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The Calgary International Salsa Congress

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Salsa Congress Calgary

Calgary might be known as a “cowtown” but the “salsa dancing fever” is very hot as well. With all sorts of latin-style festivals happening throughout the year as well as various dance schools teaching locals how to move, Calgary is a great place to learn and dance a variety of styles including salsa, bachata, tango, and more.

Since Karla and I love latin music (Karla is Mexican after all), we decided to take dance classes and finally learn the proper footwork and to be able to enjoy dancing a lot more. Then, our dance instructor mentioned the Calgary International Salsa Congress, which is now in its 10th year. We couldn’t miss it.

With performers from all over the world, the Calgary International Salsa Congress is the place to be if you want to see incredible dance performances ranging from salsa, bachata, tango, and even burlesque. With both amateurs and pros competing for awards, the shows go on all night. Starting around 6:30 PM and not ending until almost midnight, there’s a whole lot of entertainment for you to enjoy. [Read more…] about The Calgary International Salsa Congress

Review: Lizard Creek lodge in Fernie, British Columbia

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

lizard creek lodge fernie

There’s only one thing I love better than fresh powder on a ski day – waking up in a ski-in-ski-out accommodation and being the first one on the chairlift. After years of hearing about how great the snow is at Fernie Mountain Resort, we finally had the chance to try it out. Thankfully, we stayed at Lizard Creek Lodge, which is right next to the chairlifts, offering you the chance to wake up, have a good meal, and ski right from the lodge to the chair. [Read more…] about Review: Lizard Creek lodge in Fernie, British Columbia

Shredding Powder in Fernie, BC

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

Fernie Skiing

I had long heard about the famous Fernie snow. From the time I started skiing at Mt.Norquay, people kept telling me that I had to experience Fernie. Finally, after six years, we made it happen.

Everyone was right. As Karla and I drove through Fernie and up to the resort, the snow was piled so high on the side of the street that we couldn’t even see the stores and restaurants. It reminded me of growing up in Fort.McMurray. As I checked the forecast on my phone, snow was predicted to fall for the next two weeks straight, including the three days we were there for. For non-skiers and snowboarders, snow is just a hassle, but for people who love to soar down the mountain with the cold air touching their face, fresh snow is like waking up to a warm plate of French Toast. It’s deliciously awesome.

Fernie Mountain Resort

We chose to stay slopeside at Lizard Creek Resort, which offers ski-in-ski-out accommodation. Since experiencing my first ski-in-ski-out accommodation in Panorama, I can’t get enough. Why get in the car every day and drive to the mountain when you can wake up, strap on the skis, and glide your way down from your room to the chairlift? This is the life! [Read more…] about Shredding Powder in Fernie, BC

Winter Hiking through Johnston Canyon to See Frozen Waterfalls

By Matthew G. Bailey 41 Comments

 

Johnston Canyon Upper Fall

  • Attraction: Johnston Canyon Alberta
  • Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
  • Walking distance: 5.2km (3.2 miles)
  • Elevation gain: 135m (443 feet)
  • Johnston Canyon winter = frozen waterfalls
  • Johnston Canyon summer = waterfalls
  • Cost: Free

Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park

Like a scene from the Chronicles of Narnia, the Johnston Canyon frozen waterfalls are truly remarkable. It’s like standing beneath a giant rock-cake with icing sugar running down the sides. The views are simply breathtaking and if you’re visiting Banff National Park in the winter (or the summer for that matter), this is a must-do experience.

