Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Interested in learning about Alberta’s scenic geology?
Retired geologist Dale Leckie will give a virtual talk about his latest book, The Scenic Geology of Alberta, to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives on June 1 starting 10:30 a.m.
Formerly a scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada and later a chief geologist for a large oil company, Leckie has wanted to write books targeted at the general public for the past 15 years but was not able to find the time to write until a few years ago.
“When I retired, it became my hobby and my passion,” he said.
“The idea is just to let people know how the landscapes in Alberta – and in Yoho, which is part of B.C. – formed and I think that’s been working out real well so far.”
In his newest book, Leckie tells the story of Alberta’s landscape evolution from Waterton Lakes National Park to Dinosaur Provincial Park, as well as into the Prairies and across the north.
The guide suggests stops along various routes where travelers can view scenic geological wonders.
Leckie weaves in some history and First Nation’s background, such as where the names for some of the geological landmarks came from.
He also worked with artists who provided landscape paintings.
“The reason I like that and the purchasers of my book like that is because they get to see the same landscape through the eyes of me – a scientist, a geologist – as well as through the eyes of an artist,” Leckie said.
“People seem to love that, and I love working with the artists as well.”
Leckie dealt more with Jasper National Park and the Rocky Mountains in his first book – Rocks, Ridges, and Rivers – but his new book does mention Sulphur Gates near Grande Cache, which he described as one of his top-three favourite geological sites in Alberta.
“Nobody knows about that in this province, except the locals,” he said.
His other two favourite sites are the Milk River Natural Area in southeast Alberta and Wally’s Beach south of Lethbridge.
Leckie emphasized how he wanted readers to appreciate the landscapes and get motivated to go out and safely explore, noting how the book came out at a time when many people were looking to explore the outdoors as a source of recreation.
“They can go out and appreciate nature and landscapes a little bit more.”
The Scenic Geology of Alberta can be purchased at local bookstores throughout Alberta or online at www.chapters.indigo.ca
To attend the book talk during the museum’s virtual coffee hour, visit jaspermuseum.org
