Stories

As anyone who spends time hiking knows, being outside cultivates a sense of joy and peace you just can’t find anywhere else.

Splitting cracks echo in the poplar woods around us, as John Ritchie and Winston and Christina Desjarlais break long sticks down to uniform size to begin the structural supports of a lean-to shelter. Using the sticks they form tripod supports, one on each end, to prop up the cross beam.

Ever eaten a fire ant? That’s the question Dragan Uzelac has posed to Maranda Cardinal and her friend Taissya Reutov. The two women pause, unsure if Uzelac is joking. He’s not.

There's nothing quite like nature to get your Zen on, but what happens if the weather isn't quite inviting and you can't make it outdoors? We at ZenSeekers think you should flip on the TV (from time to time) and indulge in some breathtaking films that will leave you inspired for your next adventure.

Athabasca, AB - Glenda Gray points and shouts to get our attention as a pod of pelicans simultaneously takes flight from a nest of driftwood floating close to shore. For the next minute or so we are treated to soaring views of the birds in flight formation as Darcy Zelman guides the jetboat alongside.

An adventure therapist. Could that be your new career goal?

How did a community in central-east Alberta score a manmade lake that would go on to make the region a prime spot for a Provincial Park?

Crane Lake, M.D. of Bonnyville - We all know we need more happy in our lives and you can find it on the lakes within the M.D. of Bonnyville.

It’s not every day that someone can paddle their way around history. But you can in Lac La Biche, home to one of Canada’s most unique provincial parks, Sir Winston Churchill Park, Alberta’s only campground that is on an island.

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.