Calgary 
With the weather warming up, there are more and more things to do in Alberta! Check out these ideas for a weekend getaway April 29-May 1st. You can glamp, explore local festivals and culture, or escape altogether with a rustic place in the woods.
Tin Bins Cabin
Tin Bins Cabin/AirBnB
This AirBnB listing is a unique and romantic hideaway cabin that looks just how it sounds. While it is made of old silo tops, the cabin offers an adorable escape not far from Calgary or Red Deer (central-west Alberta). The cabin features a wood-burning hot tub, private patio, kitchen, indoor fireplace, and an outdoor firepit; and they permit pets! While you’re here, you can explore surrounding natural areas like the Red Deer River or the Bearberry Prairie Natural Area.
Following the Northern Lights to Peace River
It is no secret that northern Alberta is a prime place to see Northern Lights. The spectacle can be awe-inspiring and is worth a drive up north for a weekend. You can head to Peace River, or the several smaller towns around for a hotel: Dunvegan, Fairview, and Grimshaw all of the comfortable options for families.
Some places to view the beautiful show include the 12 Foot Davis Gravesite on the east side of Peace River, or Sagitawa Lookout on Peace River’s south end.
This weekend is extra-special as it is a New Moon, meaning no moonlight obstructing your views.
East Coulee Springfest
The East Coulee Springfest, put on by East Coulee School Museum, is a two-day event celebrating all sorts of music. From 40 acts, you can enjoy roots, rock, country, and blues.
The town is south of Drumheller where you can continue with your trip or use it for accommodations. And along with Drumheller comes all the cool stuff to see on your way in or out like the giant dinosaur, Hoodoos Trail, and the Royal Tyrell Museum. Keep in mind you’ll need to pre-book your timed entry to the museum.
Cheechako Cabins
There are many reasons to visit the Nordegg area any time of year, but Cheechako Cabins make it an easy spring destination with year-round cabins. For this coming weekend, you can book their Raven Cabin. It provides all the necessary basics and comforts and is nestled under large trees for some privacy on your cabin deck.
You can explore the nearby river, or the large Abraham Lake, as well as the many nearby hiking trails.
Granary Road
Granary Road
Make a family weekend getaway out of a trip to foothill County. Spring is in the air, and the snow is gone.
The trails are opening up, and Granary Road is hosting its annual Season Kickoff Party this weekend! Kids can have meet and greet with the Park’s animals, families can enjoy a round of mini-golf, and you can shop local artisans/vendors for a weekend souvenir. Granary Road is an interactive park and farmland that offer spring and summer experiences for all ages.
If you’re in need of simple accommodations like family hotels and motels, there are several on the south end of Calgary, and in Okotoks.
Jasper Log Cabins
While these VRBO log cabins aren’t located directly in the national park, they are close enough to make this your accommodation for a weekend in Jasper. This is a truly rustic retreat with no cell phone service and therefore no Wi-Fi. You do get a washroom and running water, an indoor fireplace, an outdoor firepit, and a cozy deck with chairs for relaxing under the stars.
The cabins are located close to several trails, and the Willmore Wilderness Park.
The Eagle House
The Eagle House/AirBnB
Your home away from home! This family-sized property near Pincher Creek is a full-service cabin with all the amenities of home but without all the noise or city-stress. It can sleep up to six people, and is Wi-Fi equipped. There are several ways to get out on the property for activities and recreation. You can also venture a little further to Beauvais Lake Provincial Park for hikes, biking, wildlife viewing. Stop by the nearby Miner’s Mercantile & Bakery for breakfast for a good start to a day in the mountains.
