Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

Winter

37 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: May 23rd, 2022

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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29 Best Things to Do in Calgary, Canada in 2022

By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

Things to Do in Calgary. Drone flight overlooking the city.

Updated: March 14th, 2022

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

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

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The BEST Things To Do in Banff, Alberta in 2022

By Matthew G. Bailey 27 Comments

Banff Tunnel Mountain Hike
Enjoying views from Tunnel Mountain.

Last updated: April 28th, 2022

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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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 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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How to Enjoy the Winter in Waterton

By Matthew G. Bailey 9 Comments

Winter in Waterton Lakes National Park
Admiring the view of the winter in Waterton.

Unlike the busy streets of Waterton Lakes during the summer months, winter in Waterton is totally different. Most hotels are closed, there are only two restaurants, and everything is very quiet. But, for those looking for a winter adventure and the quiet solitude of the Rocky Mountains, there’s perhaps no better place.

Whether you’re looking to go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, or just enjoying the splendour of a serene mountain town, Waterton Lakes in the winter should be on your bucket list. 

In this guide, we’ll help you plan your winter trip to Waterton Lakes, including what to do, where to stay, and where to eat.

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How to Enjoy Jasper in the Winter

By Matthew G. Bailey 21 Comments

Jasper in the Winter - Maligne Canyon Icewalk
Admiring Maligne Canyon in the winter.

Without a doubt, Jasper is one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Canada. Located within Jasper National Park and at the northern end of the world-famous Icefields Parkway, it’s a magical outdoor destination with towering mountains, snaking rivers, clear lakes, and lush forest. Anyone interested in outdoor adventure or simply admiring some of Earth’s grand vistas will love Jasper, and in the winter, it’s all covered in white sparkly snow.
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The Best Things to Do in Nordegg Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 10 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 in 2022

By Matthew G. Bailey 27 Comments

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

Last updated: September 3rd, 2020

Alberta is home to some of the top road trips in Canada, including the stretch from Banff to Jasper (or from Jasper to Banff), which is perhaps the most beautiful road trip in the country. 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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How to Enjoy Banff in the Winter

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

Banff in the Winter - Matthew Bailey of Must Do Canada

As one of Canada’s most popular destinations, Banff needs no introduction. Not only was it Canada’s first national park but also the world’s third. It’s home to some of the best scenery in the world and is a true paradise for anyone interested in outdoor adventure. Although it’s busiest during the summer months, Banff in the winter is about as spectacular as winter in Canada gets.

Banff in the winter is like stepping into a winter wonderland with snow-capped mountains, a snow-dusted forest, charming streets, and all sorts of winter attractions ranging from ice castles to world-class skiing and more. As much as we love Banff in the summer, we actually prefer it in the winter. Not only are hotels cheaper and easier to come by, but nothing can quite compare to a town like Banff covered in white sparkling snow. Even my mother-in-law who hails from Mexico prefers the winter months, despite the often bone-chilling temperatures. Imagine yourself inside a snow globe. That’s Banff in the winter. [Read more…] about How to Enjoy Banff in the Winter