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Articles

Drive From Calgary to Vancouver

December 3, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

At the end of the drive from Calgary to Vancouver, there are lots of things to do in Vancouver.

Last updated: November 23rd, 2022

When it comes to choosing a Canada road trip, it can be a tough decision as there are so many options from coast to coast to coast. But for road trips that are less than 12 hours in length (drive time without stops), few can rival the drive from Calgary to Vancouver. On this 975-kilometre journey, you’ll pass through the foothills, the Canadian Rockies, the towns of Banff and Canmore, and multiple national parks, lakes, rivers, and quaint mountain towns before arriving at the Pacific Ocean. You’ll also get to see two beautiful Canadian cities: Calgary and Vancouver. Plus, you can go slightly off the Trans-Canada and experience one of Canada’s most prominent wine regions: the Okanagan valley. Yes, indeed, this road trip pretty much has it all.

Whether you start in Calgary or in Vancouver, it doesn’t really matter. It’s the same trip either way. What does matter is that you don’t limit yourself to a 12-hour drive without stops. Take some time, spend some nights, explore the area, and create some memories on this beautiful drive from Calgary to Vancouver.

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The ULTIMATE Guide to Things To Do in Jasper

December 3, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 10 Comments

best things to do in alberta
An aerial view of Jasper National Park reveals the beautiful fall colours.

Things to Do in Jasper Last updated: February 15th, 2024

Located a little further off the “beaten track”, Jasper is like a smaller, more local Banff. Nestled at the north end of the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park, Jasper is surrounded by vast valleys, towering mountain peaks, and hordes of wildlife. If you’re looking for a quieter version of Banff, this is it.

Just like Banff, Jasper is an epic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find Alberta’s tallest mountain, stunning Maligne Lake and Instagram-famous Spirit Island, the world’s second-largest dark sky preserve, more than 1,200 kilometres of hiking trails, and the incredible Jasper SkyTram. There’s also a variety of delicious restaurants, accommodations, and souvenir shops – everything a traveller could want.

In this guide, we’ll describe all the things to do in Jasper so that you can plan the best trip ever.

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Exploring the Arctic From Canada to Greenland

November 26, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

Greenland Iceberg

Iceberg, straight ahead!

Unlike for the Titanic, however, this was actually good news. After all, we all wanted to see icebergs and now we had one cruising right by our ship. I took a long, admiring look at it and then whipped out my camera to get some photos. After it went by, another one cruised by on the other side of the ship. I ran over to see that one as well. It was a little bigger and had some interesting crevices that had such a deep blue colour. This time, I whipped out my binoculars as well to get an up-close look at it. Then I noticed another one right behind it. Then two more were coming on the other side. Suddenly, there were hundreds of icebergs. Some were cruising by, quite close to the ship. Others were in the far distance, dotting the seascape like giant ice cubes. I couldn’t believe my eyes. No matter where I looked out at sea, there were dozens of icebergs. I thought back to some of the trips I had taken to Newfoundland in hopes of seeing icebergs and feeling so lucky to see one or two. Now, I had hundreds of icebergs surrounding me, flowing by under a clear, blue sky. It was incredibly gorgeous. [Read more…] about Exploring the Arctic From Canada to Greenland

Calgary to Banff

November 26, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Calgary to Banff Downtown

Last updated: April 2nd, 2023

As Calgarians, we drive to Banff a lot. After all, it’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth and it’s only 1.5 hours away! Banff is the main town within Banff National Park, Canada’s first, largest, and most visited National Park. For anyone travelling to this side of Canada, Banff and the Canadian Rockies, in general, are an absolute Must-Do!

There are so many things to do in Banff. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, fishing, scenic road trips, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, or general sightseeing tours, Banff has something for everyone. While we certainly recommend spending some time to experience some of the incredible things to do in Calgary as well, the goal of many visitors is to make it out to this natural gem.

