Here’s a trio of photos from Kananaskis Country that capture why getting out into the mountains is so worth it.
Cat Creek Falls (yesterday) A short, rewarding hike brings you to this waterfall tumbling over rocky cliffs into a clear pool. Standing right there with the camera, listening to the water and feeling the cool mist—pure Alberta magic. Easy enough for most people, yet it still delivers that sense of being properly in the wilderness. Forget Me Not Pond (a few years back) The middle photo is from this peaceful little gem in the Elbow Valley. The wooden boardwalk, the turquoise water, the forest and mountains all around… it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and just breathe. Family-friendly, stroller-friendly, and perfect for a quiet stroll or picnic. Kananaskis Beauty (the third shot) I’m still not 100% sure if this is another view from Forget Me Not Pond or somewhere near Upper Kananaskis Lake, but either way the reflection of the peaks in that still water is pure poetry. Calm, green, and framed by trees—it stops you in your tracks. All three spots sit in the same beautiful backyard we have in Kananaskis Country. They prove the same simple truth: there is so much beauty waiting outside our four walls. The trails, the water, the mountains, the quiet—these places recharge the soul in a way screens never can. Just one important reminder while you’re out there: this is real wilderness. The wildlife isn’t here for cuddles. Bears, cougars, and other animals call these places home. Carry bear spray, make noise, give them space, and stay smart. Respect the land and the creatures that live on it so we can all keep enjoying it for years to come. Get outside when you can. The views are waiting. — KassDays #KananaskisCountry #getoutside #hikingAlberta #KassDays
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Indian Relay Lights Up Canada Day in Millarville Alberta
Canada Day in Millarville, Alberta, has long been a classic southern Alberta tradition—thoroughbreds thundering down the track, families in red and white, beer gardens humming, and that wide-open foothills feeling that makes the day feel bigger than the calendar. This year the 121st running of the Canada Day Races delivered all of that and more when the Indian Relay rolled in and reminded everyone what pure horsemanship looks like when there’s nothing between rider and horse but skill, balance, and trust. No saddle. No stirrups. No safety net. Just a rider, their horses, and a team working in perfect chaos as the athlete vaults from one galloping horse to the next, lap after lap. It’s called one of North America’s original extreme sports for a reason. Watching it live, you feel the speed in your chest. The horses come in hot, the exchange zone erupts in controlled mayhem, and somehow the rider sticks the landing and fires off again. One mistake and everything can go sideways in a heartbeat. When it goes right, it’s poetry at full throttle. I’ve had my own horses and spent more than a few hours riding bareback. It’s a completely different language. Without a saddle you learn fast that your legs are everything—gripping, guiding, communicating. You sit deeper, feel every shift of the horse’s body, and rely on balance and quiet confidence more than any piece of tack. Indian Relay takes that skill and multiplies it by three horses, race-day adrenaline, and the pressure of a roaring crowd. These riders make it look almost casual, but anyone who’s ever swung a leg over a bareback horse knows how much strength, timing, and pure guts it actually takes. The Millarville crowd got a real treat. The event mixed the usual Canada Day favourites—stock horse races, sidesaddle elegance, kids tearing around in foot races—with the raw intensity of the Relay. It felt like the perfect Alberta celebration: heritage, community, and heart-pounding action all in one place. Families cheered, cameras clicked, and for a few electrifying minutes the track belonged to the bareback athletes and their lightning-fast partners. Events like this are why local race days still matter. They’re not just about the finish line. They’re about watching people who truly know horses do something most of us would never attempt. They’re about celebrating a tradition that runs deep in Indigenous communities across the prairies and beyond. And they’re about that Canada Day feeling of gathering outside, dust in the air, and the shared thrill of something genuinely exciting. If you missed the Indian Relay at Millarville this Canada Day, keep an eye out for the next one. These races pop up across Alberta all summer. When you see it in person, you’ll understand why people call it extreme. And if you’ve ever ridden bareback yourself, you’ll appreciate the quiet mastery even more—those legs working overtime, that perfect balance, and the trust between rider and horse that no saddle could ever replace. KassDays will be out there again the next time the dust starts flying. See you at the rail. #indianrelay #horseracing #MillarvilleAlberta #BarebackRacing When the Alberta summer sky turned dark and the rain started coming down in sheets, most outdoor events would have packed it in. Not the dogs—or their handlers—at the 2025 Alberta Kennel Club Summer Classic. Held August 1–4, 2025, over the August long weekend at the Okotoks Agricultural Society grounds (17049 – 306 Ave. East, Foothills), this was one of Canada’s largest outdoor dog shows and only the second year the event had called Okotoks home after more than a decade at Spruce Meadows. What spectators and competitors got was pure small-town Alberta energy mixed with world-class canine athleticism—and a healthy dose of prairie weather drama. KassDays’ new full-4K feature, Storms & Show Dogs! 🌩️🐕 Inside an Outdoor Champion Dog Show, drops tomorrow afternoon and takes you right ringside through it all. A massive four-day canine takeover Organizers reported nearly 5,525 canine entries across the weekend, with 700–800 dogs competing each day in conformation alone. More than 5,000 dogs in total took part in:
