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The Best Things to Do in Canada

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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 6 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 3 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.

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

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best skiing in Banff Canada
things to do in Banff national park

Jaw-Dropping Views and World Class Skiing

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

things to do in banff in winter

No matter what time of year you make it out to Lake Louise, you’re in for a treat. Beautiful turquoise lakes, stunning mountain views and in this case, world-class skiing.

Situated just 2.5 hours west from Calgary, Alberta, Lake Louise Mountain Resort is a life experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. As if 139 ski runs weren’t enough, the resort also offers some of the best views in the world. From many of the resort’s chairlifts, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of glaciers, valleys and the Rocky Mountains that surround them. At times I didn’t want the chairlift to end as I sat there twisting my neck to watch the stunning view that was passing us by. You’ll truly feel on top of the world. [Read more…] about Jaw-Dropping Views and World Class Skiing

Skiing in Bikinis | A Tribute to Sunshine’s Slush Cup

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

Sunshine Village slush cup

It was a beautiful day to be outdoors. Sunshine, blue skies and +20 degree weather. Some people went camping. Some people had a BBQ. We (and thousands of others) went skiing at Sunshine Village near Banff, Alberta. It wasn’t a typical ski day either – It was the 85th anniversary of Slush Cup.

Slush Cup is a special time of year. A celebration of springs arrival and the last day of lift-ticket skiing. It’s a day when people from all over come out dressed in their silliest costumes (or bikinis) to watch or take part in the annual celebration, which consists of 65 competitors skiing or boarding down a hill, off a jump and into (or across) a 30-meter-long, 2.5-meter-deep pool of ice-cold water. [Read more…] about Skiing in Bikinis | A Tribute to Sunshine’s Slush Cup

7 Things You Must Do in Canada

By Matthew G. Bailey 11 Comments

Ski Banff sunshine Village
Sunshine Ski Resort, Banff National Park.

This article was originally written as part of a series called “This Is My Canada”, which featured a variety of bloggers talking about their top 7 sites in Canada. In all honesty, having visited each and every province and territory, coming up with a list of only 7 things is almost impossible. There are just far too many incredible things to do in Canada. However, I’m going to come up with what I feel are my top 7 things to do in Canada in hopes of inspiring you to visit this incredibly vast country.

The Canadian Rocky Mountains

Okay, so perhaps I’m biased because I live in Calgary, which is less than two hours away from this majestic place, but I can honestly say it’s one of the most beautiful places in Canada, if not the world. Think about it. Mountains, lakes, turquoise-coloured rivers, scenic mountain towns, epic hikes, waterfalls, glaciers, and so much more.

First off, there’s no better place for a Canada road trip. There’s the drive from Calgary to Banff, Calgary to Vancouver, and Banff to Jasper via the world-famous Icefields Parkway. Some of Canada’s most famous sites lie within the Canadian Rockies, including Banff National Park and  Jasper National Park. Whether you only have one day to take it all in via a car or an entire month to partake in all the incredible outdoor activities, the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks will become one of the beautiful areas you’ve ever seen.

This area is beautiful all year-round. In the summer, you’ll find emerald-coloured crystal clear lakes, lush pine forest, world-class hiking, white water rafting, horseback riding, and the opportunity to walk on a glacier. You’ll also find a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bears. In the winter, however, the area is sparkling with white snow and frozen waterfalls. While summer activities are now over, winter activities are in full swing, including some of the best ice climbing, skiing and snowboarding this world has to offer.

Have I sold you yet?

For more articles on what to do in Banff National Park, check out these travel guides below:

things to do in vancouver

Vancouver & Vancouver Island

Okay, I totally feel like I’m cheating now. I’m squeezing all of Vancouver and Vancouver Island into one TOP thing to do in Canada. I told you that choosing just 7 things would be hard to do. But don’t worry. You’ll thank me if you do BOTH Vancouver and Vancouver Island instead of just one (Although if you can just do one, make it Vancouver Island). Enough introduction, let’s talk rainforests and cities!

Vancouver is the most beautiful city in Canada, if not the world. Sure, it has some rough edges (East Hastings, for example) but for overall beauty, it can’t be beaten. Due to being one of the most densely populated cities on the continent, you’ll find heaps of high-rise buildings surrounded by both tall mountains and the Pacific Ocean. You can also be walking around the concrete jungle one moment and out hiking in rainforests the next. It’s that kind of city.

There are so many things to do in British Columbia’s biggest city, including Vancouver whale watching, biking around Stanley Park, enjoying one of the top culinary scenes in the country, skiing one of the best mountain resorts in the world, or jumping on the ferry to Vancouver Island. Now, to truly enjoy Vancouver Island, you’ll need a car. This way, after exploring the beautiful city of Victoria, you can head out to go surfing in Tofino, multi-day treks through the rainforest, or even watching Grizzly Bears catch salmon on a boat tour out of Campbell River.

