Canadians love taking a tropical beach vacation to get a break from the cold weather. We live for finding great deals like discounted airfare, seat sales, or a cheap all-inclusive resort deals.

It seems, though, that we are faced with the same usual tropical vacation spots that are reasonably priced like Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic and sometimes even Hawaii. Especially from Western Canada, these hot spots are beautiful and accessible with airlines offering frequent service, direct flights and great package deals. Hard to resist, but maybe you’re ready to expand your horizons?

So, what are alternatives to Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic or Hawaii?

If you have already been to these places and looking for something different, there are definitely some really great options. Here are my top five picks of really cool tropical destinations that you should consider. They may be slightly more money, but I’ve seen and also taken advantage of some great deals to these spots too!

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a beautiful, tropical island located in the Eastern Caribbean. The second you set sight on the island from the window of the plane, you’ll see beautiful, jagged mountains, lush tropical rainforests and stunning white sand beaches paired with turquoise waters. When you hit the ground running, you’re in for a true tropical paradise vacation. The island offers many all-inclusive resorts for a range of budgets. The people of St. Lucia are friendly and polite, and the travelers that go to the island are generally more laid back, looking for adventure and eco-tourism, beach vibes, quality time with family or a romantic getaway.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is not as off-the-beaten-path that some may think. It’s now more accessible than ever with many airlines and tour companies from Canada offering packages to explore the lush tropical jungles, volcanoes, and biodiversity of this country. Located in Central America, a quarter of Costa Rica is made up of protected jungle. Travelers will be exposed to the raw, untouched beauty of nature and unique wildlife like monkeys and parrots. Costa Rica has beautiful beaches, although generally, travelers go to this area of the world more to explore the culture and eco-tourism rather than spending the entire time on the beach.

Roatan

So many people have never heard of Roatan. It’s a tiny island in the Caribbean located off the coast of Honduras and is part of a chain of islands called the Bay Islands. Roatan is a popular stop for cruise ships – in fact, a cruise-ship stop is how I discovered the island and realized it is one of Caribbean’s best-kept secrets! Roatan is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world and the biggest barrier reef in the western hemisphere making it a snorkeler and diver’s paradise.  From some of the pristine white sand beaches, you can swim into the water just a few feet of the beach and start exploring the gorgeous coral reefs.

This is a great website that can give you a ton of information on the island of Roatan and what to expect. https://tourismroatan.com

Turks and Caicos

The beaches and waters of Turks and Caicos are some of the best in the world thanks to the islands being home to one of the best barrier reef systems in the world. Like Roatan, Turks and Caicos is a snorkeling and diver’s dream. The water is crystal clear, turquoise blue and extremely warm, and the barrier reef is healthy and thriving with stunning coral and colourful tropical fish. There are many mega-resorts on the island but there are great options for private beach house rentals too.

Here is a great website to learn everything you need to know about Turks and Caicos. https://www.visittci.com

Jamaica

Jamaica is one of those islands that you hear about all the time but maybe have never been to. I had the chance to check it out last year and fell in love immediately. The people of Jamaica are some of the warm and friendliest I’ve ever met. From the music, culture, food and stunning tropical landscapes to the gorgeous beaches, water and overall laid-back vibe, a trip to Jamaica is definitely one to put on the bucket list. Jamaica goes above and beyond when catering to tourism and has so many resorts to choose from for every type of budget.

How to find a great winter vacation deal?

Work with a great travel agent or set some alerts on travel websites for these winter vacation spots and get ready to try something new! Many travel agents are now actively using Facebook and Instagram to post flash deals and insider rates that you may miss otherwise. I recommend following local Facebook travel groups in your community.

Many carriers such as Sunwing, Transat, Westjet Vacations and Air Canada Vacations offer great all-inclusive packages or airfare and hotel package deals to some of these destinations. Be sure to check them out.

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Where is Calaway Park?

Calaway Park is Western Canada’s largest amusement park and is located about 5 minutes west of Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Highway 1. The exit for Calaway Park is called Springbank Road (exit 169).

What makes us keep going back to Calaway Park? 

There are many reasons why we return to Calaway Park every year. We love that we can pay one-admission at the gate to enjoy unlimited rides and entertainment all day. We also appreciate that the price to get in is so reasonable! You can easily get a family of four into the park for well under $150. Plus, kids under two are free. 

Calaway Park is always so clean and we consistently notice that their staff is incredibly friendly and professional. There are plenty of trees and shade for hot summer days and there are many seating areas throughout the park.

Food at Calaway Park

There are a ton of food options whether you want to indulge in some carnival-fare like cotton candy, ice-cream, and deep-fried pickles or healthier options like the Beyond Burger or root veggie fries. They have five main restaurant options, plus many kiosks throughout the park, so you’ll never go hungry!

Rides at Calaway Park

Another thing we love about Calaway Park is the wide range of rides for all ages and levels. For those who thrive on adrenaline, be sure to try the Vortex Roller Coaster, the Storm or Chaos. The smaller children or adults who like a milder experience should definitely try the new Bumble Blast roller coaster or some fan favorites like the Aeromax or Dizzy Dragons. There are a lot of toddler ‘starter’ rides like the Eggs, Tot Yachts or the Swirly Twirl swings. The Balloon Ferris Wheel is always a hit for all ages. 

