Stories

When you think of Cranbrook, what likely comes to mind is the Rocky Mountains and all of the adventures to be had, but getting out on the water is one of the most popular pastimes in the East Kootenays.

If you haven't explored Southern Alberta, chances are you've heard of its beauty. There are countless places to roam and what seems like an endless tangle of trails that thread hikers through wildflower-filled valleys, along alpine ridges, and above glacier-fed lakes.

When you're talking handmade, you can't get more hands-on than the artisans I met in Cranbrook who hail from India, Northern China, Marysville, Fort McMurray and the East Kootenays. They all have one thing in common: They saw a need in their community, so they decided to hone their skills and meet it.

I looked at the notes I jotted down about my first fly fishing experience: “Chili” was the first comment. The second was: “Squishy."

Even if you are good at balancing your busy schedule and finding zen in everyday life, sometimes we all just need that well deserved time off to relax and recharge. Here are the top 3 places to find your Zen in the Canadian Rockies.

Without hesitation, Chef Michael Buffett of Start Fresh Kitchen declares his pasta-making classes the most popular.

The aha moments come thick and fast while cycling the section of the Okanagan Rail Trail that hugs glinting green Kalamalka Lake. There are jaw-dropping vistas galore along the 23-kilometre glacial body of water.

The Toronto Raptors have caused quite the stir in the NBA finals, but did you know that Alberta is home to over 60 different types of dinosaurs?

From McIntyre Bluff to the Canada-U.S. border, from the Black Sage Bench to the Golden Mile Bench and everywhere in between, Oliver and Osoyoos are pure South Okanagan wine region eye candy.

I thought it was the beauty of Kiixin that took my breath away. I thought it was the archeological remains of the 5,000-year-old site, the natural splendour of the shoreline and First Nations connection to the rainforest. But when Wisqii told us he was so proud to share the history of his people, I knew what this tour was truly about, the people.

Looking for some epic views in the Okanagan Valley? Look no further.

Did you know you can experience what a non-motorized flight is like in Port Alberni? Then ‘Get High’ again when you #ExplorePortAlberni with a hike in the Alberni Valley.

Understanding any ZenSeeker is looking for ways to help make the most of their next hike, trail run or walk in the woods, here are a few top yoga poses. Add these poses and moves into your next hike to help elevate any post hike muscle issues.

The arts are the heartbeat of Port Alberni, from historic and meaningful cultural masterpieces to creative and social events. You can visit, explore, and shop over 80 artists at 15 venues during the Solstice Arts Festival in Port Alberni.

If I shut my eyes during a wine tasting, I am absolutely useless at telling if it’s a white or a red. Honestly, I’m that bad. If I remember that white wine is usually chilled, that does help. Since I am off to a few events this summer that are awash in wine, it might be a good idea to learn a few tips to not look so lost. Here’s what I’ve learned.

After tipping back a pint at the just-opened Piston Broke Brewery (and, yes, there might be a little play on words in their name), I realized that the city of Brooks in the County of Newell was starting to grow on me. And, while new craft breweries typically win me over when I open the door and the friendly barkeep says “hello,” Brooks has much more going for it than tasty beer. The world-renowned badlands just to the north of town, for example, are an attraction worth traveling days to see.

At approximately 7:25 AM, the sun crested the eastern horizon and brilliant beams of white light shot through the leaning lodge poles on the massive teepee (the largest teepee in the world, they say!). It was a classic prairie sunrise and, given the temperature hovered around zero, I welcomed the warmth. But, to be completely honest, I wasn't actually cold. When you cycle along the amazing biking trails in Medicine Hat you tend to work up a pretty good sweat!

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?

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.

Rockwell, a local photographer, has been guiding night-sky lovers for more than 20 years, helping them to capture on camera the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. It’s often a once a lifetime experience for many people who come here from all world to see the dancing bands of colours that can take on many shapes in colour.