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Category: Featured Articles

  • Why We Should Protect the Environment (French version available)

    Why We Should Protect the Environment (French version available)

    Cleaning up a mess can be a dull job, but living with dirt and garbage is much worse than that. Have you ever smelled a piece of rotten fruit or a piece of meat that has gone bad? You can put rotten food in the garbage, but what if the whole world smelled like that? What if the water coming from the taps in your house made you sick with all kinds of diseases? Without clean water, good air, and healthy food, people easily get sick and die. That’s why caring for the environment is so important.

    For many years, people thought very little about the environment unless it affected them directly. Water shortages were important mainly for farmers and gardeners, and resources like trees or fuel were important for helping people make money. However, people’s ideas began to change when a writer named Rachel Carson published Silent Spring in 1962. The book showed how the pesticides designed to kill harmful insects were harming the environment and people. The author said that our food supply and the whole world were in danger because of these chemicals. Partly because of that book, the United Nations established Earth Day in 1970, and people have used that day and other campaigns to raise awareness of environmental issues ever since then.

    What do you know about the challenges that the environment is facing? One problem that you might have heard about is global warming, which refers to the rapid increase in the Earth’s temperature. Many scientists believe that most of this warming is the result of pollution from human activity, such as burning oil and gas for fuel. Other problems include polluted water and air, which can make people sick or even kill them, the overuse of resources that take many centuries to replace and the loss of the top layer of soil that makes farming possible. Another issue is the deaths or disappearance of the bees, which helps plants to grow through pollination.

    People have many different theories on issues such as climate change and pollution. Some people believe that human activity affects the environment, but others do not. However, taking care of your home planet is still a very good idea. How can you help? You can save fuel by walking or taking the bus to school or your friends’ houses instead of getting a ride in the car. You can use energy-efficient light bulbs and turn the lights off whenever you leave an empty room. You can turn your computer off at night and try to use as little water as possible in the shower. These changes will not save the environment alone, but if we all do them, they will make a huge difference.

    Caring for the environment is a huge task, far too big for one person or even one country to do. Some environmental issues are beyond anyone’s control, and others depend on people far away on other continents. However, if everyone on Earth took responsibility for only one small part of the problem, we could make a difference.

  • Why You Should Be Outside More and Away from the TV or Computer

    Why You Should Be Outside More and Away from the TV or Computer

    It’s finally spring time! The weather is getting warmer, the plants are starting to grow and the chance to be outside more is increasing! However, electronics such as TV, computer and phones take a large toll on taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Most of us are busy with Netflix, social media or texting our friends; it’s the society we live in! Although it’s very important to be outside and away from the TV and electronics. Kids should spend at least a couple of hours outside every day! Here are some reasons why it’s important:

    Be a kid!

    There’s plenty of time to watch TV or spend countless hours on computers in your life. There isn’t anything wrong with being on electronics, just as long as it isn’t your main priority. Spending time outside can be a lot of fun, whether it’s going on a hike, going to the park or on a bike ride, etc. Many activities are enjoyable outdoors.

    Improves your mood

    Do you ever get down from being inside or feel dull? When you go outside, it helps with feeling brighter, more energetic, and happier! The sun and warm air help get you out of the winter funk from being inside most days. Sometimes it seems like there’s only life online, but it’s far better to really experience life by going offline and outside.

    Increases creativity, attention, connection and wellness.

    By being outdoors and using electronics less, it helps people connect with themselves and be present. It can also help with coming up with ideas and being creative. It gives someone a chance to be more aware of their surroundings as well. Another plus is that it strengthens our immune systems by being outside!

    The fresh air is good for you!

    There is nothing worse than sitting inside in a stuffy room or staying indoors throughout the whole winter if you’re not a fan of the cold! Going outside is good for your health and gives you a chance to breathe after spending most days inside. It gives your body a break to refresh and relax.

    It helps with sleeping

    Going outside helps for a better night’s sleep. Just think about it, if you go camping, you’re outside all night and sleep great! (most of the time!) Compared to indoors, when it can sometimes be hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. By going outside more often, it helps with sleeping habits.

    Improvement of social skills

    When playing outside with others, it improves communication, co-operation, problem-solving skills and many more skills. It gives kids a chance to work together and help each other out. As well as, it creates friendships.

