Jackpot! Save Big On History With THIS Alberta Pass

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If you’re looking for an exciting adventure that will take you back in time to explore the rich and fascinating history of Alberta, then the Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass is just what you need. Super affordable, this pass is the perfect way to explore some of the most iconic heritage sites and museums in the province, offering a unique chance to immerse yourself in Alberta’s past and learn more about the people, places, and events that shaped our amazing province.

What Is the ‘Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass’?

The Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass is a special pass that gives visitors access to some of Alberta’s most prominent heritage sites and museums. With this pass, you can explore iconic sites such as the Royal Alberta Museum, the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Remington Carriage Museum, and many others.

The pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase, and it allows you to visit each site as many times as you’d like during that year (we visited the Tyrrell two days in a row!).

The best part? It only costs $125 for a family ($55/adult, $40/senior, and $30/youth).

What Sites Are Included with the Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass?

The Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass allows you to visit some of the most important and fascinating heritage sites in Alberta. From north to south, admission to these sites are included with the pass:

Oil Sands Discovery Centre

Family Admission: $29

The Oil Sands Discovery Centre in Fort McMurray is an interactive exhibit of the history, science, and technology behind Alberta’s oil sands. Don’t forget to visit the Big Machines behind the building to gain a better understanding of the scale oil recovery in Alberta runs.

For more ideas on what to do in Fort McMurray when you visit the Discovery Centre, check out these things to do in Fort McMurray.

Victoria Settlement

Family Admission: $14

Located south of Smoky Lake, the Victoria Settlement has two restored buildings where you can watch a documentary about the local settlers and go on a guided tour of with a costumed interpreter. Take a glimpse into the past in this family-friendly experience.

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Thatch roof house in the Ukrainian Village

Family Admission: $40

The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village outside Edmonton is a living museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Alberta’s Ukrainian community. You can explore authentic Ukrainian farmsteads, churches, and other buildings, and learn more about the traditions and customs of this vibrant community that continues to have a major impact on the Capital Region today.

Read more about the Village in these related posts:

Royal Tyrrell Museum

Royal Tyrrell Museum dinousaurs

Family Admission: $50

The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller is one of the most iconic museums in Alberta, and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in dinosaurs and prehistoric life. The museum has an incredible collection of fossils, including some of the largest and most complete dinosaur skeletons ever discovered.

Read more about the museum in these related posts:

Remington Carriage Museum

Surrey with the fringe on top at Remmington Carriage Museum
Surrey with the Fringe on Top (IYKYK – sorry for the ear worm!)

Family Admission: $40

The Remington Carriage Museum is home to one of the largest collections of horse-drawn vehicles in North America. Visitors can explore more than 300 carriages, sleighs, and wagons, and learn more about the role that these vehicles played in Alberta’s history.

The Complete List of Included Attractions:

Attractions with admissions:

The following attractions are “Included” with the pass, but don’t actually charge admission (not sure what the province is trying to pull here!):

What Are the Benefits of the Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass?

The “Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass” has many benefits, including:

Unlimited Visits

With the Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass, you can visit each attraction as many times as you like during the year. This means that you can take your time and explore each site at your own pace, without feeling rushed or pressured to see everything in one visit (I won’t promise the kids won’t pressure you to move on before you’re done!).

Cost Savings

Visiting each attraction included in the Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass adds up quickly. With several costing $40 per family, per visit you’ll have recovered the cost on your forth visit, making it an excellent value for anyone who wants to explore Alberta’s rich heritage without breaking the bank.

Encouraged Exploring

You’ve already made the investment – admission is now free. Get all the bang for your buck you can and go out, explore, and learn!

How Do I Buy an Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass?

Purchasing an Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass is easy. On your first visit to one of the sites, ask to buy the “Experience Alberta” pass instead of regular admission. Be sure to double check the list of sites selling the pass (top right on desktop), and watch the process. It can take a bit longer than just buying admission, so I highly recommend having a second adult to entertain the kids during this part.

How Do I Use my Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass?

Simply present your pass to the admission desk to use it! They will record the pass number and continue with the rest of their admission process. I found the largest locations (like Tyrrell) take a couple extra minutes for admission, but it’s typically it’s faster to get in than paying with a credit card. And, oh, does it ever feel nice to not hear “$40, please” at all these places!

Conclusion

The Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass is the perfect way to explore Alberta’s rich and fascinating history. With unlimited visits to some of the province’s most iconic heritage sites and museums, the pass offers an excellent value for anyone interested in Alberta’s past. So why wait? Pick up your pass today and start exploring!

5 Helpful Tips for Traveling during Your Babymoon

Pregnant couple walking on beach dunes

Most couples look forward to a honeymoon soon after their wedding, but another practice that’s become more common over the years is what’s called a “babymoon,” or a vacation before the birth of a child. Babymoons provide partners with the opportunity to bond one-on-one before their lives change and inevitably become busier and more stressful due to parenthood. At the same time, they can serve as a joyful start to a new chapter in a couple’s story—one that involves building a loving home and raising a happy family. 

