Chester Lake: A go-to snowshoe (or hike) in Kananaskis Country, Alberta The Chester Lake Trail in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park stands out as a go-to hike in Kananaskis, especially in the winter. The trail gives the best samplings of scenery in the Canadian Rockies, including Christmas card spruce and pine trees, snow-covered meadows and a beautiful frozen lake with...
Having visited Banff several times a year for most of my life, I had never ridden the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. While standing on a mountain top can be pretty chilly in the winter, we decided to take the ride up and enjoy the views. Is the Banff Gondola worth it in the winter? Tickets for the Banff Gondola are expensive, so you might be wondering whether...
Edmonton, Alberta, is known for its cold winters, but that doesn’t deter locals from celebrating and making the most of the chilly season. This northern city embraces winter, and there are plenty of things to experience and do in the snow, including skiing in Edmonton. The North Saskatchewan River valley is the largest urban parkland in North America and home to four...
If you’re a diehard skier or snowboarder, waiting for the ski resorts to open might make you feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning. Thanks to snow machines and tireless snow-making crews that work through the night, the resorts can open a few runs in early-mid November. Is it worth making the trip when only a handful of runs are open? In the Alberta...
The drive from Edmonton to Vancouver is one of Canada’s most scenic road trips, taking you through the Rocky Mountains, along rushing rivers and through small towns with unique attractions. You can make the trip in a very long day of driving, but the memories are made when you take the time to stop, explore and enjoy the journey. I know this route extremely well...
Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, just outside of the town of Lac La Biche in Alberta, is one of our favourite provincial parks to visit. The park comprises eight islands, with the largest, called ‘Big Island’, being home to the campground, facilities, developed trails, and beaches. You can drive to the Big Island via a 2.5 km causeway. The island is nearly...
Kinosoo Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches we’ve explored in Alberta, especially for families. It is a summer hub located in the City of Cold Lake, offering a three-block long stretch of sandy beach, clean and clear water and enough activities and amenities to keep you busy on long summer days. There is a reason it’s featured in several “best beaches”...
Maligne Lake is one of the most scenic lakes in Jasper National Park, and most picturesque in my opinion! Some would argue that it’s also one of the most popular backcountry paddling destinations in the Canadian Rockies, for good reason. It’s gorgeous, the campsites offer exceptionally beautiful lake and mountain views, and you can paddle Maligne Lake with kids. I’ll...
Kayaking on the North Saskatchewan River on a warm day is one of the best ways to experience summer in Edmonton. Whether you’re floating under bridges with the downtown skyline as a backdrop or paddling beside sandy cliffs and forest in this urban wilderness, the views from the water bring a fresh perspective of this river city. The North Saskatchewan River is a...
A day at the beach is the perfect way to spend a summer’s day. Families looking for sandy shores, clear water, and fun amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas will appreciate our guide to these kid-friendly beaches in Alberta. We’ve tried to include beaches throughout the entire province, listed from the northern locations and working our way down. Let us know if...