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The Best Things to Do in Canada

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The BEST Things To Do in Banff, Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 27 Comments

Banff Tunnel Mountain Hike
Enjoying views from Tunnel Mountain.

Canada’s first national park, which also happens to be one of the first national parks in the world, is also the country’s busiest and most popular. A “fairytale” mountain town surrounded by towering mountain peaks, there are lots of incredible things to do in Banff, Alberta. Living just over an hour away in Calgary, we’ve been to Banff well over 100 times and never get tired of visiting this beautiful slice of alpine paradise.

Attracting approximately 3-4 million visitors each and every year, it’s no secret that this is a bustling tourist town. But that’s okay. With that comes a variety of hotels, activities, bars, restaurants, and, of course, plenty of souvenir shops as well. If you’re looking for things to do in Banff, you’re in the right place.

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25 of the Best Things To Do in Winnipeg

By Matthew G. Bailey 11 Comments

Things to Do in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Last Updated: June 25, 2024

Located almost perfectly in the middle of Canada and home to many world-class attractions, there are lots of fun things to do in Winnipeg.

Back in 2015, we actually lived in Winnipeg for six months. This was such a great way to truly explore the city and its surroundings, and it really made us fall in love with the city. Winnipeg has a thriving culture, some of the coolest attractions in the country, lots of natural beauty, and loads of delicious dining options.

Some of its star attractions include the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Forks Market, the Assiniboine Park Zoo, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and the Winnipeg Jets. There are also lots of things to do around Winnipeg, such as relaxing on one of the top lake beaches in North America or learning about Canada’s history at the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site.

Whether you’re a local or someone looking to visit the city, this Winnipeg travel guide will help you discover the best things to do in Winnipeg, Manitoba!

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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.

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58 Best Things to Do in Calgary, Canada

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.

Things to Do in Calgary Last Updated: March 26th, 2024

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.

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The Best Things to Do in Lac La Biche, Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Lac La Biche region, Alberta.

Last updated: July 19, 2023

Located approximately two hours northeast of Edmonton, Lac La Biche is an outdoor adventurers’ playground. Home to vast wilderness, provincial parks, and beautiful lakes, it’s a great place to get out and see the dark sky, search for wildlife and birds, spend the night in a cabin, or enjoy the vast network of trails via hiking, quadding, or snowmobiling. 

It’s also home to some unique communities that make it a very diverse place. Some of these communities include the First Nations Peoples, one of the largest Lebanese populations per capita in the province, a large French population, and a range of others, including the “white Russians” that fled during the communist era. 

Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors or visit an incredible indigenous art gallery, Lac La Biche is an off-the-beaten-track destination full of cool things to do and see. In this travel guide, we’ll share with you some of the best things to do in the Lac La Biche region, where to stay, where to eat, and more!

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32 of the Best Things to Do in Saskatchewan

By Matthew G. Bailey 42 Comments

Grasslands National Park is one of the best things to do in Saskatchewan.
Embracing the beauty of Grasslands National Park in Southern Saskatchewan.

Last Updated: October 18th, 2022

One of only two landlocked provinces in Canada, Saskatchewan is widely known for its flat prairie landscapes, but it’s also home to chiselled badlands, thick boreal forests, sand dunes, and thousands of lakes. It’s very much an “outdoor” province as it doesn’t have any major metropolitan centres. However, it does have some cool cities and towns, including Saskatoon, which has one of the youngest demographics in Canada.

Located on the Western side of Canada, east of Alberta, Saskatchewan is often overlooked during a cross-Canada road trip. But that’s a big mistake. After exploring Saskatchewan a lot during the last five years, it’s become one of our favourites, thanks in part to the incredible landscapes of Grasslands National Park, the bustling food scene of Saskatoon, and the beautiful lakes such as Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park. You’ll even find old tunnels below the town of Moose Jaw that were used by Al Capone back in the prohibition days, fascinating indigenous culture, and sand dunes in the north that look like something you’d find in Saudi Arabia. Those looking for outdoor adventure away from the crowds, or a cool, hip small city scene will love exploring Saskatchewan.

Whether you’re planning to explore the cities, the badlands, or everything in between, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive travel guide to the many things to do in Saskatchewan!

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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.

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38 of the Best Things to Do in Vancouver

By Matthew G. Bailey 20 Comments

things to do in vancouver

Things to Do in Vancouver Last updated: April 18th, 2023

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.

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The Best Things to Do in Charlottetown

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

things to do in charlottetown PEI

Charming and quaint, Charlottetown is the largest city in Prince Edward Island. It is also the capital city and is known as the “Birthplace of Confederation” as it was home to the famous Charlottetown Conference in 1864, which began the talks that eventually led to the Canadian Confederation.

