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This Month

Child-Friendly Destinations - Pick from the quick drive, perfect weekend or adventurous weekend!

For the quick drive:

Canmore, Alberta – Distance: 100 kilometres

Located an hour away from Calgary, Canmore is the perfect vacation close to home. If long drives aren’t for you, this is the perfect short drive to the Rockies. From fishing, golfing and hiking to cycling and rock climbing, Canmore has a lot to offer. The summer is a great time to enjoy events hosted in Canmore such as the Canada Day Parade and Celebration and the Canmore Folk Music Festival. Finish up your trip with a visit to the spa or a picnic by the Bow River that kids will love!

Featured hotel: Mystic Springs Chalets and Hot Pools – Rating: 4 Stars. Canmore Mystic Springs is a gem in the Rockies. The property has 44, fully furnished beautiful chalets that are great for families. The two stories in the chalets include a full kitchen, separate living room with fireplace, a music player and much more. The design of the property enables full privacy and security, as the chalets are located around a common courtyard. The courtyard offers an outdoor heated pool and hot tub and a barbeque and communal area. Parents can watch their children in the courtyard through the glass windows in the dining room or join into the fun themselves!

The children-friendly property offers complimentary movie and Xbox rentals, ping-pong tables, volleyball games, arts and crafts activities for younger children, guided mountain biking and outdoor movies in the parking lot throughout the summer. The facility is also pet-friendly, as long as it’s pre-arranged, and offers pet amenities such as organic dog treats and water dishes on arrival. Call in after a day of hiking and the friendly staff will have warm organic pizza waiting for you in your room!

Calgary’s Child - Reader Special in the Rockies

Save over $650 on Summer Weekly Stays at Mystic Springs Chalets & Hot Pools in Canmore with our Calgary’s Child Magazine Weekly Stay Special. Up for a shorter visit? Book now for special Calgary’s Child Magazine Reader specials for up to 25 per cent off rack nightly rates in a two-bedroom luxury chalet. Just mention “Calgary’s Child Promotion” to take advantage of these special deals. Visit mysticsprings.ca or contact 1-866-446-9784.

Disclaimer: Valid for stays between June 26 to September 7, 2009; subject to availability at time of booking in a two-bedroom chalet; plus taxes.


For the perfect weekend:


Banff, Alberta – Distance: 126 kilometres


Banff is sometimes a forgotten destination for many Calgarians as many people have been there multiple times. So unless you love skiing, Banff doesn’t get to hear from you very often. With every trip to Banff, you will discover something new you love about it or rekindle with something you already love. Whether it is the very reasonably priced season pass for the Gondola or the stunning hot springs placed in the heart of the majestic Rockies, Banff has many things to offer!

Featured property: High Country Inn – Rating: 3.5 Stars. The recently renovated High Country Inn is a welcoming, family-owned property in Banff. Located only two blocks from downtown, it is the perfect location to unwind but still be close to downtown attractions. Relax in the indoor pool, hot tubs and dry cedar sauna or park your car in the underground parking lot and head out to the mountains! All guests enjoy a deluxe continental breakfast that includes everything from fruit and cereal to waffles and pastries. Ask the knowledgeable staff about activities in the area and return to the Inn to enjoy dinner at Ticino’s Swiss-Italian Restaurant. If you aren’t convinced yet, the dedicated air conditioners in each room are sure to lure you in this summer! Contact information: banffhighcountryinn.com; 1-800-293-5142.


For the adventurous:


Kelowna, British Columbia – Distance: 600 kilometres


Kelowna is the perfect destination if you’re looking for great weather, water activities and a long drive. The largest city in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Kelowna offers scenic views, exquisite wineries and orchards and many activities for water sport lovers! Enjoy a hike through the mountains or golf in one of Kelowna’s championship golf courses. With delicious fresh treats and everything from canoeing to boating in the lake, Kelowna will keep you and your kids entertained!

Featured property: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott® Kelowna – Rating: 3.5 Stars. If you’re looking to stay at a place with pleasant staff and an exquisite property to back it up, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is for you! All guests enjoy a deluxe hot and cold breakfast every morning that includes everything from French toast and parfaits to cheese omelettes. Located just off of Highway 97, it is close to restaurants, amusement centres and a five-minute drive to the beach! The outdoor pool with a water slide will keep your children amused while you can relax in a hot tub nearby. An attendant is present at all times to ensure all safety regulations for the water slide are being met to ensure the safety of its users. Movie machines can be rented for all the rooms and the breakfast area turns into a mini theatre at night, on request. The friendly staff, fun pool and delicious breakfast won’t disappoint you! Contact information: marriott.com; 1-800-228-2800.


Seema is a freelance writer based in Calgary. She is the recipient of the Calgary Herald and Jason Lang scholarship, writes for UNICEF Alberta’s newsletter and loves directing.

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