    When it’s that time of year, and it’s time to go outside, with all the incredible benefits of being outside more and on the computer or watching less TV, it’s time to go out! Hopefully, these reasons will persuade you into turning off the TV and computer, putting on your shoes and running out the door for a couple of hours!

  • Snowstorms in Spring: Explaining Climate Extremes

    Snowstorms in Spring: Explaining Climate Extremes

    Canadians stereotypically live in snow all year. While not year round, 65 per cent of Canada experiences snowfall for more than half a year. Canadians often live through strong winters. With temperatures rising due to climate change, one might expect this pattern to stop. Yet, large, freezing snowstorms still happen in many parts of Canada even into spring.

    Past Snow Trends in Canada

    According to a 2019 CBC/Radio Canada analysis, Canada continuously receives less snow in comparison to past records. Less snow falls and less snow remains on the ground. Between 1955-1975, Montreal received snowpacks, layers of packed snow, of approximately 60 centimetres. Between 1991-2011, this statistic halved. Snow kept sidewalks cooler by reflecting sunlight, but low snow amounts lead to more heat; this all made snow melt faster.

    Climate Change and Weather Systems

    If Canada receives less snow, why does the country still experience large snowstorms? Although the term “global warming” sounds interchangeable with “climate change,” this isn’t always the case. Despite increasing temperatures, snowstorms still impact on Canadian communities. In fact, climate change makes extremes in weather more frequent and more powerful: summers become hotter, and winters become colder.

    Jet Stream
    Climate change influences the behaviour of the jet stream, a collection of winds that carry weather with it, causing these stronger extremes. The jet stream moves east-to-west, with speeds sometimes over 400 kilometres per hour. The jet stream now moves slower than it used to, making weather effects stay for longer. A blocking pattern draws out these longer, more intense periods of weather.

    Arctic Polar Vortex
    The Arctic polar vortex is a group of winds that move west-to-east above the North Pole. When warmer winds disrupt the vortex, it moves itself to different areas. The Arctic polar vortex moves to lower areas, splits, or stretches, covering a larger area than usual. While scientists continue to search for a clear trend, research shows a strong polar vortex occurs when undisturbed.

    El Nino and La Niña

    El Niño and La Niña, Spanish for “little boy” and “little girl” respectively, cause alternating warmth and cold in water currents. El Niño, which occurs every 2-7 years, helps temperatures warm up by bringing warm water towards South America. La Niña, which occurs every 4-5 years, replaces the warm water brought by El Niño with cold water. Making winters unusually colder than normal, 2023 marked the “third La Niña winter in a row.” Officials say that despite La Niña periods, the world continues to break warming records.

    Climate Change Ahead

    Engage Ottawa predicts the National Capital Region will receive 10 per cent less snowfall by 2030. They also project that by 2050, that number will double to 20 per cent. While snowfall will decrease, rain will rise. Alongside more changes of freezing rain, rain may increase by 15 per cent in the 2080s. Freezing rain causes power outages and creates slippery streets and roads. Canadians should keep their winter coats and boots out.

  • Tips to Avoid Zoom Fatigue

    Tips to Avoid Zoom Fatigue

    By Selina

    The pandemic resulted in a tremendous increase in the time we spend on video conferencing calls and meetings using platforms such as Zoom. The term “Zoom fatigue” has become commonplace; it was coined to describe the exhaustion resulting by constant video calls. Although Zoom is one of the most widely used video conferencing platforms today, the term can also be applied to other platforms as well (such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet, and FaceTime).

    What causes “Zoom fatigue”?

    Video calls require more mental processing power compared to face-to-face interactions. Our brains have to work together to interpret the non-verbal cues that we can rely on in-person, including body language and voice tone. Fatigue can also result from the technical issues and annoyances that often occur during these video conferencing meetings, such as people not muting their microphones and having a lot of excessive background noise, screen delay, or freezing, and other technical problems.

    What are some tips to avoid “Zoom fatigue”?

    1) Plan Ahead and Shorten Meetings

    Lengthy virtual meetings can be tiring and frustrating. The shift to remote learning and virtual work makes it easier to schedule even more calls than before. However, longer meetings do not necessarily mean they are more effective. Some meeting objectives can be achieved in less time if all participants are focused and come to the meeting with a clear agenda. To shorten meetings, set and distribute an agenda to all participants ahead of time. Being well-prepared helps keep the meeting focused and to the point. Keep the discussion on track.

