Calgary’s family spirit for fun with the kids

For holiday fun with the family in Calgary, this sponsored post offers ideas to entertain the kids, from space flights to animal encounters to a heart stopping view from the Calgary tower.

Located in close proximity to the rolling foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is majestic, safe and a truly heartwarming city. Considering all major Canadian cities, there are only few that can match Calgary’s abundant family activities and destinations, which are adorned by kids and parents alike.

Whenever I visit Calgary, an overwhelming sense of realization grips me while contemplating over the fact that the city has evolved from an early 1800s outpost of the North West Mounted Police and a haven for ranch builders to a bustling city that retains the magical small-town spirit. Calgary has always fostered a “family-friendly” culture and encourages the development of parks, playgrounds and fun activities for the entire family. To elaborate my point, I have jotted down a list of the city’s landmarks that are sure to make you chuckle with glee with your kids.

Be sure to check out these top family delights in Calgary…

SpacePort

If you fly to Calgary, head to the food court on the third floor of Calgary International Airport. Located next to the food court is a 6,000 square foot high-tech interactive zone called SpacePort. It houses four flight simulators, a time machine and visitors can also take a virtual tour of the International Space Station. SpacePort offers free facilities and exhibitions, except for simulation rides that carry a small charge. The educational exhibits give hands-on experience and information about flight simulation, the Canadian Space Agency, and communication technology. Hence, it is a truly entertaining and engaging outing for families. I personally enjoyed dodging aliens!

Spaceport at Calgary International Airport
Phone: (403) 717-7678
Opening hours: 9am-9pm Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat & Sun

Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden and Prehistoric Park

Calgary Zoo offers habitat to more than 1,100 animals and a wide variety of species from different parts of the globe. The highly innovative and themed exhibitions offer close encounters with grizzlies, wolves, moose, cougar, bison, bighorn sheep and many other animals. If you feel like going green, you can step in the lush Botanical Garden. I love the serene environment of this garden, especially the charm of the butterfly garden. If you believe that size does matter, then head to the Prehistoric Park where you can view life-sized dinosaur models lurking in prehistoric lands. I visited Dino Island to experience its unique simulator ride that placed me right in the middle of prowling dinosaurs! Calgary Zoo also offers catered sleepovers specially for birthday parties for kids and other special occasions. Hence, you can enjoy the thrills of three unique attractions in a single Calgary Zoo. Moreover, it only takes 10 minutes to reach the zoo by train from Downtown Calgary.

Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden and Prehistoric Park,
1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2E 7V6
Phone: (403) 232-9300, 1-800-588-9993
Opening hours: Daily 9am-5pm

TELUS World of Science

Formerly known as the Calgary Science Centre, the TELUS World of Science offers highly intriguing and interactive exhibitions that cover various aspects of science ranging from biology to astronomy. TELUS World is complete with a Discovery Dome Theatre, WOWTown, Creative Kids Museum and an Amazement Park.

Moreover, you can clarify any doubts or queries with professionals with guided programs and interpretive tours. The displays are changed frequently. Hence, I always keep an eye out for upcoming interesting exhibitions.

TELUS World of Science, 701-11th Street Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 2M5s
Phone: (403) 268-8300
Opening hours: 9:45am-4pm Mon-Thurs, 9:45am-5pm Fri, 10am-5pm Sat, Sun, Holidays

Calgary Tower

Picture yourself with your family standing midair at 525 feet and looking straight down at the heart of Calgary. You can experience this thrill at the Observation Deck of the Calgary Tower. The tower is not the tallest building in Calgary, but you can walk on a 36 feet long glass floor that presents a panoramic view of the city and the breathtaking magnificence of the Rockies at the horizon.

