Oh Canada.

Hi Friends! Thought I would share about our little jaunt to our Northern Neighbor, Canada; the Alberta province. I’ve been to Canada before in my life; twice on very unique and beautiful fishing excursions with my grandparents and family in the British Columbia area. Those trips are memories I seriously treasure because A) I have a super fun family- far and wide, both sides, love all you peeps. And even those friends that are my family. I’m very lucky. (hashtag blessed ;) B) My grandmother was an adventure seeker and land lover, so all of our trips were about nature and the beauty of the world. C) The first fishing trip was to Nimmo Bay. One of the most magical wilderness spots on the whole planet. I haven’t seen the whole planet, but I still feel comfy in my statement. I caught my first fish on a fly rod, had my first helicopter ride to my first glacier where my parents let me have my first illegal splash of champagne. On the following trip to a floating hotel in North Pacific Springs, every guide was bringing back tour guests with lots of fish. My mom and I were having no luck. The last day, there was a tug and the guide, mid-exhale of his nineteenth cigarette that morning, barked at me to quickly reel! That night at dinner as they were giving designated fishing plaques to all of the guests, I received “most unusual catch” to which everyone laughed. I didn’t get the joke. Now looking back—did they plant that fish on the line? Whatevs…I still got to experience pulling that puppy in! Haven’t done so since. I’ve never been “good” at fishing, but I’m fine to tag along for fun.

Those memories were over fifteen years ago and I have not been back on Canadian soil since. When my husband, RDK, mentioned a work trip that I could crash to Calgary, Canada, I was pumped for travel (but was kinda like…. “landlocked Canada, eehh-aaay?” get it? ;). I do love to travel. You could tell me we are taking a road trip to “(don’t want to offend anyone)”—but literally, anywhere and I’d be psyched. However, this trip wasn’t sounding THAT luxurious or hip, but again—any hotel—I’ll take it!

I decided to go and my 5-year-old tagged along too. Sorry littlest littles, but when we have four days to explore, your nap times really cramp our style. #badparents

For some reason with the name of the town and traveling there for business, I pictured a lot of industry and warehouses or something. Holy Macaroni was I SO.VERY.WRONG.  I absolutely fell in love with this area as soon as I stepped foot into their super clean and open Calgary airport, greeted by the kindest people in cowboy hats, boots and belt buckles as shiny and broad as their welcoming smiles. Echoing down the breezeway en route to luggage claim was a live toe-tappin country western band. Everyone was in the best damn mood. A liiiiiiittle different than my airport experiences in le US.

We rented a car and drove up to one of my bucket-list spots, Banff/Lake Louise. I could never put into words the scenery on this drive. Just when you think you have been enough places and your “places to covet” list is full enough – this took top rank. It’s one of those things where you are so speechless by beauty yet at the same time frustrated with your hometown wondering why you have so many billboards and litter. I spotted not ONE SINGLE PIECE of trash. And I looked! Hard! For like a 2-hour drive!

Anyway—bravo people of Alberta/Calgary/Banff area. Bravo. Your boundless, beautiful environment is beyond compare. The towering pine trees that make it look like Christmas year-round, the crisp, pale blue water, the cool summer temps, the immaculate trash-free grounds, the kind, patient residents and the nice mix of folks from across the globe. We could not have been more impressed and WILL be returning with all kiddos soon (and any other takers!). Taking volunteers now :)

Some trip highlights and pix are below if interested….

Calgary Stampede– This is something RDK did as a child and felt very strongly that we attend. I’m so glad we did! We were decked out in blinging belt buckles, cowboy hats, boots– western wear galore. We saw the most beautiful horses and barrel racing. And the little one even won a few gigantic lovies playing some carnival games that we got to ship home. (Gonna say “strike one” Canada on that one.) Even if rodeos aren’t your thing, when the stampede is in town, it’s *the* time to visit Calgary as the excitement and energy are palpable.

Telus Spark Museum– Hands down the most amazing children’s/science museum I have ever seen. I admittedly hate plastic toys and just about anything plastic that you can avoid. I am forever seeking to sub out plastic somethings for wooden anythings (furniture, toys, dishes, décor). The museum, expansive- but not over stimulating, was breathtaking (and clean!) and had wall to wall wooden interactive games, furniture, craft areas, climbing wall and ropes situation– and a small theatre and seating mostly out of wood too. There was endless indoor exploration with an outdoorsy feel. The outdoor garden area kept us entertained for a while too.** I left there beyond inspired to pool some investors in my area to ramp up our children’s/science museum. I took loads of pix for this “rainy day” project. Come on, Savannah! Who’s in?***

Hys Steakhouse– I feel like I need to mention this because Hy’s is a very upscale venue yet made us feel so welcomed rolling in disheveled with our kiddo and coloring books and ipads and ordering grilled cheese and ice cream (and martinis). We loved it so much we went multiple times during our short stay! Incredible crab legs and cocktails (and Hayes, my daughter, says it’s the best grilled cheese ever….just another win for the books, Calgary!).

Calgary Zoo– I gotta say I don’t love a zoo. I can totally appreciate that it is an engaging and educational way to show children live animals in their (man made) habitats that may not have a chance to see such animals in the wild. I get that. And I don’t need to go into what I don’t love about a zoo—that’s probably pretty obvious. However, this one was pretty cool. And, of course, the prettiest one I’ve seen (Calgary, you’re starting to annoy me with your perfection.). There is a botanical garden right in the middle of the zoo! And it’s on a river, so they utilize that in a lot of the areas as well. I would say that the crowds were good, but that is likely because we went in the rain. Hayes begged. RDK had meetings. I was scoring mega mom points for that.

Banff and Lake Louise– Certainly beautiful and I would love to see these places in the winter for a few slope runs. I’m not sure if it was the time that we went, but it was pretty heavy on the tourists. The area is this beautiful sprawling, vast utopia— and thus, the cat is out of the bag. LOTS of peeps there when we were; yet, there again, even the tourists were kind.

So there you have it. A glowing travel recommendation with easy flights from the US,  a pretty passport stamp, and you don’t have to learn the language. Not bad, “ay”?