5 Supplements & Foods to Boost Fertility

For those trying to conceive (or even thinking about it), our bodies might need a little more encouragement and support in addition to pre-natal vitamins and folic acid. These five little fertility helpers, commonly found in your local health food stores and also in your big supermarkets, can give a lot of bang for the buck. So, if you are planning to try to start trying for a baby, prep your body with these supplements and foods thought to boost fertility.

5 Supplements & Foods to Boost Fertility

Coenzyme Q10

You’ve probably heard of Coenzyme Q10 and its anti-aging properties on skin cream commercials, and while it definitely helps with our aging bodies, it does even more good from the inside. From dark leafy greens (think kale), nuts and seeds, red meat and even fish, CoQ10 can be found in many of the common foods we consume on a daily basis. It is in every cell of our bodies and plays a critical role in energy production. As we age and our bodies are unable to effectively convert CoQ10, the levels in our cells begin to decline and so does our energy. As an antioxidant, CoQ10 fights free radicals in those cells and helps to reduce cell and DNA damage, improving egg and sperm health and embryo quality.

For women who are getting a little older, but still hoping to get pregnant (either naturally or though IVF), CoQ10 may help produce eggs that function more like the eggs from the younger you. And as for men of any age, eating foods rich in CoQ10 can boost sperm health, count, motility and morphology.

Where is it found? Well, unless you’re really into eating organ meats, the best way to get a good dose of CoQ10 from food is to up your intake of dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, red meat, and fish.

→ Still feeling the winter blahs? Check out our 5 Foods to Beat the Winter Blues here!

Raspberry Leaf Tea

Raspberry leaf tea contains loads of vitamins (including B complex which is great for stress) and minerals that can not only help improve your overall health, but help tone and strengthen your uterus and it’s lining which is said to improve chances of implantation.

Raspberry leaf may also help lengthen the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle which is the time between the start of ovulation and the start of your period, if that time is too short, it can be difficult to get pregnant. The tea is known to help balance your hormones and it works for men as well. It’s also a good idea to take Raspberry Leaf Tea at the end of your pregnancy as it’s said to tone the muscles of your uterus to help with labour.

Spirulina

This freshwater blue green algae, used for centuries by Aztec and African tribes, is known as a superfood for very good reason.

Spirulina offers massive benefits. It’s a complete source of protein, has essential fatty acids that help balance out your hormones, has all of the essential amino acids needed that your body can’t make on its own, and it’s an antioxidant that fights free radical damage, which may improve egg and sperm health and increasing luteal phase. It also contains loads of chlorophyll which cleanses and builds blood cells while increasing your blood’s oxygen, feeding the whole body. And on top of all of that, spirulina is packed with vitamins and minerals, all of which help boost fertility, pregnancy and overall good health.

Omega 3s

Omega-3 is an unsaturated fatty acid that is essential and beneficial to us. It doesn’t occur naturally in our bodies but through our diets and it’s most often the Omega that’s not in balance with the rest.

When we have enough of it, Omega 3s help to normalize a woman’s hormones and cycle, can increase blood flow to the uterus, reproductive organs and cellular structure, increase cervical mucus (which helps the sperm get to the egg), assists in ovulation, helps to reduce inflammation, which can stand in the way of getting and staying pregnant, and may help with endometriosis and uterine fibroids. And once you’re pregnant, Omega 3s may help decrease miscarriage risk and pre-term labor while increasing your baby’s health and development of their brain, eyes, and nervous system. Let’s not forget about the men since Omega 3s contain DHA, an essential fatty acid important in sperm formation, also helps to increase sperm count and motility. A diet rich in flax, pumpkin and hemp seeds, walnuts, beans, and fish are all great sources of Omega 3, and it’s also found in good quality fish or flax oil and gel caps.

Maca

Maca comes from Peru where the soil is rich from volcanic minerals. Peruvians have been using it for over two thousand years to increase fertility, energy, vitality and sexual stamina. It’s also rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, fatty acids, and is loaded with vitamins and minerals that are said to help bring hormone levels back into balance in both men and women by nourishing the endocrine system. It may also increase egg health in women while increasing sperm count, sperm health, and motility in men – who should also be considering how to boost fertility if trying to conceive.

* As with any dietary changes you make before, during, or after pregnancy, please consult your doctor or OB before taking any supplements.

