Christmas In Alberta Canada

by Lisette

Alberta is such a beautiful province. I love the wild side of these majestic mountains, the lakes, the tall trees.

My husband and I had dreamed for so many years of going to the Alberta Rockies. Our dream finally came true. We stayed in Calgary and for days left very early in the morning heading for the mountains in order to catch a glimpse of these beautiful wild animals in their own habitat. While everything was still quiet, we drove onto the old highway and were able to admire the wildlife; mountain goats on the side of the mountain, mama bear followed by her offspring crossing the road, bighorn sheep, wolves, coyotes, bisons… The quietness of the mountains that early in the morning was quite an incredible soothing experience. After one of those days of admiring the wild nature in all its beauty, we treated ourselves to a superb dinner of grilled Bison with saskatoon berries. Oh, what a delight! It has since become a special memory meal for us.

Grilled Bison Skewers with Saskatoon Berry Glaze

1 lb (450 g) bison cut into one-inch cubes

2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp (2 ml) fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 tsp (2 ml) fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) cracked pepper
1 cup (250 ml) saskatoon berries
1 Tbsp (15 ml) sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice
1/4 cup (60 ml) red wine
salt and fresh-ground pepper to taste
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1. In a glass bowl whisk together the oil, garlic, vinegar, peppercorns, and herbs. Add the bison, stir to coat, and marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
2. In a small saucepan mix together the saskatoon berries, sugar, lemon juice, and wine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce becomes thick. Remove from heat and pour through a fine-mesh strainer. Use the back of a tablespoon or small ladle to press through as much of the berry flesh as possible.
3. Preheat the barbecue to 400 F (205 C). Thread the bison onto the skewers and season with salt and pepper. Grill on the barbecue to medium-rare (or desired doneness) basting occasionally with remaining marinade. Drizzle berry sauce over top and serve.

Thank you Lisette, this recipe sounds soo good :)

When you think of Alberta, what do you think of?

I've been to Alberta, it sure is a beautiful place to visit and I am for sure to live as well.

There is SO much to see and do in Alberta, there is something for everyone.

Whether you are visiting in the summertime or in the winter, beauty is all around you.

NATURE & WILDLIFE

Alberta and Mother Nature share a wild streak. And we aim to keep it that way. Hundreds of species call Alberta home – 587 to be exact. Watch for Alberta’s all-stars: moose, grizzly and black bears, elk, bison, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, lynx, coyotes, wolves, and wolverines. Protecting and conserving all wildlife and their habitats is important to Albertans. We have designated approximately 8.2 million hectares as protected areas. This includes five national parks, hundreds of provincial parks and recreation areas, wildlands, and migratory bird sanctuaries. Our wild spaces give us the chance to look deep into nature and see something marvelous.

This is a Great destination for the whole family or a Romantic getaway, the choice is yours. But once you visit, you may want to move there :)

The people are very warm, easy-going.

CULTURE, HERITAGE & ARTS

Get here and you’ll see. The arts and culture scene in Alberta is booming. Dance, theatre, music, and history – it’s never been bigger or bolder. Now’s the time to live it.• Full circle: Recorded human history goes way back in Alberta. Start at the beginning with First Nations history at Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park. • Learn it: Public art and sculptures abound in Alberta’s cities. Decode their allegories with official city guides or a local who knows their stuff.

If the thought of becoming a human mountain goat hanging off the side of a cliff terrifies you – don’t worry. There’s a starting point for everything, even conquering mountains.

• First time: Via Ferrata is a type of mountaineering up slopes equipped with steel ladders, steps, and cables. It makes scaling a mountain way more accessible. Get the same views of Mt. Norquay as a peregrine falcon does – no experience required.

• Rock star: The canyons and cliffs in the Canadian Rockies are what rock climbers’ dreams are made of. Breathtaking views meet heart-stopping multi-pitch routes up limestone and quartzite.

Fledgling climber? Sign up for a climbing class. You’ve got to start somewhere.

Bridge crossing Via Ferrata Banff National Park

There is so much to see and do in Alberta, you may want to stay for a while or go back and visit a couple of times. You will for sure without a doubt enjoy your time anywhere you go in Alberta.