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 …
Biking in Vermilion cranks up the fun
Last updated July 28, 2023 By Jeremy Derksen #TakeItToTheLake #NEAB Mist rises from the forest as Tomas Vidal, his brother Eddie and Eddie’s son Caleb fly past on their bikes, winding down the serpentine single track in Vermilion Provincial Park, just kitty corner to Vermilion, AB. With the Vidals as my guides, I am getting a taste for the trails that ignited the boys’ lifelong passion for biking. The park has been the boys’ playground since childhood. “I was born …
#CampMetisCrossing and Discover Indigenous History
By Jeremy Derksen #TakeItToTheLake #NEAB Cindy Lazarenko and her daughters return to their tent flush with the excitement of new discovery. A camping experience at Métis Crossing will do that to just about anyone. There is a make-your-own adventure feel to camping here. Campers can delve into early frontier history and learn about the Métis people, learn archery, paddle like a voyageur, gather round a fire to hear Métis folk tales, or retire to their own space for some relaxing …
7 Super Summer Travel Tips & Trips!
Check out some of our top #goeastofedmonton Travel Destinations! You are sure to be inspired to #Takeitothelake with these Travel tips and trips. Over the past month, we’ve added some awe-inspiring Northeast Alberta travel stories. It’s Time to Go East of Edmonton! Here’s why… Boatin’, Barbecuin’ and Chillin’ with Ice Cream in Athabasca County A day on the water, surrounded by the natural beauty of Athabasca, is enough to make anyone feel at home. Check out the story here to find out how to get in on a …
It’s Epic, It’s Unforgettable…It’s time to Go to Cold Lake!
An urban community in the midst of rural Alberta, Cold Lake is surrounded by the natural beauty of its clear blue waters, to the rugged forest backdrop in close proximity. Get away from it all and back to nature here in Cold Lake, with its small-town feel and city amenities. Read on for our tips on what to see and do in Cold Lake, the ‘hidden gem of Northeast Alberta’. Attractions Embracing its historical past and the future, Cold Lake …
At Métis Crossing, Visitors Meet the Métis where they Traditionally Lived
By Jeremy Derksen for #TakeItToTheLake This is your invitation to #TakeItToTheLake this summer. Renew yourself by getting closer to the water and don’t forget to share this with friends and family so they can enjoy all the Smoky Lake region has to offer too. Looking out on the historic Victoria Settlement on the grounds of present-day Métis Crossing, with its flourishing gardens and log-built homesteads backing onto the flowing waters of the North Saskatchewan River, one can begin to get …
Boating, Barbecuing and Chillin with Ice Cream in Athabasca County
– Jeremy Derksen for #TakeItToTheLake Lake life has a certain glamour and luxury associated with it, making it seem unattainable to some. But there’s an easy formula for a fun day on the water in Athabasca County, even if you don’t have the lakeside cottage and all the toys. Have your boat chauffeured right to the lake Athabasca Boat Rentals makes it easy to enjoy the perks of the lake. All you need to do is show up with your …
Fine food, crafty cocktails and fun on the lake – it’s all in friendly Vermilion
– Jeremy Derksen for #TakeItToTheLake Here’s your invitation, and please share this with friends and family so they can come visit you this summer and/or for you to get out and renew yourself by getting close to the water; #TakeItToTheLake. Greg Smith is prepared for visitors: he has extra life jackets, paddles and watercraft for getting friends and family out on Vermilion Lake. On a sunset tour, he points out goshawks and beaver, and tells how he once found a …
Go East: #TakeItToTheLake Creators’ Showcase Highlights Rural Northeast Alberta
– Jeremy Derksen for #TakeItToTheLake Is there a resurgence in rural entrepreneurialism in northeastern Alberta? A new crop of artists, outfitters and entrepreneurs stepping to the fore in communities like Lac La Biche, Athabasca, Bonnyville region and Vermilion would suggest so. Go East of Edmonton and Festival Seekers have teamed up with the region to bring you a #TakeItToTheLake Creators Showcase – starting Aug 5 and every Wednesday through Sept 2. The #TakeItToTheLake Showcase Has so much to Uncover…. RSVP …
Discover Plamondon’s Memory Lane
Local heritage of art, nature, and community offers a soothing escape – Jeremy Derksen for #TakeItToTheLake Here’s your invitation to #TakeItToTheLake! & please share this with friends and family so they too can come visit this summer and/or for you to get out and renew yourself by getting close to the water. If you’ve ever gone back to visit your childhood home after many years away, you know the sensation. Everything is familiar but somehow smaller. In the Plamondon Mini …