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A great day yesterday visiting Jura Creek for a quick stop on the way to Canmore with Susie’s brother.

Not too much snow so it was fairly easy to make our way up the canyon. Still found some fun ice slides for the kids to play on 🧊 🛝

#juracreek #juracreekcanyon #kananaskis #canmore #winterfun

A great day yesterday visiting Jura Creek for a quick stop on the way to Canmore with Susie’s brother.

Not too much snow so it was fairly easy to make our way up the canyon. Still found some fun ice slides for the kids to play on 🧊 🛝

#juracreek #juracreekcanyon #kananaskis #canmore #winterfun

The beautiful #peacebridge in Calgary! So gorgeous at night!

#peacebridgeyyc #calgary #yyc #downtowncalgary

The beautiful #peacebridge in Calgary! So gorgeous at night!

#peacebridgeyyc #calgary #yyc #downtowncalgary

It’s been a while since we were in downtown at night, but tonight we went for an early (ish) dinner at @yycpointsushi and then gave Susie’s brother (who is visiting us) a bit of a tour of downtown.

The Calgary tower looked great all lit up in holiday colours and the sculpture at the Bow building looks so much better at night!

#yycatnight #downtowncalgary #yyc #bowbuilding #calgarytower

It’s been a while since we were in downtown at night, but tonight we went for an early (ish) dinner at @yycpointsushi and then gave Susie’s brother (who is visiting us) a bit of a tour of downtown.

The Calgary tower looked great all lit up in holiday colours and the sculpture at the Bow building looks so much better at night!

#yycatnight #downtowncalgary #yyc #bowbuilding #calgarytower

What a gorgeous day!

We were a little late getting going today so had to do something close by. Decided to do the White Buddha trail via Powderface and was great!

The first part of the walk was very ice (we all had cleats on so was fine) and then about half way up everything melted and the sun came out. Looking through the pictures it almost looks like 2 separate hikes!

The views at the top were great and well worth the effort!

On the way back we also stopped off at #elbowfalls as I don’t think I’ve been for maybe 10 years!

#whitebuddha #elbowfalls #kananaskiscountry #hikingwithdogs #hikingwithkids

What a gorgeous day!

We were a little late getting going today so had to do something close by. Decided to do the White Buddha trail via Powderface and was great!

The first part of the walk was very ice (we all had cleats on so was fine) and then about half way up everything melted and the sun came out. Looking through the pictures it almost looks like 2 separate hikes!

The views at the top were great and well worth the effort!

On the way back we also stopped off at #elbowfalls as I don’t think I’ve been for maybe 10 years!

#whitebuddha #elbowfalls #kananaskiscountry #hikingwithdogs #hikingwithkids

It’s been a few years since I watched the @calgaryflames play! Was a great night, just a shame they lost in OT

It’s been a few years since I watched the @calgaryflames play! Was a great night, just a shame they lost in OT

Well, winter has definitely arrived in Alberta now! We had a massive dump about a week ago and there is still TONS of snow out in Kananaskis!

We went for our annual Christmas tree hunt today, followed by some fun by a fire. Was a fun day! #christmastreehunting

Well, winter has definitely arrived in Alberta now! We had a massive dump about a week ago and there is still TONS of snow out in Kananaskis!

We went for our annual Christmas tree hunt today, followed by some fun by a fire. Was a fun day! #christmastreehunting

📍 Blackshale Suspension Bridge, Kananaskis

A nice (easy) hike in Kananaskis and was fun to cross over the suspension bridge. The kids also enjoyed trying out their ice cleats for the first time - made a MASSIVE difference and they had so much confidence the were running up and down the ice covered trails. Can’t believe this is the first year we got them!

#blackshalesuspensionbridge #kananaskis #kananaskiscountry

📍 Blackshale Suspension Bridge, Kananaskis

A nice (easy) hike in Kananaskis and was fun to cross over the suspension bridge. The kids also enjoyed trying out their ice cleats for the first time - made a MASSIVE difference and they had so much confidence the were running up and down the ice covered trails. Can’t believe this is the first year we got them!

#blackshalesuspensionbridge #kananaskis #kananaskiscountry

📍 The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

Every year we like to try and get away for a night or two up to the beautiful @kananaskislodge. It’s only an hour away for us but really does feel like a bit of a holiday.

