I’m going to come right out and say it: Canadian Energy is a controversial topic. And I LOVE that the Canadian Energy Museum owns that fact. There is a newer film to watch – I strongly recommend doing it as the first thing after paying for admission – that covers a lot of the information in the museum and gets you ready for what you’ll be seeing. I found it very helpful to guide conversations with the kids about the exhibits before I’d had a chance to do any reading.
By Karol K Yeung – Update July 2, 2023
The Calgary Stampede, the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, a good time to be had for all! It can be crowded, overwhelming, and expensive, but it doesn’t need to be this way. Decide on your top five things you want to see and do! Then you can avoid some meltdowns and parental aggravation.
Often shortened to just Reynolds Museum, the Reynolds-Alberta Museum is the perfect destination for fans of vintage cars and aviation. Centrally located in Wetaskiwin, Alberta this museum is dedicated to preserving the transportation history of the province. (And remember, “Cars cost less in Wetaskiwin!”.)
We visited on a Sunday in June and spent about three hours to explore the three main galleries, take in a show in the theatre, and visit the playground, mining exhibit, and airplane hangar. I didn’t get to read all the signs, but machines and their history aren’t really my thing (and I read a lot of similar info at Remington Carriage Museum last summer). If Hubs had been with us there would have been a lot more reading happening, and the visit taken longer!
Alberta isn’t really known for it’s outdoor pools. Our season is pretty short for them. Which makes Alberta campgrounds with a pool that much more special to find. We’ve scoured the internet and camping forums to create this list for you. In alphabetical order (because why not?), here are all the non-seasonal campground pools we know of!
Rates were current in June, 2023. We try to update this annually – if you find anything inaccurate please let us know!
Out-of-province friends or family coming for a visit and you want to show off Alberta? My Toronto-based world-traveling cousin is (ahem – finally) visiting her Alberta relatives, and we have one week to tour the province. It’s going to be a whirlwind with highlights in Edmonton, Jasper, Banff, and Calgary to show off the best of what Alberta has to offer! Here’s my itinerary for 1 week in Alberta.
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure that will take you back in time to explore the rich and fascinating history of Alberta, then the Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass is just what you need. Super affordable, this pass is the perfect way to explore some of the most iconic heritage sites and museums in the province, offering a unique chance to immerse yourself in Alberta’s past and learn more about the people, places, and events that shaped our amazing province.
Lots of people ask me what the difference is between Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Besides location, there are quite a few differences. And don’t forget about cruises and their Hawaiian escape – Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa.
Most couples look forward to a honeymoon soon after their wedding, but another practice that’s become more common over the years is what’s called a “babymoon,” or a vacation before the birth of a child. Babymoons provide partners with the opportunity to bond one-on-one before their lives change and inevitably become busier and more stressful due to parenthood. At the same time, they can serve as a joyful start to a new chapter in a couple’s story—one that involves building a loving home and raising a happy family.
Though most babymoons are planned to happen before the birth of the first child, there’s no stopping you and your partner from booking vacations for your next pregnancies. A babymoon is as flexible as a honeymoon – you can choose where to go and how long you’ll be away.
The Canadian Rockies are a dream destination for many families because of the fresh air, the gorgeous views of nature, and the abundance of family-friendly activities like hiking, boating, and picnicking. But what’s meant to be a relaxing vacation can easily turn more than a little bit stressful if you’re not prepared.
Unpredictable weather is one of the hallmarks of the Canadian Rockies, and this should be one of your primary considerations when packing a suitcase for a mountain escape there.
For someone who doesn’t really hike I have more than my share of trail guides. Some are better than others, and I’ve developed a serious appreciation for a well researched guide book. “Stoked on Waterfalls” is up there with the best.
Stoked on Waterfalls: Volume I by Jason Walchuck is an exhaustive reference of waterfalls within a half kilometer of a public road in Alberta. Some are visible from a major highway, a few require driving down rough back roads and doing some serious bushwhacking, but they all meet the requirement of being within 500m of a non-private road.