Summer

The Best Things to Do in Yellowknife

October 26, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

When it comes to Canada’s Northwest Territories, it’s often Yellowknife that comes to mind. I mean, other things that come to mind are likely polar bears, cold weather, northern lights, and Inuit culture, but in terms of places, Yellowknife is often the most known. Not only is Yellowknife the capital of the Northwest Territories, but it’s also home to the biggest airport, a variety of hotels and amenities, and cool things to do.

Whether you’re looking for a secluded fishing vacation or a chance to see the magnificent aurora borealis, we’ve got you covered in this travel guide of Yellowknife, which includes what to do, where to stay, how to get there, and more.

[Read more…]

The Best Things To Do In Northwest Territories

October 20, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

Updated: January 18, 2021

With more than one million square kilometres of land area and a population of less than 50,000, the Northwest Territories are about as wild as it gets. It’s certainly not an easy area to visit (many places are fly-in, many roads are gravel, and distances are vast) but for those who make the effort, there are some incredible places to see and things to do in Northwest Territories.

Whether you’re looking to drive Canada’s only highway to the arctic ocean, fly over the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, sleep at a secluded fishing lodge, admire the Northern Lights, or visit some charming northern towns like Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, the Northwest Territories is an adventurer’s paradise. [Read more…] about The Best Things To Do In Northwest Territories

The Best Things To Do in New Brunswick

September 14, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 65 Comments

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…]

How to Enjoy the Summer in Canada

August 30, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

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 How to Enjoy the Summer in Canada

The Best Things to Do in Crowsnest Pass Alberta

August 25, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

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 The Best Things to Do in Crowsnest Pass Alberta

The BEST Things To Do in Lake Louise

August 10, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Last updated: May 8, 2021

Known as one of Canada’s most famous and most photographed lakes, there’s lots of things to do in Lake Louise. 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…]

Connected to Indigenous Tourism in Alberta

August 4, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

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 tea for colds?

[Read more…]

9 Fun Things to Do in Sundre Alberta

July 27, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

wild horses of sundre alberta and ya ha tinda ranch — Watching wild horses in the bighorn backcountry near Sundre, Alberta.

Located right on Alberta’s famous Cowboy Trail and less than 90 minutes away from downtown Calgary, Sundre is easy to visit and yet somewhat off the beaten track. Nestled between the stunning Canadian Rockies and the rolling foothills and prairies of southern Alberta, Sundre and the surrounding area is a great place for those looking to get outdoors, enjoy the small-town atmosphere, and explore the beautiful natural areas that surround it.

Whether you’re looking to learn about Alberta’s pioneering past at the museum, get up close and personal with horses, go golfing, or explore some of Alberta’s most beautiful and wild nature, Sundre is the place for you. [Read more…] about 9 Fun Things to Do in Sundre Alberta

13 Awesome Things to Do in Tofino

July 21, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

sunset on long beach tofino british columbia — Tofino is known for incredible sunsets.

Things to Do in Tofino last updated: July 31st, 2021

When I think of both “tropical” and “Canada”, the first place that comes to mind is Tofino. One of Canada’s most westerly towns, Tofino faces the Pacific Ocean and is home to some of the best surfing in the country, as well as whale watching, hiking, paddling, and so much more.

We’ve been to Tofino many times and it’s always a charming place to visit. Whether it’s walking along the beach in the evening to witness some of the most spectacular sunsets in the country or hiking along the coast in beautiful lush rainforest, Tofino is one of our favourite places to visit in British Columbia.

We always look forward to going back, so if you do get the chance to go, here are some things you shouldn’t miss.

[Read more…]

Best Things To Do in Nova Scotia

June 16, 2020 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…]

48 of the Best THINGS TO DO in British Columbia

June 1, 2020 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…]

Everything You Need to Know About Whale Watching Canada

May 26, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

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…]

25 Best Things to Do in Edmonton

May 19, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 28 Comments

Things to Do in Edmonton Last updated: April 10th, 2023

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, due to the fact that 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…]

35 of the Best Things to Do in Montreal

April 14, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

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…]

The ULTIMATE Guide to the Best Things To Do in Newfoundland

April 14, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 153 Comments

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…]

Tadoussac Whale Watching

March 12, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 11 Comments

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.

Edmonton to Jasper

January 21, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 9 Comments

Jasper National Park is easily one of the best things to do in Alberta. — An aerial view of Jasper National Park reveals the beautiful colours of the fall.

Last updated: February 4th, 2022

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 straightforward 4-hour drive. The roads are well maintained and there are 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…]

Calgary to Jasper

January 7, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

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

Last updated: December 3rd, 2022

For those visiting or living in Calgary, you’re in an incredible place. There are so many epic road trips that start from Calgary, and quite possibly the best one of them all is the drive from Calgary to Jasper.

Located in the foothills just next to the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is a great base for exploring some of Canada’s best scenery, including Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Yoho National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, and so many others. Wow, that’s a lot of national parks.

