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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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  Muncho Lake BC Muncho Lake, Northern British Columbia — A peaceful evening on the Alaska Highway with calm waters and layered mountain reflections under soft clouds. Muncho Lake, BC & Forgetmenot Pond, Kananaskis, Alberta Two Beautiful Lakes, Two Unforgettable Stops School’s out and summer is in full swing — the perfect time to share a couple of special lakeside spots from KassDays adventures. One is a remote northern gem along the Alaska Highway, the other a favourite closer-to-home escape in the Alberta Rockies. The first photo is Muncho Lake in northern British Columbia. We pulled in for a quick overnight car-camping stop on our way up the Alaska Highway toward Alaska. The lake sits right beside the road, offering beautiful mountain views and a quiet (or sometimes lively) place to rest after a long drive. Muncho Lake Provincial Park has a couple of campgrounds (Strawberry Flats and MacDonald) that are first-come, first-served. In peak summer it can get busy and a bit noisy with highway traffic and fellow travellers, so arriving earlier in the day helps secure a good spot. Wildlife is abundant here — watch for moose, Stone sheep, and bears. Muncho Lake, Northern British Columbia — A wide, reflective stretch of water along the Alaska Highway with dramatic mountain backdrops.  ForggetMeNot Pond Kananaskis Alberta Forgetmenot Pond, Kananaskis Country, Alberta — That stunning jade-green water reflecting the steep forested mountains, with a rocky shoreline perfect for skipping stones or just soaking it all in. The second photo is Forgetmenot Pond in Kananaskis Country, Alberta — one of those classic turquoise-to-jade green beauties we used to visit often years ago, back when you didn’t need a pass. The water has that incredible mineral glow, the shoreline is rocky and inviting, and the steep, tree-covered mountains rise right behind it. It still feels like a perfect little escape. These days you’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass (day or annual) for day-use areas, but it helps keep these special places protected and maintained. Even though the two spots are far apart — one way up north on a big adventure, the other practically in southern Alberta’s backyard — they both deliver that same feeling of mountain magic. Calm water, powerful reflections, fresh air, and the reminder of just how lucky we are to have these places so accessible. Wildlife Reminder Both areas are home to bears, moose, and other wildlife. Carry bear spray when out exploring, make noise on trails, store food properly, and always give animals plenty of space. Whether you’re heading north on a big road trip or looking for a beautiful day (or overnight) adventure closer to home this summer, add these to your list. Muncho Lake for that remote northern feel, Forgetmenot Pond for that gorgeous Kananaskis scenery right in our own province. Have you visited either of these lakes? Or do you have another favourite watery spot in western Canada? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear your summer plans and recommendations!Safe travels and happy exploring! #MunchoLake #ForgetMeNotPond #SummerAdventures #KananaskisCountry  KassDays at Muncho Lake BC Canada The Frank Slide: Alberta’s Deadliest Rockslide In the early hours of April 29, 1903, at 4:10 a.m., the sleeping mining town of Frank, Alberta was forever changed. A massive 110 million tonnes of limestone broke loose from Turtle Mountain and thundered down the slope in under 100 seconds. The rockslide buried the eastern edge of the town, the Canadian Pacific Railway line, and part of the coal mine in one of Canada’s largest and deadliest landslides. Frank Slide The human cost Of the roughly 600 people living in Frank, more than 100 were directly in the path of the slide. Between 70 and 90 lives were lost — most remain buried beneath the enormous debris field to this day. Only 23 people in the affected area survived, along with 17 miners who were trapped underground but managed to dig themselves out. Why it happened Turtle Mountain was geologically unstable. A combination of the mountain’s fractured rock layers, years of coal mining, a wet winter, and a freezing night likely triggered the catastrophe. Today the massive grey scar and boulder field at Frank Slide stand as a powerful and haunting reminder of nature’s force and the resilience of early Albertans. The site is now home to the excellent Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, where you can learn the full story. A quick but unforgettable piece of Canadian history — one that still echoes through the Crowsnest Pass. KassDays  Frank Slide in Alberta #FrankSlide #Alberta #AlbertaHistory
