Outdoor Attractions

Heli-Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies

No matter where we go, taking a helicopter tour is one of our favourite activities. It’s such a great way to see beautiful scenery from the sky and to get a different perspective of the area. We’ve taken helicopter rides in many different areas but one of our favourite places to take a helicopter tour is in Banff National Park.

We recently had the opportunity to go heli-snowshoeing with Rockies Heli Canada, which is located almost half-way between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. It’s basically in the middle of the famous Icefields Parkway and right next to the Instagram-famous Abraham Lake. They offer a variety of helicopter tours and the one we did was the 20-minute flight with a 1-hour snowshoeing tour.

Five Ways to Enjoy the Winter in Banff National Park

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

For Calgarians, Banff is an easy weekend getaway. For others, it might be a once-in-a-lifetime dream trip. Regardless of where you live, however, it’s easily one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Located just over an hour from Calgary, Banff is a great place to unwind and find adventure. While the summer is the parks busiest time of year due to warm weather and summer holidays, winter is an equally amazing time with far fewer crowds. In fact, winter might be our favourite time to explore the Rocky Mountains as it really feels like a winter wonderland. With snow-covered pine trees surrounded by tall mountains, there’s never a dull moment in Banff National Park. [Read more…] about Five Ways to Enjoy the Winter in Banff National Park

Five Things To Do In Inuvik, Northwest Territories in 2021

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

Last updated: April 2nd, 2021

Nestled along the beautiful Mackenzie Delta 200-km north of the arctic circle, Inuvik is a spectacular place to visit in Northern Canada

Getting here is equally an adventure. While you could just keep it simple and fly there, you can also drive the famous Dempster Highway, a 736 km gravel road taking you all the way from Dawson, Yukon to Inuvik, NWT. In fact, the newly opened Mackenzie Delta Highway takes you right to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean!

We had the thrill of exploring Invuik and the area during our 150-day road trip across Canada and only wish we had more time to do all the amazing activities and excursions that are possible in the area.

Whether you’re visiting Inuvik for weeks or days, here are five things you shouldn’t miss. [Read more…] about Five Things To Do In Inuvik, Northwest Territories in 2021

Seven Reasons to Visit Calgary (Besides the Stampede)

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

Situated in the foothills east of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is home to beautiful scenery, festivals, and a variety of fun and interesting activities. The city is also famous for the Calgary Stampede, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors during the month of July but while the Calgary Stampede is a great time to visit, there’s plenty of other things to do in Calgary that aren’t the stampede.

Whether you’re looking for museums, parks, or excitement, here are seven reasons to visit Calgary (besides the Calgary Stampede); [Read more…] about Seven Reasons to Visit Calgary (Besides the Stampede)

One Day in Yellowknife

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

Yellowknife, Canada’s Northwest Territories’ capital city, is the perfect blend of vast North Canadian nature and city life. Here you’ll find a variety of hotels, restaurants, bars, and festivals as well as numerous lakes and vast wilderness, making it a great base for adventure.

Most tourists use Yellowknife as a base for viewing the Northern Lights or for taking float planes to secluded lakes and other natural attractions. However, even if Canada’s “Diamond Capital” is just a base for further exploration, you really should explore the town and see what it has to offer.

We visited Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories during our 150-day road trip across Canada and really loved our time there. Due to our vehicle breaking down in Hay River, we only had one full day to explore the city, which was enough to see the key sites below.

One Day Itinerary for Exploring the Best of Yellowknife

Yellowknife isn’t a very big city but you’ll most likely need to take a cab to some areas, peddle a bike, or rent a car. There’s also public transportation. Depending on where you’re staying, ask the hotel and see what they recommend.

Stroll Through Old Town Yellowknife

Lovingly preserved, “Old Town” is where the original city of Yellowknife was founded. This area is primarily residential but is also home to some of the oldest businesses in the city. We really enjoyed walking around some of the old shacks and log buildings as well as eating lunch at the most famous restaurant in town – Bullocks’ Bistro. The atmosphere is really cool and the food is delicious. This is also where you’ll find the floatplanes, which can bring you all around the territories or for a scenic flightseeing tour over the area.

