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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

Ontario and Quebec - The two largest provinces in Canada with a taste of french and english.

Best Things to Do in Ontario | Tips & Attractions

By Matthew G. Bailey

things to do in ontario

Last updated: December 20th, 2020

Ontario is one of the biggest provinces in Canada and is home to some amazing cities, attractions, and nature. Ranging from the massive cosmopolitan city of Toronto to the scenic landscapes of Algonquin Provincial Park. From kayaking next to loons to experiencing Canada Day on Parliament Hill, Ontario is definitely one of the most popular provinces to visit in Canada.

We experienced a lot of the best things to do in Ontario, and we’re so excited to be sharing it with you!

Some of the wonderful attractions in Ontario included taking a helicopter tour over Niagara Falls, interviewing refugees in downtown Toronto and experiencing the thrill of some of the world’s best roller coasters at Canada’s Wonderland. We also ran around the world’s largest escape room just outside of Ottawa, and sampled award-winning wines near Niagara-on-the-Lake, just to name a few.

We’ve travelled here many times, in both the summer and in the winter, and can’t wait to return again one day and explore the province further.

Much of Ontario’s most famous attractions and cities are located in the Southeastern part of the province. However, the province is also home to a lot of beautiful lakes and forests, leaving tons of room for visitors to explore the vast natural landscapes spread across the province. Whether you’re looking for big vibrant cities, small lakeside towns, or beautiful natural scenery, Ontario is the place for you!

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Tadoussac Whale Watching in 2021

By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

whale tour tadoussac quebec

Last updated: January 5th, 2021

I can honestly say that I never once imagined going whale watching in Tadoussac, Quebec. That’s not because I don’t like Quebec – I do! It’s because I didn’t realise that whale watching was a possibility. It turns out that the St. Lawrence River is connected to the ocean, which brings all sorts of whales to the region.

In fact, in Tadoussac, whale watching is a popular activity that brings in loads of tourists every year. We’ve been whale watching in Tadoussac a couple of times now, first in 2013, and then again in 2017 during our 150-day road trip across Canada. 

While you can spot marine mammals all year-round, there are times when they are much more abundant. In this Tadoussac whale watching guide, we’ll give you all the info you need to have the best trip possible.

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Ottawa in the Winter

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

winter in ottawa

Last updated: February 25th, 2020

With snow covering the ground and temperatures reaching far below zero, Canada may not seem like a desirable place in the winter. But that’s truly not the case. Not only is there fewer crowds and cheaper prices, but winter is also an incredibly beautiful time to visit and Ottawa is one of the best places to do so.

Canada’s capital is a great place to visit in the winter. Not only is it a great place to experience winter activities such as skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, but it’s also very beautiful to see the frozen Rideau Canal, the snow-covered Ottawa River, and the stunning gothic-style parliament buildings surrounding by a white blanket. [Read more…] about Ottawa in the Winter

Things To Do in Toronto

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

Things to do in Toronto

Last updated: March 20th, 2020

As Canada’s biggest city, there’s no shortage of things to do in Toronto. Whether you’re looking for world-class museums, fun attractions, lively neighbourhoods, or major league sports, Toronto truly has something for everyone. It’s also one of the most multicultural cities in the world, which makes it a great place to experience a wide variety of cultures and food.

We’ve been to Toronto a number of times and are always excited to return. From the beautiful skyline featuring the CN Tower to the funky neighbourhoods like Kensington Market, Toronto is such a lively city to wander around. However, if it’s your first time, it might be overwhelming. There really is so much to do and so many Toronto attractions that there’s no way we could list everything in this article without boring you to death.

So, what we’re going to do is list out what we feel are the best places to visit in Toronto, especially if it’s your first or second visit. It’s unlikely you’d get through everything here on your first visit unless you’re staying for quite some time. Regardless of what you do, you’re bound to have a great time in Ontario’s capital. [Read more…] about Things To Do in Toronto

How to Plan the Ultimate Canada Road Trip

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

things to do in alberta road trips

Even though we love to jump on planes and travel around the world, our favourite form of travel is a good old classic road trip. There’s something special about being in control of your own transportation and being able to go wherever you want, whether that’s a small town, a big city, or an off-the-beaten-path gem. There’s also something great about stuffing what you need into a car and not worrying about baggage restrictions, lost luggage, and people throwing away your cologne and hand creams.

Road trips are a popular mode of travel in many countries around the world but there’s hardly a better place than Canada. As the worlds second largest country, Canada is best explored by vehicle. The Trans-Canada Highway runs all the way from Newfoundland to British Columbia, paving a path of more than 7,800 kilometres. Then there’s the North, which is now connected by road all the way to the arctic ocean in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. There’s major cities, small towns, and breath-taking scenery all along the way. [Read more…] about How to Plan the Ultimate Canada Road Trip

13 Canada Road Trips That Will Blow Your Mind in 2020

By Matthew G. Bailey 9 Comments

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

Last updated: March 23rd, 2020

If the thought of being behind the wheel while driving amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world gets you going, then this is the article for you. As world travellers that specialize in Canada travel, we’ve done some epic road trips in our lifetime, including the Australian East Coast, the Oregon Coast, California, and parts of Mexico, Malaysia, Peru, and New Zealand. Still, nothing compares to the 150-day road trip across Canada in 2017. Comprising over 27,000 kilometres of asphalt (and some dirt roads as well), we got to explore Canada from coast to coast to coast. However, not everyone has 150 days to dedicate to driving across Canada. Therefore, we wanted to dissect some of the best parts of our Canadian road trip so that you can experience a slice of Canada on your next road trip vacation.

