Cold Lake Adventures: Airshows and Northern Alberta

Some adventures find you unexpectedly. When I heard about the opportunity to watch the Frecce Tricolori—the Italian Air Force aerobatic team—perform at the Cold Lake Air Show with VIP access, I couldn't say no. What followed was an unforgettable journey through Northern Alberta.

The Frecce Tricolori Experience

Cold Lake is home to Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, one of the largest air force bases in Canada. Every few years, they host an incredible air show that draws military aviation enthusiasts from around the world.

The star attraction during my visit was the Frecce Tricolori, Italy's national aerobatic team. Watching them paint the sky with the Italian tricolore—red, white, and green smoke trails against the blue Alberta sky—was absolutely mesmerizing.

Our VIP access meant we had prime viewing spots, could see the pilots up close, and had access to areas the general public couldn't reach. Standing there with friends, snapping photos with “The Sky's the Limit” behind us, I felt incredibly grateful for these unexpected moments of joy.

Exploring Edmonton

Edmonton served as our base for the Cold Lake trip. Alberta's capital is a vibrant city that surprised me with its food scene, river valley trails, and friendly atmosphere.

We explored Old Strathcona's shops and cafes, walked along the North Saskatchewan River, and discovered why Edmontonians are so proud of their city. It's a place that deserves more attention than it often gets.

Royal Tyrrell Museum: A Dinosaur Dream

One of the highlights of our Alberta adventure was the drive to Drumheller to visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum. For anyone who grew up loving dinosaurs—and honestly, who didn't?—this museum is a pilgrimage.

Walking through galleries filled with real dinosaur fossils, complete skeletons, and incredible exhibits about Alberta's prehistoric past was a childhood dream come true. The museum is world-renowned for good reason—the quality and quantity of specimens is remarkable.

Drumheller itself is fascinating too. The badlands landscape feels almost alien, with its hoodoos and dramatic rock formations. It's easy to imagine dinosaurs roaming these lands millions of years ago.

Northern Alberta Surprises

What struck me most about this part of Canada was how different it felt from British Columbia, where I lived. The vast prairies, the big sky, the small-town hospitality— Alberta has its own distinct character.

The people were welcoming, the sunsets over the prairies were spectacular, and the sense of space and openness was refreshing. Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don't plan—the ones that come together through a series of happy accidents and open invitations.