Fort Livingstone !

Fort Livingstone National Historic Site was designated a national historic site to commemorate the first capital of the Northwest Territories, from 1876 to 1877; and the original headquarters and first post built specifically for the North-West Mounted Police from 1874 to 1876. The first session of the North-West Territorial Government was held in 1877. Visit in early May to see thousands of garter snakes emerging from their hibernacula. Mother’s Day is usually the best time to watch, but peak viewing times depend on warm weather. The snakes emerge in greater numbers on warm, sunny days, as they like to bask on the rocks near the pit. Tread carefully on the rocky ground, avoiding the red-sided garter snakes that inhabit this arid land. Imagine the feeling of desolation that the first troops of this new police force must have felt as they ventured into these places under the orders of Commander French, who had come to impose Canadian law on the Prairies.

https://photojourneys.ca/2017/04/29/snake-orgy-fort-livingston