Calaway Park Tips

Over the years, we have compiled many tips for making Calaway Park a fun and stress-free experience. 

1. Before visiting, go on the website at www.calawaypark.com to find tickets. They often have online promotions and discount coupons. 

2. Watch for coupons at www.calgaryattractions.com, or in grocery stores such as Co-Op. 

3. If you are going with a large group, they offer online group discounts. If you can’t find anything online, be sure to give them a call. 

4. If you have little kids, be sure to bring your stroller as there is a lot of walking. They also offer stroller rental in the gift shop near the entrance. Even when our kids were a bit bigger, the stroller came in handy to pile all our stuff on! 

5. Another option is to bring a wagon to cart to haul around your gear! The majority of the park is outdoors, so pack for the weather. Many times, we have gone when it is cold in the morning then turning very hot in the afternoon. Dressing for different climates all happening in one day means we have to bring more stuff. 

6. It is less crowded in the week. If you can go during the weekdays, Monday to Thursday are the best days to go, and you’ll love not having to wait in long line-ups. You’ll find that you can even walk right onto rides without having to wait. Our kids loved being able to do the same rides over and over because there was no line.

7. Try and get there right when the park opens. You’ll be able to enjoy the entire day, and it is usually not as crowded. If you can hit up your favorite rides first thing, you’ll avoid the long line ups (especially for the Vortex roller coaster).

8. Parents – if you are going with a group, it’s best to go with an even number of kids; otherwise, someone will always feel left out. We have found that going with four or six kids works well. Any higher number we have wasted a lot of time figuring out who is splitting up and where they are going etc. 

9. Leave the Timber Falls log ride to later in your visit, otherwise, you’ll be wet all day! We usually enjoy Timber Falls near the end of the day. The line-ups are long, so plan to be there at least 45 minutes to an hour before you get on.

10. Be sure to check out the new CP Spray and Play spray park located near the front gates. Especially on those hot summer days, be sure to pack a bathing suit and towel for the kids. They will enjoy spending time in this fun new spray area that’s right next to the Twiz and Twirl Maze. We loved going here after a hot day of walking around. The kids cooled down, and the grown-ups soaked our weary feet in the refreshing water. 

Once you visit Calaway Park, you’ll realize just how affordable and fun it is for families! In my opinion, it is MUCH better and significantly cheaper than going to some of the big touring carnivals that visit Canadian cities during the summer months. 

Have you been to Calaway Park in Calgary? What tips or tricks would you tell someone who is planning to go? Let me know in the comments below! 

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When I think of taking a trip to the mountains, the first places that pop into my mind are Jasper and Banff followed by Canmore and Lake Louise. There is truly a reason that people flock to these beautiful towns – they are stunning year-round! The world knows it, proven by the fact that they’re bursting at the seams with hundreds of thousands of tourists arriving, especially during the summer peak season.

Years ago, when I couldn’t find accommodations in any of the usual mountain destinations, I discovered Fairmont Hot Springs and have been hooked ever since! This beautiful area of the Canadian Rockies offers a truly vibrant atmosphere with a peaceful ambiance; the perfect combination for a great vacation.

Not too far, but close enough!

Fresh mountain air. Jaw-dropping landscapes. Plenty of activities. Ample space to unwind. Fairmont is such a wonderful alternative to the usual spots such as Canmore or Banff.

Where is Fairmont Hot Springs?

You’ll find Fairmont Hot Springs about 2 hours west of Banff or 3 hours from Calgary. If you’re coming from the interior of BC, it’s about 1 hour north of Cranbrook or 1.5 hours south of Golden. Or if you’re coming from Edmonton, the total drive time is about 7 hours.

Once you reach the Banff area, the scenery becomes breathtaking. Lovely lakes, streams and waterfalls, vast mountain ranges and lush landscapes are around every corner. The drive doesn’t feel tedious because the views are incredible. Located near the Alberta border in the Kootenay Rockies area of British Columbia, you’ll also find many towns nearby including Radium, Invermere and Windermere.

Where to stay in Fairmont Hot Springs?

We love staying right at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. They have a large hotel and RV park with all of the amenities right on site. They offer basic hotel rooms, suites, and cabins. It’s very easy to stay at this resort whether you pop in for a weekend or stay for an extended period of time.

We have also stayed in the town of Invermere and have used VRBO or HomeAway to book our own accommodations. We enjoy staying near the lakefront on Windermere Lake. The casual vibe of Invermere is a great base for a rejuvenating vacation.

What to do in Fairmont Hot Springs?

Take a dip in Canada’s largest natural hot springs!

Fairmont Hot Springs is home to Canada’s largest natural mineral hot springs. The resort has a large main pool area that is cooled down enough that people can stay an enjoy for hours. There is also a hot pool and diving pool. Inside the resort, there is a guest-only hot pool, plus hot and cold plunge pools.

Love to golf? There are many options!

