Alberta's Badlands. (Clipart.com)

Q: Besides being fixated on computer games, our grandchildren have discovered the world of geocaching. We're planning a road trip across the Alberta Badlands with them this summer and I thought it might be fun if there were some geocaching sights along the way. Do you have any suggestions?

-- Best, W. Griffin, Oshawa

A: You are in luck. the Canadian Badlands Geocaching association (cbgeocaching.ca) specializes in this area. They are in the process of updating their website, so bookmark it for a later date to check out drive routes with geocaching sights.

This summer is a fabulous time to visit as Alberta geocache enthusiasts have a couple of events planned. In June, an educational exhibit called the Maze will open in three hills. Each of the Maze's three main rooms -- tools of Discovery, Modern Explorer and Discovering the Canadian Badlands -- is dedicated to a different interactive science experience. Once the grandkids have explored indoors, they can head outside to the training course and use GPS units (supplied) to find nearby geocaches. On July 16, a geocache festival called Best of the Bad Mega Event starts. Go to bestofthebad.ca for info on pre-registration (required).

Q: Ottawa's been on our radar for a while. What's available for a quick family getaway?

-- L. Nadeau, Toronto

A: With its wealth of attractions Ottawa is a great family destination. Currently Ottawa tourism and its hotel partners have an accommodation deal. Travellers who book before March 31 get a third night free at select properties across the city. Contact Ottawa tourism toll-free at 1-800-363- 4465 or visit them at ottawatourism.ca for details on this and other offers.

Send travel questions to ilona@mycompass.ca