Tips

The BEST Things To Do in Banff, Alberta

July 2, 2024 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.

Your Guide to Planning a Road Trip

August 9, 2022 By Matthew G. Bailey 209 Comments

One of the best parts about planning a road trip is deciding where to go. — The Fundy Trail Parkway is one of the best road trips in Canada.

If there’s anything we’re known for here at Must Do Canada, it’s probably road trips. From the Icefields Parkway to the Dempster Highway, we’ve been on many of the best road trips in Canada, not to mention all the road trips we’ve done in the USA, Mexico, Australia, and beyond.

For short road trips, we tend to just jump in the vehicle without thinking too much about it. We pack what we need, of course, but we don’t always plan for the potential setbacks that could happen, such as a flat tire or something else.

But just like travel insurance, it’s good to be prepared, especially for longer adventurous road trips.

So, in this guide to planning a road trip, which is sponsored by MotoMaster, SIMONIZ, Reflex and Bluehive, exclusive brands found at Canadian Tire, we’re going to cover everything you need to prepare for a road trip, including vehicle safety tips, vehicle accessories, road trip essentials, and more.

Family Travel Tips to Make the Most of Your Family Vacation

July 12, 2022 By Karla Bailey 1 Comment

family insurance is a good thing to have once you have children.

This article is brought to you by PolicyMe.

Let’s get out of town! After a few summers of staycations and sticking around the house, many of us have caught the travel bug, making plans for bigger trips further away from home. These family trips are great for making memories and spending quality time with the kids, but it can be stressful to pack and prepare, particularly if it’s your first time travelling with children.

Here are some family travel tips and tricks, including family insurance, to make it go smoothly.

120 of the Best Travel Quotes

November 30, 2021 By Karla Bailey 9 Comments

One of the best travel quotes is: "Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right." — This is one of my favourite travel quotes.

“Everyone likes travel quotes” – Matthew Bailey

That’s right. I just started an article about the best travel quotes by making up my own quote…about a quote.

Isn’t it true though? There’s something beautiful about a good quote, whether it be about travel or not. A great quote is often inspiring, funny, or just has a special poetic way of summing up a unique feeling in just a few words.

Quotes can inspire us to make a change in our lives and can provide some meaning for experiences we’ve had. Quotes can be funny, entertaining, and can bring a slice of joy to our lives.

In this article, I’ve researched a number of websites and books to pick some of the best travel quotes that you can use to inspire your next trip or adventure or for your life in general. Maybe you can use them to sum up the experiences you’ve already had.

Although it can be very hard to separate the quotes into specific types, I’ve tried my best to put them into categories as a way to make them easier to read. Without making up a category for blocks of quotes, it can be quite difficult to read through them and even harder to come back to your favourite one from time to time. By separating them out, it’ll make it easier for you to follow this article and return.

I hope you enjoy this list of 120 travel quotes.

What You Need to Know for Taking the Newfoundland Ferry

November 23, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 21 Comments

This is the Newfoundland Ferry, operated by Marine Atlantic

When it comes to taking the Newfoundland Ferry, most people are referring to Marine Atlantic, the company that transports people, vehicles, and products across the North Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland and from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia. Due to tourism, locals who work in other provinces, and all the goods that make their way to the province, the ferry leaves every day and is quite popular.

In this article, we’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about taking the ferry to Newfoundland or from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia.

32 of the Best Road Trip Essentials

July 19, 2021 By Bailey Storey 21 Comments

Driving Icefields Parkway Jasper — The Icefields Parkway highway cuts through the Canadian Rocky Mountains during the fall season.

Road Trip Essentials: Updated June 30, 2022

Whether you’ve got a few weeks or just a few hours to get out and explore our country, road trips are a great way to feel more together with your friends and family.

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know much we love road trips. In fact, it was a 150-day road trip across Canada that launched our Youtube channel back in 2017. What’s not to love about a road trip? You have a vehicle that gives you the freedom to go where you want to go, the comfort of having a bunch of things with you, and you get to see the scenery as you move from place to place. It’s the ultimate form of travel in our opinion, and Canada is one of the best places to do one.

But planning what to pack for your road trip can be a daunting task, especially when you don’t do it very often. That’s why we’ve created this article to help you pack the best road trip essentials for your next road trip.

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

February 3, 2021 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.

Romantic Things to Do for Valentine’s Day in Canada

January 26, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 3 Comments

Updated: January 25th, 2021

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many of you are likely trying to think of romantic things to do or see. February 14 in Canada is right in the middle of winter, which typically means cold weather and lots of snow. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. In fact, sparkling snow can be just what it takes to create that magically romantic winter wonderland.

