Fit Natural Family

Kids in front of Polar Express Sign in Stettler

Riding the Polar Express in Stettler

On October 30, 2020

Have you been lucky enough to catch a ride on the Polar Express?

Lat year we decided to surprise our children with a trip to Stettler to ride the Polar Express over the Christmas break. We didn’t tell them where we were headed or what we were doing so they would be surprised when we arrived. All we told them was that we had a long drive and they could wear their pyjamas.

We left our house while the sun was still up, but arrived at the train station shortly after the sun had set which made the whole experience more magical. As soon as we neared the station the children couldn’t stop shouting with excitement as they realized where we were.

We were early so we watched the train drop off the group riding before us and then pull away to set up again.

There is a small retail store on site with Polar Express paraphernalia (best to avoid with children as items are extremely over priced). There is a warming tent where we went and waited with some other people. While waiting, the Hobo came in and had a chat with the kids and joked around with them.

Shortly before our tour time we went out to the platform to watch the train arrive. There is a small skit performed once the train pulls in before we got to start loading on the train.

Our children couldn’t wait to climb aboard the train. The nice thing with this train is the benches can be flipped so we could all face each other during the ride.

The ride is about an hour in total. You go out for about 30 minutes to reach the North Pole. On the ride out, the crew members dance up and down the aisles, joke and visit with the passengers. They also serve hot chocolate with whipped cream. The Polar Express story was read out loud as we neared the North Pole.

The children were told to watch for the lit up trees on either side of the track that would indicate we were near the North Pole. Just before the North Pole you have to go through the portal, where bright lights are shining.

We may have missed the magic age a bit with our oldest when we reached the North Pole as she was a bit disappointed since some of the displays were mannequin heads on poles with a sheet draped over where the body would be. They did also have children dressed as elves dancing about as well. Our youngest, however, thought is was so cool.

The train does a pass of the North Pole where you get to see Santa in his sleigh and elves dancing and singing. The children are then asked to shout to the conductor to go back to pick up Santa.

Once Santa boards the train then you start on the train journey back through the portal to return to the station.

During the train ride back, music books are handed out so everyone can join in singing Christmas carols. Santa also comes and visits briefly with each child as he hands everyone the first gift of Christmas.

Overall our children really enjoyed it, but it wasn’t as magical as our oldest had expected. She is 8 1/2 years old. It was a fun way to kick off the Christmas break and get in the Holiday Spirit.

Stettler is located approximately 2 1/2 hours from Calgary. We drove there and back the same day, but many people on the train were opting to stay in Stettler over night and making a weekend of it.

If you plan on going we would definitely recommend you go with the 6:30 or the 7:30 time slot as going when it is dark out is much more magical.

Every guest is given a special commemorative mug to take home and each family was given a reusable bag to transport your mugs home.

While this may seem a bit early to already be talking about Christmas activities, tickets are on sale now, and hotels can book up fast this time of year.

Have you ridden the Polar Express? Where did you go?

Aggie Days – The Best Way for Kids to experience Calgary Stampede

By coachkatye

On March 20, 2020

In Alberta, Calgary

Aggie Days this year will run April 4 – 5, 2020 at the Nutrien Western Event Centre and the agricultural barns which are located on the Stampede grounds here in Calgary. The event runs from 10am -4pm on both days.

Aggie days is a free event geared towards children and families with many hands on exhibits and animals to visit with. It is a great way for children to learn about where our food comes from and learn about the farm culture here in Alberta.

There are two competitions that run during this event which you can watch. Saturday is the Stock Dog Competition and Sunday is the Extreme Cowboy Races. Last year we attended the Extreme Cowboy Races and my kids really enjoyed watching the cowboys and cowgirls run through the obstacle course on their horses.

One thing we love is that they wrist band all children entering the event with a parents phone number, so if you do get separated they can find you.

