Alberta - Pitstops for Kids

National parks of Canada: Jasper National Park, Alberta

May 13, 2022 By Amy Hagstrom

Parks Canada calls Jasper National Park the ‘gentle giant of the Canadian Rockies’, but it seems pretty mighty to us. A gateway for outdoor adventure in all seasons, Jasper is known for backcountry backpacking and skiing, but also plays host to a number of family friendly destinations of the less extreme variety. Here’s what to do in Jasper National Park with kids:

Start at visitor’s centre.

When you arrive in Jasper, head to the information and visitor’s center in the heart of town, across from the VIA Rail train station. The Parks Canada staff here can point you in the direction of area hikes and any closures at the time of your visit (such as campgrounds or picnic areas). Pick up maps and ask questions, because we found Jasper National Park to be less well marked than its neighbor Banff.

Maligne Canyon:

Our favorite destination in Jasper National Park is, hands-down, Maligne Canyon. This hike takes visitors through a deep gorge through which Maligne River flows, and thanks to its network of interconnecting looped trails, can be as long or short as you need it to be. Start at the trailhead and tea house, and hike to a series of marked bridges spanning the river (we went as far as number 6), then either retrace your steps or loop back via a horse trail. The views are stunning–you’ll see waterfalls and pools, as well as places where the water disappears underground. The path can be slippery, but there are rails in place to keep young kids safe. Bring a camera!

Maligne Lake:

Above Maligne Canyon lies Maligne Lake, a summer playground with boat rides, canoe rentals, and restaurants. Picnic here in the autumn, or set out for a short hike from the adjacent trailhead.

Miette Hot Springs:

Miette Hot Springs is open May through October and is located just a short drive from Jasper in the eastern mountain range. The outdoor pool offers towering peak views while you soak in the naturally heated waters. Pair this destination at the end of a day of hiking!

Watch our Jasper and Banff National Parks video:

Where to stay in Jasper: the Tonquin Inn:

The Tonquin Inn lies just a few blocks from downtown Jasper, within 2-3 minutes by car from area destinations. A perfect blend of old school mountain motel charm and modern upgrades, the Tonquin has everything parents need: a great indoor pool and hot tub complex (complete with changing rooms), two additional outdoor hot tubs, spacious rooms with free wifi, and an excellent complimentary breakfast buffet in their attached restaurant.

Our standard room was large enough for a couch and seating area in addition to beds, and had a large TV and spacious bathroom. We were steps from the pool building and dining, and we could walk into town if desired. In the morning, we woke to elk grazing outside.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we were hosted at Tonquin Inn for the purpose of review. While we appreciate the hospitality, all opinions are our own.

Four days in the Canadian Rockies: Jasper and Banff National Park road trip

May 10, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s very hard to plan a trip to the Canadian Rockies. Why? No matter how ambitious your itinerary, there’s always one more place to visit just a few kilometers down the road. But if you do have to scale your trip to under one week, here’s how to spend four days in and around Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway, during a Jasper and Banff National Park road trip.

Start in Jasper:

The small town of Jasper is a gateway to outdoor adventure in every season. From late spring through early fall, hiking and lake visits reign, and in winter snowshoeing, skiing, and ice climbing can be found throughout the area. We visited in October and loved the beautiful scenery to low crowd ratio.

Maligne Canyon:
Head just a few minutes outside of Jasper on Highway 16 to Maligne Canyon. In winter, this is where you’ll see ice climbers navigating the frozen waterfalls, but in all other seasons, the flowing water of the Maligne River bubbles and falls over rocks and through gorges before disappearing underground (just to emerge again in blue pools). The trail loops with several options for return, allowing families to choose how long they hike. We hiked for approximately one hour and made it to five of six bridges that traverse the river.

The water is fast-flowing, but railings are in place to keep kids from getting too close. The incline can be steep and slippery at times, but the scenery is absolutely worth the effort.

Town of Jasper:
You don’t have to leave town to see wildlife and enjoy trails. Take the Discovery Trail through town, which includes interpretive signs throughout to teach about the history of the area. Look for elk strolling town in the early evenings and mornings; they often stop traffic! And when you’re back from your hike, stop for ice cream or shop for souvenirs or hiking gear in the easily-navigated 2-3 block downtown.

Where to stay:

The Tonquin Inn is located just a few blocks from downtown and has everything parents with kids need: a large indoor pool and hot tub, additional outdoor hot tubs, a comprehensive complimentary breakfast buffet, and comfortable rooms with scenic views.

