Crossfield’s Elks derby is one of those Alberta afternoons that still looks like the town put it on itself. Rodeo grounds, dirt in the air, painted beaters lined up, and a crowd that came to watch cars get used up for a good cause.
This year’s video is trackside through the mess. Big hits. Radiators cooking off steam. Then the moment the title promised — somebody actually knocks a car over. After the main heats you get the rest of a Crossfield card: lawnmower racing, and a human mud race that sends people home looking like they lost a fight with the infield.
No scripted drama. Just local drivers, metal folding, and the kind of chaos you only get when the event is also a community fundraiser.
At Pioneer Acres during Alberta’s Pioneer Steam Power Festival, the steam engines get most of the noise. The horses still do some of the oldest work on the grounds.
A team of black draft horses, harnessed with red-trimmed collars and traces, leaned into a heavy timber and walked it across the dry yard. One handler walked behind with the lines. No engine, no whistle—just weight, footing, and the sound of hooves on packed grass. This is the other half of the show: before traction engines broke sod and ran threshers, this is how timber, stone, and implements moved.
The log is the point. It is not a pretty wagon. It is a dead weight on a chain, the kind of pull that used to happen every day on a farm or in a woodlot. The horses stay in step. The driver stays quiet. The crowd watches because you can see the work in their shoulders.
Pioneer Acres puts steam and horsepower on the same weekend on purpose. One did not instantly replace the other. For a long time both were on the same farms. Watching a team walk a timber past a metal-clad shed and a horse trailer is a clean reminder of that overlap.
If you are there for the Case engines and the Parade of Power, stay for this. The horses do not need a boiler. They still move the load.
On April 29, 1903, Turtle Mountain—long known by Indigenous people as “The Mountain That Moves”—unleashed one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in Canadian history. In roughly 100 seconds, approximately 82 million tonnes of limestone tore free and roared down into the Crowsnest Pass, permanently reshaping the landscape and burying part of the town of Frank, Alberta.
More than a century later, that vast boulder field remains. The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre sits at the edge of it, and just outside the doors begins a 1.5-kilometre self-guided interpretive trail that winds directly through the debris.
In our latest video we follow that trail with the official brochure in hand. We pause at the historical markers, look closely at the geology that made Turtle Mountain so unstable, and notice how nature is slowly, steadily reclaiming the rugged terrain. House-sized blocks of limestone still dominate the scene, yet patches of grass, wildflowers, and determined trees are pushing through the cracks.
A secondary camera mounted on a backpack offers a different perspective—one that shows just how small a person feels while picking a path between those massive rocks. It is equal parts humbling and fascinating.
This is the second video in our exploration of the Frank Slide. Where the first focused on the broader story of the disaster, this one puts boots on the ground and lets the landscape speak for itself.
If you enjoy authentic regional history, dramatic Canadian scenery, and the chance to walk through a place where geology and human history collided with devastating force, the trail is well worth the visit—and the video is a solid preview of what awaits.
Watch “Walking the Debris: Hiking Through Canada’s Deadliest Landslide” on the KassDays YouTube channel.
A couple of weeks back I headed out to Irricana for the annual Pioneer Acres Show (this year’s big Steam Power Festival edition, August 7–9). If you’ve never been, it’s pure Alberta heritage heaven—steam engines hissing, antique tractors pulling, horse teams working the fields, and a whole lot of early motor vehicles that look like they just rolled out of a 1910s farmyard.
One of the stands-outs for me was this beautifully restored early 20th-century open truck sitting in the display barn. Bright green body with red accents, tall vertical radiator, black bench seats, wooden cargo box piled with period sacks, and those classic red spoke wheels wearing diamond-tread tires. The overall brass-era proportions and the badge on the radiator scream Peerless (or a very close period commercial cousin).
Peerless, out of Cleveland, Ohio, is better remembered today for its luxury cars—one of the famous “Three Ps” alongside Packard and Pierce-Arrow. But from about 1911 to 1918 they also built solid commercial trucks in the 3- to 6-ton range. Survivors are scarce, especially on the Canadian prairies, so seeing one this well-restored and complete felt special. The chain-drive-era chassis, wooden bed, and open cab are exactly the kind of workhorse that would have been hauling grain, supplies, or harvest crews around Alberta a century ago.