My youngest has always wanted to be a farmer when he grows up and so he looks forward to this event every year. He loves being able to talk to cowboys, see the tractors and farm equipment and spend some time with the animals. He is so excited for this event that he plans his outfit out a week in advance to make sure it is all clean and ready to go. He wants to make sure he looks like a real cowboy!

The First Nations community also perform some of their dances and play music as well as have some artifacts on display. My daughter loves seeing these presentations and meeting the First Nations Princess.

If you plan to go, I would recommend being there just before they open the doors so you can get through some of the areas before the lineups get too long for some of the activities. Also make sure to take snacks and plan to be there for the better part of the day, if these are things your children really enjoy. The concessions stands are open during the event as well as a couple food trucks, but the lineups can be quite long.

For more information check out the Calgary Stampede where all of the days events and important information will be posted a couple weeks before the event. Parking is available on the Stampede grounds for $15, this is also accessible via Calgary Transit.

Have you been to Aggie days? For us this is how we experience the Stampede since our children are still fairly young for the main event in July and the crowds aren’t quite so big at this event.

Touch tank at Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea – Great family fun

By coachkatye

On March 13, 2020

In British Columbia

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is located in Sidney, BC at the Sidney Pier. The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea opened in 2009 dedicated exclusively to the biodiversity of the Salish Sea. It operates as a not-for-profit facility with a mission to engage and educate people about the Salish bioregion.

The centre is open daily 10am to 4:30 pm. Tuesday mornings they offer a preschool program that is free with entry. This program includes story time, crafts and some hands on activities. When we were visiting the museum the Tot Tuesday was about Seals and Sea Lions. There is also additional free programming on Saturday and Sundays that includes activities, games, stories and more.

This is a good place to spend a rainy morning. There are a number of aquariums with fish, octopus, and eel along with anemone and corals.

One of our favourite things was the touch tanks, where a staff member explains the various creatures within the tank and teaches the children how to handle them without causing injury.

Some other neat things to see are the fully intact orca skeleton. There is a great area with books and activities for children to enjoy some quiet time within the centre with great views of the ocean.

When we visited there were a number of staff members on hand to explain further about any of the sea life and answer any questions our children had.

Have you visited the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea? What did you think?

Shaw Centre for The Salish Sea, Sidney, BC - pinnable image

Sheringham Point Lighthouse – Watch for bears!

By coachkatye

On March 11, 2020

In British Columbia, Camping/Road Trip Adventure

Sheringham Point Lighthouse is a heritage site located in the hamlet of Shirley about 20 minutes west of Sooke on Sooke Rd/Hwy 14. This lighthouse was first illuminated in September of 1912 and a foghorn was added in 1925. The lighthouse was automated in the 1980’s and fully de-staffed in 1989. The building is now maintained and supervised by the volunteer run Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society.

To access the lighthouse you will turn left on Sheringham Point Rd which is where the firehall is located as well as Shirley Delicious Cafe. You will continue down this road until you see a trail head marker. Park to the side and then you can follow the trail.

The trail is a short walk through a forest, and you will see the lighthouse. To access the lighthouse you will cross a private road and pass through the gates. The gates are open from 9am to 8pm daily. It is free to access the lighthouse grounds.

Be aware that bears are in the area, so best to make noise when walking this trail. The bear in the picture below was sneaking up behind a volunteer who was doing some painting on the lighthouse. We managed to scare it off some to give distance with hollering and clapping. It is good to always be aware of your surroundings when in bear habitat. This bear hung out for a while at the top of the hill eating before it eventually wandered off. We gave the bear lots of space and decided we would enjoy the views from the viewing platform until the bear wandered off.

Black bear at Sheringham Point Lighthouse

Once you walk down to the lighthouse, there is a viewing platform that you can walk out on and watch the wildlife and boats go by. You may even get lucky and see a pod of orcas swim by. While we didn’t see any orcas the day we were there we did see seals and otters playing in the water.

Once out at the lighthouse there is a short trail that is a loop that follows along the cliff edge for a short while that you can enjoy and get some different views of the lighthouse.

