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The Best Things to Do in Canada

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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

74 AWESOME Things To Do in Quebec

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

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

Updated: August 18th, 2020

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 74 AWESOME Things To Do in Quebec

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 Whale Watching Canada

Things to Do in Montreal 2020

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Montreal

Last updated: August 17, 2020

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 Things to Do in Montreal 2020

10 Things to do in Quebec City in winter

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

things to do in quebec city in winter

Last updated: March 23rd, 2020

For those wanting to witness the beauty of Canada’s colder months, winter in Quebec City is a great time to visit. From world-renowned festivals to hotels made of ice, there are all sorts of things to do in the winter months.

Québec City sits along the St. Lawrence River in the mostly french-speaking province of Quebec. Dating all the way back to 1608, it features a unique European charm, a fortified colonial core, a parliament building modelled after the famous Louvre Museum in Paris, and a variety of stone buildings and cobblestone streets. It’s easily one of Canada’s most beautiful cities and is only a 3-hour drive from world-famous Montreal.

Like most Canadian cities, it’s busy in the summer. But if you’re okay getting bundled up in winter clothing, you’ll find fewer crowds in the winter months and equally beautiful scenery, exciting activities, and the same delicious French food you’ve come to expect. [Read more…] about 10 Things to do in Quebec City in winter

Winter in Quebec City with the Quebec Winter Carnival

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

quebec winter carnival

Last updated: March 17th, 2020

When it comes to winter festivals, there’s none better than Quebec’s winter carnival, which is one of the largest winter festivals in the world. Held annually during the month of February, the Québec Winter Carnival, or Carnaval de Québec as it’s known in French, is an annual festival that brings thousands of visitors together to celebrate the winter in Quebec. Created way back 1894, the festivities were inspired by the harsh winters as a way to create a fun celebration to warm the hearts of its citizens. The modern version of the festival started in 1955 and is now one of the biggest events of the year for French Canada. From ice sculptures to ice slides to an absolutely massive parade, it’s a great experience for kids and adults alike. [Read more…] about Winter in Quebec City with the Quebec Winter Carnival

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.

[Read more…] about Tadoussac Whale Watching in 2021

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

22 Places to Experience Christmas in Canada

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

things to do in panorama Bc

In the winter, Canada is truly a winter wonderland. It’s the epitome of what we all imagine a white Christmas to be. Most landscapes are covered in soft white snow while sparkling snowflakes fall from the sky to create a magical atmosphere that many only see in the movies. Sure, the summers are beautiful and warm, but the winters are truly unique and special.

Growing up in Fort.McMurray, Alberta, a small Northern Alberta town, we had long cold winters that felt like forever at times. However, we also had some of the best Northern Lights displays in the world, and walking home underneath the Aurora made the long winters worth it. Even when it was -40 Celcius and truly too cold for comfort, I enjoyed seeing the air sparkle.

In contrast, my family-in-law is from Mexico City. They aren’t from the coast but still, they only get the dry season and the rainy season. It never snows. When they visited us during the Christmas holidays, however, they loved it. It was so different for them. One day, it began to snow and my mother-in-law caught a snowflake in her hand. She almost cried. She didn’t know that snowflakes actually do have the shape that we see in movies and TV commercials. Each snowflake really is unique. [Read more…] about 22 Places to Experience Christmas in Canada

Walking through Historic Quebec City

By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

quebec city wall mural

Quebec City is a magical place in Canada. First, it’s just different than the rest of the country. It feels like you’re in Europe more than North America. Secondly, it’s full of history. Whether your walking around the walled city of Old Quebec, taking a picture of the famous Fairmont Frontenac or strolling through the plains of Abraham, You’re bound to enjoy your time in this wonderful city.

My family and I were visiting Quebec City in late July as we drove across the country. I was excited to see Quebec City and walk the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec. We used Priceline to our advantage and scored the Best Western Plus, which was only a 20-minute walk from the heart of the city. For a room that was normally $170 per night, $80 was a great deal!

We had two days to wander around before we went up north to Tadoussac for some whale watching. Our days were packed full of activities. [Read more…] about Walking through Historic Quebec City

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