What’s awesome about driving from Calgary to Jasper is that first, you have to drive from Calgary to Banff! Driving from Calgary to Banff is already an epic road trip in and of itself but now you get to extend it and go even deeper in the majestic Rocky Mountains.

There are so many things to do in Jasper and in Banff. Whether you’re interested in hiking, mountain biking, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, fishing, or delicious restaurants, Jasper has something for everyone. While we certainly recommend taking some time to experience some of the awesome things to do in Calgary as well, the goal of this travel guide is to help you get from Calgary to Jasper. [Read more…] about Calgary to Jasper

Calgary to Lake Louise

December 17, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Last updated: April 2nd, 2022

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.

Tips for Going from Calgary to Lethbridge

December 3, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

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 Tips for Going from Calgary to Lethbridge

Drive From Calgary to Vancouver

December 3, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

Last updated: November 23rd, 2022

When it comes to choosing a Canada road trip, it can be a tough decision as there are so many options from coast to coast to coast. But for road trips that are less than 12 hours in length (drive time without stops), few can rival the drive from Calgary to Vancouver. On this 975-kilometre journey, you’ll pass through the foothills, the Canadian Rockies, the towns of Banff and Canmore, and multiple national parks, lakes, rivers, and quaint mountain towns before arriving at the Pacific Ocean. You’ll also get to see two beautiful Canadian cities: Calgary and Vancouver. Plus, you can go slightly off the Trans-Canada and experience one of Canada’s most prominent wine regions: the Okanagan valley. Yes, indeed, this road trip pretty much has it all.

Whether you start in Calgary or in Vancouver, it doesn’t really matter. It’s the same trip either way. What does matter is that you don’t limit yourself to a 12-hour drive without stops. Take some time, spend some nights, explore the area, and create some memories on this beautiful drive from Calgary to Vancouver.

[Read more…]

The ULTIMATE Guide to Things To Do in Jasper

December 3, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 10 Comments

Things to Do in Jasper Last updated: February 15th, 2024

Located a little further off the “beaten track”, Jasper is like a smaller, more local Banff. Nestled at the north end of the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park, Jasper is surrounded by vast valleys, towering mountain peaks, and hordes of wildlife. If you’re looking for a quieter version of Banff, this is it.

Just like Banff, Jasper is an epic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find Alberta’s tallest mountain, stunning Maligne Lake and Instagram-famous Spirit Island, the world’s second-largest dark sky preserve, more than 1,200 kilometres of hiking trails, and the incredible Jasper SkyTram. There’s also a variety of delicious restaurants, accommodations, and souvenir shops – everything a traveller could want.

In this guide, we’ll describe all the things to do in Jasper so that you can plan the best trip ever.

[Read more…]

Exploring the Arctic From Canada to Greenland

November 26, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 4 Comments

Iceberg, straight ahead!

Unlike for the Titanic, however, this was actually good news. After all, we all wanted to see icebergs and now we had one cruising right by our ship. I took a long, admiring look at it and then whipped out my camera to get some photos. After it went by, another one cruised by on the other side of the ship. I ran over to see that one as well. It was a little bigger and had some interesting crevices that had such a deep blue colour. This time, I whipped out my binoculars as well to get an up-close look at it. Then I noticed another one right behind it. Then two more were coming on the other side. Suddenly, there were hundreds of icebergs. Some were cruising by, quite close to the ship. Others were in the far distance, dotting the seascape like giant ice cubes. I couldn’t believe my eyes. No matter where I looked out at sea, there were dozens of icebergs. I thought back to some of the trips I had taken to Newfoundland in hopes of seeing icebergs and feeling so lucky to see one or two. Now, I had hundreds of icebergs surrounding me, flowing by under a clear, blue sky. It was incredibly gorgeous. [Read more…] about Exploring the Arctic From Canada to Greenland

Calgary to Banff

November 26, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Last updated: April 2nd, 2023

As Calgarians, we drive to Banff a lot. After all, it’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth and it’s only 1.5 hours away! Banff is the main town within Banff National Park, Canada’s first, largest, and most visited National Park. For anyone travelling to this side of Canada, Banff and the Canadian Rockies, in general, are an absolute Must-Do!

There are so many things to do in Banff. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, fishing, scenic road trips, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, or general sightseeing tours, Banff has something for everyone. While we certainly recommend spending some time to experience some of the incredible things to do in Calgary as well, the goal of many visitors is to make it out to this natural gem.

However, you might be wondering how to go from Calgary to Banff. In this article, we’re going to share with you all the different ways you can make it out to Banff, Canmore, and beyond. [Read more…] about Calgary to Banff

Exploring Canada’s High Arctic in Nunavut

November 12, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 8 Comments

We had just gone to bed. It was after midnight and the sunlight was still shining through the tiny portion of our window that wasn’t covered by our curtain. It didn’t even feel like we were on a ship. There was no motion. No swaying left to right or right to left. Just stillness. It had been a long day of both adventure and education. We had learned from experts about the history and biology of the area we were visiting. We had met a handful of the 150+ people we’d be sharing the experience with over 12 days. We had seen a variety of incredible landscapes and bird colonies. But now it was time to rest. After all, we’d be going on another adventure tomorrow.

