Stories

Grinning ear to ear and spraying a fan of water behind him, Josh Meredith skims past on a Sea-Doo. Nikki Hallows is close behind, cutting across his wake and goosing the engine to launch herself into the air. Engine hum fills the air as they rev around Baptiste Lake in Athabasca County, Alberta.

The cafe, the cheesemaker, the craft cocktail maker - it’s not a nursery rhyme, it’s an afternoon in Vermilion. Afternoon indulgences are the kind of thing that are often best shared with friends. For example, strawberries with chocolate smeared on toast, a sampling of fine cheeses or a three o’clock cocktail.

Folks in Alberta’s northeast may be more humble and less self-promoting, but they are equally as deserving of attention.

To help drive some attention to these very deserving creative spirits, FestivalSeekers & ZenSeekers are expanding our #TakeItToTheLake efforts by bringing you a new festival!

Dewy purple and magenta bursts of berries hang pendulously from the branches of eight-foot high Saskatoon bushes at Rocky Meadows Country Getaway, just outside Bonnyville. The Robson family walk the rows, filling buckets in a hushed, zen-like industriousness. 

As she bends over to look into the windows of the tiny church, Rosalie Subchuk sighs. Memories from her childhood have awoken on this visit through Plamondon, in Lac La Biche region, Alberta. Subchuk grew up on a farm in the 1960s and 70s not far from the hamlet.

Within a few steps onto a tree-lined trail do you ever say to yourself, “Why don’t I do this more often?” You take a big breath – the fresh air drops to the bottom of your lungs and it wakes up your senses. You are ready to be where everything is one. Or, as the long time locals in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Territory on Vancouver Island say, His-Shuk-nish-tsa-waak.

Does your social media timeline need a boost of positivity and inspiration? These awesome people on social media are pumping out the Zen content. 

From dog-friendly hikes, to a surprise encounter with wildlife in the mountains, to getting up close to a prairie staple, we're getting our fill of cute-meets-Zen in western Canada.

There’s nothing quite like the moment – driving between Ucluelet and Tofino – when you first turn that corner and are met with a glimpse of the ocean, bathed in the shimmering golden light of a coastal sunset.

Situated on the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island is the tight-knit community of Bamfield, home to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, and access point to the ancient Kiixin Village – the only known traditional village site on the coast of southern B.C. to still contain standing structures.

Looking for summer activities that will let you relax and unwind? Here are a few BC-based activities to help you relax. 

Now that the sun and warmth have arrived, it's the perfect time to find a little peace of mind and unwind. Here are a few activities that will help you relax this summer in Alberta. 

How can we act as good allies when we travel and explore in Western Canada?

In Alberta, there’s no shortage of stops to make if you’re planning on taking some day trips this summer. Less than 2 hours south east of Edmonton, you’ll come across the Village of Heisler in Flagstaff County, with a population of just 160 Albertans and some must-see businesses and attractions.

To a lot of us, sharks and bears have a lot in common. Both of these magnificent creatures can evoke fear and curiosity just by talking about them. There is confusion about what to do if you encountered one, and how to better protect them in their natural habitats.

For World Oceans Day, ZenSeekers' own Doc Pow had an oceanside chat with shark scientist, videographer, and conservationist Justin Blake.

After months being at home, a road trip sounds pretty good right about now. Dream of fresh air and good times with this round-up of BC spots where you can explore wide-open outdoor spaces.

For a lot of us, 2020 has been a whirlwind of social distance anxiety and confusion. Let's change that. Get lost in Alberta's wide-open, outdoor havens close to home to recharge and rejuvenate your soul.

With all of us staying home from work and school because of the pandemic, we have more free time on our hands than ever before. While some work from home and others try their hand at new hobbies, like baking and painting, our canine companions are living in the lap of luxury.

After weeks of social distancing and isolation, we’re all in need of some fresh ideas to stay optimistic and inspired at home.

We’ve seen a lot of changes since the pandemic hit. Changes to how we work, how we play, how we support local businesses and even how we “travel.” Virtual experiences are on the rise and that includes some pretty innovative experiences right here in Alberta. 

The Town of Vermilion, in partnership with ZenSeekers, has launched the first-ever #VermilionOnline. It’s a virtual festival showcasing experiences and businesses in the charming rural town of Vermilion, located just two hours east of Edmonton in central Alberta.

• RSVP to attend the final May 13 #VermilionOnline Festival