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Saving Money in Toronto

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Things to do in Toronto

When it comes to Canadian cities, Toronto is certainly the most famous. As Canada’s most populated metropolitan area, Toronto is home to soaring skyscrapers, the iconic CN Tower, and many famous sports teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors, and the Toronto Blue Jays. It’s also the most multicultural city on Earth and one of the safest in North America. As you can imagine, there’s plenty of things to do in Toronto for tourists wishing to experience Canada’s biggest city and plenty of ways to save money as well, such as using CityPASS, which I’ll talk about below. [Read more…] about Saving Money in Toronto

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 5 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 42 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 8 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 7 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 2 Comments

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