Hiking Johnston Canyon trail during the winter is usually quite easy. From the car park, it’s only a two or three-hour return trip. You’ll want to hike the entire 5.2 kilometre return trip so that you see both the Upper and Lower Falls. Although you don’t need snowshoes, you may want to bring ice cleats to put on the bottom of your hiking shoes as it can get icy in spots. My family wore regular hiking shoes without ice cleats and although it was quite slippery in some areas, we made it there and back just fine. Sometimes it depends on the weather.  [Read more…] about Winter Hiking through Johnston Canyon to See Frozen Waterfalls

10 Must Do Activities in British Columbia

By Matthew G. Bailey 7 Comments

With Canada’s 150th upon us, a lot of people have Canada on their mind. From coast to coast, there are so many things to do. Let’s start with British Columbia. After asking a lot of travel bloggers what they feel are must-do activities in BC, this is what they said…

Ten Awesome Things to Do in British Columbia

West Coast Trail

Hike the West Coast Trail

(Recommended, written, and photographed by Emily of www.seehertravel.com)

The West Coast Trail is famous for so many reasons. The 77km trail along Vancouver Island’s South Western shoreline takes the adventurous hiker through old growth forest, rocky headlands, sandy beaches, and the rainforest BC is well known for. But the hike is not easy! 7 days of mud, roots, beach walking and ladders will have your body hurting but your soul full.

Every day on the trail is different, you never really know how the day will turn out. Maybe you will see breaching whales or spot soaring bald eagles high above. Maybe you will swim in Tsusiat Falls and wash your weary feet while enjoying the afternoon sun. Maybe you will get to eat a homemade burger at Chez Moniques!

Whatever the trail brings you, you may never totally be the same after reaching the end. After experiencing the harshness of the ocean weather and the terrain of the trail, successfully surviving the WCT makes you feel like you can now conquer anything. Physically you are done, but mentally and emotionally you are so charged up by the beauty of the backcountry that you feel like you can take on anything!

The beauty of British Columbia’s West Coast can be seen by anyone from a boat, car or a plane. But by hiking the WCT, you will truly become one with this pristine land and you will have a tremendous appreciation for the animals, the plants and the legends of this very special part of the world. [Read more…] about 10 Must Do Activities in British Columbia

Three Day Jasper Itinerary

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

Driving the Icefields Parkway

Driving the Icefields Parkway

Our trip began under a blanket of clouds but it wasn’t long before they opened up to reveal the mighty peaks that make the Icefields Parkway so famous. Known as one of the world’s most scenic drives, it didn’t take long to understand why. Snow-capped mountains, lush pine valleys, sparkling glaciers, and turquoise-coloured lakes are just some of the attractions that make the drive so spectacular.

Although the drive between Lake Louise and Jasper only takes three hours, you’ll want to double that for the many scenic stops you’ll be making along the way. While it’s incredibly easy to keep busy for weeks in both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, we only had three days and decided to pack them with as much activities and scenery as possible. [Read more…] about Three Day Jasper Itinerary

Becker’s Chalets | Best Places to Stay in Jasper, Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

Beckers Chalets Jasper

View from backers chalets jasper

Situated right next to the Athabasca River, just 10-minutes outside the town of Jasper lies Becker’s Chalets. These chalets are nestled in rocky mountain paradise. Not only does the river flow by but there’s also a massive park complete with a kids playground. Our chalet actually opened out onto the park and every morning we’d see Canadian geese munching on the grass. On one morning, we even saw a herd of Elk munching on the grass. Maybe we should have tried it? Must have been a great breakfast. [Read more…] about Becker’s Chalets | Best Places to Stay in Jasper, Alberta

Dinner at Evil Dave’s Grill in Jasper, Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

After another day exploring gorgeous Jasper National Park, including a walk on the Columbia Icefield Glacier and Skywalk, it was time for another gourmet meal. After looking at the best restaurants in Jasper via TripAdvisor, we decided to make reservations at Evil Dave’s Grill.

Evil Dave’s is a locally owned family restaurant serving up a globally inspired menu of “wicked food” with fresh ingredients and creative flare. In all honesty, as soon as I saw appetizers like Crazy Calamari and Lollipop Shrimp, I was sold. [Read more…] about Dinner at Evil Dave’s Grill in Jasper, Alberta

Mountain Biking and Grizzly Bears at Kicking Horse Resort

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

Kicking Horse Resort Panorama Photo

I’ve been riding mountain bikes ever since I was a kid but this was the first time I rode one down an actual mountain. For those looking for a mountain-rush during the summer, I can’t think of a better way. For me, going downhill with a bike versus ski’s is much more terrifying…but I was up for the challenge.

