Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

Indoor Attractions

This is 20 of the BEST Things to Do in Ottawa

By Matthew G. Bailey 6 Comments

things to do in Ottawa include visiting Parliament Hill or simply admiring it from different vantage points in the city.
Taking a tour of Parliament Hill is one of the top things to do in Ottawa.

Welcome to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, where history, culture, and adventure collide in the most unexpected ways! From the iconic Parliament Hill to hidden foodie gems, this city is bursting with experiences that will make you say, “Why haven’t I visited sooner?” Whether you’re wandering along the Rideau Canal, exploring world-class museums, or indulging in local eats that are nothing short of mouthwatering, Ottawa has a way of surprising every type of traveller.

Stick around as we uncover the best things to do in Ottawa…

[Read more…] about This is 20 of the BEST Things to Do in Ottawa

27 of the Best Things To Do in Winnipeg

By Matthew G. Bailey 11 Comments

Things to Do in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Winnipeg might just be Canada’s most underrated city. Tucked into the heart of the prairies, it’s a place where big-sky beauty meets buzzing culture, and where every corner seems to hold a little surprise. One minute you’re wandering through a world-class museum shaped like a giant glass mountain, the next you’re floating down a lazy river or eating your way through a food market that could rival anything in Toronto or Vancouver. The Peg, as the locals proudly call it, has history, creativity, nature, and yes—even polar bears (safely behind glass, of course). Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Manitoban looking to fall in love with your city all over again, Winnipeg delivers way more than most people expect.

Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do or someone visiting the city for the first time, this Winnipeg travel guide will help you discover the best things to do in Winnipeg, Manitoba!

[Read more…] about 27 of the Best Things To Do in Winnipeg

38 Awesome Things To Do in Manitoba

By Matthew G. Bailey 41 Comments

The Forks in Winnipeg is one of the best things to do in Manitoba.
The Forks, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

If Canada were a novel, Manitoba would be one of those chapters you think you can skim—until you realize it’s where all the good plot twists happen. Smack dab in the middle of the country, this prairie province is often overlooked, but that just makes discovering it all the more rewarding. From polar bear encounters on the edge of Hudson Bay to canoeing through endless lakes in the Canadian Shield, Manitoba is where raw wilderness meets vibrant culture. Whether you’re chasing northern lights, wandering through historic cities, or canoeing next to Beluga whales, this province delivers experiences that are as unexpected as they are unforgettable.

So if you thought Manitoba was just wheat fields and winter, you couldn’t be more wrong. Here are the best things to do in Manitoba that’ll prove this province deserves a permanent spot on your Canadian bucket list.

[Read more…] about 38 Awesome Things To Do in Manitoba

The BEST Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

There are lots of great things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Perched on the edge of the Atlantic with salty sea breezes and a whole lot of character, Halifax is the kind of city that blends history, culture, and coastal charm in all the right ways. Whether you’re strolling along the vibrant waterfront boardwalk, diving into the city’s rich maritime past, or digging into fresh lobster rolls (or a mouth-watering donair) with a view, Halifax has something for every type of explorer. From lively festivals and iconic landmarks to hidden gems and scenic day trips, here’s your guide to the very best things to do in Nova Scotia’s capital!

[Read more…] about The BEST Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia

65 Best Things to Do in Calgary

By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

Things to Do in Calgary. Drone flight overlooking the city.
Calgary has one of the best city skylines in Canada.

Although known for the world-famous Calgary Stampede and its proximity to the Canadian Rockies, there’s so much more to this beautiful city.

With beautiful outdoor attractions and neighbourhoods, cultural hot spots, food tours, winter sports and festivals, Calgary is a hidden gem quickly gaining in popularity. Nestled in the Alberta Foothills, Calgary is one of Canada’s most multicultural and fastest-growing cities. Known for its laid-back Western atmosphere, it’s also a bustling tech town with one of Canada’s youngest populations.

Although we travel and write about the best of Canada, Calgary is our home city, and we’ve lived here for 20 years. People are always asking us about the best things to do in Calgary, so we’ve created an extensive guide to help you explore the city. Whether you’re a local looking for the best restaurants in Calgary or a first-time visitor looking for the best Calgary tours, this is your guide to the best things to do in Calgary year-round.

