TransCanada highway - Pitstops for Kids

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 other side of the zoo) to separate them. Yes, it’s very scenic. When you enter via Calgary Zoo’s main North Gate, you start on the mainland, and the first thing you tour is the Penguin Plunge arctic exhibit. (During our visit in May of 2014, the secondary entrance, which looks quite convenient, was closed for repair following the Calgary flood of 2013.)

This section of the zoo also houses the Canadian Wilds exhibits and the Prehistoric Park. Obviously, the latter is not an animal exhibit, but rather a large walking space with trails meandering through various prehistoric settings (distinguished by artificial rock formations, flora and fauna). Around each curve or up on each hillside, a different dinosaur structure awaits. We walked through the whole area, and while my school-aged kids enjoyed it as a place to release some energy, it’s best suited for small kids who might be at the peak of their dinosaur fan days.

On the other side of the bridge on the island, the Africa and Eurasia exhibits await. The Rainforest building is incredible; not only can you take off jackets in this tropical building, but the gorilla exhibit is fascinating. These animals are amazing! Outdoors, various monkey and small animal exhibits lead to the giraffes, zebras, and other larger African mammals. Especially entertaining during our visit were the hippos, who also have their own indoor and outdoor facility.

This area of the zoo is right on the banks of the Bow River, and less than one year after the Calgary flood, it’s already hard to imagine the damage done here. The clean-up and rebuild has been outstanding. The Eurasia section houses the tigers, camels, and additional Asian animals, with a large food court between them. There’s also a botanical garden here, and two children’s play spaces for a break from the animals.

Note: The Calgary Zoo features more indoor exhibits within large buildings than any other I’ve seen. No matter the weather, there’s something to do, and tickets are discounted for indoor-only days.

Dining:

We ate mid-tour at Kitamba Cafe (http://www.calgaryzoo.com/plan-your-visit/zoo-services/eating-dining) which offers a large indoor dining area and two quick-service options: a cafeteria style venue and bistro (coffee bar) style venue. We got the usual fare of chicken strips, fries, and sandwiches to refuel.

Admission:

Admission is very reasonable at $23 for adults and $15 for kids (3-15). There are computerized kiosks past the parking area at which to purchase tickets on busy days, as well as a main ticket booth. Parking is $7.

Hours:

Spring/Summer hours are 9 am to 5 pm, with buildings open until 5:45 pm.

Directions:

Full directions to the zoo. Families can also take Calgary Transit via the Northeast Line (Route 202) and be deposited directly at the entrance.

We toured the Calgary Zoo on our Great Coast Road Trip with Coast Hotels. Read more about our road trip through the Wild West of Alberta!

Lake Louise Alberta hiking: Lake Agnes Tea House

October 30, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

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 House–is also one of the most family-friendly. Side note: does this photo even look real? I assure you it is!

The ascent to Lake Agnes is just that…an ascent. Hikers start at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and take the well-marked Lake Agnes trail, which climbs for the entire 3.5 km. (This is good news for the hike back, of course.) The way may be steadily uphill, but it’s not unmanageable for kids, and because the entire trip is only 7 km, families can take their time.

The first section of the trail parallels Lake Louise, but without the views: the way is dense forest. Once the end of the lake is reached, however, the forest clears for nice views of the far end of Lake Louise before the trail turns into a short series of switchbacks. This takes hikers to a stop at tiny Mirror Lake, then to a turnoff for Little Beehive. Turn here for a fairly easy ascent to a nice viewpoint of the valley, including great views of Lake Louise in her entirety. If you go this route, simply backtrack after checking out the Little Beehive view and return to the turnoff. If you opt to continue on to Lake Agnes, the trail takes you back into the forest for a short distance to a cascading waterfall and set of wooden stairs leading to the lake and tea house.

The Lake Agnes Tea House sits perched directly on the edge of the lake, with spectacular views of the big Beehive (a beehive-shaped slab of rock you cannot miss) and the mountain crags surrounding the small lake. Take a few minutes to sit at a table on the Tea House deck to take in the view, or head inside the cozy dining room with wood-burning stove to order a pot of tea or French pressed coffee. Kids can order hot chocolate or cider, and if you arrive at lunch time, the Tea House has a selection of sandwiches, soups, and bakery goods that are made fresh daily on-site.

Take a few minutes to talk with the Tea House staff; most are young men and women from around the world, working for the season, and all live on-site. All supplies (and trash) are packing in and out of Lake Agnes on foot or horseback, and staffers are very knowledgable about area hikes and peak ascents.

The Tea House is a destination in itself, but if you’re up for more hiking, take the trail around the circumference of Lake Agnes to the series of switchbacks to the Beehive lookout. This trail is short but steep, with drop-offs in some locations. The switchbacks take you to the saddle of the ridge, which you follow to the lookout structure at the edge. The saddle is wide enough that there’s no fear of falling, but it’s essential children follow directions and stay on the trail. The views are as amazing as you’d expect.

Adding either or both Beehive to your Lake Agnes hike will add approximately 2 km to your trip, but the descent back to Lake Louise is a breeze. If you’re up for even more, the longer trail to Six Glaciers (and its own tea house) connects at Lake Agnes.

Note: The Lake Agnes Tea House is open mid-April to mid-October, and takes cash only. Seasonal hours vary, but during our off-season (fall) visit, it as open 10 am to 5 pm.

For additional hiking, check out trails departing from Lake Moraine, or go to Banff Lake Louise for more info.