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Camping Cuisine


Once the tent’s pitched, try these tasty meals designed to make the most of the great outdoors. With a trusty camp stove, what tasty meals can be created? Camping can …Read More
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Once the tent’s pitched, try these tasty meals designed to make the most of the great outdoors.

With a trusty camp stove, what tasty meals can be created? Camping can be more than hot dogs and marshmallows. Included in the following recipes are both ideas you can prepare at home and cook on site for your next camping trip.

Pancake Mix (top photo)

Prepare this pancake mix ahead and all you need to bring with you is butter, honey butter, maple syrup and berries.

  • 2 c. all purpose flour
  • 4 tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • ¼ c. ground flaxseed
  • ¼ c. buttermilk powder
  • ⅓ c. brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla sugar

Combine all these ingredients, stir and pour into a jar or bag.  Pop this into your food bin along with a few other ingredients and you are good to go.

On site, in a bowl, add two cups of water to your pancake mix and stir to combine. 

Set your camp stove burner to a low/medium flame and add a pat of butter to a pan until it has melted. Using a cookie scoop (any size works, tiny pancakes are fun), drop as many scoops that fit in the pan.  Let them cook until tiny bubbles appear on the top of the pancake. Flip the pancakes and cook for another two minutes. 

Serve with any topping of choice! Some ideas might include maple syrup and fruit, chocolate spread and bananas, nut butter and honey, honey butter and raspberries.

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Honey Butter

  • 4 tbsp. salted butter, room temperature
  • 4 tbsp. honey powder

Mix to combine. This compound butter is fantastic on pancakes and would also work great on toast!

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Tahini & Chocolate Quick Bread

Bake this quick bread before the camping trip and you have a great hiking snack, a before bed snack or a yum breakfast slice with some hot chocolate or coffee.

  • 2 ripe bananas, unpeeled (they can be frozen, just use them defrosted along with their liquid)
  • ½ c. packed dark brown sugar
  • ¼ c. avocado oil
  • ¼ c. tahini
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • ½ c. all purpose flour
  • ¼ c. cocoa
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • ½ c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/3 c. crushed up sesame candy or 1 package (set aside 1 tbsp. for the topping)

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a loaf tin with two pieces of parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bread. Set aside. Using either a whisk or a hand mixer, blend together the bananas and the tahini. Add in the oil, egg, sugar and vanilla. Mix to combine.

Add the flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda and whisk or mix to combine. Stir in the chocolate chips and the sesame candy. Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, smooth out the top and give the pan a tap on the counter to knock any air bubbles out. Sprinkle the reserved sesame candy over the top.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a skewer comes out almost clean.

Cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. Use the parchment sleeves to lift out of the tin. Wrap well for transport and slice on site when ready to eat and enjoy.

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Camping Calzones

These are great ways to design your own camping meal, requiring quick cooking with many possible flavour combinations.

Flavour combinations:

  • mozzarella, tomato, basil
  • pesto, shredded cooked chicken, gouda cheese
  • tomato sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella
  • pear, gouda cheese, pine nuts, basil
  • ricotta, nectarine, honey

There is no end to the flavour combinations that can happen with these calzones.

In a large skillet over medium heat on the camp stove, place one tortilla or flatbread in the pan. Add in desired toppings, a pinch of salt and ground black pepper and fold in half. Cook until the bread is golden brown, flip and finish cooking the other side. The cheese should be melted and the calzone golden brown on each side.

Keep cooking until everyone has their calzones!

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Easy Flatbread

It’s fun and very satisfying to make your own bread products. Having said that, a store-bought flat bread or a thicker tortilla will work wonderfully for camping calzones.

  • 1 ½ c. all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 ¼ c. plain Greek yogurt (full fat)
  • olive oil for frying
  • flaky sea salt for finishing

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt. Whisk to combine. Add the yogurt and use your hands to bring this mixture into a shaggy dough. Knead the dough until it becomes a smooth ball.

On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough ball into four pieces. Roll each of those pieces into a ball. Let the four dough balls rest for 10-15 minutes. Roll the dough into a long pipe and coil the dough like a snail, tucking the end under and then slightly flattening the dough with your hand.  Cover with a dish towel and let them rest for another 10 minutes.  

Work with one dough ball at a time. Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball out to roughly an eight-inch circle. Emphasis on “rough!” Do the same with the other three dough balls. While each round is waiting to be cooked, ensure that the counter or work surface is floured so nothing sticks.

Over medium heat, warm up a large skillet. Brush the skillet with olive oil, add one of the rounds to the pan. Cook until bubbles appear and the colour is golden brown. Flip and cook on the other side. These go fast, about two minutes per side. Cook all the rounds, sprinkle with sea salt while still warm and then let cool on a wire rack.

For packing to take camping, in either a large container or a zip top bag, place each flatbread in between sheets of parchment paper and seal the container.

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Apres Camp Set-Up Soup

The tent is set up, it’s late and getting dark. Time to warm up the soup previously made at home and to enjoy dinner or late night nourishment after travel time and camp set-up.