Parked nearby were a couple of other period open trucks/commercials—one with a wooden cab in brown tones and another partial chassis with yellow wheels—making a nice little cluster of early motorized freight history. These machines sit right at the transition point between horse-drawn wagons and the modern truck, and Pioneer Acres does a fantastic job of showing them in context with the steam traction engines and threshing demos that were the weekend’s big feature.
If you’re into cars, trucks, steam, or just prairie history, mark your calendar for next year’s Pioneer Acres Annual Show. It’s an easy drive from Calgary, the grounds are packed with living history, and you never know what rare iron you’ll find sitting quietly in a corner.
Did you make it out to Irricana this year? Spot any other cool antique trucks or steamers? Drop your stories (or photos) in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
Kass is back on the move — this time across the boulder-strewn landscape of the Frank Slide, Canada’s deadliest rockslide.
At 4:10 a.m. on April 29, 1903, roughly 110 million tonnes of limestone tore free from Turtle Mountain in Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass. In about 90–100 seconds the rock raced across the valley, burying the eastern edge of the town of Frank, two kilometres of railway, and the coal mine works. Between 70 and more than 90 people lost their lives; most still lie beneath the debris.
The mountain’s unstable folded geology was the main culprit, with coal mining and freeze-thaw weather adding the final push. Local Indigenous peoples had long called it “the mountain that moves.”
Today the massive scar and the chaotic field of grey rocks remain a powerful sight. In the new video Kass walks right through it, sharing the story while standing among the same boulders that fell more than a century ago.
The full episode is on the KassDays YouTube channel. Come walk the rocks with us.
New video coming this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on the KassDays YouTube channel.
I spent a sunny day walking the 2025 Okotoks Show & Shine in Olde Towne and it delivered far more than the usual classics. Alongside rows of beautifully restored trucks and vintage cars — including a sharp 1950s Chevy Task Force pickup — sat a genuine street-legal Lamborghini Countach with its scissor doors raised high. That bright red Lambo drew a constant crowd and completely changed the feel of the show.
What started as a local car gathering turned into a mix of classic American iron, custom builds, and pure supercar presence. The streets were packed, the details were sharp, and the energy was high from start to finish.
Watch the full walkthrough when it goes live Wednesday:
Tucked along the Taylor Highway in Interior Alaska sits one of the quirkiest stops on the road: the tiny community of Chicken. Legend has it that early gold miners wanted to name the place Ptarmigan after the plentiful local birds (Alaska’s state bird, which looks a bit like a chicken). When no one could agree on how to spell “ptarmigan,” they settled on the simpler, safer choice—Chicken.
Today the town still leans fully into the name. A tall wooden chicken statue greets visitors on the porch, holding a pan of eggs, while a café, saloon, gift shops, and gold-panning opportunities keep the old mining spirit alive. It’s a genuine little tourist stop where you can stretch your legs, grab a souvenir, and experience a unique slice of Alaska that few places can match.
Mister Wonder Bread has officially landed in Calgary, Alberta… and that can only mean one thing: the Mini Moto Olympics are in full swing.
We’re talking small pit bikes and wild custom builds getting thrown into a parking lot packed wall-to-wall with orange cones. High-speed weaving, sketchy slides, full-send battles, and the occasional spectacular tip-over. Pure, unfiltered mini moto mayhem.
In between the cone carnage we took a quick detour to the local Show & Shine, where the Calgary crew brought out some seriously unique custom small-bike builds. Creative, weird, and properly cool.
Massive thanks to the local Calgary bike shop for hosting such a fun community day and bringing everyone together.
The full video is up on the KassDays channel now. Come for the chaos, stay for the customs.
There’s something special about rolling through the outdoor grounds of the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin in an old classic car, the driver pointing out machines that once moved mountains of earth. On that driven tour you come around a bend and suddenly there it is — the 1929 Bucyrus-Erie 200-B stripping shovel. Yellow and red, weather-worn, towering over the prairie grass. Even from a distance it feels enormous. Up close it is almost unbelievable.