Named after Queen Charlotte, this seaside city of roughly 40,000 people is a wonderful place to see Victorian-style homes and is full of culture, festivals and events, artisan shops, world-class restaurants, and more. It’s also a convenient base for exploring much of the island as it’s close to many top attractions such as Prince Edward Island National Park, Cavendish and the Anne of Green Gables site, beautiful beaches, and more.

In this guide to the best things to do in Charlottetown, we’ll help you plan your next trip by sharing the best things to do as well as where to eat, where to sleep, and what to do when you explore the rest of PEI.

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The BEST Things To Do in Prince Edward Island

By Matthew G. Bailey 85 Comments

things to do in pei

Updated: October 23rd, 2021

With a beautiful coastline and stunning red sand, Prince Edward Island has become a popular Canadian Maritime destination. It’s small and picturesque, unique in its history, and home to an incredible cuisine with some of the freshest seafood available anywhere in the world. Whether you’re looking to eat fresh mussels right next to the sea, learn about Canada’s history, get outdoors for some hiking, or go on a fun and scenic coastal road trip, Prince Edward Island should be on your Canadian bucket list.

PEI is also the smallest province in Canada, and so unlike our other provincial travel guides, we’ll focus on the entire province rather than splitting it out into different regions. After all, you can drive the entire length of the island in less than three hours. It is, however, sandwiched in-between other Atlantic provinces as well, such as New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, so if you have more time, you can always extend your trip and truly take in the splendour of Atlantic Canada.

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

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The BEST Things to Do in Fernie, BC

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

Hiking Mt. Fernie is one of the best things to do in Fernie for outdoor fun and adventure.

Last updated: April 11th, 2022

Looking for a beautiful town to explore the Canadian Rockies from? Look no further. In fact, Fernie is the only town in BC that’s fully encircled by the Rocky Mountains.

Located in the East Kootenay region of Southern British Columbia, Fernie is a paradise for outdoor adventurers at any time of year. At the same time, there’s much more to Fernie than outdoor adventure. Thanks to its history of being an important coal-mining town, as well as two fires that ripped through the city in the early 1900s, Fernie is home to quite a few beautiful historic buildings in its downtown core. There’s also a vibrant art scene and a variety of restaurants, shops, and cafes. Plus, when you’re done with Fernie, you can explore the neighbouring historic coal mining towns of Crowsnest Pass or head north and explore the Kootenays for even more mountain paradise.

In this travel guide, we’re going to help you explore Fernie by telling you the best things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and more.

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Best Things to Do in the Alberta Foothills

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

Cowboy Trail near Longview, Alberta.

Located on the outskirts of Calgary, the Alberta foothills are a great place to explore small towns, farms, artisans, and see some of the most beautiful scenery in the province. In fact, one of the things that make exploring Calgary so great is that when you’re done with the city, you have so much more waiting for you less than an hour away.

The Alberta foothills basically start where the Rocky Mountains finish, with rolling hills stretching all the way past Calgary until it truly becomes the wide-open prairies. It’s one of the most scenic areas in the province because you have these beautifully lush hills and small towns with views of the Canadian Rockies in the distance.

The Alberta Foothills also has a special place in our hearts because we called it home for a decade and in a way, it’s still home as we can leave our apartment in Calgary and be in places like Bragg Creek or Okotoks in just 30 minutes.

Whether you’re flying into Calgary for an Alberta adventure or on a road trip in Alberta, the Alberta Foothills should be on your bucket list, and in this guide, we’re gonna show you why!

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The Best Spots to Go Fishing in Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

fishing in alberta
Marvel Lake – Photo by Andy Best @andy_best

From world-class trout fishing on the Bow River to the hundreds of lakes spread out across the province, Fishing in Alberta is a popular thing to do.

Growing up in Fort.McMurray, fishing was one of my favourite activities. My dad and I would often drive out to small lakes to fish for Rainbow Trout or fish for Northern Pike at many other northern lakes. It was such a blast.

These days, I don’t get out as often due to all the Canada road trips we’re always on, but I did just make it out for my first fly-fishing adventure right in downtown Calgary, which is what inspired me to write this article.

So, if you’re interested in going fishing in Alberta, this article will give you loads of advice on how to do it and where to go.

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Best Things to Do in Cypress Hills Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 14 Comments

Elkwater Lake is one of the top things to do in Cypress Hills Alberta.
Elkwater Lake, Cypress Hills, Alberta.

