#TBT: 5 Questions- Chelsea

Happy Thursday!! This week has seemed to drag on and on...I'm not sure if it's because it's the first week back to work after being of for almost two weeks, still being exhausted from the holidays, or because I'm super excited for this weekend and it can't come quick enough!!

In honour of Throwback Thursday, or #TBT, I thought it would be fun to go back into the archives and share a January post from years past. I decided to share 5 Questions- which is a series I ran on my blog a few years ago. Chelsea is not only a great blogger, but she is also my blog designer (which after all these years, I still am in love with)!! 

What to know the 5 questions I asked Chelsea and how she answered? You can find the original post here. 

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Strong & Free

Everyone knows how much I love Canada and for the longest time, I wanted to showcase Canada on my blog. So, I've decided  to ask Canadian bloggers to answer 5 questions about their province.

This week, Jennifer from The Deliberate Mom, is answering questions about Alberta. 

1. Where are you from:
I was born, raised, and live in Edmonton, Alberta. I am a prairie girl... anyone who follows me on Instagram is probably tired of my frequent postings of Canola fields.

2. Favourite thing about your province:
I love my province because of the diversity of the terrain. From the Rocky Mountains, to the lush river valley along the North Saskatchewan River, to the desert-like badlands near Drumheller... we have it all!

3. What is your region (province and/or city) known for:
My city is well known for West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping mall in North America and the tenth largest in the world (it is the equivalent of 48 city blocks). I must say I take it for granted and rarely venture there as I hate crowds and I don't really like malls. However, it is nice to have a place like this to go to in the winter. It has an indoor waterpark, skating rink, undersea caverns, amusement park, and miniature golf course.

However, my city is also amazing for the amount of festivals it holds! We have a jazz festival, the Works (art) festival, Klondike Days, Street Performers festival, Taste of Edmonton (food festival), Dragon Boat Festival, Heritage Days (world culture festival), Folk Fest (music festival), the Fringe (theatre and performing arts festival), Cariwest (Caribbean Arts Festival), the Edmonton International Film festival, and many more!

4. Where to:

a) Stay:

You need to stay at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. While it is pricey, it is worth every penny (just make sure to request a river view room). The scenery is gorgeous and it's located in the heart of downtown Edmonton. I've stayed there once and it was the experience of a lifetime... you truly get treated like royalty.

b) Eat:

The place you MUST eat at is a bit of a drive from your hotel but it's really worth it! Head to west Edmonton and enjoy Edmonton's best Indian cuisine (yes... I LOVE Indian food and you will too after you eat here). The atmosphere is modern-chic and the food is truly amazing (make sure to order the Guru Fish Moilee).

c) Go/what to do:

You have got to come here for a summer July-August trip and partake in all the festivals. It is an awesome experience. Although if you're travelling to Alberta, you should also make sure to take in the beauty of our Rocky Mountains. Do some shopping in Banff, soak in the Banff Hot Springs, and have dinner at The Grizzly House (a fondue restaurant) on the main street of Banff.

5. A "must know" about your province: 

Edmonton's North Saskatchewan River Valley is the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America.

Thanks Jennifer for taking the time to answer these questions!

For more information on Alberta, visit Travel Alberta. 

Glorious And Free

Everyone knows how much I love Canada and for the longest time, I wanted to showcase Canada on my blog. So, I've decided  to ask Canadian bloggers to answer 5 questions about their province.

This week, Elaine from Daily Choices Add Up, is answering questions about Manitoba. 

1. Where are you from:
I was born in Ontario and grew up in Winnipeg. Although I've lived the past 15 years in several places in Alberta, Winnipeg will always be my hometown. 

2. Favourite thing about your province:
Winnipeg is such a diverse city. It has a richness in culture that is embraced and celebrated. It has a great history, from the old banks/site of The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 at Portage & Main, to Riel House - the home of Metis rights advocate Louis Riel to St. Boniface-the French quarter settled in the early 19th century. There is an incredible arts scene: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Exchange District, all types of sports, arts & cultural festivals. Apart from that, Winnipeg is surrounded by beauty: big old trees that turn intense reds/oranges in the fall, ice skating at The Forks in winter, and hot summer days that can be spent up at some of the country's best beaches on Lake Winnipeg. 

3. What is your region (province and/or city) known for:

We're known for polar bears (waaaay up North), cold winters and mosquitoes! But there's so much more to Winnipeg and Manitoba. People are often amazed at the beauty, diversity, and culture of the city when they actually get to spend time there. I never tire of hearing the pleasant surprise from recent visitors. 

4. Where to:

a) Stay:

The Fort Gary hotel near Portage & Main is a great historical building in a central location near the Legislature, The Forks, the Exchange District, and St. Boniface. If you want to get away, Gimli and Hecla Island are ~150kms north, on Lake Winnipeg. Great restful, peaceful, beautiful places to enjoy a weekend.

b) Eat:

There are so many great restaurants it's tough to say! With the cultural diversity in the city, you could taste or authentic foods from around the globe if you have time. 

c) Go/what to do:

Winnipeg celebrates its culture and history with festivals. In February it's the Festival du Voyageur; July sees the Winnipeg Fringe Festival; in August Folkarama takes over the city (a 2-week festival with pavaillions all around Winnipeg each celebrating a distinct country/regional culture); Winnipeg Folk Fest (one of the oldest & largest folk festivals in the world); I could go on-there are many other festivals throughout the year. Otherwise, seeing the historical sites, taking a day trip up to the lakes/beaches, or wandering around any of the city's shops and arts districts is interesting. Bring a frisbee and have fun playing Ultimate, go fishing/swimming/jetskiing in the lakes, or enjoy a great x-country ski/snowshoe adventure in the winter. I'd say you could always get in on the die-hard Winnipeg spirit, but Jets games are completely sold out for the next 10+ years!

5. A "must know" about your province: 

Winnipeg is cold...but only in the Winter! Temps dip to -50C with windchill in January but summers are hot and humid: think 35C to 40C. Come with an open mind - you'll be amazed at how much Southern Manitoba & Winnipeg have to offer.

Thanks Elaine for taking the time to answer these questions!

For more information on Manitoba, visit Travel Manitoba.