Episode 1/24

@ Rockies Elk
Fresco de la Reye begins his tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations!
Rockies Elk
The elk looks a peaceable chap as he grazes here in the Rockies, but mind you don't get too close to him! The male is a "lone wolf", so to speak, but females live in groups. The elk has particularly acute hearing and sense of smell.

Episode 2/24

@ Mistaya River Canyon
“I'm enjoying the tour very much but it's getting quite cold, isn't it, Fresco de la Reye?” shivered Lucy.
“Here, wrap my scarf around yourself," replied Fresco de la Reye. "And you can look forward to a lovely mug of hot chocolate when we get back to our accommodation!"
Mistaya River Canyon
A splendid scene from Banff National Park in Alberta, with an amazing river and waterfall plunging down the rocky terraine, with green spruce highlighted against the snowy peaks in the background!

Episode 3/24

@ Banff National Park
From across the road, Choose a name surveyed the current stop on their map. “Would you fancy living there, Fresco de la Reye?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Fresco de la Reye. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
Banff National Park
Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, a picture-perfect mountain town and village, abundant wildlife and scenic drives come together in Banff National Park - Canada’s first national park and the flagship of the nation’s park system. Over three million visitors a year make the pilgrimage to the park for a variety of activities including hiking, biking, skiing and camping in some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain scenery. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Episode 4/24

@ Dove of Peace
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Fresco de la Reye!” said Spot ruefully.
"Never mind," said Fresco de la Reye. "We'll look them up when we get back!"
Dove of Peace
At Lake Louise in Alberta, the Ice Carving Competition is an amazing winter experience. Using the medium of ice, Canadian artists carve wonders to behold, including castles, figures, animals and birds in intricate detail!

Episode 5/24

@ Peyto Lake
From across the road, Boci surveyed the current stop on their map. “Would you fancy living there, Fresco de la Reye?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Fresco de la Reye. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. A beautiful sight with the early morning mist giving it added charm.

Episode 6/24

@ Kayaking on Lake Louise
“Oh hello, Fresco de la Reye!” cried PluttiPott. “Didn’t we bump into each other at the Fiat racetrack in Turin last month? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it?”
Kayaking on Lake Louise
This scene has everything—a snow covered ravine, fresh green spruce trees, an idyllic lake plus two cheerful red kayaks for enjoying the landscape!

Episode 7/24

@ Lake Snow Scene
"Zubi! Chef said he's making beaver tails for our packed lunch tomorrow!" whispered Fresco de la Reye in agitation. "How horrid! We can't eat those!"
"Relax, Fresco de la Reye!" said Zubi soothingly. "It's a sugary pastry in the shape of a beaver tail, sprinkled with cinnamon or with jam spread on top! No pets are harmed!"
Lake Snow Scene
A peaceful Lake Louise in Alberta, drowsing as the falling snow coats the ground, the fir trees and the roof of the cabin. Perhaps some pets are waiting within, in the warmth of a paraffin heater, or will they don snowshoes to go for a tramp round the lake perimeter?

Episode 8/24

@ Sunrise on Lake Louise
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Nova Scotia? So romantic!" mused Fresco de la Reye, nibbling on a taffy lolly.
"Well, I don't know," said Tickety-Boo. "It's not all about drinking coffee and gazing at the sea. You have to run up and down stairs, operate the light and the foghorn, and there may be no running water or electricity apart from a generator."
Fresco de la Reye considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
Sunrise on Lake Louise
Some early-morning kayakers are already out and about enjoying the fresh bright day as the sun rises over Lake Louise in Alberta.

Episode 9/24

@ Kayaks Await!
"Do you think we'll see some elk like we did on Snow Beach that time, Koo?" asked Fresco de la Reye.
"Oh yes, we're bound to. Gosh, Fresco de la Reye, do you remember those sharks, and the octopus as well? Poor Fresco took one look and hid in the bottom of the boat!" responded Koo.
Kayaks Await!
An idyllic lake scene in Alberta, where cheerful red and white kayaks, matching the Canadian flag in the background, await in the stillness for that day's holiday makers.

