Sweet beginnings and endings on a winter adventure in Bonnyville

Jolene KisilevichBonnyville, Highway 28, MD of Bonnyville, Northeast of Edmonton, Outdoor Adventures, Winter Adventures

Jeremy Derksen for #SkiNorthAB Settled in next to the fire at the T-Bar Lounge, Alexa Prodaniuk and Trevor Makaruk are roasting marshmallows and laughing as they look back on their afternoon snowboarding at Kinosoo Ridge, in Bonnyville, Alberta. The decadent s’mores kit they’re enjoying, and the hot chocolates topped with whip cream, chocolate drizzle and maraschino cherries, are the icing on a full day of winter adventure. It’s a running in-joke between the young married couple that Trevor often leaves …

From beginner to bush ready in a day with Trapper Paul

Jolene KisilevichHighway 55, Lac La Biche Region, Northeast of Edmonton, Outdoor Adventures, Winter Adventures

Jeremy Derksen for #TakeItToTheLake Riding along with a traditional Métis trapper will transform your understanding of what it means to be connected to the land. “Seeing it in person, there’s a lot more respect and appreciation on the trapper’s end than people might conceive,” says Derek Shackleton, who, with his girlfriend Cate, spent a day out on the trapline with longtime trapper Paul Padlesky recently. Rediscovering that connection is part of what has inspired programs like “Tales from the Metis …

Tales From the Trapline: Winter Experience

Jolene KisilevichAttractions, Events, Highway 28, Interpretive Centre, Metis Crossing, North Saskatchewan River, Northeast of Edmonton, Outdoor Adventures, Smoky Lake County, Winter Adventures

Make snares, survival shelters and traditional crafts at Metis Crossing By Jeremy Derksen For Lilyrose Meyers, trapping represents not just a livelihood but a way of life. With the decline of the industry in recent decades, she sees that way of life disappearing, and with it, the positive effects it can have for ecosystems. “The land is important to us, it’s a live thing — it changes. The trees … the animals … you have to look after them,” she …

Elk Island National Park gets Magical in the Winter

Jolene KisilevichEast of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park, Highway 16, National Park, Parks & Trails, Winter Adventures

Wintertime visits to Elk Island National Park provides a unique perspective on the Canadian wilderness. Trails feel brand new again and every animal that stayed behind for the winter feels all the more special for braving the cold with us. There’s nothing quite like catching a glimpse of wild bison roaming the white deep snowy plains, hooves trudging through the snow or stargazing on cold winter nights. Make no mistake about it; Elk Island gets magical in the winter. And …