Golf courses with the stunning Rocky Mountains as a backdrop are a golfer’s treat. There are a few options right in Fairmont Hot Springs including Mountainside, Riverside, and Creekside golf courses. Or if you want to go a bit further there are more courses closer to Radium which is just a short drive from Fairmont Hot Springs.

Hit the beaches on Windermere Lake!

Lake Windermere sits in the Columbia Valley and is one of the warmest lakes in British Columbia. The town of Invermere is about a 20-minute drive from Fairmont and it sits at the Northwest corner of Lake Windemere. Within Invermere, you’ll find two family-friendly beaches including James Chabot Provincial Park and Kinsmen Park. These beaches are so much fun for all ages with lovely areas to swim, wade, play on the beach or have a picnic in the shade. Both beach areas have playgrounds, washrooms, and other amenities.  

Get on the water!

Paddleboard, canoe, kayak, jetski, waterski, tube, wakeboard, surf, fish – if you love being on the water there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy! If you want to rent a boat or jetski, there are a few options in the area. Here are a couple of boat rentals in Invermere that we used before we decided to buy our own boat.

– Pete’s Marina
– Columbia River Paddle

A new way to see the mountains with ziplining in BC!

If you’re new to ziplining or have been doing it for years, you can definitely get your adrenaline going by soaring above the treetops and gliding along the beautiful Rocky Mountains at a couple of zipline courses in the area. Mineral Mountain Ziplines is located right at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and is a really fun experience with 6 ziplines, each at different heights, speeds and distances. My best friend and I took our two 9-year-old daughters and they had a blast!

There is another zipline course nearby, Valley Zipline Adventures, which is on our bucket list for next time we visit!

Stroll through the town of Invermere

Invermere on the Lake is a vibrant and laid-back mountain town. There are great shops, bakeries, art galleries and much more to check out. You can easily spend a couple of hours strolling through downtown Invermere. They even have a farmers’ market on Saturday mornings!

Go hiking or biking

There are 13 trails around the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, plus many more in the area such as Hoodoo Trail or Pop Bottle Ridge. Be sure to take the easy hike up to the Indian Bathhouse which is a historic building housing natural hot springs baths that the early settlers used. There are also some all-natural springs that you can dip your feet into and stunning views of the Columbia Valley. Here is a great map of trails around Fairmont ranging from easy to difficult.

Try great restaurants near Fairmont Hot Springs

Foodies rejoice! There are so many local dining options within a short drive from Fairmont Hot Springs. Be sure to support these local businesses! Our favorite spots that we go to almost every time we visit include:

Fubuki Sushi in Invermere
Fuze in Invermere
Tony’s Greek Grill in Fairmont Hot Springs
Farside Inn Pub & Grill in Fairmont Hot Springs
From Scratch in Fairmont Hot Springs
Peppi’s Italian Fuel in Invermere
The Invermere Bakery in Invermere

Don’t forget to rest and relax

Most importantly, do nothing at all! There are so many spots where you can find solitude. Soak in the silence and let your body and mind reset. There’s just something about that fresh mountain air that refuels the soul!

Have you been to Fairmont Hot Springs? What is your favorite thing to do? Let me know in the comments!

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Planning an Alberta Road Trip?

There is almost nothing better than a road trip, with the exception of going on a road trip and making a pit stop to see that world’s largest honeybee or a real-life UFO landing pad. In honour of all things weird, here’s our ultimate list of all things roadside in Alberta.

Alberta Road Trip Attractions

Andrew, Alberta

What to see: World’s Largest Mallard
Where to see it: Just off HWY 855 on 50th Avenue

Beaverlodge

What to see: Giant Beaver Sculpture
Where to see it:  HWY 1 

Beiseker

What to see: A 13-foot tall skunk
Where to see it: Southside of HWY 72,  just west of HWY 9

Town of Bow Island

What to see:  18 foot Pinto MacBean (bean)
Where to see it: Highway 3 at 206 7 Avenue

Chauvin 

What to see:  Worlds Largest Softball
Where to see it: 3rd Ave and Main Street, Chauvin

Cochrane

What to see:  Giant statue of a cowboy called “Men of Vision”
Where to see it: Cochrane Ranche Park

Donalda

What to see:  Worlds Largest Oil Lamp
Where to see it:  Railway Avenue, Donalda

Drumheller

What to see:  Worlds Largest Dinosaur
Where to see it: 60 1 Ave W, Drumheller 

Edmonton

What to see:  Giant Baseball Bat (no longer the largest in Canada)
Where to see it:  118 Ave, Edmonton 

Edmonton

What to see:  The Giant Cowboy Boot
Where to see it:  100 Ave & 167 Street, Edmonton

Falher

What to see:  Worlds Largest Bee
Where to see it:  306 Main Street, Fahler 

Glendon

What to see:  World’s Largest Pyrogy
Where to see it: 8 kilometres north of Highway 28 on Secondary Highway 882

Hanna

What to see:  Nickleback… I’m kidding!  Three giant geese!

Where to see it: There are three geese in total: “Taking off” at the northeast corner of 2nd Avenue W and Palliser.  “Landing” on the east side of Pioneer Trail and Railway Avenue East.  “Flying” east side of Highway 9, east end of town by the airport.

