After crossing the forests of northern Alberta, exploring the remote communities of northern Saskatchewan and following the historic Red Coat Trail across southern Saskatchewan, it was finally time to head home.
But rather than taking the fastest route back to British Columbia, I chose one more adventure.
This final chapter of The Northern Adventure leads through the rolling hills of southern Alberta, the fascinating hoodoos of Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, the mountain scenery of the Crowsnest Pass and the familiar roads of British Columbia’s Kootenays.

This is the third section of my Northern Woods & Water Highway adventure across Western Canada. After crossing northern Alberta and northern Saskatchewan, I continued south to follow Saskatchewan’s historic Red Coat Trail (Highway 13) before turning west towards Alberta.

Most travellers crossing Canada head for the Trans-Canada Highway. I decided to take a different route.
Starting in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, I followed the Northern Woods and Water Highway east through northern Alberta, travelling alone and sleeping in my Toyota RAV4. What I discovered was a side of Canada that many people never see: endless canola fields stretching to the horizon, quiet lakes, historic trading posts, small prairie communities and some of the friendliest people I’ve met on the road.

**2025 Update:**I first took this journey in 2018 when it was still the legendary Kaoham Shuttle — a tiny one-car train that rattled along the tracks beside stunning Seton Lake. In 2025, I returned to find the train replaced by the Tsalalh Seaton bus, which still travels the same spectacular cliff-hugging rails. The scenery is every bit as dramatic, the […]

The second stage of my North Woods & Water Highway adventure took me east from Cold Lake, Alberta, across northern Saskatchewan and into Manitoba.

Travelling in my old Toyota RAV4, I followed Highway 55 through remote farming communities, vast boreal forests, endless canola fields, and some of the quietest roads I have ever driven. For long stretches, it felt as though I had the entire highway to myself.

The journey wasn’t without challenges. Wildfire smoke often hung over the landscape, turning blue skies grey and limiting visibility. At times, I questioned whether I should continue east or abandon the route and head south.

Thankfully, I kept going.

What is living in Canada really like? Is it a country of broken dreams? Why are so many Canadians moving away? What is happening to the land of freedom and opportunities? What is causing the great Canadian exodus? Question after question. Many issues are causing Canadians to move away and look for greener pastures. The cost of living is skyrocketing […]

Take Meadow Lake to Dog Creek Road from Clinton to Williams Lake for a wilderness adventure on dusty roads, with historic ranches, volcanic cliffs, deep canyons, hoodoos and a Second World War Aerodrome. If you’re looking for an alternative route off Highway 97 when travelling from Clinton to Williams Lake, the Meadow Lake Road to Dog Creek Road is your […]

Travel from the highest mountains in Canada to the ocean port of Haines, Alaska, on the Lynn Canal. My Haines Highway itinerary features one of the most spectacular drives in the North with jaw-dropping scenery.  Plenty of pull-outs allow you to stop to admire the view. Haines Highway Itinerary from Haines Junction, Yukon to Haines, Alaska My multi-day trip to […]