National parks of Canada: Jasper National Park, Alberta

Parks Canada calls Jasper National Park the 'gentle giant of the Canadian Rockies', but it seems pretty mighty to us. A gateway for outdoor adventure in all seasons, Jasper is known for backcountry backpacking and skiing, but also plays host to a number of family friendly destinations of the less extreme variety. Here's what to do in Jasper National Park with kids: Start at visitor's … [Read more...]

Four days in the Canadian Rockies: Jasper and Banff National Park road trip

It's very hard to plan a trip to the Canadian Rockies. Why? No matter how ambitious your itinerary, there's always one more place to visit just a few kilometers down the road. But if you do have to scale your trip to under one week, here's how to spend four days in and around Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway, during a Jasper and Banff National Park road trip. Start in Jasper: The small … [Read more...]

Pages: 1 2

Traveling the Canadian Rockies on VIA Rail

Overnight passenger train travel can be more expensive and slower than air travel today. So why should you go? And where? Train across Canada: after spending two nights traveling the Canadian Rockies on VIA Rail's Canadian, the 'why' is easy to answer: in an age when traveling to a destination has become only about getting from Point A to Point B in a rushed, often stressful manner, a few days … [Read more...]

Five stops along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper and Banff National Parks

If you're visiting both Jasper and Banff national parks on your Canadian Rockies vacation (and you should be!), you will drive the Icefields Parkway connecting the two parks. This 3 hour stretch has been described as one of the most scenic highways in the world, and after our fall 2013 visit, I concur. The parkway takes approximately 3.5 hours to drive, but families will definitely want to stop … [Read more...]

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...]

How to spend two days in Banff National Park, Alberta

Hopefully, you have more than two days to explore Banff National Park with kids, but if you are limited on time, here's what you should do first. Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies: Whyte Museum is a great place to start. It may be small, but does an excellent job with both an art gallery and exhibits detailing the history of the park, starting with the First Nations' presence and … [Read more...]

Everything you need to know about visiting Toronto

There is really so much to like about Toronto. Toronto is the capital city of Ontario and it offers a wealth of fun activities. Plus, it is known for its diverse population. Within this guide, you will learn all about visiting Toronto and having a blast. When To Visit? To ensure that your trip is enjoyable, you’ll want to visit Toronto at the right time. Thankfully, Toronto is amazing … [Read more...]

Family Apres Ski at Whistler Village

After a full day of skiing or boarding, nothing is so satisfying as unbuckling your boots and shedding your coat to warm up amid the lively ambiance of fellow skiers and perhaps a live band. Add a cold brew or warm beverage, and you just might be in heaven. We've already told you where to eat on a budget at Whistler, but you don't have to pass up the fun of apres ski drinks and appetizers, even if … [Read more...]

10 tips for using ferries for Northwest travel with kids

If you travel extensively throughout the coastal northwest, your route will eventually necessitate using Washington State (WSDOT) ferries or BC Ferries. Both are well-run ferry transportation options, but can seem intimidating to the occasional Northwest traveler. My family and I learned the ropes (at least, most of them) the fun way on a 10 day trip throughout coastal BC and Washington islands. … [Read more...]

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort: what not to miss with kids

Twenty minutes before lifts stopped turning on a perfect Whistler ski trip, we were still finding fresh powder. Whistler Blackcomb is just that big. Everywhere we skied at Whistler Blackcomb, the kids discovered new routes, new glades, and new jumps. After spending two full ski days exploring the duel mountains, we could only say we'd had a 'sampler' of what this resort offers to … [Read more...]