While there are many other road trips not listed here, as well as a variety of incredible destinations that may not include an iconic road trip, we believe these 13 itineraries below are the best road trips in Canada and a great way to design your own Canada tour. [Read more…] about 13 Canada Road Trips That Will Blow Your Mind in 2020

Lake Superior Circle Tour in Canada

By Kristal 5 Comments

lake superior circle tour

Over the years, my dogs and I have driven all over Canada and the United States, visited both oceans, and several mountain ranges.  In spite of all the amazing places we have been privileged to explore, my favourite part of Canada is still the Trans-Canada Highway, or Highway 17, between Sault Ste. Marie (affectionately called “the Soo”) and Thunder Bay (or T-Bay).

With so many things to do and places to see around massive Lake Superior, the best way to see it all is to do the Lake Superior Circle Tour, which takes place in both Canada and the USA and makes for a wonderful Lake Superior vacation. However, for this article, we’re going to focus on the Canada-side of the tour. Maybe we can call it the Lake Superior Half Circle Tour?

Let’s begin. [Read more…] about Lake Superior Circle Tour in Canada

How to Get the Best Views of Niagara Falls in 2020

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

best views of niagara falls ontario canada
Take a cruise at Niagara Falls. Photo by Matthew G. Bailey.

Last updated: November 11th, 2020

Shared between Canada and America, this spectacular landmark is often sought out by travellers. But where do you find the best view of Niagara Falls, Canada?

As one of Canada’s most popular natural attractions, Niagara Falls has been attracting visitors for more than a century. Some even consider it one of the world’s natural wonders. It is a very beautiful place and a very popular place to visit, both on the Canadian side and on the American side.

As you may know, the falls split the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA. You can view the falls from both the American side and the Canadian side but, in our humble opinion, the best way to see them is from the Canadian side.

This is where you can get up close and personal with Horseshoe Falls, the most impressive of the three falls that make up Niagara Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the one you’ve all seen in photos. However, there are also American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

Niagara Falls Facts

Before we get into how to get the best shows of the falls, I wanted to share some cool facts about Niagara Falls with you.

  • The 3 waterfalls (Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil) combine to produce the highest flow rate of any waterfall on earth.
  • The largest vertical drop is over 50 metres (165 feet).
  • The Niagara Falls are a major source of hydropower, producing a lot of electricity.
  • Although the force of Niagara Falls is controlled, they let it go strong during the popular summer months, when up to six million cubic metres of water flows over the crest each minute.
  • Niagara Falls occurs as water drains from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario.
  • If erosion continues at its current rate, scientists believe that Niagara Falls will be gone in approximately 50,000 years. Get there fast!
  • Roughly 30 Million people visit Niagara Falls each year.
  • People have gone over the falls, despite it being illegal to do so. Some have even survived, but many were injured or killed.
  • People have tight-roped across the falls. First in 1859, and again in 2012.
  • Niagara Falls is one of the most popular things to do in Ontario.

As you can see, Niagara Falls has been a source of inspiration for years. Whether that inspiration has been to go over them and survive or simply kick back and enjoy the wonderful views.

If you do make it to this beautiful area, there are many different ways to see Niagara Falls.

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Experiencing Humanity at Winnipeg’s Museum for Human Rights

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

Human Rights Museum Winnipeg

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

I was told that the most impressive feature of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights was the building itself but this couldn’t be more wrong. Sure, the building is gorgeous. It was carefully and thoughtfully designed by Antoine Predock, who incorporated meaning into every facet of the facility. From the darkness of humanity simulated by beginning the museum partially underground to the beacon of light symbolized by reaching the top floor with expansive views of the city, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is an architectural marvel.

However, the museum itself is equally fantastic. I thought that one 3-hour morning would be enough but that wasn’t the case. If you really want to dive into everything, you’ll need longer. I decided to jump on the 1.5-hour tour, which is a great way to get oriented with the museum and its different floors. The tour gives you insight into the building, the layout, the galleries and the intention of the museum. Unlike most museums that layout artifacts and historic items, this museum is designed to provoke discussion and inspiration into the movement of humanity.

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Pure Tranquility Within the City | Thermea Spa Winnipeg

By Matthew G. Bailey 9 Comments

Relaxing at Thermea Spa Winnipeg

I just got back from paradise, only this time I’m not talking about Hawaii, Bali, or the coast of Mexico – I’m talking about the Thermëa spa in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

I’m not kidding. I think this place may have saved my life. After months of intense stress, my back was knotting up, my legs were getting tight and even my jaws were beginning to ache. When I heard about a new Nordic-inspired spa opening up in Winnipeg, I was intrigued.

Nestled on a slice of Crescent Drive Park, Thermëa is all you really need to gain back your senses, sooth your soul and feel like you’ve just got back from a one-week vacation without leaving the city. They’ve really got it all. Swedish massage, body treatments, facials, and best of all – a thermal spa.

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