  • 4 tbsp. olive oil
  • ¼ onion, finely chopped
  • 1 c. carrot, sliced and halved 
  • 1 ½ tsp. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • pinch of dried red pepper flakes
  • 8 small or 1 large potato, chopped (if it is a thin-skinned potato, no need to peel)
  • 1 c. canned mixed beans (freeze the remainder of the can for next time)
  • ¾ c. pasta
  • ½ tsp. powdered chicken stock or paste (your preference)
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 bag of tortilla chips to serve

In a medium to large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and the rosemary. Cook for eight minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the red pepper flakes, chicken stock, salt and pepper. Cook for one to two minutes, until fragrant. Add the potato and beans along with  two cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are cooked.

In a separate pot, cook pasta following package directions. Drain and set aside. Pack up the soup and the pasta in separate containers. Add together on site and warm up before serving. Add salt and pepper if required and crunch tortilla chips on top before serving.

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Sausages and Grilled Vegetables

A simple camp meal including specialty sausages and veggies on the side. Leftovers can be turned into a sliced sausage, grilled veggie sandwich for a hike the next day.

Tip: The veggies can be prepped at home and placed in a resealable container. Keep them in the fridge until transferring into the cooler for the trip. 

Grilled Vegetables

  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced
  • ½ onion, sliced
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2-3 grinds of black pepper
  • 1-2 tbsp. of olive oil

In a cast iron or a camp grill pan, add a tbsp. of olive oil. Over a medium flame, heat the olive oil and then add the veggies. The total cook time is eight to 10 minutes which allows the veggies to attain great grill marks and colour while still maintaining a crisper texture.

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Grilled Sausages

Sausages, number and flavour based on the crowd

1-2 tbsp. olive oil

In a cast iron pan, over a medium low flame, heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil. Add in the sausages and cook with the lid on. Rotate the sausages so they are golden brown on all surfaces.  This should take 10-15 minutes, cut in to one of the sausages to ensure they are cooked all the way through.

Serve with the grilled veggies and a grainy mustard.

[post_title] => Camping Cuisine [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => camping-cuisine [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-21 17:44:26 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-21 23:44:26 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=19921 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [ID] => 0 [filter] => raw [_excerpt] => Once the tent’s pitched, try these tasty meals designed to make the most of the great outdoors. With a trusty camp stove, what tasty meals can be created? Camping can … ) 1

Summer Cocktails


When it comes to summer drinks, you can’t go wrong with classic cocktails. Bartenders and mixologists love to experiment with what’s in the cabinet to come up with new drinks …Read More
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When it comes to summer drinks, you can’t go wrong with classic cocktails.

Bartenders and mixologists love to experiment with what’s in the cabinet to come up with new drinks all the time. While we welcome diversity in all their forms, you can’t go wrong with some classic combos that have stood the test of time. Those wanting to go old-school on cocktails might want to try a few legendary options, some of which have been around for decades.

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Mai Tai (main photo)

This legendary concoction isn’t indigenous to Tahiti;  the nation’s Polynesian heritage inspired restaurant chain Trader Vic to invent the beverage in the 1940s. This one’s the standard that accentuates the qualities of white and dark rum, when balanced with the citrus elements and will let your tastebuds realize why this is such a classic.

  • 1 ¼ oz. white rum
  • ¾ oz. orange curaçao
  • ¾ oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • ½ oz. orgeat syrup
  • ½ oz. dark rum
  • lime wheel for garnish
  • mint sprig for garnish

Add the white rum, curaçao, lime juice and orgeat into a shaker with crushed ice and shake lightly for a few seconds. Pour into a double rocks glass and float the dark rum over the top. Shake and serve over crushed ice and garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.

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Mint Julep

Best known as the choice cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, this concoction is usually served in a rocks glass or more appropriately in a silver julep cup. Use a slightly higher-proof bourbon to keep the crushed ice from diluting the beverage to quickly.

  • ¼ oz. simple syrup
  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • 7 mint leaves
  • mint sprig for garnish
  • angostura bitters for garnish (optional)

In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup. Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice. Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside. Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome, and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters (optional)

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Lime Margarita

This cocktail has a complicated history, allegedly created in 1938 by a Mexican restaurateur to impress a showgirl named Margaret, although another story has it that it was invented in the 1940s in Tijuana and named after Rita Hayworth, whose real name was Margarita Casino. Regardless of the past, made correctly, this beverage’s taste is timeless.

1 wedge lime

  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, or as needed
  • 1 cup ice cubes, or as needed
  • 2 oz. white tequila
  • 1 ½ oz. triple sec
  • 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 slice lime

Moisten the rim of a glass with a lime wedge. Sprinkle salt onto a plate. Lightly dip the moistened rim into the salt. Place a large ice cube in the glass and freeze the prepared glass until ready to serve. Fill a cocktail shaker with fresh ice. Add tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Cover and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker has frosted. Strain margarita into the chilled glass and garnish with a slice of lime.-

Pink Paloma

One of the most popular drinks in Mexico, this concoction has become a hit for its combination of tequila with fruit juice, adding a tarty kick to the imbibing experience.