There are way too many things to list here, but to give you more ideas for things to do around Vancouver and Vancouver Island, check out these travel guides below:

tips for driving the Dempster Highway
The Dempster Highway in August.

Northern Canada and the Northern Lights

This is probably the biggest region I’ve listed in this article. The reason I’m listing it as Northern Canada is because all of it is equally great and all of it is truly “off the beaten path”. If you thought Canada was already north, imagine what Northern Canada is like. It’s like two Europe’s with almost no people. The Yukon has more wolves than humans. But it’s not scary. It’s beautiful. It’s very, very, very beautiful. Toss in the Northern Lights and you have one of the most magical outdoor havens on Earth.

Probably the easiest of the three territories to visit is the Yukon. Home to Whitehorse, the biggest Northern city, the Yukon is a great place to explore Canada’s far north. You’ll find stunning Kluane National Park to the west (also home to Canada’s most westerly point), which is not only home to camping and hiking but also where you’ll find small planes waiting to fly you up and land on one the world’s largest non-polar glacier. Then you have the Northern Lights, which can be seen from Whitehorse or anywhere in Canada’s north. Then there’s historic Dawson City, which was home to one of the largest gold rushes in world history. You can still go panning for gold, gamble in Canada’s oldest casino, or drink a shot of whiskey with a human toe inside. Yup, you read that right. A human toe.

But that’s just the Yukon. From Dawson City, you can attempt one of the most infamous road trips in the country – the Dempster Highway. This 700-km dirt road takes you into the Northwest territories and connected with Canada’s first and only highway to the Arctic Ocean!

If you want adventure, this is where to have it. For more on Northern Canada, check out these travel guides below:

best things to do in nova scotia
Lobster traps line the harbour in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Newfoundland & the Maritimes

Newfoundland is one of our favourite destinations in all of Canada. It was the last province to join Confederation and is home to the most easterly point in the country. It’s also the most unique province of them all with their own unique food, music, and culture. It’s a very laid-back place with many small fishing communities separated by hundreds of kilometres of roads. In fact, some communities are not even connected by road and can only be visited by boat. It’s also home to St. John’s, which is the oldest English-founded city in North America, some of the most unique geology on Earth in Gros Morne National Park, and some of the most stunning ocean vistas you’re eyes will ever set their sights on. Oh yes, Newfoundland is all that and much more.

However, the other Atlantic provinces, collectively known as the Maritimes, are also beautiful to visit. Nova Scotia is the most famous of the three and is home to a thriving tourism industry, which includes Halifax, Lunenburg, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and the opportunity to raft the highest tides in the world. Then there’s charming Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, which is connected to the mainland by one of the longest bridges in the world. Here you’ll find the charming story of Anne of Green Gables, pink sand beaches, delicious seafood, and even a Potato Museum. Then there’s New Brunswick, which is Canada’s only officially Bi-lingual province. Here you’ll find beautiful Hopewell Rocks, the charming city of Fredericton, beautiful coastline, and even the world’s largest pond hockey tournament in the small town of Plaster Rock.

Perhaps listing the entire east coast as a top thing to do is cheating. But oh well, live with it.

For more on what to do on Canada’s East Coast, check out these travel guides below:

best things to do in quebec
The iconic Quebec City Skyline, Canada.

Montreal and Quebec City

Once again, I’ve gone and listed two major cities as one thing to do. Shame on me. But it’s true, everyone loves the cosmopolitan city of Montreal and the incredible beautiful historic area of Quebec City. For those who don’t know, Quebec is Canada’s only officially French province. This is what makes it so unique. Montreal is one of the most famous cities in Canada and is often described as North America’s slice of Europe. You can get a taste of history in Old Montreal or walk the more modern streets around the downtown core. You’ll find some incredible bagels, poutine, and Montreal smoked meat, as well as some incredible museums, natural sites, and historic buildings like the Notre Dame Basilica.

Then there’s Quebec City, which is just three hours north from Montreal. Home to the only fortified city north of Mexico, Old Quebec City is one place where you really will feel like you’ve stepped into medieval France. Whether you’re popping into the most photographed hotel in the world (Chateau Frontenac) or browsing some of the oldest homes in Canada, you better have a big memory card to hold all the pictures you’re bound to take. Even in the winter, Quebec City is a fantastic place to explore, thanks in part to both the Quebec Winter Carnival and the incredible Ice Hotel. If you do go in the winter, do not miss the experience of trying maple taffy!

