Exploring Fort Whoop Up and Old Man River, Alberta

Lethbridge, Alberta is an interesting town located in the Old Man River. South of Calgary, Lethbridge is Alberta prairie country (called the Badlands of Canada, actually) and home to a great deal of Wild West history. You’ll want to focus your attention on the River Valley area, which is essentially an urban wilderness near the heart of town. This area features rolling coulees (or hill … [Read more...]

Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre

Coast Hotels is a trusted name in Western Canada and the Pacific NW, and for good reason. I know we always feel better when we see that trademark circular emblem. The Coast Lethbridge Hotel is new, completely comfortable, and very spacious. It’s located in the heart of town within walking distance to the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and Henderson Lake Park. When we’re looking for a hotel while en … [Read more...]

Coast Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre Calgary

There's so much to do with kids in Calgary, and you'll need a great home base! The Coast Plaza Hotel in Calgary is located about 15 minutes from downtown (by car or light rail) and a great home base for families exploring the area. Adjacent to the Trans Canada Highway 1, this full-amenity hotel comes with free parking and plenty of space to spread out. Coast Plaza Calgary review: The lobby … [Read more...]

Winsport Calgary Olympic Park and Sports Hall of Fame

During the winter and summer months, the Calgary Olympic Park is the place to be for outdoor sports and recreation. Winter is the park’s main season with skiing and snowboarding, cross country skiing, hockey and skating. Visitors can even try a bobsled ride. In summer, the park transforms into a playground with ropes courses, zip lines, mountain biking, mini golf, and tours from the ski jump … [Read more...]

Calgary with kids: Telus Spark Science review

My kids are always fans of interactive science museums, and Calgary’s Telus Spark is one of the best. Located adjacent to the Calgary Zoo, Spark is a new indoor facility with an additional outdoor facility scheduled to open this summer (of 2014). It includes four large galleries with hands-on exhibits (including an open studio), two theaters (including a digital Dome theater), a lab, and a … [Read more...]

Calgary with kids: Calgary Zoo review

The Calgary Zoo is one of the best we’ve toured (across the US and Canada). Why? It’s large, but not massive, clean, as interactive as possible, and well-laid out. As with all zoos, the best way to tour is to start early; most animals are most active during the morning hours. This zoo is set up with an ‘island’ and a main space, with a bridge across a tributary of the Bow River (which is on the … [Read more...]

Lake Louise Alberta hiking: Lake Agnes Tea House

The wilderness surrounding Lake Louise, Alberta may be the most stunningly beautiful in the greater Banff-Lake Louise area. And if you've been to Banff, you know that's saying something. Plenty of backcountry treks depart from Lake Louise and its next-door neighbor, Lake Moraine, making Lake Louise Alberta hiking some of the best in the Canadian Rockies. Our favorite--to the Lake Agnes Tea … [Read more...]