Stories

A passion for travel and adventure was instilled in Jim Barr early in life. At the age of 20, Jim was drawn to the West Coast and began his career as a journalist, working with various publications specifically in the entertainment and tourism industry. Passion, curiosity and opportunity were the catalyst behind Jim founding his own digital media company – Seekers Media – that now connects over 3 and a half million travellers from across the world to experiences in Alberta and British Columbia.

Through his platforms, Zen Seekers and Snow Seekers, Jim has shared his appreciation for Crowsnest Pass. He believes there is an abundance of potential and opportunity that not a lot of people know about, referring to it as an undiscovered gem. For Jim, The Pass is the perfect place to unwind and find solitude while simultaneously experiencing a surreal sense of community in the beautiful Rocky Mountain setting.

A driving factor behind Jim’s success is the ability to expose people to the best travel experiences right in his own backyard. He takes great pride and pleasure in seeing that his content has led people into experiences that they didn’t know existed. We sat down with him to get his inside scoop.

Q: What do you love most about Crowsnest Pass?

It’s a diamond in the rough – an undiscovered gem that not enough people understand and appreciate in terms of experiences. So many people are hardwired to head to Bow Valley or Banff and then they get there and have to fight the crowds and share the trails with thousands. Whereas when you get to Crowsnest Pass, it’s the exact opposite. You get more of a community feel and a much bigger opportunity to be a part of nature, to simply disconnect and unwind without being bombarded by people everywhere. As an urbanite, those are things I’m looking for… a place where I can take my shoulders down from around my ears.

Q: As a digital travel guide, what would you tell first-timers are three ‘Don’t Miss Spots' in The Pass?

Well first and foremost, Frank Slide. I would highly recommend renting an E-bike from the pool or community and just going along the interpretive trail. Up close its’s very personal. I mean the story is second to none and it’s amazing to be able to experience that. Second would be Pass Powderkeg. And my third choice would be Allison Lake trails. It is an undiscovered gem that not a lot of people know about. It’s perfect for Nordic skiing in the winter, and hiking in the spring, fall and summer.

Q: Do you have a favourite time of year or season to head down to The Pass?

Well, as the Doctor of Powder I can’t ignore the incredible winters. Pass Powderkeg is great. It’s just so cool to be able to ski right down into town and there’s a huge sense of community there. At the same time, I appreciate the hiking in the fall and spring – it’s really quite beautiful. Then in the summertime you’ve got rivers to play in and fishing and you get a really strong opportunity to connect with nature. But if I had to pick one, it would have to be winter because that’s just been my theme for 20 years now.

Q: Are there any restaurants or cafes that stand out to you?

Certainly, the day lodge up at Pass Powderkeg. The team there are doing an exceptional job of pumping out some really tasty foods and what a view. There are not a lot of views like that – that really look out into this boundless valley and being dead smack in the middle of the Rockies, it’s incredible.

Quick Fire Questions

Describe The Pass in three words:

Solitude. Connection. Undiscovered.

Last book you read?

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

Favourite food?
Sushi

Beat place to unwind in Crowsnest Pass?
Pass PowderKeg or Allision Lake (Nordic skiing)

Favourite animal?
Dolphin

Favourite memory from The Pass?

We came out for a shoot once, and I was hanging off the back of a truck while filming a whole band of horses running past in a stampede like fashion. That was pretty wild (don’t try this at home though).

Seekers Media is divided into three distinct adventure guides that you won’t want to miss. Make sure you follow along with:

• Zen Seekers explores hiking, biking and walking trails brimming with awe.
  • Facebook - @Zenseekers
• Snow Seekers allows you to stay in the know on everything snow and live like a local.
  • Facebook - @Snowseekers
• Festival Seekers is your guide to interesting and yet to be discovered festivals.
  • Facebook - @Festivalseekers