However, you might be wondering how to go from Calgary to Banff. In this article, we’re going to share with you all the different ways you can make it out to Banff, Canmore, and beyond. [Read more…] about Calgary to Banff

Exploring Canada’s High Arctic in Nunavut

November 12, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 8 Comments

Pond Inlet Inuit Sod House

We had just gone to bed. It was after midnight and the sunlight was still shining through the tiny portion of our window that wasn’t covered by our curtain. It didn’t even feel like we were on a ship. There was no motion. No swaying left to right or right to left. Just stillness. It had been a long day of both adventure and education. We had learned from experts about the history and biology of the area we were visiting. We had met a handful of the 150+ people we’d be sharing the experience with over 12 days. We had seen a variety of incredible landscapes and bird colonies. But now it was time to rest. After all, we’d be going on another adventure tomorrow.

It seemed like I had just closed my eyes when the PA-system came on.”Ladies and gentlemen, sorry to wake you, but we’ve spotted a mother walrus and her calf on a piece of flow-ice.” Just like that, we were putting back on our pants, socks, shoes, and jackets. We grabbed our binoculars, and our camera and made our way to the deck to see what all the fuss was about. [Read more…] about Exploring Canada’s High Arctic in Nunavut

Exploring Saskatchewan’s Big Muddy Badlands

October 29, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

Big Muddy Badlands of Saskatchewan

In a land that often gets criticized for being so flat, Big Muddy’s Castle Butte rises up to challenge that misconception. Located in Big Muddy Valley, Castle Butte is just one of the attractions that inspire people to visit here from all over the world (Don’t let that scare you though. You certainly won’t find crowds). In fact, It was mainly Castle Butte that encouraged us to visit the area, but after taking a full-day guided tour, we were equally impressed by everything else we saw and experienced.

It all starts in a little town called Coronach. This is where a small team of locals offers guided tours of the Big Muddy badlands. With many of the attractions being located on private land, not to mention all the historical information you’d miss out on, guided tours are really the only way to do it. [Read more…] about Exploring Saskatchewan’s Big Muddy Badlands

Exploring Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

October 15, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 7 Comments

badlands camping in Grasslands National Park

Having travelled across all of Canada, we’ve seen a lot of impressive national parks. From hiking mountains in Banff National Park to walking on the Earth’s mantle in Gros Morne National Park, there are so many incredible things to do in Canada from coast to coast to coast.

When I first looked into Grasslands National Park, I wasn’t sure what to think. For one, there are basically no trees and it’s small and relatively flat. It doesn’t have mountains or oceans or waterfalls. However, it’s the only national park dedicated to preserving prairie grasslands, is home to wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the country, and is the darkest Dark Sky Preserve in Canada. It’s also somewhat “off the beaten track”, which makes it very quiet compared to world-famous parks like Banff and Jasper.

So, we decided to include it in our 150-day Canada road trip back in 2017 and I’m so happy we did. Grasslands National Park is incredibly beautiful and has quickly become one of our favourite places to visit in Canada. in fact, we loved it so much that we went back in 2019, taking much more time to explore both the West Block and the East Block, which we’ll get into below. If you’re looking for beautiful wild-west-looking scenery, camping, and the chance to be in nature without all the crowds, make sure you add Grasslands National Park to your Canadian bucket list.

Let’s get into it…

[Read more…] about Exploring Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

The BEST Things To Do in Regina, Saskatchewan

October 1, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

things to do in regina saskatchewan canada

Things to Do in Regina last updated: November 12th, 2020

Named after Queen Victoria in 1882, Regina, which is Latin for “Queen”, is now Saskatchewan’s capital city. Although it’s not the biggest city (that would be Saskatoon), it’s the cultural and commercial centre for Southern Saskatchewan and is located right on the Trans-Canada Highway, making it the perfect stop on a Canada road trip.

Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or flying direct, we highly recommend spending some time in Queen City. Regina often gets overlooked on many traveller’s itineraries but is home to wonderful museums, historic districts, strong indigenous culture, a vibrant food scene, and of course, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

[Read more…] about The BEST Things To Do in Regina, Saskatchewan

Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site

September 17, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

unique camping in alberta

Have you ever heard of David Thompson?

If not, you’re not alone. We didn’t know who he was either until we visited Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site. It turns out that David Thompson was the greatest land geographer of his time, travelling more than 90,000 kilometres across North America while mapping 4.9 million square kilometres of the continent along the way.  This was just one of the many things we learned about during our visit to this former Hudson Bay Trading Post.