    2) Schedule Breaks and Avoid Back-to-Back Meetings

    Try to space out your meetings to have breaks in between. Block off at least 15 to 30 minutes in your calendar to avoid having multiple back-to-back Zoom meetings. During break time, stand up and stretch, take a short walk (such as walking the dog), make or grab a cup of coffee, rest your eyes, or use some time away from the screen.

    Prior to the shift to remote learning, commuting to attend meetings or classes in person created natural and necessary breaks in the day. Replicating those breaks in your online environment can help you avoid days that feel like one long, unvaried task.

    3) Use the “20-20-20 Rule” for Your Eyes

    Eye strain is common when you look at the computer screen for too long. Zoom calls and other online learning components that require computer use can lead to increased eye strain. Because the rigours of online learning often mean more screen time, it’s important to make sure your eyes get the rest they need.

    The “20-20-20 Rule” is: For every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away. Developed by an optometrist in California, this practice can help relax the eye muscles and reduce fatigue.

    4) Avoid Multitasking

    Our brains already have to work harder to process non-verbal cues and body language during non-face-to-face interactions, so there is no need to add more to the brain’s limited processing capacity. Studies have shown that multitasking can reduce performance by as much as 40%.

    Stanford psychologists discovered that multitasking not only affects memory, but it also makes performing simple tasks harder and more taxing. They identified engaging multiple types of media simultaneously as one of the main contributing factors. Removing distractions can help make video conference meetings more productive because you will be more present and feel less fatigued.

    5) Reduce Video Calls by Using Emails, Text-Based Communication Platforms, and Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools

    Some discussions or certain objectives can be accomplished by using simple, text-based communications such as email, discussion forums, or chat platforms (e.g. Discord, Slack). Not only can this help reduce Zoom fatigue, but it can also be more time-efficient as participants can reply or provide their input at a time that is convenient for them (without having to designate a single time slot when everyone is available).

    Cloud-based collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Microsoft Online products can help teams work collaboratively on the same documents. This is great for planning, brainstorming, editing, proofreading, and more.

    6) Replace Video Calls with Recorded Asynchronous Video

    A recorded, asynchronous video message can replace a meeting. Tools such as WebEx and Loom have recording options (including screen capture recordings). If you’re looking to kick off a project, provide a project status update, or walk someone through the steps of doing something on the computer, try a screen recording of your slide deck or capture a webcam video of yourself running through the explanation. You will save your and other participants’ time.

    Conclusion

    Online learning and remote work aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Using the above tips to avoid Zoom fatigue can help you feel more alert and productive in your online courses and projects.

     

    Sources

    Vidyard. 10+ Tips to Prevent Zoom Fatigue. https://www.vidyard.com/blog/zoom-fatigue-tips

  • The Difference between Public and Private High Schools in Canada

    The Difference between Public and Private High Schools in Canada

    By Selina

    Canada offers public and private high school systems. Both exist in parallel and deliver the same education curriculum, but neither is “better” nor “worse”. Some might gravitate more towards one or the other, depending on the student’s needs (such as more individualized attention) and preferences (such as smaller class sizes).

    What is the difference between public and private high schools in Canada?

    The public school system delivers a standard curriculum set and approved by the province or territory’s Ministry of Education. Only day programs are offered. Many public high schools in Canada accept international students. Most schools offer the main courses in English, but some offer the majority of their courses in French (these are called “French immersion” schools). In Quebec, the main language is French. Some public schools are part of the Catholic school board, which means that religion is a mandatory subject of study at every level from grades 9 to 12.

    Private schools deliver the same curriculum as public schools, but class sizes tend to be smaller. This allows teachers to provide more specialized attention to students. Some private schools are boys-only or girls-only. Many private schools offer on-site residences or accommodations (“boarding schools”), in addition to specialized arts or sports programs.

    Both public and private schools offer accommodation for students with learning and physical disabilities, and many offer specialized academic programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the Advanced Placement (AP) programs.

    Are private schools better compared to public schools?

