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Romantic Things To Do On Valentines Day In Canada

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many of you are likely trying to think of romantic things to do or see. Valentine’s Day in Canada is right in the middle of winter, which typically means cold weather and lots of snow. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. In fact, sparkling snow can be just what it takes to create that magically romantic winter wonderland. You may want to sleep under the Yukon Northern Lights or admire them from the Northwest Territories. You may want to take a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls or go winter wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Maybe you want to check out live theatre in the big city of Toronto or go for a graffiti tour in trendy Montreal. Whatever it is, there’s something for everyone in Canada.

Valentines Day in Canada

So whether you choose to ditch the roses and chocolate altogether or bring them with you on an unforgettable adventure, here are 14 ideas for things to do on Valentines Day in Canada. [Read more…] about Romantic Things To Do On Valentines Day In Canada

Ice Magic Festival at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Ice Magic Festival Lake Louise — First place winner for 2019 – Ice Queen Treasures

Skiing at Lake Louise is always an amazing experience but when the Ice Magic Festival is in town, the experience becomes, well, magical.

Ice carvers from all around the world gather outside the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise from Wednesday to Friday to create a stunning piece of ice art in approximately 34 hours (three days). When I say they come from around the world, I really mean it. I’ve seen ice carvers from Iraq, Mexico, Malaysia, Latvia, Russia, Canada, and the USA, just to name a few. They come all the way to Lake Louise, Alberta to show off their skills at turning blocks of ice into stunning masterpieces.

It’s a popular time to visit Lake Louise. Not only do you get the beauty of Lake Louise and the Rocky Mountains, but you get the additional beauty of the ice sculptures. The actual event where the carvers make their art takes place for only three days, but the festival continues for almost two weeks. If you can’t make it during the event though, they do leave the ice sculptures up until they are deemed unsafe. [Read more…] about Ice Magic Festival at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Lake Superior Circle Tour in Canada

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

(This story was originally written by Kristal of adventuredawgs.ca and has been expanded to create a more extensive guide to the area. All photos by Kristal unless otherwise mentioned.)

Over the years, my dogs and I have driven all over Canada and the United States, visited both oceans, and several mountain ranges. In spite of all the amazing places we have been privileged to explore, my favourite part of Canada is still the Trans-Canada Highway, or Highway 17, between Sault Ste. Marie (affectionately called “the Soo”) and Thunder Bay (or T-Bay).

With so many things to do and places to see around massive Lake Superior, the best way to see it all is to do the Lake Superior Circle Tour, which takes place in both Canada and the USA and makes for a wonderful Lake Superior vacation. However, for this article, we’re going to focus on the Canada-side of the tour. Maybe we can call it the Lake Superior Half Circle Tour?

Let’s begin. [Read more…] about Lake Superior Circle Tour in Canada

Things To Do in Calgary, Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey

Although Calgary’s biggest draws might be the Calgary Stampede or its proximity to the Canadian Rockies, there’s actually a lot of things to do in Calgary that have nothing to do with those two things. In fact, Calgary is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by prairies, foothills, and mountains – combined with a dazzling city skyline and two beautiful rivers snaking their way through the city.

So, whether you’re looking for fun things to do in Calgary for adults, things to do in Calgary with kids, or cheap things to do in Calgary, here is a list of fun things to do in Calgary! [Read more…] about Things To Do in Calgary, Alberta

Things To Do In Canmore

By Matthew G. Bailey

If there was an award for the most beautiful mountain town in Canada, Canmore would likely take the title. Fringed by the towering Canadian Rocky Mountains, Canmore sits in one of the most beautiful locations on Earth, just minutes from world-famous Banff National Park.

While it has become very popular over the years, Canmore is basically the “local” version of Banff. Whereas Banff was specifically designed for tourists and caters to millions of people each and every year, Canmore is the town where locals live, which is a mere 15-minute drive from Banff and about 60-minutes from Calgary.

It’s just as beautiful as Banff and is close enough to be another option for accommodation and sightseeing.

Things To Do In Canmore Alberta Canada

With such close proximity to Banff National Park, the Kananaskis, and the stunning Icefields Parkway, there are many things to do in Canmore and the surrounding area. While there are four seasons in Canada, the most distinctly different seasons are summer and winter, so we will separate all the things to do in Canmore between these two seasons. [Read more…] about Things To Do In Canmore

How to Get the Best Views of Niagara Falls

By Matthew G. Bailey

best views of niagara falls ontario canada — *Take a cruise at Niagara Falls. Photo by Matthew G. Bailey.*

As one of Canada’s most popular natural attractions, Niagara Falls has been attracting visitors for more than a century. Some even consider it one of the world’s natural wonders. It is a very beautiful place and a very popular place to visit, both on the Canadian side and on the American side.