Make the most of driving the Icefields Parkway:

The Icefields Parkways has been rated as one of the most scenic drives in the world, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need a pit stop for two. Break up the four-hour drive from Jasper to Banff with a stop midway along the Icefields Parkway. Located at the border between the two national parks, the Columbia Icefields Centre is hard to miss. Here’s what to expect:

The Columbia Icefields Centre is where you can stop for a meal and clean bathrooms, plus a great view of the Athabasca Glacier. Kids (and parents) will immediately notice the ‘Ice Explorers’ navigating the glacier surface…and want to ride in one. This attraction at the Centre is Brewster’s Glacier Adventure, and tickets can be bought in the lower level. The tour takes you on a short bus shuttle to the edge of the glacier, where you transfer to specially-designed Ice Explorers (souped up ATV-bus hybrids, for lack of a better description). The Ice Explorers take you on a short but exciting drive out onto the ice, where they stop and let you get out and walk around in a very contained circle. Because the space where visitors can stand on the ice is so small (and feels much like a parking lot with multiple Ice Explorers parked), most kids will find the ride out the most exciting part. Guides do a very good job of educating you on the glacier in an entertaining way, but the actual ice walk can be a let-down.

Closer stops to Jasper include either the Athabasca or Sunwapta falls. Both scenic falls are located roadside, necessitating only a short walk to the view points. At Sunwapta, a restaurant and other roadside facilities make for welcome additions. Closer to Banff, Bow Lake is an easy stop, and can include swimming in summer and short hiking options.

Up next, continuing your road trip to Banff National Park! Click on the button below to continue.

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Five stops along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper and Banff National Parks

April 25, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re visiting both Jasper and Banff national parks on your Canadian Rockies vacation (and you should be!), you will drive the Icefields Parkway connecting the two parks. This 3 hour stretch has been described as one of the most scenic highways in the world, and after our fall 2013 visit, I concur. The parkway takes approximately 3.5 hours to drive, but families will definitely want to stop along the way. Where to plan you pit stops:

Sunwapta Falls:
About 30 km from Jasper, you’ll come to Sunwapta Falls. Signage clearly marks this point-of-interest, but you can also spot it by the resort and restaurant sitting roadside. Stop for a snack or trip to the restroom, but definitely drive beyond the resort to the falls, which can be viewed from above next to the parking lot or from a footbridge a few yards down. The falls are impressive (yes, even if you’ve been to Jasper’s Maligne Canyon), and even though this isn’t a hiking location, it’s a great place for photos and to let kids stretch their legs.

Icefield Centre:
Athabasca Glacier lies at the approximate halfway point of the Icefields Parkway, as visitors steadily climb up into the mountains from either direction. At the glacier you’ll find the Icefield Centre, a huge building run by Brewster’s Canada. On-site is a restaurant and cafe, plus hotel rooms and a large observation deck. On the ground level is Brewster’s Glacier Adventure.

One look out onto the glacier from the deck, and your kids will see what Glacier Adventure is, and probably want to do it: visitors board bus-sized all-terrain vehicles and drive out onto the ice, where they can stand out on the glacier. Sounds cool, but is it worth the $49/adults and $25/kids ticket price? That depends on what you want out of it: if you want to be able to say you’ve walked on a glacier or simply love cool vehicles, the answer is yes. If you expect an adventurous experience or a hike, the answer is no.

The vehicles, called Ice Explorers, take you along a short but steep road (the second steepest commercial road in North America, to be exact) leading onto the ice. Once there, they park in a snowplowed area the size of a small parking lot along with other Ice Explorers and let you out to walk on the snow. What we liked most about the experience: the interesting facts presented by our guide. Note: Expect to get your feet wet unless wearing waterproof boots, and bring gloves and a jacket.

Parker Ridge trailhead:
There are multiple trailheads along Icefields Parkway, all clearly marked (and most with parking areas and decent pit toilets). One of manageable length for a brief stop is Parker Ridge, which lies just beyond the Icefield Centre toward Banff. The 3 km round-trip hike offers views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and Mt. Castleguard on a clear day.

Peyto Lake and Bow Summit:
Peyto is a short road-side hike to the lake, with the option of hiking further toward Bow Summit for alpine wildflower viewing and meadows. This is the highest point on the Icefields Parkway. Picnic tables make this a great place to stop and picnic and photographers will be happy!

