixed with massive formations and the resting place of earth's largest creatures.

LETHBRIDGE.

Lethbridge is a fun little city, the city where I was born, and yes it's more than just a bridge. Though the bridge, known as the Lethbridge Viaduct, is the longest and highest of it's kind in North America. Recently, and remember this man is a professional, a man used the Viaduct to perform a base jump. Among several parks where families can hang out, an agricultural center, and a great university Lethbridge is home to a Japanese garden and a festival known locally as "whoop up days."

The not for profit festival attracts more than 60 000 people annually which means that just under 75% of the cities population can be found in attendance. The festival is named after Fort whoop up which was once used for the illegal sale of whiskey in the 19th century when policing in the area was sparse. Whoop up days was, 8 years prior to the Calgary stampede, the first large scale rodeo was staged as part of whoop up days.

EDMONTON.

No trip to Alberta would be complete without a stop at the capital city of Edmonton. Our team spent a good portion of our lives here before coming together just after our members moved to Calgary.

                                                                                                          The beautiful capital of Alberta 

 a great many things to do that are often taken for granted by locals. There are several popular locations such as West Edmonton mall, The Telus world of science, The Royal Alberta museum, and the Alberta legislature building. Not to mention the destinations within the mall that could take days to properly enjoy. Galaxy land theme park, and the world water park are home to some record breaking attractions of, year round, indoor fun. There are many places in the area that feature events like paintball, even some city based hills for skiing. The Alberta aviation museum is located at the cities downtown airport and features one of the Canadian Avro arrows just out front. Just outside of the city of St. Albert (30 seconds north of Edmonton) is the Edmonton garrison military base. With art culture abound you would be remiss to forgo a stop here to visit the art gallery of Alberta, the Winspear center (where Roger Waters, previously of Pink Floyd, performed the Wall), and the northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. The city plays host to the annual Fringe festival of Edmonton which features different themes annually. Shows ranging from Iron Maiden, Uproar festival, and even Sept 2015's Wu-Tang Clan make it a great destination for live entertainment. The city is undergoing a face-lift to the downtown core as construction continues on the new home of Edmonton's Oilers NHL team. 

CALGARY.

The city of Calgary is the largest metro area in Alberta, and home to the corporate heart of the province. As the location where most corporations have set up home base, and as it has a more efficient location for it, the international airport offers the most choices in the whole province. While it is home to abundant commercial life, the city has become a beautiful example of functionality and features. The city itself covers a vast surface area for a not so vast population, this has obviously posed some problems to infrastructure, though the city seems to do an incredible job at managing. 

The lovely city is situated at the foot of Canada's rockies, and is even a short jog away from Banff.

There are many reasons to make it a mandatory stop on the trip across Alberta, the massive Calgary stampede is just one of the various attractions that draw people to Calgary for more than just business. There is an incredible zoo that is fun for the whole family.

Maybe you aren't on board with animals in cages. Callaway park is a great theme part that operates in the summer months. There are malls like Chinook center, and even a Chinese cultural center. The Calgary tower features the rotating Sky 360 restaurant. I was pleased to find the staff here were quite friendly, the food was decent (and fairly priced), and there were even selections like rabbit penné. The restaurant usually makes a full rotation by the time you finish a meal. They even pay your elevation fee to the observation deck, with a section of glass floor, were you to dine at Sky 360. The core shopping center is rife with what locals know as "the plus fifteens," where you can travel across the downtown core without setting foot outside. 

There are various parks within the city, even the indoor Devonian gardens. Everything is rather accessible to the versatile transit system that connect every quadrant of the city via light rail transit. The city even offers transit to the international airport. 

There are many reasons to make Calgary a must see city in Alberta, not enough time or space to mention them here.

BANFF NATIONAL PARK AND LAKE LOUISE.

Banff and Lake Louise are grouped together due to the proximity, and they are often thought of in the same breath by Albertans. Banff and Lake Louise offer the highest elevation of Alberta communities. Hiking, biking, and skiing are all possible here; it's proximity to Calgary makes it an active destination year round. Lake Lousie even played host to the first Jamaican bobsleigh team during the winter olympics. Banff is home to premier spas, and natural hot springs. From film festivals to forests, skiing to swimming, Banff and Lake Louise offer some world class escapes in Alberta's backyard. Not to mention world class resorts and hotels for those who like to live in luxury rather than keep it real in nature. The Explore Canada team is based out of Calgary and will be able to offer some great looks at life in this wild side of Alberta. 

TYRRELL MUSEUM.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology is another childhood favourite of mine. This vast park, located in Drumheller, features the different ages of pre-history in very artistic fashion. From my personal favourite precambrian room, featuring aquatic life before it roamed the land, to the ice age mastodons that ruled at the dawn of man this museum does a tasteful job at creating a skeletal version of life before we roamed. My Oma spent ages unearthing an ancient sea turtle at Dinosaur Provincial Park, similar sea turtles can be seen here at the Tyrrell museum. 

