Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

Articles

Best Things to Do in the Alberta Foothills

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

Cowboy Trail near Longview, Alberta.

Located on the outskirts of Calgary, the Alberta foothills are a great place to explore small towns, farms, artisans, and see some of the most beautiful scenery in the province. In fact, one of the things that make exploring Calgary so great is that when you’re done with the city, you have so much more waiting for you less than an hour away.

The Alberta foothills basically start where the Rocky Mountains finish, with rolling hills stretching all the way past Calgary until it truly becomes the wide-open prairies. It’s one of the most scenic areas in the province because you have these beautifully lush hills and small towns with views of the Canadian Rockies in the distance.

The Alberta Foothills also has a special place in our hearts because we called it home for a decade and in a way, it’s still home as we can leave our apartment in Calgary and be in places like Bragg Creek or Okotoks in just 30 minutes.

Whether you’re flying into Calgary for an Alberta adventure or on a road trip in Alberta, the Alberta Foothills should be on your bucket list, and in this guide, we’re gonna show you why!

[Read more…] about Best Things to Do in the Alberta Foothills

The Best Spots to Go Fishing in Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

fishing in alberta
Marvel Lake – Photo by Andy Best @andy_best

From world-class trout fishing on the Bow River to the hundreds of lakes spread out across the province, Fishing in Alberta is a popular thing to do.

Growing up in Fort.McMurray, fishing was one of my favourite activities. My dad and I would often drive out to small lakes to fish for Rainbow Trout or fish for Northern Pike at many other northern lakes. It was such a blast.

These days, I don’t get out as often due to all the Canada road trips we’re always on, but I did just make it out for my first fly-fishing adventure right in downtown Calgary, which is what inspired me to write this article.

So, if you’re interested in going fishing in Alberta, this article will give you loads of advice on how to do it and where to go.

[Read more…] about The Best Spots to Go Fishing in Alberta

18 of the Best Restaurants in Edmonton

By Karla Bailey 8 Comments

best restaurants in edmonton
DOSC is one of the best restaurants in Edmonton.

As the second-largest city in Alberta, there are a lot of incredible restaurants in Edmonton. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner, budget, or high-end, Edmonton has something for everyone.

On our recent trip to the city, while researching the best things to do in Edmonton, we were able to try a number of delicious restaurants ranging from high-end experiences to “greasy spoon” brunches and all of them were great. This inspired us to write this guide about the best restaurants in Edmonton, using both our own research and the opinions of locals.

So, the next time you’re in Edmonton, and your belly is asking for some mouth-watering eats, make your way over to this article and check out some of the best Edmonton restaurants.

[Read more…] about 18 of the Best Restaurants in Edmonton

12 of the Best Edmonton Museums

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

Things to Do in Edmonton
An aerial shot of downtown Edmonton. Photo by Matthew Bailey.

As Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton has a lot to offer. From North America’s largest mall to the largest urban park in Canada, there are lots of things to do in Edmonton. But aside from shopping, festivals, and an incredible waterpark, you’ll also find some unique and wonderful Edmonton museums.

Whether you’re looking to learn about Edmonton’s or Alberta’s history or perhaps going even deeper into the prehistoric days and our natural history, there are all sorts of incredible Edmonton museums to suit all tastes.

So without further ado…

[Read more…] about 12 of the Best Edmonton Museums

Best Things to Do in Cypress Hills Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 14 Comments

Elkwater Lake is one of the top things to do in Cypress Hills Alberta.
Elkwater Lake, Cypress Hills, Alberta.

Unlike any other place in Canada, this mountain on the prairies is home to scorpions, rare orchids, petrified figs, and a “wild-west-sort-of” past that actually ignited the formation of the Mounties. Today, Cypress Hills Alberta is an oasis for camping, bird watching, watersports, biking, and so much more.

Cypress Hills Alberta is another one of those beautiful places that just escaped us for many years. I grew up in Alberta and have travelled it more than almost anyone else, but this one little slice in the Southeastern corner of the province was still on my bucket list. That is, until 2021 when I finally made it happen.

Located just 45 minutes from Medicine Hat, Cypress Hills Alberta is this rare oasis on the edge of the Canadian Badlands. From what I could see, it’s basically where the rolling hills of the Alberta badlands meet the forest. In fact, it’s a very unique ecosystem because it’s one of the few places in Western Canada that escaped the glaciation period, which has led to it having some truly unique flora and fauna.

