Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

Vancouver

Canada’s Most Luxurious Rocky Mountain Train

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

The best Rocky Mountain Train is the Rocky Mountaineer.

Few places rival the beauty of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. With majestic towns like Banff and Jasper, stunning turquoise lakes and rivers, and tall glistening mountain peaks, they attract millions of visitors each and every year. But that’s only one small slice of the incredible landscapes between Vancouver and Calgary. There are also the Columbia Mountains, the Coast Mountains, the semi-desert landscapes around Kamloops, and the coastline of British Columbia’s Pacific Coast. It makes for one heckuva a Canadian road trip, but what if you could see it all from the comfort of a Rocky Mountain train?

[Read more…] about Canada’s Most Luxurious Rocky Mountain Train

37 of the Best Things to Do in Vancouver

By Matthew G. Bailey 20 Comments

things to do in vancouver

Things to Do in Vancouver Last updated: May 23rd, 2022

When people ask us what we think is the most beautiful city in Canada, Vancouver is our answer. Although it’s one of the most densely populated cities in North America, it’s also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforest, mountains, and the Pacific ocean. It’s because of its setting that we often rank Vancouver, British Columbia as one of the prettiest cities on Earth.

Vancouver is also vastly urban, with hundreds of skyscrapers dotting the landscape. You can easily be surrounded by a concrete jungle in the morning and out in the forest in the afternoon. This is what makes it such a great place to visit. However, it’s also one of the most expensive cities in Canada, especially when it comes to real estate and accommodation.

If you’re looking for a vibrant art scene, loads of delicious restaurants, historic districts, thriving markets, incredible urban parks, and beautiful vistas, Vancouver should be on your bucket list. In this Vancouver Travel Guide, we’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Vancouver while also sharing some tips on saving money, how to get around, where to stay, and more.

[Read more…] about 37 of the Best Things to Do in Vancouver

15 of the Best Hot Springs in BC

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

One of the many beautiful hot springs in BC.
Sloquet Hot Springs.

Looking for hot springs in BC? We’ve got you covered!

When it comes to hot springs, there’s no better place in Canada than British Columbia. From north to south, there are so many hot springs in BC, ranging from wild and hard-to-get-to to resort-style spas with changing rooms.

From the west coast of Vancouver to the Rocky Mountains and all the way up to the Yukon border, These beautiful natural wonders can be found all over the province. They don’t always smell the best but they truly feel like a dream when you step inside one, especially in the winter, which is our favourite time to take a hot dip.

So whether you’re looking to relax at a 5-star spa with lockers to store your bags or a wild hike to find a hot spring that you can have to yourself, here is our list of the best hot springs in BC.

[Read more…] about 15 of the Best Hot Springs in BC

55 Odd, Interesting, and Fun Vancouver Facts

By Matthew G. Bailey 27 Comments

Vancouver Facts

If you’re looking for some fun and interesting Vancouver facts, you’re in the right spot!

Despite its extremely high cost of living and cloudy winters, we can definitely say that Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, if not the entire world. After all, it’s hard to go wrong when you’re sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains while also being surrounded by rainforest and beautiful islands.

But for those of you interested in learning more about one of the densest cities in North America, we’ve scoured the web and some books to see what we can find. So whether you’re trying to satisfy your curiosity, looking for something to talk about at a party, or just looking for something to do today, enjoy this list of cool Vancouver facts.

[Read more…] about 55 Odd, Interesting, and Fun Vancouver Facts

Where to Stay in Vancouver, BC | Best Areas & Hotel Recommendations

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

where to stay in vancouver

Are you planning a trip to Vancouver but still aren’t sure where to stay? The city is fairly easy to get around, and not so big that you’ll be spending too much time in transit, but the location is always important. 

While there isn’t necessarily a wrong place to stay in the city, there definitely are pros and cons to staying in certain neighbourhoods. If you’re planning on walking rather than driving, you’ll want to be within easy walking distance to attractions and transport. And if you’re a night owl you’ll probably want to book into a hotel near restaurants and bars that stay open later. 

This guide will help you find the best location to stay in Vancouver as well as offer a selection of accommodation options for you to choose from. [Read more…] about Where to Stay in Vancouver, BC | Best Areas & Hotel Recommendations

48 of the Best THINGS TO DO in British Columbia

By Matthew G. Bailey 99 Comments

Whale Watching Vancouver Island Port Renfrew Canada
Watching Orca whales off the coast of Vancouver Island, Canada.

Updated: January 31st, 2022

There are so many incredible things to do in British Columbia. From lush rainforest to high mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia is an incredible province to explore. Living next door in Alberta, we’ve been to BC many times and have experienced it from north to south and from east to west.

Although British Columbia is home to the mildest climate in Canada, it’s also about as diverse as it gets. From being able to go surfing and skiing (possibly during the same day) to being able to hike some of Canada’s tallest mountains or exploring one of North America’s most dense cities, BC is a treasure trove for tourists and locals alike.

Whether you’re planning to explore the cities, the mountains, the ocean or everything in-between, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive travel guide to the wonderful province of British Columbia.

[Read more…] about 48 of the Best THINGS TO DO in British Columbia

Everything You Need to Know About Whale Watching Canada

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

whale watching Canada
Killer whales off the coast of Vancouver Island. Photo by Matthew G. Bailey

With more coastlines than any other country on Earth, it’s no surprise that Canada is one of the best countries in the world for a whale watching tour. Bordered by three oceans – the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans – whale watching occurs all across Canada in places such as British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Nunavut.

Whale watching is very popular with both tourists and locals, with the possibility of viewing up to 33 whale species from shorelines, ships, sailing boats, zodiacs, kayaks, and more. Depending on where you are, there’s lots of other sea life as well, including seals, dolphins, walruses, and a variety of birds.

In this guide, we’re going to fill you in on where to go whale watching in Canada, the most common whales you’ll likely see, and the best times to go.

[Read more…] about Everything You Need to Know About Whale Watching Canada

Calgary to Vancouver Drive

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

things to do in vancouver

Last updated: April 23rd, 2020

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

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

[Read more…] about Calgary to Vancouver Drive

Best Things to Do in Whistler Winter Activities

By Nicole Louise 5 Comments

things to do in whistler village
Extensive lift system on Whistler Mountain – Photo provided by Tourism Whistler and taken by photographer Mike Crane.

I have been skiing regularly in Whistler for 17 years now. What a privilege! A Whistler winter is one of the most beautiful and thrilling experiences you can have. Beyond being in awe of the spectacular surroundings, there is a phenomenal amount of Whistler winter activities in which you can participate. In this article, I am going to share five of my favourites, all of which could easily be a Whistler day trip from Vancouver. [Read more…] about Best Things to Do in Whistler Winter Activities