First, my wife Karla and I wanted to see Boo, the resident Grizzly bear. Since Karla wasn’t going to be joining me for the mountain biking, we decided to explore the Grizzly refuge in the morning. Plus, this is when Boo is more active. I don’t blame him. With 25ºC weather and a thick fur coat, I wouldn’t want to be under the sun either. [Read more…] about Mountain Biking and Grizzly Bears at Kicking Horse Resort

Exploring Kicking Horse Resort Via Ferrata

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

suspension bride kicking horse resort

There’s something special about looking down at the Columbia Valley from 7,700 feet. The blue-tinged river snaking its way around the lush green valley and the seemingly endless array of mountains surrounding my 360-degree view. Then again, I’m actually hanging off one of the mountains as I make my way up to Terminator Peak via Ferrata.

New to Kicking Horse Resort (created in 2015), the Via Ferrata is a great activity for thrill-seekers looking for a chance to experience mountain climbing with few of the risks. I love trying new things so it wasn’t hard to convince myself to go. My wife, Karla, joined as well.

[Read more…] about Exploring Kicking Horse Resort Via Ferrata

Around the World with Winnipeg’s Folklorama

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Spain Traditional Dancing

For two weeks each summer, scattered around the city of Winnipeg, lies a unique chance to travel around the world without actually getting on a plane. Sure, you won’t see the beautiful beaches of the Philippines or the colonial architecture of Spain but you will get a taste of the culture thanks to Folklorama.

Known as the largest and longest-running multicultural festival in the world, Folklorama allows visitors to experience the cultural dances, food, and people that make the city so diverse. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to experience many of the pavilions (shows) during my time in Winnipeg. [Read more…] about Around the World with Winnipeg’s Folklorama

Exploring Wainwright | Small Town Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

Wainwright Trestle Bridge

Wainwright is not normally a town I’d pass through. Situated in east-central Alberta, it’s quite far from the typical star attractions such as Banff National Park, Jasper, and Calgary. However, in the last few years, I’ve acted in a couple of live military role-play training exercises, which just so happen to be at the Wainwright military base. Since I was going to be in the area anyway, I thought I’d take the opportunity to explore the town deeper and to really experience a piece of small-town Alberta.

Exploring Wainwright, Alberta

Normally I research, plan and book my trips myself but this time I decided to contact the town of Wainwright who put me in touch with the Buffalo National Park Foundation. This lead me to Nichole Leitheiser, the executive director of the foundation, who graciously offered to show my wife and I around. This worked out great because when it comes to small towns, it’s often the people who make the place special.

[Read more…] about Exploring Wainwright | Small Town Alberta

Experiencing Humanity at Winnipeg’s Museum for Human Rights

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

Human Rights Museum Winnipeg

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

I was told that the most impressive feature of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights was the building itself but this couldn’t be more wrong. Sure, the building is gorgeous. It was carefully and thoughtfully designed by Antoine Predock, who incorporated meaning into every facet of the facility. From the darkness of humanity simulated by beginning the museum partially underground to the beacon of light symbolized by reaching the top floor with expansive views of the city, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is an architectural marvel.

However, the museum itself is equally fantastic. I thought that one 3-hour morning would be enough but that wasn’t the case. If you really want to dive into everything, you’ll need longer. I decided to jump on the 1.5-hour tour, which is a great way to get oriented with the museum and its different floors. The tour gives you insight into the building, the layout, the galleries and the intention of the museum. Unlike most museums that layout artifacts and historic items, this museum is designed to provoke discussion and inspiration into the movement of humanity.

