Spring Break Adventures in Your Own Backyard

Do you have any plans for your spring break? You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity for great memories during your time away from school. If getting away to a hot and sandy beach isn’t in your cards, why not try looking in your own backyard?  It’s easy to underestimate the opportunities in your own province, but the list is a lot longer than you might think. From the hoodoos of the Badlands to the rolling prairies and magnificent mountains, here are a few great experiences Alberta has to offer.

1. Skiing/Snowboarding Trips
Refresh yourself with a little mountain air and hit the slopes near Jasper, Banff or Lake Louise!  Each offers something a little different, so hitting more than one might add a little variety to your getaway. Lake Louise isn’t just a great mountain for shredding. It also offers a stunning view with vast skiable terrain, preserved wildlife and the opportunity to hop on a glacier tour. Sunshine Village, Nakiska and Lake Louise all sit near the buzzing communities of Canmore and Banff, so you have a choice of where you'd like to stay. Both offer a great mountain view, but Banff is the best choice for those looking for high-end shopping and nightlife, while Canmore is best for those looking for unique shops and cafes without all of the tourists.

2. Dinosaur Kingdom
Experience the dinosaur capital of the world at the best museum in Drumheller. The Royal Tyrrell Museum offers massive exhibits that are full of rich history. While your visiting this quaint little town, be sure to climb to the top of the world’s largest dinosaur to view a breathtaking landscape filled with hoodoos.

3. Adventure in the City
If you’re from Calgary, you might be underestimating its little gems. But this gateway to the Rockies promises plenty more to do year round than just the annual summer Stampede. Winterize your city adventure at the Canada Olympic Park. Don’t miss the thrill of a bobsleigh or luge ride, go cross-country skiing, or, if you’ve got some skills, hit the terrain park or Rockstar half-pipe.  Day trips are a good way to mix it up if your stuck at home. If you’re from out of town, don’t forget to visit the TELUS World of Science, the Calgary Tower and, of course, the well-known Calgary Zoo.

4. Become One With Nature
Elk Island National Park is located less than one hour away from Edmonton and is home of wildlife and wilderness preservation. This wildlife sanctuary is known for having animals like bison, elk, moose and deer – you don’t see that every day. There is something for everyone, including hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, picnicking or simply observing wildlife.

5. Catch Some Culture
Located 18 kilometres northwest of Fort Macleod, Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo Jump offers a beautiful landscape full of history. This is one of the most well preserved historic sites to illustrate the hunting techniques of the Plains people.  Tour the site, museum and Interpretive Centre, which offers a unique insight into the history and culture of the Blackfoot peoples.  Check out Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump website for directions and details.

6. Shop Till You Drop!
West Edmonton Mall is the largest shopping mall in North America and the opportunities to have fun are limitless.  If you live in Edmonton, you might not think of this as the ultimate spring break getaway, but it’s really a fantasyland for out-of-towners. There is the water park, the movie theatre and tons great shops, including great new stores like Victoria’s Secret and Urban Outfitters.  Don’t forget to check out the fabulous shows that play at Jubilations Dinner Theatre.