Little Blue Dots on the Horizon

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Carmen

I have always thought of Toronto as my adult playground. The place where I can go and play, party, stay out late and then get up early and go again, for days. I may return tired but revived, having enjoyed some true adult playtime and enjoying the energy and freedom of the city (and being sans enfants).

I also enjoy the sites and attractions, some of which I return to again and again, each time discovering something new. This trip I headed down to Niagara Falls with Matthew (yes this time it was not a sans enfants trip, he was in the wedding party I had to take him ha ha). He had never been before and was interested in seeing the falls. I love that area in general and find that there is lots to do there.

This area is what I like to call the Canadian version of Las Vegas (though I have never been to Vegas I imagine it to be so), with the main street lined with flashy shops and entertainment of all kinds. Haunted Houses, wax musuems, restuarants, etc. It is a huge family playground and you can spend lots of money very quickly. It is bright, vibrant and busy with lots of variety.

This is on top of all the attractions to do with the falls itself, such as the Journey Behind the Falls, Maid of the Mist and the Whitewater Walk. I had done the Journey Behind the Falls on my previous visit but had never been on the Maid of the Mist and always wanted to go. So this was our goal this time, if it was the only thing that we did we would be happy.

This was definitely the highlight of our visit (well it was for me I think Matthew would likely vote for the Dinosaur Adventure Golf we played later on). The Maid of the Mist is a boat that takes visitors on a boat ride tour to the foot of the Falls where you get a fabulous (and wet) view of the 13 storey falls. Each visitor receives a souvenir (and completely unfunctional) Maid of the Mist blue raincoat to keep them dry on their tour. Matthew and I put ours on with pride, overtop of our raincoats, which I had the forsight to bring, getting more and more excited as we got closer to our tour. *the raincoats are really just long thing poncho style pieces of thin plastic with a hood and though they look good really do not protect you from getting wet at all

It was hilarious to watch previous boats going out with little blue dots of people on it waiting in excitement and anticipation to view the falls up close. Everyone went out dry and smiling and came back soaking wet.

I had been told by a friend who had gone the previous week to expect to get wet but I did not realize that he meant drenched. We got on the boat and happily went to the front. We drifted past the American Falls, fantastically close as we continued toward the Canadian side. As we went past the first set of falls we got a little damp from some of the mist, listening over the roar of the falls to the recorded interpretation and history of the falls. I thought that was the worst of it.

Our excitement rose as we got closer and closer to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The roar of the falls getting louder and the mist beginning to become more and more. Soon it felt like it was raining and we were getting even closer. Matthew and I screamed in joy and delight as we were literally getting completely drenched. It was amazing, just drifting there in the falls for a few minutes, getting completely soaked. (I now knew why the one girl who walked off the boat before us was combing her wet hair). It was a euphoric experience. You may think it weird to enjoy getting that wet but it was cool, to be that close to the falls in our fancy raincoats literally soaking it in. Hard to describe but it was awesome.

Walking for Wildlife at the Bow Habitat Station

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Carmen

On the weekend we had a unique experience at the Bow Habitat Station here in Calgary. As part of National Wildlife Week and A Walk for Wildlife event, this family event included crafts, fish feeding, scaly friends, face painting and more.

The Bow Habitat Station is situated in Pearce Estates Park close to downtown Calgary and along the Bow River. The site of a fish hatchery, it is a pretty neat experience for kids. Touring the hatchery was just part of the fun, as the kids squealed in delight over the thousands (actually 28000) of fish of all shapes and sizes swimming around and around, there was also many different wildlife organizations there. There was the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Friends of Fish Creek and Species at Risk to name a few. All with different displays, activities and information for the kids (and parents too).

I thought the event was very well done with lots to do. When you entered the station you got a map and a scavenger hunt where you visited 6 stations, answered a question about wildlife and then got a stamp. These were well placed throughout the facility with some on each level. At the end, you returned your map and received a ballot for a draw for one of 3 family prize packs.

We got to feed the fish along the way, which the kids loved, getting an entire tube of fish food each. This was a riot to watch as the fish literally jumped and the water bubbled and swirled as they vied for their food. We saw live reptiles and snakes, Matthew even got to hold a boa constrictor!