This is no ordinary piece of old equipment. The 200-B is a stripping shovel, designed to sit on top of a coal seam and peel away the rock and soil so the coal below could be reached. Built in 1929 by Bucyrus-Erie, only a handful of these machines were ever made, and this one is the last remaining example of the four that once operated in North America. That alone makes it a rare survivor.
It started its working life in the United States, then made its way north in the early 1950s from a mine in Colstrip, Montana. Once in Alberta it spent the rest of its career at the Roselyn Mine (sometimes called the Sheerness or Western Dominion Mine) southeast of Hanna. Originally it travelled on railway tracks laid along the coal seam. Later it was converted to the crawler tracks you see today, giving it more freedom to move. Powered by electricity, it needed a long trailing cable and a portable transformer that had to be relocated whenever the machine reached the end of its reach.
At roughly 335 tonnes and capable of taking a five-cubic-metre bite with each pass, the 200-B was actually considered one of the smaller stripping shovels of its era. Standing beside it, “small” is not the word that comes to mind. The house alone is the size of a small building, the boom reaches high into the Alberta sky, and the whole machine still radiates the quiet authority of something built to work hard for decades.
Seeing it from the seat of a classic car on the museum’s driven tour makes the experience even better. You’re not just looking at a static display — you’re rolling past living industrial history on the same grounds where these giants now rest. The Reynolds Museum has collected an impressive outdoor coal-mining exhibit, and the 200-B is one of its true stars.
Next time you’re in the Wetaskiwin area, take the tour if you can. There’s nothing quite like looking up at a nearly century-old machine that once carved its way through the prairie and realizing just how much power and ingenuity went into keeping Alberta’s coal mines running. The 200-B may no longer dig, but it still commands attention — a yellow-and-red reminder of the days when machines this big truly ruled the landscape.
I’ve been going to dog shows for years now. Not every single one — life doesn’t always line up that way — but enough that the sound of barking in the distance, the smell of fresh grass mixed with a little bit of rain, and the sight of a perfectly groomed dog trotting around the ring still make me smile every time.
That is me, quite a few years back with my Greyhound Fancy in the picture here, btw.
I don’t even have a dog of my own right now. That doesn’t mean I love them any less. There’s just something special about watching these beautiful purebreds do what they do best. Maybe one day I’ll have one again. Here’s hoping. I’ll know when the moment is right, I suppose.
In the meantime, I get to share the next best thing with you.
This afternoon, a brand-new video goes live on the KassDays channel: Storms & Show Dogs! 🌩️🐕 Inside an Outdoor Champion Dog Show
It’s all about the 2025 Alberta Kennel Club Summer Classic in Okotoks — one of those classic outdoor long-weekend events that somehow manages to feel both big and hometown at the same time. There were storms, there was sunshine, there was high-flying agility, sleek conformation rings, and a whole lot of gorgeous dogs (yes, including plenty of those impressive Great Danes that have been showing up more and more these days).
I got to be ringside for some of it, and this video captures that pure dog-show energy in 4K. Whether you’re a longtime show-goer like me or just someone who simply loves looking at beautiful dogs, I think you’re going to enjoy it.
See you at the Dog Show. And who knows… maybe one of these days I’ll be the one walking into the ring with a four-legged friend of my own again.
A little rain never stopped a good Alberta car show.
The 2025 Diamond Valley Show & Shine went ahead full throttle despite the wet weather, and the streets were still packed with classic cars, hot rods, and custom builds.
Rain or shine, the show goes on — and the Diamond Valley Car Show proved it in style!
We headed to Diamond Valley for what was supposed to be a perfect “Show & Shine,” but Mother Nature had other plans. Instead of bright sunshine, we got umbrellas, raindrops, and one of the most fun, resilient car gatherings we’ve filmed.
Even with wet weather, the turnout was fantastic. Classic muscle cars, custom builds, and beautifully restored rides lined the streets while dedicated owners refused to let a little rain dampen their day. The community spirit was unstoppable.
In this video we take you along for the full experience: dodging rain while checking out stunning local vehicles, chatting with proud owners, and witnessing firsthand why Alberta car enthusiasts are some of the toughest (and friendliest) around.
Whether the sky is blue or grey, the passion for classics never fades.
Watch the full video now on the KassDays YouTube channel.
