Prarie Provinces | TravellingOyster.com

Travel Canada: A Town In a Universe All Its Own

TO BOLDLY GO WHERE BLOOD IS GREEN AND EARS ARE POINTY

In 1966, the starship U. S. S. Enterprise launched, to explore new worlds and boldly go where no (hu)man has gone before.  Most of the ship’s crew of 400+ is from Earth.  Mr. Spock, however, is the exception.  Spock (second name unpronouncable by humans) is from Vulcan.  Although detached and unwaveringly logical in the manner of all Vulcans, Mr. Spock quickly became and remained a favourite character of Star Trek fans everywhere.

Who knew Vulcan is actually in Alberta, Canada? (more…)

Travel Canada: Free and Cheap Things To Do in Edmonton

FREE AND CHEAP ACTIVITIES – EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA

Elk Island.  Half an hour away from “the city” is Elk Island National Park.  Protecting one of the most endangered habitats in Canada, Elk Island is filled with birds and wildlife — a nature enthusiast’s paradise.  (more…)

Family Travel Story: Camping With Bugs

A STORY OF CAMPING WITH A TODDLER IN JULY

It seemed like a great idea.  I know plenty of people that camp with their toddlers and babies.  Fresh air, sunshine, woods, a large body of water close by.   It seemed like a wonderful escape.

So we went to Costco, bought a big family-sized tent (we would be doing LOTS of camping in the years to come), called a bunch of friends, and booked several campsites in Elk Island National Park. (more…)

Multi-Family Travel Story: Let’s Go Away Together

VACATIONING WITH GOOD FRIENDS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Fifteen years ago, while still in school, peers were the people with whom I spent the majority of my leisure time.  Life was exciting and we shared a great deal.  There was (it seems now) all the time in the world to devote to nurturing friendships.  My closest friends and I have been together through graduation, first jobs, relationships, weddings.  We dreamed of raising families who would grow together.  And then, my husband and I moved to Edmonton (more…)

Family Travel Story: Weekend Escape

AN IMPROMPTU ROADTRIP ADVENTURE

Billions of sparkling lights spread out above us.  The bright stars.  The dimmer stars.  The band that marks the Milky Way.  How I have missed seeing the night sky away from Edmonton’s city lights!

I hold my 22-month old son close to me.  Wrapped in a light blanket over his fall jacket, his teeth are still chattering as he admires the view.  “Stars!”  he says.  (more…)