For more on what to do in Quebec, check out these travel guides below:

Things to do in niagara falls. Best Views of Niagara Falls is a helicopter ride.
Niagara Falls from a Helicopter. Photo by Matthew G. Bailey.

Toronto and Niagara Falls

Even though we love the outdoors more than cities, we couldn’t make a MUST DO CANADA list without mentioning it’s biggest city and one it’s most famous tourist attractions. For anyone who loves the city, Toronto is the place to go. Not only is it home to more than six million people and the widest highway in all of North America, it’s also home to some of Canada’s best museums, shopping. sports entertainment, and attractions. It’s the only Canadian city that has both an MLB team (The Toronto Blue Jays) and an NBA team (The Toronto Raptors), not to mention the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of the most historic teams in the NHL. You’ll also find the CN Tower, which is still one of the highest observation towers in the world, and Wonderland, which is Canada’s largest amusement park. If you love rollercoasters, you’ll love Canada’s Wonderland.

Then, just over an hour away is world-famous Niagara Falls. Known as one of the world’s seven natural wonders, Niagara Falls is incredible to admire. It’s huge, it’s powerful, and it connects the province of Ontario with New York State. Whether you see it from the boat or from the sidewalk, Niagara Falls is truly impressive. Sure, the city has become a major tourism attraction (casino’s, etc) but you can also drive to nearby Niagara-on-the-lake and sample some of Canada’s best wineries. Even better? Fly over Niagara Falls in a helicopter.

For more on Toronto and Ontario, check out these travel guides below:

Grasslands National Park Badlands Parkway
Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

Things to Do in Canada

You know what? Now that I’ve finished the article, I’ve realized even more that there’s no way I can recommend just 7 things to do in Canada. It’s impossible. Even with this list above, which is way more than 7 things to do, I missed out on some other classics. I didn’t even mention Manitoba, which is home to Polar Bears and Beluga Whales. I didn’t even mention Saskatchewan, which is home to epic wide-open prairies and badlands. I didn’t mention the Dinosaur-encrusted valley’s of Alberta or BC’s Kootenay region. Then again, what about the beautiful city of Calgary, Winnipeg, and Ottawa. Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and home to the beautiful parliament buildings. I give up. Canada is too beautiful. You’ll just have to read the whole website. Sorry. (ugh, so Canadian).

For more THINGS TO DO IN CANADA, check out these travel guides below:

 

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7 Must Do Things in Canada
7 Must Do Things in Canada

Becoming a Speeding Bullet | Experiencing the Olympic Bobsleigh at Canada Olympic Park

By Matthew G. Bailey 9 Comments

Canada Olympic Park Calgary

Last week, I had the opportunity to feel like a bullet. Nestled inside a black Olympic 4-person bobsleigh, me, my fiancee, another lady, and Canadian winter Olympic silver medallist Helen Upperton (our driver) went soaring down a 1500-meter ice track at more than 120 km/h.

It was a crazy feeling. A rough one as well. The air was a crisp -25 Celcius and while most people were indoors drinking hot chocolate, we were getting ready to pull 5 G-forces of pressure while trying to keep our heads tucked into our shoulders like a turtle.

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Welcome to MUST DO CANADA!

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Welcome to Must Do Canada, a site dedicated to the ultimate best adventures one should experience north of the border. Canada is a massive and diverse country ranging from the deserts of southern B.C. to the near 24-hour darkness of the Northwest Territories winters. You can go world-class scuba diving off the Vancouver coast and gaze at bright green northern lights in the mighty Yukon. You can test your french in Quebec City or become a cowboy at the one and only Calgary Stampede. You can watch for polar bears in northern Manitoba or follow Cabot Trail in beautiful Newfoundland. You can also take part in skiing many of the world’s best mountains in western Alberta.

The adventures are endless in Canada and that’s why we’ve come together to display the very best of the best. An easy way for you to see what’s available in this amazing country and the inspiration to get your involved.

We hope to complete a 90-day cross-country road trip from June to September 2013 to literally try as many of the coolest experiences out there and write about them personally to give you an in-depth perspective as to what it was like. We want to capture the beauty and contrast of it all by taking stunning photographs and displaying them for all to see and to share. We also want to create a fun community where you can come out and enjoy the adventures with us as well as recommending some local favourites along the way.

The site is just as much for Canadians as it is for world travellers who are coming to visit. For Canadians who want to see just what’s offered in their backyard and for the distant traveler who has always dreamed of visiting this northern frontier.

Whether your arriving in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, or St.Johns; Whether your looking to go up north to the Yukon or Nunavut; Whether your looking to ski the Rocky Mountains or try Montreal’s famous smoked meat or poutine; You’ve come to the right place.

Welcome to Must Do Canada!