If you’re planning a getaway through Alberta on your way to the Rockies, and love mixing culture, food, and fun, this one’s for you! 🙌 On our road trip from Winnipeg to Jasper, we made some unforgettable stops — Vegreville, Mundare, and Edmonton. Here's your perfect guide to follow our route (and maybe add a few of your own 😉).

📍 Day 1: Vegreville & Ukrainian Roots

Our first stop on the road from Winnipeg was the charming town of Vegreville, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint! 🌾

🥚 The Giant Pysanka
This isn’t just a giant egg — it’s a piece of Ukrainian-Canadian history! Standing tall in Elks Park, the Giant Pysanka (Easter egg) is a symbol of peace and cultural heritage. It makes a perfect photo-op, especially during golden hour! 📸✨

🏛️ Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
A short drive from Vegreville, this open-air museum takes you back in time. We wandered through beautifully preserved historic buildings, learned about early Ukrainian settlers, and soaked in stories that shaped Alberta’s Ukrainian community. Don’t miss the costumed interpreters — it really brings the village to life! 🇺🇦

🥡 Lunch Stop: Chin's Cafe
This local gem in Vegreville surprised us! 🍜 The food is fresh, flavorful, and comforting. Perfect road trip fuel. Hidden gem alert! 💎

📍 Day 2: Mundare & Exploring Edmonton

🙏 Basilian Fathers Monastery & Grotto (Mundare)
What a peaceful and spiritual stop. The monastery grounds are stunning, with the grotto offering a quiet space for reflection. 🌿 There's also a Basilian Museum next door that's packed with Ukrainian Catholic artifacts, books, vestments, and a lot of Alberta's faith-filled history. A must-see if you love culture and heritage!

🏙️ Edmonton Highlights Before the Rockies

🎼 Muttart Conservatory
Yes, it’s a pyramid, and yes, it’s magical. 🌿 The Muttart Conservatory blew us away with its vibrant botanical displays from around the world — tropical, arid, temperate, and seasonal pyramids. Don’t forget to visit the café inside for a quick coffee surrounded by plants!

🛍️ West Edmonton Mall + Virtual Egypt?
You can't visit Edmonton without stopping at West Edmonton Mall, one of the largest malls in North America. But what really stood out? We did an AI experience that teleported us to Egypt! 🏜️ It felt surreal, like a time-travel adventure without ever leaving the city.

📍 What’s Next?
We’re off to Jasper National Park, one of Canada’s most breathtaking destinations 🏞️✨ But that’s a story for another guide — stay tuned!