There’s still a lot of great skiing to be done in the next two months and guaranteed, Calgary will have at least a couple more snowstorms before the flowers finally push their way through the frozen ground. Where can you fast-forward Spring and find green grass in April? Head west to the sunny Columbia Valley near Radium Hot Springs and Invermere to find trails ready for hiking and biking, lakes that are ice-free for paddling and outdoor swimming pools warm enough and ready to enjoy. Spring is ready for you just across the Alberta border, a short three-hour drive from Calgary.
While your budget might put the squeeze on dining out regularly at restaurants, don’t completely cross the option off of your mealtime menu. Eating out, even occasionally, can help kids develop communication skills and learn acceptable behavior in a public place.
Winter recreation doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t have to invest in skis or snowshoes to get out for an easy family-friendly hike. Many trails are well packed down and straightforward to follow all winter long. Bring a sled along (and bring the helmets), stop to build a snowman and don’t forget to make at least a few snow angels along the way. You might find the kids actually prefer hiking during the winter!
Let me be the first to confess that when I sit down to think about winter holidays, I do not type ‘north’ into my search engine or choose ‘all destinations north’ when I visit travel sites. My love for beaches aside, though, Jasper has won my heart as a winter vacation destination, and there is paradise to be found if you choose to venture beyond Kananaskis or Banff for your mountain getaway.
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