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

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 … [Read more...]

Where to stop in Medicine Hat, Alberta

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 … [Read more...]

Medalta Historic Clay District, Medicine Hat

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 … [Read more...]

Medicine Hat Family Leisure Centre

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 … [Read more...]

Coast Medicine Hat Hotel review

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 … [Read more...]

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...]