But whether you’re into admiring rare orchids or not, there’s lots of outdoor adventure in Cypress Hills. With lakes, hills, and plenty of trails, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Cypress Hills for all ages. Let’s dive in.

[Read more…] about Best Things to Do in Cypress Hills Alberta

The Best Things to Do in Medicine Hat Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 7 Comments

Visiting the world's tallest teepee is one of the best things to do in Medicine Hat Alberta.

Very few people have explored Alberta as much as we have and yet Medicine Hat was one of the few places we had never been. Well, that’s no longer the case! We recently toured the city and the surrounding area for a whole week, experiencing as many things to do in Medicine Hat as possible.

Although Medicine Hat was once one of the five biggest cities in Alberta, it’s now relatively small with about 65,000 inhabitants. However, its history is rich, starting out thousands of years ago as a natural gathering place for Indigenous Peoples, and then a popular place for pottery, natural gas, and the railway. In fact, it’s known as the “The Gas City” due to all the natural gas deposits surrounding the city.

In this travel guide to Medicine Hat Alberta, we’re going to share some history, how to get there, where to eat, where to stay, and of course, the top things to do in Medicine Hat.

Enjoy!

[Read more…] about The Best Things to Do in Medicine Hat Alberta

32 of the Best Road Trip Essentials

By Bailey Storey 21 Comments

Driving Icefields Parkway Jasper
The Icefields Parkway highway cuts through the Canadian Rocky Mountains during the fall season.

Road Trip Essentials: Updated June 30, 2022

Whether you’ve got a few weeks or just a few hours to get out and explore our country, road trips are a great way to feel more together with your friends and family.

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know much we love road trips. In fact, it was a 150-day road trip across Canada that launched our Youtube channel back in 2017. What’s not to love about a road trip? You have a vehicle that gives you the freedom to go where you want to go, the comfort of having a bunch of things with you, and you get to see the scenery as you move from place to place. It’s the ultimate form of travel in our opinion, and Canada is one of the best places to do one.

But planning what to pack for your road trip can be a daunting task, especially when you don’t do it very often. That’s why we’ve created this article to help you pack the best road trip essentials for your next road trip.

[Read more…] about 32 of the Best Road Trip Essentials

The Best Things to Do in Wetaskiwin Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Racing cars in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.

Like many Albertans, Wetaskiwin is a place we’ve passed through but never actually explored. I knew the name well though. As a kid, I watched many commercials about Wetaskiwin thanks to their famous jingle “Cars cost less in Wetaskiwin.” Long story short, word on the street was that car dealerships charged less for cars there. I’m not sure if there was any truth to it, but the commercial sure caught on.

[Read more…] about The Best Things to Do in Wetaskiwin Alberta

The BEST Canada National Parks for Camping

By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

best Canada national parks for camping.

Camping is a perfect escape from our daily lives, allowing us to reconnect with nature and leave our worries behind. But with such a large variety of outdoor spaces to choose from, it’s hard to know where the best place is to pitch a tent.

Our Canada National Parks Camping Index has ranked Canada’s national parks, based on a detailed analysis of factors including the number of designated campgrounds, the number of designated hiking routes, Dark Sky preserves, annual rainfall, popularity, and their size, to provide a helpful guide to the best places to pitch up.

[Read more…] about The BEST Canada National Parks for Camping

13 Awesome Campsites in Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

campsites in alberta

With so many stunning and varied landscapes, as well as a plethora of both provincial and national parks, there’s no shortage of incredible campsites in Alberta. Whether you’re looking to admire the expanse of the badlands, the gentle breeze of a lake, or the mind-blowing peaks of the Rocky Mountains, there are tons of campsites in Alberta to pitch your tent or park your RV.

[Read more…] about 13 Awesome Campsites in Alberta

Beautiful Banff Horseback Rides in the Backcountry

By Karla Bailey 8 Comments

Banff horseback rides

When it comes to jumping on the back of a horse and going for a trail ride, it’s hard to beat the beautiful landscapes offered by Banff horseback rides. After all, Banff National Park is the most popular national park in Canada for a reason. Towering mountain peaks, turquoise lakes and rivers, and outstanding views are just some of the things to do in Banff National Park that attract so many people to the area. So, imagine seeing all of that while horseback riding in Banff.