  • 2 oz.  tequila
  • 2 oz.  pink grapefruit juice
  • 2 oz.  sparkling water
  • ¼ oz. lime juice
  • ¼ oz. simple syrup
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1 lime wedge for garnish
  • ice cubes

Fill a glass with ice cubes, then add the tequila, lime juice and salt. Fill the rest of the glass with pink grapefruit juice, then garnish with a lime wedge.

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Strawberry Basil Smash

Strawberries and fresh basil are smashed together until fragrant in this bourbon-based cocktail that’s perfect for those hot summer days just around the corner.

  • ¼ c. fresh strawberries, cut into chunks
  • 5 leaves fresh basil
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. simple syrup
  • 3 oz. bourbon
  • ½ cup ice, or as needed
  • 3 oz. sparkling water, or as needed

Muddle strawberries, basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup together in a cocktail glass until smashed together and fragrant. Add bourbon and ice, then stir to combine. Top with sparkling water.

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Blue Lagoon

Contrary to popular belief, this beverage wasn’t named after the 1980s Brooke Shields movie, as a Paris-based bar came up with the concoction at least a decade earlier. Still, its exotic moniker might be enticing enough for folks to give this cocktail a shot.

  • 1 oz. vodka
  • 1 oz. blue curaçao
  • 4 oz. lemonade
  • lemon wheel for garnish
  • maraschino cherry for garnish

Add the vodka, blue curaçao and lemonade to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry.

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Pisco Sour

A Peruvian favorite, this drink is made from a pisco liqueur, although folks north of the equator are more likely to use brandy as a substitute if the real thing isn’t available. If you’ve never tasted a pisco sour, you’re just in time for its comeback. The smoothness of the star ingredient meets fragrant lime and a silky foam froth.

  • 3 oz. pisco
  • 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 3/4 oz. simple syrup
  • 1 impeccably fresh egg white
  • 1 dash Angostura bitters

To a cocktail shaker, add the pisco, lime juice, simple syrup and egg white. Secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Remove the lid, fill the shaker with ice, return the lid and shake again for another 15 or 20 seconds. Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass, add a dash or two of bitters atop the foam and enjoy.

[post_title] => Summer Cocktails [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-cocktails [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-21 16:23:05 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-21 22:23:05 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=19909 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => When it comes to summer drinks, you can’t go wrong with classic cocktails. Bartenders and mixologists love to experiment with what’s in the cabinet to come up with new drinks … ) 1

Road Trip Restaurants


 There’s dining out, and then there’s dining way out… Families take day trips to get away from it all, if just for a short while. It’s a bonus if a …Read More
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 There’s dining out, and then there’s dining way out…

Families take day trips to get away from it all, if just for a short while. It’s a bonus if a beach, music festival or heritage site is on the itinerary, but how far would folks travel just to nosh? With that in mind, we mapped out a few eateries featuring unique epicurean experiences surrounding St. Albert and the region. Using a series of pre-determined ranges extending up to 200 km away, and basing results on reviews from travelling patrons on the likes of TripAdvisor and Yelp!, we selected one notable spot within each area that might be enticing enough for folks to hit the road. Here’s a look at a few establishments we came up with: 

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0-25 km:

Chartier

Beaumont’s Chartier presents French-Canadian food with style and substance. The extensive menus include a brunch featuring an epic, huge cinnamon bun. Lunch and dinner features several options for different appetites and budgets, from a smoked meat sandwich and chicken pot pie to the gigantic and decadent lobster tail poutine. An onsite bakery also specializes in sourdough-based bread and treats. This establishment’s clientele is so loyal, that when the restaurant was faced with having to close last year, an anonymous donor invested enough to keep Chartier going.

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25-50 km:

New Diamond Restaurant

New Diamond Restaurant has been a mainstay in Legal for over three decades. Serving up common Asian-Canadian fare from chicken chow mein to ginger beef, the eatery has earned online raves for its quality, portions, and service. Milton Ng, a Vancouver-based filmmaker and one of the original owner’s sons, is currently producing an “action-zombie” film based on growing up in a small town and working at the restaurant. The film’s crowdfunding campaign video features footage of original owner Paul Ng talking about how he treated customers like friends. When it comes to Legal’s local legacy, New Diamond is a gem.

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50-100 km:

Mamas’ in the Kitchen 

Like the name of the restaurant implies, fans of this popular diner in Alberta Beach enjoy meals reminiscent of home cooking, served in abundantly large portions. Some come for the all-day breakfast, while others rave about the fish and chips. Service also tends to be wonderful, even during peak busy times. Definitely worth a drive for people who like diner food in large quantities. 

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100-150 km:

Tollers Bistro

Numerous online reviews note that Tollers Bistro in Lacombe has excellent coffee and donuts. However, the menu is far more extensive with a variety of sandwiches, wraps, burgers, soups, salads, rice and noodle bowls, and pasta. Bring the kids, because there is a menu for smaller people 12 and under. If you want to stop in for a coffee - which means choosing from a solid list that includes espresso-based drinks, teas, and drip coffee - consider pairing it with breakfast, which features a selection of omelettes, “benedicts,” waffles, French toast, and more. 