8 Easy Ways to Live a More Green Lifestyle with Kids

On Earth Day and every day, we all know how important it is to protect the Earth. Here are some tips on how you and your family can live a more green lifestyle — to conserve energy, reduce, and recycle.

8 Tips for a More Green Lifestyle with Kids

Green Cooking

When reheating food or baking casseroles (or muffins), try turning off the oven 10 minutes before the end of cooking time to save energy. The heat in the oven will continue to cook the food to completion.

Green Cleaning

Try repurposing used dryer sheets as dusting cloths around the home. They really double well as dusters.

Green Toilet

Reduce water usage by placing a brick in the water cistern of your toilet. Instant DIY low-flow toilet!

Green Groceries

Freezers work more efficiently when they are full, so try to keep your as packed as possible. If you’re running low on frozen food, pop several reusable ice packs in the freezer so it will stay cooler inside and use less energy.

Eco-Wrapping

Recycle those works of art from school and use them to wrap gifts. Or fold them in half and write a short note inside—voila, a card is made.

Eco-Hydration

Keep a pitcher or jug of water in the fridge for your family to enjoy, rather than running tap water until it’s cold.

Green Light

Using dimmers doesn’t just create atmosphere. If you dim the lights by just 10%, you’ll double the bulb’s life and decrease the energy used too. Have the kids run around and dim them.

Static Solution

If you have no use for extra dusters, use balled-up aluminum foil instead of dryer sheets to reduce static and eliminate waste.

Tips for Setting Limits (with Love!) for Your Children

As adults, we live with limits every day. When we drive, we are required to follow specific speed limits. If we don’t conform to this, there may be consequences such as being given a speeding ticket and having to pay a fine. We are required to drop off and pick up our children at day care or school at prescribed times. If we push those limits, there may be consequences for this too. An internet resource dedicated to responsible gambling uses the slogan ‘Know your limit. Play within it’ as a way of reminding people to pre-plan how much they have or want to spend before getting carried away in the moment.

So, we are doing kids a favour by setting limits from a very young age. We are preparing them for the real world.

Children (and adults) feel a sense of safety when they know where and what the boundaries are. Even though children typically push limits to see how flexible they are, there is security in knowing that they exist. So, even though your child may resist and resent being told to turn the screen off at a strict time to get ready for bed, most children (once older and wiser), will admit that having loving limits set for them is preferable to having no limits at all. When parents don’t set limits, children may perceive their parents as uncaring or uninvolved.

Setting limits creates a sense of order and structure. Imagine if we had no limits set at all? Everyone would make their own rules and the world would be a very chaotic place in which to live. Your home environment is a microcosm of what takes places outside of your walls. When children and adults within the family know what time to wake, what time to be at the school bus stop, what time dinner is being served, and what time to have lights out, they thrive because their world is more predictable.

Establishing consequences in advance is a good idea too. So, you might say to your young child, ‘If you don’t hold my hand, then we will have to leave.’ Or if you’d prefer, ‘If you don’t hold my hand, I will need to put something around your waist and hold onto it so that I can keep you close.’

It’s up to us as parents to determine which limits are rigid and which can be bent. For example, you may be comfortable with extending bedtime to a later time on weekends or not pushing them to brush their teeth after they’ve fallen asleep in the car and want to go straight to bed. When agreeing to push the limits, make sure that your children realize that this is a conscious choice on your part rather than because you are throwing up your hands with the realization that you feel helpless. You might say something like, ‘you make a good point. I am willing to relax the guidelines tonight. But just so you know, this is an exception to the rule and not a permanent change.’

That way, your children don’t see you as a pushover, but rather as someone who takes their ideas into consideration, is flexible within reason, and is willing to make changes as necessary. They will likely appreciate this and learn from your modelling too.

5 Easy DIY Iced Coffee Drinks

Iced coffee drinks classic coffeehouse staples, but did you know you can make them at home for a fraction of the price? Here’s a look at five of our favourite warm weather sippers that are guaranteed to help keep mom cool and caffeinated this summer.

5 DIY Iced Coffee Drinks

Cold Brew Coffee and Tea

Why cold-brewed? Experts state that while you could easily make a pot of coffee (or tea) and cool it over a glass of ice, the cold-brewed version (steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12 hours) has lower acidity and less bitterness than warm-brewed coffee. Plus, it takes no special equipment to do it this way, making the process incredibly simple. Here’s our recipe; I make a litre of coffee and tea almost every night, and between me, my husband and our two teenage sons we have no problem polishing off both jars of cold brew.