Episode 10/24

@ Cheeky Chipmunk
"Hey, look at Shuswap in the brochure," said Charbon. "'The city's new claim to fame: the world’s largest treble clef. It is more than 42 feet (13m) high!'"
"Wow! Is there music to go with it?" asked Fresco de la Reye.
"Yup. The first notes of O Canada," responded Charbon.
"That's a lovely tune!"
Cheeky Chipmunk
This cute chipmunk stands alertly upright to snuff the air at Moraine Lake, Alberta.

Episode 11/24

@ Downtown Calgary
“’Maple syrup is made from the xylem sap of maple trees. The trees most commonly used are sugar maple, red maple and black maple because of the high sugar content in the sap,’” read out Fidelis from the brochure.
“It’s making me hungry, Fidelis!” declared Fresco de la Reye. “Perhaps I’ll just nibble a corner of one of the maple syrup scones the hotel packed us for elevenses!”
Downtown Calgary
The view of Calgary’s skyline from afar is what you'd expect -- after all, the city is populated by over one million people. But you will experience, when you arrive downtown, just how diverse and unique Calgary is. The Bow and Elbow Rivers border a great deal of the area. These rivers offer mature, lush landscaping, and adjacent pathways that are busy with cyclists, families out walking and river traffic. Cultural landmarks like the Bow building, New Central Library, National Music Centre and Glenbow Museum not only impress, but invite you in to explore and learn. Heritage buildings like Old City Hall, Calgary Public Building, and the Calgary Tower are a reminder of history.

Episode 12/24

@ Saskatchewan River at Dusk
Fresco de la Reye was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, HOot!” he exclaimed happily. "Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. This takes me back!"
Saskatchewan River at Dusk
The sun sets the North Saskatchewan River ablaze, making the buildings on the skyline seem very remote on this calm evening.

Episode 13/24

@ University Campus
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel tonight, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Dai said, offering Fresco de la Reye a maple syrup toffee from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Dai!" said Fresco de la Reye.
University Campus
The sun drops behind this peaceful Saskatoon campus, which is reflected in the calm South Saskatchewan River.

Episode 14/24

@ University Bridge
“’Maple syrup is made from the xylem sap of maple trees. The trees most commonly used are sugar maple, red maple and black maple because of the high sugar content in the sap,’” read out Misty Anne from the brochure.
“It’s making me hungry, Misty Anne!” declared Fresco de la Reye. “Perhaps I’ll just nibble a corner of one of the maple syrup scones the hotel packed us for elevenses!”
University Bridge
The University Bridge, Saskatoon, officially opened on November 15, 1916. A unique feature of its design is the descending size of its arches, which were described as being "like a stone skipping across water". It was built to link Sutherland and the University of Saskatchewan with the central part of the city across the river.

Episode 15/24

@ Saskatoon Sax
Oh look ... a Canadian pet!
Saskatoon Sax
This colourful, fun—not to say funky—jazz and blues mural adorns Broadway, Saskatoon.

Episode 16/24

@ Saskatchewan Lake
Fresco de la Reye was very happy to meet T.C. here! They both swapped tales of their experiences of their travels so far!
Saskatchewan Lake
What could be more peaceful than this lake, with the sunset reflected on its surface, and a family of ducks paddling past?

Episode 17/24

@ Saskatchewan Beach at Sunset
"Hey, look at Shuswap in the brochure," said Amethyst. "'The city's new claim to fame: the world’s largest treble clef. It is more than 42 feet (13m) high!'"
"Wow! Is there music to go with it?" asked Fresco de la Reye.
"Yup. The first notes of O Canada," responded Amethyst.
"That's a lovely tune!"
Saskatchewan Beach at Sunset
With the wind ruffling the water it is pleasant to walk along this sandy strip at sunset, passing by spruce trees as you go.

Episode 18/24

@ Red-Winged Blackbird
"It must be so romantic working producing maple syrup, Fresco de la Reye," said Joonie contentedly sipping grape juice after a hard day’s sightseeing. "Imagine going from tree to tree to collect the sap every summer and seeing it turned into delicious syrup!"
"Hmm—now imagine being up at dawn in the cold winter with a great deal of complicated equipment,” said Fresco de la Reye. “The work doesn’t stop.”
Joonie waved his glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” he said. “I’ll just do the easy bits.”
Red-Winged Blackbird
This bird is very common across nearly the whole of Canada. The red-winged blackbird (Carouge à épaulettes "blackbird with epaulettes" in French) is a familiar sight atop cattails. The female of the species is a dull brown in colour.