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LOCATIONS

Chartier

Mamas’ in the Kitchen Restaurant and Catering

Tollers Bistro

New Diamond Restaurant

[post_title] => Road Trip Restaurants [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => road-trip-restaurants [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-21 15:46:12 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-21 21:46:12 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=19888 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] =>  There’s dining out, and then there’s dining way out… Families take day trips to get away from it all, if just for a short while. It’s a bonus if a … ) 1

Backyard Home Theatre


Regardless of your budget, backyard movies can be fun for the whole family As adults we may no longer be able to make blanket forts, but we can still create …Read More
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Regardless of your budget, backyard movies can be fun for the whole family

As adults we may no longer be able to make blanket forts, but we can still create our own drive-in movies.

Minus the cars, of course, and the commute.  Constructing a little area in your backyard to screen movies on a gloriously warm summer night isn’t really all that hard. All you need are a few pieces of equipment, some chairs, and a bowl of popcorn. Simple, really ̶ or is it?
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Screening Area
Yes, you can use a sheet or the side of your house if you like, but that’s only if you want to see stucco on Ryan Reynolds’ face or watch as a particularly tense scene in “Minions: The Rise of Gru” flutter softly in the wind. No, we’re well into the 21st century and the outdoor screen is very much a thing. 

Staples, Best Buy, and Amazon have a number in different formats and sizes running from around $200 into the thousands, but the Elite Screens Yard Master Plus ticks off all of the boxes if you can slam down $560. Slimming it down a little, the RCA 100-inch portable projector screen can be had at Walmart for a paltry $68. Rentals? Go to River City Events, who have your back with 25-foot inflatable screens for $350.

If you’re determined to go the sheet route, make sure it’s pulled very tight and has somewhere in the area of a 400-thread count. The thicker the better!
(rivercityevents.ca, amazon.ca, walmart.ca)
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Media Player
Can’t be stinting on this one, because the better quality player you have, the better quality the image will be. Again, you can find yourself lost in the range of prices out there, but let’s draw a line down the middle and suggest the VANKYO Leisure 1080P projector, which does a fine job of streaming from up to 21 feet away for just under $400 at Walmart. 

You’ll need your phone, streaming stick or computer for streaming services to connect with via wi-fi, and probably better speakers, whereas the BenQ GS50 features a 2.1 channel Bluetooth speaker with extra bass. It already supports AirPlay and Chromecast casting for iOS, MacOS, Android, and PC devices, so no worries on many of the popular streaming apps. The cost? This beauty will set you back $848 if you grab it from Amazon, though it does cover the bases quite nicely.

Most likely you’ll be pulling the projector back or bringing it forward in order to get the correct screen size, so have a small table and an extension cord handy. A power strip should be kept on hand, and in case your home wi-fi isn’t powerful enough, consider investing in an extender. They can be found at Canadian Tire, Staples, Best Buy and other places, but it’s another item you don't want to cheap out on. The UltraXtend has been getting rave reviews, and while only available online at the moment it’s actually a decent price at $49.90 US.

(ivankyo,com, benq.com, ultraxtend.com)
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Seating
That really comes down to a number of factors, doesn’t it? Lawn chairs are a great idea if you can find where they’re stashed in the basement or garage, and blankets can be deployed as well. If you have a tarp, lay it down first so that you don’t get stains on them. Pillows are a great idea; the bigger the better, and if you have a blow-up mattress, then you’re really riding in luxury.  

The Neighbors
Singer-songwriter Jonathan Richman once observed in a song to his wife that “there’s no need to let the neighbours run your life,” and while that’s true, it’s also a fact that you need to keep them informed. An outdoor movie night with the family or friends can be really irritating for folks next door, especially when there’s no forewarning. Let them know, and even consider inviting them. Maybe they’ll bring over a few bottles of wine or that potato salad that you've heard so much about.

Food
We’re going all out here in this article. No microwave popcorn or bags of popcorn twists for us high livers. Oh no, we’re bringing in a genuine popcorn machine from River City Rentals for $135. Then again, we could also choose the candy floss, sno-cone or the hot dog machine if we want to go all out. Infinite Event Services even offers margarita machines if you’re so inclined. If you figure you’ll be doing this on the regular and want to buy, Canadian Tire has a Betty Crocker Movie Nite Cinema-Style Kettle Popcorn Maker for $114.99.

(rivercityevents.ca, canadiantire.ca, infinteeventservices.com)

Other Factors
Royalties are part of a larger discussion when it comes to the arts, but if you’re screening a movie among a small group of family and friends you don’t need to worry about that. If you’re charging and packing people in you’ll need to revisit this. 

What you do need to worry about are bugs, and while you’ll never fully rid your yard of wasps, mosquitoes and other biting nasties you can alleviate it with wasp traps, mosquito trappers and perhaps some Deep Words Off, because we do live in northern Alberta. 