Unlike any other place in Canada, this mountain on the prairies is home to scorpions, rare orchids, petrified figs, and a “wild-west-sort-of” past that actually ignited the formation of the Mounties. Today, Cypress Hills Alberta is an oasis for camping, bird watching, watersports, biking, and so much more.

Cypress Hills Alberta is another one of those beautiful places that just escaped us for many years. I grew up in Alberta and have travelled it more than almost anyone else, but this one little slice in the Southeastern corner of the province was still on my bucket list. That is, until 2021 when I finally made it happen.

Located just 45 minutes from Medicine Hat, Cypress Hills Alberta is this rare oasis on the edge of the Canadian Badlands. From what I could see, it’s basically where the rolling hills of the Alberta badlands meet the forest. In fact, it’s a very unique ecosystem because it’s one of the few places in Western Canada that escaped the glaciation period, which has led to it having some truly unique flora and fauna.

But whether you’re into admiring rare orchids or not, there’s lots of outdoor adventure in Cypress Hills. With lakes, hills, and plenty of trails, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Cypress Hills for all ages. Let’s dive in.

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The Best Things to Do in Wetaskiwin Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Racing cars in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.

Like many Albertans, Wetaskiwin is a place we’ve passed through but never actually explored. I knew the name well though. As a kid, I watched many commercials about Wetaskiwin thanks to their famous jingle “Cars cost less in Wetaskiwin.” Long story short, word on the street was that car dealerships charged less for cars there. I’m not sure if there was any truth to it, but the commercial sure caught on.

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The BEST Canada National Parks for Camping

By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

best Canada national parks for camping.

Camping is a perfect escape from our daily lives, allowing us to reconnect with nature and leave our worries behind. But with such a large variety of outdoor spaces to choose from, it’s hard to know where the best place is to pitch a tent.

Our Canada National Parks Camping Index has ranked Canada’s national parks, based on a detailed analysis of factors including the number of designated campgrounds, the number of designated hiking routes, Dark Sky preserves, annual rainfall, popularity, and their size, to provide a helpful guide to the best places to pitch up.

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Beautiful Banff Horseback Rides in the Backcountry

By Karla Bailey 8 Comments

Banff horseback rides

When it comes to jumping on the back of a horse and going for a trail ride, it’s hard to beat the beautiful landscapes offered by Banff horseback rides. After all, Banff National Park is the most popular national park in Canada for a reason. Towering mountain peaks, turquoise lakes and rivers, and outstanding views are just some of the things to do in Banff National Park that attract so many people to the area. So, imagine seeing all of that while horseback riding in Banff.

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49 of the Best Cabin Rentals in Alberta

By Karla Bailey 26 Comments

Backcountry accommodation bighorn alberta
Cabins at Sunset Guiding and Outfitting, Panther Valley, Alberta. Photo Credit: Must Do Canada.

When it comes to cozy cabins and expansive wilderness, it’s hard to beat camping in Alberta. Home to mountains, badlands, prairies, and swaths of boreal forest, there are lots of opportunities for cabin rentals in Alberta. But they can be hard to find. There are so many options for cabins in Alberta and so many destinations, so finding the perfect one for you can be a challenge. That’s why we created this travel guide.

Whether you’re looking to stay in a luxurious cabin in the mountains or go rustic deep into the woods, we’ve got some incredible ideas for cabin rentals in Alberta.

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The Best Hikes in Kananaskis Country

By Matthew G. Bailey 28 Comments

things to do in canmore alberta

If you’re looking to do some hikes in Kananaskis Country, you’ve come to the right place. Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, the Kananaskis is one of Alberta’s finest gems. Home to jaw-dropping mountains, turquoise-coloured lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, and lots of wildlife, it’s one of the most scenic areas in all of Canada.

With so much natural beauty, hiking in the Kananaskis is a very popular activity and a great way to see the stunning landscapes. It’s also relatively quiet compared to its neighbours Banff and Jasper, but is certainly no longer “off-the-beaten-track”. After all, Calgary is just around the corner, and with more and more people getting out into nature, hiking in the Kananaskis is growing in popularity.

Regardless, If you’re looking for some epic beauty, this Kananaskis Hiking travel guide will help you find the best hikes in Kananaskis, including those that are easy, moderate, and hard, as well as both day trips and multi-day backpacking trips.

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The Best Things To Do in St. John’s, Newfoundland

By Matthew G. Bailey 51 Comments

best things to do in st johns newfoundland
The harbour is one of the most popular pictures of st john’s Newfoundland.