You may want to sleep under the Yukon Northern Lights or admire them from the Northwest Territories. You may want to take a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls or go winter wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Maybe you want to check out live theatre in the big city of Toronto or go for a graffiti tour in trendy Montreal.

Whatever it is, there are tons of places to go for Valentine’s day and things to do. Leave the family members behind, grab your partner and choose a Valentine’s activity from this list.

Best Things to Do on Valentine’s Day, Canada

So whether you choose to ditch the roses and chocolate altogether or bring them with you on an unforgettable adventure, here are 14 ideas for things to do on Valentine’s Day in Canada. [Read more…] about Romantic Things to Do for Valentine’s Day in Canada

Best Road Trip Ever | Canada’s Road to 150

January 19, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 6 Comments

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 Things to Do in Winter in Canada

December 1, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Ski Banff with Matt and Karla

With winter in Canada taking up the better part of a year, it really makes sense to get the most out of it. Those who choose to just bundle up and stay indoors are bound to not only have a miserable 4-6 months but also lose out on all the wonderful winter activities available from coast to coast to coast.

For visitors, the winter can be such a beautiful time to visit Canada. Yes, it’s colder and darker, but it’s also home to some really fun and unique activities, as well as cheaper accommodation and fewer crowds.

While we don’t love the extreme cold, we do love the winter! Plus, if you buy the right winter clothes, the cold is much more manageable. Most importantly though, winter brings out the best activities and we always look forward to getting out in the snow and enjoying this bug-free time of year.

Unique RV Camping Experiences with Harvest Hosts

November 17, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 10 Comments

Looking for unique overnight RV camping experiences?

How would you like to wake up on a vineyard in Kelowna or on a farm in Ontario?

Trade that boring parking lot for a unique experience and make lasting memories with your family and friends.

In this article, we’re going to talk about one of the most popular membership programs for RV’ers in both Canada and the United States.
[Read more…] about Unique RV Camping Experiences with Harvest Hosts

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 Lake Louise

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

Things to Do in Lake Louise Alberta

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.

201+ Weird, Fun, and Interesting Facts About Canada

June 30, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 15 Comments

Fun facts about Canada at the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan. — Learning RCMP facts about Canada while dressing up as mounties at the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina.

Facts about Canada Updated September 1st, 2021

This article was inspired by Canada’s 153rd birthday. Really, it was inspired by Canada Day in general, but because the 153rd celebrations were cancelled due to Covid, it gave us a chance to do some research and think of another way to shine a light on this massive country. So, I got out some books, made friends with Google, and searched far and wide to find some of the coolest, weirdest, most unusual, and just pure awesome interesting facts about Canada. I thought this would be a great way to celebrate July 1st and just a really cool read for anyone interested in Canada, whether you’re local or not. [Read more…] about 201+ Weird, Fun, and Interesting Facts About Canada

13 Fun Things to Do at Home

March 31, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Last updated: April 20th, 2020

Well, we must admit. Had you asked us a couple of months ago what we’d be doing in the spring of 2020, we certainly would not have answered with staying at home and being in front of the computer most of the day. The snow is melting and we should be out making videos and content for all of you to enjoy – but no. Instead, we’re huddled inside like almost everyone else, going a little stir-crazy, and hiding from an enemy that’s barely visible under a microscope.

We’re a little sad. We’re a little disappointed. But one thing is for sure – we’re not BORED.

Whether you’re looking for fun things to do at home during the COVID-19 pandemic or any other time throughout the year, there’s a lot to do online!

However, because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, there are lots of free offers popping up and we’d like to showcase those here. However, even when this thing is eradicated from our lives, we’ll still be updating this page with fun things you can do at home because we can’t always be out exploring! Can we?

Below is a list of things that have come up during the pandemic but it will also be updated as we go. (feel free to share ideas in the comments as well)

[Read more…] about 13 Fun Things to Do at Home

Your Ultimate Guide to Ski Banff

January 28, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

For those looking to shred some serious powder, whether on skis or on a snowboard, Banff is one of the best places you can visit. Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff is home to some of the best ski resorts in Canada. Not just Banff either, but the entire surrounding area. Within the national park, however, there are three ski resorts. Known as the “Ski Big 3” collective, these mountains are absolutely incredible. From experiencing a heated chairlift to soaring down an eight-kilometre (five-mile) ski run, this is a winter wonderland for those who like to shred powder. [Read more…] about Your Ultimate Guide to Ski Banff

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.