Finally, it might be tempting to wait until after the sky is completely dark to screen your movie, but keep in mind that Edmonton and other communities surrounding the city have a noise bylaw that means you can be shut down after 10 p.m. if someone really doesn’t want to hear Ryan Gosling singing his song from “Barbie” wafting through their window.

[post_title] => Backyard Home Theatre [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => backyard-home-theatre [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-21 15:28:38 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-21 21:28:38 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=19882 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Regardless of your budget, backyard movies can be fun for the whole family As adults we may no longer be able to make blanket forts, but we can still create … ) 1

Edmonton From Above


Perspective is everything. Generally speaking, we only see Edmonton from a few vantage points. Street level gets you anonymous office towers or suburbs; Chateau Lacombe’s La Ronde restaurant and the …Read More
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Perspective is everything.

Generally speaking, we only see Edmonton from a few vantage points. Street level gets you anonymous office towers or suburbs; Chateau Lacombe’s La Ronde restaurant and the streetcar on the High Level Bridge allows for better views. We’ll throw in The End of the World in

Belgravia and the hill in Queen Elizabeth Park overlooking the Walterdale Bridge as an example of places in which we realize the city is prettier than we allow ourselves to think because we can see the layers.

If you have the opportunity to take a summer evening ride in one of those hot air balloons that the neighborhood dogs frantically bark at, you’ll see something even more stunning: a crystal blue river padded by green, and buildings dotted along the side with an expanse of smaller houses and apartments sprawling out. 

That’s the view that pterodactyls enjoy as they ceaselessly scan the ground for prey below. It’s the city we’ve grown up in or chosen, and while it might not rank as one of the world’s great beauties, it has its moments, especially when the hidden parts you never knew are revealed from above.

Looking down on the river you see canoes and kayaks, motor boats and very occasionally the Edmonton Queen when it isn’t in dry dock. Walking trails criss-cross green spaces around the city, and if you're lucky you could glimpse big animals moving shyly along the corridor that is the river valley. As light fades in the sky, Commonwealth Stadium glows from a concert or Elks game. Trains move slowly alongside the Yellowhead. 

There are so many more to discover. It’s all perspective, and you can take that literally or figuratively.

WANNA TAKE A RIDE?

For an opportunity to get a first-hand look at what Edmonton looks like from the air, here are a couple of choices to consider.

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Edmonton Regional Helicopters

erhelicopters.com

780-890-7788

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Horizon Flight School

horizonflightschool.ca

780-606-0161

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Sundance Balloons

sundanceballoons.com

780-990-0799

[post_title] => Edmonton From Above [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => edmonton-from-above [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-21 12:17:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-21 18:17:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=19876 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Perspective is everything. Generally speaking, we only see Edmonton from a few vantage points. Street level gets you anonymous office towers or suburbs; Chateau Lacombe’s La Ronde restaurant and the … ) 1

‘Motoring’ around Edmonton


We’re nearly a decade past when “Back to the Future 2” incorrectly predicted hoverboards as a popular mode of transport, but luckily a few other vehicles have stepped into the …Read More
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We’re nearly a decade past when “Back to the Future 2” incorrectly predicted hoverboards as a popular mode of transport, but luckily a few other vehicles have stepped into the gap.

We’ve left out the word “happily” in that statement, if only because the number of e-scooters adorning trees and parts of the river valley indicate that not everyone is thrilled with the new 21st century rides. Still, they’re catching on, and cars are no longer the primary means of transportation for many. Take a second to tabulate the number of alternative choices out there beyond bicycles, motorcycles, and skateboards.  

Better yet, let us do that for you, and give some suggestions on where to rent or buy.

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E-Scooters

The bane of many people’s existence is also a cheap and fun way to get around. For rental purposes, Edmonton currently has two operators, Lime and Bird, while St. Albert is welcoming back Bird for 2024. To unlock, you’ll pay in the range of a dollar, and then 30 to 35 cents per minute. If you’re interested in owning, St. Albert’s Boot ‘n’ Scooter has a selection that ranges from $1,099 up to just under $4,000. E-scooters are allowed on shared pathways, bike lanes and roads with a speed limit of 50 km an hour or lower, but forbidden on sidewalks.

( bird.co)

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Bicycles

If you want to kick it old school with a kickstand there are plenty of places to buy a bike. Bike Edmonton sells refurbished bikes for those on a budget, while Edmonton Bike Rentals rent for as low as $50 a day. Cranky’s Bike Shop in St. Albert has kids rides for as low as a couple of hundred dollars, while those with a couple of thousand in loose change can salivate at the fancy mountain bikes. Stay in the bike lane or road, but not on the sidewalk!

