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Meghan J. Ward

Featured Photographer: Q+A with Wayne Simpson

Only a few photographers have been published in all three volumes of the Canadian Rockies Annual published to date. Wayne Simpson is one of them. A master of light, drama and unique perspectives, his images are often described as surreal or otherworldly. [...]

The Powwow Trail: Web Listings and Resources

In Volume 3 of the Canadian Rockies Annual, Colette Derworiz profiles the Powwow Trail, the series of powwows that occur across Alberta, British Columbia and parts of the United States. As she describes in the article, “They are open to everyone, including non-Aboriginal people from any culture.” As powwows aren’t widely advertised, we’ve compiled a list of resources to help you connect with a powwow happening near you. [...]

UNLTD: 5 Life Lessons from a Small Town Store

Ask Dave Carlson where the name 'Unlimited' comes from and he'll tell you it's all about optimism, opportunism and having a "no boundaries" attitude. We caught up with the Banff/Canmore storeowner to get behind the scenes at one of the Bow Valley's favourite independent retailers. We came away with a whole lot more. [...]

Mountain Lodge Spotlight: Shadow Lake Lodge

This is the benefit of the backcountry lodge experience. It is a chance to disconnect and unwind, to venture out on the trail without getting in a vehicle, to be fed and nurtured without lifting a finger, and to relax and read without the distraction of electronics, television or the web. And if one lodge delivers this, and more, it is Shadow Lake Lodge. [...]

What’s So Amazing About the Burgess Shale?

High up on the flanks of Fossil Ridge in Yoho National Park lies the Burgess Shale Formation, a bed of rock so significant it has been catapulted to international acclaim. Why? Perfectly preserved amidst those layers of black shale are rare and ancient specimens that give us clues about the history of life – and help us make sense of life as we know it today. [...]

Best Spots for Paddling in Banff National Park

You can’t get a more Canadian destination than Banff, and you can’t get a more Canadian activity than canoeing. Since we’re celebrating all things Canada this year, we figured there's no better tribute than to pair these two together! Whether the canoe is your chosen mode of water transport, or you’re keen on using a SUP, kayak, rowboat or raft, here’s our guide to some of the best places to paddle. [...]

Trip Report: Berg Lake, Mt. Robson Provincial Park

Hike into Berg Lake with the lofty height of Mt. Robson and tumbling glaciers towering above you, and you'll be wondering why you've never been there before. Mt. Robson Provincial Park is a backcountry hiker's paradise, with the biggest, wildest and most diverse terrain the Canadian Rockies have to offer. The hiking here is rigorous, but the rewards are as huge as the mountain that makes the region so famous.  [...]

Event Recap: To the Ends of the Earth

On May 21, 2017, 135 people ducked into the cool, dark space of the Heritage Gallery at the Whyte Museum for a memorable night of stories and images with Banff-based photographer, Paul Zizka. Here's a photo recap, thanks to Kahli April Photography.  [...]

ROCKIES 2.0 Recap: Magazine Launch + Shred Kelly

Why wreck a good thing?! You shouldn't, which is why we brought Shred Kelly back for another year! On April 30, 2017, Crowfoot Media gathered with friends, contributors, partners, advertisers and local movers and shakers for Rockies 2.0 to launch the latest volume of the Canadian Rockies Annual. About 350 people gathered at Park Distillery for a night of catching up with friends, tearing up the dance floor with Shred Kelly and getting their hands on a copy of the Canadian Rockies Annual, hot off the press. Thanks to everyone who joined us for this incredible night! Here's a photo recap thanks to Tyler Parker Photography. [...]

Letter From the Editor, Canadian Rockies Annual (Vol. 2)

I recently came across a photograph taken by Byron Harmon in 1920 of a ski jump built on the lower flanks of Tunnel Mountain. In it, a skier is flying midair above a landing slope – a residential street lined by spectators. As I looked more closely at the image, it dawned on me that the building on that street is none other than Mary Schäffer’s historic home. Opposite that home the photograph shows a vacant lot, where today stands another home: the one I live in. [...]