Lake Louise:
Only 57 km from Banff, Lake Louise is a must-do stop, if not an overnight or all-day excursion. From the Lake Louise exit, the lakeshore is only a few kilometers away. Park in the large parking lot and walk to the lake to take in the views and snap some photos, gawk at beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and, if time permits, take a hike. The lake loop is an easy walk for kids of all ages, but if you have time, we recommend the 7 km round trip ascent to Lake Agnes (trail departs directly from Lake Louise). For your efforts, you’re rewarded with tea, coffee, or a snack at the picturesque Lake Agnes Tea House at the top.

See our video review of more things to do in the Canadian Rockies:

Tip: Remember that you’ll pass the national park ticket booth on either end of the Icefields Parkway. At the time of this writing, admission to the parks was almost $10 per day for adults (almost $5 for kids) or a family fee of under $20 per day. You only need to pay once, and display a receipt on the dashboard of your car.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we were hosted for some activities along the Icefields Parkway, for the purpose of review.

Where to stay in Banff National Park: Brewster’s Mountain Lodge

April 15, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

During a vacation in Banff National Park, visitors have three main lodging options: camping, hotels and lodges outside of the town center, or Banff town hotels. Because Banff can get crowded and parking and driving can be a hassle even in the off-season, we recommend a hotel in town to be within walking distance of dining, shopping, and tour departures. Brewter’s Mountain Lodge is located in the heart of town on Caribou Street, adjacent from the Banff Park Lodge and within a block of great restaurants, souvenir shopping, outdoor gear shops, and the movie theater.

Despite its location on a city block, Brewter’s Mountain Lodge has a very mountain lodge feel inside. The two-story lobby is light and airy, with wood plank and log fixtures and accents and a fireplace and seating. The entire lodge is clean and modern, and the front desk staff during our visit was friendly and helpful.

Amenities:

On the second floor landing above the lobby, Brewster’s features a small but well-appointed reading room with lending library and a computer for guest use (for a whopping $5 per 30 minutes). But don’t worry: free wifi for guests is available. Note: I had a hard time connecting at first; the desk staff kindly rebooted for me, which fixed the problem. Adjacent to the lobby is a sauna and whirlpool hot tub, perfect for use after a day of hiking, mountain biking, or skiing. Parking is in an underground lot directly below the hotel and free. The room rate includes a complimentary breakfast buffet located in a nice dining area at the bottom of the hotel, featuring cold breakfast offerings like yogurt, fruit, cereal, and pastries/toast. Coffee and juice is also available.

Rooms:

We had plenty of space in a standard room with two double beds and a large bathroom complete with jacuzzi tub. The bathroom configuration features a spacious main area with sink and counter space and tub, then a separate door to the toilet and shower. It’s nice to have the separate areas, but the toilet/shower space is quite tight. In the main room, there’s plenty of space for a table and chairs plus couch. Some rooms feature balconies, but even without, the large windows offer nice views of the street below. Rooms include 3/4 sized fridges, plus TVs.

Distance from the interstate:

Brewter’s is located just minutes from the TransCanadian Highway (1) in Banff.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, room rates for a standard room were listed at $151 to $171. Rates vary by season.

Directions:

From TransCanada Highway, take the exit into Banff town center. Take Banff Avenue to Caribou Street.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Brewster’s Mountain Lodge as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

How to spend two days in Banff National Park, Alberta

October 4, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Hopefully, you have more than two days to explore Banff National Park with kids, but if you are limited on time, here’s what you should do first.

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies:

Whyte Museum is a great place to start. It may be small, but does an excellent job with both an art gallery and exhibits detailing the history of the park, starting with the First Nations’ presence and continuing through the establishment of the park and the role of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. When you enter, you first walk through the art gallery, which showcases Banff’s rich art history. An interesting section covers mountaineering and climbing in the park, as well as the practice of heli-skiing and backcountry winter exploration. The museum is fairly small, but you’ll still want at least 45 minutes to tour. Best of all, admission is by donation. Whyte Museum is located at 111 Bear Street.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site:

Cave and Basin marks the birthplace of Canadian national parks, with the discovery of a hot springs underground by railroad employees (of course, this cave was not a new discovery to First Nations’ tribes). Now, this hot springs is closed to swimming due to preservation of a species of snail, but visitors can learn about the history of the site and the creation of Parks Canada in exhibits in the former bathhouse changing rooms and see the site of the former pool. You can also walk through a tunnel to see the still-bubbling sulphuric water in the original cave, as well as view the outdoor basin where the water pools. Admission is affordable, and there are boardwalks adjacent for a short hike around the site. Plan to spend about 45 minutes, then head to Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can swim in even warmer waters. Cave and Basin is located at 311 Cave Avenue.