Simple Frozen Chocolate or Mocha Milk

Our neighbourhood coffee shops offer frozen hot chocolates this time of the year, and while tasty and refreshing, they are also extremely pricey at more than five dollars a pop. This makes them more of a luxury treat than an afternoon snack, but like most things we enjoy eating out, I’ve taken to making a healthier version at home. To infuse this drink with coffee flavour, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the mix before blending.

Frozen Coffee Protein Smoothie

This drink combines caffeine, protein, and fruit so you can certainly slurp it for breakfast, but we like to enjoy it in the afternoon instead of reaching for something sweet to snack on. To start, you need to freeze coffee in ice cubes trays. I like to buy a few extra specifically for this purpose and anytime I have leftover coffee in the pot I add it to a tray to be frozen. In a blender, combine coffee ice cubes (as many as you like), protein powder, a banana, and almond or regular milk. Blitz on high until combined and you’ll have a crave-worthy caffeinated drink that’s low on calories and high on flavour.

Skinny Chai Tea Latte

I love an iced chai tea latte and think they’re ridiculously easy to make at home. To start, buy a brand of chai tea that you know you’ll like. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and pour over three chai tea bags. Steep 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and cool the tea in fridge. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the tea, sweeten with agave if desired, and add a generous splash of cream, milk or almond milk until the drink reaches the desired colour. Enjoy!

Skinny Iced Maple Vanilla Latte

This iced coffee drink is a favourite in our house. Pour ½ cup espresso or double-strength brewed coffee into an ice filled glass. Top with 1 ½ cups milk of choice, a splash of vanilla extract and a solid drizzle of maple syrup. Stir, sip, and enjoy. So good and SO easy.

Ideas for Acknowledging Earth Day for all Ages

It seems our beloved Earth has been taking a beating what with greenhouse gases and all. We all want to look after her better and teach our kids how to, but where to start? Well we say, who better than a mother to ‘mother’ it back to the best shape it can be?

With Earth Day approaching, it’s a great time for savvy families across Canada to celebrate Earth Day (which, btw, we were amazed to learn is observed in 175 countries and is the largest secular holiday in the world). Have some fun (learn some things) and help the earth at the same time. No matter the age of your kid(s), we’ve got some ideas for you.

Age-Appropriate Ideas for Acknowledging Earth Day

Baby in the House?

Did you know that for every tree we plant, we can reduce the CO² in the atmosphere by 13 pounds per year? If you’re just welcoming a new baby (and our congratulations to you), celebrate the arrival of your precious bundle by gathering your extended family together and planting a tree in commemoration of this very special time. Your little tree and your little baby will grow up strong together and when baby is older you can share the story of how you planted the tree to mark his/her birth and be proud of the CO² reduction your eco-babe saved each year.

Consult your local nursery for guidance and choose a local specimen—native to wherever you are—for more hardy growing and less care required.

For the Toddlers and Preschoolers

Kids are always picking up dirty, sticky things off the ground, right? Earth Day is a perfect time to take advantage of that habit! Picking up garbage from local outdoor spaces such as parks and nature sites protects your community’s wildlife and of course makes the place more visually appealing. Choose a small manageable spot close to home (your fave playground makes a great place to start), grab a bag (preferably a recyclable one), and set out to pick up all the garbage. Ensure everyone is wearing gloves for safety and sanitary reasons. Make up some games (Who can pick up three things first? Who can find something red to pick up?) and get out there and de-trash the place!

Reinforce the keep-our-earth-clean message with one of our favourite authors for all ages, Dr. Seuss. The Lorax speaks for the trees (who don’t have voices) and tries to defend them against the Once-ler (all humanity) who is destroying the environment, cutting down the trees and polluting the pond without thinking about the consequences for the future. Read the book or check out the video we found online.

5 and Up

We’re hearing a lot of talk about our eco-footprint these days but how do we know how big ours is? Zerofootprint, the not-for-profit organization that helps consumers and businesses reduce their environmental impact has developed a fun tool to help kids learn about their own environmental impact.