[Read more…] about Beautiful Banff Horseback Rides in the Backcountry

7 of the Best Quebec Road Trips

By Matthew G. Bailey 14 Comments

As Canada’s largest province, there’s no shortage of cool things to do in Quebec. From the cosmopolitan city of Montreal to the whale-watching splendors of Tadoussac, Quebec has it all. This is what makes Quebec road trips such a great experience. Whether you’re looking to explore the cities, the wilderness, the small French towns, or everything in-between, there are lots of great road trips in Quebec.

[Read more…] about 7 of the Best Quebec Road Trips

21 of the Best Travel Accessories

By Matthew G. Bailey 230 Comments

Canada Summer Product Guide 2021

Sunshine, lollipops, and travel accessories…

With summer just around the corner, we’re getting ready for lots of camping and lots of road trips. When it comes to travelling around Canada or camping in the wilderness, there are so many cool products out there. From unique ways of making a quality cup of coffee to stink-free clothing and tree-hanging tents, there’s an endless array of products and services that make life easier or just bring us pure joy. However, some products and services are certainly better than others, so we’ve gone ahead and researched some of the most unique, useful, and downright awesome travel accessories and services travel to enjoy in 2021.

We’ve also gone ahead and ordered all of them (many of which were gifted) to try out over the summer and we’d love to hear from you in the comments as to which one you think takes the cake.

Let’s go.

[Read more…] about 21 of the Best Travel Accessories

25 of the Best Cabin Rentals in Ontario

By Karla Bailey 19 Comments

Ontario is the second-largest province in Canada and has the highest population, so it’s no surprise that there are a lot of cabin rentals in Ontario to choose from. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a lakeside mansion, there’s likely something to suit your taste.

Fortunately for you, we researched the most popular destinations in Ontario to relax in nature and picked what we consider some of the best cabin rentals in Ontario based on looks, price (all under $500 per night), and location.

Please be aware that these listings may contain affiliate links, which simply help support the site by giving us a very small commission if you book but with no extra cost to you.

If there’s a cabin that you think should be added to this list, please send us an e-mail or leave a comment and we’ll be happy to review it.

[Read more…] about 25 of the Best Cabin Rentals in Ontario

49 of the Best Cabin Rentals in Alberta

By Karla Bailey 26 Comments

Backcountry accommodation bighorn alberta
Cabins at Sunset Guiding and Outfitting, Panther Valley, Alberta. Photo Credit: Must Do Canada.

When it comes to cozy cabins and expansive wilderness, it’s hard to beat camping in Alberta. Home to mountains, badlands, prairies, and swaths of boreal forest, there are lots of opportunities for cabin rentals in Alberta. But they can be hard to find. There are so many options for cabins in Alberta and so many destinations, so finding the perfect one for you can be a challenge. That’s why we created this travel guide.

Whether you’re looking to stay in a luxurious cabin in the mountains or go rustic deep into the woods, we’ve got some incredible ideas for cabin rentals in Alberta.

[Read more…] about 49 of the Best Cabin Rentals in Alberta

The Best Hikes in Kananaskis Country

By Matthew G. Bailey 28 Comments

things to do in canmore alberta

If you’re looking to do some hikes in Kananaskis Country, you’ve come to the right place. Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, the Kananaskis is one of Alberta’s finest gems. Home to jaw-dropping mountains, turquoise-coloured lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, and lots of wildlife, it’s one of the most scenic areas in all of Canada.

With so much natural beauty, hiking in the Kananaskis is a very popular activity and a great way to see the stunning landscapes. It’s also relatively quiet compared to its neighbours Banff and Jasper, but is certainly no longer “off-the-beaten-track”. After all, Calgary is just around the corner, and with more and more people getting out into nature, hiking in the Kananaskis is growing in popularity.

Regardless, If you’re looking for some epic beauty, this Kananaskis Hiking travel guide will help you find the best hikes in Kananaskis, including those that are easy, moderate, and hard, as well as both day trips and multi-day backpacking trips.

[Read more…] about The Best Hikes in Kananaskis Country

The Best Camping in Ontario

By Matthew G. Bailey 51 Comments

camping in ontario

Ontario is a great representation of Canada’s wonderful inland waters. It borders all five Great Lakes and it’s dotted with thousands of smaller lakes and rivers, making it a great place to spend the summer in Canada. Camping in Ontario is a great way to be among nature and enjoy the destination that holds much of the world’s freshwater.

Although Ontario is one of the largest provinces in Canada and home to some of its biggest cities, it’s also home to a treasure-trove of nature, including more than 100 provincial parks. Most parks are open from late spring (May or June) until fall (Labour Day or Thanksgiving Day) and some are open year-round such as Algonquin, MacGregor Point, Pinery, and Killarney, to name a few. 