Though most babymoons are planned to happen before the birth of the first child, there’s no stopping you and your partner from booking vacations for your next pregnancies. A babymoon is as flexible as a honeymoon – you can choose where to go and how long you’ll be away.

You can pull out all the stops by traveling abroad, book a modest trip to the mountains, or simply take time off work together for a staycation as a tourist in your own town. The possibilities are endless, and you and your partner are sure to enjoy the experience as long as you’re thoughtful about your planning. 

Below are a few tips for traveling safely and comfortably during your babymoon and having a fun and fulfilling celebration with your partner. 

1. Determine the Best Possible Time to Travel 

The first thing you should do before you set any babymoon plans in stone is determine when it is safest and most appropriate for you to travel. Most moms choose to go on babymoons during their second trimester or early in the third, when pregnancy symptoms are most manageable.

It’s totally possible to go on a vacation later into your third trimester, your energy levels, fatigue, and appetite may limit your options in terms of activities to do. Also, most airlines won’t let you fly after a certain point.

Regardless of where you go and how long you’ll be gone, you and your partner have to make it a point to not overdo it and exhaust yourselves! Remember, this is a trip to relax and spend time together.

Once you’ve determined an ideal date, choose a location for your babymoon. Don’t forget to consider factors like what the weather will be like and how crowded your destination may be at this time of the year, as these can impact your overall enjoyment of the trip.  

2. Make Comfort and Convenience Your Priorities While Packing

When packing for your babymoon, pick clothes that are comfy, easy to put on, and easy to wear for extended periods. Babymoon wardrobe must-haves include stretchy and stylish denim leggings, tops that don’t restrict movement, and sturdy shoes with ample support. 

You’ll also want to pack clothes and accessories that are appropriate for the weather and for your chosen babymoon activities, like a coat and thermals for a winter holiday, and boots and cushioned socks for a hiking or camping excursion. Prioritize your comfort and convenience, and try avoid overpacking – a heavy suitcase or backpack may put additional strain on your body. 

3. Eat Well and Eat Often

If there’s one thing you and your partner should thoroughly enjoy while you’re on your babymoon, it’s the food that’ll be available to you. Seek out delicious and nourishing meals in the cities or towns you’ll be visiting, and choose foods that will allow you to meet your ideal intake of protein, fluids, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. 

Your babymoon schedule may be filled with activities like long car rides and visits to popular tourist destinations. Knowing that, make it a point to take nutritious snacks and keep fluids with you. It’s often best to eat small but frequent portions during the day to keep your energy levels up (and that baby belly from feeling even more full!).

4. Relax and Take Breaks between Exciting Activities

You and your partner may be quite excited about having enough time to do a variety of things while you’re on vacation – especially when you know that free time will be a more limited resource once your family gets bigger.

But a babymoon doesn’t have to be as adventurous or jam-packed with activities as a honeymoon. Save a large portion of your time for low-key and relaxing bonding opportunities like a massage, a trip to the theater, or a romantic drive along a quiet road? 

In addition, be sure to bake in plenty of rest and to take lazy-time breaks in between scheduled activities. This will let you refresh yourselves and treasure the day-to-day moments of your relationship. 

5. Find Opportunities to Connect and Bond with Loved Ones 

Finally, while a babymoon is the perfect chance for you to get some private time with your partner, you don’t have to spend every minute of it alone. In fact, the trip may be even more memorable if friends or family members could join you for part of it.

Nothing beats quality time with loved ones who are all too willing to pamper you and support you in concrete ways during your pregnancy!

If your parents, in-laws, or other family members live in another city, consider planning your babymoon in their area so that you can visit them and share a meal together.

Catch up with old friends you haven’t seen in a while, and enjoy their company while you dine out or sight-see. The opportunity to meet up with them may be just what you need to start this new phase of your life on a celebratory note. 

Create Lasting Memories

Whether you’re headed out of town or just a few miles away from your home, with the right preparation, you and your partner can look forward to an unforgettable babymoon experience.

Where are you dreaming of going for your babymoon, and what memories of it will you want to recount to your little one? 

Trix is a full time writer who loves fashion and exploring. Whether at the beach or hiking a mountain, you can find her, her pup, and whichever nieces or nephews she can wrangle off on a great adventure!

12 Travel Essentials for Your Dream Mountain Escape

The lake at the walk-in campsite

The Canadian Rockies are a dream destination for many families because of the fresh air, the gorgeous views of nature, and the abundance of family-friendly activities like hiking, boating, and picnicking. But what’s meant to be a relaxing vacation can easily turn more than a little bit stressful if you’re not prepared. 

Unpredictable weather is one of the hallmarks of the Canadian Rockies, and this should be one of your primary considerations when packing a suitcase for a mountain escape there.

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The Ultimate Waterfall Guidebook: Discover Stunning New Alberta Falls

Stanley Falls

For someone who doesn’t really hike I have more than my share of trail guides. Some are better than others, and I’ve developed a serious appreciation for a well researched guide book. “Stoked on Waterfalls” is up there with the best.

