Now that we’ve got our Road Trip Essentials down, we’re itching for an adventure out of town. We dug out The Little Black Book ($14.95), made a few calls (not to our old flames, but to fabulous family destinations) and presto! We’ve got our Albertan escapades all mapped out.
One-Hour Drive: The Douglas Fir Resort
This Banff resort (from $184/night) gets five stars for family-friendly fun. Waterslides, a pool, Western Canada’s largest indoor hotel playground, kitchens and multi-bedroom condos top the list. We love the summer specials like Cook Your Own Breakfast and BBQ Your Own Dinner options: Groceries are supplied so we can deal with our own picky eaters in the privacy of our own room.
Two-Hour Drive: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Leave the buzz of the city behind and spend a night with nature, Tipi Camping (starting at $325/night) at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. 
Learn about authentic Blackfoot traditions through campfire stories and native legends, as your native guide tours you around this World Heritage Site. Living off the land never felt so good.
Three-Hour Drive: West Edmonton Mall
All the commotion in the back seat was worth it once we arrived at West Edmonton Mall. We checked into our igloo theme room (Fantasyland Hotel room rates begin at $199) complete with kid-friendly bunk beds. (An argument then ensued as to who got to sleep in the igloo.) Then it was off to check out Galaxyland and the Waterpark (nice weather not required). With so many things to see and do, we are already planning a return trip. And the kids were so worn out they slept all the way home.
Safe travels as you head out on your Alberta adventure!
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