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Summer

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

By Matthew G. Bailey 20 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.

[Read more…] about Tips for Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper in 2021

Canada’s Road to 150

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

icefields parkway canada

Updated: January 19th, 2021

It’s not very often that someone has the opportunity to travel across Canada for 150 days. That’s 5 months of travel across one of the biggest countries on Earth. But in 2017, that’s just what we did.

After a rough 2016, we were trying to come up with a big passion project for 2017. After mulling it over for some time, I wanted to do something that capitalized on the Canada150 momentum that seemed to be taking the world by storm. Wanting to create something that had “marketing flare”, I came up with the idea to do a 150-day road trip across. However, no one cares about a personal road trip. So, I decided to turn it into a documentary about what makes Canada special. The idea was to travel to each and every province and territory while interviewing people of all backgrounds as to why they think Canada is such a great country.

There was just one problem. We needed funding. [Read more…] about Canada’s Road to 150

26 FUN Things to Do in Calgary, Alberta in 2021

By Matthew G. Bailey

things to do in calgary

Last updated: January 5th, 2021

Although Calgary’s biggest draws might be the Calgary Stampede and its proximity to the Canadian Rockies, there’s actually a lot of things to do in Calgary that have nothing to do with those two things. In fact, Calgary is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by prairies, foothills, and mountains along with a dazzling city skyline and two beautiful rivers snaking their way through the city.

We’re actually based in Calgary and have experienced a lot of what this city has to offer. From cruising down a sheet of ice in an Olympic bobsleigh to enjoying a slow cruise down the river on a tube, Calgary is a wonderful city to explore. So, whether you’re looking for things to do in Calgary with kids, attractions for adults, or simply cheap things to do in Calgary, we’ve got you covered in this Calgary travel guide. [Read more…] about 26 FUN Things to Do in Calgary, Alberta in 2021

Summer in Canada

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Crescent Falls Alberta

Last updated: September 1, 2020

Summer in Canada might be short, but it’s also incredibly beautiful. Whether you’re looking to get outdoors or explore one of Canada’s world-class cities, the summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Summer in Canada is also the most popular time to visit, not only due to the pleasant weather but also due to the wide range of activities, including city tours, water sports, hiking, road trips and more.

However, this also means that summer in Canada is the busiest time to visit. Even though winter in Canada is remarkably beautiful, it’s also a much more difficult time to visit, due to the cold weather and the slippery roads. Most tourists visit during the summer to avoid the harsh weather and enjoy the super long days of a Canadian summer. This means that accommodation prices are often higher, tourist attractions are busier, and costs are generally more expensive all across the board.

Either way, a summer in Canada should not be missed. Whether it’s kayaking one of our millions of lakes, exploring our vibrant downtown cores, or simply enjoying a bright sunny day that doesn’t end until close to midnight, there’s a reason why both Canadians and visitors can’t wait for the warmer months to arrive. [Read more…] about Summer in Canada

Your Travel Guide to Crowsnest Pass Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Crowsnest Pass Alberta

Crowsnest Pass, or “The Pass” as the locals call it, is a singular collective of five historic mining towns, all surrounded by the majestic rocky mountains. Each community is unique and has been formed through a history of economic booms, tragedies, and a local passion for the area.

Today, small historic mining towns, incredible mountain vistas, and lots of outdoor adventure are just some of the things that attract visitors to the Crowsnest Pass. One of the most scenic areas in Alberta, the Crowsnest Highway makes for a wonderful road trip, which is also perpendicular to another famous Canada road trip – the Cowboy Trail. Whether you’re looking to explore the historic sites of some of Canada’s deadliest disasters, go hiking in the mountains, or just enjoy that small-town vibe, the Crowsnest Pass should be on your bucket list. [Read more…] about Your Travel Guide to Crowsnest Pass Alberta

Things To Do in Lake Louise 2020

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Things to Do in Lake Louise Alberta

Last updated: August 8, 2020

Known as one of Canada’s most famous and most photographed lakes, Lake Louise is one of Alberta’s biggest tourism draws. From its bright turquoise colour to the surrounding mountain peaks and glaciers, it’s easy to see why Lake Louise has become a Canadian bucket list destination.

