A sancutary for your mind, body & soul

Who needs Whistler when we’ve got an amazing retreat in our own backyard! The Newman Country Farm Retreat offers day, weekend and week retreats with camping facilities healing work shops, crafts for adults and children, indoor swimming and spa meditations and energy workshops. Located in scenic Carvel, AB., you can stay in either a fully-equipped log cederwood cabin for $150/night or utilize their RV for $75 per night. Camping also available for $25/night. They also offer counseling, channeling, astrology reading, homeopathy, herbal and flower essences. Enjoy nature hikes, a labyrinth walk, massage, drumming/ tepee constructions and a full range of tranquil activities. www.heartbeatangels.com

Catch some fun. Release some tension

This spa/fishing package is a perfect girl’s weekend trip that includes a guided fishing tour provided by Get Hooked, gourmet lunch, two nights accomodations at the Courtyard by Marriot in Edmonton, exploring fossil beds, panning for gold and enjoying the outdoors. Day two involves some pampering at Opus Spa and shopping at West Edmonton Mall. Starting at $680/person
www.gethookedfishing.com

A berry good time

Bring your fairy princess or little pirate to Fairy Berry Festival July 30-Aug 2 at the Priaire Gardens in Bon Accord. Dragons, puppets, pirates, fairies, wagon rides, Strawberry Café, kids strawberry carnival and the grand opening to the Great Prairie Cornfield Maze are just a few of the things you will enjoy! There’s also a U-pick, Farmer’s Market, petting zoo, picnic facilities, games, live entertainment and so much more! Prairie Gardens has so much going on this summer that it is a must-do on your summer activity list. www.prairiegardens.org

All aboard!

What an absolutely thrilling way to spend the day with your family! Travel in a steam or diesel train on the Stettler Steam Train from Stettler to Big Valley and back, stopping for a wonderful homecooked meal and sightseeing. Enjoy entertainment on board, a children’s play area, beverage service and a “train robbery!” The entire trip takes about six hours and is an exhilirating excursion for all ages! They offer various types of trips including a Murder/Mystery, Live Theatre, Teddy Bear trip, and a Family Special. All train rides include a meal. Starting at $85/adults, $35/children. www.absteamtrain.com

Escape to Lily Lake

Named after the wild lilies growing around it, Lily Lake offers three miles of amazing bird-watching as it is a bird sanctuary. Canoe or paddleboat your way around one of the most peaceful settings in Alberta. Stay overnight at the Lily Lake Resort, located only 40 km north of Edmonton, and enjoy the completely renovated facility which offers full-service restaurants, wagon rides, a games room complete with a dance floor and DJ, and accomodations to suit all tastes and budgets. *MOM says: Stay at the resort and you’re only minutes away from the Prairie Gardens! www.lilylakeresort.com

Get wild with nature

The Suffolk House Bed & Breakfast is a hidden treasure 14km from Elk Island Park on the shore of Antler Lake that whispers tranquility to all who stay there. Enjoy a one night stay at Suffolk House Bed and Breakfast the join Wayne Millar, Edmonton Tourism award winning tour guide of Watchable Wildlife Tours, who will guide you on a one-day wildlife tour. Package includes full breakfast, guided tour, trail meal & beverages for $195/person max. four people.
www.suffolkhouse.com

Summer Slumber

The quaint, cozy Village at Pigeon Lake provides a quick getaway from the chaos of kids, life and work. Get your girls together for a mid-week escape at the Village Creek Country Inn for a one-night stay complete with your choice of one of four spa treatments, plus a movie rental, complete with a large pizza! Prices start at $112/person.
www.villagecreekcountryhotel.com

Canoe imagine?

We can! The Genesee/Devon Canoe Shuttle has three routes; Devon to Edmonton (approx. 5 hours), Genesse to Devon (approx. 5 hours) and Genesee to Edmonton (weekend excursion). All trips include shuttles to the river and the boat. The Genesee to Edmonton trip includes a tent with ground sheet, two mattresses and two drybags for your personal equipment. Travel from Genesee to Devon on Saturday then set up camp at the Lions Campground in Devon. On Sunday, take your time heading back to Edmonton. It’s an affordable and fun family trip! www.edmontoncanoe.com

Spray & Tan

Take in Wabamun’s new $400,000 spray park, visit their new museum PLUS take a gander at the 18-foot tall newly landed Dragonfly! It has a wingspan of 30 feet and is made out of recycled material! It is on Alberta’s list of roadside attractions, comparable to the Ukrainian Egg in Vegreville. Wabamun is only 20 minutes west of Stony Plain and offers boating, bird watching, hiking, a skateboard park, day-use areas with playgrounds and so much more!
Rediscover Wabamun at www.wabamun.ca