Winter in Canada

December 31, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Last updated: February 2nd, 2020

Winter in Canada might be chilly, but it has plenty to offer both the adventure seeker and the city slicker. Travelers who visit Canada in the winter typically do so for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, but even those who aren’t cold weather fans will find plenty of reasons to enjoy the winter in Canada. For one, the scenery is spectacular during the winter as it becomes covered in a layer of sparkling snow.

It’s also a great time of year for budget-conscious travelers as most places see a sharp discount on hotel prices and airfare. Even in popular towns like Banff, Alberta, hotel prices are often 50-70% cheaper than in the summer months. Plus, there’s lots of availability for you to pick and choose. [Read more…] about Winter in Canada

Christmas in Canada

December 24, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

best things to do in whistler — Whistler village at dusk – Photo provided by Tourism Whistler and taken by photographer Mike Crane.

Last updated: February 2nd, 2020

Despite Christmas taking place in many warm countries around the world, it’s often marketed everywhere as a white Christmas, full of snow, Christmas lights, and various decorations. Growing up in Canada, this is how Christmas actually is. However, I found it interesting that my family-in-law living in Mexico had never seen or experienced a white Christmas and yet, all the movies and commercials they watched advertised it this way. Then, when they spent winter in Canada one year, they finally got to see a white Christmas, with lots of snow, lights, and winter activities. They even cried when a snowflake landed in their hands.

Canada is a special place to experience Christmas. In fact, we wrote about the many places you can experience Christmas in Canada, but now we’d like to talk about what Christmas is like for most Canadians. [Read more…] about Christmas in Canada

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.

[Read more…] about Calgary to Lake Louise

What to Wear for the Winter Season in Canada

December 10, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

Last updated: February 2nd, 2020

Oh, Canada. Massive, beautiful, and incredibly diverse, not only with its people but also with its nature and geography. It’s one of the wildest countries on Earth, and yet it’s such an easy place to travel around and explore. It’s home to four incredible and totally distinct seasons – Spring, summer, fall, and winter. It’s one of the few countries on Earth where summers can reach temperatures of 40 degrees Celcius and then switch to the exact opposite just a few months later, with temperatures reaching lows of -40 degrees Celcius in the winter. [Read more…] about What to Wear for the Winter Season in Canada

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

At the end of the drive from Calgary to Vancouver, there are lots of things to do in Vancouver.

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.

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

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things To Do in Toronto

July 16, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 24 Comments

Things to do in Toronto

Things to Do in Toronto last updated: September 20th, 2022

As Canada’s biggest city, there’s no shortage of things to do in Toronto, Ontario. Whether you’re looking for world-class museums, fun attractions, lively neighbourhoods, or major league sports, Toronto truly has something for everyone. It’s also one of the most multicultural cities in the world, which makes it a great place to experience a wide variety of cultures and food.

We’ve been to Toronto a number of times and are always excited to return. From the beautiful skyline featuring the CN Tower to the funky neighbourhoods like Kensington Market, Toronto is such a lively city to wander around. However, if it’s your first time, it might be overwhelming. There really is so much to do and so many Toronto attractions and Toronto tours that there’s no way we could list everything in this article without boring you to death.

So, what we’re going to do is list out what we feel are the best things to do in Toronto as well as the best places to visit, especially if you’re new to the city. It’s unlikely you’d get through everything here on your first visit unless you’re staying for quite some time. Regardless of what you do, you’re bound to have a great time in Ontario’s capital.

How to Plan the Ultimate Canada Road Trip

May 14, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 9 Comments

Even though we love to jump on planes and travel around the world, our favourite form of travel is a good old classic road trip. There’s something special about being in control of your own transportation and being able to go wherever you want, whether that’s a small town, a big city, or an off-the-beaten-path gem. There’s also something great about stuffing what you need into a car and not worrying about baggage restrictions, lost luggage, and people throwing away your cologne and hand creams.

Road trips are a popular mode of travel in many countries around the world but there’s hardly a better place than Canada. As the worlds second largest country, Canada is best explored by vehicle. The Trans-Canada Highway runs all the way from Newfoundland to British Columbia, paving a path of more than 7,800 kilometres. Then there’s the North, which is now connected by road all the way to the arctic ocean in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. There’s major cities, small towns, and breath-taking scenery all along the way. [Read more…] about How to Plan the Ultimate Canada Road Trip

13 of the Best Canada Road Trips That Will Blow Your Mind

April 30, 2019 By Matthew G. Bailey 12 Comments

Alberta Road Trips in the Kananaskis

Canada Road Trip Last updated: April 1st, 2022

If the thought of being behind the wheel while driving amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world excites you, then this Canada road trip article is for you.