[Read more…] about Experiencing Humanity at Winnipeg’s Museum for Human Rights

Finding True Music at the Winnipeg Folk Fest

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

It was my first folk fest and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Actually, I had never camped at a music festival before. I have been to Burning Man, which is absolutely amazing, and I’ve been to one-day music festivals as well but this would be my first time at a true music festival.

Winnipeg Folk Festival Tickets

I had heard something about the Winnipeg Folk Fest being one of the best folk festivals on the continent and that was enough to peek my interest. It’s a festival. It’s camping. It’s music. Count me in.

Tucked into beautiful Birds Hill Provincial Park, the festival makes its mark among wide open fields and trees. We opted to camp in the festival camping area so that we could be closer to the event and closer to the party. After arriving, we trekked over a kilometre with all our stuff (the only part of the event I wasn’t a big fan of) and found a great little spot in the middle of a patch of trees where we could pitch our tent. We were lucky because many campers arrived a day before us. Maybe they wanted to be out in the open field under the scorching sun? I wanted shade and I was already dreaming of an inflated air mattress and throwing myself onto it for a quick break.

[Read more…] about Finding True Music at the Winnipeg Folk Fest

Skiing Above the Clouds at Kicking Horse Resort, British Columbia

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Kicking horse ski resort

With over 2,800 acres of skiable lift-served terrain and the fourth highest vertical drop in North America, Kicking Horse Resort is one of the top ski resorts in British Columbia.

This was only the second time I had skied in BC. Living in Calgary, I typically go to the closer resorts such as Sunshine Village and Lake Louise but when Dax Justin (a Rocky Mountain Instagrammer) mentioned the possibility of a trip to Kicking Horse Resort, I knew I had to check it out.

[Read more…] about Skiing Above the Clouds at Kicking Horse Resort, British Columbia

Pure Tranquility Within the City | Thermea Spa Winnipeg

By Matthew G. Bailey 7 Comments

Relaxing at Thermea Spa Winnipeg

I just got back from paradise, only this time I’m not talking about Hawaii, Bali, or the coast of Mexico – I’m talking about the Thermëa spa in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

I’m not kidding. I think this place may have saved my life. After months of intense stress, my back was knotting up, my legs were getting tight and even my jaws were beginning to ache. When I heard about a new Nordic-inspired spa opening up in Winnipeg, I was intrigued.

Nestled on a slice of Crescent Drive Park, Thermëa is all you really need to gain back your senses, sooth your soul and feel like you’ve just got back from a one-week vacation without leaving the city. They’ve really got it all. Swedish massage, body treatments, facials, and best of all – a thermal spa.

[Read more…] about Pure Tranquility Within the City | Thermea Spa Winnipeg

Living the Cottage Life at Clear Lake, Manitoba

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Martese Clear Lake

When my wife and I moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba for the summer of 2015, I was told that we were entering the cottage country. There’s plenty of jokes about Winnipeg, ranging from that flat landscape to the harsh winters but when it comes to lakes and cottage life, there’s no better place to be.

Experiencing some of the lakes was on my must-do list and when my parents came to visit for a weekend, I did some research and found Clear Lake, which is nestled inside Riding Mountain National Park. This is one of only two national parks in Manitoba and although the mountains are nothing compared to the Rockies, the wildlife and serenity is unmatched.

[Read more…] about Living the Cottage Life at Clear Lake, Manitoba

Five Reasons to Travel to Edmonton

By Matthew G. Bailey 6 Comments

best things to do in edmonton winter


Although Edmonton might not come to mind when one thinks of visiting Canada, there are actually a lot of things to do in Canada’s northernmost major city. From world-class shopping to world-class festivals to beautiful snow-capped mountains just a few hours away, Edmonton has something for everyone and this guide will help you get the most out of your trip.

[Read more…] about Five Reasons to Travel to Edmonton

Flying High Over the Canadian Rocky Mountains

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

Helicopter Tour Rocky Mountains

“Look to your right,” the Pilot said as we passed some mountain sheep resting high up on the cliff. It was amazing to fly so close to the mountain peak and witness these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. They were basically resting on the peak of a mountain! I fell in love with helicopters as we soared up high and over some of the most magical scenery in the world.

