Manyberries Train Station in Alberta

Originally built in 1917, the former train station in Manyberries, Alberta is now a private family residence. The Canadian Pacific Railway operated this remote line in southern Alberta as primarily a grain gathering branch, however it closed in the 1980s and the rails were later removed in the 1990s. I followed up on an invitation to come down and explore this uniquely restored property, and was amazed by all of the rail history that still resides here.

Majorville Medicine Wheel in Alberta

On top of a grassy hill overlooking the Bow River in Alberta, the Majorville Medicine Wheel is an archaeological site of the Blackfoot Nation that dates back over 4500 years. I visited the site last summer while filming the Spirit of the Badlands campaign for the Canadian Badlands, and took part in a peace pipe ceremony with elders of the Piikani Nation.

The Majorville Medicine Wheel is located south of Bassano, but is quite literally in the middle of undisturbed prairie. Getting to the site requires some off-roading and unmarked navigation, but once you arrive you are rewarded with a view free of roads, power lines, buildings, or any other markings on the land besides the Medicine Wheel itself. The storied history, the ceremonial offerings of sweet grass and tobacco, and the notable company I was with, only further emphasized the spiritual significance of this unique landmark on the Alberta prairie.

Piikani elder and Tom Jackson speaking at the Majorville Medicine Wheel.

Canada Day Fireworks in Medicine Hat, Alberta

For the last few years I've taken up the challenge to the film the Canada Day fireworks in Medicine Hat, Alberta to create and share my own edits of the experience. Why do I keep doing it, you might ask? Well, there are a few reasons actually.

In addition to being something to do after the BBQ or lounging around all day, the Canada Day fireworks have always been a great opportunity to get some lively local footage of my hometown and share something that people are naturally interested in. It's tough to pass up the chance to put your own spin on something that you know will attract an audience.


Fireworks aren't the easiest thing to casually capture, so by putting a bit of time and thought into how I shoot and edit them, the clips have also always been a popular way to showcase my production company, Editing Luke through organic content. Not to mention, it's actually really fun to take the energy and action of the fireworks and curate it into a stylized edit that (hopefully) heightens the experience. Don't get me wrong, seeing the fireworks live is amazing, but shooting a variety of close-ups and wide shots actually gives you a different way of seeing the show even if you were there in person.  


This year I cut my footage into two parts to create shorter, more energetic clips of the Canada Day fireworks. Whether you were there or whether you're seeing them for the first time, I hope you enjoy these colourful highlights from Canada's 151st birthday captured over the Saamis Teepee in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
   

Starship Enterprise in Vulcan, Alberta

As far as quirky roadside attractions go, the Starship Enterprise in Vulcan, Alberta certainly stands out in this small prairie town. Little touches of Star Trek are easy to spot here, not the least of which are the vulcan (Spock) ears you can buy in the visitor centre.