Tucked away south of Drumheller in Alberta’s badlands lies one of Canada’s most fascinating “almost” ghost towns — Rowley. With just nine residents, three towering grain elevators, and a legendary saloon that refuses to close its doors, Rowley isn’t just surviving — it’s quietly thriving in its own unique way. This once-bustling prairie community has seen its share of ups and downs, but it never fully disappeared. Today, visitors can stroll through streets lined with historic buildings, including a remarkably preserved old hospital that still stands as a striking reminder of the town’s past. The weathered homes, creaking wooden sidewalks, and sweeping prairie skies create an atmosphere that feels frozen in time — yet very much alive. Rowley has earned its place on the map for more than just its small-town charm. The town has served as a backdrop for Hollywood film productions, adding a touch of cinematic magic to its rugged prairie roots. At the same time, locals keep the community spirit burning bright with events like the popular monthly Pizza Night, where neighbours and visitors gather to share good food and stories under the big Alberta sky. Is Rowley a ghost town? Or is it the ultimate Alberta comeback story? In this brand-new 4K immersive walking tour, we take you on a journey through its quiet streets, historic landmarks, and the resilient heart of a place that simply refused to die.Whether you’re a history buff, a road-tripper exploring Alberta’s backroads, or someone who loves stories of small-town resilience, Rowley offers a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget. Watch the full video now on the KassDays YouTube channel and discover why this tiny prairie hamlet continues to capture hearts and imaginations across Canada. Rowley Alberta — small in size, mighty in spirit. #RowleyAlberta #ghosttowns #AlbertaGhostTowns
Hit the gas and feel the thrill as KassDays wraps up an unforgettable month-long adventure with the home stretch drive from Hay River, Northwest Territories, all the way back to Calgary – a whopping 1,350 KM of pure Canadian wilderness magic! This isn’t just any road trip. As you cruise “North of 60,” you’re waving goodbye to the rugged boreal forest, with its endless evergreens, misty mornings, and that wild northern spirit. Then, boom – the landscape opens up into sweeping prairies that stretch to the horizon, dotted with golden fields and big-sky views that make your heart sing. One of the standout moments? Rolling over those charming old wooden deck bridges that ooze character and history. They’re like time capsules connecting you to the soul of the North! Whether you’re dreaming of your own epic journey or just soaking in the beauty from the screen, this drive reminds us why Canada’s backroads are pure joy: freedom, stunning transitions, and that unbeatable sense of adventure. Ready to chase your own horizon? Watch the full 4K journey and start planning your next escape – the open road is calling! Catch the full vlog here: https://youtu.be/F82ktlAERiI #KassDays #NorthOf60 #RoadTripCanada #HayRiverToCalgary #ExploreTheNorth
After months of exploring the far north, it’s time to head home.In our brand new video “Driving Hay River NWT to Calgary | 1,350 KM Road Trip (North of 60)”, we load up the truck in Hay River, Northwest Territories and tackle the full 1,350-kilometre journey south back to Calgary, Alberta. This is the emotional finale of our Alaska Adventure series. You’ll ride shotgun as we cross the legendary 60th Parallel, stopping at the iconic “Welcome to the Northwest Territories” sign one last time. In crisp 4K, watch the landscape transform dramatically — leaving the dense boreal forest and rugged northern wilderness behind as we roll into the wide-open prairies and big skies of Alberta. From misty mornings on empty highways to that deep satisfaction of covering serious distance and closing the loop, this road trip feels every bit as epic as it looks. It’s real Canadian adventure driving at its finest.If you’ve been following the entire Alaska series, this final leg brings everything full circle. If you’re just joining us, it’s a perfect standalone watch that shows exactly what driving “North of 60” is really like.Watch the full video now: Buckle up and enjoy the ride south with us! #HayRiver #NWT #travel #calgaryVlogger
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