It was only a few minutes prior that I was sitting in the office of Alpine Helicopter Tours, listening to a quick safety video and anticipating the adventure ahead. It was a beautiful day with blue skies and sunny weather. It’s incredible how quickly you can go from being at the base to being above the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

[Read more…] about Flying High Over the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Whale and Puffin Watching in St. Johns, Newfoundland

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Puffin watching newfoundland

A trip to Newfoundland just isn’t complete without a look at the famous Puffin. Small funny-looking birds with bright-coloured beaks like a parrot can be found in many windy seaside areas of Newfoundland. They are simply awesome to watch and cute of course.

Puffins are also very interesting. They feed by diving into the water (up to 60m I was told) and are better swimmers than they are flyers. They’re nests consist of burrowing a hole into the soil and they even go as far as to have two separate rooms; one for resting and one for pooping. Although they don’t fly extremely well, they can flap their wings up to 400 times per minute and they stay in windier areas where it can assist them in flight. Smart.

We saw thousands of them on a whale-watching tour we took with Mullowney’s Puffin and Whale Tours. Located in Bay Bulls, just 30 minutes from the famous city of St.Johns, Mullowney’s is a small outfit with a lot of charm and a great track record with their customers. We love supporting companies like this and we’re thrilled to hit the seas with them.

[Read more…] about Whale and Puffin Watching in St. Johns, Newfoundland

Become a Cowboy or Cowgirl Amidst the Beautiful Backdrop of the Canadian Rockies

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

horseback riding canadian rockies

I honestly thought that I knew everything about the Canadian Rockies. Okay, maybe not everything, but after living in Calgary for the last 10 years, I’ve had my fair share of Rocky Mountain experiences. I’ve spent a lot of time camping near beautiful mountain lakes, enjoying world-class skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, hiking, and even riding in a helicopter for a birds eye view of one of the most incredible places on earth. I really did think I had experienced everything the rockies had to offer. That is, until I heard about Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies. This non-profit group, which has been around for more than 90 years, takes customers for six-day journey’s on horseback through the backcountry of the Rockies. [Read more…] about Become a Cowboy or Cowgirl Amidst the Beautiful Backdrop of the Canadian Rockies

Ice Fishing at Whiteswan Lake, British Columbia

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

It was dark outside. A slice of moon glowed above us as we made our way to the Tim Horton’s in Invermere, British Columbia. At 7am sharp, we pulled up in the parking lot to meet up with Rylan and Chris of Reel Axe Adventures who were taking us out to Whiteswan Lake for a day of ice fishing for world-class rainbow trout.

ice fishing whiteswan lake provincial park

We were told this lake is much more of an adventure than lake Windermere, which would have been much closer. Whiteswan Lake is situated 1.5 hours away from Invermere in the backcountry of interior British Columbia. The road to get there is an active logging route and as the light came out to expose the beautiful mountain scenery surrounding us, we didn’t mind having to wake up at such an early hour.

[Read more…] about Ice Fishing at Whiteswan Lake, British Columbia

Fabulous Skiing at Panorama Mountain Village

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

One of my favourite feelings in the world is soaring down a mountain on skis, going as fast as I can and then making sharp turns so I can almost touch the snow like a surfer touching the water in a tube wave.

I had plenty of those moments this past week at Panorama Mountain Village. The ski runs are fantastic. The views are incredible. The amenities are plentiful.

snowboarding Panorama Mountain Village

One of my favourite runs was at the top of the champagne chairlift, which is almost the peak of the mountain. From there, it was 6 or 7 minutes of all-out speed as I raced down the mountain with nothing but jaw-dropping scenery in front of me. Even the ride up the chairlift itself is fabulous with tree after tree covered in hoarfrost.