Alberta Kennel Club president Wendy Hamilton-Petkau put the top prize in perspective: “To win Best in Show is like winning in the Olympics.” Despite grey skies, muddy paths, and the occasional rumble of thunder, 750–1,000 spectators still showed up. Handlers and dogs simply adapted—exactly the resilience captured in the KassDays video. The weather becomes part of the story The title Storms & Show Dogs is no exaggeration. Contemporary reports described “wet paws and wagging tails,” with competitors and organizers pushing through rain that would have sidelined lesser events. One owner whose miniature bull terrier scored multiple wins on its first-ever show weekend summed it up perfectly: the rain was “a bit of a drag,” but “the show organizers do a fantastic job.” KassDays’ footage captures that grit—handlers carefully navigating wet grass, dogs still flying through agility tunnels and jumps, and the unmistakable energy of a hometown classic that refuses to quit. Breeds on display (and yes, plenty of Great Danes)From elegant Standard Poodles (like the striking white one featured in the video thumbnail) to Scottish Terriers, Australian Shepherds, Finnish Lapphunds, and working-group powerhouses, the rings were packed with variety. Great Danes were notably well-represented in the Working Group throughout the weekend—entries in the 6–8 range on several days, with strong showings that included Group placements. It’s part of a broader trend many regulars have noticed: these gentle giants are becoming more visible at Western Canadian shows, bringing their impressive size, elegant movement, and calm presence to the rings. Looking ahead The 2025 Okotoks edition marked a successful public return after the previous year’s closed-to-spectators trial run. For 2026 the Summer Classic is already on the move again—this time to the Ranch House Grounds neighbouring the Calgary Polo Club (24041 306 Ave. W, Okotoks). The new site sits in the same Foothills County area just south of Calgary, close to Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, and promises expansive grass for agility plus a picturesque Rocky Mountain backdrop. Dates are July 31–August 3, 2026, so it hasn’t happened yet. But first, relive the 2025 classic the way only KassDays can deliver it: up close, in glorious 4K, storms and all. Don’t miss Storms & Show Dogs! 🌩️🐕 Inside an Outdoor Champion Dog Show dropping tomorrow afternoon on the KassDays YouTube channel. Whether you’re a dedicated dog-show regular or just looking for pure Alberta summer energy, this one captures the heart of the Summer Classic perfectly. #DogShow #AlbertaKennelClub #CalgaryPoloClub #dogbreedsshow #KassDays
Hey everyone! Kass here from KassDays.com. Elbow Falls is one of those special spots in Alberta that I just keep coming back to — and today I’m excited to share it with you again. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick nature fix or planning a day trip from Calgary, this place never disappoints. The roaring Elbow River, dramatic rock formations, and surrounding forest create pure magic, especially when the water is high like in these photos. The Trail and Views The Elbow Falls Interpretive Trail is super accessible — just a short, easy loop (around 0.8–1.6 km round trip with minimal elevation gain). It’s family-friendly, mostly paved in sections, and perfect for all ages and abilities. You’ll pass through beautiful mixed forest with views of the Canadian Rockies before reaching multiple scenic viewpoints overlooking the falls on the Elbow River. The first photo shows the welcoming trail sign at the start — a great reminder of where you are and what to expect. The interpretive panels give a nice overview of the area. The other two photos capture the raw power of the river: turbulent whitewater rushing over rocks, surrounded by steep canyon walls and towering evergreens under dramatic skies. In high water season (often spring/early summer), the falls transform into a wide, thunderous cascade. In drier times, it’s a more focused drop of about 3–6 metres. A Bit of BackgroundLocated about 20 km west of Bragg Creek along Highway 66 in Kananaskis Country, Elbow Falls sits in a stunning foothill and mountain landscape shaped by ancient glaciers and tectonic forces. The area has a rich natural history — think limestone formed from ancient sea creatures, dramatic U-shaped valleys from the last ice age, and a river that’s been carving its path for millennia. It’s a popular spot for hiking, photography, picnics, and even kayaking (for experienced paddlers). There’s a day-use area with parking, pit toilets, and interpretive displays. Note that a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for parking. Always check current trail conditions and closures, especially after heavy rain or during high water periods, as sections can close for safety. Why Visit Elbow Falls?