Snuggle up together, click on the Zero Footprint calculator and simply answer the fun, interactive questions. Your kids will easily discover how much water, carbon, land, and trees they use in one year. The tool facilitates a conversation about and understanding of the eco-related choices our families are making such as the size of car we drive or whether we are using reusable packaging for our school lunches and the impact of those choices.

When you’re finished working through the questions, your child can compare their eco-footprint to the Canadian yearly standard, or even find out what kids from other countries produce in the same time-span. The idea is to get them thinking about these choices while their own footprints are still small—and trust us, it works! (Don’t blame us if your kids start shaming you for some of the eco-choices you’re making though!)

So go on and nurture nature with your family. They’ll ‘dig’ these Earth-y ideas, we’re sure.

Earth Day is coordinated by the non-profit Earth Day Network. For more information, visit earthday.org or earthday.ca, the official website of Earth Day Canada, the Canadian arm of Earth Day Network.

A Week’s Worth of Solo Parenting Meal Ideas

Whether your solo parenting status is a permanent thing, or just a week-long stint while your spouse is away, one thing is for certain: it’s hard to be a single parent. You may be on your own by choice or circumstance, or your partner may travel for work or live part-time in another city, but rest assured: there are a lot of people parenting without a partner.

While there’s no denying that there are plenty of problems that come from this situation, one of the areas that can be a real challenge is the task of getting dinner on the table, especially if you work outside of the home.

To give you a helping hand we’ve put together a week’s worth of meals for when you’re solo parenting. These are healthy, well-balanced dinners you can feel good about serving, but simple enough that dinner truly can be on the table in about 30 minutes. Before we launch into the suggested meals, here are few tips for the single parent meal maker:

Meal Help for Solo Parenting:

1. Make a Meal Plan:

This tip is really for any home cook, but being organized when you’re solo parenting is the secret to being successful. Knowing what you’re going to cook and when you’re going to do it will help you with both the grocery shopping and the actual act of getting dinner on the table.

2. Set the Table:

It seems obvious, but sitting down for dinner as a family, even if there is only one parent present, is a great motivator for making a meal. Light a candle and use cloth napkins, plus real (not plastic) cutlery and plates.

3. Don’t Forget that Kids Can Cook, Too:

Enlist your children to help you with dinner. Even if they are toddlers they’ll be happy to help set the table, while older children can pour drinks or cut veggies. Whatever your child’s age, there is usually a task that they can help with.

As for the actual meals, each of these suggestions is quick cooking, healthy and budget-friendly.

Meal Ideas for a Week of Solo Parenting:

Day 1:

Pasta is a staple for so many families, and this Pasta with Broccoli and Toasted Breadcrumbs comes together just a quickly as a box of store-bought mac and cheese. Serve with a side salad or yogurt and some fresh fruit for a complete kid-friendly meal.

Day 2:

Instead of making tacos, which can be a tad time consuming, try our quesadillas with a side of guacamole for those nights when the family is craving a Mexican-inspired meal. Be sure to make a few more quesadillas than you need, because the leftovers will make a great lunch for the following day.

Day 3:

Give yourself at least one no-cook meal a week—it is essential to a single parent’s sanity! Our Parisian Platter is a great example of this type of dinner. Simply scrounge up some items from the pantry and fridge, placing them on a platter for a ‘finger foods’ supper everyone will enjoy.

Day 4:

Our Chicken and Kale Pizza Bake is a one-pan recipe that will please the entire family, including the cook thanks to the short ingredient list and speed with which this meal comes together. Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. Bonus recipe: use any leftover bread and chicken to make sandwiches for the next day’s lunch.

Day 5:

If you take an hour on the weekend to make a pot of soup, you’re already halfway to a decent weeknight dinner. Store in the fridge for up to three days and serve with a side sandwich to make a complete dinner.

Best Bets for Spring Getaways from Vancouver

After what may just have felt like the longest winter of all time, these sunny days and spring flowers may just have you ready to get out and explore. With kids still in school and summer a ways off yet, there may not be time for a big holiday, but there are plenty of options for quick spring getaways from Vancouver that are within close range – from an hour’s drive to a relaxed crossing by ferry boat. If it’s been a while since you travelled, you may not be sure which destinations are most appealing to you right now. Check out a few of our favourite spring destinations near Vancouver…

Ideas for Spring Getaways from Vancouver

Victoria

There’s no wrong time to take a visit to the province’s capital but spring might just be the best season to head over: blossoms and blue skies, crisp winds off the harbour, green buds on every tree. What’s not to love? Check out the Royal BC Museum for an afternoon of history and learning, hop on a water taxi for a trip across the harbour, or head to Fisherman’s Wharf for some fresh seafood. Fan Tan Alley and Chinatown should be the top of any must-see list. And don’t forget the Rogers Chocolate shop on Government Street. And if you’re coming by ferry, make a pitstop on the way into town at the world-famous Butchart Gardens, where spring is a botanical explosion of colour and beauty.

