RV Lifestyle 9. Travel back in time to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park The unusual landforms of Writing-on-Stone/ Áísínai’pi resulted from the dynamic interaction of geology, climate and time. In a dramatic landscape of steep-sided canyons and coulees, sandstone cliffs and eroded sandstone formations called hoodoos, Indigenous peoples created rock art in what is today southern Alberta. Thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs at more than 138 rock art sites graphically represent the powers of the spirit world that resonate in this sacred landscape and chronicle phases of human history in North America, including when Indigenous peoples first came into contact with Europeans. 10. Search for Wells Gray’s breathtaking waterfalls Wells Gray is not as highly acclaimed as Mount Robson or the national parks in the Canadian Rockies. Having been there, I have no idea why. I mean… this place is awesome! Wells Gray has something to offer every outdoor interest: lush alpine meadows, excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking, boating, canoeing and kayaking. Guiding businesses offer horseback riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, fishing and hiking. The history enthusiast can learn about the early homesteaders, trappers and prospectors, or about the natural forces that produced Wells Gray’s many volcanoes, waterfalls, mineral springs and glaciers. Many people head to Wells Gray for the lakes, but there are alsomore than 40 named waterfalls in the park. Many of these are in remote corners of the park, but eight of them are easy to reach from the Clearwater Valley Road. So you might be wondering: Why are there so many waterfalls in the same small area? And how did they form? It turns out that the waterfalls in Wells Gray use the same secret formula as another favourite waterfall destination − Iceland: volcanoes + glaciers = waterfall magic. Elk IslandNational Park played an important part in the conservation of the plains bison. This “island of conservation” is 48 kilometres east of Edmonton along the Yellowhead Highway, which goes through the park. Watch for wood bison to the south and plains bison to the north. Explore the park by foot, bike or car and be on the lookout for wildlife. Bison and other mammals are most active at dawn and dusk, when females travel with their young. Beyond the bison, be ready to glimpse deer, elk, coyotes and the countless birds that call Elk Island National Park home. Many animals shelter in the trees during the warmest parts of the day. Elk Island has a number of trails of varied lengths winding through the different habitats found within the park. Since the park is not mountainous, the trails have very few steep inclines. Each trail contains many wildlife viewing opportunities − from two different subspecies of bison to a multitude of songbirds. Whether you’re out for a leisurely hike or a longer adventure, make your trip a safe one by checking the latest conditions. Worth Pondering… I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. − John Burroughs 11. Explore the natural wonders at Elk Island National Park CSANews | SUMMER 2022 | 35
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