Watch the Full ExperienceFor the long-format video where I explore the area in more detail (including the sounds of the rushing water and more scenic shots), check it out here: Watch the Elbow Falls Video on YouTube If you’re heading out, pack bear spray, wear good shoes (rocks can be slippery), and respect the environment — stay on trails and leave no trace. Have you been to Elbow Falls? What’s your favourite spot in Kananaskis? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your stories! Until next time, get outside and enjoy the day! — Kass KassDays.com — Real adventures, real stories. #ElbowFalls #KananaskisCountry #WaterFalls #CalgaryVlogger
The Drumheller Hoodoos: Alberta’s Ancient Stone Guardians in the Heart of the Badlands Summer is the perfect season to hit the road and chase unforgettable landscapes — and few places deliver the “wow” factor quite like the Drumheller Hoodoos in Alberta’s Canadian Badlands. These towering, otherworldly rock pillars rise dramatically from the eroded earth, looking like something out of a fantasy novel or a sci-fi movie set. Whether you call them hoodoos or simply part of the incredible Drumheller Badlands, they are one of Alberta’s most iconic natural wonders. The attached photos capture their magic perfectly. The dramatic layered cliffs on the left show the raw power of erosion at work. The central image with the boardwalk gives you that up-close-and-personal view of a classic hoodoo (complete with curious visitors for scale). And the right-hand shot reveals a whole “family” of these stone sentinels standing guard over the valley. The bottom landscape photo perfectly sums up the adventurous spirit of exploring this region — vast badlands stretching to the horizon, with room for road-trippers and RVers to pull over and soak it all in. What Exactly Are the Drumheller Hoodoos? Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock topped with a harder “caprock” that protects the softer material beneath from eroding away. In the Drumheller area, these formations stand roughly 5–7 metres (16–23 ft) tall and are made of sandstone and shale layers laid down during the Cretaceous period — the same era when dinosaurs roamed here. Over millions of years, wind, water, frost, and the carving action of the Red Deer River have sculpted the soft sedimentary rock into these striking pillars. The harder caprock acts like a natural umbrella, slowing erosion on top while the sides wear away, creating the classic “mushroom” or “totem” shapes you see in the photos.  A Protected Piece of Alberta’s Heritage
The most famous cluster — often called the Willow Creek Hoodoos or simply the Drumheller Hoodoos — sits about 15–16 km (roughly 10 miles) east of Drumheller on Highway 10, between Drumheller and East Coulee. This site is protected, with a short, easy boardwalk trail that lets you get right up close without damaging the fragile formations. Your middle photo shows exactly why this setup is so popular — safe, scenic, and family-friendly. It’s an easy 1–2 hour stop, perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Important visitor tip: Stay on the designated paths and never climb on the hoodoos. They took millions of years to form and are delicate. Local Indigenous traditions (particularly Blackfoot and Cree stories) refer to similar formations as Ma’Tapiiks — petrified giants or people turned to stone. Respect for the land is deeply woven into the experience here. The Bigger Picture: Alberta’s Badlands The hoodoos don’t exist in isolation. They are the stars of the much larger Drumheller Badlands — a dramatic landscape of deep coulees, layered hills, and exposed rock that stretches across the Red Deer River valley. Your bottom photo beautifully shows this sweeping vista, complete with that classic “road trip in the middle of nowhere” vibe. This is dinosaur country. The same ancient river systems that created the badlands also preserved an incredible fossil record. Just a short drive away in Drumheller itself is the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, where you can see real dinosaur skeletons and learn how this landscape looked 75 million years ago. Other nearby highlights include:
These formations aren’t just pretty rocks — they’re living proof of deep time, powerful natural forces, and the enduring stories of the land. Standing in front of them (as your photos so perfectly capture) gives you that rare feeling of being small in the best possible way. Whether you’re a geology nerd, a dinosaur enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone who loves pulling over to marvel at something extraordinary, the Drumheller Hoodoos deliver. So pack the car, cue up the road-trip playlist, and head to Drumheller. The ancient guardians are waiting — and they’re even more spectacular in person than in photos. Ready to explore? Add the Drumheller Hoodoos to your summer itinerary and experience one of Alberta’s most unforgettable natural wonders. Safe Travels and Happy Exploration to All! 