Encompassing over 6500 km2, Banff National park is an important historical and contemporary place for Indigenous peoples and others to connect with history and nature. The lands and water of Banff National Park have been used by Indigenous peoples for millennia; for sustenance, ceremony, trade and travel. Starting in 1885 as 26 km2 of federally protected lands around the Cave and Basin Hot Springs, the protected area was quickly becoming the core of Canada’s first National park. More than a century later, the park draws millions of people each year from all over the world to experience the natural beauty, seven national historic sites and iconic wildlife, from grizzly bears to the Banff Springs Snail. Providing opportunities for learning and adventure, Canada’s oldest national park offers mountains of possibilities. *excerpt from Banff National Park Visitor Guide 2020-2021
Banff National Park is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) as part of the Canadian Rock Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.
The red chairs placed in special locations around Banff National Park are all about taking time to connect with nature and with each other. Some are easy to find, while others provide more of an adventure. All of them offer a place to rest, relax, and reflect on the place you’ve discovered and the journey you took to get there.
We always love going to the Zoo. This wasn’t my first visit. I have been many times growing up as a child and a couple times as an adult. BUT this was my son’s first time to the Calgary zoo. He loved it!
It was a hot one! About 22°C and clear and sunny
I would recommend bringing:
Backpack – For hands free fun!
Water bottle,
Hand sanitizer (if you are sensitive to their sanitizers),
Wagon or stroller (if you have small children),
Camera/Phone, Battery Charger,
Good walking shoes or extra flip flop/flats – if you get too hot.
Hat
Sunscreen
COVID-19 Setup: Loved the one way setup for COVID-19 precautions – worked really well and since a zoo really has a natural flow they pulled this off beautifully! Some things were closed due to the precautions but we had an excellent 5.5 hours and pretty much hit everything.
Butterfly Habitat was super fun! All the beautiful tropical plants.
Butterflies were just coming out of their Chrysalis stage.
Lionesses chillin’ in the shade
Ostrich
Follow the Peacock
Caribou
Grey Wolves sleeping in the bushes
Canadian Wilds
Bow River Bridge View at Zoo
African Savannah Enclosure
Hippo
Zebras
Last time I came they were just building the panda enclosure “Panda Passage” (like 10 years ago LOL) but they are being shipped back to China so they are being “kennel trained” …bummer!
But there was lots to see and the “love” was in the air as it was mating season for the mountain lions HAHA
Butterflies where still in a chrysalis state – but some were out making their first debut!
“The World’s Largest Dinosaur” is located in the heart of Drumheller. 106 steps to the top of this gigantic structure made of fiberglass and steel. The Tyrannosaurus Rex stands 86 ft (26.3 m) tall! and from Tooth to Tail spreads a staggering 151 ft! (46 m)
We scaled all the way to the top with our family of three
– Just a note: There is no elevators. So if you can’t do stairs very well i would recommend taking your time or skipping this gal….
BUT The view is AWESOME! The mouth can hold up to 8-12 people at once.
There is a lot to do in the area, the aquatics centre is right beside but currently CLOSED (COVID-19) but lots of things to walk and see downtown Drumheller.
Spray Park was OPEN around the World’s Largest Dinosaur.
Spot the brightly painted dinosaurs statues around every corner (similar to Calgary’s Cows statues)
Smaller Fossil World Across the street.
This is a great guide I picked up when we were in Drumheller, AB at the Tourist Information Centre (World’s Largest Dinosaur is Attached)
Tons of animals to see all happy and healthy! Pigs, goats, sheep, Jersey Cows, Peacocks, variety of chickens, ducks and bunnies. Make sure to pet Jack N’ Jill the friendly farm cats.
Always a must stop for us when we are in the area 🙂
— Where to Advertise your business for free or paid services in
GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB
Being in the media / web / technology industry in Grande Prairie, Alberta for the last decade. We have found the need to have an unbiased list for advertising your business in Grande Prairie. No Fluff, just the good stuff – specifications, locations maybe even pricing… everything you need in one place for your business!
We have taken multiple years to compile this list with valuable information such as government traffic data and potential website traffic stats etc.
Why? Personally made it easier for US… HAHA! We always want our clients to take advantage of anything within their reach! This map was created just so you can make the most informed decision for your marketing dollars. This is a live map and work in-progress… so comments are appreciated!
PLEASE NOTE: We have not been paid to promote any of these locations.
ADVERTISERS, We hope potentially you will see your referral traffic boosted from our website (MediaWizardStudios.ca) to YOURS 🙂 >> CLICK HERE FIND OUT HOW TO SEE REFERRAL LINKS IN YOUR OWN ANALYTICS<<
Digital Billboards are becoming a popular way to advertise. Cost to create graphics and change up your marketing on the fly is way more cost effective.
General campaign graphics can be used across digital marketing (Social, Google, Bing (SEM) etc.) Then cascaded on the big screens across the city in a few steps!
