Responsible Tourism is the mindset that guides Elite Brands Culture Discovery Tours philosophy. All tours are designed in ways which reflect the natural, cultural and the geological character of a place – its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and people who live there. ​I am hoping that while I am able to offer for my supporters this exclusive private tour, my true passions and purpose will present themselves to those who decided to support me.
Having had an opportunity to emigrate to Canada, live and work in Alberta for the last 38 years, I frequently visited many historic sites located in the Canadian Rockies and the Eastern Slopes Foothills and noticed the destruction of many sites and buildings of historic interest. Alberta has many interesting stories to share, and these should be of interest not only to residents, but to visitors and tourists from all parts of the world. The First Nation People, the French and British Fur Traders, the Bisons, the Whiskey Traders, the North-West Mounted Police and the Settlers, all left their imprint on this landscape in various forms. Today many historical sites and buildings of historic interest continue to remain as an important essential element and legacy of the Canadian Rockies and their Eastern Slopes. Some of the sites have been marked by cairns of the Historical Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, others by the Provincial Government, some disappeared because lack of fundings has caused the destruction of sites of historic interest and some of the site’s existence is threatened because of the forest, mining, oil and gas industry, Hospitality Tourism development and overuse of landscape.
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Community Involvement
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Elite Brands Culture Discovery Tours organizes a variety of travel opportunities for the supporters of Campaign Nominate, Preserve, Protect, Save - Because Heritage Matters. These customized day or multi day trips are led by Certified Guides to Canadian Rockies and are offered for the registered supporters of this program only. To become a supporter of the program, Nominate, Preserve, Protect, Save - Because Heritage Matters you must register here. Registration is free.
Jerzy Maslanka, Certified Guide
Waterton, Banff Kootenay, Yoho and Jasper National Parks
It’s easy to feel defeated if you’ve been job searching for a long time and not getting any responses. In my case I realized that change in perspective may be all I need to turn the corner and find some success. After COVID for many people, the hunt for a new job at 60 was daunting as many employers don't leap to hire people in their 60s.
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On May 22, 2021, I applied the Elite Brands Culture Discovery sticker on my Jeep Wrangler because I still wanted to contribute and was not ready to retire. Starting a tour company and offering tours to Canadian Rockies it might not be exactly what I wanted initially, but I was tired trying to find a job in the Oil and Gas Industry to which I contributed for almost 30 years. Unfortunately I wasn't having any luck and this is why I decided to start Elite Brands Culture Discovery Tours and become Certified Guide to Canadian Rockies Parks.
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​The beginning was hard as I couldn't find any customers for many months but once the first travelers found me and started to book my tours, I soon discovered that I am enjoying my new career much more than I thought it would be. It surprised me how many of my skills I could transfer to my new carrier. ​Once I’ve made the switch, I found that a career change can be exciting. For me meeting new people is so far the best beneficial and in return I am trying to get back to my customers honest and fresh perspective on Canadian Rockies and Badlands that have become my home and playground for the last 36 years.