Sunshine Coast

This region is on the mainland of BC but since it’s only accessible by ferry (or plane), it has that island life vibe. For an escape from city life, it can’t be beat. Find a cute motel or a private cabin to rent for a few days, and then explore from Gibsons, through Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, and up to Pender. Rent a kayak or bike, check out the many local artisan shops (pottery is a particular highlight in this region), and do some beachcombing. On that note, check out Gibson’s Landing, where the fictional TV show The Beachcombers filmed for almost two decades.

Harrison Hot Springs

Head east past Abbotsford and Chilliwack, then north past Agassiz to the tiny community of Harrison Hot Springs. Known primarily for its biggest hotel – the Harrison Hot Springs Resort, which features unique hot springs pools – there are actually a dozen or more options for accommodations in the area. Take a long walk along the lake, swim in the local public hot springs pool (the pools at the resort are for guests only), or head another 40 minutes up the road to Sasquatch Provincial Park for some fishing lakes and walking trails. In spring, it’s not quite warm enough to swim in the lake just yet (it’s one of the coldest in the province) but sunny days make for a perfect time for the season’s first stop at one of the town’s great ice cream shops or to get a burger-to-go for a lakeside picnic.

Whistler

Whistler is a world-famous winter destination – but those-in-the-know come all year round because there’s fun to be had in every single season. Featuring a large alpine-style village, full of shopping, restaurants, spas and much more, for visitors to shop, eat, be pampered, or simply walk and wander. Later in spring, the hiking and biking trails are ready for visitors and local lakes, trails and forests offer plenty of outdoor exploration.

Seattle

A hop, skip and a jump from Vancouver, Seattle is the closest major metropolitan city in the US – and it’s full of great travel fun for the whole family. From Pike Place Market, to local trails and outdoor adventures, Seattle has long offered British Columbians a destination for a big-city experience without an airplane flight.

Downtown Vancouver

Skip the driving altogether and enjoy a staycation in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Use one of the discount “surprise” hotel websites – select the price and the star rating without knowing exactly which hotel it is – or splurge on a favourite destination with amenities you know you’ll enjoy. Then take in the sights like a tourist in your own town: Stanley Park, Gastown, the great restaurants, and more.

Gulf Islands

Like a string of jewels along a necklace, the Gulf Islands are gems waiting to be admired – and explored. From Salt Spring to Galiano, Bowen to Denman (just to name a few), these west coast wonders are a great destination for spring getaways. Each island has its own flavour and personality – stay in one or visit a few. Be sure to pre-book those ferry trips: some islands only have one or two boats a day to visit. With farm markets, artisan shops, local eateries and of course endless miles of beach, there is no shortage of fun to be had.

The Best Calgary Spring Getaways

Spring is in full swing, which may mean you’ve been itching for a chance to get out of YYC for a bit. While the price of gas may stop you from planning a full-fledged road trip, there are plenty of great places to visit within a few hours’ drive from Calgary. Of course, Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise are popular options, but we’ve rounded up a few Calgary spring getaways that may not have been on your list already.

Pack your bags and get ready to hit the road – here are 7 of our favourite places to visit for a spring getaway!

Ideas for Calgary Spring Getaways

1. The Heartwood Inn and Spa | heartwoodinn.com

Drumheller, Alberta (135 km from Calgary)

The only thing better than a trip to the land of the dinosaurs is a stay at The Heartwood Inn, located at the edge of downtown Drumheller. Each of the ten guest rooms at the Heartwood is uniquely-designed and comes with a fireplace and a jetted tub. There are even family and pet-friendly rooms with barbecues, yards with room to play, and an outdoor fire pit. Of course, you’ll want to head out to explore the many tourist attractions that Drumheller has to offer, including the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Rosebud Dinner Theatre, the Atlas Coal Mine, Barney’s Adventure Park, Cactus Coulee Fun Park, The World’s Largest Dinosaur, and more.