    Statistics Canada regularly publishes the results of standardized test scores among students in private and public schools across Canada. A study titled “Academic Outcomes of Public and Private High School Students: What Lies behind the Differences?” reveals that “private high school students score significantly higher than public high school students on reading, mathematics, and science assessments at age 15, and have higher levels of educational attainment by age 23” (Statistics Canada, 2015). According to the report, the factor that accounted for this difference is socioeconomic standing. “Students who attended private high schools were more likely to have socio-economic characteristics positively associated with academic success and to have school peers with university-educated parents” (Statistics Canada, 2015). In other words, socioeconomic factors play a larger role in influencing the higher test scores, and it does not necessarily reflect the difference in the quality of education or teaching provided by private versus public schools.

    How do fees for public vs. private high schools compare for international students?

    For Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the Canadian public school system is free from kindergarten (age 5) to high school (age 17 or 18). For international students, most schools charge fees ranging from $8,000 to $14,000 annually. Some schools charge small fees for participating in extra activities such as field trips, school outings, sports teams or extra-curricular programs. Most schools have on-site cafeterias where students can purchase meals, but many students bring their own lunch and snacks to school. Depending on the school, students may be allowed to leave the school premises during lunch or break times to go to a nearby plaza to purchase meals.

    The private school system charges tuition fees and other fees for uniform and boarding (if you live in their residence) for everyone who enrolls, regardless of whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student. Tuition fees for private schools tend to be higher due to the lower student-to-teacher ratio and smaller class sizes, but fees may vary by school and region. Please contact the school directly for enrollment and information on fees.

     

    Sources

    Statistics Canada. Academic Outcomes of Public and Private High School Students: What Lies Behind the Differences? Publication #11F0019M, no. 367. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11f0019m/11f0019m2015367-eng.htm

  • Working from Home vs. Working in Office: A Close Look into Their Advantages and Disadvantages

    Working from Home vs. Working in Office: A Close Look into Their Advantages and Disadvantages

    Even before COVID-19 barged into our lives, Canadians weren’t exactly strangers to the work-from-home concept. In fact, according to Statista.com, 20 percent of the working population were already working from home even in pre-COVID times. Of course, this number had an exponential growth following the government mandates to curb the spread of the virus in the country and everywhere else.

    At the height of the pandemic, this number rose to 40 percent according to research by Statistics Canada. Out of those who have worked from home since the start of the pandemic, 80 percent said they’d rather not return to the office. Instead, they prefer to continue to work from home, though some were agreeable to a hybrid set-up where they can work from home for a few days a week and only head to the office for pertinent matters like client or team meetings.

    Productivity Levels

    Initially, there was reluctance for a majority of employers to allow remote work for their employees due to productivity concerns. However, a study by Tahsin Mehdi and René Morissette revealed that 90 per cent of respondents reported their productivity was on par with when they worked on the business premises.

    In fact, some employees reported that remote work even increased their productivity levels as they didn’t have to deal with the commute to go to work. On average, employees gained back 35 per cent of their time because of working remotely.

    Work-Life Balance

    Working from home also allowed employees more opportunities to achieve a better work-life balance. Since they primarily stayed at home, they got to spend more time with their loved ones. This was especially important for those with kids, as they were there with them for online study sessions and other school-related or extracurricular activities. For some, this also meant saving on expensive day care costs.

    Because of the flexibility, remote workers also enjoyed the benefits of taking breaks when they can or indulging in homemade treats like a cup of coffee or baked goods whenever they felt like.

    For animal lovers, being allowed to work from home also led them to go for something they held off on for so long because of the time spent at the office and commute to work: adopting a pet. It’s said that nearly three out of ten Canadians decided to be a pet parent during the pandemic. Pets are effective in alleviating stress, especially work-related.

    Social Connections

    Working from home is not without its challenges, however. There was the issue of the limitations to build team rapport online and the lack of social interactions because virtual meetings were often reserved for discussing work-related matters. The lack of watercooler talks to exchange chats on weekend activities or TV shows one’s currently binging on were being felt by employees who were used to enjoying these small talks during their office breaks.

    Because of the lack of social interaction, an article in The Atlantic reported that some people shared they were prone to feeling isolated due to fully remote work.

    No Delineation Between Work and Home

    In the same article, some people also claimed that mixing work responsibilities along with personal ones while they were working from home also took a toll on their mental health and caused them stress and anxiety. The overlap sometimes led to distractions and resulted in loss of focus. Some also felt burned out because they tended to work beyond the normal office hours.