[Read more…] about 65 Best Things to Do in Calgary

25 of the Best Things to Do in Kelowna

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

Things to Do in Kelowna, BC.
Enjoying a helicopter flight over Kelowna.

Located along beautiful Okanagan Lake, surrounded by desert and wineries, Kelowna is easily one of British Columbia’s tourism jewels. It’s the third-largest metropolitan area in British Columbia, behind only Vancouver and Victoria, and is one of the most popular summer destinations in the province. It’s also one of the warmest destinations in Canada, so whether you’re looking to get some sun, go boating, hit up a golf course, visit wineries, or even visit in the winter for some awesome skiing, Kelowna is a great place to explore.

However, another great feature of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley is that it’s home to many other great communities, such as Vernon, Peachland, Summerland, and Penticton. Plus, it’s right in the middle of the drive between Calgary and Vancouver, making it a great place to visit during an epic Canada road trip.

[Read more…] about 25 of the Best Things to Do in Kelowna

The ULTIMATE Guide to the Best Things to Do in Ontario

By Matthew G. Bailey

Ottawa is home to some of the best things to do in Ontario.
Ottawa is home to the nation’s capital.

Ontario is one of the biggest and most populated 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, there are so many things to do in Ontario. 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.

Some of the wonderful attractions in Ontario included taking a helicopter tour over Niagara Falls, visiting world-class museums in Toronto, enjoying the thrill of some of the world’s best roller coasters at Canada’s Wonderland, canoeing some of Canada’s best lakes and rivers, and visiting some of Canada’s top wineries, just to name a few.

Whether you’re visiting in the summer or in the winter, looking to do one of the many Ontario road trips, or looking for the best activities and attractions for your next trip to Ontario, we’ve got you covered in this extensive guide to the best things to do in Ontario.

[Read more…] about The ULTIMATE Guide to the Best Things to Do in Ontario

These are the Best Things to Do in Lethbridge

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Lethbridge events - the Dragon Boat festival
Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival, Henderson Lake Park.

Lethbridge is a small city that’s very close to my heart. Not only is Lethbridge home to the University of Lethbridge, which I attended many years ago, but it’s also where my wife and I met. I met a lot of good friends in Lethbridge as well and lived with my best friend for a semester. I’ve since been back on many occasions, experiencing new things to feature in this travel guide.

While Lethbridge doesn’t hold the same star power as places like Calgary, Banff, and Jasper, it’s certainly a beautiful city and home to a variety of fun things to do. It’s also a great base for other things to do in Alberta and is unique thanks to its desert-like climate, coulees, and cactus.

[Read more…] about These are the Best Things to Do in Lethbridge

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Drumheller

By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

Drumheller Welcome Sign.
Don’t miss the welcome sign!

Alberta is a special place. It has the Canadian Rockies to the west, the prairies to the south, the boreal forest to the north, and the spectacular badlands somewhat in the middle. Located just 1.5 hours northeast of Calgary, Drumheller is one of the most scenic places in the province and one of the top places in the world for Dinosaur enthusiasts.

About 75 million years ago, Drumheller was a hotspot for Dinosaurs. Despite its dry-looking landscapes today, it was once home to an inland lake with a tropical climate and lush vegetation. In 1884, the future of modern Drumheller began, thanks to a discovery by geologist J. B. Tyrrell, who stumbled upon dinosaur bones while searching for coal.

Along with Calgary, Banff, and the Canadian Rockies, Drumheller is one of Alberta’s top things to do. Whether you’re an adult or a kid, Drumheller is bound to satisfy your Dinosaur crush, with epic badland scenery and the best Dinosaur museum in the world.

If you happen to make it to this incredible place, here are some ideas for what to do, where to stay, and how to get around.

[Read more…] about The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Drumheller

82 of the Best Things To Do in Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 171 Comments

drone photography of panther valley alberta canada
Panther Valley, Alberta.