Medicine Hat

What to see:  Saami’s Tepee: Worlds tallest Tepee
Where to see it: 15 Eagle Birth Rd SW,  just off HWY 1

Mundare

What to see:  Worlds Largest Ukrainian Sausage
Where to see it: Sawchuk Street and 50 Avenue

St. Paul

What to see:  UFO Landing Pad
Where to see it: South side of Highway 28 in the middle of town. If you spot a UFO on the way there call: 1-888-SEE-UFOS

Swan Hills

What to see:  Giant Bear and Swan with Nest.
Where to see it:  Hwy 33 as you enter Swan Hills

Taber

What to see:  Giant Corn Stalk
Where to see it:  Northwest corner of Highway 3 and 50th Street

Vegreville

What to see: Pysanka (Easter Egg)
Where to see it:  North side of Highway 16A, in Elk’s Park

Vilna

What to see: Worlds Largest Mushrooms
Where to see it:  Located 1 block east of Main Street

Vulcan

What to see: A replica Star Treks Starship Enterprise ( Starship FX6-1995-A)
Where to see it: West side of Highway 23, just south of Centre Street

Wabamun

What to see: Worlds Largest Dragonfly
Where to see it:  Range Road 11 (Trans Canada Hwy 16 Exit 324 south toward Wabamun

Alberta Mamas is a collective started by seasoned bloggers, social media managers, and business owners in Alberta, Canada. It is a collective website for parents in Alberta created by parents in Alberta! We are everyday moms, entrepreneurs, and friends who love to share our experiences.

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Many people have lived in Alberta their whole life and have never been to Calaway Park! Just a few minutes East of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway, Calaway Park is renowned as Western Canada’s largest amusement park. It’s a fairly easy road trip from many places in Alberta, especially Southern and Central locations. You may have even driven past it numerous times when you’ve headed to Canmore, Banff or the Rocky Mountains. You can see the large green and pink roller coaster from your car window!

A theme park in Alberta with rides, entertainment and fun!

If you are looking for a really memorable family-adventure this summer that is reasonably priced and entertaining for all ages, add Calaway Park to your summer road trip bucket list. Calaway Park can easily be done in one day. I know many people who drive 3-4 hours, spend the day there, and drive back home that same evening. This is a great way to avoid the costs of a hotel room.

Or if you are road tripping to other parts of Alberta (or going onward to other provinces), Calaway Park is a great stop on your itinerary. If you are camping there is a great campground right on site! They also offer many accommodation packages with partner hotels in Calgary and area.

Here are some of my favourite things about Calaway Park.

1. Calaway Park is fun for all ages. We have been going there since my kids have both been babies. There are rides that accommodate all ages and levels, plus there are games and shows such as dancing, singing and theatre. We have gone with children aged 0-16+ and they have all found something they really enjoyed.
   
2. One-pay gate pass. They make it so easy because you pay one fee at the gate and enjoy unlimited rides and entertainment for the entire day. They also have great deals on season passes and often offer online discounts and group rates. We find the prices to be so reasonable for a day of family fun.
   
3. Clean and friendly. We have always found Calaway Park to be extremely clean and the staff to be professional and friendly in all areas. We also love that it feels like a very safe and family-orientated environment.
   
4. Super fun rides for all levels. If you’re an adrenaline junky, there are some thrill rides for you! Or if you prefer something relaxing, they have some tamer rides that will put a smile on your face. We love how they have the giant swings for the big kids, but they also have mini swings for the toddlers. It makes it easy to give everyone a chance to try something fun.
   
5. Not too big, not too small! We love that Calaway Park is large enough to spend the entire day (or even a weekend) exploring, but it’s not so big that it’s overwhelming. It’s hard to get lost and once you spend a few hours there you’ll have the layout figured out!

If you’re thinking about exploring Calgary, here are some really fun things to do in Calgary with the kids.

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Contributed by Anuja from WeTraveler

London has been one of my favorite cities ever since I visited 10 years back. A few things which I liked the most was its climate, rich historical culture, recreational parks, well-connected trains and world-class attractions. I cannot forget its nightlife and the most amazing shopping areas. While visiting London on a budget may seem daunting, it is definitely do-able.

To achieve all of this you will definitely have to dig a big hole in your pocket as London is notoriously expensive! Therefore, I would suggest that you plan well in advance in case this destination is on your mind. This is a guide for many free attractions in London, as well as paid ones, which are worth visiting. Start planning your holiday to London!

Tips for a budget holiday in London:

1. Get accommodation at some relatives or a friends place (if it is possible)
2. Try and stay at a PG, hostel or Air B&B
3. Carry a sufficient amount of food and snacks

How to visit London on a budget.

Here are some things to see and do in London if you’re on a budget. My first day in the city started with attractions which can be explored for free, followed by the must-see paid attractions, nightlife, hang out places and shopping. 

1. Big Ben

This is one of the oldest and iconic towers of London. Since this is in the city itself, you can notice a lot of hustle and bustle in and around it. It is usually very crowded as it is very popular among tourists. There is a giant bell inside and the clock outside the tower right at the top is its highlight point. A lot of movies are shot at this location. 