Precambrian display.

There are many attractions here for all ages, this makes the Tyrrell museum a prominent feature on the list of Alberta destinations. 

MEDICINE HAT.

Connaught School where I attended grades 2-5

Many of my fondest memories are from the city of Medicine Hat where I attended grades 2-5. I remember the above school where I attended, though much more recently than pictured, as a mysterious castle of adventure full of childhood legend and lore. The children there would create many stories to go with the age of the building such as haunting of a mysterious woman. 

While not in school, the city was full of adventure for my three brothers and I. We were often guided by my grandmother who would take us on many outdoor adventures; my grandmother taught us many things about the nature that could be found here in Canada's desert.

I remember things were safe back then. No one policed us or worried when we were adventuring until the sun went down. 

There was no need to worry in those days. Kids were always out in the badlands of the city, even in the river valley. We were much more independent and preferred an adventure outdoors to one on T.V.

Police Point Park.

Various natural parks and meadows called to us every Sunday as grandma would take us on a new adventure. The above Police Point park even had an indoor observation room where you could watch the bees hard at work inside their hive that was walled with glass.

Maybe it's the nostalgia that makes it so Medicine Hat makes the list of destinations. I like to think there was something much more magical to the city than the fact that I spent my early years here. Whatever the reason may be, Medicine Hat has found itself on the list of prime destinations in the amazing province of Alberta. Explore Canada can't wait to take a close up look at some of the features this beautiful city has to hold. Maybe we will even stop by the old school and remember some of the wonder of being young.

WATERTON NATIONAL PARK.

I have spent so much time in Waterton recently that every picture contained in this section will come directly from my personal reserves taken by me before Explore Canada found it's roots. 

Cameron falls

Cameron falls is the waterfall just inside the summer town of Waterton. It is fed by my favourite place to clear my head, Cameron lake.                                          

                                                                                                                                                                  

The Prince of Whales is a beautiful hotel that overlooks Waterton lake and even has it's own gift shop.

Waterton Lake from inside Prince of Whales hotel.

The town is only open in the summer, but it has an abundance of friendly deer that roam the town. I suppose it isn't too wise to approach wildlife that can be unpredictable, though I really only tried to give it some grass. I was young and curious here. 

The village of Waterton is a ghost town in the winter, though you can still access the lower part of the park. I have taken many late night trips just to see the waterfall. Even the chipmunks around Cameron falls will come sit in your hand if you offer them some food. Waterton is definitely the favourite destination in Alberta for this Explore Canada team member.

Cameron lake nestled at the bottom of high up mountain ranges is a pristine body of water that is bordered by a roughly 3 km path through woods that lead to the Montana border. I have walked that path many times finding everything from Spongy Morrell mushrooms to King Bolete mushrooms that could be played like drums. Explore Canada can't wait to bring you an in-depth look at this wonderful park.

FRANK SLIDE.

One of the more solemn, but impossible to forget, stops on the Alberta journey is Frank Slide. This is another destination that I have spent a good amount of time in, as such all the photography of Frank Slide is original and from my collection.

Capturing the devastation of "the mountain that moves," is nearly impossible without seeing it for yourself. A picture might be worth a thousand words, but no words can describe the gravity of this disaster. The air is heavy with the ghost of a town that was erased from the map years ago. Though this has been declared a memorial, that doesn't prevent tourists from other nations breaking the taboo of climbing on the rocks which serve as headstones for the small mining town. This allowed me to snap one picture from afar that offers the closest possible chance of displaying the true magnitude of the disaster.

April 29, 1903 (4:10 a.m)

Townspeople heard a eerie crack as just under 90 million tonnes of limestone rock broke free of the mountain and tumbled down in 100 seconds. The sound was heard from as far away as Cochrane 200 kms North of Frank. Those working in the mine (17 men) worked in pairs and threes for hours until finally breaking through to the surface. All 17 men survived being buried alive because of their tenacity and the strength of their worry for loved ones who lived below the mountain. 

The ghost of the town of Frank can be seen in the hollowed out buildings that were once parts of the mining industry. Many legends surfaced about the incident, it is said that the mountain will fall again in a matter of time. 

This is perhaps the heaviest location in Alberta that our team will visit, our hope is to find some way to convey the gravity that rests heavily on the air here.

Afterword.

This article, and those following it, are intended as a first hand look at the upcoming 'Explore Canada' series that will highlight various destinations around this great nation. The Explore Canada team doesn't lay claim to any of the photos used in any of our blogs about the destinations (unless otherwise stated). The only pictures we own are featured on our Facebook page Explore Canada or on my personal Facebook page. The blogs on destination were created by team member, and creative director, Aantyn Klein and are by no means the final list of what is to be covered. The posts can, and will, be edited to include new content as the project matures. Thank you for your interest in Explore Canada, we hope to bring you many more interesting projects as we finalize plans to begin filming.

Aantyn Klein