On the upper level of the station, there are beautiful interactive displays for the kids teaching them about peat, dams, what fish eat, etc. (I got a bit of a shock when I stepped onto the ‘peat’ myself, a display with a very soft area to stand on). We did fish imprints and had our faces painted, we saw a huge White Sturgeon and learned that the Bull Trout is Alberta’s provincial fish. It was a really great event.

I had thought that this event was going to be outside, and we had prepared accordingly, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it was indoors. I do plan to go back though as there is an outdoor wetland interpretive walk through Pearce Estates, as well as a lovely picnic area and playground. They also have a kids fishing pond that they stock from May to October which we are totally going to check out!

When leaving the event I asked the kids if they enjoyed it and what there favorite part was. Of course they said that they liked it all. But Matthew piped up and said, “Mom I’ve decided that I am either going to be a pilot or a nature scientist when I grow up.” I think that our little outing had a profound effect on him, don’t you?

The Giant Cedars Boardwalk – aka Luke and Chloe’s First Hike

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Carmen

One of the great things about children is that if you introduce things to them when they are little they usually just accept it. They approach everything with wonder and delight, curiousity and a willingness to try.

When you introduce it at a young age they do not have the fears or hang ups that we do as adults, the beliefs that we can’t or shouldn’t, or the stubborness to refuse what you are suggesting because they ‘don’t want to’. This is one of the beautys of being a child and spending time with a child. They remind us to try it all and to move forward fearlessly because you never know what joys you are going to experience.

We have introduced things early on with all of our children, in many things, but specifically in introducing camping and hiking to them; all at around the age of 2. Matthew’s first hike was the Fenland Trail in Banff, a 2 km loop through a lush forested area. He completed it easily and then we did another short hike after lunch that day. I think he did 5 km total that day and he was only 2 or 3.

Luke and Chloe’s first hike was a few weeks ago on our way to visit my parents in Oliver, BC. We had stopped for lunch at the Giant Cedars trail in Mt. Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia. There was a picnic area and washrooms to use and after our tummies were full, we went for a walk along the trail.

The Giant Cedars trail is an easy, self guided, 500 m loop with some of the oldest trees in the Columbia Mountains. Featuring the largest western red cedars and dark brown western hemlocks, this boardwalk trail is lush, green and alive. As soon as you enter the trail you can feel the warmth and comfort of a such an old forest.

Chloe taking the stairs at the beginning of the trail

It is a great trail for kids with lots to discover and explore. There are benches along the way so you can sit and relax, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the magic of an old growth forest. Both Chloe and Luke effortlessly went up the stairs that start the trail. Chloe was delighted by the little brook flowing by and would stop every time she saw water. She would scream in delight, “water!” and then bend over, hands on her thighs to take a closer look.

Devil’s Club

We meandered along the trail checking things out, the Giant Devil’s Club, the nurse logs and fungi. We read the interpretive signs at different points along the trail describing the age of the trees (over 500 years old), the animals who live there, such as bats, bears and caribou; and how they all make up an important and healthy functioning ecosystem.

Luke was very excited about the fairies which he shared were in their houses; which he told me were the splits in the trees or under the lush underbrush. Both Luke and Chloe walked the whole way, with Chloe stopping to hug and kiss trees and Luke checking out the flowers. Matthew of course ran the trail, cause as usual he had energy to burn. It took us half an hour to do the trail, but is typically done in 15-20 minutes, depending on how fast you move along the trail and if you stop to linger.

Fairy Houses

It is a great place to relax and unplug for a while, to just sit and soak up the atmosphere. It is also a super easy hike for kids and will be a great first or early experience for them.

Hugging a tree

The key to hiking with kids to make their first experiences easy (short enough that they can walk it without feeling tired or have to be carried), achievable (something that they can do all by themselves without feeling discouraged at the end), interesting (lots of things to see, check out and explore) and in proper footwear. Now I would not run out and buy hiking boots for my 2 year old, but it is a good idea to ensure that they have sturdy, closed toed shoes, like runners. If you make their first experiences enjoyable and memorable than they will quickly and easily develop a love for hiking (and an appreciation for their natural environment) as they grow up.