Banff Upper Hot Springs:

The Upper Hot Springs features a large outdoor pool located at a historic Banff bathhouse (that now also houses a spa). The temperature of the water is a respectable 104 degrees (40 C), and admission is very affordable. We forgot a bathing suit, and found out traditional bathing costumes of the ’20s and ’30s can be rented for just $1.90…fun and a deal! You can also rent towels, and there are large, clean locker rooms for changing. If you want to stay awhile, there’s a cafe upstairs in the bathhouse, and hiking trails nearby. If the weather is clear, pair an afternoon at the hot springs with a ride up the gondola, located nearby. Banff Upper Hot Springs is located on Mountain Avenue.

Surprise Corner:

So named for the surprise view of the beautiful Bow Valley and Banff Springs Hotel, this corner along Tunnel Mountain Road has a dedicated pull out and parking lot and observation deck. Take some photos and tell the kids about the role the hotel and the railroad had in Banff tourism (the hotel was built to lure rail passengers to the area). Look for wildlife here!

Hoodoos:

The Hoodoos feature geological formations similar to those found in Bryce Canyon in Utah, but more enticing is the amazing view of the Bow River and valley. Park and take the short walk to the viewpoint, bringing binoculars along; during our visit, we spotted elk grazing by the river bank far below. The loop hike starting from this location is a great option for wooded terrain and the chance to spot wildlife.

Sulphur Mountain:

For a longer, more challenging hike that’s still close to town, the 11 km round-trip up Sulphur Mountain includes winding switchbacks for amazing views of the Bow River and valley. At the top, walk over to the Cosmic Ray Station (used to take meteorological readings) and take the gondola back down to save some distance.

Tunnel Mountain:

Tunnel Mountain is located near the heart of the town and takes families up a fairly steep but short hike to the top of–you guessed it–Tunnel Mountain. The distance is 4 km round trip. The main draw? The view of the town of Banff from the top. Due to use, you’re not likely to spot a lot of wildlife on the Tunnel Mountain trail, but it is guaranteed to give you a good lay of the land.

Lake Minnewanka:

During summer, Lake Minnewanka is the place to go for canoe rentals, a guided boat ride, or picnicking. During fall, it’s far less busy, and can get windy (ask to hear the First Nations’ legends surrounding this lake), but is a good place to spot big horn sheep, and, if you’re lucky, mountain goats. Take the short drive a bit further to Two Jack Lake for even more seclusion in the off-season.

Tip: If you have more time, booking a tour with Discover Banff Tours is a good way to get oriented and learn more about the park and its wildlife. The three-hour tour may be too lengthy for very young kids, but school-aged kids will enjoy the wildlife talks, and parents will get a feel for which destinations they’d like to revisit on their own time.

Wondering where to stay in Banff? Our Banff National Park hotel pick.

As I disclose whenever applicable, portions of our activities in Banff were hosted for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Where to stop in Medicine Hat, Alberta

July 28, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Driving along the Trans Canada Highway 1 through Medicine Hat? Stop for lunch or dinner at Tino’s and stretch your legs at the Tallest Teepee in the World!

Tino’s Drive In is located at 860 14 St. SW (right off the highway). You’ll spot it by the castle exterior. Why stop? We’ll give you over 100 reasons…we counted 120 milk shake flavors on offer! This old-school drive-in has every kind of creamy ice cream treat imaginable, and their burgers, hot dogs, and fries are great, too.

Be ready for a wait during weekends and nice weather! We were told the locals would line up for Tino’s, and during a Saturday afternoon visit, we found out this was no exaggeration! Tino’s is worth the wait, and you can eat at picnic tables outside on-site or take your food to one of the many parks and nature areas along the South Saskatchewan River.

After eating at Tino’s pause for a stop on the Trans Canada Highway at the Medicine Hat teepee…don’t worry, you can’t miss the Saamis Teepee from the road! This huge teepee was bought by a local after the Calgary Olympic Games and brought back to the city. When standing inside, families can see the true scope of the structure, and on the trails beside it, kids can venture along the coulees (hills) and see the place where aboriginal residents of the area once drove bison off the hillsides to their deaths.

Have more time? Check out our review of where to stay in Medicine Hat, and what to do with kids indoors.