From boreal forests to vast prairies and high mountain peaks, Alberta is an incredible province to explore. Born and raised in Alberta, I certainly feel that I know Alberta better than most. I’ve been to each major city and almost every small town in the province, giving me great insight into the province that I call home.

Although Alberta is one of only two provinces that are landlocked, Alberta is about as diverse as it gets. From looking at Dinosaur skeletons in the badlands and hiking some of the tallest mountain peaks in the country to splashing around in North America’s largest indoor waterpark and driving one of the world’s most scenic highways, Alberta is an incredible place to explore.

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

[Read more…] about 82 of the Best Things To Do in Alberta

23 of the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

Things to Do in Victoria BC

Things to Do in Victoria – Last updated: April 21, 2024

When it comes to beautiful Canadian cities, Victoria is definitely high on the list. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is British Columbia’s capital and one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. A British settlement since 1843 and named after Queen Victoria, the city is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the beautiful parliament buildings and the world-famous Empress Hotel. The city is also home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, vibrant First Nations communities who have called this place home long before European settlement, and is widely known as “The Garden City” thanks to its mild weather and almost year-round gardens.

Victoria is also ranked as one of the top 20 cities worldwide for its quality of life and is relatively snow-free in the winter months, something rather unusual for a Canadian city. Another benefit of visiting Victoria is the city’s surroundings, which include a stunning Pacific coastline, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountains. It’s also conveniently located near both Vancouver, BC, and Seattle, Washington.

If you’re looking to visit a beautiful laid-back city surrounded by outdoor adventure and nature, Victoria should definitely be on your bucket list. In this Victoria BC Travel Guide, we’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Victoria while also sharing some tips on saving money, how to get around, where to stay, and much more.

[Read more…] about 23 of the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

21 Awesome Things To Do in Saskatoon

By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

Driving a moped along the South Saskatchewan River in downtown Saskatoon.

Things to Do in Saskatoon last updated: October 12th, 2022

As the South Saskatchewan River winds through the city, Saskatoon is buzzing with an infusion of new restaurants, bars, breweries, and attractions. Locals who had once left to attend school or experience big cities like Vancouver and Toronto have moved back, bringing with them a new sense of pride.

It’s really quite beautiful, with some calling Saskatoon the “Paris of the Prairies”. Multiple bridges cross the wide river, while an 80-km trail provides a scenic way to take it all in while walking, jogging, or biking. Those into watersports can grab their paddleboard, kayak, or canoe, and go down the river for a scenic soft adventure. Even in the winter, people can be seen on bikes or kick-sleds – a new activity to the area.

[Read more…] about 21 Awesome Things To Do in Saskatoon

38 of the Best Things to Do in Vancouver

By Matthew G. Bailey 20 Comments

things to do in vancouver

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 38 of the Best Things to Do in Vancouver

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

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 New Brunswick

By Matthew G. Bailey 65 Comments

Things to do in new brunswick
Peering out through a rock formation to the Bay of Funday from Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick.

Updated: September 14, 2022

Underrated and yet incredibly beautiful, New Brunswick surprised us in so many ways. It’s one of the four Atlantic Provinces of Canada, and the only province in the country with both English and French as official languages. While the province covers a land area the size of Ireland, there are only 750,000 inhabitants, leaving tons of room for visitors to explore the vast natural landscapes of the province, including quaint seaside towns, small historical cities, gorgeous natural scenery, delicious seafood, and fun activities like rappelling and zip-lining.

From driving the stunning Fundy Trail Parkway in the world to walking around the historic streets of Saint John, New Brunswick is an awesome province to explore.

To learn more about New Brunswick, including what to do, where to go, and how to get there, this travel guide is for you!

[Read more…] about The Best Things To Do in New Brunswick

75 of the Best Things To Do in Quebec

By Matthew G. Bailey 33 Comments

best things to do in quebec
The iconic Quebec City Skyline, Canada.

Things to Do in Quebec last updated: August 11th, 2021

As Canada’s largest province, as well as the only province whose sole official language is French, Quebec is an incredible destination rich in history, culture, and adventures. Located in Eastern Canada, Quebec borders Ontario to the west, New Brunswick to the east, the Hudson Bay to the north, and the United States to the south. With a rich history encompassing sieges and battles, the foundations of Quebec date back to the 16th century with remnants of the past still visible today.

