Alberta Tourism Basks In "Brokeback" Spotlight

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Alberta Tourism Basks In "Brokeback" Spotlight

By J.D. O'Connor
June 26, 2006

Residents of Alberta, Can., proudly point out there were three stars in "Brokeback Mountain": Ledger, Gyllenhaal - and Alberta itself.

"Winning at the Oscars provides a credential booster for the province," said Alberta Minister of Economic Development, Clint Dunford. "Boosting Alberta's image like this means more film business in the future and the imagery captured by Alberta's inspiring scenery will have a lasting effect on Alberta's tourism for years to come."

Derek Coke-Kerr, managing director of Travel Alberta, said a steadfast cadre of movie buffs - mostly from the United States but with an increasing number of European and Asian fans - realize "Brokeback" was filmed in southern Alberta - not Wyoming - and want to visit the exact sites depicted in the movie.

"They want to know the exact location of Brokeback Mountain (actually a composite of different shots, from the peaks of Three Sisters flanking the town of Canmore, to Fortress and Moose Mountain, in Kananaskis Country). And they want to know where Heath Ledger and Jake jump off the cliff."

Locals have noticed an upswing in visitation to Upper Kananaskis Lake, the bridge along the Galatea hiking trail where Heath Ledger picks up supplies and, of course, where he meets the black bear (recruited from a local exotic animal farm outside of Innisfail).

Tour operators are also steering visiting movie fans to the towns of Cowley and Fort Macleod, featured in the opening scenes of the movie where the ill-fated cowboy duo meet outside a broken down old trailer and later when Ledger and his movie family settle into town life.

"They keep coming," said Coke-Kerr. "And we will make them welcome as long as they do."

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Comments

	Funny story. I saw the movie (didn't really care for it) but was impressed with the scenery. Learned it was Alberta in the credits. Most of those sites are just in off the road a few metres, which must have been good for the movie company. Thanks.
	Posted by: Joel Silva Trans Canadian Shipping \| June 26, 2006 12:38 PM

	We lived in the area for many years and were surprised to see so many familiar sights. Didn't care for the movie, either!!! Still, if it's good for tourism and local businesses, why not?
	Posted by: Keith Deveraux \| July 5, 2006 03:51 PM