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Snowshoeing, Tubing and Magnificent Views at Mount Norquay

By Matthew G. Bailey 6 Comments

Situated in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world is Mount Norquay, an amazing mountain for skiing and snowboarding. Known as one of the mountains where olympians train, it’s also the closest and smallest ski area to the town of Banff.

But when most people think of Mount Norquay or with any of the mountains for that matter, thoughts of skiing and snowboarding are the only things that typically come to mind. That’s the only thing I ever thought about when visiting the area during the winter time…

Not anymore.

[Read more…] about Snowshoeing, Tubing and Magnificent Views at Mount Norquay

Walking through Historic Quebec City

By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

quebec city wall mural

Quebec City is a magical place in Canada. First, it’s just different than the rest of the country. It feels like you’re in Europe more than North America. Secondly, it’s full of history. Whether your walking around the walled city of Old Quebec, taking a picture of the famous Fairmont Frontenac or strolling through the plains of Abraham, You’re bound to enjoy your time in this wonderful city.

My family and I were visiting Quebec City in late July as we drove across the country. I was excited to see Quebec City and walk the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec. We used Priceline to our advantage and scored the Best Western Plus, which was only a 20-minute walk from the heart of the city. For a room that was normally $170 per night, $80 was a great deal!

We had two days to wander around before we went up north to Tadoussac for some whale watching. Our days were packed full of activities. [Read more…] about Walking through Historic Quebec City

Three Moose and a Mountain | Hiking Gros Morne, Newfoundland

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

Gros Morne National Park Hiking

It surprises me that after visiting Newfoundland more than a dozen times, I had never hiked their treasured UNESCO World Heritage site. When I look back though, I was never as adventurous as I am now. With a curiosity and passion to visit the most beautiful places on earth, it was without a doubt that I would hike Gros Morne National Park on my latest visit to the rock.

Located on the West coast of Newfoundland, Gros Morne is the provinces second tallest mountain, standing tall at 806 m. Created from eroded remnants of a mountain range formed more than 1.2 billion years ago, Gros Morne is an exquisite and rare example of continental drift, a process where deep ocean crust and the rocks of the earth’s mantle are exposed.

In other words, it’s gorgeous and educational.

Gros Morne Summit

We were lucky to arrive on a hot sunny day, something rare in this “neck of the woods”. After purchasing our park ticket and getting some great advice from one of the friendly park rangers, we headed to the base of Gros Morne mountain to prepare for our climb. We packed plenty of water, some protein bars, and fruit and of course, a good camera.

The beginning of the climb was nice and shady with the trail taking us over freshwater streams and plenty of vegetation. We also took the time to read some information signs, where we learned that …

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Kayaking Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

hopewell rocks, new brunswick

Stunning.

The only word I could think of as I glanced out over the Bay of Fundy near Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick. The water was as smooth as glass, with a calming light-coloured background of blue hues.

Stunning.

Although I had gone to simple see the rocks and the rising tide, I was actually more amused by the hundreds of shorebirds silently flying across the bay just inches from touching the water. I really fell in love with these little birds, catching them in their annual migration down south. I couldn’t peel my eyes away from the absolutely majestic scenery. Everything was so silent and so smooth.

Then I looked beside me.

hopewell rocks new brunswick

 

Towering next to me was the equally impressive Hopewell Rocks; a series of wonderful rock formation caused by tidal erosion. The biggest attraction in this neck of the woods is the largest ocean tides in the world. This area in particular rises and falls an average of 35 feet, twice per day. [Read more…] about Kayaking Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick

Little Chicago – Learning About Scarface in the Tunnels of Moose Jaw Saskatchewan

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

 

tunnels of moose jaw

It’s not what I expected in the little town of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Who would have thought that a gangster from Chicago, Al Capone, would be bootlegging alcohol in tunnels under Moose Jaw?

It must have been a big change for Mr. Capone, who was raised in New York and then controlled Chicago’s crime scene, to visit a town hundreds of times smaller.