Calgary Tower, 101 – 9th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 1J9
Phone: (403) 266-7171
Opening hours: 9am-10pm Jun-Aug, 9am-9pm Sept-May

Crossroads Market

Crossroads Market is Calgary’s largest indoor-outdoor market that is open round the year. Located at at the junction of Ogden Road and Blackfoot Trail, Crossroads is just a 5-minute drive from Downtown Calgary. Moreover, the market offers free parking facility. The minute I stepped in the premises of this colossal market, I was exposed to the overwhelming presence of a flea market, antique market, indoor farmer’s market, and a seasonal outdoor farmer’s market – all under the same roof! Over 125 vendors represent a maze of booths that offer a mesmerizing display of unique products, rare collectibles, and antique treasures. The fresh produce, delicious baked goods, locally raised meat and poultry available at the market will certainly turn your visit into a grand feast. There are also many vendors who sell gluten-free products.

Crossroads Market, 1235 – 26 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1R7
Phone: (403) 291-5208
Opening hours: Indoor-Outdoor Market: 9am to 5pm Fri, Sat, Sun
Food Court:  Open on Fridays for lunch
Flea & Antique Markets Mall: 9am to 5pm Sat & Sun

Family Friendly Tip

Keep an eye out for the “sunburst logo” of Child and Youth Friendly Calgary (CYFC). Established more than 14 years ago, this organization accredits establishments for “child-friendliness”. A strict inspection is conducted by Calgary’s youth and the businesses that pass this test earn the right to display the organization’s logo.

Thanks for this article to Vinay Shingornikar, who is a professional writer and has authored insightful articles for a wide spectrum of publications. Currently, he is working with Flight Network, which is Canada’s second most visited online travel agency. Flight Network negotiates bulk rates with major airlines such as WestJet and Air Canada to offer the cheapest flights to customers.

Photo Credits: Little Green Men by Cuppojoe , Calgary Zoo by k-ideas , Calgary Tower by vill3r , Plasma Disks by  D’Arcy Norman .

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

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What’s the best ski resort for your next ski-ing holiday?

If you’re hoping to catch some late season snow or starting to plan next year’s ski holiday my sponsored post from Eclipse Ski will help choose the best resorts for you.

Not all ski resorts are made equal. All will provide some snow and slopes for you to ski down, but some may be more appropriate than others, depending on what you look for in a ski holiday. With that in mind, here are Eclipse Ski‘s recommendations of the best ski resorts for different needs.

Best ski resort for families

Alpe D’Huez, France – Although it’s next to impossible to pick just one resort for any of these categories, Alpe D’Huez in France is a great one for family ski holidays due to its well rounded slopes that are suitable for all abilities. It is also famous for its outstanding ski school making it an ideal place for children to learn. By offering free access to the large outdoor pool and ice skating rink with a full area lift pass, Alpe D’Huez is a winner for children.

Best resort for non-skiers

Vail, USA – Although an excellent ski resort itself, Vail is also perfect for non-skiers with a wide range of activities to enjoy whilst the rest of the group out on the slopes. During the day there’s dog-sledding, horse riding, snow tubing, ice skating, tobogganing and even an adventure entertainment centre at the top of the gondola. For the evening there are endless restaurants and bars to relax in. Counter-intuitively, what makes Vail perfect for non-skiers is that it is also an excellent ski resort, meaning that everyone in the group will be happy.

Best resort for snowboarders

Banff, Canada – Banff offers three unique areas for snowboarding and skiing: Norquay, Sunshine and Lake Louise which all offer exceptional powder trails. The best thing is that with a ‘Tri-Area’ lift pass provides easy access to all three areas so no day’s snowboarding need be the same. What really makes Banff ideal is the sheer number of snowboard gear shops, many of which also provide hire should you need it.

Best après ski

Whistler, Canada – One of the most popular ski resorts in the world, Whistler offers all kinds of après ski options. There are endless slope-side bars, clubs and restaurants. There are plenty of fires to relax by, bands to hear, food to eat and drinks to be had. Whistler’s popularity means the après business is booming here. Be careful not to have too much après fun though – Whistler in Canada is one of the few resorts to offer heli-skiing.