Stoked on Waterfalls: Volume I by Jason Walchuck is an exhaustive reference of waterfalls within a half kilometer of a public road in Alberta. Some are visible from a major highway, a few require driving down rough back roads and doing some serious bushwhacking, but they all meet the requirement of being within 500m of a non-private road.

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10 kid-approved activities to do when visiting Banff

C & S Hiking in Banff

Going to Banff is a fun experience for the whole family but sometimes it can be hard occupying the kids all of the time. This is especially true if you’re not familiar with what there is to see and do.  We’ve got 10 kid-approved ideas on how to keep busy with the kids while visiting Banff!

visiting banff

Kid-approved activities to do with kids when visiting Banff

This mix of cheap and free things to do in Banff should give you a wide range of activities in the National Park that your kids will love and talk about for years to come!

1. Kid-Friendly Hikes

Go on a kid-friendly hike at Tunnel Mountain or Fenland Trail.

2. Visit Downtown Banff

Take a walk on Banff Avenue and stop off at the iconic Banff Sweet Shoppe for some of your favourite (and even hard to find) treats.

3. Go on a Pony Ride

Kids 3-7yrs can get up close and learn the basics of horseback riding on a 15-minute Pony Lead. The cost is $20, and worth the splurge.

4. Try Bowling

Check out High Rollers Banff and bowl a couple of games! There are 6 lanes, one with bumpers, a full menu, billiards and arcade games.

5. Biking at the Banff Pump Track

Visiting Banff

Bring your bikes and check out the Banff Bike Park at Sundance Road and Cave Ave! There are elements for all skill levels! (The pump track is being renovated in 2023 and may not be available this summer.)

6. Enjoy the Hot Springs

Take some time to soak in the hot mineral water at Banff Upper Hot Springs.

7. Summit a Mountain (without hiking)

Go for a ride on the Banff Gondola and explore the top of a mountain or have lunch in their restaurant, Sky Bistro (FYI, the food is delicious).

8. Hit a playground

Burn off some energy as you explore and play at some of Banff’s Best Playgrounds.

9. Go Swimming

Visit Banff’s only Water Park at Douglas Fir Resort (for registered guests only at this time). Other options include checking out the pool at Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation or one of the mountain lakes.

10. Take a Boat Tour

Take a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka and learn about the history, geology, animals, and more.

Are there other activities that we didn’t include in this list that you like to do when you are visiting Banff with the family? Join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook and tell us what are some of the kid-approved activities that you do with your family.

Just Another Edmonton Mommy

InspiHER Wellness Retreat for Girls Giveaway

Girls in summer clothing looking away from the camera, surrounded by bushes

This post and giveaway are sponsored by Momentum Health & Wellness. As always, all opinions stated are our own. 

Girls are experiencing a wide range of struggles these days and are having difficulty connecting with like-minded peers. They are losing their sense of self-worth and needing to be like everyone else.  Joining inspiHER welcomes all girls and ensures that it is a safe space for girls to share and connect with other girls who care about their health, without the judgement or comparisons, and can just be themselves!

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8 Easy to Grow Flowering Perennials for Zone 3a (Edmonton, AB)

annabelle hydrangeas perennial

These are some of my favourite, easy to grow perennials flowers for zone 3a (Edmonton, Alberta).

Judith is an eco-mom in Edmonton who is passionate about green, toxin-free, healthy living. She shares her journey and experiences on Juicy Green Mom. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

I’ve lived in Edmonton my whole life and grew up with summer memories of sitting in a cherry tree and picking raspberries in my backyard. As an adult, I’ve begun to appreciate the joys of a beautiful garden. Because I’m also a bit of a lazy gardener, I love planting perennials that will come back year after year.

Annabelle Hydrangeas (feature photo)

Hydrangeas are my absolute favourite flowers, I even had them in my wedding bouquets. When I got the opportunity to landscape my backyard from scratch, I knew I wanted some kind of hydrangeas. I had Annabelle hydrangeas put into a raised bed and they have been producing beautiful round white bouquets of blooms for me for 10 years. They do well in sun to part shade with plenty of water. Be careful selecting hydrangeas as some box stores carry varieties that don’t tolerate our cold winters.

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Affordable, Garfield-Approved Rolled Lasagna Recipe (Bonus: Hidden Veggies!)

Lasagna roll ups in the pan

Do you have a Garfield in your life? Someone who can’t resist a heaping plate of lasagna? I do! I’m married to a man who behaves just like the famous cartoon feline when it comes to this classic Italian dish.

But as much as my husband loves traditional lasagna, there’s one variation that has managed to make it to day three in our house: rolled lasagna.

The beauty of rolled lasagna is that it’s made up of individual portions, meaning you can control exactly how much you make and serve. This not only helps to prevent overeating, but also ensures that there will be leftovers for the next day (or two!). And lasagna is always better on day two.

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