We’ve explored Quebec many times, both in the winter and in the summer, and always look forward to going back. Whether it’s roaming the streets of Old Montreal, exploring the walled city of Quebec, whale watching in Tadoussac, sleeping with wolves in Montebello, or playing with falcons in Mont Tremblant, Quebec has become one of our favourite places to visit.

Whether you’re planning to explore the cities, the beaches, the mountains, or everything in-between, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive travel guide to the wonderful province of Quebec!

[Read more…] about 75 of the Best Things To Do in Quebec

Best Things To Do in Nova Scotia

By Matthew G. Bailey 161 Comments

Things to Do in Nova Scotia Last Updated: September 5th, 2022

From the Atlantic Ocean to the wine region of Annapolis, Nova Scotia is an incredible province to explore. For anyone looking for that maritime charm, this province has a lot to offer, and we’ve broken it down into a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Nova Scotia.

Located on the Eastern edge of Canada, Nova Scotia is easily visited from Quebec, New Brunswick, and even the USA.

Explore Canada’s top national historic site in Halifax or walk around the charming streets of Lunenburg. Drive one of the country’s top road trips in Cape Breton, or go rafting on some of the highest tides in the world in the Bay of Fundy.

With so many attractions in Nova Scotia, this province is bound to become one of your favourite places in the country. Whether you’re planning to explore the cities, the coastline, or everything in-between, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive travel guide.

[Read more…] about Best Things To Do in Nova Scotia

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

25 Best Things to Do in Edmonton

By Matthew G. Bailey 28 Comments

Things to Do in Edmonton
Edmonton has a beautiful skyline.

Known as the “Gateway to the North”, Alberta’s capital city is the farthest north of Canada’s major cities and is home to a variety of things to do and places to see. Stretched along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton is a city that can be visited year-round, depending on what you’re looking for. Due to its location, Edmonton’s winters can be some of the coldest and darkest in Canada, and yet, it can be a great time to visit if you’re looking to experience frozen castles, ice hockey, or perhaps the Northern Lights. The summers, in contrast, can be quite hot with the sun staying up until close to midnight. This is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, as well as an incredible array of festivals and events.

Speaking of festivals, Edmonton is known to some as the “City of Festivals”. This is, in part, because Edmonton has lively festivals all year round. However, the best of them is during the summer, when the city comes to life with the International Fringe Theatre Festival, Heritage Festival, the Folk Festival, and the International Jazz Festival, just to name a few.

So whether you’re looking for some of Canada’s best festivals, a beautiful river valley, a delicious culinary scene, or North America’s largest mall, Edmonton is a great place to visit. In this guide, we’ll show you what to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

[Read more…] about 25 Best Things to Do in Edmonton

35 of the Best Things to Do in Montreal

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

Montreal

Things to Do in Montreal Last updated: April 21, 2024

One of Canada’s most famous cities, Montreal is a cosmopolitan, European-feeling city that has become one of the top travel destinations in the country. Located in the mostly French-speaking province of Quebec, Montreal is actually one of the five largest French-speaking cities in the world.

Half of my family is from Montreal and so it has a special place in my heart. Old Montreal will make you feel like you’ve suddenly stepped into medieval France and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better city in Canada for trying French-inspired cuisine and eclectic nightlife. It’s also somewhat cheaper than most of Canada’s major cities, making it a great destination for both budget and non-budget travelers.

In this Montreal travel guide, we share with you some of the best things to do to make your next trip an unforgettable one, including top attractions, places to see, general costs, and much more.

[Read more…] about 35 of the Best Things to Do in Montreal

The ULTIMATE Guide to the Best Things To Do in Newfoundland

By Matthew G. Bailey 153 Comments

best things to do in newfoundland
Colourful fishing village near St. john’s, Newfoundland, Canada.