Best all year resort

Les Deux Alpes, France – Les Deux Alpes is one of France’s oldest and prestigious ski resorts, and thankfully available all year round due to its height and glacier. It offers everything you need for a group or family ski holiday – slopes for all abilities, snowboarding, activities for non-skiers and a bustling night-life.

Thanks for these tips to Eclipse Ski who offer a wide range of deals on ski holidays and specialise in family and group ski holidays.

Have you skied in any of these resorts? If so do tell me what your experience was and the places that you’d recommend….

Photo credits: Alpe d’Huez in France by Chris Parker, Nordic Ski with the family in Vail, Colorado by Visit Colorado ,Snowboarding in Banff , Canada by Little Lebowski Urban Achiever ,Ski in Les Deux Alpes, France by ricardo_skim4ever on flickr.

More great articles to enjoy

The Good Friday service in the ski resort of Val Cenis – in France
Keeping my ski-helmet on in Val Cenis – France
Savoyard food specialities to enjoy from the French Alps

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Olympic Fever – tips for the Vancouver Olympics

If you’re feeling the excitement of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, you’ll enjoy my guest post today from Blake Abel, with tips on how to get maximum enjoyment from your visit, based on his experiences at the Beijing Olympics.

With the Vancouver Olympics fast approaching, it is time to get Olympic fever. As travelers we can relate to the thousands of people booking flights, finding room and board and carefully planning their vacation to beautiful Vancouver in Canada. I have been all over the world, to many countries, and very few match up to the city and people you see at the Olympic Games. I went with my family to the Olympics in Beijing in the summer in 2008 to support my sister who was competing in the synchronized swimming event. Although she didn’t win a medal, we had a wonderful time and I have some Olympic size tips for those visiting Vancouver for the Olympic games.

Plan before you go

Obviously right? One thing we learned when visiting Beijing is that there was not enough time in a day to see all the sites and scenes. Any Europe traveler knows that in order to visit all the hot tourist spots, you have to plan, plan, plan. Couple that with the Olympic games, the events, the nightlife, and the spontaneous redirects and you end up in chaos.

Find a balance between visiting on a whim and seeing the things you actually want to see. We barely made it to the Great Wall and we could have seen way more countryside – disappointing!

Find a translator

This doesn’t apply to the Vancouver games unless you struggle with your English, but I found myself ruffling though my Mandarin book just to find where the bathroom was. It is important to take books like mine, but more important to have someone you know, hire, or kidnap to help you in your travels to a foreign country. If we had a translator we could have cut our time in half, from bantering with waiters, cab drivers, and policemen. Yes, policemen.

Get travel insurance

Low cost travel insurance can help you immensely. Lost baggage or getting sick can be the worst thing in a foreign country. This is something my family and I regret immensely. We incurred costs that could have been reimbursed if we had purchased trip travel insurance. My brother got appendicitis in Beijing, was rushed to a hospital and thankfully we paid Yen instead of dollars. Unfortunately, it was in the thousands of dollars. Getting out of a cab, I hit a nice Chinese man, sending him off his bike. We paid again for the accident and were almost thrown in prison. It is really important when you are traveling (yes, even to Canada) that you stay protected, and be insured.

Explore

The Olympic Games causes a lot of excitement, it catches you eye, you stay in the village you watch the events you can get into, and you miss the rest of the city/country. One of the biggest advice I can give to visitors to Vancouver is “don’t stop at Vancouver and Whistler”. I have been to these cities and though they are great, they don’t grab the full culture you can get from Canada. Visit the outskirts, go to the woods, play in the snow, and embrace the country you traveled, one hundred, a thousand miles to visit. If you don’t, you will regret it.

Many thanks for this guest post to Blake who writes about travelling insurance and loves to travel in Europe and Asia. He is currently planning his next trip to Sri Lanka with a team of Americans, there to help set up a new orphanage. His passion is to help people with travel tips, staying on budget, and find low cost travel insurance.

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