Wapta Falls

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Carmen

On the weekend that Matthew and I did the Burgess Shale hike (read more in earlier post) we also did a few shorter hikes the following day. We did this for a few reasons, one was that Matthew was up bouncing around and had some energy to burn (yes after 22 km the previous day, he was neither tired, nor sore) and I also felt it was a good idea to move a little and do a short hike so we wouldn’t stiffen up. Not that Matthew would.

Plus I love going and exploring. We’re often driving through Yoho National Park on our way to somewhere else and don’t make any stops to check things out. So as I’m driving through I mentally make a list of places/ hikes I would like to go and see for the time that we do stop and stay awhile.

Spiderweb in a Tree

Wapta Falls is an easy 5 km return hike in Yoho National Park in British Columbia, along a treed path to a beautiful waterfall at the end. Though fairly flat, the trail ends in a slight incline to get to the falls but is a great trail for beginner hikers and for kids. There are lots of things to explore and discover along the way; we found a beautiful spider web between the branches of a tree and an interesting bump on another tree. Of course there is the anticipation of the falls at the end, which as you are hiking along the path, can hear before you actually see it. Drawing you, beckoning you.

MEC Happy Trails Baby Carrier

Though the trail is suitable for children, it is not suitable for strollers. There are bumps and tree roots along the way that make it quite difficult to navigate a stroller on it. If the children are not walking on their own then I would recommend one of those backpack carriers for small children. There are many different styles and brands out there, we have one from Mountain Equipment Coop we really like, as well as one from Baby Trend.

Matthew practically ran down the trail and we had to ask him a few times to slow down, or pause to take a break. The rush of the waterfall was drawing him in and he was getting excited!

There are 3 spots where you can look at the falls. It is a bit deceiving when you first come to the falls as it looks like that is where the trail ends. There is a fenced area overlooking the falls with a bench to sit and relax. A lot of people assume that this is where the trail ends but if you continue down the trail, you can go off to the left for a different view or continue all the way to the bottom.

Matthew at the bottom of Wapta Falls

If you go all the way to the bottom, the trail ends by coming out onto a beach along the river at the bottom of the falls. It is a great place to sit and just be, soaking up the beauty and absorbing yourself in this calm, peaceful environment. The kids will love playing in the sand or throwing rocks into the water, or you can even move down along the shore a little ways and continue to explore. It’s a lovely spot to sit and have a snack or enjoy your lunch as you gaze at the waterfalls.

After spending some time at the falls we hiked out, Matthew again running – oh to have the energy of a child, and enjoyed some nice relaxing quiet time back at the campsite. Well I did, Matthew on the other hand was busy as usual, chopping wood.

Summer Road Trips -Car Games for Kids

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Carmen

One of the many things I love about summer is road trips. The ability to hop in the car and take off and explore! The challenge can be what to do with the kids on the long car rides to your destination.

Some parents may just let their children play on their hand held devices or set up the DVD player, but I feel that it is important for children to learn to entertain themselves without those devices, as it is good for their brains and imaginations. And sometimes those electronic devices break down so it is great to have things to do that don’t require all kinds of fancy equipment.

When I was little we would often take along books on tape and listen to those in the car following along in the book. One of my fondest memories is when my sister Cathy and I read the Star Wars story to our youngest sister, Leslie, without the tape and doing all the sound effects for her. Doing Darth Vader was definitely the most fun!

I often find as well that playing these games creates some wonderful interaction and quality time with your kids in a fun and easy way. Everyone is laughing and playing and a little friendly competition doesn’t hurt either.

From my experience as a child and with my own children, here are some great car games and activities to do with your children in the car. They are simple, appropriate for all ages and require little or no equipment.

The Alphabet Game –Each person needs to go through the alphabet using letters on signs. Starting at A, the first person to reach Z wins. For example if a person sees the letter A on a sign they call “A in maximum” and then move on to the letter B. This can also be done with numbers starting at 1 going up to whatever number you choose.

Counting Cows – Each person or team counts cows on the side of the road keeping a running tally. This can be quite challenging as you could pass a field that has lots of cows and since you are moving you have to count fast! If you pass a cemetery you lose all your cows and start at zero, but only if the other team calls, “your cows are buried!” This can be lots of fun as people try to create distractions so others miss cows or cemeteries.