Last updated: April 20th, 2022

Best Things To Do in Newfoundland

Easily one of our favourite provinces to explore, Newfoundland is an incredible place to add to your Canadian bucket list. We’ve visited Newfoundland many times and from May 15th to May 27th, 2017, Newfoundland became the first part of our 150-day Canada road trip travel series. We experienced icebergs, kitchen parties, history, and gorgeous landscapes. We also experienced a mix of sun, wind, rain, fog, and cloudy weather. This is all part of visiting Canada’s most Easterly province during the month of May. However, this is when icebergs begin to make their way down the Atlantic and one of the few places in the world where you can see them in all their glory.

Newfoundland is such an incredible place to explore and it is quite unique compared to the rest of Canada. We were blown away with the hospitality of the locals and by their eagerness to help us experience their great province in various ways. From the moment we touched down in St. John’s, people helped organize parties, tours, and activities all across the province, and some even took us out for dinner.

Newfoundland really is a special place. Whether you’re looking for icebergs, wildlife, incredible scenery, stunning hikes, delicious food, or a joyful atmosphere, Newfoundland is the place to be.

When planning a trip to Newfoundland, it’s always helpful to know what are the best things to do. We have a number of articles about Newfoundland on this site but this one is dedicated to showcasing some of the best things to do in the entire province, most of which have been experienced by us. We hope this becomes a great travel guide for your next trip to Newfoundland.

We hope you enjoy the article and we hope we inspire you to visit this wonderful province. 

[Read more…] about The ULTIMATE Guide to the Best Things To Do in Newfoundland

The BEST Things To Do in Regina, Saskatchewan

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

things to do in regina saskatchewan canada

Things to Do in Regina last updated: November 12th, 2020

Named after Queen Victoria in 1882, Regina, which is Latin for “Queen”, is now Saskatchewan’s capital city. Although it’s not the biggest city (that would be Saskatoon), it’s the cultural and commercial centre for Southern Saskatchewan and is located right on the Trans-Canada Highway, making it the perfect stop on a Canada road trip.

Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or flying direct, we highly recommend spending some time in Queen City. Regina often gets overlooked on many traveller’s itineraries but is home to wonderful museums, historic districts, strong indigenous culture, a vibrant food scene, and of course, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

[Read more…] about The BEST Things To Do in Regina, Saskatchewan

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things To Do in Toronto

By Matthew G. Bailey 24 Comments

Things to do in Toronto

Things to Do in Toronto last updated: September 20th, 2022

As Canada’s biggest city, there’s no shortage of things to do in Toronto, Ontario. 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 and Toronto tours 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 things to do in Toronto as well as the best places to visit, especially if you’re new to the city. 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 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things To Do in Toronto

The ULTIMATE Guide to Things To Do In Canmore, Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

Things to do in banff

Things to Do in Canmore Last updated: March 1, 2023

If there was an award for the most beautiful mountain town in Canada, Canmore would likely take the title. Fringed by the towering Canadian Rocky Mountains, Canmore sits in one of the most beautiful locations on Earth, just minutes from the world-famous Banff National Park.

While it has become very popular over the years, Canmore is basically the “local” version of Banff. Whereas Banff was specifically designed for tourists and caters to millions of people each and every year, Canmore is the town where locals live, which is a mere 15-minute drive from Banff and about 60 minutes from Calgary.

In this Canmore travel guide, we’ll fill you in on the best things to do in Canmore, Alberta.

[Read more…] about The ULTIMATE Guide to Things To Do In Canmore, Alberta

Three Ways to Experience Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta, Canada

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump Alberta

For anyone interested in First Nations culture, I can hardly think of a better place to visit than Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump. In fact, it’s so special that it’s one of Canada’s 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, helping to preserve more than 6,000 years of Blackfoot cultures and traditions that happened here in the North American plains.

Upon arriving at the site, it doesn’t look like much, which is actually a good thing. The amazing architect who designed the building did so by building it right into the Earth, allowing it to provide visitors with an incredible interpretative centre without taking away from the natural area around it. It’s such a great design that it won the Governor General’s award for Architecture back in 1990.

