Travel With The Smile

19/05/2022

We're fortunate to have the Rockies just an hour's drive away, and therefore we've done more day trips to Canmore than I can count.

But the last time, we spent a few nights at Stoneridge Mountain Resort just so we can breathe the mountain air a bit longer.

It was the best decision, for a family like ours especially!

We were super stoked to have a king suite (instead of a room) because we had:
- a separate bedroom so we could enjoy an evening while our son slept
- living area with a fireplace to feel cozy
- fully equipped kitchen with a breakfast meal package so no need to rush out the door in the morning

While we were looking for spring flowers in Canmore, we got a snowstorm instead. But who cares when you have an outdoor heated pool and hot tub to enjoy in any weather!

Now tell me, would you stay here?

Many thanks to Stoneridge Mountain Resort for hosting us and making our time in Canmore so enjoyable.

07/03/2022

People often need vacation after they return home from vacation because they feel too tired.
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The biggest lesson my little boy taught me is to slow down. Everyday. With everything I do.
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I don't need to cram several activities into a short vacation.
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I can just sit here, build a sand castle and focus on this tiny human being trying to communicate with me.
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I feel grounded and happy.
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Isn't it interesting how we try to teach things these little humans and they're also teaching us without even knowing?

15/02/2022

WILD ICE SKATING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES ⛸️

Ice skating on a frozen lake surrounded by mountains is the ultimate winter adventure and a bucket list for everyone visiting the Canadian Rockies.

These are my best tips for ice skating in the Canadian Rockies:

LOCATION
The most popular lakes in Banff National Park are:
☆ Johnson Lake
☆ Vermilion Lake
☆ Lake Louise
☆ Lake Minnewanka
☆ Two Jack Lake

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
☆ there is a short weather window between the ice on lakes being thick enough for ice skating and being covered in snow. Sometimes the weather window lasts a day, sometimes a week.
☆ lakes are usually frozen from mid-November but conditions change throughout the winter

SAFETY:
☆ recommended minimum ice thickness (for new clear ice) is 10cm
☆ black ice is usually better for skating, white (milky) ice has air or snow in it and should be considered with caution
☆ it's a good idea to carry a throw bag with rope in your pocket and watch a self-rescue video on Youtube if an incident happens
☆ ice skating on a lake is never 100% safe. It’s up to every individual to check if the ice is safe and have the proper gear for self-rescue & ice skating.

⛸️Have you ever tried ice skating on a frozen lake? Share with us your experience.

》》》More info on our blog: https://travelwiththesmile.com/blog/ice-skating-banff-national-park/
or in the stories!

11/02/2022

Hiking season is here sooner than we think! At least I hope 😉
I wrote another post for yTravel Blog where I share my favourite hikes that cover it all - lakes, mountain tops, waterfalls, and glaciers!

The Canadian Rockies are a hiker’s paradise. Check out these incredible hikes to glaciers & lakes in Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho and more.

08/02/2022

SKATING AT BOWNESS PARK LAGOON ⛸️

Last year vs. this year 🤣

Martin was a bigger fan of ice when Michal or me were pushing him around in the stroller. But when we tried strapped on skates this year, it was a big no!

I think he just wasn't in the mood cause he's Canadian so ice skating is in his blood, am I right?

We will try again in Bowness Park where you can still skate despite the warm spring weather.

It looks like skating at Bowness Park Laggon is the most popular and we love it!
If you want to visit, here's a quick breakdown:
☆ skating rink is open 10 am to 10 pm
☆ the ice is lit in the evening
☆ there are fire pits around the rink to warm up
☆ washrooms are open
☆ you can also skate on the 1.6 km ice trail around park or the narrow channel behind restaurant
☆ skate rental is located at the Boathouse
☆ tea house & restaurant are open
☆ new addition: 4 rinks for Crokicurl (outdoor game combining crokinol & curling)

》》》More info on our blog: https://travelwiththesmile.com/blog/skating-bowness-park/
or in the stories!

23/01/2022

While Banff National Park is widely popular, most of the visitors in the Canadian Rockies seem to like Jasper more.

Check out our newest guest post for yTravel Blog to see the stunning places in Jasper National Park.

Beautiful places to see in Jasper National Park, Alberta, one of Canada's most spectacular national parks: mountain scenery, glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife.

26/12/2021

May your holidays be filled with joy, rest, and good food 🎄

Michal and I were very emotional this Christmas.

Last year, Martin was 6 months old and he was sitting in his highchair playing with a toy while we had dinner.

This year he ate the same food, had the same drink in the same glass and was actively participating in the conversation. And don't get me even started on the pink big-boy shirt he was wearing, what a cutie pie.

I remember looking at a small bike when I was pregnant wondering how amazing it would be buying our baby a bike. Now that time's here!

Martin loves his new bike and was riding it around the house all day. Our little (big) handsome biker 💙

15/12/2021

Check out this fun post I recently wrote for A World to Travel
30 Fun Indoor and Outdoor Activities for Autumn and Winter

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04/12/2021

I've been struggling lately. A lot.

It feels like my chronic pelvic pain is stronger than ever and I'm slowly running out of options of what to do or try next.

It's been 1,5 years. I'm back on pain meds. I don't remember the last time I went for a walk without pain. The stress that occupies my mind and body everyday is draining.

Sometimes it's really hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

But I know it's there. I got a glimpse a few times. And our little smiley is reminding me to take it day by day.

So I'll go have a bath, do my excercises, take my meds and go to bed knowing that one day I'll wake up pain-free.

I don't know where I'll find the strength to keep going but I know I have to try. For me, for Martin, and for Michal.

I will heal. I've heard it from everyone helping me along the way with my recovery, and I'll give it my all.

26/11/2021

Fun post I've put together. Do you know how to say Merry Christmas in other language than yours? Surprise your friends and wish them Merry Christmas in a new language 😜

Learn how to say and write Merry Christmas in 100 most spoken languages by the number of native speakers and surprise your friends!

31/10/2021

This is how I wish to spend Sunday, with my boys 💙💙

Even though all the trees entered the winter mode and we got first snow of the season ❄

In case you're following the story from my last two posts - Martin and I are slowly finding our flow.

On the 3rd day of Michal's work when it was just the two of us, we both had a great time.

The library was a huge hit! Martin climbed in the play area, waved everyone, we've read some books, and the day just flew by.

Michal only works 3 days a week, so all of us can adapt slowly to this new normal.

Sunday is my self care day when I don't open any social media. I'll do my best to gather as much rest and energy to get me through the next few days with our little tornado.

But I have a feeling we'll do just fine.

27/10/2021

New day, new plan.

I saw moms posting about how they're spending time outside to wear out their kids. So we went outside twice today. Walked around the block, swings, dragging the lawn mower, running with the truck, playing with rocks and dirt, we've done it all.

Turns out Martin indeed can get tired. But so do I 😂

Anyway, mentally I'm in a much better place today, yet equally exhausted than yesterday. What helped me today to stay grounded was 'Bedtime yoga' by . Gentle stretch before bed is the best!

We'll see what tomorrow brings. I'm planning to go to the library and taking Martin with me. I've heard they have a play area so we'll check it out to see if that will get added into our indoor winter activities.

After day 2 - Martin 1: Maya 1 🤙