Virtual Hide and Seek – Think of your house and pick a place to hide, imagine yourself there. This is fun as you can be any size and hide in some unique places. The other players ask questions to narrow down where you are. “Are you in the kitchen?”, “Are you in a cupboard?” etc. Kids have lots of fun “hiding” in places they normally couldn’t.

License Plates –There are a couple of games that you can play using license plates. One is to take the numbers on a license plate and see who can add them up correctly. Another is to “collect” license plates by trying to find one of each province and state. This game could last the whole trip or be played throughout the whole summer.

Word Game – Starting with the letter A, you go around and each person says a word starting with that letter. You keep going until no one can come up with a new word, then you move on to B, etc.

Going on a Picnic – This game is simple and has a trick to it that is fun for the kids to figure out. You start by saying “I’m going on a picnic and I am going to bring ….” then fill in the blank. You can bring whatever you want but you need to bring something that starts with the first letter of your name. For example, Susan can bring string, socks, skateboard, while Mary can bring marshmallows, milk, meatballs. Do not tell the ‘trick’ to the kids let them figure it out by continuing to model what you may bring.

I also find it handy to have read along stories, crayons and coloring books, an etch a sketch and magna doodle. There’s always songs to sing or listen to as well. I find that children are adaptable and easy to entertain as long as they know what to expect and have some resources/ variety available to them. Sometimes children just enjoy watching the world go by as you drive along, watching the trees whiz by and enjoying the landscape. That in itself has great value as well.

So next time you are heading down the road try out some of these games and find your favorites! Let me know too which ones you have enjoyed the most by commenting below.

Looking for more? These sites are really good resources momsminivan.com and activitiesforkids.com

Discovering the Rockgarden Trail

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Carmen

I’m always on the lookout for new trails to hike and explore with the kids. I love the outdoors and it is one of my greatest joys to share this passion and excitement with my children.

For years we have been driving up and down the #1 highway west on our way to visit family or on some kind of adventure. I love this drive, it is a beautiful, lush and full of places to discover and explore. Often though we are pushing through to our destination or have another ‘planned stop’ and don’t always have the opportunity to stop at the trails and sites that I would like to see.

There are 4 National Parks along this route, Banff, Yoho, Glacier and Mount Revelstoke. All are unique and beautiful in their own way with so much to do and explore.

Ever since Matthew was little I have wanted to go on the Rockgarden trail. It is a short 20 minute hike on the east side of the Rogers Pass, in Glacier National Park. We discovered it one time when we stopped for a bathroom break and pulled into the parking lot for the outhouse.

Entering the Rockgarden Trail

This trail though short is not meant for strollers or young children. If you have young children you will need a baby carrier to take them with you. It is a steep, rocky trail with high drops in some places. It has rock stairs and winds through boulders and lush forest. It is considered a miniature landscape all it’s own, rich in lichens and mosses that are more than 2000 years old.

Lichens and Mosses

For one reason or another we have always passed it by, timing not working out with the kids, weather or the desire to push through and get to our destination. But this weekend we went! I was driving Matthew out to my parents for the week, and I had already decided before we left that this would be our planned stop. I was very excited that we were finally going! I kept my fingers crossed that the weather would be decent, as it was a little rainy.

When Matthew and I entered the trail we were in awe of what we saw. Piles of rocks/ boulders settled along the trail, part of the trail. It was truly entering a rock garden.

At the beginning of the trail be sure to pick up a brochure that describes different areas of the trail by matching the symbols in the brochure. This provides you with more insight into what is/ has happened in the area and you can appreciate the wonder and life of the area. It is also a great educational tool for the kids! When I was little I always loved reading the signs and learning more. My parents would read the signs to us and as we grew we would read them on our own. Sometimes we would even set up a scavenger hunt using the signs and information and that was fun too!

As we meandered and explored the rock garden we noticed the faces in the rocks and the energy of the forest. It is a magical place, one where you could sit and rest awhile before carrying on on your journey.

So next time you’re heading down the #1 and need a break, or a chance to stretch your legs, I would highly recommend this beautiful and magical place tucked within the Canadian Rockies. Stop a while and take a breath, enjoy and discover a place you may not have noticed before.

Matthew conquering the Rockgarden Trail

Check out some of these other wonderful hikes along the #1 highway on the East side of the Rogers Pass – Giant Cedars Boardwalk, Skunk Cabbage Trail, Hemlock Grove.