The kids absolutely love staying there and I’m pretty sure they would play in the pool all day if we let them. Unfortunately the hot tub was closed on this stay but the hotel has plans to build a new outdoor pool to go along with the hot tub, so sure it will be worth the wait!

As me and Susie are both holders of the #marriottbonvoy Amex credit card, we both get an annual 1 night free voucher to use at any Marriott hotel as long as it’s not over 50k points. On weekends and peak times this hotel is often over 50k points, but thankfully last weekend was available and within the budget, which was surprising as it was a long weekend.

Some of our favourite things we have done over our last few stays here:

🥾 many hikes nearby, including #trollfalls, larch hikes and the #blackshalesuspensionbridge

💧fun paddle boarding at nearby Barrier Lake

⛷️ skiing at Nakiska slopes (next door)

🚲 fat biking in the winter on the nearby trails

We are back there again in February too using Susie’s voucher (another long weekend), so looking forward to it already!

#kanscavengerhunt #kananaskis #kananaskismountainlodge

📍 The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

Every year we like to try and get away for a night or two up to the beautiful @kananaskislodge. It’s only an hour away for us but really does feel like a bit of a holiday.

The kids absolutely love staying there and I’m pretty sure they would play in the pool all day if we let them. Unfortunately the hot tub was closed on this stay but the hotel has plans to build a new outdoor pool to go along with the hot tub, so sure it will be worth the wait!

As me and Susie are both holders of the #marriottbonvoy Amex credit card, we both get an annual 1 night free voucher to use at any Marriott hotel as long as it’s not over 50k points. On weekends and peak times this hotel is often over 50k points, but thankfully last weekend was available and within the budget, which was surprising as it was a long weekend.

Some of our favourite things we have done over our last few stays here:

🥾 many hikes nearby, including #trollfalls, larch hikes and the #blackshalesuspensionbridge

💧fun paddle boarding at nearby Barrier Lake

⛷️ skiing at Nakiska slopes (next door)

🚲 fat biking in the winter on the nearby trails

We are back there again in February too using Susie’s voucher (another long weekend), so looking forward to it already!

#kanscavengerhunt #kananaskis #kananaskismountainlodge

📍 Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta

Is there a more iconic photo in Banff than the #banffspringshotel? I’ve never stayed at the hotel (far too expensive) but have had a coffee there before and it is seriously impressive!

This photo was taken from Suprise Corner which is just a few minute drive away from the centre of Banff. Check it out on google maps. It was fairly easy to park in November, but in the summer…. Good luck!

#suprisecornerviewpoint #banff #banffnationalpark #banffsprings #banffspringshotel

📍 Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta

Is there a more iconic photo in Banff than the #banffspringshotel? I’ve never stayed at the hotel (far too expensive) but have had a coffee there before and it is seriously impressive!

This photo was taken from Suprise Corner which is just a few minute drive away from the centre of Banff. Check it out on google maps. It was fairly easy to park in November, but in the summer…. Good luck!

#suprisecornerviewpoint #banff #banffnationalpark #banffsprings #banffspringshotel

A fun day at @millarvillemarket Christmas market. Thought it would feel strange going so early but it was actually really fun. The kids got their face painted at Santa’s workshop (of course Evelyn requested a koala).

The highlight was the ‘Kids Only Shoppe’ which is amazing volunteer run store where kids shop by themselves and buy presents (up to a value specified by the parents). The kids went in with $10 each and came out with about 4 presents for their friends! All of the gifts in the store are donated or locally made and the proceeds go to local schools - so an amazing cause as well!

Also a shout out to @grizzledbearinc - first time I’ve come across their clothes but bought some today and they amazingly well made and comfortable clothes! Not cheap, but nice to support a local Calgary company and the quality is fantastic. Not an ad or anything, just genuinely really impressed!

A fun day at @millarvillemarket Christmas market. Thought it would feel strange going so early but it was actually really fun. The kids got their face painted at Santa’s workshop (of course Evelyn requested a koala).

The highlight was the ‘Kids Only Shoppe’ which is amazing volunteer run store where kids shop by themselves and buy presents (up to a value specified by the parents). The kids went in with $10 each and came out with about 4 presents for their friends! All of the gifts in the store are donated or locally made and the proceeds go to local schools - so an amazing cause as well!

Also a shout out to @grizzledbearinc - first time I’ve come across their clothes but bought some today and they amazingly well made and comfortable clothes! Not cheap, but nice to support a local Calgary company and the quality is fantastic. Not an ad or anything, just genuinely really impressed!

📍 Grotto Canyon (part 2)

After the waterfalls we continued on to the small cave further up the canyon. The canyon opens up and turns into more of a wide river bed, a little bit like Jura Creek does (a hike we did a few months back).

It’s quite steep to climb up and on a few occasions rocks went tumbling down so definitely a bit sketchy. But try telling 4 kids they can’t climb up 🤷‍♂️

Was nice to head into Canmore after the hike and grab a 🍻 at @canmorebrewing #grottocanyon

📍 Grotto Canyon (part 2)

After the waterfalls we continued on to the small cave further up the canyon. The canyon opens up and turns into more of a wide river bed, a little bit like Jura Creek does (a hike we did a few months back).

It’s quite steep to climb up and on a few occasions rocks went tumbling down so definitely a bit sketchy. But try telling 4 kids they can’t climb up 🤷‍♂️

Was nice to head into Canmore after the hike and grab a 🍻 at @canmorebrewing #grottocanyon

📍 Grotto Canyon in Exshaw

The Grotto Canyon trail is definitely one of the more popular canyon walks in the Rockies, but we were one of only 3 cars when we arrived…. so off season is definitely the way to go!

The hike is fairly easy, not too long, and perfect for families. The canyon walls are really impressive and the pictographs (although quite faded) were interesting to see. The waterfalls are definitely more impressive in the winter, but worth seeing all the same!

Part 2 to follow…..

#grottocanyon #grottocanyontrail #canyon #albertahikes #exshaw #hikingwithkids

📍 Grotto Canyon in Exshaw

The Grotto Canyon trail is definitely one of the more popular canyon walks in the Rockies, but we were one of only 3 cars when we arrived…. so off season is definitely the way to go!

The hike is fairly easy, not too long, and perfect for families. The canyon walls are really impressive and the pictographs (although quite faded) were interesting to see. The waterfalls are definitely more impressive in the winter, but worth seeing all the same!

Part 2 to follow…..

#grottocanyon #grottocanyontrail #canyon #albertahikes #exshaw #hikingwithkids

For all you worldschooler’s out there - is there a better opportunity to teach your kids how taxations works? 😂

Dad tax comes straight off the top!

#worldschooling

For all you worldschooler’s out there - is there a better opportunity to teach your kids how taxations works? 😂

Dad tax comes straight off the top!

#worldschooling

A first visit in a long time to @canmorebrewing last weekend. Always love ordering a flight, so I can get a selection of old classics along with trying some of the seasonal beers. The watermelon sour was awesome!

A great way to wind down after a fun hike exploring a canyon!

#canmore #canmorealberta #canmorebrewingco #craftbeer

A first visit in a long time to @canmorebrewing last weekend. Always love ordering a flight, so I can get a selection of old classics along with trying some of the seasonal beers. The watermelon sour was awesome!

A great way to wind down after a fun hike exploring a canyon!

#canmore #canmorealberta #canmorebrewingco #craftbeer

A nice daddy daughter date going for a milkshake at @regrub_love in Beltline Calgary. We event for the strawberry shake with cheesecake - didn’t expect a full slice of cheesecake on top of it though! 😂

We probably consumed our daily calories in about 15 minutes but a nice treat every now and again!

#regrubyyc #regrub #beltlineyyc #calgary #downtowncalgary #yycliving #yyc

A nice daddy daughter date going for a milkshake at @regrub_love in Beltline Calgary. We event for the strawberry shake with cheesecake - didn’t expect a full slice of cheesecake on top of it though! 😂

We probably consumed our daily calories in about 15 minutes but a nice treat every now and again!

#regrubyyc #regrub #beltlineyyc #calgary #downtowncalgary #yycliving #yyc

The Studio Bell museum in Calgary! Designed to look like a musical note apparently!

#studiobell #calgary

The Studio Bell museum in Calgary! Designed to look like a musical note apparently!

#studiobell #calgary

📍 hockey hall of fame, Toronto

I wouldn’t call myself the biggest hockey fan by any means (but still, #goflames), but it was still really cool to look around the hockey hall of fame when in Toronto. Great to be able to see the Stanley Cup uk close and in person!

Definitely one of the best things to do in Toronto if you are into sports, even if not really a huge fan of hockey.

#hockeyhalloffame #toronto

📍 hockey hall of fame, Toronto

I wouldn’t call myself the biggest hockey fan by any means (but still, #goflames), but it was still really cool to look around the hockey hall of fame when in Toronto. Great to be able to see the Stanley Cup uk close and in person!

Definitely one of the best things to do in Toronto if you are into sports, even if not really a huge fan of hockey.

#hockeyhalloffame #toronto

📍 McGillivray Creek Trail near Canmore.

How is this hike not more popular? 🤷‍♂️

It was such a fun hike with the kids. We first tried to make our way up the canyon (despite the AllTrails map taking us around) but after about 150m we had to turn back as there was a pool of water that we couldn’t pass. Still, it was fun to try and might give it a go in the winter.

The trail around the canyon is moderately steep with a few areas that have some minor exposure, but nothing too bad if you are careful.

Once back in the canyon it’s an easy climb up through the canyon to the chockstone. We saw a few people rock climbing up the cliffs in the canyon but they were the only people we saw the whole hike!

The chockstone is so impressive and huge when you get up close. Definitely a fun spot to take some photos! We managed to carefully scramble up the side to climb on top of the rock. I was a little nervous about the kids going up there but they insisted!

Such a fun day!

#mcgillivraycreek #mcgillivraycreekandcanyontrail #canmore #hikingalberta #hikingcanmore #kananaskis #hikingwithkids

📍 McGillivray Creek Trail near Canmore.

How is this hike not more popular? 🤷‍♂️

It was such a fun hike with the kids. We first tried to make our way up the canyon (despite the AllTrails map taking us around) but after about 150m we had to turn back as there was a pool of water that we couldn’t pass. Still, it was fun to try and might give it a go in the winter.

The trail around the canyon is moderately steep with a few areas that have some minor exposure, but nothing too bad if you are careful.

Once back in the canyon it’s an easy climb up through the canyon to the chockstone. We saw a few people rock climbing up the cliffs in the canyon but they were the only people we saw the whole hike!

The chockstone is so impressive and huge when you get up close. Definitely a fun spot to take some photos! We managed to carefully scramble up the side to climb on top of the rock. I was a little nervous about the kids going up there but they insisted!

Such a fun day!

#mcgillivraycreek #mcgillivraycreekandcanyontrail #canmore #hikingalberta #hikingcanmore #kananaskis #hikingwithkids

📌 The Distillery Historic District in Toronto.

Was nice to finally get a chance to walk around the area, I imagine it’s wonderful at Xmas.

#distillerydistrict #distilleryhistoricdistrict #toronto

📌 The Distillery Historic District in Toronto.

Was nice to finally get a chance to walk around the area, I imagine it’s wonderful at Xmas.

#distillerydistrict #distilleryhistoricdistrict #toronto

📌 West Wind Pass Trail, Kananaskis

I’d seen a few people I follow hike this one recently so wanted to do it before the bad weather rolled in. It made for a great thanksgiving hike!

The hike itself isn’t too long (around 5km), but it is pretty steep, so it took us a bit longer today than we thought. Sometimes the kids just aren’t feeling it right?

It was also a pretty hard trail to follow. We had to backtrack a few times and saw others doing the same. I’d definitely recommend downloading the map on AllTrails.

The views from the top are stunning though - one side gives you sweeping views of the valley and the other back over Spray Lakes. Next time I’d love to continue up to Windtower, but the kids seemed really tired so decided not to push it today. Sometimes you have to accept the kids will have good days and bad days I guess. We also had Ellie with us so weren’t sure how dog friendly it is up there.

All in all a great day though!

Happy thanksgiving to everyone, hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends.

#kananaskis #spraylakes #westwindpass #windtower #happythanksgivng

📌 West Wind Pass Trail, Kananaskis

I’d seen a few people I follow hike this one recently so wanted to do it before the bad weather rolled in. It made for a great thanksgiving hike!

The hike itself isn’t too long (around 5km), but it is pretty steep, so it took us a bit longer today than we thought. Sometimes the kids just aren’t feeling it right?

It was also a pretty hard trail to follow. We had to backtrack a few times and saw others doing the same. I’d definitely recommend downloading the map on AllTrails.

The views from the top are stunning though - one side gives you sweeping views of the valley and the other back over Spray Lakes. Next time I’d love to continue up to Windtower, but the kids seemed really tired so decided not to push it today. Sometimes you have to accept the kids will have good days and bad days I guess. We also had Ellie with us so weren’t sure how dog friendly it is up there.

