GREAT ALBERTA ROAD TRIP UNVEILS MORE FASCINATING DISCOVERIES
Last leg of I Met an Elk in Edson journey full of delights, Mhairri Woodhall writes.
Our book-based road trip's last leg is packed with iconic sights, from world-renowned museums and gardens that delight. We saw dinosaurs and drummers and birds that flock here in summer. I Met an Elk in Edson Once is the ultimate adventure guide. So let's begin; I have much to share, as we travelled far and wide.
In Lethbridge, we embraced the outdoors, and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden was our first stop. It's an exquisitely manicured oasis that was designed to honour our country's international friendship with Japan.
A variety of events and activities are scheduled throughout the year, including yoga and meditation classes, long table dinners and private tea ceremonies.
However, of all the options, the Taiko drum performance is my top choice for families. Japanese drumming is a dynamic art form, comprised of choreography, strength and rhythm. The powerful percussion is in contrast to, yet harmonious with, the garden's natural serenity.
After the calm of Nikka Yuko, my daughter Brooklyn was craving free, boisterous playtime, which we found at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. By touring the indoor exhibits, we learned about the Oldman River Valley's wildlife and ecosystem. Then, we ventured outside to explore the interpretive trails.
From Lethbridge, we drove north to the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller. Visiting our favourite dinosaur museum is always a treat; however, with Royal Tyrrell's reservation system — to limit admissions due to COVID-19 — the experience was even better. Fewer people and new directional wayfinding have significantly reduced congestion in the galleries, making it easier to view each exhibit. The outdoor playground is also open, and Brooklyn loves watching the curious Richardson's ground squirrels pop in and out of their tunnels.
The Ellis Bird Farm, located northeast of Red Deer, is another magical learning attraction we discovered on our route. Exploring the outdoor sanctuary feels like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale. Picture handmade hobbit houses, benches and bridges, winding pathways leading to secret reading nooks, fragrant gardens abuzz with butterflies and honeybees, and a spectacular collection of colourful nesting boxes. A visit to the biodiverse farm offers many wildlife viewing opportunities, including mountain bluebirds, purple martins, barn swallows, great horned owls, hawks, beavers and bats. The not-for-profit also holds a host of special events, tours and educational classes, which should be registered for in advance.
Feeling inspired by the whimsical beauty of Ellis Bird Farm, we travelled further north to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden near Edmonton to partake in what was one of the most unique elements of our great Alberta road trip. The new Twilight Picnic Experience is a breathtaking private, after-hours feast in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden. While the concept was designed with couples in mind, the champagne-paired (sparkling juice for kids) picnic is perfect for families seeking a unique, relaxing dining experience. During our decadent meal of locally procured charcuterie, cheese, crackers, savoury nibbles and sweet treats, Brooklyn happily bounced between our blanket and the koi pond. Post-picnic, we wandered the expansive grounds and played in the mesmerizing Aga Khan Garden, which is the property's crown jewel. Experiencing the garden's architectural perfection is incredible, and having it all to ourselves only elevated the enchantment. Harnessing our inner princesses, Brooklyn and I waltzed in the Pavilion, while my shutterbug husband captured the idyllic beauty surrounding us.
The next morning, we embarked on a fascinating adventure in Edmonton's Royal Alberta Museum (RAM), which has been on my wish list since it reopened in a new building two years ago. Five of the RAM'S six galleries are currently open to the public. We probably spent most of our time in the Natural History Hall, which showcases Alberta's diverse past and present landscapes, rocks and minerals, wildlife and prehistoric beasts. The quality and attention to detail in the exhibits are astounding — from the creatures featured in Wild Alberta to the array of sparkling jewels and crystals displayed in the Gems and Minerals gallery.
We also thoroughly enjoyed the Human History Hall, and Brooklyn was especially captivated by the stories, artifacts and replicas that celebrate Alberta's Indigenous history and culture. I'm also told that the Bug Gallery is equally impressive, but due to my intense aversion to creepy crawlies, I chose to wait outside. However, my husband and brave bug-obsessed daughter were thrilled with the opportunity to expand their insect knowledge.
A reserved timed-entry ticket is required to visit the RAM, and the museum is offering free admission ( booked online in advance) from Sept. 25-27 for Alberta Culture Days.
The final destination of this trip was to see the buffalo roam. For if you meet an Elk in Edson, it's kind to take her home. Elk Island National Park is a sprawling protected land. You'll find wildlife, scenic hikes, a lake and a beach with sand. We came to see the bison and sighted only one. That said, we laughed and reminisced about our trip and all the fun. Thank you, Dave Kelly; it was your book that brought us here. I hope that we've inspired other families to explore Alberta this year.