Travel locally to experience an inexpensive holiday

Commentary by Emily Plihal
Express staff

From Tangent all the way to Smith and in between, there are a number of extraordinary opportunities just waiting to be experienced.

With the impending financial crisis many individuals may face in the upcoming months, a local alternative to summer holidays may be the answer. Instead of travelling out of the region, why not stay closer to home and experience the local campsites and communities within a couple of hours travel time?

In the Smoky River Region, a number of campsites can be found to captivate anyone’s interest.

The 5-Star Golf course is located just south of Falher in the riverbanks of the Little Smoky. The site offers a golf retreat along with many modern day conveniences within an arm’s length.

In Eaglesham, a golf course with campsite is also available.

This golf course is one of the most popular in the region, catering to either 9-hole or 18-hole golfers. Set amongst a river background, the golf course offers a golfing opportunity to beginner golfers, or those of us with a little bit more experience with golf clubs.

Winagami campsite located just south east of McLennan is well known for a great campsite, with opportunities to relax and fish.

If you are looking to take a few extra minutes to breathe fresh air while fishing, Winagami may be the answer. This also may be the spot to bird watch, as it is located just a few miles from the Bird Capital of Canada.

Shaw’s Point is located east of High Prairie on Highway 2. It features seasonal and overnight camping on 150 acres with 2 miles of lake front. It also has boat rentals, shower and laundry facilities, and an opportunity to fish, waterski, wind surf and swim. Convenience stores and a restaurant are located on the resort.

Spruce Point, located near Kinuso, also provides a nice retreat spot for campers. It provides either sites with or without power and a variety of amenities for a comfortable camping experience.

This entire region is filled with many beautiful sites and scenes.

I’m always in awe when I make the trek to Slave Lake and see all the giant spruce trees and gorgeous lake.

In my not so humble opinion, our region offers tons to do in the summer months.

Why not call the community’s town office and see if there are any big events happening this summer.

Most communities have a fair or festival, rodeo or extravaganza happening each summer.

Ask yourself how much you really know northern Alberta.

When I worked for Spotlight a few years ago, I had the pleasure of seeing sites I would have otherwise not seen.

The community of Smith is truly amazing. To me, it offers a look back to when life was enjoyable at all times.

There is a nice restaurant set beside one of the oldest churches in the region, which has been completely remodelled.

If you are interested in history and old architecture, why not take a look at each community’s oldest buildings.

There is a lot to see outside of our province, but what is inside the borders of Alberta is often forgotten by residents.

Support your local campsites. Support your local museums and businesses. But most of all, enjoy your summer locally.

Take a little time to enjoy northern Alberta.

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