Although the biggest draw in Lake Louise is probably the lake itself, there’s actually a lot of things to do. From the stunning mountains vistas to one of the world’s top ski resorts, Lake Louise is an incredible year-round destination.

We’re based in Calgary and so we’ve driven from Calgary to Lake Louise many times, taking every moment we can to explore the Canadian Rockies. From hitting the slopes of Alberta’s largest ski resort to hiking up to the top of the mountains, Lake Louise is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

In this travel guide, we’re going to fill you in on all the popular things to do in Lake Louise. [Read more…] about Things To Do in Lake Louise 2020

Connected to Indigenous Tourism in Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

Zucmin Guiding Kananaskis Alberta

Hiking can be so different depending on who you go with. For me, it normally consists of selecting a trail that leads to a goal, such as a mountain summit or an incredible view. Other times, it might be to reach a destination. Recently, however, we joined Tim Patterson of Zuc’min guiding for an education hike around Mount Yamnuska in the Kananaskis. While hundreds of other people made their way up the mountain on an extremely well-trodden trail, our small group spent hours in one small area near the bottom, meandering slowly through the forest to learn about all the plants and flowers we normally hike by. While I might admire the beauty of various plants and flowers during one of my typical hikes, I certainly didn’t know about some of the medicinal or even spiritual properties some of them hold. For example, Trembling Aspen is beautiful to look at, but did you know that if you rub the “spores” off of the bark, it can be used as sunscreen? Then again, did you know that the whole Yarrow plant (Achilla millefolium) can be used to make a tea for colds? [Read more…] about Connected to Indigenous Tourism in Alberta

Edmonton to Jasper in 2021

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

best things to do in alberta
An aerial view of Jasper National Parks reveals the beautiful colors of the fall.

Last updated: February 4th, 2020

While Edmonton is not as close to the Rocky Mountains as Calgary is, it’s actually a pretty good base for starting a road trip to Jasper. Situated at the northern tip of the incredible Icefields Parkway, Jasper is an exquisite mountain town with an array of outdoor activities, jaw-dropping natural attractions, and world-class restaurants. It’s less touristy than Banff, which is exactly what makes it such a special place to visit.

We’ve actually done this drive in reverse, going from Jasper to Edmonton and it’s a very straight-forward 4-hour drive. The roads are well maintained and there’s plenty of small towns along the way to find services in. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, which means you might see deer, elk, or bears. [Read more…] about Edmonton to Jasper in 2021

Calgary to Lake Louise in 2021

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

things to do in lake louise

Last updated: December 2nd, 2020

Lake Louise, which is also named Lake of the Little Fishes by the Stoney Nakota First Nations people, is a vibrant turquoise glacial-fed lake in Banff National Park and is one of the most visited destinations in all of Canada. In the summer, you’ll find people canoeing across the lake or hiking up one of the mountains whereas in the winter it becomes a frozen skating rink and home to the incredible Ice Magic Festival.

Living in Calgary, we drive to Banff and Lake Louise a lot. After all, it’s one of the most scenic destinations in the world and it’s only two hours away! There are so many things to do in Banff National Park and in Lake Louise, so whether you’re wanting to just admire the lake from the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or go for a hike into the thick pine forest, visiting Lake Louise is an absolute MUST-DO when exploring the Canadian Rockies.

In this article, we’re going to share with you all the different ways you can get from Calgary to Lake Louise, Alberta.

[Read more…] about Calgary to Lake Louise in 2021

Calgary to Lethbridge

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

lethbridge train bridge

Last updated: March 2nd, 2020

For a true small-town prairie experience, it doesn’t get much better than the drive from Calgary to Lethbridge. You’ll go from the foothills of Calgary to the coulees of Lethbridge, passing by many farms and popular little towns that offer a glimpse into the prairie lifestyle.

Lethbridge, a former “wild-west” whiskey-trading post, is now the third biggest city in Alberta having recently surpassed a population of 100,000. It is the commercial centre of Southern Alberta and offers a variety of things to do for those who visit. [Read more…] about Calgary to Lethbridge