(crankys.ca, edmontonbikerentals.com)

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Motorcycles

Sometimes you just feel the need to feel the wind in your face, or alternately the thundering roar of a loud pipe in other people’s ears. If so, a motorcycle is exactly what you’re looking for, whether cruisers like Harley and Kawasaki, choppers, minis, and more. Harley-Davidson Edmonton can lighten your wallet by as much as $52,399 for a Street Glide. Rentals can be found for as low as $199 at Big Toy Shop in Edmonton. Riverside Moto Sports in St. Albert can partially scratch that itch with a selection that starts as low as $2,099. Not for novices, but you knew that, right?

(riversidemotosports.com, bigtoyshop.ca)

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Electric Bikes

Biking is healthy and fun, but sometimes you just don’t want to deal with those pesky inclines. A battery powered e-bike can take the strain off when you’re feeling like giving those gams a rest in the midst of a long commute or trip. Riverbank E-Bikes rent for $25 an hour or $100 a day, while in St. Albert, you can find a number of purchasing choices at Cranky’s for as low as $1,600 or so. As with other leg powered vehicles, stay off the sidewalks!

(riverbankebikes.com)

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Segways

Remember when Segways were everywhere? Or at least it seemed like the self-balancing two wheels were going to revolutionize personal transport. They’re still around; Best Buy and Walmart have models in the thousand and above range, but the company has opted to focus on other motor devices. They’re still popular in certain quarters, though; River Valley Adventure in Edmonton has 60- and 90-minute courses starting at $59.99 for those who wish to trek through the river valley like cyborg ducks all in a row.

(rivervalleyadventure.com)

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Mopeds and Scooters

The tiny distant cousins to motorcycles, scooters and mopeds are modest and cheaper modes of transport for getting around town. Scooters have larger motors than mopeds, while mopeds are far cooler if you’re trying to approximate the lifestyle of Who-obsessed English Mods circa the movie “Quadrophenia.” The terms are interchangeable in Canada, really, so if you’re looking to buy, there’s both to be found at Alberta Cycle, including a Justin Bieber model, for as low as $3,000 or so. Rental? Try Vespa YEG, that offers $100 for a half day and $150 for a full.

(albertacycle.com, vespayeg.com)

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Skateboards

Planning to learn how to crooked grind on the vert ramp this summer? If you can decipher that sentence then you’re already well on your way to becoming a skateboarder. There are plenty of shops in town to find what you need, whether for tricks or transportation, including Edmonton’s Local 124, which offers complete skateboards for as little as $89.99. Rentals? That’s a little harder, but House of Wheels does offer $10 rentals along with utility fees.  

(local124.com, houseofwheels.ca)

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Electric Unicycle

The most recent wildcard in the personal transport device would be the electric unicycle. They still exist in a legal gray area, but that hasn’t stopped a large number of Edmonton and area residents from learning how to balance on that single wheel. Keep it to the bike lanes and likely the police won’t pester you, but otherwise it’s a coin toss. Cost? You can find them online for quite the range, $300 or so and up to the thousands, but it’s hard to find anywhere in the area that sells. Rentals are another proposition: YEG Wheel in Edmonton offers both necessary training and rentals, so hop on their website if you want to get in on the action.

(yegwheel.com)

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10 bask-friendly beaches


Alberta has some of the country’s most splendid aquatic attractions, such as the picturesque Lake Louise, bustling Sylvan Lake, and scores of relaxing beaches touching Lesser Slave Lake. Most of …Read More
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Alberta has some of the country’s most splendid aquatic attractions, such as the picturesque Lake Louise, bustling Sylvan Lake, and scores of relaxing beaches touching Lesser Slave Lake. Most of these, however, are so distant it’s best to plan for an entire weekend. But if you only have a day’s worth of downtime, you can find several appealing lakes and beaches within an hour’s drive from the city. Here’s a look at 10 of them. Unless otherwise indicated, all services are free.

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Half Moon Lake

Half Moon Lake

30 km. southwest via Hwy 16 & Rge. Rd. 830

Besides taking a dip in this narrow body of water or lolling about on the pristine beaches, folks can also take advantage of standing paddleboats, volleyball courts and mini-golf. Pack a lunch and don’t forget the weenies as this area is fully equipped with picnic tables, firepits and washroom facilities. But be prepared to fork over $10 per adult and $5 per child, as those proceeds go to ensuring everything is clean and safe for public use.

South Cooking Lake 

36 km. southeast via Hwy. 14

Run by the South Cooking Lake Community League, this Strathcona County attraction is best known for the white sands bordering the shorelines. If a good soak in the water or a sunbathing session isn’t your thing, you’ll find an assortment of other things to do in the area, such as pickleball, basketball, and a playground for the youngsters. More peckish families can make full use of the picnic area that includes firepits.

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Voyageur Park

Voyageur Park

42 km. southwest via Hwy. 2 & Hwy. 19

Using the short beaches along the North Saskatchewan River as a draw, this day park near Devon is suitable for shallow swimming and a multitude of hiking trails just off the shoreline. The park also features picnic facilities including firepit as well as a boat launch. A full day here will cost $10 for parking.

