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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

Alberta

The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 8 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.

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14 Awesome Day Trips from Calgary

By Team Must Do Canada 14 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.

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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.

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Jasper in the Winter

By Matthew G. Bailey 18 Comments

Jasper in the Winter - Maligne Canyon Icewalk
Admiring Maligne Canyon in the winter.

Without a doubt, Jasper is one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Canada. Located within Jasper National Park and at the northern end of the world-famous Icefields Parkway, it’s a magical outdoor destination with towering mountains, snaking rivers, clear lakes, and lush forest. Anyone interested in outdoor adventure or simply admiring some of Earth’s grand vistas will love Jasper, and in the winter, it’s all covered in white sparkly snow.
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Exploring Nordegg Alberta (Summer and Winter Travel Guide)

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

Siffleur Falls Alberta Canada
Is David Thompson Country the most beautiful place on Earth?

Updated: February 5, 2021

Located in magical David Thompson Country, smack dab in the middle of both the incredible Icefields Parkway and the Cowboy Trail, Nordegg is a picturesque community that’s perfect for the outdoor adventurer. From exploring its historic mine to hitting the road and exploring some of Alberta’s most stunning natural scenery, Nordegg is a great base for getting out into some of Canada’s most spectacular nature.

Nordegg, however, is just one small part of David Thompson Country, so we’ll explore the entire area in this travel guide, showing you what to do, where to stay, and how to get the most out of this incredible Alberta road trip. [Read more…] about Exploring Nordegg Alberta (Summer and Winter Travel Guide)

Jasper Accommodations

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

Jasper National Park from the Jasper Sky Tram
Jasper National Park as seen from the Jasper Sky Tram. Photo by Matthew G. Bailey.

Surrounded by towering mountain peaks, turquoise-coloured rivers and lakes, and hordes of wildlife, Jasper is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It’s also a bustling tourist town, though not nearly as busy as its neighbour Banff, which means it has a variety of delicious restaurants, souvenir shops, and an array of Jasper accommodations. 

Jasper is one of our favourite places in Canada. Not only is it such an incredibly beautiful place, but it’s also located at the northern end of the world-famous Icefields Parkway, which makes it one of the top road trips in the world. For those who love outdoor adventure, Jasper is paradise. From hiking, golfing, and gondola sightseeing in the summer to ice climbing, skiing, and skating in the winter, there’s no shortage of fun things to do.

In this Jasper accommodations guide, we’re going to share with you some of our top recommendations for where to stay in Jasper, including hotels, cabins, camping, and more. [Read more…] about Jasper Accommodations

Tips for Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper in 2021

By Matthew G. Bailey 22 Comments

Icefields Parkway Banff to Jasper
Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper in the fall.

Last updated: February 3rd, 2020

Alberta is home to some of the top road trips in Canada, including the stretch from Banff to Jasper (or from Jasper to Banff), which is perhaps the most beautiful road trip in the country if not the entire world. In fact, various publications have awarded the Icefields Parkways as one of the most scenic road trips on the planet as it takes you through two Canadian Rockies national parks and all kinds of natural beauty including towering mountain peaks, turquoise lakes and rivers, glaciers, and lush alpine forest. 

The Icefields Parkway itself stretches for approximately 233km from Lake Louise to Jasper, but it clocks in at 288km if you include the drive from Banff to Jasper. Without stopping, it would take around four hours in good weather. However, it would be silly to drive this beautiful route without stopping to admire the natural attractions or take part in one of the many activities. If you can’t make the drive yourself, there’s plenty of tour companies offering the experience as well. 

The drive is also located in the middle of the Canadian Rockies, which can be home to some inhospitable weather, especially during the winter months. Before setting out on the adventure, be sure to check in for road closures and hazards. You’ll also want to take particular care during the winter months as the roads are slippery and the weather can be very cold should your vehicle decide to break down. Even in the summer, there are hazards though, including wildlife encounters both on the road and on the trails, not to mention a lot of traffic. 

In this guide, we’ll help you plan your trip from Banff to Jasper as well as learn all the best things to do along the Icefields Parkway.

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Banff in the Winter

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Banff in the Winter - Matthew Bailey of Must Do Canada

As one of Canada’s most popular destinations, Banff needs no introduction. Not only was it Canada’s first national park but also the world’s third. It’s home to some of the best scenery in the world and is a true paradise for anyone interested in outdoor adventure. Although it’s busiest during the summer months, Banff in the winter is about as spectacular as winter in Canada gets. 

Banff in the winter is like stepping into a winter wonderland with snow-capped mountains, a snow-dusted forest, charming streets, and all sorts of winter attractions ranging from ice castles to world-class skiing and more. As much as we love Banff in the summer, we actually prefer it in the winter. Not only are hotels cheaper and easier to come by, but nothing can quite compare to a town like Banff covered in white sparkling snow. Even my mother-in-law who hails from Mexico prefers the winter months, despite the often bone-chilling temperatures. Imagine yourself inside a snow globe. That’s Banff in the winter. [Read more…] about Banff in the Winter

Romantic Things to Do for Valentine’s Day in Canada

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

Skating in Banff

Updated: January 25th, 2021

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many of you are likely trying to think of romantic things to do or see. February 14 in Canada is right in the middle of winter, which typically means cold weather and lots of snow. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. In fact, sparkling snow can be just what it takes to create that magically romantic winter wonderland.

You may want to sleep under the Yukon Northern Lights or admire them from the Northwest Territories. You may want to take a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls or go winter wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Maybe you want to check out live theatre in the big city of Toronto or go for a graffiti tour in trendy Montreal.

Whatever it is, there are tons of places to go for Valentine’s day and things to do. Leave the family members behind, grab your partner and choose a Valentine’s activity from this list.

Best Things to Do on Valentine’s Day, Canada

So whether you choose to ditch the roses and chocolate altogether or bring them with you on an unforgettable adventure, here are 14 ideas for things to do on Valentine’s Day in Canada. [Read more…] about Romantic Things to Do for Valentine’s Day in Canada

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