It seemed like I had just closed my eyes when the PA-system came on.”Ladies and gentlemen, sorry to wake you, but we’ve spotted a mother walrus and her calf on a piece of flow-ice.” Just like that, we were putting back on our pants, socks, shoes, and jackets. We grabbed our binoculars, and our camera and made our way to the deck to see what all the fuss was about. [Read more…] about Exploring Canada’s High Arctic in Nunavut

Exploring Saskatchewan’s Big Muddy Badlands

October 29, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

In a land that often gets criticized for being so flat, Big Muddy’s Castle Butte rises up to challenge that misconception. Located in Big Muddy Valley, Castle Butte is just one of the attractions that inspire people to visit here from all over the world (Don’t let that scare you though. You certainly won’t find crowds). In fact, It was mainly Castle Butte that encouraged us to visit the area, but after taking a full-day guided tour, we were equally impressed by everything else we saw and experienced.

It all starts in a little town called Coronach. This is where a small team of locals offers guided tours of the Big Muddy badlands. With many of the attractions being located on private land, not to mention all the historical information you’d miss out on, guided tours are really the only way to do it. [Read more…] about Exploring Saskatchewan’s Big Muddy Badlands

Exploring Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

October 15, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 7 Comments

badlands camping in Grasslands National Park

Having travelled across all of Canada, we’ve seen a lot of impressive national parks. From hiking mountains in Banff National Park to walking on the Earth’s mantle in Gros Morne National Park, there are so many incredible things to do in Canada from coast to coast to coast.

When I first looked into Grasslands National Park, I wasn’t sure what to think. For one, there are basically no trees and it’s small and relatively flat. It doesn’t have mountains or oceans or waterfalls. However, it’s the only national park dedicated to preserving prairie grasslands, is home to wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the country, and is the darkest Dark Sky Preserve in Canada. It’s also somewhat “off the beaten track”, which makes it very quiet compared to world-famous parks like Banff and Jasper.

So, we decided to include it in our 150-day Canada road trip back in 2017 and I’m so happy we did. Grasslands National Park is incredibly beautiful and has quickly become one of our favourite places to visit in Canada. in fact, we loved it so much that we went back in 2019, taking much more time to explore both the West Block and the East Block, which we’ll get into below. If you’re looking for beautiful wild-west-looking scenery, camping, and the chance to be in nature without all the crowds, make sure you add Grasslands National Park to your Canadian bucket list.

Let’s get into it…

[Read more…]

The BEST Things To Do in Regina, Saskatchewan

October 1, 2019 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…]

The Best Things to Do in Ottawa, Ontario

September 3, 2019 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. — Parliament Hill is one of the top things to do in Ottawa.

Things to Do in Ottawa last updated: December 4th, 2022

Beautiful and dynamic, there are lots of things to do in Ottawa, making Canada’s capital city an incredible place to explore. From the gothic-style parliament buildings to the lovely parks and world-class museums, Ottawa is one of the top places to visit in Canada. There are so many things to do in Ontario, Canada, you’re sure to have an epic vacation.

Located along the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, and right across from Quebec, Ottawa is also a great base for exploring parts of Quebec. It’s the sixth-largest city in Canada, the second-largest city in Ontario, and one of the most multicultural cities in the country. It’s also bilingual, which makes it unique for a North American capital.

It’s one of those cities that feels small, despite having a population of over one million people. Most of the action can be found around the downtown core, Parliament Hill, and the inner-city neighbourhoods. It’s a great city to go for a walk or to ride a bike, and there are many more activities to do in Ottawa.

[Read more…]

Things to do in St Pierre and Miquelon – North America’s France

August 27, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 21 Comments

Last updated: January 4th, 2021

From the moment you step on to St Pierre and Miquelon, you’ll know you’re not in Canada anymore. Little Peugeots and Renaults cruise the roads while ATMs spit out euros. French flags flap in the wind and suddenly everyone speaks French.

It’s a true taste of France just twenty-five kilometres from Newfoundland. Most people, including Canadians, have no idea that “Europe” is so close.

St. Pierre & Miquelon is a self-governing French territory accessible by ferry from Newfoundland or by plane from St. John’s, Halifax, Montreal, and even Paris. You’ll find baguettes, croissants, and Bordeaux. The time zone is different, the electrical outlets are different, and if you leave your cell phone on, you’ll be charged international rates.

There are essentially two islands – Saint Pierre and Miquelon. St. Pierre is the smaller island but is the most populated and developed, with approximately 5500 residents. Miquelon is much bigger in size but has only 600 residents or so, making it far wilder.

There’s also Langlade, which is connected to Miquelon by a beautiful sand bar. No one lives here but there are some summer cabins. Both Miquelon and Langlade are great for exploring the landscape, hiking, and bird-watching. Saint Pierre, however, is better if you’re looking for that “french town” feel, as well as history and culture.

Summer

Best Things To Do in Newfoundland

Iceberg, straight ahead!

Footer

About

Resources

Tips