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Allan Beach

Hubbles Lake 

45 km. west via Hwy 16 & Rge. Rd. 13

Underwater springs are responsible for the crystal clarity of this Parkland County lake that boasts depts of up to 30 feet, although visitors might also Allan Beach with sand that’s equally clean. A local private resort responsible for its upkeep also offers horseshoe pits, firepits, and a general store for supplies. For day use, the resort charges $12 for adults and $6 for children, although tykes five and under get in free.

Hastings Lake
54 km. southeast via Hwy 16 & Rge. Rd. 830

This crystal-clear, spring-fed lake is geared more for swimming and boating than a sunbathing excursion given that the beach is a combination of rock and sand. The area doesn’t offer much in terms of picnic and play areas, but the surrounding area is ideal for hiking. Nature lovers in particular might revel at the opportunity to catch a glimpse of an occasional moose or whitetail deer foraging in the wild.

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Wizard Lake

Wizard Lake

56 km. south via Hwy 2

Your front-seat access to this lake near Calmar is Jubilee Park Campground, where local staff endeavour to keep the beach and waters in top shape. Their efforts are rewarded with an $8 parking charge for day use of the facilities. Within the gated area, visitors will find plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunning, while folks bring boats can make full use of the launch area for waterskiing, fishing for perch and pike, or simply putting around.

Astotin Lake

63 km. northeast via Hwy. 16

Elk Island National Park is renowned for the spectacle of buffalo wandering across the roads, but once they eventually let you pass through, be prepared for another eye-catching natural wonder of Astotin Lake’s unsullied beach. A superb spot for sunbathing, swimming or paddling around in the available watercraft, keep your eyes open for some of the lake’s aquatic wonders from beavers to pelicans. The park charges a family admission entrance fee of $17.50.

Wabamun Lake Beach

64 km. west via Hwy. 16

One of the most popular summer locales for swimming and suntanning, Wabumun also offers a slew of options for getting around on the lake. Choose from paddleboards and kayaks to windsurfing boards and even sailboats. In fact, it was at this very lake where Olympian Lawrence Lemieux learned to sail. Besides picnic facilities and a playground, the village of Wabumun also offers retail service for any supplies you might have forgotten for your day trip.

Alberta Beach

72 km. west via Hwy. 16 & Hwy. 43

If there’s one beach that has a strong cultural link to the capital region, it’s this spot on the southeastern tip of Lac Ste. Anne, where for decades, a legendary dance hall once hosted everything from orchestras to jazz combos and rock acts. Things are relatively quieter there these days, but it’s still a prime destination for swimmers, sunbathers, boaters and hikers who also take advantage of the picnic facilities and play areas on the shore.

Ma-Me-O Beach

93 km. southwest via Hwy. 216

Located on Pigeon Lake and a short distance from the village of the same name, this beach is revered for its white sand, enticing folks to splash around in the shallow, crystal-clear water. After drying off, visitors can dine in the well-equipped picnic area, let the kids loose in the playground, or get everyone together to hike on the plethora of trails near the beach.

[post_title] => 10 bask-friendly beaches [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => 10-bask-friendly-beaches [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-21 11:25:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-21 17:25:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=19861 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Alberta has some of the country’s most splendid aquatic attractions, such as the picturesque Lake Louise, bustling Sylvan Lake, and scores of relaxing beaches touching Lesser Slave Lake. Most of … ) 1

Kingswood Disc Golf


Disc golf sets news heights at Kingswood Park The City of St. Albert has put an entirely different spin on park recreation. It’s a whirl in the form of a …Read More
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Disc golf sets news heights at Kingswood Park

The City of St. Albert has put an entirely different spin on park recreation. It’s a whirl in the form of a permanent disc golf course at Kingswood Park that will run throughout the entire summer for the first time. 

Locals only had a few months to try out the facility, which opened last summer at the park, located near Riverlot 56 in the eastern part of the city. Stats on its usage are murky at best, although a third-party app called UDisc reported that visitors played roughly 2,100 rounds on the course during the four months it was open. Still, Craig Cameron, the city’s Manager of Parks and Community Partnership, was encouraged by the numbers.

“This was our first season of use, and we look forward to continuing to track usage,” he said about last year’s traffic on the course, slated to operate this year from May until October. “Even with a shortened play season, we were pleased with the amount of usage.”

A full six-month season will provide plenty of opportunity for patrons to try their hand at disc golf, one of the fastest growing sports on the planet. It’s played very much like the more conventional version of golf, but without clubs and dimpled balls. Instead, players use flying discs, more commonly known as frisbees on nine- or 18-hole courses. But instead of holes, the sport uses baskets as target on each fairway. 

It’s also far more user-friendly than traditional golf in that participants don’t need to invest in relatively more items like clubs, balls, bags and tees. And unlike most golf courses, the Kingswood Park facility doesn’t charge admission fees or impose tee-time bookings. Folks can show up anytime during the day with anything from a disc from a dollar store to a more professional version from a sporting goods retailer.

“Disc golf is for everyone! We see players of all ages and abilities using the course, including family groups, school groups, and community groups. Kingswood Park disc golf course is a recreational course that will allow people to discover the sport and hopefully grow interest in the community.”