🚐🏜️ #hoodoos #Drumheller #AlbertaBadlands #kassdays Why Lundbreck Falls Is a Must-See Road-Trip Gem Discover Alberta’s Little Niagara: Lundbreck Falls – The Hidden Gem You Need to Visit Tucked away in southern Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass region, Lundbreck Falls delivers serious wow-factor without the crowds, long hikes, or tourist prices of the national parks. Often called “Alberta’s Little Niagara” or the “Little Niagara of the West,” this powerful waterfall on the Crowsnest River is one of the most impressive and accessible natural attractions in the province. Where Exactly Is It? Lundbreck Falls sits in the Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area, just off Highway 3 (the Crowsnest Highway) between Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass. It’s roughly 25–26 km northwest of Pincher Creek and only about a 2-hour drive southwest of Calgary. Getting there is ridiculously easy:
What Makes Lundbreck Falls So Special? The Crowsnest River plunges 12 metres (about 39–40 feet) over a rocky ledge into a deep, turquoise pool inside a dramatic limestone canyon. What really sets it apart is the way the water splits around a small rocky island at the top, creating two distinct cascades — one more straight and powerful, the other with a graceful, horseshoe-shaped curve. It’s this mini-Niagara resemblance (complete with mist and roaring water) that earned it the nickname.  Lundbreck Falls is Amazing Add in the scenic backdrop — a historic railway bridge, rolling foothills, distant Rockies, and lush greenery — and you’ve got a photographer’s dream. In summer, when water levels are high, the falls put on a thunderous show and you can actually feel the cool mist on your face from the viewpoints. Super Easy Access – Perfect for Everyone This is one of the most family-friendly and low-effort waterfalls in Alberta:
Why You Should Definitely Go
Lundbreck Falls proves you don’t need to travel far or hike for hours to experience something truly spectacular. It’s powerful, beautiful, ridiculously easy to reach, and still feels like a bit of a secret compared to Alberta’s bigger-name attractions. If you’re planning a southern Alberta road trip this summer (or any time), put this one on your list — you won’t regret it. Check out the video, make the trip, I loved it personally. #LundbreckFalls #Waterfalls #Alberta #photographersDream  Lundbreck Falls Alberta Yesterday, July 1st, I headed out to Millarville, Alberta, and stepped right into the heart of what makes Canada Day celebrations so special in our rural communities. The Millarville Racetrack came alive with horses, flags, families, and that unmistakable small-town energy that feels like a warm hug from the prairies. The day kicked off with a wonderful opening celebration. Riders on horseback led the way, a beautifully decorated covered wagon rolled through carrying proud locals, and Canadian and Alberta flags waved everywhere you looked. The grandstand filled quickly as folks settled in for the horse races — the main event that draws people from all around. There’s nothing quite like the thunder of hooves on the dirt track under those big Alberta skies. Beyond the races, the grounds were packed with everything that makes a perfect family day:Kid-friendly fun — Games, activities, and plenty of smiles as children ran between events. Food trucks and vendors — From hearty cabbage rolls and perogies to classic fair favourites, the air was filled with delicious smells. Colourful tents and booths offered everything from snacks to local goods. Shopping and browsing — Sales booths lined the way, perfect for picking up a souvenir or supporting local makers. Community spirit — EMS was on site keeping everyone safe, volunteers everywhere, and a huge turnout of RVs, trucks, and cars filling the parking fields. The atmosphere was relaxed, joyful, and full of patriotism. Red and white everywhere, laughter echoing across the grounds, and that wonderful sense of neighbours coming together to celebrate our country’s birthday in the best possible way — outdoors, surrounded by horses, wide-open spaces, and good company. Millarville’s Canada Day at the races has become a beloved tradition for a reason. It’s not flashy or commercialized; it’s authentic Alberta. It’s families making memories, kids experiencing their first horse races, and everyone soaking in the simple pleasures of a prairie summer day. If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next July 1st. You won’t regret it. These small-town celebrations are what Canada is all about — community, tradition, and a whole lot of heart.A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the day happen — organizers, volunteers, riders, vendors, and every single person who showed up with a smile (and maybe a cowboy hat). Happy belated Canada Day! #CanadaDay #HorseRaces #Millarville #Alberta  Canada Day in Millarville Alberta |
 
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