Episode 1/24

@ Rockies Elk
Gofer begins her 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 would be great fun to camp overnight, wouldn't it, Treetop?” said Gofer.
Treetop shivered. “Brrrrrrrr! I think it would be a little too cold, Gofer! I like my creature comforts!"
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
Gofer and Nesi were entranced on reaching this Canadian viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
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
“’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 Boycee from the brochure.
“It’s making me hungry, Boycee!” declared Gofer. “Perhaps I’ll just nibble a corner of one of the maple syrup scones the hotel packed us for elevenses!”
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
"It's turned a bit hot, Gofer. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Mocha.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Gofer.
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
Gofer and Choose a name came across each other in the hotel bar. "Hey, Choose a name, what are you going to have?"
"I thought I'd try Canada’s national cocktail, the Caesar, Gofer. It's made of vodka, clamato juice, tabasco and Worcestershire sauce."
Gofer looked puzzled. "What's clamato juice, Choose a name?"
"Tomato juice with clams and chilli!"
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
“Oh wow, Gofer, there's a butterfly!” maddie moo cried out.
“It looks like a Great Spangled Fritillary," replied Gofer knowledgeably.
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
“Listen to this, Casper,” said Gofer. “’Culinary expert Delia Smith described maple syrup to be a unique ingredient, smooth and silky-textured, with a sweet, distinctive flavour—hints of caramel with overtones of toffee—and a rare colour, amber set alight. The maple flavour is uniquely different from any other.’”
“We trust our Delia,” intoned Casper solemnly. “Pass the jug!”
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!
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Nova Scotia? So romantic!" mused Gofer, nibbling on a taffy lolly.
"Well, I don't know," said Sarah. "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."
Gofer considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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
"Have you seen this in our travel brochure, Gofer? There's a town in Vancouver Island called 'Youbou'—the founders of its mill, Mr Yount and Mr Bounton, combined the first halves of their respective surnames to make Youbou in 1914."
Wrex grinned and thought about it for a minute. "I guess it's like Waitrose in England, from Mr Waite and Mr Rose."
"Waitrose isn't a town, though, Wrex."
"Edgar wishes it was!"
Cheeky Chipmunk
This cute chipmunk stands alertly upright to snuff the air at Moraine Lake, Alberta.

Episode 11/24

@ Downtown Calgary
"It must be so romantic working producing maple syrup, Gofer," said Kyma 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 Gofer. “The work doesn’t stop.”
Kyma waved her glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” she said. “I’ll just do the easy bits.”
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
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this province here, Gofer!” said Madelyn.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Gofer.
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
"Hey, look at Shuswap in the brochure," said Mikey. "'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 Gofer.
"Yup. The first notes of O Canada," responded Mikey.
"That's a lovely tune!"
University Campus
The sun drops behind this peaceful Saskatoon campus, which is reflected in the calm South Saskatchewan River.

Episode 14/24

@ University Bridge
“Oh hello, Gofer!” cried Lucifer. “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?”
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
“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," Snowflake said, offering Gofer a maple syrup toffee from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Snowflake!" said Gofer.
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
“What have you got in your tote bag, Edwina?” asked Gofer. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Gofer,” responded Edwina. “There’s deck shoes, snowshoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, flippers, walking boots, Wellington boots—you name it, I’ve got it!”
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's turned a bit hot, Gofer. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said George.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Gofer.
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
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Eevee, after she and Gofer had spent some time exploring another long country track to its end.
"Is there a gift shop downtown?" queried Gofer. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
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
“Hey, have you seen what the next stop is, Gofer?” said Holy Moley. "It looks fantastic!"
"I'll get my camera ready," said Gofer.
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
“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," Winter said, offering Gofer a maple syrup toffee from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Winter!" said Gofer.
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
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this province here, Gofer!” said Mousey.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Gofer.
Manitoba Summer
The perfect conditions for summer relaxation—sea, sun, sand and fabulous Manitoba scenery!

Episode 23/24

@ Wintry Prairie
"It must be so romantic working producing maple syrup, Gofer," said Guaca 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 Gofer. “The work doesn’t stop.”
Guaca waved his glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” he said. “I’ll just do the easy bits.”
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 Gofer's tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba" comes to an end, she noshes some poutine and is surprised to discover Canada left her 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!
Gofer has completed her tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Canada!