Keena Elkington Photography

Calgary, AB – Douglas Fir Trail

Posted on May 26, 2020by Keena

Edworthy Park is one of my favourite parks in the city but I frequently visit and needed some new challenge when we stumbled upon the entrance to an amazing inner city hiking trail. The trail entrance forks between the Bow River Pathway and the Douglas Fir Trail. The Bow River pathway looks to be flat and not very challenging whereas the Douglas Fir Trail had a quaint little warning about how it’s not maintained, not suitable for pets and small children and is one of those enter at your own risk types.

I feel like I have the fitness level of a 300 lb man who’s diet consists of double cheeseburgers and smokes at least a pack a day so why not take this on as a challenge? People speak of this moderation thing where you start gradually and build up to bigger challenges. I’m stubborn, determined and unaware of the concept of moderation. I’m also addicted to forests and trees so this seemed like a good time to throw some caution to the wind.

That day we travelled all the way downtown from Edworthy Park. My feet started a separatist movement to depart from my body in protest afterwards. 15 KM was an accomplishment and a cure for any quarantine boredom while social distancing like a pro. If you’re looking for an inner city wilderness challenge this is a great place to wander.

Calgary, AB – Sculptures & Art

Posted on May 25, 2020by Keena

I love some of the art in this city and some pieces just look like vastly overpriced blue engagement rings without a stone. Here’s a few pieces that inspired me to capture the talent.

Day trip to the Alberta Foothills

Posted on May 25, 2020by Keena

A friend invited me out to the foothills for a nice day drive to get away from the city and take some pretty photos. We had a wonderful day outside in the fresh air and she made me some of the best hamburgers I’ve ever had next to a gorgeous view. I have some great people in my life and this was one of those days that certainly made me appreciate that. We saw a few wild horses and wandering livestock that always makes me squee like a little girl. Alberta sure is beautiful.

Chicago, IL

Posted on May 25, 2020by Keena

I went to Chicago on a work trip with little expectation of falling in love with the city. All I really knew of going in was of the L-train, the Bulls, the architecture, the food and the crime in the outskirts. I stayed downtown and wandered the core area alone without any issues.

I extended my trip to spend my birthday here and it was a lovely trip for some much needed me time. The water is ridiculously teal and the architecture is unreal. I visited the aquarium, the zoo, lots of great restaurants, the navy pier, the shopping areas and went on an architecture tour. I adore big cities as an extrovert as they never truly seem to sleep. The view from the Willis Tower is unreal and in my opinion rivals that of the Rockefeller Center in NYC. I got a nasty sunburn and some great memories from this city. I’d strongly suggest checking it out if you haven’t been.

Portland, OR – Fall 2019

Posted on May 18, 2020by Keena

We went to Portland on a whim last fall for a much needed break from the chaos of daily life. Portland is one of my favourite US cities as it’s home to forests, oceans, bridges, doughnuts, coffee shops, small batch local everything. Lots of people showcase their vibrantly coloured hair, pin collections and body modifications at all ages. The city displays signs with their slogan of “Keep Portland Weird” which is accurate and just as awesome as they are down there.

On this trip I revisited some of my favourite places in the city and finally drove through Forest Park. We detoured a little on our way home to see Cannon Beach as I’d never been to the most famous of the local beaches with Haystack views. It was a chilly, drizzly day on the beach and yet it was just beautiful. I ran into the cold ocean with my shoes on and we saved Belinda the crab from being attacked by a seagull. She looked like she was having a rough go of it.

10/10 would visit again.

Some e places I would suggest you check out if you visit the Portland area:

Creo Chocolates
Bridge City Cafe
Peets Coffee
Forest Park
Portland Japanese Garden (see Portland 2016 post for photos)
Oregon Zoo
The rose garden
Powell’s bookstore
Alberta Street – Art District
The rows of food trucks downtown
Pioneer square
Biscuit Bitch restaurant
Stumptown coffee
Random Order Pie Bar
Moonstruck Chocolates

I’m not a drinker but Portland is known for it’s large number of micro-breweries that I have heard are amazing if you’re into that.

Revelstoke, BC – Day Trip

Posted on May 18, 2020by Keena

I need to start off by saying I LOVE British Columbia. Not necessarily the cities, people or tourist attractions any more than others but I love the trees and ocean views. The whole west coast of North America from mid California up to Northern BC has the best places for “tree bathing” if you will.

I once visited the “Boardwalk of the Cedars” near Revelstoke on a camping trip. I’ve been back numerous times since. It’s a somewhat unknown gem you just have to check out if you like the big old coastal forests as much as I do. I often miss the Redwoods in the US and Vancouver Island living in Calgary and this is my go to spot to visit that’s reasonably close by. The drive from Calgary to inland British Columbia never disappoints.

Calgary, AB – Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

Posted on May 17, 2020by Keena

I visited the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary in Calgary for a nice summer nature walk and to discover a place I hadn’t been before. I never expected to see such a large amount of deer that were super comfortable with people. I hope to visit again soon as this is one of my favourite hidden gems in Calgary that often gets overlooked even by the locals.

Calgary, AB – Calgary Zoo

Posted on May 17, 2020by Keena

The Calgary Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city for good reason. I mean who doesn’t love to look at adorable animals? These are my favourites from my many trips over the years.

I’m working to eliminate the glare that unfortunately ruined a few of these shots but they were such good captures otherwise that I couldn’t help but share them.

This is my kitty, Mildred.

Posted on May 16, 2020by Keena

I was looking through my photo collection and realized I have an unhealthy amount of photos of my cat Millie. I mean she’s pretty adorable and very photogenic so it shouldn’t be a surprise to me.

She’s a spunky, cuddly, loving, elitist type who you’d swear hasn’t eaten in years by the rate in which she can vacuum food into her face. When she’s not eating she loves naps in the sun and well…everywhere that’s soft or fluffy.

She’s my furry best friend and everyone who meets her loves her as much as I do pretty quickly. We sometimes have a groomer shave her to match her inner lioness as it helps lower the fur levels everywhere and she loves looking ferocious.

Calgary, AB – Peace Bridge

Posted on May 15, 2020by Keena

The peace bridge is one of my favourite architectural attractions in Calgary. It’s colour, lighting and shape always seem to draw me in to wanting to take ‘just one more photo’ of the landmark. Usually, while likely strolling by the Bow River between downtown and the Sunnyside/Kensington neighbourhoods for a late afternoon cup of tea. Between the bridge itself, the skyline vistas and river below I just keep coming back here as one of my favourite destinations when wandering Calgary.