2. Buckingham Palace

This is the most famous address in London for centuries. The palace is home of the ‘Queen of London’. The best attraction is the Changing of the Guard which happens daily in summers around 10:45 am. The view of the parade is simply amazing! Tourists throng here in huge numbers just to get a glimpse. The palace is off Hyde Park where you can relax for a while before heading to the next destination.

Check out Free Tours By Foot for guided walking tours!

3. Tower Bridge

Yet another iconic piece of London and a popular spot for movies. The Tower Bridge in London is an artistic bridge that looks incredible from a distance, especially in the night. It overlooks the Thames River and opens up when a big vessel passes through it. You can simply take a walk on the bridge in the evening and admire its beauty. There is an option of going on the top for a better view, however, you can get a 360 view of the entire bridge from the elevated corridor next to it. An evening cruise in the Thames river is possible in the case that interests you.

Here are some interesting facts about the Tower Bridge in London.

4. St. Paul’s Cathedral

This is one of the most beautiful churches in  London. Closer to the Thames river, the giant dome on the top is a marvel in itself. Take the entry fee to head straight on the top and experience some incredible views of the city and the Thames river. A lot of high profile weddings take place in St. Paul’s Cathedral including Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

5. London Eye

The London Eyeis close to Big Ben and near the River Thames. Unlike the previously mentioned historical attractions, the London Eye is quite entertaining. It is a giant observation wheel which rotates very slowly giving a 360 view of the city. The view from the top of the wheel is quite stunning. Since the wheel doesn’t rotate too fast even kids and senior citizens can experience this (unless someone has acrophobia.)

TIP: The London Eye has an entry fee, however, I would suggest experiencing this if you are a first timer.

6. Windsor Castle

Located in the heart of the city, Windsor Castle is one of the oldest and largest castles in the world. The castle has a long walk of approx. three-miles with nice greenery all along. It is considered as the second home of the Queen and has a royal history and antique furnishings inside.

7. Trafalgar Square

This is a nice and vibrant place in London. You will notice a couple of statues and structures close by. It is also surrounded by museums, galleries and historical attractions. In the evening, you may find some entertaining acts performed by artists. It is advisable to spend some time here and sit to the elevated stairs in the evening.

Here are some ideas for what to see at Trafalgar Square.

8. Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds is a wax museum with 250 figures of famous personalities. It is the most popular tourist attraction in London. It offers complete family entertainment as clicking pictures with these big “stars” is absolute fun. You will find the waxworks of personalities such as the Queen, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Cruise, Usain Bolt, Johnny Depp. Micheal Jackson, etc.

TIP: The museum is quite big so you need to cover it fast without spending much time in any one section. Spend around 2-3 hours here and proceed for your tour. 

9. Piccadilly Circus

Your trip to London cannot be complete without exploring the nightlife. The large billboard and neon signs at Piccadilly Circus are huge and comparable to the Times Square of New York. This is a busy street with lots of restaurants, cafes, shopping areas, bars and clubs which are flocked to by tourists and locals regularly.

TIP: Visit this street in the evening to see the lights glitter and feel the vibrancy of this place. 

London is Calling!

Visiting London on a budget can definitely be done. It is an amazing place to discover! Its diversity, landscape and climate are definitely worth experiencing. Therefore it makes me feel like going again and again! Do give me your comments if you feel the same!

Written by Anuja from WeTraveler

Anuja is marketing and digital professional. The travel bug bit her since she was a kid and the passion only kept growing. Writing blogs, reviews and making itineraries is something she enjoys the most. You can find more great articles and connect with her on WeTraveler.

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Choose a great hotel for kids in Calgary.

Plan your trip by having a great home base! Choose a Calgary hotel with waterslides! Our favorite hotel is Best Western Port o’ Call which has two super fun waterslides and a fantastic kiddie pool area for children under 5. We have tried other hotels in Calgary but always return here. Our kids spend hours in the pool and we feel relaxed knowing they are in a fun and safe swimming environment! The hotel offers a great breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner service plus a coffee shop with snack bar. You won’t have to go far to make sure the kids are fueled up before or after all the swimming!

Spend the day at Calgary Zoo.

It’s so easy and fun to spend many hours at Calgary Zoo. Voted as one of Canada’s top tourist destinations, Calgary Zoo has amazing animal experiences. They have nearly 1,000 animals across 119 species including pandas, elephants, giraffes, penguins and much more. The kids will enjoy exploring the prehistoric park with towering dinosaurs all around. There is a huge playground, plenty to eat and drink, souvenir shops and nice grassy areas and gardens to take a break.

Ride the day away at Calaway Park.

Calaway Park is Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park. There are 32 rides with levels for all-ages, plus there are carnival games, exciting live shows and plenty of delicious treats. It’s easy to spend the entire day at Calaway Park, and the value for the money is excellent. They offer a one-time pay at the gate fee, allowing for unlimited rides and shows for the day. The park is clean and family-friendly throughout.

Zoom with Skyline Luge Calgary.