    When working onsite, you’re able to turn your full attention to work. And when the clock hits 5:00 p.m., and your colleagues start to leave, you’re also motivated to leave on time and leave the tasks for the next day.

    Remote work versus office work will always have its own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, it’s up to each person to find workarounds to ensure that either option offers them an ideal work environment, so they can fulfill their duties and tasks efficiently while practicing self-care at the same time.

     

    Sources

    Brooks, Arthur C. “The Hidden Toll of Remote Work.” The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/04/zoom-remote-work-loneliness-happiness/618473/.

    Broom, Douglas. “4 ways to revive office socializing when working from home.” World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/revive-office-socializing-work-from-home/

    Burr, Britanny. “New Study Reveals The Reasons That Canadians Don’t Want To Go Back To Working In-Person.” Narcity. https://www.narcity.com/going-back-to-work-heres-why-canadians-dont-want-to-go-back-to-in-person-work#toggle-gdpr.

    Caramela, Sammi. “Working From Home Increases Productivity.” Business News Daily. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15259-working-from-home-more-productive.html

    Evans, Pete. “As employees return to the office, the much-hyped hybrid model faces acid test: Does it work?” CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/hybrid-work-office-return-1.6393222.

    Jeudy, Lucie. “Distribution of work in home office or at workplace before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada as of 2020.” Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1230526/remote-work-policies-before-and-after-covid-19-in-canada/.

    Langton, James. “StatsCan reports numbers on working from home.” Investment Executive. https://www.investmentexecutive.com/news/research-and-markets/statscan-reports-numbers-on-working-from-home/.

  • Come On, Get Happy: 5 Blissful Ways to Mark the International Day of Happiness on March 20

    Come On, Get Happy: 5 Blissful Ways to Mark the International Day of Happiness on March 20

    What does it take to be happy?

    Well, this can be a great conversation point, and we have the whole month of March to have this discussion. In fact, March 20th is the United Nations International Day of Happiness, a global celebration launched by Action for Happiness, which is a non-profit group of people spanning 160 countries.

    The road to having an International Day of Happiness was rather a long one. It started back in 2011 when the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which established happiness as a “fundamental human goal” and called for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”

    In 2012, the first-ever UN conference on Happiness happened, and the UN General Assembly decreed that the International Day of Happiness is to be observed annually on the 20th of March. In 2013, the day was celebrated for the first time ever.

    We’ve been weighed down due to the pandemic and other troubles, and it could be straining to focus on happiness when we all have questions about our health and everyone else’s. So how exactly can you build back happier? Here are great tips to start with:

    1. Reach out to family and friends.

    Having a quick chat with your loved ones about how your day is going can make a difference between a good and bad day. So make it a habit when you get free time between your studies and your work to check in with your family and friends whom you don’t regularly get to talk to or meet up with. It’s always great to catch up with each other, and you have the reassurance that someone’s always there, ready to give you a big hug.

    1. Practice gratitude in your daily life.

    Most people think that you need to be happy to be grateful, but it’s the other way around. Being grateful leads to happiness. It can be a wonderful gesture of writing thank you notes to those in your life who’ve been there with you through the hard times, or something simple like letting them know how thankful you are you have them in your life. Incorporating the practice of gratitude in your life helps, too. Always say thank you to the Uber driver who delivers your food or the transit driver who lets you off at your designated stop.

    1. Volunteer your time for a cause you believe in.

    Reaching out to an organization which promotes a cause you have a strong belief in can help you build happiness back. It can be a food bank or a pet shelter. When you put others’ needs ahead of your own, you’ll feel a sense of happiness that can’t easily be replicated by material things like a new purse or a concert ticket to a favourite music artist. Your time is valuable, and when you choose to spend it to help others, it’s your way of saying you value them and they’ll be grateful for the gesture.

    1. Take care of yourself.

    You can’t be happy on the outside if you’re feeling rotten on the inside, and this can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Binging on shows and movies way into mid-morning, filling yourself with nothing but junk food, and staying seated on the couch even when it’s a good day to take a walk outside are negative habits that won’t do any favours for you. Allotting a screentime schedule and sticking to it, opting for healthy snacks, and going for a walk are great ways to kick off a healthy lifestyle, and before you know it, you’ll start feeling good inside.