If you are looking to have some graphics created for your business no matter the medium – CONTACT US.
Need more information on City of GP Permits and signage regulations? CLICK HERE.
REILLY DIGITAL SIGNS
TWO (2) – 10’x20′ Outdoor Digital Billboards
Located on Highway 40 (South) Correction Line – Reilly Transfer Yard
SPECS: 7 second ads, 4 week flight Dimensions: 384w x 192h pixels. Format:PNG or JPG
DRIVER Advertising
STATIC + DIGITAL BILLBOARDS
SPECS: 7 second ads, 4 week flight Dimensions: 576w x 288h pixels. Format:PNG or JPG
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce provides the exclusive opportunity for our Members to advertise on our digital sign. Located outside of Centre 2000 on 116 Avenue and 106 Street, this sign is stationed at one of the busiest intersections in Grande Prairie.
Digital billboards capture the attention of a wide range of different commuters. Capture their attention and reach a massive audience. With weekly, monthly, and yearly booking, we have options to meet all advertising budgets. Not-for-profit Member rates are also available.
For rate information, contract terms and design guidelines, please contact Leah Fujarczuk by phone at 780-532-5340 or email leah@gpchamber.com
In Alberta and Saskatchewan, we are extremely well distributed in Fine Dining establishments, Fast Food restaurants, Coffee Shops and places where people wait throughout the region. Coffee News® provides a few minutes of light reading while the order is taken and the meal is prepared. Since most patrons can read Coffee News® in about eight minutes, they have plenty of time to read all the ads as well. Coffee News® works!
GP Chamber Member Connections is issued on the 1st and 15th of every month and distributed by Constant Contact email to our membership and shared on our social media pages.
The Chamber Member Connections newsletter provides FREE advertising opportunities to our members – allowing them to promote their accomplishments, sales, and special events to the entire Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce network and beyond.
Submissions: Chamber Members Only – must be limited to no more than 250 words, one logo and/or one .jpg, .pdf, or .png image, and should be emailed to tom@gpchamber.com no later than three business days prior to publication to allow for editing.
TEEPEE CREEK STAMPEDE PROGRAM
EVENT
— ADVERTISING THROUGH EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
Events are a great way to expose yourself to the local culture and really get to know how your real life audience interacts with your brand, product or business as a whole.
We have included some local events that have advertising opportunities or bundles with sponsorship.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Your connection to what’s happening in Grande Prairie!
Published: Quarterly
Community Connections contains details about programs for all ages, events and important information for residents of the City of Grande Prairie.
Ad Sizes: Quarter Page – 3.375” x 4.625” Half Page (Horizontal) – 7” X 4.625” Full Page – 7” X 9.5”
STORM PROGRAMS
STATIC + DIGITAL BILLBOARDS
SPECS: 7 second ads, 4 week flight Dimensions: 576w x 288h pixels. Format:PNG or JPG
TEEPEE CREEK STAMPEDE
This 100+ Year old event has its own program, multiple event centres and viewing areas to showcase your business visit tpstampede.ca for full details on how you can become apart of 4 DAY IN THE WILD!
Websites
— CROSS MARKET YOUR BUSINESS WITH LOCAL
ONLINE LISTINGS
Looking to cross promote your business on multiple websites? Some of these websites are free listings and some are paid.
Free/Non-Profit Community Billboard. Each Store will have to approve posters and events. Bring Tape or Magnets
BOOSTER JUICE - KATERI DRIVE
Free/Non-Profit Community Business Card Board. Bring a Push Pin
Black Framed Cork Board
DAIRY QUEEN SOUTHSIDE
Non-Profit Community Billboard just inside the front door. Bring Stapler or Push Pin
55A KAFFEE (INSIDE TEAL IDEAL)
Large Business Card Cork Board in front of till. Purchase your coffee or sweet treat & Bring Stapler or a Push Pin and good luck fitting your card in there somewhere 🙂
We have been to Vegas a couple times in the last few years. I love the excitement and the over the top “show” that is displayed through out their food, advertising and general day to day operations.
This first time I went to Las Vegas was for a conference with Brad Sugars – We stayed way out at Lake Las Vegas in the Westin Resort. We spent a lot of time in MasterClasses, the resort was beautiful and we had a little taste of the Vegas Strip a few nights as well as some shopping at the Premium Outlets. First Time using an Uber and Lyft so that was fun!