Rocky Mountain House is a National Historic Site located near the town of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. It’s approximately 77 kilometres from Red Deer and almost equally in-between Edmonton and Calgary, making it a 2-hour road trip from either city. It’s situated right along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, and is just off the famous Cowboy Trail, otherwise known as Highway 22. In other words, it’s a great place for a classic Alberta road trip. [Read more…] about Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site

The Best Things to Do in Ottawa, Ontario

September 3, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 6 Comments

things to do in Ottawa include visiting Parliament Hill or simply admiring it from different vantage points in the city.
Parliament Hill is one of the top things to do in Ottawa.

Things to Do in Ottawa last updated: December 4th, 2022

Beautiful and dynamic, there are lots of things to do in Ottawa, making Canada’s capital city an incredible place to explore. From the gothic-style parliament buildings to the lovely parks and world-class museums, Ottawa is one of the top places to visit in Canada. There are so many things to do in Ontario, Canada, you’re sure to have an epic vacation.

Located along the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, and right across from Quebec, Ottawa is also a great base for exploring parts of Quebec. It’s the sixth-largest city in Canada, the second-largest city in Ontario, and one of the most multicultural cities in the country. It’s also bilingual, which makes it unique for a North American capital.

It’s one of those cities that feels small, despite having a population of over one million people. Most of the action can be found around the downtown core, Parliament Hill, and the inner-city neighbourhoods. It’s a great city to go for a walk or to ride a bike, and there are many more activities to do in Ottawa.

[Read more…] about The Best Things to Do in Ottawa, Ontario

Things to do in St Pierre and Miquelon – North America’s France

August 27, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 21 Comments

saint pierre and miquelon

Last updated: January 4th, 2021 

From the moment you step on to St Pierre and Miquelon, you’ll know you’re not in Canada anymore. Little Peugeots and Renaults cruise the roads while ATMs spit out euros. French flags flap in the wind and suddenly everyone speaks French.

It’s a true taste of France just twenty-five kilometres from Newfoundland. Most people, including Canadians, have no idea that “Europe” is so close.

St. Pierre & Miquelon is a self-governing French territory accessible by ferry from Newfoundland or by plane from St. John’s, Halifax, Montreal, and even Paris. You’ll find baguettes, croissants, and Bordeaux. The time zone is different, the electrical outlets are different, and if you leave your cell phone on, you’ll be charged international rates.

There are essentially two islands – Saint Pierre and Miquelon. St. Pierre is the smaller island but is the most populated and developed, with approximately 5500 residents. Miquelon is much bigger in size but has only 600 residents or so, making it far wilder.

There’s also Langlade, which is connected to Miquelon by a beautiful sand bar. No one lives here but there are some summer cabins. Both Miquelon and Langlade are great for exploring the landscape, hiking, and bird-watching. Saint Pierre, however, is better if you’re looking for that “french town” feel, as well as history and culture.

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Aspen Crossing – Scenic Train Excursions in the Alberta Prairies

August 13, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

Aspen Crossing Alberta

Last updated: March 20th, 2020

Located less than an hour southeast of Calgary in Mossleigh, Alberta, Aspen Crossing offers guests the chance to experience a train ride through the beautiful Alberta prairies while enjoying themed excursions, delicious food, music, and more. It’s become a very popular day-trip getaway for Calgarians and has quickly become a major tourist destination in Southern Alberta. [Read more…] about Aspen Crossing – Scenic Train Excursions in the Alberta Prairies

Rocky Mountain House Alberta Road Trip

July 30, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Matthew and Karla Bailey Must Do Canada

(This post was sponsored by AMA Travel and Best Western. AMA Members save up to 15% on Best Western stays in Canada, the U.S., and worldwide. Your AMA Membership can save you – whether you need roadside assistance, to book a vacation or at one of our Rewards partners. Check out amatravel.ca/bwbloggers to find out more and see the adventures other bloggers went on!”