Have you ever braved the weather for a car show? Share your stories in the comments!
Stay tuned for more Alberta car adventures, shop tours, and real-world car content right here on KassDays.blogspot.
Every time I see a photo of Waterton Lakes National Park, it brings back that peaceful feeling. Tucked away in southern Alberta, this place is a true Canadian treasure — dramatic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and trails that make you want to keep exploring forever.
From the moment you arrive, the beauty hits you. The townsite is small and quaint, with a charming village feel — the kind of place where you can stroll along the lake, grab an ice cream, or just sit and watch the water sparkle under the mountains.
Waterton offers something for everyone:
Easy lakeside walks
Challenging mountain hikes with incredible viewpoints
Wildlife viewing (keep your eyes open for bears, deer, and bighorn sheep!)
Boat tours on the famous Upper Waterton Lake
It’s the kind of park where you can truly slow down and breathe.
Must-See Spots in Waterton:
Red Rock Canyon – Short, family-friendly loop with stunning coloured rocks
Bear’s Hump – Short but steep hike with one of the best panoramic views
Cameron Lake – Peaceful spot at the end of the road, perfect for a picnic
Prince of Wales Hotel – Iconic landmark with breathtaking views (great for photos!)
Where to Stay & Camp:
Waterton Townsite Campgrounds – Convenient and scenic (book early in summer!)
Belly River Campground – More rustic and quiet
Hotels & Lodges in the townsite – From cozy cabins to the historic Prince of Wales Hotel
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway that feels like a real escape, Waterton National Park is hard to beat. It’s smaller than Banff or Jasper, but in my opinion, just as special.
Have you ever visited Waterton? What’s your favourite spot there? Share in the comments — I’d love to hear your stories!
Discovering the Road Less Traveled: 1,350 KM Through Remote Northern Wilderness (North of 60)
Summer is the perfect time to get out and explore. With longer days, warmer weather, and the call of the open road, there’s no better season to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in Canada’s incredible natural landscapes. If you’re someone who prefers quiet highways, changing scenery, and the freedom of the road over busy tourist spots, this video is pure inspiration.
In the final episode of our Alaska Adventure series, we tackle the long haul home — 1,350 KM from Hay River in the Northwest Territories back to Calgary, Alberta. Crossing “North of 60” marks the official return to Alberta, and the journey beautifully captures the dramatic shift from rugged northern boreal forest to the vast, rolling Canadian prairies.
Along the way you’ll see:
Late-season northern bridge construction and vibrant fall colours still lingering in the north
The shores of Lesser Slave Lake
A welcome return to “civilization” with a rare hotel night in Slave Lake
Highway 2 (the QE2) slicing through central Alberta
A nostalgic drive through Red Deer, a former hometown
This drive isn’t just about covering distance — it’s about witnessing how quickly the Canadian landscape transforms. One moment you’re surrounded by dense wilderness and remote beauty; the next, golden fields and familiar prairie skies stretch out ahead. It’s a reminder of just how much incredible nature is accessible right here in Western Canada if you’re willing to get out there and explore.
Whether you’re planning your own northern road trip, dreaming of a future adventure, or just love scenic driving content, this video delivers that peaceful, immersive feel of being on the open road. No packed parking lots, no lines — just you, the vehicle, and the ever-changing wilderness.
This summer, make time to explore what’s accessible to you. Whether it’s a short day trip into the mountains, a weekend campout, or a big multi-day road journey like this one — getting out into nature is one of the best ways to recharge and appreciate where we live.
Have you ever done a long northern road trip? What’s the most memorable drive you’ve taken in Canada? Drop your stories in the comments — I’d love to hear them!
Thanks for reading and for supporting KassDays. Safe travels, stay curious, and keep exploring! 🇨🇦🛣️🌲
New Video Today: RCMP Musical Ride at Spruce Meadows 🐎
Hey everyone!
Just a quick heads-up — my new video dropped today at 3:30 PM MST on the KassDays YouTube channel.
This one is all about the spectacular RCMP Musical Ride I caught at Spruce Meadows last August. Spruce Meadows hosts tons of great events, but anything with horses is always my favourite!