Peer Out Over the City from Bush Pilot’s Monument

Located on “The Rock” in Old Town, This is where to go for the best views over Yellowknife. You’ll see Great Slave Lake, Back Bay, Yellowknife Bay, Old Town Yellowknife, Jolliffe Island, and Frame Lake, as well as colourful houseboats, sailboats, and floatplanes. Highly recommended!

Get an Education at Prince of Wales Heritage Centre

This is the perfect place to learn about Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories in both the past and present with a lovely display of exhibits and collections that tell the stories about the land, the people, and the history of the territories’. It was so interesting to learn about the flora and fauna, as well as the minerals found in this part of Canada. We also viewed various artifacts made by local indigenous people, including a massive mooseskin canoe, which is a great display of human ingenuity!

Get into Nature

Hiking and Fishing are two activities that you need to experience in or around Yellowknife. There are various trails suitable for walking, jogging, and biking. However, be prepared to see wildlife, including black bears!

Fish are also abundant but make sure to get your fishing license before you go fishing and follow the catch limits for each type and area. There are a number of experienced fishermen in Yellowknife and surrounding areas that can take you out on their boat. You can also join a guided hiking tour with a local, if you’re not quite sure where to go.

Where to Stay

We always love to stay central and the Days Inn & Suites fit our style perfectly. Located right in the heart of downtown, this is a great option for people without a car. Not only are you walking distance to all the amenities you could possibly need but you’re also close to bars and clubs if you want to partake in the nightlife.

The rooms were clean, comfortable, and spacious. They also include free high-speed internet, a fitness centre, sauna, meeting space, and more.

For those arriving by air, the Day’s Inn & Suites also include a free airport shuttle.

Learn more at www.daysinnyellowknife.com

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Note: We visited Yellowknife during our 150-day multimedia road trip, which was sponsored by hundreds of companies coast to coast to coast. Some of the activities mentioned above, as well as the accommodation, was sponsored during our stay. However, all views are our own.

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Best Things to Do in Victoria BC – A Two Day Itinerary

By Matthew G. Bailey 6 Comments

Known for its beautiful natural scenery, Victorian architecture, and world-famous gardens, Victoria is one of Canada’s top places to visit. It’s the capital of British Columbia and is also one of the few places in Canada that gets very little snow.

We toured Victoria during our 150-day road trip across Canada and instantly fell in love. We’ve even considered moving there. It’s such a beautiful city and so close to many outdoor adventures around the island.

While you could easily spend weeks soaking in the atmosphere of BC’s capital city, this Victoria itinerary below will help you make the most of two full glorious days in this beautiful Canadian coastal city. [Read more…] about Best Things to Do in Victoria BC – A Two Day Itinerary

Shredding Powder in Fernie, BC

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

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.

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

Winter Hiking through Johnston Canyon to See Frozen Waterfalls

By Matthew G. Bailey 42 Comments

Attraction: Johnston Canyon Alberta
Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Walking distance: 5.2km (3.2 miles)
Elevation gain: 135m (443 feet)
Johnston Canyon winter = frozen waterfalls
Johnston Canyon summer = waterfalls
Cost: Free

Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park

Like a scene from the Chronicles of Narnia, the Johnston Canyon frozen waterfalls are truly remarkable. It’s like standing beneath a giant rock-cake with icing sugar running down the sides. The views are simply breathtaking and if you’re visiting Banff National Park in the winter (or the summer for that matter), this is a must-do experience.

Hiking Johnston Canyon trail during the winter is usually quite easy. From the car park, it’s only a two or three-hour return trip. You’ll want to hike the entire 5.2 kilometre return trip so that you see both the Upper and Lower Falls. Although you don’t need snowshoes, you may want to bring ice cleats to put on the bottom of your hiking shoes as it can get icy in spots. My family wore regular hiking shoes without ice cleats and although it was quite slippery in some areas, we made it there and back just fine. Sometimes it depends on the weather. [Read more…] about Winter Hiking through Johnston Canyon to See Frozen Waterfalls

Mountain Biking and Grizzly Bears at Kicking Horse Resort

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

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

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.

Heli-Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies

Five Ways to Enjoy the Winter in Banff National Park

Five Things To Do In Inuvik, Northwest Territories in 2021

Seven Reasons to Visit Calgary (Besides the Stampede)

One Day in Yellowknife