Alberta Archives • The Bliss Movement

The 5 Best Cafes In Edmonton To Escape The Cold

These five best cafes in Edmonton are the perfect places to go if you're looking to escape the bitter temperatures of a northern Canadian winter. In a city where winter can feel like it lasts forever, we certainly do have great cafes where we can escape for all the warm, cozy vibes that we crave. With the winter season creeping in on us, now is the perfect time to check these spots out. BLOCK 1912By far my favorite cafe in Edmonton, Block 1912 is the place to come for a warm and cozy space. With plenty of seating, comfy couches and books galore, you[...]

Alberta, Canada, Travel

Johnston Canyon In The Winter: Everything You Need To Know

A hike through Johnston Canyon is a popular day trip activity for anyone visiting Banff, Canmore, and even nearby Calgary. I had always visited in the summer but finally got to experience it in the winter and let me tell you, Johnston Canyon in the winter is one of the most magical things I've ever seen. And this is coming from a self-professed snow and winter hater. Even when my hair was turning white as it froze in the -30 temperatures and I couldn't feel my legs anymore, I was overjoyed. I'm not exaggerating.Banff is one of Alberta's top tourist d[...]

Alberta, Canada, Travel

6 Things To Do On A Day Trip to Drumheller, Alberta

Drumheller is a tourist destination in the heart of the Canadian badlands where the flat prairie fields transform into deep canyons that you can explore, walking in the very footsteps of the dinosaurs that used to roam here. Yep, Drumheller is home to the richest discoveries and collections of dinosaur remains in the world. Education and preservation of these extinct beings are at the forefront of what Drumheller is all about and its unique standing is embraced by the entire community.After twenty-eight years of living only three hours away from this[...]

Alberta, Canada, Guides + Itineraries, Travel

Road Trip Through The Canadian Rocky Mountains: A 7 Day Itinerary

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are Alberta’s most prized possession and are visited by thousands of tourists every year. Luckily for me, I've grown up with these beauties in my backyard since I was a child. For the most authentic, mind-blowing experience, load up a vehicle and set off for a week long road trip down the Icefields Parkway. You'll make your way from Jasper to Banff, winding through roads in and around the mountains with spectacular views at every turn. Suitable for travelers of all ages, this rocky mountain road trip is enjoyable for the solo trav[...]

Alberta, Canada

A Visual Journey Through the Rocky Mountains, Part 2

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Alberta, Canada

A Visual Journey Through the Rocky Mountains, Part 1

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Alberta, Canada, Travel

A Hike Through Grotto Canyon, Alberta

With the crisp winter chill in the air and impending snow on the horizon, I've been reminiscing about warm summer days and breezy autumn afternoons - an afternoon hike in particular. Like any well organized individual, I had a summer bucket list. Hiking was the last remaining and after my recent hike in the mountains I was finally able to cross that off the list as well (even if it is technically not summer anymore). I tagged along with my roommate on a recent Saturday morning and after throwing on our hiking clothes and grabbing bottles of water, we took off dow[...]

Alberta, Canada

Banff, Alberta: Spray River Horseback Tour

"This is Brew," is your only introduction to the animal being handed to you and you quickly begin to become acquainted to the gelding you're about to spend an hour with and trust to take you safely through the muddy trails. One foot snugly in the stirrup, it's a familiar feeling to swing your other leg up and over until you're seated up on the horse's back. Last weekend I took a day trip to Banff with a friend and the highlight of the whole thing was easily the horseback riding. Banff Adventures offer a number of different rides, from one hour up to an entire s[...]

Alberta, Canada

The Devonian Gardens Of Devon, Alberta

This might sound like a repeat post, like you've read the name Devonian Gardens somewhere around here before. And you did, right here. But there are two Devonian Gardens in Alberta, apparently. One nestled on the top floor of a shopping mall (which is a great escape from the winter blues) and one that is located just outside of Devon, AB that greatly exceeds the size of the one I've previously talked about. The Devonian Botanical Gardens have been around since 1959 and cover a whopping 240 acres. Whether you prefer flowers or plants, a space that is polished and m[...]

Alberta, Canada

Calgary’s Indoor Tropical Garden At The Core

Nestled up on the fourth floor of Calgary's downtown shopping centre, The Core, is an indoor oasis filled with palm-trees, flowers, ponds and fountains. After spending our morning having brunch at The Coup, mom and I made our way to the mall, Starbucks in hand, and ventured on up to the fourth floor. Before we knew it we had crossed over from bustling shopping centre into a garden filled with the sounds of flowing water and the color green all around. It may have been in my mind, but instantly I even felt warmer, like it was summertime at last! These Devonian[...]

Alberta, Canada

Brunch At The Coup and Meet, Calgary

As is typical for the middle of winter, this last week in Calgary has been bitterly cold with temperatures dropping below -30 C. A summer girl through and through, winter time makes me want to hibernate in my cozy home with the tea flowing, heat up, and a devilishly handsome cat to snuggle with beneath my pile of blankets. With my mom in town for a much needed mother-daughter visit this simply couldn't happen and in our best efforts to make the most of our weekend together, we braved the cold. Only so long as to get from one building to the next, of course. After[...]

Alberta, Canada

Edmonton’s Harry Potter Exhibition

"There was a lot more to magic, as Harry quickly found out, than waving your wand and saying a few funny words." -- J.K. Rowling I read each of the books at least five times, growing up with The Boy Who Lived and all of his magical friends. I waited eagerly outside of a packed theater on opening night of the movies. I participated in a Harry Potter book club in the fifth grade, proudly dressing up as Hermione Granger. I cried when Sirius, Dobby, Aragog, Dumbledore, Severus, and Fred died. *spoiler alert: if you want to attend the exhibit yourself, read this afte[...]