You’ll get to meet some of the riders, hear stories from the coronation and Platinum Jubilee, and watch the beautiful precision drills set to music. Classic Canadian tradition at its finest.
If you love horses, you’re going to enjoy this one. Come watch with me tomorrow!
If you’re looking for a stunning summer destination in Alberta that combines breathtaking mountains, pristine lakes, and a charming small-town feel, Waterton Lakes National Park should be at the top of your list. Located in the southwest corner of the province and part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this gem offers everything from dramatic scenery to easy access to trails, boat tours, and cozy amenities.
I visited a couple of years ago in early June, and it was absolutely magical — wildflowers starting to bloom, crisp mountain air, and fewer crowds than peak season. These photos from that trip capture just a slice of why I love it there so much.
The Iconic Prince of Wales Hotel
Your first photo perfectly showcases one of Waterton’s most recognizable landmarks: the Prince of Wales Hotel. Perched high on a hill overlooking Upper Waterton Lake, this historic gem was built in 1927 by the Great Northern Railway. With its distinctive green roof and Swiss-chalet style architecture, it’s a National Historic Site and a photographer’s dream. On a clear day (or even with those moody clouds like in the shot), the views are unbeatable. Boat tours depart right from the dock area below — a fantastic way to experience the lake and spot wildlife.
Lakeside Views & Hiking Paradise
Waterton is all about the outdoors. The second image shows that classic lakeside promenade with turquoise waters lapping against the shore and rugged peaks rising in the background. The third photo highlights the raw beauty of the park — a lone birch tree standing tall against the mountain backdrop on a moody day.
There are trails for every level here, from gentle lakeside strolls to more challenging hikes with rewarding views. Early summer is a wonderful time to visit — the weather is pleasant, and the park feels alive with possibilities.
Camping & Townsite Convenience
One of the best things about Waterton is how accessible it feels. The Townsite Campground is right in the heart of Waterton Village — super handy for walking to restaurants, shops, and the lake. It offers a mix of serviced and unserviced sites and is open through the summer months. Staying in town means you can easily explore on foot without needing to drive everywhere. There are other campgrounds nearby too if you want more seclusion.
Food, Shopping & That Small-Town Charm
The village has a relaxed, welcoming vibe. There are several dining options, including spots with great views of the lake. Near the campsite area you’ll find places to grab a meal and browse souvenirs — gift shops with unique keepsakes, local art, and Canadian treasures were highlights during my visit (and still seem to be going strong).
Why Visit Waterton This Summer?
With its mix of natural wonders, historic charm, and convenient amenities, Waterton delivers that perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re hiking, boating, snapping photos of the Prince of Wales Hotel, or just soaking in the mountain scenery, it’s easy to see why people rave about it.
If you haven’t been yet, this is the season to make the trip! Pack your hiking boots, camera, and a sense of wonder — Waterton Lakes National Park is waiting.
100,000 Signs & Soothing Hot Springs: Day 4 on the Alaska Highway (Muncho Lake to Watson Lake, Yukon)
One of the best parts of any epic road trip is those perfect days where everything just clicks — stunning scenery, unexpected wildlife, a relaxing soak in the wilderness, and a quirky roadside attraction that stops you in your tracks. That’s exactly what Day 4 of our Alaska Highway adventure delivered as we rolled from Muncho Lake toward Watson Lake in the Yukon.
If you haven’t watched the video yet, grab a coffee (or a virtual hot spring soak) and check it out here: 100,000 Signs & Hot Springs! ♨️ Alaska Highway Day 4. It’s packed with 4K footage, real-time reactions, and all the little details that make the Alaska Highway so special.
Wildlife on the Road: Bison, Ibex, and Pure Northern Magic
The day started early with some incredible wildlife sightings right along the highway. We spotted ibex grazing near the road, followed by multiple herds of massive wood bison — some wandering right beside (and occasionally across) the pavement. Driving slowly and giving them plenty of space was key. These animals are wild, powerful, and a reminder that on the Alaska Highway, nature is very much in charge. The fall colours lighting up the landscape added an extra layer of beauty to every mile.