Do you like to visit lighthouses? Do you have a favourite lighthouse?

Sheringham Point Lighthouse pinnable image.

Mystic Beach – a great family hike

By coachkatye

On March 9, 2020

In British Columbia, Camping/Road Trip Adventure

Mystic beach is part of the Juan De Fuca trail on Vancouver Island. This is a fun hike to with kids with lots of things to find and see on the way.

Before heading out, it is best to check trail conditions as windfall can block portions of the trail. Be prepared for mud as this hike is through coastal rainforest. The kids will think the mud is great, but it can also prove to be a bit slippery in places as well so shoes with good grip are best.

To access the Mystic Beach trail you will park in the China Beach day use area parking lot. This parking lot is accessed off of Sooke Rd also known as BC 14W. The parking lot will be on your left side approximately 5km after Jordan River when heading towards the community of Port Renfrew. You will see a sign for the China Beach campground, but continue past this and it will be the next turn off. It is about one hours drive from Victoria.

The trail to Mystic Beach is about 2km. If you plan in advance, you can also camp at Mystic beach, but you do require a backcountry permit to do so. Being that it is not a far hike, this would be a great introduction to back country camping with children.

The trail leads through the woods, with a few boardwalks as well as stairs.

Keep your eyes peeled for banana slugs and various forms of fungus growing from falls trees and on the trees themselves. My children loved seeking out all of the different fungus on our way to the beach.

A favourite part was the suspension bridge you reach at about the halfway point to Mystic Beach.

Suspension bridge on trail to Mystic Beach

Continuing on the trail enjoying the flora and fauna and searching for critters you will eventually start to hear the waves breaking on the beach as you begin to near the stairs down. The stairs are well maintained down to the beach.

Make sure you check the tide tables before heading out on the trail so that you will be able to spend time exploring at Mystic beach and to be able to walk over to see the waterfall. At the beach there is a swing we had lots of fun swinging on and it is a great spot to enjoy a picnic.

Once we had lots of fun down at the beach it was time to head back to our car. On the hike back we continued looking for plants or fungus we might have missed on the way out as well as exploring the trees.

Have you hiked to Mystic Beach? Do you have a favourite hike on Vancouver Island? Any hidden gems?

Avatar Grove , home of Canada’s Gnarliest Tree

By coachkatye

On March 6, 2020

In British Columbia, Camping/Road Trip Adventure

Avatar Grove is a fun little hike where you get to see ancient cedars and Canada’s Gnarliest Tree.

Avatar Grove is located in Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island. To get there take Hwy 14/West Coast Hwy to Port Renfrew. Once in Port Renfrew you will take Deering Road north to the end of the road. You then need to turn left onto Gordon River Main Rd. When you reach a Y in the road continue to the left then the following Y turn right. Continue past the pavement and onto the gravel road, you will keep going even if you suspect you may have missed it. You will cross 4 bridges in total and shortly after the 4th bridge the trail signs for Avatar Grove will be visible on the left side. This road can be rough so best to have a vehicle with higher clearance. Ancient Forest Alliance provides a map of the area and other large trees worth a visit.

The trail on the right side of the road takes you to the Gnarliest tree, and the trail on the left side takes you down into a forest with many tree nurseries.

Amazed at the roots of a tree that had fallen over on the lower Avatar Grove trail

When going ensure you have proper footwear as the trail can be wet, muddy and slippery. Take your time and be amazed by the ancient trees. My children loved making up stories about who lived in some of the trees. There are large cracks in some of the trees where you can stand inside the trunks, allowing you to have a great appreciation of how large these trees truly are.

Fun exploring inside the trunk of a Redwood Cedar

When hiking to the Gnarliest tree, keep your eyes peeled for faces carved into some of the trees which can keep kids busy.

One of the carved faces hidden in the trees

The Gnarliest tree is roped off around it, so please respect the signs and stay on the outside of the rope. This is to help protect the tree.

