Pretty much everybody loves music. Sure, our tastes tend to differ, but for the most part our phones, iPods, and mp3 players are all packed to capacity with the tunes we love. Sometimes, however, the same old playlists can get a little boring. Luckily, in beautiful High Level Alberta, there are several great ways to stay on top of today’s hottest music and if you’re lucky, discover your new favorite song!

Here are few of our favourite methods for just that:

Crank up the Radio

In High Level, you’ll have access to a couple of great local radio stations. For those with a preference for country music, tune to YL Country where you’ll find all the genre’s hottest acts and great programs like Mody in the Morning, The Bowker Breakfast Show, and Doug on the Drive. If top-40 music is more your thing, turn your dial to Kix FM (106.1) for the music of artists like Katy Perry, Rihanna, Bruno Mars and more.

Hit the Club                          

High Level may be a small town, but don’t be fooled. With a handful of great, local clubs and bars—all of which play great music and feature awesome live rock and country bands— we’ve got a vibrant nightlife. Try the Club in our conveniently-located Quality Inn and Suites location for proof of this!

Browse the Web

All of our cozy High Level hotels are outfitted with high-speed Wi-Fi. That means that you’ll always be able to stay connected with what’s hot in the music industry by visiting your favorite blogs, websites and music sharing tools. Happy listening!

In High Level, the music you crave is never far away. Whether you’re looking for something to dance to on a night out with friends, something to listen to on a drive around town, or some new tunes to listen to while you work out in one of our hotel gyms, you’re in luck!

Book a room at one of our excellent hotels today! We look forward to welcoming you to town! 

High Level may be a small town, but don’t let that fact fool you. Our charming corner of Alberta is home to excitement of all kinds. Spend your summers in High Level hiking, riding ATVs, or playing sports like golf and baseball. Spend your winters playing hockey or exploring the outdoors on a snowmobile. Or, if the weather doesn’t cooperate take a trip down to our town’s Mackenzie Crossroads Museum and Visitor Centre, where there’s always fun to be had. You’ll find the museum in the centre of town, just off the highway—and just an easy walk from all of our cozy hotels.  

Under the museum’s big, red roof, you’ll find plenty of enriching permanent features, like its authentic, early-1990s trading post, its winter carriage rides, and its butter making and candle dipping workshops. Of course, the museum also brings plenty of traveling exhibits to town, like its current attraction Black Gold, which showcases the work of contemporary artists who were inspired by the development of Alberta’s petroleum industry.

The museum also hosts frequent evening events for visitors with children, such as their recent rodeo themed night, and their fantastic ice cream making night. Give them a call to stay up to date on events of this kind.

Finally, the Mackenzie Crossroads visitor centre also functions as a bit of a community hub in High Level. Check out the centre’s bulletin board for news on community events of all shapes and sizes—from concerts, to volunteer opportunities, and everything in between.

Yes, on days when the weather puts a damper on your outdoor plans, head down to the Mackenzie Crossroads Museum and Visitor Centre for a day of exciting and educational fun—and when you’ve had your fun, head back to any one of our hotels for a bite to eat or a dreamlike sleep. Book your stay today!

We look forward to welcoming you to town! 

Recently, the Wood Buffalo National Park has received some media attention, and it’s not all just about the park’s incredible wildlife and scenery. It’s not a doubt that the park—Canada’s largest—is important. It’s home to a vastly diverse number of species, and is an extremely important environmental location, which is why it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In fact, it is that very committee—that is, the UNESCO World Heritage committee—that released a report stating the Wood Buffalo National Park is at risk from the Albertan oil sands and dam development. UNESCO is asking the federal government to increase protections on the national park, or at least reduce development that is bringing risk to the ecosystem.

This came to the attention of UNESCO when the Cree First Nation and the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation started legally combatting the Site C project. This brings focus to the importance of balancing energy use and the environment.

There is, of course, a way for all of us to help protect the Wood Buffalo National Park. As Albertans, the park is an integral part of our heritage, and it offers us countless benefits in terms of outdoor activities. Here’s what you can do to help protect the park:

1. Reduce your energy use. By conserving energy, we reduce the strain the Albertan government is facing, in turn reducing the strain on the environment—especially through hydroelectric dams.
2. Let your Member of Parliament know your concerns. Send a letter or email letting them know that you agree this is an issue.