Upon entering the interpretive centre, we knew we were in good hands. Everyone was so friendly. They joked around and took pride in their heritage. The museum has a variety of artifacts and displays, as well as a wonderful movie that re-enacts the buffalo hunt, a must-see for anyone visiting the site. This will help make the jump come alive for you. Without watching the movie or taking a tour, it would just look like a cliff. You’d lose the magic that comes from knowing the history that made this into one of the world’s 1,000+ World Heritage Sites.
[Read more…] about Three Ways to Experience Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta, Canada

Things To Do in Cardston, Alberta | The Remington Carriage Museum

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Remington Carriage Museum

I’m always amazed by big attractions that lay hidden away in small towns just beyond the beaten path. I find travel is like an onion. As you peel away one layer, another emerges. Such is the case for the Remington Carriage Museum, which is located in Cardston, Alberta. Despite living in Alberta and traveling extensively within the province, I had never heard of this museum until I was on a writing assignment with Zenseekers to showcase Southern Alberta.

The Remington Carriage Museum is home to more than 270 carriages and is the largest of its kind in the world. Upon entering the museum, we were essentially transported back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, getting a glimpse of carriages that carried pioneers and some that carried the rich and famous. As someone who grew up watching Western movies, I really loved seeing the overnight carriages, decked out in white canvas, used by pioneers traveling across the country. We learned all about Don Remington (1914 – 1987) and why he created this place. We also learned of their newest exhibit featuring Robert McLaughlin, the entrepreneur behind the largest carriage manufacturing company in the British Empire. Considering how big of an impact this family had on Canada, I was surprised I had never heard of them before. They even created Canada Dry Ginger Ale. [Read more…] about Things To Do in Cardston, Alberta | The Remington Carriage Museum

Calgary’s National Music Centre Offers Backstage Pass Tour

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Studio Bell Calgary
Looking up at Studio Bell, Calgary, Alberta.

Since opening its doors in 2016, the National Music Centre’s Studio Bell has been one of Calgary’s hottest attractions. Housed in one of the cities most stunning buildings, the NMC brings musical education to the masses, including Canada’s Music Hall of Fame, interactive educational programming, artist incubation, and over 2,000 rare instruments and artifacts such as the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio and one of Elton John’s pianos.

For those who want more, the National Music Centre also offers the Backstage Pass Tour, an incredible way to experience the studios where musicians record, a variety of musical instruments from this century and many before it, and even an up close and personal look at the Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio, a unique setup that was used by some of the worlds most famous bands and Canadian musicians, including Dire Straits, Deep Purple, Bob Marley, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden. [Read more…] about Calgary’s National Music Centre Offers Backstage Pass Tour

The Calgary International Salsa Congress

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Salsa Congress Calgary

Calgary might be known as a “cowtown” but the “salsa dancing fever” is very hot as well. With all sorts of latin-style festivals happening throughout the year as well as various dance schools teaching locals how to move, Calgary is a great place to learn and dance a variety of styles including salsa, bachata, tango, and more.

Since Karla and I love latin music (Karla is Mexican after all), we decided to take dance classes and finally learn the proper footwork and to be able to enjoy dancing a lot more. Then, our dance instructor mentioned the Calgary International Salsa Congress, which is now in its 10th year. We couldn’t miss it.

With performers from all over the world, the Calgary International Salsa Congress is the place to be if you want to see incredible dance performances ranging from salsa, bachata, tango, and even burlesque. With both amateurs and pros competing for awards, the shows go on all night. Starting around 6:30 PM and not ending until almost midnight, there’s a whole lot of entertainment for you to enjoy. [Read more…] about The Calgary International Salsa Congress

Around the World with Winnipeg’s Folklorama

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Spain Traditional Dancing

For two weeks each summer, scattered around the city of Winnipeg, lies a unique chance to travel around the world without actually getting on a plane. Sure, you won’t see the beautiful beaches of the Philippines or the colonial architecture of Spain but you will get a taste of the culture thanks to Folklorama.

Known as the largest and longest-running multicultural festival in the world, Folklorama allows visitors to experience the cultural dances, food, and people that make the city so diverse. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to experience many of the pavilions (shows) during my time in Winnipeg. [Read more…] about Around the World with Winnipeg’s Folklorama