First Bison Calves Born in Banff in Over 140 Years

After a successful translocation of bison from Elk Island National Park to Banff National Park in February 2017, the first calf was born on what is perhaps the most fitting of days – Earth Day. It is the first time bison calves have been born in the national park in over 140 years. [...]

Top 10 of 2016: Our Most-Read Articles of the Year

At Crowfoot Media we’re all about getting mountain culture elevated and sharing that passion with other mountain lovers. From wilderness stories to people profiles, the latest in science and stunning photography, we pump out fresh, web-exclusive content on a monthly basis that you won't find anywhere else. Thanks to a wide range of talented and inspiring contributors, here are the articles that elevated people the most this year. [...]

Truth and Reconciliation: What Does It Mean for the Bow Valley?

On October 29, 2016, 250 Bow Valley residents joined thought leaders from across the nation, Indigenous leaders, and those involved in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada to explore our roles in repairing Canada’s relationship with Aboriginal peoples. And while many of us were left with more questions than answers, the event sparked an important dialogue and one that deserves to continue here in our mountain communities. [...]

Truth and Reconciliation Summit Coming to Banff Centre

On October 29, 2016, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is hosting a day-long summit for Bow Valley residents to learn about and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action that resulted from this process. To learn more about the event, Crowfoot Media's Editor-in-Chief caught up with Banff Centre's Program Manager for Indigenous Leadership and Management, Brian Calliou, who has taken a lead role in organizing the event. [...]

Get to Know the Canadian Rockies Annual

In a digital age, where people value the fast pace of information and 'quick fix' content, it may seem crazy we even set out to print a publication in the first place. More than a few times we asked ourselves if the altitude was getting to us. But printing a magazine isn't crazy; it's our way of reclaiming an important medium and introducing a new publishing style to the Canadian Rockies. Here's a bit more "behind the scenes" with the magazine. [...]

Scrambling Safely: Q+A with a Public Safety Specialist

Not quite hiking, not quite climbing: scrambling, as we call it, is a phenomenal way to reach summits and gain those lofty views. But while scaling certain peaks may not require ropes and harnesses, scrambling takes you into inherently dangerous terrain where a mistake could have enormous consequences. Crowfoot Media's Editor-in-Chief checks in with Paddy Jerome (Public Safety Specialist with Alberta Environment and Parks - Kananaskis Region) for his best scrambling safety advice. [...]

Letter From the Editor, Canadian Rockies Annual (Vol. 1)

At times I feel that I was born a hundred years too late and missed a “Golden Age” in the Canadian Rockies. It must have been an exciting era when first ascents were a dime a dozen and explorers, often led by First Nations guides, initially encountered the lakes and mountain passes we are well acquainted with today. [...]

ROCKIES 1.0 Recap: Magazine Launch + Shred Kelly

May 1st saw over 250 people gather for a sold-out event at Park Distillery, Restaurant + Bar to celebrate the launch of the Canadian Rockies Annual! Trust Shred Kelly to bring the house down and get tons of people on their feet. Thanks to everyone who joined us for this incredible night! Here's a photo recap thanks to Kurtis Kristianson at Spindrift Photography. [...]

Review: The North Face FuseForm Dot Matrix Jacket

If there are two things the outdoor experience in the Canadian Rockies can guarantee, it's wild weather and rough terrain. Here is one place where you really need an outer layer that performs well. For the most part, I haven't had much luck finding a jacket that is truly waterproof and durable. The North Face FuseForm Dot Matrix Jacket (reg. price $259.99 CAD) promises to be both of these things, as well as ultralight and breathable. [...]

12 Astonishing Macro Photos of Water Droplets

We've all heard there is beauty in the details. Lucky for us, Martin van den Akker's macro photographs give us a mindbending perspective on one of the smaller elements of nature: water droplets. Call it a bug's-eye view; these photographs will help you appreciate the things you walk past every day. Here we interview van den Akker about his process and feature 12 of his best macro photos to date. [...]

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