    1. Don’t forget about the little things.

    You don’t need to be booking a vacation to Ibiza or getting a purse ahead of its market release to feel happy. Sometimes, looking into the little things that we already have can bring that much-needed burst of happiness. It can be something as simple as drinking a cup of coffee prepared by a friend, or the bar of chocolate you forgot you stashed in your backpack for a much-needed sugar fill. Stopping to smell the roses is a cliché for a reason. Sometimes you really do need to take a step back and look around you to get an idea of what you truly have, and you’ll feel happy.

    Thinking about being happy during these times of lockdowns and restrictions can be emotionally draining, but it’s actually possible if you allow yourself to make the effort. Now, which of the tips above would you start with to build your happiness back?

     

    Sources 

    Borad, Shubh. “Five New Things That Make Me Happy During COVID.” Western University. https://www.uwo.ca/se/thrive/blog/2021/five_new_things_that_make_me_happy_during_covid.html

    Brower, Tracy. “Gratitude Is A Key To Happiness: 4 Reasons Why.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2021/04/25/gratitude-is-a-key-to-happiness-4-reasons-why/?sh=3d9755f0347c

    Happiness.com. “When is the International Day of Happiness?” https://www.happiness.com/magazine/inspiration-spirituality/international-day-of-happiness/

    Law, Tara. “5 Ways to Feel Happier During the Pandemic, According to Science.” Time. https://time.com/6130871/happiness-wellbeing-pandemic/

  • March Break Activity Ideas!

    March Break Activity Ideas!

    By Maryam Sheikh

    With March Break coming up, you might already be planning for your week off. There is a lot to do, whether it is indoors, outdoors, with your friends or with family. In this article, I will share some fun activities to keep you busy during the March Break!

    Searching the City

    1. Make a trip to your local library. Many cities hold programs throughout the week that appeal to a variety of age groups. Register to watch an animal or magic show, make some arts and crafts, learn a new skill, or play board games with new friends.
    2. Talk to your parents or guardians about planning a day out. Many science centres, museums, art galleries, and play spaces have extended hours during the break. There are a lot of cool places to check out around the city.
    3. A place I always enjoyed visiting over the break when I was younger was my local Chapters bookstore. Every year, they had different activities taking place every day of the week, whether it was a read-aloud, craft activity, or game day. I encourage you to take a look at their website and see if there are any locations near you.

    At Home

    1. Use your days off to unleash your inner chef! Search online for snacks, meals, and dessert recipes to plan a meal for the family. Pick a theme- foods from around the world, meals that revolve around a colour, or try making your favorite dish. Time to impress your loved ones!
    2. Want to get your creative juices flowing? Pick a topic, and record your own podcast! Interview your parents, friends, and family members about a topic you are interested in. If you prefer taking videos, create a short film or stop motion – the options are endless.
    3. Throw a popcorn party for your friends. If there’s a show or movie you want to watch, invite them over and have everyone bring a different snack. Hold a character costume contest to see who dresses up the best!

    The Great Outdoors

    1. Ready, set, photograph! Organize a photo scavenger hunt to complete throughout the week. Make a list of things to photograph outside: letters of the alphabet to find made in nature, or objects for every colour of the rainbow. If you are hanging out with a group, split off into teams and see who can get photos of all the objects first. This is a good way to practise your photography skills and have fun.
    2. Canada still tends to be chilly during the March break, but that is no reason not to go outside and enjoy some outdoor activities. There are ski hills and skating rinks in many cities, so look up schedules online, grab your gear, and go for a skate or ski trip.

    March Break is a great time to unwind, relax, and focus on some hobbies and fun activities. Take the week to enjoy time with friends and family and prepare to return to school with more energy than ever!

  • March Break Activities to Do in Alberta

    March Break Activities to Do in Alberta

    If you are a student in post-secondary, you are probably more than ready for a well-deserved break by the time March Break rolls around. However, luxury vacations in exotic places may not always be an option, especially for students. So, what March break activities are available for Alberta students without having to venture past the province’s boundaries? Here is a guide for some fun and unique March Break activities to do in Alberta.

    Visit the Rocky Mountains.