Liard River Hot Springs: A Natural Oasis in the Wilderness
One of my absolute favourite stops of the entire trip — and easily a highlight for many travelers — was Liard River Hot Springs. Tucked just off the highway in British Columbia, this natural sulfur spring feels like a hidden gem (though it’s a well-known favourite among Alaska Highway veterans).
We took a relaxing dip in the warm, mineral-rich pools surrounded by lush boreal forest and boardwalks. The water is soothing, the setting is peaceful, and it’s the perfect way to recharge after days on the road. There’s even a campground right there if you want to extend the stay. Pro tip: the sulfur smell lingers a bit afterward, but it’s totally worth it. This stop turned a long driving day into something truly memorable. ♨️
Crossing into the Yukon & the Legendary Signpost Forest
As we pushed north, we crossed the 60th parallel and officially entered the Yukon — with a few back-and-forths between territories along the way. Then came Watson Lake’s Signpost Forest — hands-down one of the most unique and fun attractions of the whole journey.
Started in 1942 by a homesick U.S. soldier (Carl K. Lindley) who nailed up a sign for his hometown while working on the Alaska Highway, the “forest” has exploded into over 100,000 signs from all over the world. License plates, hometown markers, quirky messages — you name it. Wandering through the maze of posts feels like a global scavenger hunt. We hunted for familiar places, marvelled at how far some signs had travelled, and soaked up the history at the nearby visitor center. It’s quirky, creative, and utterly unforgettable. Definitely bring (or make) a sign from home if you visit!
Why This Day Stood Out
From Muncho Lake’s shores to the hot springs refresh and the whimsical Signpost Forest, Day 4 captured the spirit of the Alaska Highway perfectly: wild, unpredictable, relaxing, and full of character. The mix of nature, history, and human creativity along this route is what keeps drawing people back (or inspiring first-timers like us to finally make the trek).
The video does a great job showing the real flow of the day — the drives, the stops, the “whoa” moments — all in beautiful 4K. Whether you’re planning your own northern adventure, reminiscing about one, or just dreaming from the couch, it’s a fun watch.
Have you been to Liard Hot Springs or the Signpost Forest? What was your favorite quirky or relaxing stop on a road trip? Drop your stories in the comments — I love hearing them!
Safe travels, keep exploring, and thanks for joining the KassDays journey. More Alaska Highway days coming soon!
Lundbreck Falls Alberta: The Little Niagara Waterfall You Need to Visit on Your Next Road Trip
If you’re driving Highway 3 through southern Alberta, do yourself a favour and stop at Lundbreck Falls. Often called Alberta’s Little Niagara, this powerful waterfall on the Crowsnest River is one of the best hidden gemsin southern Alberta and surprisingly easy to reach.Lundbreck Falls drops about 12 metres (39 ft) over a rocky ledge, splitting into two dramatic cascades before crashing into a deep pool in the limestone canyon. With a railway bridge in the background and forested foothills all around, it’s pure postcard material — and way less crowded than the big-name spots in Banff or Jasper.Why Visit Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area?
Super accessible — Park almost right beside the falls. Short trails and viewing platforms mean no tough hiking needed.
Perfect road trip stop — Located just 25–26 km northwest of Pincher Creek, it’s an ideal break on your Crowsnest Pass road trip.
Fun summer vibes — People fish in the river, kids splash (safely), and yes… an ice cream truck even showed up on my hot summer visit. Nothing beats waterfall mist + ice cream!
Picnic & unwind — Bring a nice lunch, find a shady spot, and just chill. It’s the perfect place to slow down and connect with nature.
Camping option — Book ahead and stay overnight in the campground right beside the river. Waking up to waterfall sounds is unbeatable.
Whether you’re into photography, fishing, short easy walks, or just looking for things to do near Pincher Creek, Lundbreck Falls Alberta delivers. It’s family-friendly, free to visit for day use, and one of the most scenic southern Alberta waterfalls.Pro Tip: Visit in summer for maximum water flow, but it’s beautiful year-round.Full video from my trip is live! Have you been to Lundbreck Falls? Drop a comment below and let me know your favourite hidden Alberta spot!Tags: Lundbreck Falls, Alberta Little Niagara, Crowsnest Pass, southern Alberta waterfalls, Alberta road trip, Pincher Creek, Lundbreck Falls camping
