Glenbow Ranch: Trains, cattle, deer and ice cream
\nAlberta’s trademark, big, blue skies are a constant companion when you walk around Glenbow Ranch. And when the clouds roll in, the textures and patterns of the land juxtaposed to the blue backdrop draw your eyes high. The Chinook arch is especially impressive; its distinctive straight-line cloud formation and warm westerly winds provide welcome respite in mid-January. Be prepared: the winds can be fierce here, especially pre-Chinook, when gusts foreshadow the rise in temperatures.
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Winter recreation doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t have to invest in skis or snowshoes to get out for an easy family-friendly hike. Many trails are well packed down and straightforward to follow during winter. Bring a sled (bring the helmets, too), stop to build a snowman, and don’t forget to make at least a few snow angels along the way. You just might find that your kids prefer hiking during the winter!
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The sun sparkling on snow, a crackling campfire, hot cocoa, and smokies make for a memorable winter outing. While winter may not scream picnic season, it’s a wonderful time of year to dine al fresco if you dress warm and have a fire. There are no bugs or crowds, and you can get gorgeous golden-hour photos in that magical time before sunset. Here’s how to plan the perfect winter picnic in (and around) Calgary!
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Cross-country skiing is an affordable winter sport that is relatively easy to learn for the whole family. It’s free to ski on most groomed trails and once you invest in the equipment, you’re good to go! I recommend starting off with second-hand skis and boots while the kids are still growing, or you can rent skis for the occasional day if you aren’t ready to commit to the sport.
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