As world travellers that specialize in Canada travel, we’ve done some epic road trips in our lifetime, including the Australian East Coast, the Oregon Coast, California, and parts of Mexico, Malaysia, Peru, and New Zealand. Still, nothing compares to the 150-day road trip across Canada we did back in 2017. Comprising over 27,000 kilometres of asphalt (and some dirt roads as well), we got to explore Canada from coast to coast to coast. However, not everyone has 150 days to dedicate to driving across Canada.

While there are many other road trips not listed here, as well as a variety of incredible destinations that may not include an iconic road trip, we believe these 13 itineraries below are some of the best road trips in Canada and we hope they are helpful suggestions when you’re ready to take your next Canada road trip.

Let’s get started.

What Makes Canada Special?

June 27, 2018 By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

From May 15th – October 11th, my wife and I, along with filmmaker Justin Brunelle, traveled the whole of Canada, coast to coast to coast, to find out what makes Canada special. We experienced so many of the best things to do in Canada but we also interviewed people from all backgrounds to ask them what they think makes Canada such a great country.

We interviewed a wide variety of people, including celebrity astronaut Chris Hadfield, interpreters from Parks Canada, museum curators, tour guides, and even Syrian refugees. We heard many different answers to our question and it was so inspiring and heartwarming to hear the love that everyone had for their country, whether they had been here for generations or had just arrived.

It was an incredible trip, to say the least, and we actually experienced all of the things that people said they loved about Canada. They talked about their love for immigration and we heard the stories of many refugees. They talked about their love for the people and we met so many friendly and welcoming people from each province and territory. They talked about their love for the diversity of the country and we met with dozens of different cultures along the way. And of course, they all mentioned the nature and the landscapes and how vast Canada really is. This we really experienced, as we drove all the way from Newfoundland to Tuktoyuktuk and beyond. [Read more…] about What Makes Canada Special?

7 Tips For Driving the Dempster Highway to the Arctic

June 1, 2018 By Matthew G. Bailey 37 Comments

One of the most epic road trips in all of Canada is the Dempster Highway, a 700-km dirt road stretching from Dawson, Yukon to Inuvik, NWT. The highway takes you from one territory to another, passing the Arctic Circle and all sorts of magnificent scenery, and finally linking up to the Inuvik-to-Tuktoyaktuk-Highway, which takes you all the way to the Arctic Ocean.

Tips for Driving the Dempster Highway

During our 150-day road trip across Canada, this was one of our most epic experiences. After all, how often can you say you drove past the Arctic Circle? The landscapes are so incredible and because we went in the fall, we were greeted by an array of beautiful colours, ranging from dark reds to golden yellows. It was truly a road trip we’ll never forget and a trip that many people wish to take. After all, this is one of the best things to do in Canada.

As mentioned in the beginning, however, the Dempster Highway is a 700-km dirt road with very little services offered along the way. In fact, there’s only one and it’s in a place called Eagle Plains, which is located around the 400-km mark. Due to the highway’s isolation and rough surface, you must do some planning before you go. We read all sorts of blogs and info sites before embarking on our journey and quite frankly, many of them scared the shit out of us. Now that we’ve been on the Dempster Highway ourselves, I can say that some of them exaggerated quite a bit, but probably for good reason – to really make sure people prepare before making such a long-isolated journey.

Travel Hacking in Canada

April 19, 2018 By Matthew G. Bailey 1 Comment

First Class Emirates Travel Hacking — Sitting aboard Emirates First Class from India to Dubai

As many of you know, we travel around Canada quite a bit, exploring the best things to do from coast to coast to coast. However, we also travel around the world as much as we can and have visited six continents, 38 countries, and over 250 cities over the last seven years. In fact, it’s our love for world travel that also led to our love for exploring Canada, as travelling around the world made us appreciate the incredible scenery, attractions, and culture of our home country.

For me, it all started with a solo trip to Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia way back in 2009. Then, in 2012, I had the opportunity to do an exchange semester at a university in Malaysia. So, Karla and I travelled to Southeast Asia for an entire year, visiting Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, the Philippines, and China. Our passion for travel multiplied and we just didn’t want to stop. At the same time, we didn’t have the money to pay for a lot of trips, so I started learning about something called travel hacking, which inevitably led to the creation of CanadianFreeFlyers.com.