Skyline Luge Calgary is located at Canada Olympic Park. Ride the chair lift to the top of the hill and then grab a downhill kart to descend down the track. Downhill karting is a unique, wheeled gravity ride that provides a fun-filled adventure activity suitable for riders of all ages and experience. Smaller riders can go with an adult.

Head to the top of Calgary Tower.

For beautiful 360 degree views of the city, mountains and prairies, head up to the top of Calgary Tower. Give the kids a one-of-a-kind experience stepping onto the glass floor in the Observation Deck that looks directly down onto the streets! Not for the faint of heart, but definitely a memorable adventure. Grab a drink or bite to eat at Sky 360 Restaurant which revolves every 45 minutes! The kids will get a kick out of the fact that the restaurant is actually turning as they eat!

Fire up your imagination at Telus Spark Calgary

There is just so much to do at Calgary’s science centre, Telus Spark. Spend the day exploring over 100 exhibits and galleries with hands-on learning and really cool and unique demonstrations that share excitement about the world of science, technology and creativity. There is also an HD digital dome theatre and outdoor park for the kids to get fresh air and burn off energy!

Go back in time at Heritage Park.

Heritage Park is a historical park in southwest Calgary featuring a replica 1910 pioneer town. It is Canada’s largest living history museum with hundreds of exhibits, rides, shops, restaurants, daily demonstrations and activities. Just inside the gates, you can board a real steam engine train which will take you into town. Stroll down the main street and check out the old fashioned buildings and midway rides. There are farm animals, a settlement fort and aboriginal encampment. Workers are dressed up and in character to represent what life was like back in the ‘olden days!

Other fun things to do in Calgary.

One place we haven’t been yet but will be checking out soon is Granary Road located just south of Calgary. Granary Road offers 36 acres of activities, 3.5 kilometers of trails, a petting zoo and themed exhibits. There are a restaurant and year-round public market with vendors offering the best local products.

If you need a retail fix, be sure to visit Cross Iron Mills shopping centre. It is the biggest one-level shopping centre in Alberta and home to many stores and outlets, a movie theatre, restaurants and food court. Our kids enjoy visiting Bass Pro Shop which is a huge outdoor-gear store. There are plenty of unique things to look at including a large aquarium located near the center of the store. On the north side of the mall, there is a neat kids play area for the little ones if they need a break from shopping!

What are your favorite things to do in Calgary with the kids? Leave me a comment below!

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For many years, I kept hearing from many people how fantastic Jamaica is, recommending that I check it out for my next vacation. I ignored them, thinking why bother going to Jamaica when I’ve been to so many other Caribbean islands already? After all, aren’t they all pretty much the same?

Boy, was I wrong! From the minute I stepped out of the airport in Montego Bay, I realized Jamaica is an extraordinary Caribbean island boasting beautiful landscapes, stunning beaches, vibrant people, deep-rooted culture and delicious cuisine. I admit, I’ve fallen in love with Jamaica and can’t wait to go back!

Getting to Jamaica from Western Canada

Here in Western Canada, especially in mid-sized cities such as Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Winnipeg, there aren’t as many options for all-inclusive getaways with direct flights as there are from Central Canadian hubs like Toronto and Montreal. The cheapest all-inclusive packages from Edmonton, with the most inventory to choose from (with direct flights) are to Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

My family and I decided we were craving an all-inclusive vacation, so I went online to see what I could find. Luckily, at the time I was looking (on the weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday) there were a lot of really great deals to Caribbean resorts. I found some fantastic prices to resorts in Jamaica that were too hard to resist. I chose Grand Palladium Jamaica because I previously visited a Grand Palladium Resort in Mexico and loved it.

Flight time to Montego Bay and drive time to Grand Palladium Resort.

Along with my husband, two children, and parents, we jetted off in January on a direct flight from Edmonton to Montego Bay. The flight was shorter than expected, only about six hours each way. On arrival, we jumped on a beautiful, modern tour bus and arrived at Grand Palladium Jamaica within about 30-45 minutes from the airport. Overall, the travel day felt effortless and we arrived with hardly any jetlag!

Our hotel in Jamaica.

The ‘Grand’ in Grand Palladium Jamaica does not fall short on its promise; everything is truly is Grand! Having been to the Grand Palladium White Sands in Mayan Riviera, I noticed the Palladium brand delivers consistency between its resorts. There were many similarities in architecture, service and amenities.

Grand Palladium Jamaica blew us away on so many levels. From the huge pools, a vast selection of food and restaurants, lovely grounds, pristine architecture and gorgeous beaches, we felt like we found heaven on earth! We especially loved how friendly Jamaican people are; we’ve been to many places in the world, but the people of Jamaica have energy and warmth that make visitors feel right at home.

Here are my favourite things about Grand Palladium Jamaica.