2. Cozy A-Frame Cabin | vrbo.com

Sylvan Lake, Alberta (160 km from Calgary)

There’s plenty to see and do in Sylvan Lake, but at the top of your list should be a stay in one of the cutest accommodations out there – this Cozy A-Frame Cabin. Pack your swimsuits and take a half-a-block walk to check out the Sylvan Lake beach, playgrounds, restaurants and pubs. Head out on the lake in the provided canoe, warm up by the fire pit in the yard, or play some board games while listening to records inside. Don’t forget to go for a hike at Jarvis Bay Provincial Park, check out some Go-Karting and Mini Golfing, and grab a delicious frozen treat at The Big Moo!

3. Radium Elk Park BnB | radiumelkparkbnb.com

Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia (260 km from Calgary)

Did you know that Canada’s largest mineral hot pools can be found in the village of Radium, located in the East Kootenays? Although the town is small, a slow-paced getaway awaits with a stay at the gorgeous, timber-frame Radium Elk Park BnB. Take in mountain views from your deck or the outdoor fireplace in the common area. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the kitchen area or back decks (weather permitting). Keep your eyes peeled for big horn sheep, who call the area home! Radium is also a popular getaway for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, and golf.

4. Waterton Glacier Suites | watertonsuites.com

Waterton Lakes National Park (270 km from Calgary)

Waterton may be a bit further out of the way than Calgarian favourites like Banff or Canmore, but trust us – it’s worth the drive. Miles upon miles of hiking trails for travellers of all skill levels await in this scenic provincial park. Head out in a canoe or kayak on Waterton Lake, rent a mountain bike, Surrey bike or E-bike to explore on 2 wheels, or take in the views on horseback. All sorts of wildlife make their home in Waterton, so you may just catch a glimpse of bears, big horn sheep, deer and more during your stay. There are several fantastic accommodations in the area, including Waterton Glacier Suites, which has a variety of tastefully decorated rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant and spa.

5. Copper Point Resort | copperpointresort.com

Invermere, British Columbia (280 km from Calgary)

Have travel restrictions stopped you from heading to that sunny resort you’ve been dreaming of? We’d suggest adding Copper Point Resort in Invermere to the top of your list! Your family (including pets!) will have a blast splashing or lounging around the indoor/outdoor pool, complete with a cabana bar, playing at the playground or sport court on the grounds, or taking in a round of golf. Be sure to check out the packages they offer, including passes to Radium Hot Springs. If you decide to venture away from the resort, there is plenty of fun to be had in Invermere, including kayaking, paddleboarding or swimming on Lake Windemere, mountain biking at Panorama Mountain Resort, whitewater rafting, ATV exploring, or enjoying shopping and dining in downtown Invermere.

6. Guesthouse 71 | guesthouse71.com

Medicine Hat, Alberta (295 km from Calgary)

Searching for a cute little getaway in a beautifully-styled guesthouse? Look no further than Guesthouse 71, located just outside of the city of Medicine Hat. Enjoy a cozy 600 square foot home away from home that includes a coffee bar and self-catered breakfast. Be sure to ask about the summer picnic and hayloft charcuterie (offered from September to April) for an extra special addition to your visit. While you’re in the Hat, be sure to explore the shops and dining downtown, take a self-guided tour, or visit nearby Elkwater for outdoor exploring including hiking, biking, swimming and boating. We’d also definitely recommend booking a romantic sunset picnic for two, or a family-style Sunday picnic under the dome with Country Garden Events, just up the road from the guesthouse, before heading back to YYC!

7. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort | fairmonthotsprings.com

Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia (300 km from Calgary)

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort checks all the boxes for a getaway filled with fun and relaxation. Whether you love to swim or prefer to lounge, everyone in the family will definitely enjoy taking a dip in the 3 outdoor hot spring pools, and indoor hot and cold pools. Currently, these pools are only open to guests of the resort, and not the general public, although you may want to contact the resort to see if there have been changes to this policy. Off the resort, the Columbia Valley is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors. Golf, mini golf, ATV tours, horseback riding, river rafting, geocaching and zip lining are just a few of the activities at your fingertips when you’re in the area!