With your help, we can protect our very own UNESCO World Heritage Site—there aren’t many people in the world that get to claim their very own UNESCO site as their backyard, and we are very privileged to do so!

We brought this to your attention because we love Alberta, and we love the Peace River area—part of which is our very own High Level. Next time you’re in town, stop by for a chat about the region, and of course, if you’re staying, we’d love to have you in our hotel! We look forward to your visit.

High Level is known for its excellent ATV tracks. Winding around and over dunes and hills, through beautiful forests and meadows, along creeks and in open plains, there are hundreds of kilometres of tracks to keep the avid all-terrainer entertained. However, it never hurts to have fun safely, which is why we’ve pulled together some of these top ATV safety tips, so you can enjoy your ride worry-free.

Take Proper Safety Courses

While ATVS seem simple enough, they’re still a powerful piece of machinery that should be used properly. Before you take your vehicle to the trails, make sure you understand how to use it. In addition, take any recommended safety courses with your vehicle so that in the case of an accident or incident, you’re able to handle yourself and your ATV properly.

Use the Proper Equipment                               

It may sound cliché, but the best advice is always the most given: wear your helmet! Not only will a full-visor helmet keep dust (and bugs) out of your eyes and mouth, it will keep you safe in the case of an accident. Besides, they look pretty cool. In addition, wear any safety pads or riding boots as you see fit, especially if you’re taking your vehicle on more extreme terrain. The proper outfit can make the difference between walking away from an accident or having to call for help!

Stick to the Trails

There are plenty of great trails in High Level, so there shouldn’t be a reason to stray off them. If you do go off the trails, only do so if you’re extremely comfortable with the area or you have a guide—there are hidden marshes and sand-pits that could have you stuck in no time. If you’re planning on exploring new trails, make sure you bring plenty of water and food, as well as survival equipment such as a compass, map, and communications device. ATVs make poor company on a cold and lonely night in the woods!

We know how much fun it is to take your vehicles off-roading, so if you have any more questions or want to know where to find the best trails, don’t hesitate to ask. Our staff is always willing to help. We look forward to your visit!

With much of Canada seeing very warm temperatures, we always run the risk of forest fires. The dry grass and lack of rain create perfect environments for them, and currently, the province is fighting over 120 wildfires. Many of these are reported to have been caused by lightning, including a large fire just north of High Level that has parts of the highway closed. While the town is currently safe, it’s important to remember the current climate. Here are a few tips on avoiding forest fires.

Avoid any burning

Make sure you have a permit or are following regulations for any brush or debris burning you might be doing. These fires may seem easy to handle, but if they are built in the wrong place—near trees or even on a patch of dry grass—they can spread quickly. Make sure you have proper extinguishing equipment nearby in case of emergencies. This also goes for pleasure fires, whether they’re on the beach, in your backyard, or on a campsite. Check if there’s a fire ban on before you light.

Manage your butts                             

If you’re a smoker, make sure you avoid using cigarettes in dry areas—in 2011, an estimated 90,000 fires were caused by smoking materials, an extreme number for such an avoidable problem. If you do use a cigarette, make sure you put the butt completely out before discarding it in a proper place. If you’re driving, never throw your butts out the window. They could bounce to dry grass on the side of the road, or even be carried by wind.

Know when to call it in

If you see a fire—no matter how small—call it in. Find the local firefighter number, or use 911 and report the fire. Don’t go near it without the proper equipment, especially if there’s a strong wind. Wind can spread fires extremely quickly, so get away from danger areas as fast as possible.

Good fire prevention tactics can keep High Level completely safe, which is how we like it! Instead of having a campfire, treat yourself to one of our modern rooms, many complete with their very own fireplaces. Book yours today. We look forward to your visit!

Whether you’re visiting on business or are in town for personal pleasure, you may, like any traveler, be wondering what you’ll do during your stay. While some prefer to live it up on their vacations, many more say that the best trip is one undertaken as a local. By steering clear of tourist attractions, you can really get to know a town, and no town is more open to travelers than High Level. So next time you’re in town, be sure to pull on your exploring shoes and take in some of these top High Level activities—local edition!