    Skiers and snowboarders from all around the globe travel great lengths to visit the beautiful Alberta Rocky Mountains. Luckily, you have the luxury of visiting some of the world’s best exhilarating slopes right in your own province. Experience some of the most breathtaking natural wonders Alberta has to offer, all while getting some fresh air and having a great time. Skiing and snowboarding not really your style? Not a problem! From soaking up Banff’s year-round natural hot springs, visiting local shops, or adventuring on a hike, the Rocky Mountains offer an activity for everyone’s preference. Visit the websites below for more information on activities in Banff, Jasper, Canmore and Lake Louise.

    https://www.banff.com

    http://www.jasper.travel

    http://canmore.ca

    https://www.skilouise.com

    Take a museum, art gallery or conservatory tour in some of Alberta’s major cities.

    If you’re interested in staying indoors this March break, why not add a little bit of art and history into your break. Take a trip to one of Alberta’s major cities and visit some of the art galleries, museums and conservatories they have to offer. (Please note, not all galleries in each city are listed. For a complete list, visit each individual city official website)

    Edmonton: https://www.edmonton.ca

    Calgary:  http://www.visitcalgary.com

    Jasper: http://www.jasper.travel

    Drumheller http://www.dinosaurvalley.com

    Grand Prairie http://www.cityofgp.com

    Medicine Hat http://www.medicinehat.ca

    Shop, Swim, Swing and Stay at North America’s largest shopping mall; West Edmonton Mall.

    Looking to hit an indoor beach this March break? Is the idea of riding the world’s largest indoor roller coaster is your idea of the perfect holiday? Maybe shopping at over 800 stores has peaked your interest. If so, take a trip down to Alberta’s capital city and visit West Edmonton Mall! Is Edmonton too far for just a day trip? Not to worry, West Edmonton Mall is home to the Fantasy Land Hotel; a hotel built right inside the mall so you can stay as long as you need.

    http://www.wem.ca

    Visit one of Calgary’s largest attractions; CrossIron Mills.

    Looking to get some shopping done at outlet store prices? Calgary’s CrossIron Mills Outlet Mall is home to 100 outlets and 200 stores. Looking to save big bucks? If you’re visiting from out of town, CrossIron Mills can help make that happen. Ask the mall’s guest services desk about their savings booklet program. This little booklet offers savings to those with a mailing address at least 60 km outside of Calgary. (Picture ID required)

    https://www.crossironmills.com

    Decided on a trip to Edmonton or Calgary? Stay and watch a hockey game.

    Love hockey? Want to cheer on one of Alberta’s NHL teams in person? Watch the Oilers in action at the newly built Rogers Place arena in Edmonton, or catch the Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary.

    http://www.scotiabanksaddledome.com

    http://www.rogersplace.com

    Feeling Adventurous? Try…

    • Ice climbing! Located in Canmore and the Canadian Rockies, programs range from beginner to expert level climbing. Depending on temperature and avalanche conditions, this exciting activity runs up until early April. For more information, visit the link below. https://yamnuska.com/ice-climbing
    • Walk Through an Ice Castle! Located in Edmonton, take a magical tour through this beautiful castle made of ice. https://yamnuska.com/ice-climbing

    Search by category for all the unique experiences Alberta has to offer on the travel Alberta website. https://www.travelalberta.com

  • February 2026 Scholarships – Apply now!

    February 2026 Scholarships – Apply now!

    Arts & Humanities Neen Hodgins Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $80,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 14, 2026

    James Jenkins President’s Entrance Scholarship for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: February 14, 2026

    SPIE Optics and Photonics Education Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $11,000
    Awards Available: 72
    Award Deadline: February 15, 2026

    Commerce 1981 Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $40,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 15, 2026

    Ontario Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: February 28, 2026

    Trent University Prestigious Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 20
    Award Deadline: February 28, 2026

    Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Rodney Cooper Bursary in Computer Science
    Scholarship Value: $2,500
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    MacLauchlan McKenzie Scholarship in Computer Science
    Scholarship Value: $4,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Jean Caya Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,200
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026 (estimated)

    Carleton University Prestige Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 24
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Richard Lewar Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $21,500
    Awards Available: 7
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Quest for Excellence Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 40
    Award Deadline: March 6, 2026

    BEGIN Program
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 3
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 125
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Jean Chretien Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Torquil H. Burns Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $450
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2026

    Bill Eansor Award
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2026

    Air Base Property Corporation Entrance Award
    Scholarship Value: N/A
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: May 31, 2026

    Grant and Jack Burton Entrance Bursary
    Scholarship Value: $300
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: May 31, 2026

    Algonquin College Tuition Contest
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: July 31, 2026

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing