The late Alva Bair beside Indigenous petroglyphs at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
amazed at the services available in the signature parks that are a blessing for travelling seniors . If you ’ re thinking of an Alberta staycation this year , my suggestion is to make a regional plan to see several parks in the same general area and take advantage of their amenities . Speaking of “ gratitude ” — thanks go to provincial officials for being visionary and establishing such a great series of parks with so many fine attributes . While you ’ re travelling between provincial parks , take time to visit Alberta ’ s storied interpretive centres , which rival the best in the world . In southern Alberta , the Royal Tyrrell Museum is fantastic , while the awesome Head- Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre and the landmark Frank Slide Interpretive Centre are amazing . There are lots of top-notch provincial interpretive centres in our wonderful province , all of which provide seniors with educational , interesting , and stimulating experiences tied in with green spaces .
Tip your hat to urban planners who have done a tremendous job developing walkways and trails in Alberta ’ s major towns and cities , where seniors can enjoy the outdoors in comfort . Lots of pathways connect with urban parks . I live in Edmonton , which features the largest urban park in Canada , which is loaded with a network of trails — a testament to good planning . I often see jack rabbits , songbirds , woodpeckers , red squirrels , coyotes , and deer when hiking these trails and connecting with nature .
Besides all the national , provincial , and urban parks , there are hundreds of day-use areas in Alberta . Seniors should thank the Alberta Fish and Game Association ( AFGA ) for purchasing the
numerous Wildlife Trust Fund Properties that are featured in the Alberta Conservation Association ( ACA ) 2020 Alberta Discover Guide , available free online and in hard copy . Thanks are also due to Alberta ’ s anglers and hunters who funded these ACA land purchases through levies on their fishing and hunting licences . We can be grateful that the AFGA and ACA had the foresight to purchase these increasingly valuable properties to conserve our fish and wildlife and provide spaces for us to recreate , free of charge .
The next time you wish to enjoy nature , visit one of Alberta ’ s green spaces and say a word of thanks to the visionaries who secured them — they didn ’ t just happen by chance .
Ever thankful , Duane Radford returns home refreshed from walks in the city with a more positive attitude than when he started , ready to sit back down at his desk . Exercise really is good for mental and physical health , he confirms .
Waterton National Park is a gem that should be part of your vacation plans .
news & views SUMMER 2022 | 13