Episode 19/24

@ Theatre in the Park
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Nova Scotia? So romantic!" mused Fresco de la Reye, nibbling on a taffy lolly.
"Well, I don't know," said Dumbledore. "It's not all about drinking coffee and gazing at the sea. You have to run up and down stairs, operate the light and the foghorn, and there may be no running water or electricity apart from a generator."
Fresco de la Reye considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
Theatre in the Park
Completed in 1952, Rainbow Stage in Kildonan Park, Winnipeg, an outdoor theatre in the park, gets its name from its semi-circular shape. Nothing is better than relaxing while walking in the park or watching the river flow unless you can combine it with great theatre. This unique setting is one of kind for Winnipeg, enabling you to break away from your fast-paced city day and clear your mind before sitting down and being entertained.

Episode 20/24

@ Mennonite Heritage Village
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick on these Canadian lakes as he did on Lake Windermere in England that time, Fresco de la Reye!” said Mrs. Dylan, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Fresco de la Reye.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Mrs. Dylan.
Mennonite Heritage Village
The Mennonites were members of a Protestant Christian group from Russia. A unique experience awaits visitors at the Mennonite Heritage Village. This 40-acre complex spreads out from a street reminiscent of the Mennonite villages found in southern Manitoba during the late 1800s. A windmill with 20 m/60 ft sails dominates the village. Century-old dwellings, churches and schools are furnished to the period. The Livery Barn Restaurant serves tasty Mennonite fare, from traditional recipes, in a pioneer setting. The General Store offers locally crafted items, stone-ground flour, old-fashioned sweets and a selection of souvenirs.

Episode 21/24

@ Winnipeg Indigenous Artwork
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Fresco de la Reye?” suggested Reynard, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Fresco de la Reye agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
Winnipeg Indigenous Artwork
Nearly half of the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s permanent collection comprises work by Indigenous artists. The vast majority of the WAG’s Indigenous collection—just over 12,000 objects—are carvings, drawings, prints, and textile work by Inuit artists.

Episode 22/24

@ Manitoba Summer
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Mrs Wabbit, after she and Fresco de la Reye had spent some time exploring another long country track to its end.
"Is there a gift shop downtown?" queried Fresco de la Reye. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
Manitoba Summer
The perfect conditions for summer relaxation—sea, sun, sand and fabulous Manitoba scenery!

Episode 23/24

@ Wintry Prairie
Fresco de la Reye opened his rucksack to change his hat. Sea Breeze could see Fresco de la Reye had a large, floppy sunhat, a balaclava, a rain hat, a woolly bobble hat, a beanie, a deerstalker hat and a swimming cap!
“Did you bring a fez too?” Sea Breeze asked Fresco de la Reye.
Wintry Prairie
Brrr! Encased in a thin film of ice, this frozen Manitoba vegetation and landscape await the arrival of spring to bring life back to the scene.

Episode 24/24

@ Polar Bears up Close
As Fresco de la Reye's tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba" comes to an end, he noshes some poutine and is surprised to discover Canada left him a parting gift!
Canadian White Sky Effect
A shimmer in the sky means winter is nigh. Six months of the year?
Polar Bears up Close
As a concluding highlight of their Manitoba tour, the pets will be taken on a special safari in state of the art, unique tundra vehicles allowing them to view polar bears up close in safety. Churchill, in the far north of Manitoba province, is one of the few human settlements where healthy polar bears can be observed in the wild. There is also the opportunity of having a helicopter ride to view the "Lords of the Arctic". Pets will be reminded to take extra care in the vicinity of these bears due to their huge size. The males can reach 10 feet in height (3.05 m) and weigh 1320 lbs (94 stone/600kg), can pick up a scent from 30 km (18½ miles) away and move with surprising speed!
Fresco de la Reye has completed his tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Canada!