We toured Medicine Hat as part of our Great Coast Road Trip with Coast Hotels. Read more about our road trip through the Wild West of Alberta!

Medalta Historic Clay District, Medicine Hat

July 23, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re traveling through Medicine Hat, Alberta, as we were during Day 2 of the Great Coast Road Trip (in partnership with Coast Hotels…check it out!) make a stop at Medalta. This 150-acre Canadian National Historic Site houses the historic ceramic factory and beehive kilns of Medalta in a one-of-a-kind museum.

Families can tour the site by guided self-tour: eight galleries take you through the process of ceremics-making (sorry for the unofficial term) from the gathering of clay from the banks of the nearby South Saskatchewan River to the glazing and packaging of finished wares. We entered the museum with no particular interest or knowledge of pottery or ceramics, but it didn’t matter: this museum is well done and drew us in.

The first few galleries explain the history of the building itself, and its glory days as a factory. The exhibits are very kid-friendly and accessible. The next section takes visitors through the old factory interior (you can look at equipment but not touch), and a video describes the entire process followed by factory workers. The last galleries showcase the various wares the factory produced during its heyday, including dinnerware for hotels, restaurants, and the railroad. This was the most interesting section for us: we had no idea Medalta had contracts for POW camps, soldiers on the front line, and baby dinnerware products I remembered from my childhood.

You can walk inside a kiln, and on select days, watch potters at the wheel. There is a courtyard outside for restless kids or after-visit picnics. The museum isn’t particularly toddler or baby-friendly; we’d recommend this attraction for kids 8 and up. If we were in the area longer (or local), their pottery workshops and summer classes would definitely be on our must-do list.

Date last visited:

May 2014

Distance from the interstate:

About ten minutes from Trans Canada Highway 1.

Admission:

Adults are $12 and kids (6-17) are $10. Their family rate is $30 (for two adults and two kids).

Hours of operation:

Summer hours are 9:30 am to 5 pm daily. Off-season hours vary; check hours of operation before you arrive.

Directions:

Located at 713 Medalta Ave SE. This site is very well marked; signs will point the way from the highway!

Read more about our road trip through the Wild West of Alberta!

Medicine Hat Family Leisure Centre

July 21, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

When we arrived in Medicine Hat with energized kids and several hours to kill before bedtime, we made the awesome discovery (as tourists) of the Medicine Hat Family Leisure Centre. This city-run recreation centre is located on 57 acres, and includes a massive indoor water play and pool facility, called Kinsmen Aquatic Park. Tip: it’s always a good idea to look up leisure centers or recreation centers when you enter a new town!

The Kinsmen Aquatic Park pool facility includes:

a large free-form recreation pool filled with fun floating toys and a rafts that turns into a wave pool at set intervals
a kiddie pool with floating Lego-style building blocks to play with
a large hot tub
a current stream area (where the water flows fast)
a diving area with high and low dives
a tube water slide several stories high
a rope swing
a lap pool
a water polo pool

Seriously. All this! And we discovered it simply by checking the city parks and rec page when we arrived in town. Always check these types of pages for local fun (or ask a local)!

Also on-site are a hockey ring (indoor), fitness centre, outdoor soccer pitches, a large play structure, a lighted sports field, baseball diamonds, and a BMX park.

Food services:

There is a snack bar with (less than healthy) snack and quick food options, plus vending machines and an ice cream bar cooler. Families could easily picnic on-site in nice weather.

Hours of operation:

General hours are found by calling the swimming hotline at 403-502-8571. Be sure to also check the Kinsmen page for event information. Some pools or activities may be closed for a tournament or meet. Generally, the facility stays open nightly to 8 pm or 9 pm.

Admission:

We paid $20 for a family admission (two adults and all kids in the same household). Adults not swimming do not pay admission to enter. Towels can be purchased for about $5, so remember to bring some, but if you forget, you’re covered (literally).

Directions:

We used Google Maps to find the centre, because streets change names frequently in Medicine Hat, and we are easily confused. However, the address listed is 2000 Division Ave N.

Read more about our road trip through the Wild West of Alberta!

Coast Medicine Hat Hotel review

July 16, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re road tripping through Medicine Hat, Alberta, as we did last May, you’ll want to stop for the night at a clean, comfortable, affordable hotel with the perks we all look for in an overnight stop: free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking!