My family and I arrived at 7 PM for the Chicago Connection Tour. We were guided across the street where we met Miss Fanny, otherwise known as the lady of the bar. The tour is an interactive show with a couple of actors who do a great job at entertaining, complete with old Chicago accents and lingo.

Gangster

We were shown a quick video in the bar that gave us some history of Al Capone and the alcohol bootlegging industry. We were then treated as bootleggers ourselves and brought into the tunnels to meet gangster Gus, who guided us through the rest of the tunnels. The accents were great. The way it’s all organized is great. There was suspense. Some people even got scared (like my mom).

All in all, it was a great show and if you ever find yourself passing through southern Saskatchewan, it’s worth the visit.

You can also enjoy a latte across the street where the tour begins.

Learn more at www.tunnelsofmoosejaw.com.

Have you been to the tunnels of Moose Jaw before?

 

Skiing the Continental Divide | An Amazing Day at Sunshine Village

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

Gondola sunshine village banff

Skiing (or boarding) is one of those sports that remains magical all throughout life. It’s fun, exciting, physically exhausting and often takes you to some very beautiful places that are covered in white sparkling snow. Sunshine Village near Banff, Alberta is one of those magical places. Not only does it offer some of the best scenery in the world but it also gives you the chance to ski in two different provinces in one run.

That’s right – the Continental Divide Quad chair crosses the provincial boundary between Alberta and British Columbia, giving you a very unique run and a chance to witness an area where mountain melt-off makes it into two different oceans; the Atlantic and the Pacific. Sunshine Village also offers a vertical drop of 3,514 feet, which is the longest in the Canadian Rockies and offers the longest season, which ends in late May with the incredible wrap-up party known as href=”https://www.mustdocanada.com/skiing-in-bikinis-a-tribute-to-sunshines-slush-cup/”>Slush Cup.

Powder ski sunshine village banff

Another special feature of Sunshine Village is the fact that it is situated 7,000 feet up a mountain, making the snow softer, drier and longer-lasting than other ski resorts in the area. The gondola ride to the village itself is a breathtaking experience, transporting up to 2,800 people per hour if need be for a 13-minute ride past beautiful mountain scenery.

We couldn’t have picked a better day to go ourselves. Warm weather mixed with bright blue skies created a picture-perfect backdrop for tear-worthy landscapes. Every time we got on a chair lift and ascended to the top of a run, we found ourselves marvelling at the views around us. Even as we sped down the mountain runs, we found ourselves stopping and staring in disbelief at the views surrounding us. It was like the scene from the movie Into The Wild where Chris McCandless spots a couple hundred caribou gathering nearby and begins to tear up at how truly magnificent it is.

sunshine village banff

At the top of each chair lift, you’ll find yourself with a nearly 360-degree view that battles anything you’ve ever seen in National Geographic. Finding it difficult to peel your eyes away from postcard-perfect views, you’ll need to remind yourself that world-class skiing also awaits. With 109 named runs on three mountains including chutes and bowls, you’ll want to dedicate time to explore what the resort has to offer.

Sunshine Village is suitable for all types of experience levels. Nestled amongst 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, which ranges from basic beginner runs to the some of the best off-piste destinations in the world, you’ll have no trouble finding something that suits you. Sunshine also has a 12-acre terrain park with more than 50 features for those more into doing tricks.

sunshine village banff must do canada

For those visiting Alberta, a trip to UNESCO World Heritage Banff National Park is an absolute must-do activity. Sunshine Village is located in the park and is a must-do activity any time of the year. If skiing/boarding is your thing, the season runs from early November until Mid-May. Located just 135KM west of Calgary, Alberta, Banff and Sunshine Village also makes the list of top things to do in Calgary.

The gondola runs from 8 AM until 5:30 PM on most days (with Friday closing times at 10:30 PM) and is open 7 days a week. For more information on this truly one-of-a-kind experience, visit SkiBanff.com.

***

Picture of Banff Gondola is by Must Do Canada. All other pictures credited to Sunshine Village / Adam Locke.

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