When it comes to travel, especially in Canada, it’s hard to beat a good ol’ fashioned road trip. With such wide-open areas, nature, and small towns, road trips are the best way to see the second largest country on Earth. As an Albertan, I’ve seen a lot of my home province. From small prairie towns in the South to small mining towns in the North and almost everything in-between, I’ve covered a lot of ground. Yet, I had never been to Rocky Mountain House. That is, until now. Located just 77 km west of Red Deer, and only 200 km from both Edmonton and Calgary, Rocky Mountain House is a wonderful place to explore on a road trip. It’s also just 170 km from the world-famous Icefields Parkway and sits on the Cowboy Trail, another epic Alberta road trip.

From my home in Calgary, Rocky Mountain House is less than two hours away. Since most of it is done via highway 2, which isn’t all that scenic, we decided to make a loop out of it. Rather than go up and down the fast way, we decided to return via the Icefields Parkway, which adds more than 3-hours to the drive but also adds some of the best scenery in the world thanks to the Icefields Parkway. Who could say no to the Icefields Parkway? [Read more…] about Rocky Mountain House Alberta Road Trip

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things To Do in Toronto

July 16, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 24 Comments

Things to do in Toronto

Things to Do in Toronto last updated: September 20th, 2022

As Canada’s biggest city, there’s no shortage of things to do in Toronto, Ontario. Whether you’re looking for world-class museums, fun attractions, lively neighbourhoods, or major league sports, Toronto truly has something for everyone. It’s also one of the most multicultural cities in the world, which makes it a great place to experience a wide variety of cultures and food.

We’ve been to Toronto a number of times and are always excited to return. From the beautiful skyline featuring the CN Tower to the funky neighbourhoods like Kensington Market, Toronto is such a lively city to wander around. However, if it’s your first time, it might be overwhelming. There really is so much to do and so many Toronto attractions and Toronto tours that there’s no way we could list everything in this article without boring you to death.

So, what we’re going to do is list out what we feel are the best things to do in Toronto as well as the best places to visit, especially if you’re new to the city. It’s unlikely you’d get through everything here on your first visit unless you’re staying for quite some time. Regardless of what you do, you’re bound to have a great time in Ontario’s capital.

[Read more…] about The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things To Do in Toronto

Experiencing Newfoundland’s Iceberg Festival

July 9, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

icebergs newfoundland iceberg alley

Last updated: March 20th, 2020

Smack dab at the top of Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula, St. Anthony’s is a great place to experience Newfoundland culture during the Iceberg Festival. Beginning around early to mid-June, the Iceberg Festival was built to celebrate the arrival of the icebergs and offers a unique chance to experience Newfoundland culture that few tourists would see otherwise. Since we had only four days to explore the festival, we reached out to the Viking Trail Tourism who agreed to help us out with an itinerary and to help sponsor our visit.

We began our drive up the coast on June 12th, as the rain poured down. Spring is an unpredictable season in Newfoundland, and the chances of getting rainy, cloudy, and foggy days are higher than in the summer. It’s all part of the experience though if you’re hoping to see icebergs. After all, these are gigantic ice cubes. [Read more…] about Experiencing Newfoundland’s Iceberg Festival

Newfoundland Travel – The Viking Trail

June 25, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

l'anse aux meadows

Snaking its way along the Northern peninsula coast, the Viking Trail is one of Canada’s best road trips. At 489 km, the journey can be done in as little as five hours. However, to truly appreciate what the route had to offer, you’ll want to spend as much time as you can. With so many scenic communities, coastline, historical sites, and majestic Gros Morne National Park, one could spend an entire month here and not get bored. Whether you love nature, culture, wildlife, or simply a scenic drive, the Viking Trail is one for the bucket list. [Read more…] about Newfoundland Travel – The Viking Trail

Four Ways to Enjoy the Great Sandhills Saskatchewan

June 11, 2019 By Christine Broderick 8 Comments

Saskatchewan sand dunes

They look different each time I visit and I never get bored going back.

The 1900 squared kilometers of active sand dunes are ever changing. Blown by wind or hardened by rain, they are like a canvass that gets repainted every day. Trees disappear for years and then peak through the drifts, sandblasted and smooth and whitened with age.

