Episode 1/24

@ Rockies Elk
BigBugBog begins its 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
"It's turned a bit hot, BigBugBog. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Silk.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said BigBugBog.
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
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, BigBugBog!” said Midnight. “Can you hold my torch and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
BigBugBog good-naturedly took charge of Midnight's possessions while he emptied his rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a hotel key, some shopping receipts and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the Pac-a-Mac right at the bottom. This he donned and then BigBugBog helped him put everything back in his rucksack.
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
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, BigBugBog," said Elsa, "for this experience alone?"
BigBugBog, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
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
BigBugBog opened its rucksack to change its hat. Drozan could see BigBugBog 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?” Drozan asked BigBugBog.
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
“How do you spell ‘Saskatchewan’, BigBugBog?” mused Cuddles, clutching a postcard and sucking the end of her pen. “Is it a “c” or a “k” in the middle? I can never remember!”
“Simples,” grinned BigBugBog. “Put an ‘S’. Now put Ask At Chew An and Bob’s your uncle.”
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
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, BigBugBog?” suggested Panda, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
BigBugBog agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
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
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Christmas cards, wouldn't it, BigBugBog?” Killion said.
“It certainly would, Killion!" said BigBugBog.
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!
BigBugBog and Lucy were entranced on reaching this Canadian viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
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
BigBugBog was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Franz!” he exclaimed happily. "Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. This takes me back!"
Cheeky Chipmunk
This cute chipmunk stands alertly upright to snuff the air at Moraine Lake, Alberta.

Episode 11/24

@ Downtown Calgary
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick on these Canadian lakes as he did on Lake Windermere in England that time, BigBugBog!” said Polly, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked BigBugBog.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Polly.
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
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, BigBugBog," said Fred Bear, "for this experience alone?"
BigBugBog, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
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
“Ooh, it's just starting to drizzle, BigBugBog!” said Beatrice. “Can you hold my torch and map while I dig out my Pac-a-Mac?"
BigBugBog good-naturedly took charge of Beatrice's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a hotel key, some shopping receipts and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the Pac-a-Mac right at the bottom. This she donned and then BigBugBog helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
University Campus
The sun drops behind this peaceful Saskatoon campus, which is reflected in the calm South Saskatchewan River.

Episode 14/24

@ University Bridge
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, BigBugBog," said Bonny, "for this experience alone?"
BigBugBog, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
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
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Nova Scotia? So romantic!" mused BigBugBog, nibbling on a taffy lolly.
"Well, I don't know," said FiFi. "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."
BigBugBog considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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, have you seen what the next stop is, BigBugBog?” said Glenda Fluster. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said BigBugBog.
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
"Hey, look at Shuswap in the brochure," said swinger. "'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 BigBugBog.
"Yup. The first notes of O Canada," responded swinger.
"That's a lovely tune!"
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
“Pass me the binoculars, BigBugBog!” said Jimmy. "I think that's a Northern Cardinal just taking off over there! They stay in Canada all year round, you know."
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 walk 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
"Hey, look at Shuswap in the brochure," said zora. "'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 BigBugBog.
"Yup. The first notes of O Canada," responded zora.
"That's a lovely tune!"
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, churchs 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
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, BigBugBog!” said Riley ruefully.
"Never mind," said BigBugBog. "We'll look them up when we get back!"
Winnipeg Indigenous Artwork
Nearly half of the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s permanent collection icomprises 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
“’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 shakur from the brochure.
“It’s making me hungry, shakur!” declared BigBugBog. “Perhaps I’ll just nibble a corner of one of the maple syrup scones the hotel packed us for elevenses!”
Manitoba Summer
The perfect conditions for summer relaxation—sea, sun, sand and fabulous Manitoba scenery!

Episode 23/24

@ Wintry Prairie
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Nova Scotia? So romantic!" mused BigBugBog, nibbling on a taffy lolly.
"Well, I don't know," said Nelson. "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."
BigBugBog considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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 BigBugBog's tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba" comes to an end, it noshes some poutine and is surprised to discover Canada left them 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!
BigBugBog has completed its tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Canada!