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William Watson Lodge Articles

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The Best Autism Retreat - Ultimate Guide to William Watson Lodge, Kananaskis

This amazing getaway in the Canadian Rockies provides a fully accessible retreat for those with special needs. Our family of 6 (3 with autism) love spending time on the paved trails, playground, the lake shore and in the fully stocked cabins. Alberta is truly stunning and should be enjoyed by all.

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An Inside Look at the Gorgeous Cabins of William Watson Lodge, Kananaskis

William Watson Lodge is the perfect autism getaway. It’s meant to give special needs families a place to experience camping and the outdoors while catering to their individual needs. As a parent of 3 autistic kids I love bringing my family to Kananaskis in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Alberta travel and vacations are becoming some of our favourites.

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William Watson Lodge, Kananaskis - The Main Building

William Watson Lodge is a special needs outdoor experience for Alberta residence. The main lodge is a place where people can hold events, borrow activities and equipment, do their laundry, enjoy beautiful mountain views, make coffee, check the weather local trails, make phone calls, etc. Special needs and autism friendly travel.

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Where to Shop and Eat in Kananaskis, Alberta

While exploring Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies you’ll need to know the local stores, gas stations and restaurants. My autistic kids all enjoyed these stores and we loved getting treats together. The Rocky Mountains in Alberta are breathtaking and a must see for everyones travel bucket list. Special needs and autism friendly travel.

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The Very Best Autism Getaway - William Watson Lodge, Kananaskis

This amazing getaway in the Canadian Rockies provides a fully accessible retreat for those with special needs. Our family of 6 (3 with autism) loves spending time on the paved trails, playground, the lake shore and in the fully stocked cabins. Alberta is truly stunning and should be enjoyed by all.

Read more →

Join the Joyful Tribe

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Hello!

I’m Kate and I’m a mom of four. Since 2010 we’ve had one baby born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and three children diagnosed with autism. Parenting certainly hasn’t been what I was expecting - it’s been harder (like A LOT harder) and much more wonderful. My world has expanded and knowledge deepened as I’ve spent the last decade raising these four special kids. Supporting other moms of autistic and cleft children is my passion. Here you’ll find information, strategies and first hand experiences to help you navigate these special challenges on-the-go and in your own home.

More About Kate

Alberta has diverse landscapes and unique terrain. While camping with our autistic children at Dinosaur Provincial Park we captured some truly stunning views. The brightly coloured sunsets illuminating the rugged land were beyond spectacular. Travelling with neurodiverse children isn’t always easy but worth it since we get to enjoy these breathtaking views together as a family.

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Ultimate Guide to Dinosaur Provincial Park

Come hike, camp and explore Albertas completely unique landscape at Dinosaur Provincial Park. Find out all about Canadas badlands in this ultimate guide; what it is, where it is, where to stay, where to eat, what fun there is to do and more. Our neurodiverse family of six, including three autistic children, enjoyed every moment of our family vacation in this dinosaur haven. Get the best travel tips, tricks, hacks and guides to make your next autism family vacation easy and memorable.

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Dinosaur Provincial Park Campground

Come camp and enjoy Albertas completely unique Badland landscape. Alberta is truly stunning and should be enjoyed by all.

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Heart Creek Bunker Trail Near Banff, Canada

This exciting hike leads right to a Cold War bunker which was abandoned decades ago. Kids and adults alike enjoyed this moderately easy hike through forests along a mountain side. Since it’s close to Banff, Canmore and Calgary it’s a easily accessible and fun walk for the whole family. Five hikers in our group have autism and they all loved it. Alberta is truly stunning and should be enjoyed by all - both neurotypical and neurodivergent people.

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Going to the Movies? 15 Pro Tips Every Autism Parent Should Know

15 amazing strategies that make going to the movies with your special needs child a total breeze. Our autistic children use to struggle at the movie theatre but not anymore. These autism tips and tricks are essential for all autism parents and caregivers.

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13 Secrets to a Stress Free Autism Halloween

Those on the autism spectrum and kids with other special needs often struggle with Halloween. Here are 13 must have tried and true secrets to a successful autism Halloween.

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What is Autism Sensory Overload?

Most kids with autism struggle with sensory overload. It effects behaviour, speech & language, friendships, education and pretty much every other aspect of their lives. Unfortunately, many parents and caregivers know very little about this crucial part of being autistic - don’t be one of them and read on.

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An Inside Look at the Gorgeous Cabins of William Watson Lodge, Kananaskis

William Watson Lodge is the perfect autism getaway. It’s meant to give special needs families a place to experience camping and the outdoors while catering to their individual needs. As a parent of 3 autistic kids I love bringing my family to Kananaskis in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Alberta travel and vacations are becoming some of our favourites.

Read more →

William Watson Lodge, Kananaskis - The Main Building

William Watson Lodge is a special needs outdoor experience for Alberta residence. The main lodge is a place where people can hold events, borrow activities and equipment, do their laundry, enjoy beautiful mountain views, make coffee, check the weather local trails, make phone calls, etc. Special needs and autism friendly travel.

Read more →

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Becoming a Special Needs Parent, Welcome to Holland

Welcome to Holland is an insightful poem highlighting the experience of becoming a special needs parent. Every parent should read this poem, especially those with autistic or cleft children. Being an autism parent is like living in a foreign land you were unprepared for, but you are not alone, so many of us are right there with you.

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To the Woman Behind Me in the Check Out,

Yes, I was that mom. I brought my wild boys to the grocery store to get food for dinner. They were rowdy and my son with autism was dis-regulated. As a special needs mom of four I was exhausted and at the end of my rope. This letter is to the woman who watched me struggle.

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New Autism Diagnosis? Important Steps That Will Make Life Easier

A new autism diagnosis can be daunting and stressful. After having 3 children diagnosed with autism I’ve learned a few things. This is my best parenting advice to help you adjust to the new diagnosis with confidence, peace and joy.

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Autism Diagnosis - Third Times the Charm

Hearing the words “autism” from a specialist is never easy, even if you’ve been through it before. This is my experience with getting my 2 year old diagnosed. A raw reaction to the stress and heartbreak when becoming a special needs mom

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The Genius Packing Method that Makes Vacation Mornings Stress-Free!

The very best packing method - simple for kids and makes mornings a breeze. Save time, space and energy by using this genius hack for the whole family. Let me tell you, this is a game changer you don't want to miss. My special needs kids love this type of packing! Autism friendly travel.

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William Watson Lodge, Kananaskis - The Main Building

The Main Lodge

Outside the Main Lodge

Laundry Room

William Watson Lodge Articles

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