All in all a great day though!

Happy thanksgiving to everyone, hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends.

#kananaskis #spraylakes #westwindpass #windtower #happythanksgivng

📌 Evergreen Brickworks in Toronto.

Was nice to finally get here for a quick walk after work last week. It must be lovely on a weekend when they have the farmers market on.

#evergreenbrickworks #toronto #torontofall

📌 Evergreen Brickworks in Toronto.

Was nice to finally get here for a quick walk after work last week. It must be lovely on a weekend when they have the farmers market on.

#evergreenbrickworks #toronto #torontofall

Any guesses for which country I am in? Mexico? The Caribbean?

It might look tropical but believe it or not, this is actually #sugarbeach in Toronto. Who knew Toronto would have such a nice beach! I didn’t stay for long as I’m not a beach person really, but the kids were incredibly jealous!

#toronto #torontobeaches

Any guesses for which country I am in? Mexico? The Caribbean?

It might look tropical but believe it or not, this is actually #sugarbeach in Toronto. Who knew Toronto would have such a nice beach! I didn’t stay for long as I’m not a beach person really, but the kids were incredibly jealous!

#toronto #torontobeaches

📍 the Toronto Railway Museum and @steamwhistlebrewing in downtown Toronto

#torontorailwaymuseum #toronto #downtowntoronto #steamwhistle #steamwhistlebrewery

📍 the Toronto Railway Museum and @steamwhistlebrewing in downtown Toronto

#torontorailwaymuseum #toronto #downtowntoronto #steamwhistle #steamwhistlebrewery

📍 Casa Loma in downtown Toronto

Who would have thought you would find a “castle like” building as cool as this in Toronto? It’s just a short drive from downtown fairly close to the University district.

#casaloma #casalomatoronto #toronto #toronto_insta #citycentre

📍 Casa Loma in downtown Toronto

Who would have thought you would find a “castle like” building as cool as this in Toronto? It’s just a short drive from downtown fairly close to the University district.

#casaloma #casalomatoronto #toronto #toronto_insta #citycentre

There are many benefits to travel, but one down side is being on the road (Toronto) when the Northern Lights pit on a show in Alberta!

#northernlights

There are many benefits to travel, but one down side is being on the road (Toronto) when the Northern Lights pit on a show in Alberta!

#northernlights

Back in Toronto and went for a little walk as feeling under the weather. A “flat iron” building called the Gooderham Building which reminds me of the one I saw in New York years ago now! Very cool!

#toronto #gooderhambuilding

Back in Toronto and went for a little walk as feeling under the weather. A “flat iron” building called the Gooderham Building which reminds me of the one I saw in New York years ago now! Very cool!

#toronto #gooderhambuilding

📍 lundbreck falls, Alberta

#lundbreckfalls

📍 lundbreck falls, Alberta

#lundbreckfalls

Jess first cross country race! Proud of her! ❤️

Jess first cross country race! Proud of her! ❤️

📍 Frank Slide interpretive trial

Its pretty amazing to think that all of these boulders (many way bigger than me, came away from the mountain side and crashed down to where they are today. The fact that the made it so far away from the mountain just goes to show the shear force there must have been.

Well worth stopping by to learn the history of the disaster on the way to / from Fernie.

#frankslide #crowsnestpass #alberta #travelalberta

📍 Frank Slide interpretive trial

Its pretty amazing to think that all of these boulders (many way bigger than me, came away from the mountain side and crashed down to where they are today. The fact that the made it so far away from the mountain just goes to show the shear force there must have been.

Well worth stopping by to learn the history of the disaster on the way to / from Fernie.

#frankslide #crowsnestpass #alberta #travelalberta

📍 Star Creek Falls

A short but super fun little hike in Crowsnest Pass on the way back from Fernie at the weekend. It was only 2km out and back, but lots of river crossing over stepping stones and logs, plus a little chain climb which the kids loved. Rounded off the weekend perfectly!

#starcreekfalls #crowsnestpass #albertawaterfalls #alberta #fernie #waterfalls

📍 Star Creek Falls

A short but super fun little hike in Crowsnest Pass on the way back from Fernie at the weekend. It was only 2km out and back, but lots of river crossing over stepping stones and logs, plus a little chain climb which the kids loved. Rounded off the weekend perfectly!

#starcreekfalls #crowsnestpass #albertawaterfalls #alberta #fernie #waterfalls

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