The Wales Movie Theatre

Before the era of eight, twelve, and even twenty-screen cineplexes (with absurd names such as the Colossus), theatres had a lot more personality. The Wales comes from that era, and still exudes every bit of class it once had. Created in 1927, was originally built for live theatre as well as movies (which were just starting to come out with sound and colour). The theatre is one of a kind, with upholstered chesterfield chairs imported from England and a full suite of art-deco designs. The theatre is now completely modernized for cinema while still retaining all its charm, so be sure to catch a talkie next time you’re in town!

Caesar’s Bowling Centre

If you’d rather make your own entertainment for the evening, Caesar’s is the place for you. Not to be confused with the one in Vegas, our bowling centre is a palace of a different sort. Here, locals of all ages gather to test their skill in the lanes. Will you throw a gutter, or will you throw a perfect strike? If you’re not interested in bowling, there are plenty of other options for you as well—Caesar’s is also home to billiard and snooker tables, a video arcade, and a licensed lounge, making it the perfect place to spend a fun-filled evening.

Stardust Lounge                            

If you want to spend a night on the town and want to end up with the locals, this is the place for you. Located in our very own Quality Inn & Suites, the Stardust Lounge only has one thing to say on their website: “We look forward to impressing you.” The lounge is host to live music, featuring both DJs and live bands six nights a week. And the pizza really is legendary—we recommend a slice of the “Cheeseburger”. Check out the menu and entertainment lineup here.

For a stranger, you sure know a lot about High Level already! So come on out to one of our venerable establishments and introduce yourself to the locals—they’ll be happy to see you! Whether you’re taking in a bit of the town’s history and a movie, throwing a strike, or dancing to a live band, High Level has plenty of fun for those who seek it. And while you’re in town, be sure to stay with us at one of our hotels. Book a room today. We look forward to your visit!

Winter has tucked tail and run. Spring is out in full force, and another splendid Alberta summer is well on its way—we’re expecting temperatures of 28 degrees next weekend! That means it’s time to get outside and soak up some rays. Thankfully for guests of our comfortable hotels, High Level is full of opportunities for awesome, outdoor fun.

Here are a few activities we recommend!

Knock it Out of the Park

High Level is home to two great baseball diamonds, each located in gorgeous, green parks on 100^th and 105^th respectively. What better way to spend a day in the sun? Head down to Canadian Tire, which you’ll find on Gateway Boulevard, just moments from all of our hotels, grab yourself a bat, ball, and glove, and you’re in business! Call up a few friends and make a day of it. Just don’t forget to apply plenty of sun screen!

Hit the Trails

All across High Level are beautiful walking paths, hiking trails and jogging routes. Lace up your hiking boots and go get some fresh air amongst the many beautiful birds of Northern Alberta, or tie up your running shoes for a nice walk, or cardio-blasting run. We’ve even got a great running club in town—membership is wonderfully affordable.

Tee Off

Just a few kilometers north of High Level, you’ll find Fox Haven Golf & Country Club. Enjoy a well-manicured 18 hole course, an excellent restaurant, and overall, the perfect choice for a day out in the sun.

Hit the Courts

On 103^rd street, you’ll find two tennis courts and a mounted practice board. Nets are installed in mid-May, and kept up until mid-September, which means you’ve got a whole summer of tennis to look forward to! Best of all, the courts are open to the public and entirely free to use.

With another summer upon us, there’s no excuse not get out there enjoy the beautiful outdoors of High Level! Then, when you’ve had your fill of sunshine, head back to your cozy room and enjoy the amenities that make our hotels so popular. Book your stay today! 

For guests with busy schedules, it can be difficult to find the time to stay in shape. Fitness routines often fall by the wayside to work, errands, and sorely-needed nights out at local hot spots like the club you’ll find at our Quality Inn location.

That said, we know how important fitness is to our guests. So, we’ve compiled a list of three great ways to stay in shape during your visit to beautiful High Level. Keep reading for the details!

Take a Hike

High Level’s location in the far-flung North of beautiful Alberta renders it a place of tremendous natural beauty. All around our charming town you’ll find great walking routes and hiking trails—the perfect way to see the sights, get some fresh air, and stay in shape while you’re at it. Simply set out on foot and explore, or turn to our staff for information on the area’s nicer walking routes.

Head to the Arena

In the heart of High Level, you’ll find the High Level Sports Complex, which is home to a regulation size hockey rink. In Canada it probably goes without saying, but that means hockey, the perfect way to have some fun and get your blood pumping in the process. Book the arena for a pickup game with your friends, or enjoy one of its open skates. The choice is yours! Just remember to stay hydrated.

