OT - anyone travelled western Canada

[Drivercan]

Thinking about taking a change from Disney and taking a trip out west next spring/summer.

Anyone been to West Edmonton Mall?

Anything in Saskatchewan/Manitoba of particular interest?

 

[restful urchin]

I live about 10 minutes from West Edmonton Mall. What would you like to know?

BTW I just got back from a WDW trip last week. I really think it's more fun than the mall!
I want to go back!!!!
Liz

 

[Drivercan]

We have a 9 year old boy and 11 year old girl. They love both Disney waterparks. We've been to Disney 3 times in the past 4 years and always wanted to see Canada (we have not been out of Ontario - only to the US).

What are the rides like? What is the waterpark like? Can you do both in one day? How busy does it get?

What else is there to do in Alberta - we saw something about a dinosaur museum? Calgary stampede - during what time of year does that happen?

We were thinking about flying out to Edmonton then slowly making our way back to Toronto, Ontario - renting cars, taking trains and enjoying sites along the way.

 

[restful urchin]

HI,
I can understand wanting to do a different vacation. Like I said. I just got back and am going through withdrawal. Possibly having to return to work has something to do with it too!
As For WEM. The waterpark is fun, slides, bungi jumping, wave pool etc. It is much smaller than anything at WDW of course but you can easily fill a day playing there. I'm sure you could do both the waterpark and the rides in the same day..it depends on your kids and if they will want to leave one activity for the next.
I've actually never done the rides. I'm sure someone on the boards has. Have walked through there. There's a rollar coaster and a bunch of other things.. kind of like midway rides.
summer and holidays will be a bit crowded but nothing like WDW. There is also an ice rink.(if there are any hockey tournaments going on though you won't be able to skate). There is lots of shopping, resturants and a couple food courts. Should keep you busy and the kids happy. There is a hotel directly connected to the mall and others very close by. The Fantasyland Hotel in the mall is really convenient.

Calgary stampede is July 6-15. http://cs.calgarystampede.com/
Sounds like a fun trip. Make sure you bet to Banff if you go to Calgary. The Rockies are spectacular!
Good luck and feel free to pm me if you have anything specific. I can certainly try to help!

Liz

 

[drag n' fly]

If you want lots of info go here:

http://www1.travelalberta.com/en-ab/


I do know you can watch your dog run away for three days in Saskatchewan

 

[disney funseeker]

My kids have lots of fun at Galaxyland (rides) and the waterpark. But, if I were to visit Alberta, I would not spend more than a day there (WEM) because it is the Rockies you have to experience.

The kids would love The Royal Tyrell Museum (dinosaurs) in Drumheller and seeing the hoodoos. There is 1 area along the hoodoo trail where you can actually climb on it.
In Stettler, which is close to Drumheller, you can ride a steam train and be part of a train robbery. http://www.absteamtrain.com/

Lots to do in Banff. Kids would probably like going up the Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Drive up the icefield parkway and go on the Columbia Icefield.
Lots of hiking, lots of wildlife to see, try rafting even. So much to see and do for the entire family. The mountains will take your breath away.

 

[Marion]

I live in Winnipeg... feel free to ask any questions! Manitoba has some great provincial parks for camping and there are MANY summer festivals. Here's a short list to check out

http://www.winnipegfringe.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folklorama
http://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/pages/home.php?pageID=home
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-6917284-manitoba_things_to_do-i

 

[Drivercan]

Thanks for the suggestions! I will be sure to have more questions as the planning gets more serious.

 

[tone.def]

I drove out west a few summers back and I loved Banff and Jasper!

Have fun - the scenery is amazing...

 

[murcor]

My brother in law and family moved to Alberta almost 10 years ago. We have been to visit 4-5 times in that time. The Rockies are a must, they are breathtaking each time. Last summer was our first trip to the West Edmonton Mall. We spent two nights, 1 in an igloo room the other in a regular room. We are not shoppers and still filled our days with the water park, amusement park etc.