1. Even though the resort is huge, it never felt too overwhelming. There were plenty of motorized golf carts to jump on if our legs got tired, but we loved walking around and discovering new things to see around every corner.
2. The children’s pool area featured many play structures and slides. Our kids had so much fun and we felt comfortable to let them run and play with new friends they met each day!
3. Soft, white sandy beaches and lots of beach chairs. The beaches were never too crowded and there were three to choose from on the resort. The water was calm with the beautiful Caribbean warm, clear water that people travel from all over the world to enjoy.
4. A wide selection of restaurants and buffets were outstanding and the food was incredible. Through the week there was never a moment where we felt the food was getting repetitive.
5. Zentropia Spa is stunning; a wonderful and relaxing way to spend a few hours. The massage therapists were professional and provided excellent service. The pools, saunas and lazy river in the spa area felt luxurious.
6. POP (People of Palladium) entertainment was top level! Especially the evening shows including Michael Jackson night and the Circus night are ones we will remember for life.
7. There was so much to do for everyone of all ages. If you wanted to be bored and do nothing, go for it. Or if you felt like moving there were tons of great fitness programs and a modern gym. If you enjoyed beach time and water activities, you could always find something to do.
8. Jerk chicken every day! Jerk flavor is so good and we loved being able to eat authentic Jamaican food every day. At every meal, there was something served that was local to Jamaica or other Caribbean islands.
9. The resort is so big you don’t really need to leave. There is so much to do on site that we never really felt like we needed to go far. Although next time we return to Jamaica, we definitely want to get out and see the rest of the island!
10. A vibrant and lively atmosphere overall; we loved seeing so many people of all ages enjoying themselves. The resort never felt too quiet or dull. It was the right mix of entertainment and relaxation.

Our family aged 6-78 were very impressed with our holiday in Jamaica. We are the type of people who try not to travel to the same place twice, and if we do we usually try a different resort. We had so much fun at Grand Palladium Jamaica that we are already planning our next trip back and hoping to bring more friends and family with us! 

Let me know if you have any questions about Grand Palladium Jamaica in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to answer!

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If you are looking to breathe in some clean, fresh mountain air and just get away from “it all”, Jasper is still fairly quaint and quiet in comparison to Banff. It’s a great place to rest and recharge, or if you’re in for more adventure, a wonderful home base for exploring Canada’s vast wilderness.

Weekend in Jasper

We’ve spent many family weekends in Jasper during both the winter and summer months. If you plan on going for two or three nights, here is a great little itinerary of things you can do with the kids.

1. Ski Marmot Basin

In the winter, Marmot Basin is a great place to take the family skiing. They offer lessons for the little ones on a nice, easy bunny hill. And for more advanced skiers or snowboarders, there are plenty of runs to enjoy on all types of terrain with spectacular scenery all around. We have been to many ski areas in the Canadian Rockies but Marmot Basin is our favorite one of all.

2. Take a flight with Jasper Skytram

The Jasper Skytram  is the highest and longest aerial tramway in Canada. The seven-minute ride to the top is fun for the entire family and you will be rewarded with unbelievable views! Hike to the summit and be in awe of the scenery around you. There are great photo opportunities and the adventure of hiking at the top of a mountain is not one your family will forget. There is also a little restaurant at the top to refuel after the hike!

3. Explore Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is the deepest slot canyon in Jasper National Park. The area has many waterfalls, underground stream outlets, and incredible scenery everywhere you look. In winter, the waterfalls are frozen over and is a spectacular site. Enjoy ice walking, ice climbing and marveling at natures frozen wonders around them. In summer, enjoy hiking, bird watching and exploring the most interesting canyon in the Rockies. There are so many incredible photo opportunities and overall it’s a great learning experience for everyone including the kids.

There are a few tour companies in the area that provide guided tours and adventures, or you can discover the area on your own.

4. Walk the Town of Jasper

Jasper is not a huge town and families can enjoy an easy stroll through the main streets and browse through the many local shops. The kids will love you forever when you visit Candy Bear Lair and Ana Lea’s Candy Lane, both local sweet shops filled candy and treats. There are lots of stores offering really unique items and souvenirs, and many great local restaurants and coffee shops to try out as well!

Visit the Jasper Municipal Library

We recently stumbled across the Jasper Municipal Library when walking around the town. There is a really cool area upstairs for the kids with lots of books, games, and crafts. We spent a couple hours there reading, playing and making crafts with the free materials they provided.

Across the street from the library is a great park with lots of different styles of equipment. We ended up spending the afternoon enjoying both the library and the park.

Every time we visit Jasper we always discover something new. What are your favorite things to do in Jasper with kids? Let me know in the comments below!

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We have been lucky to go on several trips to Disney since our kids were preschoolers. We had a great time with our kids at every age. How we experienced Disney changed with their ages, but it has always been positive. Here are some things to know before visiting Disney theme parks.

What is the best age to take kids to Disney?

I would say between three and nine years old were the most magical for my kids. They were mostly into Disney Princesses, Cars, Tinkerbell, and characters from Disney shows.

Disney with young kids.

Our children were three and five years old on our first trip to Disney World. My husband and I look back on this as one of our favorite family trips of all time. The kids were so excited by the characters, the rides and the atmosphere; it truly seemed like the happiest place on earth. My husband and I had never been to Disney World – it was just as magical for us!

Disney with teenagers.