Hit the Gym

There is perhaps no better way to stay in shape than a good, old-fashioned trip to the gym. Luckily for you, all of our High Level hotels are outfitted with well-equipped fitness centers. Sculpt your pecs, lats, bis and tris on our state-of-the-art workout machines, or get your heart pounding on of our treadmills. When you’re done, enjoy a nice shower in your room or, if you’re staying at our Best Western location, cool off in our water park!

There’s no reason your fitness should diminish during your stay in High Level. Thanks to our town’s picturesque location and our awesome in-hotel amenities, you can stay in shape with ease. Book your stay today! 

Last month we talked about the arrival of spring and with it the enjoyment of High Level’s beautiful outdoors. Now we’d like to point out that while High Level does have excellent mountains, lakes, and rivers for activities such as boating and hiking, there are also plenty of activities you can do right in town. Let’s take a look at some of the best local parks and recreation centres for getting in a bit of activity.

Centennial Park

Perfect for the taking the family, Centennial Park is full of amenities. Whether you want to get in a round of tennis, a set of beach volleyball, or a game of basketball, this is the place. The kids will also be plenty happy: with three playgrounds, there’s always plenty of room to play.

R.E. Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre

If you’d rather stay indoors and don’t mind getting wet, this is the place for you. With an oversized salt water lane pool fitted with a children’s swimming area, all paddlers can get their fix, from the Olympic crawler to the water-winged toddler. There’s even a climbing wall and a diving board, and when you’re through with your swim, you can relax in the large hot-tub.

Sports Complex Community Park

If the above activity centres didn’t catch your interest, this beautiful park will be able to fill in the holes. With two baseball diamonds for the ballplayers, a dog park for the dog-owners, and even a fishing pond for those looking to cast a rod, there’s no shortage of things to do. But there’s another reason for visiting this community park: aside from the available activities, this park is simply beautiful. With its open grass fields ringed by tall evergreens, a perfect walk awaits those looking to simply go for a stroll. And for the more adventurous travelers out there, the forest holds hidden water features that can be discovered upon a short hike.

High Level is absolutely full of activities, so drop that remote, turn off the computer, and join us for a bit of fun in the new spring sun. And when you’re ready for a rest, be sure to choose one of our high-quality hotels for your stay. Book your room today. We look forward to your visit!

High Level, Alberta is a hard-working town. It was built on business and it’s remained on business since its early conception as a fur-trading region. But every action has an equal and opposite reaction, so when it’s time for those hard-working High Levelers to relax, it’s really time to relax. Fortunately for us, there’s an upcoming holiday so Canadian that, well, only Canadians celebrate it: Victoria Day! 

A little bit of history

This year’s Victoria Day is May 18^th, but the funny thing is, Queen Victoria wasn’t actually born on the 18^th. She was born on the 24^th, dispelling the long-standing rumour that Canada’s “2-4 weekend” was named after the 24-packs of beers usually used to celebrate. Besides, Queen Victoria usually took tea… or so we imagine. 

How to spend your Victoria Day

As Victoria Day isn’t really a holiday built on any particular traditions, it’s generally left up to us—the recipients of the long weekend—to decide how we should use our time. If you’re in town on a visit and aren’t used to the holiday, take our advice on what to do: relax! 

That’s right. There’s no turkeys to cook, no eggs to hide, no presents to wrap, and no candy to give out, so your only obligation is to rest your best. Besides, you’ve earned it! If you must get out and do something, here are a few options: hiking, dirtbiking, mountain biking, boating, canoeing, fishing, and many more. High level is home to an unimaginable number of activities, both in the city and out in nature, so hit the lakes, trails, mountains, and forests and enjoy your vacation the way a true Albertan would. 

If you’re in High Level this Victoria Day, you’ll have plenty of options on how to spend your time. What’s that? You want to hear what we’ll be doing? Oh, probably enjoying a complimentary hot breakfast at the Econolodge, hitting the waterslide in the Mirage’s hotel pool, enjoying a great dinner at the Days Inn’s onsite restaurant, and watching an on-demand movie from the Jacuzzi at the Quality Inn & Suites. If those sound like good ideas to you, book your room at one of our great hotels today. Happy Victoria Day, and we look forward to your visit!