Second Time we stayed at the Paris – we did ALOT of walking. We went for our anniversary in January so it was quite cold but nothing two Albertans can’t handle. I find it to be opposite of Grande Prairie as the wind picks up at night so a light to medium jacket would be perfect. It was nice to have the CVS and Planet Hollywood with the Miracle Mile Shops not too far away. We were there for 4 days 5 nights which I find is a little long to go if you aren’t attending an event or have no real agenda. We aren’t gamblers or really big drinkers. DAY 1: Landed @ 11 am – Checked in at the Paris – Ate @ The Habit Burger & Grill in Fashion Mall (Burger & Milkshake) – Walk to Reef Dispensaries (LONG WALK from Paris) – Ate Pin-Up Pizza (REALLY GOOD AND HUGE PIECES) – Eiffel Tower Experience (If you are scared of heights I wouldn’t recommend HAHA the triangle Glass Elevator was crazy! make sure to go up close to the Bellagio Fountain Show times so you get to see the show from above!)
DAY 2: – Breakfast at Wyndham… Yes we got hooked into the timeshare BS…but we said NO a billion times and got our show tickets and buffet! -Bellagio Botanical Gardens – Walkaround – 7:30pm went to the RIO Carnival World Seafood Buffet (we didn’t pay for the “seafood Upgrade” there was still tons of seafood in the normal Buffet. We love buffets so you can pick what you want.) – We ended up chilling around our hotel and relaxing planning for the next couple days 😉
DAY 3:
So we were on the hunt and tried to do all the “Free Things” to do in Vegas. Some of these things include: – Las Vegas Sign – Mirage Volcano Show – Bellagio Fountain Show – Red Rock Canyon – Golden Nugget: Hand of Faith (Viewing only) – Million Dollars Photo @ Binions on Fremont Street
Next time we stayed at the Flamingo – 65 km of walking on this trip too… bring good shoes LOL
Other Great Places to add to your next Las Vegas Trip:
Mirage’s Wildlife Habitat & Dolphin Sanctuary: Beautiful place to spend the day! Tour around the grounds and see the dolphins swimming around as well as the Siegfried & Roy’s white tigers and exotics. Super tropical and the information sessions were really neat with some dolphin tricks/exercises. You can see the animals are well cared for and habitats are maintained.
Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum: Super fun! sort of eerie to chill with dead celebrities a little bit BUT! lots of photo opportunities and it was a super fun detour at the Venetian. The escalators are amazing! Just those alone are a sight to see!
Grand Canyon: Still on my to dos when we go there next. I would love to take our son and tour around. This two-hour drive from Vegas along the west rim of the Grand Canyon. Along the way you need to stop at the Hoover Dam too! *pedestrian walkway you can cross for great views. There is a Skywalk – offering dynamic views of the canyon from 1,200 meters!
Red Rock Canyon: Just 30 minutes west of the Strip, you will find Red Rock Canyon. A 20 kilometre scenic road is a national conservation area filled with hiking trails, scenic views and wildlife. This road meanders through the desert, with over 20 different hiking trails. Wildlife consists of burros, bighorn sheep and the mascot, a tortoise named Mojave Max. Park Gate opens at 6 am year round.
Lake Mead: Just 50 kilometres south east of Las Vegas, the lake has always been a great getaway. You can rent bikes and ride along the Historic Rail Road Trail. Scenic views of the lake from above and pass through five (5) railroad tunnels used in the construction of the Hoover Dam. Full Trail is in-and-out about 12 kilometre ride. After head to the Lake Mead Marina and rent a boat to explore the lake.
Dig This: 16 kilometres south of the Strip, you will find a heavy equipment playground! Heavy duty fun – Adult sized sand box complete with a fleet of excavators and bulldozers. Dig some massive trenches, stack 907kg tires and even play a game of excavator basketball.
Mob Museum: The Mob museum located in Las Vegas’s Historical First Courthouse and post office, showcases scammers, money launderers and tax dodgers from the world of organized crime. Second floor you will find the restored courtroom and cool exhibits like the crime lab. Become a forensic scientist and analyze fingerprints and DNA.
Nellis Air Force Base: 20 minute drive North East from Las Vegas, you will find the Thunderbirds Museum, home to a smorgasbord of memorabilia of fighter planes from World War I, World War II and the Korean War, as well as Cold War-era planes, helicopters, tanks and other amazing and once-classified military equipment. Note: You have to submit a tour request 30 days in advance of your visit. Tours are only offered Monday through Friday. Every other year the Airbase opens for the family-friendly Air & Space Expo which if you can attend…. you won’t be disappointed.
Still working on this article. but figured I would publish it 🙂
I have nothing but awesome things to say about my 2015 4Runner I purchased at Sean Sargent Toyota in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
Wow, what a beast! I love it. It’s like driving a tank you feel very safe and secure. I test drove a ton of makes and models.
I was looking at the Toyota Venza as I was trading in my pimped out black Chrysler 300 and looking for something similar trim model but found the Venza maybe a little too small with my toddler and potentially growing family.
So I purchased my first brand new vehicle and couldn’t be happier.
Update 2016: Purchased rims for my 4 Runner 20″ MKW Wheels from Abe at Tire Pro best place to get rims and tires in Grande Prairie! Locally owned and operated. Great prices awesome service. You can’t beat that.