Our kids in front of Canada’s Gnarliest Tree

View of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Symphony Sundays with the CPO

By coachkatye

On March 4, 2020

In Alberta, Calgary

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is a great way to expose our children to the symphony and live music. I have fond memories of attending the symphony as a child and I wanted to continue this tradition with my children.

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra offers children’s programming on four Sundays throughout the year known as Symphony Sundays for Kids. You can subscribe to the season or individual tickets. If you subscribe for the season then you end up with one concert free. Season tickets price range is $72-$87 for children and $105-$120 for adults. Single concerts are $35-$40 per seat. We are subscribers and the nice part of this is that we are offered our same seats each year before tickets go on sale to the public.

For best seats we recommend the dress circle left or right. My kids decided they prefer these seats over orchestra seats since they enjoy being able to watch all of the musicians throughout the concert and it is much easier to see the musicians from this vantage point. For my youngest, being in the dress circle means he does not have to sit for the entire concert, but can stand or calmly dance at his place without disturbing anyone.

This years offerings are: Kids at the Opera which was performed in September 22, The Hockey Sweater on February 2, Presto Mambo March 8 and Beethoven lives upstairs May 31. We are especially looking forward to Beethoven Lives Upstairs as this is a story we have listened to while travelling many times. It was a story I grew up listening to on long road trips and it was nice I could share it with my children. We are interested to see how they perform this.

The symphony is great for all ages. The conductor is very animated and engages the children throughout the concert. Some past performances have included Fred Penner, Gershwin’s Magic Key, Peter and the Wolf to name a few.

We highly recommend going early to visit the Instrument Discovery Zoo which gives children a chance to try a variety of instruments prior to the concert. This is where my son developed an interest in Violin which he has now been learning for the past two years.

Do you attend the symphony? Have you considered taking your children?

Kaslo, BC – Mountain biking and Sightseeing

By coachkatye

On March 2, 2020

In British Columbia, Camping/Road Trip Adventure

Kaslo is a a small town in BC located in the Kootenay region, located approximately 3 hours south of Revelstoke.

We were camping in the region this summer and decided to drive over to Kaslo to see what it was all about. This is a very small town located on Kootenay Lake. There is a cute Main Street with a few unique shops, a brewery and a couple of restaurants. Kaslo also has a Saturday Farmer’s market during the summer months.

S.S. Moyie

The S.S. Moyie is the oldest intact passenger carrying sternwheeler steamer in the world, having been built in 1898. The S.S. Moyie was retired in 1957 and sold to the town of Kaslo in the spring of 1958 for $1. The S.S. Moyie is now a National Historic Site and a British Columbia Historic Landmark. You can find the S.S. Moyie on Main Street in Kaslo.

You can visit the S.S. Moyie between Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving weekend each year. Admission rates are: $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-14, kids 5 and under are free. There is also a family pass for $30. If you do choose to visit with children, ask for the scavenger hunt when you pay your entry fee. We had great fun as a family seeking out the items as we toured the boat. On site there is also a Ladies Salon boat, a miner’s cabin and a CPR Caboose that you can tour.

If you plan on visiting, expect to be there at least an hour or possibly more depending on how much time your children take checking out all of the rooms on the ship. If you go at the right time of year you may also be fortunate enough to see the nesting osprey. They are best seen from the upper level. The nest is built on a large wooden post out in the water. When we were visiting there were hatchlings in the nest that we could see.

Kaslo Family Skills Bike Park

When we inquired at the visitor centre about kid friendly mountain biking in the area were told about the new Family Bike Skills Park. This bike park was created along the river in town. The bike park can be accessed from the Kaslo River Trail which is accessed via Kaslo West Rd. Once you drive to the end Kaslo West Rd, you can park at the trail head. There are a couple picnic tables located right beside the parking area.

To access the Family bike skills park you will follow the trail that runs along the river and follow it up the hill as it starts to climb. At the top of the hill you will see the bike skills park on your left towards the river.

