Episode 1/24

@ Rockies Elk
Sharyn 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
"Do you think we'll see some elk like we did on Snow Beach that time, Mystique?" asked Sharyn.
"Oh yes, we're bound to. Gosh, Sharyn, do you remember those sharks, and the octopus as well? Poor Fresco took one look and hid in the bottom of the boat!" responded Mystique.
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
“What have you got in your tote bag, Astraea?” asked Sharyn. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Sharyn,” responded Astraea. “There’s deck shoes, snowshoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, flippers, walking boots, Wellington boots—you name it, I’ve got it!”
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
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Nova Scotia? So romantic!" mused Sharyn, nibbling on a taffy lolly.
"Well, I don't know," said Mr. Waddles. "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."
Sharyn considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
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
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Christmas cards, wouldn't it, Sharyn?” Joker said.
“It certainly would, Joker!" said Sharyn.
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
From across the road, Nightlight surveyed the current stop on their map. “Would you fancy living there, Sharyn?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Sharyn. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
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
“How do you spell ‘Saskatchewan’, Sharyn?” mused Coco, 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 Sharyn. “Put an ‘S’. Now put Ask At Chew An and Bob’s your uncle.”
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
"I think there'll be quite a few tired paws, wings and flippers when we get back to the tour bus," said Sassy, after she and Sharyn had spent some time exploring another long country track to its end.
"Is there a gift shop downtown?" queried Sharyn. "The thought of that generally keeps me going."
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!
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Signet.
"Me too!" said Sharyn. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
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
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick on these Canadian lakes as he did on Lake Windermere in England that time, Sharyn!” said Mulrey, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Sharyn.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Mulrey.
Cheeky Chipmunk
This cute chipmunk stands alertly upright to snuff the air at Moraine Lake, Alberta.

Episode 11/24

@ Downtown Calgary
“Oh hello, Sharyn!” cried Draco. “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?”
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
"Amelia! Chef said he's making beaver tails for our packed lunch tomorrow!" whispered Sharyn in agitation. "How horrid! We can't eat those!"
"Relax, Sharyn!" said Amelia 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!"
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
“It says here that maple syrup is a good source of manganese and zinc, and that it has 15 times as much calcium as honey,” announced Sharyn.
Joonie considered this. “That sounds like a good reason to have some more poured over our breakfast porridge, Sharyn!”
University Campus
The sun drops behind this peaceful Saskatoon campus, which is reflected in the calm South Saskatchewan River.

Episode 14/24

@ University Bridge
“Let's just drink in this scene, shall we, Sharyn?” suggested Tweety Pi, sinking down on a convenient tree stump.
Sharyn agreed it was well worth spending some time there!
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
“Oh wow, Sharyn, there's a butterfly!” Maxwell cried out.
“It looks like a Great Spangled Fritillary," replied Sharyn knowledgeably.
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
“’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 Miss Mousse from the brochure.
“It’s making me hungry, Miss Mousse!” declared Sharyn. “Perhaps I’ll just nibble a corner of one of the maple syrup scones the hotel packed us for elevenses!”
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
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Winter.
"Me too!" said Sharyn. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
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
“You know, I'd like to spend a whole week in this province here, Sharyn!” said Shadow.
"It's very pleasant indeed—but you never know, the next part of the tour might be even better!" replied Sharyn.
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
"It must be so romantic working producing maple syrup, Sharyn," said Flora 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 Sharyn. “The work doesn’t stop.”
Flora waved her glass. “I’ll have staff to do all that,” she said. “I’ll just do the easy bits.”
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
"Do you think we'll see some elk like we did on Snow Beach that time, Winter?" asked Sharyn.
"Oh yes, we're bound to. Gosh, Sharyn, do you remember those sharks, and the octopus as well? Poor Fresco took one look and hid in the bottom of the boat!" responded Winter.
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
"Have you seen this in our travel brochure, Sharyn? 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."
Tweety Pi 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, Tweety Pi."
"Edgar wishes it was!"
Manitoba Summer
The perfect conditions for summer relaxation—sea, sun, sand and fabulous Manitoba scenery!

Episode 23/24

@ Wintry Prairie
“Shall we stop and eat our packed lunch here, Sharyn?” asked Melvin .
“Yes, it seems a good spot, Melvin! Let's perch on those tree stumps there! I can't wait to sink my teeth into those slices of bannock!"
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 Sharyn'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!
Sharyn 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!