Have you found a few places to add to your road trip destination list this spring? Do you have a favourite spot that didn’t make our roundup? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Leaving Ottawa: Spring Getaway Ideas

Although we love living in Ottawa, sometimes, it’s nice to go on a little adventure and escape the city. We’ve previously shared some of our favourite day trip and mini vacay destinations for the summertime you can take with the kids (or solo even), and we’ve highlighted places to escape Ottawa’s winter when you need a change. But what about Ottawa spring getaway ideas?

Maybe the outdoor pools won’t be open at some of these locations like in the summer, and skiing isn’t an option like in the winter, but planning a spring getaway after what may have felt like a very long winter is a great way to reconnect and feel refreshed together as a family.

Unlike some of our previous recommendations, these trips do require a bit more time for driving (or even to take the train!) but we think you’ll love them.

As the weather begins to warm up and the days grow longer, plan for a family spring getaway destination with these possibilities:

Ottawa Spring Getaway Ideas

Take a Trip to Toronto

If you are a sports loving family, Toronto may be THE place to be in the spring thanks to multiple major sporting teams and their home game schedules. The Blue Jays‘ season has begun and fans are excited to cheer them on again.

Sports aren’t your thing? There’s no shortage of events and activities happening in Toronto. Visit the Toronto Zoo to see the animals, and enjoy some outdoor time, or check out the Royal Ontario Museum — it’s always a favourite.

Step into the Past (and Present) in Quebec City

Head East from Ottawa, cross the Ontario border into Quebec, and keep driving to Quebec City. A historic town filled with opportunity at any time of the year. Visit the Plains of Abraham Museum or one of the battlefield sites. Stroll in Old Quebec, which is described on the Quebec Tourism website as an ‘open-air museum’ (sounds perfect for kids!). The Aquarium du Québec is home to over 10000 marine animals with year-round indoor and outdoor activities. Or maybe you’ll want to plan your trip around Indigenous experiences by staying at a First Nations hotel and museum, or plan a guided tour (including a visit to a traditional longhouse) at the Huron‑Wendat Museum.

Make Memories in Niagara Falls

For a long time, Niagara Falls has been a popular tourist spot and for good reason. There is so much to do for families, including visiting the iconic Niagara Falls themselves. The six-hour plus drive from the Ottawa area will bring you to beautiful Niagara and the many food destinations and activities the area has to offer. With Lake Ontario accessible, you can stroll along one of the beach walkways, visit Niagara Falls itself, or enjoy a culinary experience and shopping in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Kids will love the Bird Kingdom, where they’ll come across reptiles and birds in the aviary. Another indoor option, since we never are sure about the weather in the sprintime, is to stay and play at Great Wolf Lodge waterpark. Want to get outside? Time your visit for when the lilacs at the Centennial Lilac Gardens are in full bloom and get a photo in front of the giant Floral Clock!

Daytrips and Quick Spring Getaways in Ontario

After another looooonnnngggg winter (plus so much rain), we completely understand if your family is itching to get out of Toronto. But we also realize that getting out of this province, and maybe even southern Ontario, might not be a realistic proposition right now for many Ontario residents. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up nine fun, family-friendly daytrips and spring getaways in Ontario. We’ve included a mix of day trips as well as locations better suited for overnight road trips.

Daytrips & Spring Getaways in Ontario

A Cool Camp Site

Locations Across Ontario

If you have some flexibility with your destination but are set on staying somewhere memorable and surrounded by nature, consider seeing what Hipcamp has to offer. This site lets you easily search for available tent campsites, RV parks, and cabins and see such vital information as proximity to local attractions, on-site amenities, and whether a flush toilet is available. It even offers glamping options, for those families who are a bit higher maintenance. Hipcamp also recently launched its Day Pass program, which helps you discover activities like a “family farm experience” at a real, working farm near Chatham-Kent.

Blue Mountain

190 Gord Canning Dr., The Blue Mountains
Distance from Toronto: Just over two hours

The slopes might be closed for the season but there’s still plenty to do up at Collingwood’s Blue Mountain Resort this spring. Grab a Play-All-Day pass and then speed down the mountain coaster, climb high on the rope courses, and wrap up the day with a leisurely ride up the hill on the gondola.