The Coast Medicine Hat Hotel fits the bill, and we always trust the Coast name. Located in the centre of town, the Coast Medicine Hat is in walking distance of dining, and only five minutes from the historic section of the city. It’s utilitarian, and clean.

During the time of our visit, their onsite restaurant, Bourbon Street Restaurant and Lounge, was closed for renovations. Their complimentary continental breakfast featured all the standards you’d expect (cold cereals, muffins and pastry, and juice, coffee, and tea) and service was pleasant. The front desk staff at the Coast Medicine Hat was very cheerful and helpful, and the location was convenient.

Room amenities:

Rooms are a bit on the small side, but comfortable. Our standard room included a small table and two chairs, TV, and coffee service. The bathroom featured a shower and tub (nice for families with small children). Sadly, our room lacked our favorite amenities: a mini fridge and microwave.

There is a small spa onsite, and a hair salon, but I didn’t have opportunity during my visit to venture into either. It is worth noting that this hotel is pet-friendly.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, our standard room was $119.

Directions:

The Coast Medicine Hat is located at 3216 13 Avenue SE
Medicine Hat.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our stay was complimentary, for the purpose of review.

We stayed in Medicine Hat as part of our Great Coast Road Trip with Coast Hotels. Read more about our road trip through the Wild West of Alberta!

Exploring Fort Whoop Up and Old Man River, Alberta

July 14, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

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.

high-line-bridge

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 formations) and rich wildlife. It’s also the site of the last battle between aboriginal tribes in North America.

Fort Whoop-Up:

The historic site of Fort Whoop-Up Lethbridge is located in the river valley, and is home to the most notorious whiskey fort of the Canadian west. Operated in the late 1800s, the fort was a central fur trading center that also dealt in illegal whiskey. The site is very well done, with a recreated fort, galleries commemorating the Blackfoot nation tribes of the area, and period rooms as they would have appeared at the time of the fort’s heyday. Families can walk room-to-room in a self-guided tour, listening to quite entertaining audio in each room.

fort-whoop-up

The center of the fort is open to the public, and during our visit, a crackling fire was alive in the fire pit. During summer, livestock is also on site. The staff roams the fort answering any questions, and kids can touch and play with most items. For instance, in one room, my son played the saloon piano, and in another, we played a game of checkers.

fort-whoop-up

The fort will take you less than two hours to tour (be sure to start with the 20 minute video to give you an overview of the history).

Admission:
Admission is $9 for adults and $6.50 for kids (5 and under free). Or, they offer a family rate of $24.95 for two adults and up to four children.

Hours of operation:
10 am to 5 pm daily during the summer (June 1- September 30) and 12 pm to 4 pm Wed-Sat in the off-season.

Location: 200 Indian Battle Road, Lethbridge

Helen Schüler Nature Centre:

helen-schuler-nature-centre

Directly across the way from Fort Whoop-Up, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre is definitely worth a stop. This new centre features indoor exhibits on local eco-systems and wildlife; during the time of our visit, the focus was on creatures beneath our feet. The main gallery included an interactive exhibit on escaping a web (kids could climb over and under elastic strings to ‘escape’ and a few live animals (kids could meet ‘Peg Leg’ a resident crow who was domesticated after a leg injury).

helen-schuler-nature-center

The centre features a living roof kids can check out, and lots of fun facts are located throughout the building. The staff offers a scavenger hunt kids can embark upon, answering questions by reading facts on the walls, floors and even ceiling of the building.

Outdoors, several trails begin at the centre, taking families either along the Old Man River valley or up on the coulees overlooking the High Line Bridge (an impressive engineering marvel). We opted to hike up, roaming the coulees a bit to explore the prairie grass (though beware: there’s also cacti up here!). Adjacent to the centre is also a very interesting playground with an interactive ‘rattlesnake’ climbing toy, a climbing wall, and line tag mazes. We loved it!

Admission:
Free!

Hours of admission:
10 am to 4 pm (closed Mondays)

Where to eat:

If you have time for a nice meal in Lethbridge, Ric’s Grill is unique. Housed in a repurposed water tower, it’s hard to miss in the center of town! The fare here is quite high end (and prices reflect this) but if you have a hour or more and want to make an occasion of your time in Lethbridge, this is the place to do it. They do offer a children’s menu and have a full bar. Views of town are featured out every window.

Location: 200 103 Mayor Magrath Dr

We toured Fort Whoop Up as part of our Great Coast Road Trip with Coast Hotels. Read more about our road trip through the Wild West of Alberta!