Camping is one of our favourite ways to enjoy the summer, so in this camping in Ontario travel guide, we’re going to share with you the different types of camping, how to book camping spots and the most popular places to go camping in Ontario.

[Read more…] about The Best Camping in Ontario

These are the 100 ‘Most Instagrammed’ Attractions in Canada

By Bailey Storey 37 Comments

top attractions in canada

There’s certainly no shortage of attractions in Canada. From world-famous Niagara Falls to massive ski resorts and mountain lakes, there are loads of things to do in Canada. While we could certainly put together a list of what we feel are the best attractions in Canada, we thought we’d use Instagram to find out what everyone else is taking photos of. After all, Instagram is used by more than a billion people and has become an influential tool in promoting tourism in Canada and around the world. So, we waved our magic Instagram wand and found the…

[Read more…] about These are the 100 ‘Most Instagrammed’ Attractions in Canada

The Best Things To Do in St. John’s, Newfoundland

By Matthew G. Bailey 51 Comments

best things to do in st johns newfoundland
The harbour is one of the most popular pictures of st john’s Newfoundland.

Things to Do in St. John’s Travel Guide Updated: January 15th, 2023

Newfoundland is one of my favourite places in all of Canada. There’s something about the friendly people, the landscapes, the food, the music, and the overall culture that just makes me want to go back each and every year. By far, it’s the most unique province in Canada, with its own very distinct personality. It was our first stop on our 150-day road trip back in 2017, and from day one, locals kept asking us what we were doing (they saw us with cameras) and then proceeded to invite us to their homes for dinner. That’s just the kind of place it is.

If you’re flying into Newfoundland, there’s a good chance that you’ll be flying into St. John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland. St. John’s is an incredibly vibrant town, steeped in history and full of things to do. You could easily spend a week in this area and not run out of activities. From learning about the history of the oldest English-founded city in all of North America to whale watching and lively parties, St. John’s is an incredible place to visit.

[Read more…] about The Best Things To Do in St. John’s, Newfoundland

15 Beautiful Alberta Road Trips

By Matthew G. Bailey 46 Comments

This Kananaskis Alberta Road Trip is one of our favourites.

Quite possibly the most varied province in Canada, there are so many incredible Alberta road trips. From the rugged Canadian badlands to the jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains, Alberta has everything you could want. Whether it’s exploring the wide-open prairies or one of Canada’s most photographed lakes, there’s an Alberta road trip for everyone.

Alberta is also the home province of Must Do Canada and we know this place better than anyone. We’ve driven from North to South and from West to East, chronicling many of our experiences on this website and on our Youtube channel. Alberta is our backyard and we love it here.

Whether you’re looking for a summer road trip, a winter road trip, or just a weekend getaway from one of the big cities, we’ve got 15 Alberta road trip itineraries for you to choose from.

[Read more…] about 15 Beautiful Alberta Road Trips

Your Guide to How to RV in Canada

By Matthew G. Bailey 25 Comments

RV in Canada in Jasper National Park.

With more Canadians poised to RV in Canada for the first time, we thought it would be a good idea to create a travel guide to help you make the best of it. After all, road trips in Canada are one of the best ways to explore the world’s second-largest country.

So whether you’re looking for certain tips, laws, or regulations, or just looking for ideas of where to park your RV in Canada, this travel guide will help you make the best decision.

[Read more…] about Your Guide to How to RV in Canada

The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 29 Comments

camping in Alberta at Spray Lakes West Campground in the Kananaskis.

Home to mountains, prairies, badlands, foothills, and boreal forests, there are so many incredible opportunities for camping in Alberta. Whether you long for the sounds of a loon calling out over a foggy lake or dream of waking up and admiring the many peaks of the Canadian Rockies, camping is one of the best ways for getting back into nature.

In this camping in Alberta guide, we’ll help you navigate all your options, whether it’s going full adventure mode and heading into the backcountry, or pulling up your campervan into a fully serviced campground.

[Read more…] about The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Alberta

The Best Romantic Getaways in Alberta

By Karla Bailey 21 Comments

The Kananaskis is one of the best romantic getaways in Alberta.

When it comes to romantic getaways in Alberta, there’s certainly no shortage of options. With the Rocky Mountains in the west, the Alberta Badlands in the east, the prairies and foothills in the south, and the boreal forest in the North, Alberta offers some of the most varied landscapes in Canada.

