By Jeremy Derksen / SnowSeekers.ca Lac La Biche, AB – Snowmobiling through willow stands and old birch along Tom’s Trail (one of a handful of locally known cut trails), Heather Maekelburger wraps her arms around David Schultz and leans in, while he navigates the hairpin turns. Soon the trail opens out onto a bay of Lac La Biche and they both grin as Schultz opens it up, the engine growling to life as they skim across the bay. As they …
By Lisa Roper Born and raised in Lac La Biche, I feel very fortunate to enjoy the year-round playground that supports many of my authentic outdoor adventures. With so many options — provincial parks, beaches, outdoor attractions, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, ice fishing, rodeos, museums with historic sites, hiking trails, golf, Lakeland Canoe Circuit and so much more — you can literally choose your own outdoor adventure(s). I recently came across the saying, “Life is simple, just add water.” Where …
By: Lisa Roper What’s not to like about open-water fishing in a natural lake? If you are like me, you take every opportunity to be on the water, chasing all species of fish. My addiction to fishing is about more than the challenge and mystery of where fish are in the water. It’s about being outdoors enjoying nature, being present in mind, heart, and soul; a type of meditation. It is one of the only times I feel completely relaxed …
– Jeremy Derksen Vermilion, AB – Launching a business during the pandemic took panache, but Heather Millan is in the right place. There has been a creative strain running through Vermilion for years. In the last five years, the small town of 4000 has seen an impressive run of new business openings and events, bringing a liveliness to main street. “Especially during this time, the importance of art is mental wellness. This is a happy place to be,” says Millan, …
– story: Jeremy Derksen / photos: Paul Lavoie Lac La Biche, AB – Planning a family vacation can become a big production when you’re trying to accommodate a variety of ages, interests and temperaments. But with a welcoming community, cozy hotels, nearby cultural attractions and an unbeatable beachfront, Lac La Biche makes it easy for the whole family, as Valerie and Sheldon Hunter have discovered. Sand castles, beach balls, splashing in the water, a beach holiday in Lac La Biche …
– by Jeremy Derksen / photos: Paul Lavoie Photo by Paul Lavoie Cold Lake, AB – With the triple threat of sun, sand and surf, Natalie and Dallas McCue’s weekend away has seemed almost like a tropical getaway instead of an Alberta vacation. There is a distinctly posh side to Cold Lake that checks all the boxes of an exotic luxury holiday: enjoying some beach time, relaxing with margaritas, taking a dinner cruise on the water and finding a …
– Jeremy Derksen #Takeittothelake #NEAB What makes a great roadtrip? If abundant lakes, wide open spaces and hidden gems top your list, then you’ll want to look to northeast Alberta. Looping from Métis Crossing up to Athabasca, across to Lac La Biche, then Cold Lake and finally Vermilion, Kristina Martel and Myk Morris recently did the tour and came back wowed by what they experienced. “There’s so much beauty in Alberta,” Martel reflects. “Even in just a few days, …
– Jeremy Derksen #TakeItToTheLake #NEAB Athabasca, AB – Descending into the Athabasca River Valley with its green river banks, relaxed rural pace and deep flowing water always fills me with an immediate sense of ease and calm. Maybe that wide, mighty river makes everything just, slow, down – including me. From Centennial Park on the north shore of the river, it’s easy to just stand in one place, spin slowly and pick an activity. Will it be an historic downtown …
Jeremy Derksen #TakeItToTheLake #NEAB Lac La Biche County, AB – As early morning sun begins to burn away the dew at Hideaway Adventure Grounds in Kikino Metis Settlement, Amy Stewart and Ali Cole emerge to a forest alive with wonder. The two friends spent the previous night in a trapper’s tent in the boreal forest, here on a journey of cultural and nature exploration. It’s one of several ways to get to know some of Alberta’s diverse heritage, in the …
Jeremy Derksen In the fiery glow of a prairie sunset seen from the balcony of Journey North Cider Co., it’s easy to feel pretty satisfied with your day, especially if you’ve spent it making the best of a Bonnyville getaway. Picture scenes of a rockin’ 50’s style jukebox breakfast, a peaceful paddle on the lake, nourishing and healthy refreshments and perfectly synchronized spa relaxation. This is where I find myself, after a day of exploring with a local trio of …