Our children spent a couple hours riding the loops here and practicing their skills. The loops are big enough that we never had to worry about them running into each other, and they were able to give each other lots of space. We were quite surprised to find no one else using this area while we were there. This is a great spot for children to gain more comfort riding on trails and practicing their skills. One portion is more like a pump track which is the smaller loop and the larger loop includes some mild climbing and mild downhill riding

Check out some of my other posts for things to do in the Kootenay Region:

Sandon, BC – A fun little ghost town to explore with kids

Sandon, BC – A fun little ghost town to explore with kids

By coachkatye

On February 28, 2020

In British Columbia, Camping/Road Trip Adventure

Sandon, BC is one of those places and worth a visit when in the area. Sandon is located in the Kootenays of British Columbia, approximately 45 minutes west of Kaslo. The drive to this ghost town is lovely , winding through the mountains and forests.

It is free to visit this community. If you do choose to visit, stop into the general store first for some information on the area. They also have some antiques and artifacts from the area on display which are neat to see.

There is a museum on site that does charge an entry fee. It was not open when we were there as we arrived quite early. It is also free to tour the power plant on site that has been restored.

Sandon was known as the Silver City and was at the centre of the richest silver-lead producing area in Canada. Galena ore was first discovered in this area in 1891 which drew may prospectors to the area. By 1898 there were 5000 residents. However by 1920 the town was de-incorporated. As silver prices declined so did this town. It became a Japanese internment camp during WWII. Much of the town was destroyed in 1955 by a massive flood and what was left after the water dissipated was looted and destroyed by looters.

A few buildings do remain including the original city hall from 1900 and the powerhouse.

There is a fleet of old busses and trolleys which you are welcome to enter and look around, and some old vehicles and an old train which my kids thought were pretty neat.

The old roads have become hiking trails and if you follow them you may happen upon some abandoned homes.

We enjoyed touring the power plant which is small and self guided. It was neat to see the original equipment working. They also have some images posted from when the town still existed which are neat to see.

If you follow the trail that runs along the front of the power plant it leads to an old wooden bridge across the river where you can view a waterfall. The trail is very short and leads through the trees.

When in Sandon there is a road that leads up to Idaho Peak. If you plan to drive up there for great views, it is best to go early in the morning before there is much traffic on the road. This is a narrow road, many spots are only wide enough for one vehicle and can be a bit rough. We opted not to drive up the day we were there, but do plan to return to check it out another time. There is hiking available at the top as well as mountain biking.

Have you been to Sandon? What did you think?

When you are travelling do you look for places that are off the beaten path? Places many people don’t know about? Hidden gems?

Ramen – Homemade and gluten free

By coachkatye

On February 26, 2020

In Recipes

One of my most popular recipes I have shared over on Facebook is this homemade ramen, so I thought I would post it here where it is a bit easier to save. This is a recipe we gravitate towards during cold and flu season. Enjoy and let me know if you make any changes to the recipe so I can try it next time.

Bowl of homemade ramen, showing snow peas, noodles, green onions, broth, seaweed.

Recipe:

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
4 lg cloves garlic
1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
4 cups beef bone broth
1 piece of kombu
1 sheet of nor cut into small strips
2 tbsp coconut aminos
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
4 kale leaves, destemmed and chopped fine
8 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, chopped
1-2 cups of snap peas sliced diagonally
4 squares of gluten free ramen noodles (we like the Lotus Foods millet and brown rices ones.
Green onions, diced fine

Heat toasted sesame oil on medium-low and add crushed garlic and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant.

Add beef broth, kombu, nor, coconut aminos, crushed red pepper flakes, kale and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, add shiitake mushrooms, snap peas and dry ramen noodles.

Boil 2 -3 minutes until noodles are cooked. Remove kombu and discard or you can slice up and return to pot. Remove from heat and serve. Top each bowl with fresh chopped green onions.