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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

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

10 Must Do Activities in British Columbia

By Matthew G. Bailey 6 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

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

Exploring Kicking Horse Resort Via Ferrata

By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

suspension bride kicking horse resort

There’s something special about looking down at the Columbia Valley from 7,700 feet. The blue-tinged river snaking its way around the lush green valley and the seemingly endless array of mountains surrounding my 360-degree view. Then again, I’m actually hanging off one of the mountains as I make my way up to Terminator Peak via Ferrata.

New to Kicking Horse Resort (created in 2015), the Via Ferrata is a great activity for thrill-seekers looking for a chance to experience mountain climbing with few of the risks. I love trying new things so it wasn’t hard to convince myself to go. My wife, Karla, joined as well.

[Read more…] about Exploring Kicking Horse Resort Via Ferrata

Skiing Above the Clouds at Kicking Horse Resort, British Columbia

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Kicking horse ski resort

With over 2,800 acres of skiable lift-served terrain and the fourth highest vertical drop in North America, Kicking Horse Resort is one of the top ski resorts in British Columbia.

This was only the second time I had skied in BC. Living in Calgary, I typically go to the closer resorts such as Sunshine Village and Lake Louise but when Dax Justin (a Rocky Mountain Instagrammer) mentioned the possibility of a trip to Kicking Horse Resort, I knew I had to check it out.

[Read more…] about Skiing Above the Clouds at Kicking Horse Resort, British Columbia

Enjoying a Warm Dip in Radium Hot Springs

By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

Radium Hot Springs

I wish I was sinking into the pools at Radium Hot Springs right now.

This past weekend, my family and I travelled to Radium Hot Springs to enjoy a 2-night stay at Bighorn Meadows, some ice fishing with Reel Axe Adventures, skiing at Panorama Mountain Resort and spending some much needed relaxation time in the neighbouring hot springs.

There was something special about fishing all day on a frozen lake and then driving out to Radium Hot Springs for a warm (or even hot) dip in the developed natural hot springs. Walking out into the cold weather and feeling the warm sensation of the water when it first hits your feet is a delicious experience.

We ended up visiting Radium Hot Springs twice, thoroughly enjoying the deep relaxation caused by hot soothing water and surrounding mountain scenery. As I sat in the warm waters, I’d look to my right and see a frozen waterfall backlit by bright colours and when I looked to my left I’d see the cliff of a mountain with trees standing tall and covered in hoarfrost. It was magical.

One night we stayed in the hot springs for two full hours, only leaving because our skin was getting very wrinkled.

There are plenty of things to do in the town of Radium Hot Springs including nearby skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, golfing, white water rafting and much more. After partaking in the suite of adventures in the area, there’s nothing better than swinging by the hot springs to sooth those tired muscles.

As I sit here typing away, I simply cannot wait to be surrounded again by the mystical steam of Radium Hot Springs as I soak in the hot waters.

Bliss.

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Follow me on Instagram for mouth-watering photography. You can find me at instagram.com/matthewgbailey

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Our trip to Radium Hot Springs was graciously sponsored by Bighorn Meadows. This in no way influences my opinions of any activity. My readers are everything and I am always 100% truthful. 

A Luxurious Stay at Bighorn Meadows, British Columbia

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

bighorn meadows radium hot springs

Opening the door to our 2-bedroom condo at Bighorn Meadows was a true delight.

Massive soft-carpeted hallways opened up to a breathtaking living room with plenty of windows letting in the sunshine and breathtaking scenery. The main bathroom was humungous and even had a dual shower for those romantic nights. The main bedroom also had it’s own shower and jacuzzi tub and the kitchen had everything you’d ever need.

We were really impressed. While I normally travel the world in budget accommodation, we decided on the 2-bedroom condos at Bighorn Meadows as my parents were joining Karla and I. We wanted to be able to make delicious home-cooked meals and be able to play games and watch movies just as we would at home.

bighorn meadows radium hot springs

Everyone was impressed. The colours of the condo were dark and sexy and the furnishings were luxurious. I wish my condo in Calgary looked like this place. We were only staying two-nights so we didn’t make use of the washer and dryer but it would sure come in handy for longer trips.

Our large balcony opened up to impressive views of the neighbouring mountains and the golf course, which was covered in snow at the moment.

We felt super comfortable. Walking into the bathrooms with their heated tiled floors felt amazing on bare feet. Turning on the fireplace and watching a movie on the flatscreen proved to be relaxing after a long day of adventures.  Simply crawling into the massive king-size beds felt fantastic.

It felt like home, which was very nice considering a normal hotel room would have been small and stuffy. In between soaking in Radium Hot Springs, Ice Fishing for rainbow trout and skiing at Panorama Mountain Village, we were able to BBQ our own thick steaks on the outdoor Barbecue, play card games on the massive kitchen table and rest our legs on the comfortable leather couch.

bighorn meadows radium hot springs

We didn’t really want to leave but alas, check-out day came and we had to go back home.

I can just imagine the beauty of this place in the summer as well, especially if you’re into golf. Wake up, throw on some golf clothes and walk to the course. Breathtaking scenery, world-class golfing and no car = Sign me up!

Our 2-bedroom condo slept 6 people. Bighorn also offers 3-bedroom condos, which sleep 8. By the time you divide the cost, Bighorn Meadows certainly offers MUCH better value than a hotel.

Whether you’re looking to golf in the summer or ski in the winter, Bighorn Meadows comes highly recommended. It’s also a 4-minute drive to the famous Radium Hot Springs if you’re looking for a nice soak.

Visit BighornMeadows.com for more information.

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Follow me on Instagram for mouth-watering photography. You can find me at instagram.com/matthewgbailey

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This 2-night stay was graciously provided by Bighorn Meadows as part of a media visit. In no way does this shape my opinions. I always keep everything real and 100% honest. My audience is everything to me. I highly recommend Bighorn Meadows for a beautiful, luxurious and comfortable accommodation. 

 

 

Ice Fishing at Whiteswan Lake, British Columbia

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

It was dark outside. A slice of moon glowed above us as we made our way to the Tim Horton’s in Invermere, British Columbia. At 7am sharp, we pulled up in the parking lot to meet up with Rylan and Chris of Reel Axe Adventures who were taking us out to Whiteswan Lake for a day of ice fishing for world-class rainbow trout.

ice fishing whiteswan lake provincial park

We were told this lake is much more of an adventure than lake Windermere, which would have been much closer. Whiteswan Lake is situated 1.5 hours away from Invermere in the backcountry of interior British Columbia. The road to get there is an active logging route and as the light came out to expose the beautiful mountain scenery surrounding us, we didn’t mind having to wake up at such an early hour.

[Read more…] about Ice Fishing at Whiteswan Lake, British Columbia

Fabulous Skiing at Panorama Mountain Village

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

One of my favourite feelings in the world is soaring down a mountain on skis, going as fast as I can and then making sharp turns so I can almost touch the snow like a surfer touching the water in a tube wave.

I had plenty of those moments this past week at Panorama Mountain Village. The ski runs are fantastic. The views are incredible. The amenities are plentiful.

snowboarding Panorama Mountain Village

One of my favourite runs was at the top of the champagne chairlift, which is almost the peak of the mountain. From there, it was 6 or 7 minutes of all-out speed as I raced down the mountain with nothing but jaw-dropping scenery in front of me. Even the ride up the chairlift itself is fabulous with tree after tree covered in hoarfrost.

[Read more…] about Fabulous Skiing at Panorama Mountain Village

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