For many people seeking a unique bush experience, the typical tourist stops in the Rocky Mountains have been "done to death," council recently heard.
For many people seeking a unique bush experience, the typical tourist stops in the Rocky Mountains have been "done to death," council recently heard.
"Sundre is a real gem for people ready for a bush experience," Brenda Holder, owner and operator of Mahikan Trails and director of Alberta, Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada, told local officials during the May 8 meeting.
The municipality has many opportunities for outdoor adventures, and it is just as beautiful as the more frequently visited communities such as Banff and Canmore, she said.
Mahikan Trails offers people who are interested the unique chance to see Canada through the eyes of First Nations people, she said.
Some of the activities offered include the following: archery with bows that even young children can pull; an outdoor 3D shoot that emulates a live hunting expedition with foam targets that resemble real animals; introductory horsemanship programs for anyone who might not yet be prepared for a several- day horseback excursion in the West Country; interpretative nature walks in which participants learn about medicinal properties of certain plants; as well as lessons that offer insight on survival skills in the bush, she said.
"People not only learn the skills but also put them into practice," she told council, adding that Mahikan Trails' operates in partnership with Painted Warriors, which has a camp located on roughly 82 acres of land south of Sundre. While it is not in the middle of nowhere, the camp does feel as though it were, she said.
"It's survival training with an indigenous flavour and flair. Some people want to learn to make fire in the most traditional, basic way possible."
Even young children can be highly successful with primitive fire starting methods such as flint and steel, she said.
"This gives people a real sense of empowerment."
Mahikan Trails strives to establish partnerships in an effort to maximize the potential to showcase the area, she said.
"The potential is so untapped," said Tracey Klettl, owner and operator of Painted Warriors, who accompanied Holder for the presentation.
Alberta's tourism industry represents a roughly $3-billion market, said Holder.
"I think we can take a little piece of that pie in this direction."
Past generations of camera toting, tour bus travelling international tourists have evolved into people seeking a more romantic connection with Canada, she said.
"They want to set foot down and explore."
Klettl said she hoped to put a bug in council's ears about considering the possibility of hosting an outdoor 3D nationals competition in Sundre, which would bring in a large crowd from across Canada, filling up local accommodations and generating an additional economic ripple effect throughout the community.
"We intend to fully showcase Sundre as the ultimate playground," she told council.
Members of council expressed interest in the potential for future partnerships, and there seemed to be unanimous consent to push forward in that direction.
"This is the kind of thing that people are waiting to see," said Coun. Myron Thompson.
When some tour buses were recently diverted through town following highway closures in the mountains due to avalanches, the councillor said he found it interesting to hear some of the people say they had no idea Sundre even existed, he said.
"There are so many people who don't know the opportunities out here."
Council carried a motion to receive the presentation for information.
