Canadian Rockies Stories Season 5 Episodes

Episode 1

Spirit Within

23 mins

Spirit Within opens with a harrowing scene-Bazil Leonard, battered and broken, walks three kilometres down Copenhagen Hill after a devastating backcountry accident. With broken ribs, a fractured arm, and a deep head wound requiring 17 stitches, Bazil's ordeal sets the emotional tone for the series. From hospital to home, viewers follow his path of healing. As the snow melts and a new spring emerges, so does Bazil's resolve. Having lost 11 horses in a tragic incident on the Jackpine River, Bazil acquires two new mares and sets out to rebuild not just his horse outfit, but his spirit. Enter Master Horseman Larry Nelles, a gifted educator whose unique approach to horsemanship ignites the next chapter of Bazil's life. At a spirited clinic led by Larry, Bazil brings together a group of young people-Emily Fehr, Martin, Payton, and Curtis Hallock-who begin their own learning journeys under Larry's guidance. With every shared lesson in trust, respect, and timing, a sense of healing unfolds-for both man and horse. The story ends by reflecting on Bazil's growth and the renewed sense of purpose that comes with teaching others. As the clinic concludes, the stage is set for a deeper journey into the Canadian Rockies-one of legacy, resilience, and the enduring spirit within.

Episode 2

Spirit Within

In the heart of the Rockies, Bazil Leonard saddles up with a trail crew, his 92-year-old friend Tom Wanyandie, and a team of newly trained horses to reclaim the historic trails stretching from Victor Lake to Walton Creek in Willmore Wilderness Park. While wildfires blaze across northern Alberta, the Grande Cache region is hit with heavy rains and an unexpected summer snowstorm, leaving the trails choked with downed trees and deep muskeg. The work is slow and grueling as the crew cuts their way through the wilderness. Despite the challenges, the mission moves forward. From Cowlick Creek Meadows to Hayden Ridge and down into Walton Creek, the team steadily clears the old routes. When exhaustion sets in, old Tom stuns everyone by grabbing a chainsaw and charging up the mountain trail. His grit and determination spark renewed energy in the crew, who finish the job and restore a traditional backcountry campsite. Trail crew members Emily Fehr, Allylee Ingersoll, and Lauren Feddema offer heartfelt reflections on the physical and emotional demands of trail life. Their insights reveal a deep respect for aging, resilience, and stewardship. As the journey unfolds, they share how Bazil and Tom stand as powerful role models-showing that healing, purpose, and strength can endure at any age.

Episode 3

Spirit Within

23 mins

In this powerful episode, Bazil Leonard sets out on a deeply personal journey-returning to the site of his near-fatal accident on the trail to the Jackpine River. With his newly trained horses and a resilient trail crew, he ventures through rugged terrain and the charred remnants of the 2007 Jackpine River burn. Facing downed timber and unforgiving conditions, the team clears a path through the wilderness. Riding the Jackpine River trails, Bazil searches for the 11 horses he lost. The crew restores traditional mountain campsites and clears the old mountain packtrails. The journey becomes more than physical. As the crew travels historic packtrails, Bazil's connection to the wilderness deepens, healing old wounds and reviving his spirit. His perseverance and leadership shine, earning the admiration of his young crew. Bazil, Martin, and Braiden share a raw, heartfelt conversation about life's passion, and the unseen spirits that move through the Rockies. In this quiet moment, the crew reflects on their bond with the land and their horses, revealing the soul's journey of healing, purpose, and stewardship. The adventure culminates in a celebratory moment at Jackpine Falls, where the crew leaps into the cool waters of an eddy-an act of joy and renewal after weeks of hard trail work. It's a fitting close to a journey that honors the past, embraces the present, and prepares for what lies ahead.