Our kids are now 12 and 14 years old and our most recent trip to Disney World was still fabulous! Before we had to work around character dinners and meet/greets, but this last time it was all about the rides. Exciting bigger rides too, like Tower of Terror, Aerosmith’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Everest (our favorite at Animal Kingdom). It was fun, great bonding (we strategized as a family), no drama or tears and we easily powered through from open to close! It also cost us less as this was the first trip where they didn’t care about Disney merchandise!

When is the Best Time to go to Disney?

When we plan our trips it is usually based on not missing too much school (especially now that they are older), and avoiding crowded parks!

Touring Plans

We do our best to avoid big crowds and long waits by using Touring Plans to check out the weeks we are considering and eventually what days we go to which park. The subscription is $20 and well worth it as they predict crowd levels at the Parks based on planned events, holidays, the economy and which park had magic-hour that day. We plan out our days based on avoiding the longest lines and use the Lines App once on site. You can even use it for an itinerary which we typically follow as a loose guideline.

Choose a slower or off-season time.

Choosing a ‘slower’ or more off-season time to visit typically means there are discounts to be had. For value and decent crowds look at January into early February, mid-August to end of September, and early November to mid-December (avoid Thanksgiving). If you go after mid-November you can enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations!

We have been to Disney in November, February and June. June in Orlando was very hot, very busy and I would not do again. If you don’t mind it being a little cooler, January or the beginning of February is one of the best times to go for a quieter park, as is November. Although the weather is cooler, it’s still a nice escape from winter in Edmonton (AND it wasn’t cold enough to stop us from going in the pool!)

Book Character Dinners and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique early!

To ensure you get dinner with your child’s most beloved characters, and the venue you most desire, you’ll need to book early, same with Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. If you are not sure about spending the time or money on these experiences, I’d recommend it at least once if you can. We did the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique when they were three and five. They both loved it – my daughter got to be a princess for the day, and my son was just as happy with his colourful hair, sword & shield, and the attention that followed.

I suggest booking your appointment for early in the day in order to enjoy it longer, and coordinate it with any special dinners with the Disney Princesses!

Use a Stroller at Disney.

I would 100% recommend a stroller for 4 and under, even if you don’t still use a stroller at home. It is a lot of walking, especially at Disney World. We brought our own for a few days and rented a few times. Personally, we found it less of a hassle to just rent a stroller. It was nice to not push it around all day – we waited until early afternoon to rent. Both of my kids napped in the stroller which was a lifesaver on long days when we stayed for the fireworks. There is a ton of stroller parking, just have something to make your stroller recognizable!

Bring a Backpack to Disney

We always bring at least one backpack with us to carry water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and jackets/sweaters. Bringing water and snacks helps cut back on costs and is nice to have during the long lineups. It is also important to consider layers – early mornings can be chilly and it cools off fast when the sun goes down!

At Disney you can bring your backpack with you on rides which is great (at Universal Studios we had to rent a locker for most rides). We did rent a locker on a few occasions (to avoid carrying around 4 water bottles and sweaters all day). We would rent for the morning and take it out for the afternoon/evening.

Use Disney Fast Passes & Child Swap

We were surprised how many people at the Disney Parks were not aware of Fast Passes or Child Swap/Rider Switch. To make the most of your time, I’d recommend reading up on this before you go. You can book your Fast Passes online 30 days in advance of your trip (even longer if you are staying at a Disney resort).

If you will be using child swap, this article from WDW Prep School is a great resource to maximize use of Fast Passes in conjunction with child swap.

Should You Stay at a Disney Resort?

We have never stayed at a Disney Resort, but if I was to do it over again I would have when they were younger. I wish we had for our first trip when they were under five as it was very hot and the kids just wanted the pool. If we had been staying at a Disney Resort we’d have gone back to the hotel for a swim and nap! There are also some pretty good perks when staying at a Disney Resort:

• They will take your packages to your room (no carrying them around all day!).
• Save money on a car rental. Use Disney’s transportation to the Parks and the airport.
• The early magic hour access – game changer!
• You can book your Fast Passes further in advance.
• Other advantages like advance booking for Character dining.

Use Photo Pass and Buy Memory Maker (at least once!)

At the Disney Parks, there are many photo opportunities where staff is set up taking photos. They will hand you a Photo Pass card (or will add to your Photo Pass card if you already have one). If you purchase Memory Maker you get unlimited photo downloads of all your photos taken at the Park, plus other perks. Last time we did this, the Memory Maker was the better deal as it was $20/photo to purchase individual photos and we easily had more than 10 photos that we wanted. It was also nice to have family photos I was actually in instead of playing photographer. If you buy Memory Maker three days in advance of your visit to the Park, you get a discount and if you stay at a Disney resort there are extra photo opportunities.

I hope these Disney World and Disneyland tips help inspire your trip! If you have any questions, please leave a comment below!

Written by Shauna Heryford.

Shauna is a busy mom to two fantastic kids and a freelance Digital Marketing Consultant with over 20 years in the marketing industry. Shauna loves spending time with her family and friends. She thinks family vacations, girls’ weekends and couple’s trips are good for the soul; whether it is a weekend tenting or two weeks in Hawaii – it is important to reconnect and reset. You can connect with Shauna on LinkedIn.

Helpful travel websites to make planning your trip easier!

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