REGAN & CARLA LEHMAN HIT THE R0AD

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Exploring Central Alberta’s Hidden Gems

South Route 7 through the eyes of an 18 year old.

Written by Regan Lehman

Recently Rumble Alberta had my mom and I travel around to rural areas to document and seek out landmarks. They had hired my mom to photograph and generously allowed me to join her. It was such an amazing bonding experience and I’m so thankful for the time we got to spend together.

Our first stop today for Rumble Alberta, was at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. It was an amazing experience and we got to learn a lot more about these beautiful animals and how they came to be at the sanctuary. There are a couple different options for tours you can take and the staff is so friendly and really cares for these animals. We were able to take our cameras and get some beautiful shots of the Wolfdogs and see them living in their environment. I highly recommend stopping by and supporting them in their journey! On the website, https://www.yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com/ , check out the option to take an interactive tour with the wolfdogs. It’s a chance to get up close and personal with them and learn about their community and ecosystem! #wolfdog #photography #rumblealberta #travelalberta — with Carla Lehman. https://www.facebook.com/groups/416872152741727/permalink/514040683024873/ video of highway at Stony Nakoda area https://www.facebook.com/regan.lehman.1/posts/1279232975861042 https://www.facebook.com/carla.lehman.1/posts/10158030574231875 16 https://www.facebook.com/regan.lehman.1/posts/1263567027427637

Our second stop was at Boundary ranch. We checked in and were appointed our tour guide and horses for the Ridge Ride, which is incredibly scenic. It’s also a challenging ride, up and down steep rocky inclines, which could be scary, but the horses knew their job and my only job was to hang on. It was such a beautiful, scenic ride and I fell in love with the horse I was riding, Nakoda As horse owners, it was almost like a home away from home.. We took a scenic ride that led us up mountain trails to a lookout point. We had nice conversations with the people we were partnered with. We got to know them and took some pictures for them to have keepsakes.

I am so thankful for Rumble Alberta and this unique experience. Boundary Ranch also offers wagon and sleigh rides, dog sledding and other adventures. Check them out now to book your next adventure at www.boundaryranch.com #rumblealberta #travelalberta #horses #mountain #photography

Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino, & Rafter 6 Ranch, Canmore

We stayed at the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino where our room had a beautiful view of the mountains. When we first got to the room, we were tired from the long day of adventures so we had a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant, enjoyed a soak in the hot tub and then watched the sunset under the mountains before having a cozy sleep.

The next couple days my mom and I spent tons of time connecting and stopping to check out landmarks. We found a nice isolated pond and decided to have a picnic where we were visited by some friendly chipmunks.

The next day, we camped at Rafter 6 Ranch overnight, a place dear to our hearts as we love to spend time there. You can imagine how much fun it is putting up a tent with your own, but we did it without an argument. Which means I put it up. Spending a night under the stars in the fresh air is a great way to end an active day.

We headed to the Iron Goat Pub & Grill in Canmore. As a tour sponsor, they offer 15% off food orders, and have a selfie challenge. I tried baked brie for the first time, it was delicious.

In Cochrane, we went to Horse Creek Heritage Candy and Gifts. I love candy and picked out several treats for the rest of the trip. At the back of the store there is a craft and gift shop, where I found some gifts for my boyfriend

Heading into Bragg Creek, you’ll immediately see boutiques, ice cream parlors and galleries. We stopped in at The Painted Moose. The gallery is an artist’s collective full of unique wares, such as vintage bespoke jean jackets, jewelry, paintings and pottery, it’s a lovely spot, well priced, and a perfect spot to browse and shop. We were directed to the Bragg Creek Trading post. This store is a true legacy, opened in the early 1900s and it’s still in the same family. The smell of hand tanned hides takes one back in time, and to view the incredible native crafts, handmade moccasins and mukluks, dream catchers and sweaters. Be sure to stop by and visit, ask for the history of the trading post, and to see the pictures of the flood and subsequent restoration. The original doors were found floating down the river, restored and hung back where they belong. It’s an incredible location and an incredible story. The Trading Post is located at 117 White Ave, Bragg Creek

Bragg Creek

A big part of the Rumble Alberta Road Tour are the challenges, and we enjoyed touring villages and hamlets, taking selfies and making scenic shots in Priddis and Millarville. There are plenty of little hidden gems here, walking trails, parks, pubs and restaurants. As you’re travelling, be sure to download the History Check App to keep up with the challenges. https://HistoryCheck.ca

We spent the night in Okotoks at the Lakeview Inn & Suites. It’s a nice hotel, the rooms are bright, beds comfy. Breakfast was included and offered a good selection of fare. The hotel is laid out nicely and the décor reminiscent of the mountains. Find them at https://www.lakeviewhotels.com/okotoks/