As you may know, Niagara Falls splits the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA. You can view the falls from both the American side and the Canadian side but, in our humble opinion, the best way to see them is from the Canadian side. This is where you can get up close and personal with Horseshoe Falls, the most impressive of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the one you’ve all seen in photos. However, there’s also American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

Before we get into how to get the best views of Niagara Falls Canada, I wanted to share some cool facts about Niagara Falls with you.

The 3 waterfalls (Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil) combine to produce the highest flow rate of any waterfall on earth.
The largest vertical drop is over 50 metres (165 feet).
The Niagara Falls are a major source of hydropower, producing a lot of electricity
Although the force of Niagara Falls is controlled, they let it go strong during the popular summer months, when up to six million cubic metres of water flows over the crest each minute.
Niagara Falls occurs as water drains from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario.
If erosion continues at its current rate, scientists believe that Niagara Falls will be gone in approximately 50,000 years. Get there fast!
Roughly 30 Million people visit Niagara Falls each year
People have gone over the falls, despite it being illegal to do so. Some have even survived, but many were injured or killed.
People have tight-roped across the falls. First in 1859, and again in 2012.
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular things to do in Ontario.

As you can see, Niagara Falls has been a source of inspiration for years, whether that inspiration has been to go over them and survive or simply kick back and enjoy the wonderful views.

If you do make it to this beautiful area, there are many different ways to see Niagara Falls. [Read more…] about How to Get the Best Views of Niagara Falls

22 Places to Experience Christmas in Canada

By Matthew G. Bailey

In the winter, Canada is truly a winter wonderland. It’s the epitome of what we all imagine a white Christmas to be. Most landscapes are covered in soft white snow while sparkling snowflakes fall from the sky to create a magical atmosphere that many only see in the movies. Sure, the summers are beautiful and warm, but the winters are truly unique and special.

Growing up in Fort.McMurray, Alberta, a small Northern Alberta town, we had long cold winters that felt like forever at times. However, we also had some of the best Northern Lights displays in the world, and walking home underneath the Aurora made the long winters worth it. Even when it was -40 Celcius and truly too cold for comfort, I enjoyed seeing the air sparkle.

In contrast, my family-in-law is from Mexico City. They aren’t from the coast but still, they only get the dry season and the rainy season. It never snows. When they visited us during the Christmas holidays, however, they loved it. It was so different for them. One day, it began to snow and my mother-in-law caught a snowflake in her hand. She almost cried. She didn’t know that snowflakes actually do have the shape that we see in movies and TV commercials. Each snowflake really is unique. [Read more…] about 22 Places to Experience Christmas in Canada

Unique Canadian Wine – Tantalizing Tastebuds in Three Wine Regions of Canada

By Matt Browman

If you’re already visiting wine country, you may as well venture off the main tasting routes of icewine, chardonnay, riesling, cabernet, and the pinots and try some truly unique wines from truly unique people. And these aren’t your “we do it differently but they taste weird” wines. These are outstanding examples from proven masters.

Whether you’re in looking for Okanagan wine tours, Niagara wine tours, or Nova Scotia wine tours, these three wineries will introduce you to something different.

Best Things To Do in Banff National Park, Canada

By Matthew G. Bailey

Canada’s first national park is also the busiest. A “fairytale” mountain town surrounded by towering mountain peaks, Banff is a favourite amongst everyone who visits. Attracting approximately 3-4 million visitors each and every year, it’s no secret that Banff is a tourist town. But that’s okay. With that comes a variety of hotels, activities, bars, and restaurants. Oh, and plenty of souvenir shops as well.

Where is Banff National Park

Banff, Alberta is located just 125 kilometres west of downtown Calgary, Alberta. Many people, including tourists and locals, arrive in Banff from this fast-growing city but you can also come from British Columbia to the east (and south) or from Jasper to the north. It’s easily accessible right off the Trans-Canada highway. There are no airports, so if you’re flying in, Calgary would be best.

Banff National Park Weather

The weather in Banff varies quite a bit between seasons. In the summer, you can expect highs of +25 Celcius and as low as -40 Celcius in the winter. In the summer, you’ll have long nights where the sun doesn’t set until 10 PM. In the winter, the sun will set around 5 PM. Each season has pro’s and con’s, but as long as you have the right clothes, each season is truly awesome in their own way. [Read more…] about Best Things To Do in Banff National Park, Canada

Best Things to Do in Whistler Winter Activities

By Nicole Louise

things to do in whistler village — Extensive lift system on Whistler Mountain – Photo provided by Tourism Whistler and taken by photographer Mike Crane.

I have been skiing regularly in Whistler for 17 years now. What a privilege! A Whistler winter is one of the most beautiful and thrilling experiences you can have. Beyond being in awe of the spectacular surroundings, there is a phenomenal amount of Whistler winter activities in which you can participate. In this article, I am going to share five of my favourites, all of which could easily be a Whistler day trip from Vancouver. [Read more…] about Best Things to Do in Whistler Winter Activities