Blue Mountain certainly can be a day trip, but many families like to extend the fun and book one of the resort’s various hotels (or one of the many nearby condos). If your kids are all about pool life, remember that anyone, hotel guest or not, can buy a pass to Plunge! Aquatic Centre, which has an indoor and outdoor pool and an indoor splash pad.

[Ed. note: Green Season at Blue Mountain is my family’s favourite.]

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

2500 Kossuth Rd., Cambridge
Distance from Toronto: At least an hour

Looking for a fairly quick, one-day getaway from the city? Then consider a drive out to Cambridge’s Butterfly Conservatory where your family can learn about, and interact with, hundreds of beautiful butterflies. Also on site are tree frogs, tarantulas, a variety of other bugs and insects and even an electric blue lobster. As of mid-April, timed tickets are required and pricing starts at $8, and kids under three are free. After you’re done at the conservatory, your family can check out one of the areas many scenic hikes, such as Shade’s Mills.

Cochrane, ON

Distance from Toronto: Around 8 hours

If your family is up for more of an adventure —one that involves multiple days of driving—pack up the car and head north to Cochrane. Once there, check out one of the area’s top attractions, the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, “the only facility in the world’s dedicated purely to the care of polar bears.” Tickets start at $10, and kids under five are free. On the way there, or the way back, take a break and explore North Bay’s waterfront or the always popular Muskoka area (more on that location below).

Hamilton Conservation Authority

Distance from Toronto: 1.5 hours to 2 hours, depending on where you go

Rather stick to a daytrip that involves an easy drive? Then set your GPS for the Hamilton Conservation Authority, which is packed with options for hiking through the area’s scenic woods. Featuring over a dozen different specific locations, the Hamilton Conservation Authority is home to multiple waterfalls and lakes, as well as hikes for all abilities. Most areas do have some kind of visitor and/or parking fee, which varies by location. Some of the more popular spots, such as the waterfalls-rich Spencer Gorge, also require advance registration, starting May 21.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Corinne McDermott (@havebabywilltravel)

Niagara Falls

Distance From Toronto: Just over 90 minutes

It’s busy, it’s loud, it’s tacky, and for countless kids and their families, Niagara Falls is one heck of a good time. Meet new feathered friends at Bird Kingdom, ride the SkyWheel, one of the country’s largest observation wheels, and challenge your kids to a go-cart race at the Speedway, North America’s largest elevated go-track course. And of course, make time to see the Falls themselves.

What’s nice about Niagara is that you can easily make it a day trip, or you can spend the night at one of its many hotels (be sure to check local coupon/discount sites for deals). Want to make it a getaway your kids will never forget? Spend the night at Great Wolf Lodge, Southern Ontario’s most elaborate indoor waterpark.

Muskoka, ON

Distance from Toronto: Just over two hours

The lake water might still be a bit chilly for swimming however, there’s still plenty to do up in Ontario’s always popular Muskoka area. Go hiking, ride horses, and starting in May, check out Santa’s Village, which features rides, games, and other attractions. This theme park is located close to a couple of campgrounds, Santa’s Whispering Pines Campground and
Muskoka Ridge Campground, which offer a variety of accommodations, including cabins. If hotels are more your family’s style, check out Deerhurst Resort, which has an indoor pool and an indoor playground.

Tobermory, ON

Distance from Toronto: Just over three-and-a-half hours

Tobermory is notoriously busy in the summer so skip the crowds and traffic by visiting one of the province’s most scenic spots over a long weekend in the spring. Several of the town’s boat tours open up in May and offer glass-bottom vessels that will let your family see the area’s famed shipwrecks as well as take you out to Flowerpot Island. Other local activities include hiking, wildlife spotting and even caving. A variety of accommodations are available in Tobermory, including cute cottages and cabins that overlook the lake.

Treetop Trekking

Several locations across Southern Ontario

Do your kids have energy to burn but your schedule just allows for a one-day getaway? Then consider heading out to Treetop Trekking, which features everything from toddler-friendly adventure parks to thrilling ziplines. There are seven Treetop Trekking locations across Ontario, including spots in Stouffville, Brampton, and Barrie. All locations are nestled in the woods and are usually adjacent to other outdoor activities, allowing your family to craft a day jammed with
fresh-air fun. Rates vary depending on what activities you want to tackle but the Treewalk Village runs $22 for kids ages three to 17, while an adult pass costs $10; and kids two and under, and adults 65 and older, are free.