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Exploring Chicago’s Lakefront: Parks, Public Art and Unexpected Surprises

I have always been a sports fan. As a young boy growing up in what was often referred to as the “golden age of hockey,” I looked forward to Saturday night and Hockey Night in Canada. I had never been to any of the original six hockey cities, but I knew who they were. As I got older and had children of my own, they became sports fans as well. When one of our children was about ten years old, his love of sports became obvious when he said, “First Wayne Gretzky retired, then Michael Jordan, and now Mrs. McCleod.” Mrs. McCleod was his kindergarten teacher,  and clearly held in very high regard. So when my wife attended a conference …

Greg Olsen
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Alberta, Articles, Canada, Canada Provinces, Outdoor Adventure, Places To Stay

A Quiet Escape to River Retreat in Kananaskis

Sometimes the best weekend getaways are the ones that give you a moment to slow down and breathe. I’m all for adventure and a jam packed itinerary allowing me to see everything in a new destination, but that sort of travel can really burn me out. So when I planned an overnight stay at River Retreat in Kananaskis, Alberta for my fiance, Garrett and me, relaxation was at the top of mind. What I didn’t expect was to encounter some of the best hospitality and a setting that makes it impossible not to find a sense of stillness and peace. With a stunning location right on the banks of the Highwood River, it’s the kind of place where slowing down …

Kelsey Olsen
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Alberta, Articles, Canada, Experiences, Things To Do

I Tried a Floating Sound Bath in Calgary – Here’s What It Was Like

Sound bathing is something I’d heard about for years- a wellness practice people swear by- but it never quite made it to the top of my list. That changed a couple of months ago when I finally decided to try a floating sound bath in Calgary, Alberta. I’ve struggled with anxiety for years and have turned to meditation more than once, though I’ve always had a hard time sticking with a routine. Yoga has been helpful, and I figured sound bathing might offer a similar sense of calm, without the pressure of doing it “right.” What made this particular experience even more intriguing was that it wasn’t just a sound bath- it was a floating sound bath, with participants lying …

Kelsey Olsen
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Articles, International Travel, Where To Eat

The Best Coffee in Playa del Carmen

One of my favourite parts of travelling is getting to try different cafés and coffee shops in new places. It’s become an essential part of our travel routine- waking up, heading out for a morning walk, finding a local café, and ordering an iced latte. Not only is it a fun way to try a new spot, but it’s also how we’ve gone about finding the best coffee in Playa del Carmen, while exploring more of the area and stumbling across local hidden gems along the way. We’ve spent several months living in Playa del Carmen, and during that time we’ve been on the hunt for the very best coffee shops in the city. Our only stipulation? They had to …

Kelsey Olsen
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Articles, International Travel

First Timers Travel Itinerary for Vietnam:  2 and 3 Week Route

Vietnam will always have a special place in my heart. I’d heard amazing things about the country for years before I finally decided to go and experience it for myself, and it more than lived up to the hype. I spent months exploring Southeast Asia and loved every minute of it, but Vietnam stood out in a way that surprised me—and inspired me to create this travel itinerary for Vietnam based on my own experience. First of all, the people are some of the kindest and most genuine I’ve ever met. Whether it was a stranger going out of their way to help me or a friendly waitress chatting with me at a restaurant, I always felt welcome. Beyond the …

Kelsey Olsen
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Articles, Canada, Gear Reviews, Outdoor Adventure

Winter Travel Essentials: 5 Must-Have Gear Items for Canadian Adventures

Canadian winters are absolutely beautiful and they are something that I think everyone needs to experience at least once in their lives. From festive Christmas markets to snowy hikes in the rockies, winter brings a whole new level of magic to the outdoors. Fluffy, sparkling snow, frozen lakes, and cozy cabins make the season unforgettable. When planning a winter adventure, being prepared is key in order to stay warm, safe, and comfortable while making the most of all the season has to offer. From layering the right clothing to bringing reliable gear for hot drinks and outdoor adventures, having the right winter travel essentials can make your experience both enjoyable and memorable. Over the years I’ve learned some of the …

Kelsey Olsen
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Alberta, Articles, Canada, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do

Sunshine Meadows Hike Guide: Scenic Hiking to Plan Ahead For

Banff Sunshine Meadows is one of those hiking areas that require a bit of planning ahead, but the effort is well worth it. I had the opportunity to visit the magical alpine area at the end of the season in September, when the crowds had thinned and late summer wildflowers were still in bloom, complemented by the first hints of fall foliage. Sunshine Meadows trails are some of the best in the Rockies and I was grateful to finally experience the famous Sunshine Meadows hike. The scenery is what initially attracted me to this area, but the entire trip itself turned into a special experience, the lovely hotel, cozy accommodations, delicious meals, and wonderful hospitality all made this adventure even more …

Kelsey Olsen
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An image of two people feeding a wolfdog at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary near Calgary, Alberta.
An image of two people feeding a wolfdog at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary near Calgary, Alberta.
Alberta, Articles, Canada, Canada Provinces, Experiences, Things To Do

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary – A Howling Adventure Near Calgary

Wolfdogs are fascinating creatures and the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary near Calgary is a nonprofit haven for them. It’s a place to see wolfdogs up close, to learn about wolfdogs and to learn about wolf behavior. This sanctuary was created to educate the public about responsible wolfdog ownership and to raise awareness about the large numbers of these animals that end up in shelters. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is less than an hour’s drive northwest of Calgary near the town of Cochrane, Alberta. Several different experiences are offered, but the most exciting part of a visit is getting to see wolfdogs up close and maybe even interact with them. You can also learn about wolves and how to contribute to the conservation …

Kelsey Olsen
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Articles, Canada, International Travel, Travel Smart, Travel Tips

Sunwing Airlines Review – The Good, the Bad, and Inbetween

Sunwing Airlines is a popular Canadian airline owned by Westjet. It offers flights from Canada and the U.S to over 45 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida, and Central America. I’ve flown with Sunwing several times, most recently on a trip out to Cancun, Mexico. Sunwing is often known for its affordable vacation packages, but what is it actually like to fly with them? In this Sunwing airline review, I’ll break down my personal experience, so you know what to expect before booking your next getaway. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks …

Kelsey Olsen
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Alberta, Articles, Canada, Outdoor Adventure

The Crossing at Ghost River: A Stunning Alberta Retreat

I’ve lived in Cochrane, Alberta for about five years now and it wasn’t until very recently that I learned of The Crossing at Ghost River. Set amid 145 acres of wilderness, the cozy property is the perfect Alberta retreat. Despite being only a 20 minute drive from Cochrane and a 45 minute drive from Calgary, I felt completely disconnected from city life, in the best possible way. The remote location in combination with the optimal service and comfortable accommodations truly make this property one of Alberta’s best hidden gems. I had the opportunity to experience The Crossing at Ghost River earlier this summer as part of a small media trip, and from the moment I arrived, I understood why so …

Kelsey Olsen
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