Things to Do in St. John’s Travel Guide Updated: January 15th, 2023

Newfoundland is one of my favourite places in all of Canada. There’s something about the friendly people, the landscapes, the food, the music, and the overall culture that just makes me want to go back each and every year. By far, it’s the most unique province in Canada, with its own very distinct personality. It was our first stop on our 150-day road trip back in 2017, and from day one, locals kept asking us what we were doing (they saw us with cameras) and then proceeded to invite us to their homes for dinner. That’s just the kind of place it is.

If you’re flying into Newfoundland, there’s a good chance that you’ll be flying into St. John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland. St. John’s is an incredibly vibrant town, steeped in history and full of things to do. You could easily spend a week in this area and not run out of activities. From learning about the history of the oldest English-founded city in all of North America to whale watching and lively parties, St. John’s is an incredible place to visit.

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The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 29 Comments

camping in Alberta at Spray Lakes West Campground in the Kananaskis.

Home to mountains, prairies, badlands, foothills, and boreal forests, there are so many incredible opportunities for camping in Alberta. Whether you long for the sounds of a loon calling out over a foggy lake or dream of waking up and admiring the many peaks of the Canadian Rockies, camping is one of the best ways for getting back into nature.

In this camping in Alberta guide, we’ll help you navigate all your options, whether it’s going full adventure mode and heading into the backcountry, or pulling up your campervan into a fully serviced campground.

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The Best Things to Do in Nordegg Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 11 Comments

Siffleur Falls Alberta Canada
Is David Thompson Country the most beautiful place on Earth?

Updated: February 5, 2021

Located in magical David Thompson Country, smack dab in the middle of both the incredible Icefields Parkway and the Cowboy Trail, Nordegg is a picturesque community that’s perfect for the outdoor adventurer. From exploring its historic mine to hitting the road and exploring some of Alberta’s most stunning natural scenery, Nordegg is a great base for getting out into some of Canada’s most spectacular nature.

Nordegg, however, is just one small part of David Thompson Country, so we’ll explore the entire area in this travel guide, showing you what to do, where to stay, and how to get the most out of this incredible Alberta road trip. [Read more…] about The Best Things to Do in Nordegg Alberta

Banff to Jasper: What You Need to Know for Driving the Icefields Parkway

By Matthew G. Bailey 31 Comments

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

Icefields Parkway Guide Last updated: September 3rd, 2022

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. 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 are 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.

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Best Road Trip Ever | Canada’s Road to 150

By Matthew G. Bailey 6 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 Best Road Trip Ever | Canada’s Road to 150

The Best Travel Guide to the Alberta Badlands

By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

Horsethief Canyon, Drumheller Alberta
Admiring the beautiful views of Horsethief Canyon, Drumheller, Alberta. Photo by Karla G. Bailey.

Looking for things to do in the Alberta Badlands? You’ve come to the right place!

One of the things that makes travelling in Alberta such a special experience is that the landscapes are so varied. Home to the Canadian Rockies, the Boreal Forest, the Foothills, the Prairies, and the Alberta Badlands, there is so much beauty in this province and so many things to do in Alberta. 

Things have certainly changed though. 75 million years ago, for example, southern Alberta was a subtropical region with towering redwoods and giant ferns, not to mention a landscape teeming with dinosaurs. It is this very history along with the stunning landscapes that makes this area one of Alberta’s tourism gems today.

If you’re after dramatic landscapes, gorgeous hikes, cool towns, and an incredible prehistoric history with dinosaurs, the Alberta Badlands is a great place to go. Collectively referred to as the Canadian Badlands, it stretches more than 35,000 square miles through a significant portion of central and southern Alberta, with two of the most famous places being the town of Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park. 

In this guide, we’ll show you what to do, where to go, how to get there, and more!

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11 Awesome Day Trips from Toronto

By Matthew G. Bailey 11 Comments

Things to do in Toronto

Toronto is a city that’s travelled to by thousands of tourists each year. And it totally deserves the rep it’s gained over the years. With museums, art galleries, some of the world’s finest breweries, and excellent restaurants, you’ve got to give the capital credit.

It doesn’t stop there, though. While it’s great to spend time in Canada’s largest city, a short journey outside of Toronto will invite an incredible experience in the outdoors. With a wonderland of stunning scenery, hiking spots, vineyards, and adventures, a few surprises will await you.

While most of the destinations can be driven to, guided tours from Toronto allow you to explore the surrounding areas with ease. So, whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for day trips in Ontario, or a laid-back traveller with a passion for road trips, we’ve got you covered! [Read more…] about 11 Awesome Day Trips from Toronto