I am lucky enough to live near the Great Sandhills, south of Sceptre and Leader, Saskatchewan. It’s the first place I take visitors and I always get a kick out of watching their reactions as they see these massive dunes for the first time. It’s a surreal feeling to know that you are standing on sand that was deposited from glaciers so many years ago. [Read more…] about Four Ways to Enjoy the Great Sandhills Saskatchewan

Things To Do In Penticton – Three Day Itinerary

May 28, 2019 By Megan Kopp 4 Comments

things to do in penticton
Scenic views while exploring Penticton’s mountain biking and hiking trails.

Ahhh… the Okanagan Valley. It’s a 160-kilometre long narrow stretch of sun-drenched paradise with long lakes, rolling mountains and plenty of heart-pumping, spirit-sipping, 100% Canadian good times. When friends asked if I wanted to join them on a three-day adventure exploring Penticton, B.C. by pedal and foot, I jumped in. [Read more…] about Things To Do In Penticton – Three Day Itinerary

How to Plan the Ultimate Canada Road Trip

May 14, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 9 Comments

things to do in alberta road trips

Even though we love to jump on planes and travel around the world, our favourite form of travel is a good old classic road trip. There’s something special about being in control of your own transportation and being able to go wherever you want, whether that’s a small town, a big city, or an off-the-beaten-path gem. There’s also something great about stuffing what you need into a car and not worrying about baggage restrictions, lost luggage, and people throwing away your cologne and hand creams.

Road trips are a popular mode of travel in many countries around the world but there’s hardly a better place than Canada. As the worlds second largest country, Canada is best explored by vehicle. The Trans-Canada Highway runs all the way from Newfoundland to British Columbia, paving a path of more than 7,800 kilometres. Then there’s the North, which is now connected by road all the way to the arctic ocean in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. There’s major cities, small towns, and breath-taking scenery all along the way. [Read more…] about How to Plan the Ultimate Canada Road Trip

Exploring Stonehammer Geopark in New Brunswick

April 16, 2019 By Alison Cornford-Matheson Leave a Comment

things to do in new brunswick

Saint John, New Brunswick is home to the first UNESCO Geopark in Canada, called Stonehammer. If you think geology is boring this site and its wide variety of activities will change your mind.

When I was growing up in Saint John, New Brunswick, I took the landscape for granted. I didn’t give our rugged coastline, impenetrable forests, and lush river valleys more than a passing thought, much less consider the ground beneath my feet.

I wasn’t alone. Most Saint Johners could tell you a bit about our Reversing Rapids when the Bay of Fundy’s relentless high tides pushes the gushing St. John River back upstream. But few of us considered the geology around those rapids – that is until UNESCO came to town.

UNESCO is most known for its catalogue of World Heritage Sites but, in addition to preserving culture and human history, the organization also brings awareness to diverse ecosystems and landscapes. The UNESCO Global Geopark system focuses on the ground beneath our feet and the eons of history our geology represents. [Read more…] about Exploring Stonehammer Geopark in New Brunswick

Waskesiu Saskatchewan in the Winter

April 2, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

Dog sledding in Waskesiu Saskatchewan.

Waskesiu Saskatchewan in the Winter Last Updated: October 14th, 2022.

Growing up in Alberta, I had never felt the need to travel around Canada in the wintertime. As a kid, I grew up in the North, playing hockey under the Northern Lights and going snowmobiling deep into the Boreal forest. As an adult, I moved to Calgary, turning the Canadian Rockies into my winter playground. So, with all that winter fun around, I’ve either enjoyed my own surroundings or jumped on a plane to warmer destinations. However, this all changed when I flew into Saskatoon to experience Saskatchewan in the winter. After enjoying the many things to do in Saskatoon, my wife and I headed north to Waskesiu, Prince Albert National Park. We had visited Waskesiu once before during the summer months when we made a video about all the things to do in Saskatchewan, but this was our first time visiting in the winter months. It turns out that Prince Albert National Park and neighbouring Elk Ridge Resort (where we stayed) is a winter wonderland. We loved every minute of it, and for those wanting to experience the joys of winter, it’s a great place to go.

