Every chance we get, and we encourage local people to do the same, we bend the ear of our politicians over tourism promotion.
Our big question always is, why the heck do our governments and agencies spend so much time and money promoting mountains? We’re a fan of ‘running with your strengths’ but honestly, does our government and their tourism promoters think there is nothing at all else in Alberta to be proud of?
Sure seems that way!
But stop! Before somebody in Calgary or Edmonton takes this idea away from Alberta spending, thinking it’s a good idea to switch it to internationally, why not direct those dollars to Albertans? The issue here is, we are promoting mountains so much to Albertans, many of us think that is all there is!
Mountains are just a slice. Badlands. The vastness of northern Alberta which is actually half the province. Our northern lakes. Fishing, boating and camping on rivers and streams. The still huge untapped opportunities in Indigenous tourism. Rodeos, fairs, sports and events. West Edmonton Mall is no longer an item. But ooo, there’s another big rock!
Generally speaking, Jasper and Banff are pretty well packed. Most people don’t even bother with those communities. In summer, they are mostly just minor pit stops on the way to the Okanagan, Shuswap or other parts of British Columbia. Most of B.C. is not as much fun as one might think.
Summertime? Full of lost Albertans. Waiting in lines at campgrounds. Rising at 5 a.m. to get a spot at the next one. And of course, enjoying sitting around a propane stove because of all the fire bans. As much fun as “enjoying” the wait to take a ferry.
Ocean? Mostly, a lot of flies, rotting weeds and dead things washing up on every beach. Coming home with a boat full of salt rotting it out if one bothers to take one all the way to the coast.
Still, much the same at some central Alberta lakes. Crowded. Expensive. Waiting in lines to launch a boat. Hoping to find a spot on a beach or grassy area to throw down a blanket or a lawn chair.
Winter trips? Might as well spend the money on our own Alberta hills or trails.
In fact, once all is said and done, over time staying home can save enough to buy a sled. A boat. And still pay for a trip to Mexico or Hawaii. There is also the option of buying a fitted out fifth-wheel, or trailer, and renting a seasonal stall on Lesser Slave Lake or many other lakes around the province.
When “mountains” or ski-life are being promoted, do we ever hear that average prices in Canmore or Whistler are about the same? In other words, the most expensive in Canada.
Expensive? There are indeed places to buy at Canmore, and even Sylvan Lake and Pigeon Lake that can run a million to several million dollars. A million still buys one heck of a “cottage” in northern Alberta.
In the end, it’s really a chicken and egg kind of situation. Tourism is tough without facilities and amenities. Facilities and amenities are tough without tourists.
It’s all an uphill battle. It’s still worth chipping away at it anyway. In the long run.
Jeff Burgar