In this Alberta travel guide, we’ll share some of the best romantic getaways in Alberta.

[Read more…] about The Best Romantic Getaways in Alberta

8 of the Best Ontario Road Trips

By Matthew G. Bailey 60 Comments

Ontario Road Trips to Algonquin Park

With over a million square kilometres of terrain to explore, there’s no shortage of things to do in Ontario. Canada’s second-largest province is home to everything from lakes and rivers, to cities and culture. One of the best ways to see all that Ontario has to offer is to take one of the many incredible Ontario road trips, whether that’s exploring major cities like Toronto and Ottawa, or getting out into the wilderness and exploring one of the millions of lakes around the province.

So without further ado, here are the 8 best Ontario road trips for you to take this summer.

[Read more…] about 8 of the Best Ontario Road Trips

Your Guide for Where to Stay in Calgary

By Karla Bailey 20 Comments

Known as Canada’s Western Frontier, Calgary is where urban charm and city glamour meet. It’s where the rolling foothills and the dusty prairies suddenly give rise to tall skyscrapers, all to the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. It’s also one of the fastest-growing and youngest cities in Canada, resulting in a vibrant energetic city that is full of world-renowned attractions, eateries, beautiful parks, and an entrepreneurial can-do spirit. Thanks to its incredible location, it also makes an incredible base for exploring Banff National Park and the Alberta Badlands.

While Calgary might be known for its world-famous Calgary Stampede, which attracts more than a million people each July, there are actually many fun things to do in Calgary, such as touring the remarkable National Music Centre, strolling around the Calgary Zoo, or looking for all the stunning public art displayed around the downtown core.

Although hotels in Calgary book up quickly – particularly around Stampede and in the summer in general – there isn’t a shortage of great places to stay. With a range of choices ranging from high-end hotels to budget-friendly hostels, the hardest part might be trying to find the right one for you. That’s why we’ve created this guide.

In this guide to where to stay in Calgary, we’ll help you pick the right hotel in the perfect location.

[Read more…] about Your Guide for Where to Stay in Calgary

14 of the Best Day Trips from Calgary

By Matthew G. Bailey 23 Comments

Day Trips from Calgary - Lions Bridge, Calgary Alberta Canada

Updated: March 15th, 2021

While there are plenty of awesome things to do in Calgary, sometimes you just want to get out and see more of the province. Luckily, Calgary has the best location in Alberta. With the Canadian Rockies to the West, the Canadian badlands to the east, and both the prairies and the foothills on its doorstep, there’s no short of fun day trips from Calgary. Whether you’re looking to go horseback riding, white water rafting, skiing, hiking, or almost anything else you can think of, Calgary is a great place to be based.

In this Alberta travel guide, we’re going to share the best day trips from Calgary, which can easily be transformed into multi-day adventures if you have more time. There are lots of places you can choose from, and a range of both small and big towns, all offering their own unique charms and attractions.

Let’s get into it.

[Read more…] about 14 of the Best Day Trips from Calgary

How to Enjoy the Winter in Waterton

By Matthew G. Bailey 9 Comments

Winter in Waterton Lakes National Park
Admiring the view of the winter in Waterton.
Unlike the busy streets of Waterton Lakes during the summer months, winter in Waterton is totally different. Most hotels are closed, there are only two restaurants, and everything is very quiet. But, for those looking for a winter adventure and the quiet solitude of the Rocky Mountains, there’s perhaps no better place. Whether you’re looking to go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, or just enjoying the splendour of a serene mountain town, Waterton Lakes in the winter should be on your bucket list.  In this guide, we’ll help you plan your winter trip to Waterton Lakes, including what to do, where to stay, and where to eat. [Read more…] about How to Enjoy the Winter in Waterton

Our Top Picks For Toronto Airbnbs

By Karla Bailey 2 Comments

Downtown Toronto

As the biggest city in Canada, there are lots of awesome things to do in Toronto as well as a plethora of accommodation options including some pretty incredible Toronto Airbnbs. 

Modern, hip and very multicultural, Toronto is one of the most famous cities in North America, receiving upwards of 47 million visitors each year! Known for things like the CN Tower, Lake Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, and a swath of major league sports teams, it’s easy to keep busy in what the rapper Drake refers to as the 6ix.

However, because of its sheer size and an array of cool neighbourhoods, choosing where to be stay can be tough. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered in this guide to our top picks for Toronto Airbnbs. [Read more…] about Our Top Picks For Toronto Airbnbs