[Read more…] about Waskesiu Saskatchewan in the Winter

Things To Do In Golden BC

March 19, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

things to do in golden bc

Last updated: April 19th, 2021

Surrounded by six incredible Canadian national parks, Golden is as picturesque as it is adventurous. This is the place to go if you want to be outdoors. When driving from Calgary, Banff, or Lake Louise, Golden is the first big town you’ll see as you enter British Columbia. In fact, from the highway, it might not look like much. Without taking a small turn into the town, you’ll simply pass by gas stations and fast food joints, all the while missing this historic mountain town and neighbouring Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

Spring, summer, fall, or winter, there’s no shortage of outdoor things to do in Golden. In the spring, we’ve gone white water rafting on some of the most epic rapids in Canada. In the summer, we’ve tried mountain climbing via Ferrata, and in the winter, we’ve gone skiing and snowmobiling, just to name a few things to do. How could you go wrong? It’s the perfect base for exploring some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery while escaping the crowds in Banff and Canmore.

[Read more…] about Things To Do In Golden BC

Ice Magic Festival at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

February 1, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 1 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

January 22, 2019 By Kristal 5 Comments

lake superior circle tour

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

The ULTIMATE Guide to Things To Do In Canmore, Alberta

January 8, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

Things to do in banff

Things to Do in Canmore Last updated: March 1, 2023

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 the 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.

In this Canmore travel guide, we’ll fill you in on the best things to do in Canmore, Alberta.

[Read more…] about The ULTIMATE Guide to Things To Do In Canmore, Alberta

How to Get the Best Views of Niagara Falls

December 25, 2018 By Matthew G. Bailey 6 Comments

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

Best Views of Niagara Falls Last Updated: March 11th, 2023

Shared between Canada and America, this spectacular landmark is often sought out by travellers. But where do you find the best view of Niagara Falls, Canada?

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, the falls split 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 are also American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

Niagara Falls Facts

Before we get into how to get the best shows of the falls, 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).
  • 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

December 11, 2018 By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

things to do in panorama Bc

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

November 27, 2018 By Matt Browman Leave a Comment

canadian wine

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.

[Read more…] about Unique Canadian Wine – Tantalizing Tastebuds in Three Wine Regions of Canada

Best Things to Do in Whistler Winter Activities

October 30, 2018 By Nicole Louise 5 Comments

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

Hiking Newfoundland – Five Great Hiking Trails

October 2, 2018 By Leigh McAdam 2 Comments

Hiking in Canada is a very popular thing to do and Newfoundland is blessed with an abundance of excellent hiking trails, usually with a backdrop of rugged, world-class scenery. But there’s a downside – though only if you’re short on time. Many of the trails are some distance from each other. From my experience, the best hiking is along the East Coast Trail – not far from the capital of St. John’s and in Gros Morne National Park. There are a couple of other hiking trails in newfoundland you could access if you’re planning a drive across the province.

These five Newfoundland hikes are some of the best in the province…

best hikes in newfoundland sugarloaf path

Sugarloaf Path

The Sugarloaf Path is but one section of the 265-kilometre East Coast Trail Newfoundland. It’s one of the prettiest sections of the trail that can be done as a one-way day trip from St. John’s. I recommend either a shuttle should you have two cars or a 15-minute taxi ride to the Logy Bay trailhead at the Ocean Science’s Centre.

The East Coast Trail Association rates this hike as a difficult one, largely because the elevation gain is more than 150 metres. In my books, coming from the Rockies I’d give it a moderate rating. Allow four to five hours, more if you’re an avid photographer.

From the trailhead, it’s 8.8 kilometres to the scenic Quidi Vidi village. Along the way, it’s non-stop rugged coastal views with stunning cliffs and a good chance of iceberg sightings if you visit in June. Birders will love all the activity along this hike.

While in theory, the hike finishes in Quidi Vidi, I’d recommend adding another four kilometres and a little more than an hour of hiking time to finish in downtown St. John’s. There is the option of picking up a bus from the village as well. Look for the signs directing you to the Cuckold Cove Trail. Follow it to Signal Hill and from there into the city. [Read more…] about Hiking Newfoundland – Five Great Hiking Trails

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