[crashcarson15]

Looking to head out west for my spring break this year (similar to how we did 2 years ago to BUF, TOR, MTL, and OTT). Looking for some general advice.

We'd fly out to YVR on Friday, March 30th, see a game in Vancouver on Saturday, March 31st (and maybe as well on Tuesday, April 3rd), see a game in Edmonton on Thursday, April 5th, and finish the trip Saturday, April 7th in Calgary.

We'd also like to spend at least a day out in Banff National Park.

First week of April, what's the weather like in Banff? Would we need to pack more than just a thick sweatshirt and jeans?
What else would you suggest to do in Edmonton? In Calgary, we figure the Exhibition and the Olympic sites are going to be worth going to, but what all is there to do in Edmonton?
If we spend a day in Banff, what can we do if we're not skiing?

More questions will be posed as things continue to develop. Any general tips are appreciated. Thanks guys!

EDIT: Can a mod move this to "The Lounge?" Not sure how it ended up here.

[officeglenn]

Neat idea. I'd suggest making that day in Banff either the day in between the Calgary and Edmonton games or after Calgary. It's much easier to access from there.

crashcarson15, on February 3, 2012 - 23:02, said:

First week of April, what's the weather like in Banff? Would we need to pack more than just a thick sweatshirt and jeans?

Weather's pretty unpredictable that time of year, especially in the mountains. Sweatshirt/jeans may suffice, but it might also behoove you to have a good pair of boots and a warm jacket at the ready.

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What else would you suggest to do in Edmonton? In Calgary, we figure the Exhibition and the Olympic sites are going to be worth going to, but what all is there to do in Edmonton?

There's always West Edmonton Mall, which is in better shape than in was even a couple of years ago. There's the Valley Zoo, or Whyte Avenue is a hip little shopping neighbourhood. There's the Telus World of Science, the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Royal Alberta Museum, or tours of the Alberta Legislature, if you're into that sort of thing. http://www.edmonton....ings-to-do.aspx

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If we spend a day in Banff, what can we do if we're not skiing?

Hiking, hot springs, even just checking out the town itself is kinda cool so long as you don't mind a little touristy kitsch.

[NEW.ERA]

Well Calgary's kinda dead in April. We do have the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame at Canada Olympic Park, so that's a must see. Link

The Roughnecks have a home game on the 6th so that's a must. Great action the NLL is if you've never seen a game. Like Glenn alluded to Alberta has some of the wackiest weather in Canada especially in early spring, it could be -20 or +20 so be prepared for everything. The Calgary Zoo is a great place to spend a few hours, the Glenbow Museum is also very fun, and the one tourist attraction we really have is the Calgary Tower and that's a must for first timers to the city.

Banff is beautiful, lots to do like Glenn also said, Kananaskis is also very nice that's just southwest of Calgary. We don't have great malls, but 17th Avenue "Red Mile" couple great spots in there. Tubby Dog is the greatest place to get food here, so do check that out, but you also have to try the Alberta Beef that's a must.

The best places in Alberta in my opinion are on the outskirts and are in the smaller towns, so I don't know if you'll be able to do that. Drumheller is about an hour and a half drive to the northeast of Calgary and it's home to hoodoos, and everything prehistoric with Dinosaurs and such. Royal Tyrell Museum.

[HedleyLamarr]

Are you driving from Vancouver to Edmonton and Calgary?

If so, get a rental car with XM. Those are hella long drives....

[Stampman]

As Glenn pointed out--weather in Alberta in April is up for grabs--could be warm, could be freezing--could have no snow--could have a ton of it.
If you want to make sure you see Banff--have a back up if possible, so that if you can't make it one day, you can make it another.

Vancouver--it'll probably be raining, but it shouldn't be too cold, compared to Alberta.

Best thing to do in Edmonton?
Get out...
(Just kidding)

[Connor Hanley]

How much did your Canucks tickets cost? Btw, don't go near east Hastings in a hazmat suit.

[crashcarson15]

We haven't bought the tickets yet for any of these venues. We actually haven't bought anything.

We'd fly between YVR and YEG/YYC but drive between Calgary and Edmonton.

Thanks for all the advice so far guys! I'll keep ya posted!

[crashcarson15]

Alright guys, one more thing. Two years ago in Ottawa, we were there on Good Friday and a lot of stuff was closed down.

What's it like in Edmonton and Calgary for Good Friday? Do a lot of the major sights close down?

[officeglenn]

crashcarson15, on February 5, 2012 - 21:02, said:

Alright guys, one more thing. Two years ago in Ottawa, we were there on Good Friday and a lot of stuff was closed down.

What's it like in Edmonton and Calgary for Good Friday? Do a lot of the major sights close down?

Not 100 per cent sure, but it's entirely possible. Good Friday is only day of the Easter weekend that's a statutory holiday.

[NEW.ERA]

officeglenn, on February 5, 2012 - 21:21, said:

crashcarson15, on February 5, 2012 - 21:02, said:

Alright guys, one more thing. Two years ago in Ottawa, we were there on Good Friday and a lot of stuff was closed down.

What's it like in Edmonton and Calgary for Good Friday? Do a lot of the major sights close down?

Not 100 per cent sure, but it's entirely possible. Good Friday is only day of the Easter weekend that's a statutory holiday.

Malls close at 9 just like any other weekday. Nothing really changes.

[officeglenn]

NEW.ERA, on February 5, 2012 - 22:59, said:

officeglenn, on February 5, 2012 - 21:21, said:

crashcarson15, on February 5, 2012 - 21:02, said:

Alright guys, one more thing. Two years ago in Ottawa, we were there on Good Friday and a lot of stuff was closed down.

What's it like in Edmonton and Calgary for Good Friday? Do a lot of the major sights close down?

Not 100 per cent sure, but it's entirely possible. Good Friday is only day of the Easter weekend that's a statutory holiday.

Malls close at 9 just like any other weekday. Nothing really changes.

Right, but some government-run things — like most tourist attractions — might close early or be closed all day.