Craig Cameron, the city’s Manager of Parks and Community Partnership,
Ted-Johnsson

The city is relying more than just hope to attract more users. In 2020, a temporary facility was already in use in Langholm Park, when the city embarked on a feasibility study to determine the need for something more permanent. An eight-page report presented at City Council in September, 2021 revealed that 83 percent of respondents favoured a disc golf park, with Kingswood cited as its most preferred location. Using respondent feedback and guidelines set by the Professional Disc Golf Association, the city went ahead with a $147,900 project to landscape the park into a course that opened in July, 2023. The result is a playing surface with natural features like hills and trees to make it more interesting for players, although Cameron added that the park isn’t strictly for disc golf.

“The course is also designed to balance shared use between existing and new park users, including the consideration of grooming cross-country ski trails in the winter,”

Craig Cameron, the city’s Manager of Parks and Community Partnership,

Looking forward to increased usage of Kingswood, Cameron noted he’s impressed with the comments about the facility’s amenities and the thought that went into the course’s construction.

“With Kingswood Park being the first permanent disc golf course in St. Albert, players are happy for the experience,” he said. 

“We have also had positive feedback on the tee pads and basket features. The tee pads are artificial turf which provide a strong, consistent, and safe area to throw discs from in different conditions. The disc golf baskets are PDGA approved and mounted seasonally in the park. People also like that the park has a pavilion that offers shelter and a public washroom.”

OTHER DISC GOLF COURSES IN THE AREA

Ardrossan

Strathcona Wilderness Centre (private, 9 holes)

Beaumont

Four Seasons (public, 9 holes)

Bon Accord

Wildman (private, 18 holes)

Edmonton

Hermitage Park (public, 18 holes)

Norwester Park (public, 9 holes)

Rundle Park (public, 18 holes)

The Hills at Charlesworth (public, 9 holes)

Leduc

Water-In-View at Fred Johns Park (public, 9 holes)

Spruce Grove

Bailey’s Crossing (private, 18 holes)

Stony Plain

Jubilee Park (public, 9 holes)

Source: Professional Disc Golf Association (pdga.com)

[post_title] => Kingswood Disc Golf [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => kingswood-disc-golf [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-21 09:51:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-21 15:51:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=19857 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Disc golf sets news heights at Kingswood Park The City of St. Albert has put an entirely different spin on park recreation. It’s a whirl in the form of a … ) 1

PEACH FUZZ


Pantone takes a fruitier path with this year’s peach fuzz shade PHOTOGRAPHY: Stephanie Cragg As we continue to recover from the lingering isolation in the wake of COVID, while grappling …Read More
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Pantone takes a fruitier path with this year’s peach fuzz shade

PHOTOGRAPHY: Stephanie Cragg

As we continue to recover from the lingering isolation in the wake of COVID, while grappling with the divisiveness rampant across the planet, the Pantone Color Institute chose a shade designed to unite us all, while packing a peachy punch. 

“In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a colour radiant with warmth and modern elegance,” said Pantone Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the organization that revealed “Peach Fuzz” (PANTONE 13-1023) as this year’s official colour. “A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.”

With that in mind, we searched high and low for items geared towards upholding that directive.

[post_title] => PEACH FUZZ [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => peach-fuzz [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-21 09:30:05 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-21 15:30:05 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=19843 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Pantone takes a fruitier path with this year’s peach fuzz shade PHOTOGRAPHY: Stephanie Cragg As we continue to recover from the lingering isolation in the wake of COVID, while grappling … ) 1

Spring Fashion


Wardrobe worlds collide in this season’s fashion outlook You don’t have to gaze at headlines or your social media accounts to realize we live in very confusing times when reality …Read More
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Wardrobe worlds collide in this season’s fashion outlook

You don’t have to gaze at headlines or your social media accounts to realize we live in very confusing times when reality and reason seem to have lost their meanings. Add to the bewilderment the idea that going forward might also mean taking a few steps back. 

That appears to be the rationale behind this season’s fashion spread that takes a combination biodome and utilitarian approach, involving futuristic designs, while digging into the past to find one’s roots. Think jumpsuits with wide pant legs and cargo pockets for a look that’s not only attractive, but practical. Or bright and colourful ’70s designs hearkening the carefree spirit of that decade melding with muted earth tones to call to attention the need for environmental awareness that future generations will have to wrestle with.

As this photo essay reveals, those are mashups worth mulling over.

Special thank you to all involved

Photography:
Francis Tetrault

Assistant:
Renee Poirier 

Wardrobe assistant:
Ashley Wilkinson 

Hair and make up:
Alicia Charles for
Blonde Brunette Hair Studio 

Models:
Em and Sidney 

Modelling agency:
Mode Models 

Location:
Kuhlmann’s Garden Center

[post_title] => Spring Fashion [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => spring-fashion [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-21 08:58:56 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-21 14:58:56 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=19836 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Wardrobe worlds collide in this season’s fashion outlook You don’t have to gaze at headlines or your social media accounts to realize we live in very confusing times when reality … ) 1