Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

Winter

Playing Hockey at the World Pond Hockey Championship 2020

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World Pond Hockey Championship New Brunswick Drone

Last updated: April 7th, 2020

When it comes to massive world-renown pond hockey tournaments, you probably wouldn’t think of New Brunswick, little lone the small town of Plaster Rock. Yet, it’s here, in this super small town of just 1,500 people, that the world’s largest pond hockey tournament takes place each and every year. Attracting teams from all over the world, as many as 120 will compete on the small and frozen Roulston Lake, surrounded by a frosty forest.

I’m not sure how I heard about this tournament but somewhere a few years ago, I read about the World Pond Hockey Championships and have wanted to attend ever since. It’s not easy though. After all, Canada is a big country and New Brunswick is 4,222 kilometres (2,623 miles) away from my home city of Calgary, Alberta. It requires an expensive flight, a rental car, a hotel stay, and a team of five.

But in 2020, the 19th year of the World Pond Hockey Championships, I made it happen. I rallied together a team from Calgary, all of whom I didn’t even know, and flew over to New Brunswick, the only province in Canada that’s officially bi-lingual. [Read more…] about Playing Hockey at the World Pond Hockey Championship 2020

10 Things to do in Quebec City in winter

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things to do in quebec city in winter

Last updated: March 23rd, 2020

For those wanting to witness the beauty of Canada’s colder months, winter in Quebec City is a great time to visit. From world-renowned festivals to hotels made of ice, there are all sorts of things to do in the winter months.

Québec City sits along the St. Lawrence River in the mostly french-speaking province of Quebec. Dating all the way back to 1608, it features a unique European charm, a fortified colonial core, a parliament building modelled after the famous Louvre Museum in Paris, and a variety of stone buildings and cobblestone streets. It’s easily one of Canada’s most beautiful cities and is only a 3-hour drive from world-famous Montreal.

Like most Canadian cities, it’s busy in the summer. But if you’re okay getting bundled up in winter clothing, you’ll find fewer crowds in the winter months and equally beautiful scenery, exciting activities, and the same delicious French food you’ve come to expect. [Read more…] about 10 Things to do in Quebec City in winter

Winter in Quebec City with the Quebec Winter Carnival

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quebec winter carnival

Last updated: March 17th, 2020

When it comes to winter festivals, there’s none better than Quebec’s winter carnival, which is one of the largest winter festivals in the world. Held annually during the month of February, the Québec Winter Carnival, or Carnaval de Québec as it’s known in French, is an annual festival that brings thousands of visitors together to celebrate the winter in Quebec. Created way back 1894, the festivities were inspired by the harsh winters as a way to create a fun celebration to warm the hearts of its citizens. The modern version of the festival started in 1955 and is now one of the biggest events of the year for French Canada. From ice sculptures to ice slides to an absolutely massive parade, it’s a great experience for kids and adults alike. [Read more…] about Winter in Quebec City with the Quebec Winter Carnival

Banff Events – The Gathering of Cult Brands

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The Gathering Skittles
Jane Hwang , Vice President, Fruity & Skittles® Brand Director, Skittles®

I can honestly say that I never imagined myself attending a business summit that celebrates advertising. I mean, technically, it’s a celebration of cult brands, but with that comes great advertising and the stars are the chief marketing officers and the creative teams that develop that ads and creative that ultimately give the brand their cult-like status. From Skittles to Spotify to the LA Lakers and much more, all are celebrated for creating a remarkable product and a brand you simply cannot forget.

And it all happens in the Banff Castle. [Read more…] about Banff Events – The Gathering of Cult Brands

8 Ways to Enjoy Ottawa in the Winter

By Matthew G. Bailey 2 Comments

winter in ottawa

Last updated: February 25th, 2020

With snow covering the ground and temperatures reaching far below zero, Canada may not seem like a desirable place in the winter. But that’s truly not the case. Not only is there fewer crowds and cheaper prices, but winter is also an incredibly beautiful time to visit and Ottawa is one of the best places to do so.

Canada’s capital is a great place to visit in the winter. Not only is it a great place to experience winter activities such as skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, but it’s also very beautiful to see the frozen Rideau Canal, the snow-covered Ottawa River, and the stunning gothic-style parliament buildings surrounding by a white blanket. [Read more…] about 8 Ways to Enjoy Ottawa in the Winter

Banff Festivals in the Winter

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Banff Winter Festivals

Last updated: February 11th, 2020

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know how much we love Banff. Part of it is because we live so close but part of it is just because it’s so darn beautiful. Throw in some of the world’s best skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, and it’s easy to see why we spend so much time there.

For those of you thinking of visiting Banff National Park, you might be wondering when is the best to visit. That’s a tough one to answer as it depends on a variety of factors but if you’ve already decided that winter is the best time to visit Banff, then you may also want to consider timing your visit with one of the many festivals that happen throughout the colder months.

There are quite a few festivals and events that happen, especially in late fall and early winter, including the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, the Lake Louise Ski World Cup, the Banff Craft Beer Festival, the Banff Christmas Market, Mountaintop Christmas at the Banff Gondola, and the Santa Claus Parade. As we get later into winter, however, there’s another incredible festival that comes to Banff, bringing artists from around the world and all sorts of winter fun. It’s called Snow Days. [Read more…] about Banff Festivals in the Winter

Your Guide to Calgary Skiing

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Calgary Skiing

Last updated: February 4th, 2020

Situated in the heart of the foothills, just an hour’s drive away from the majestic Canadian Rockies, Calgary is an epic destination for those seeking adventure. Due to its proximity to the mountains, it’s also become a winter mecca, often used as a base for exploring the mountains while also experiencing one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities.

For those seeking the snow, Calgary is a great location for skiers and snowboarders alike. Whether you want to learn how to ski within the city or head out to some of the best ski resorts in the entire world, Calgary is the place to be. [Read more…] about Your Guide to Calgary Skiing

Your Ultimate Guide to Ski Banff

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Ski Banff Lake Louise Ski Resort

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 in 2021

By Matthew G. Bailey 9 Comments

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

Last updated: February 4th, 2020

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 straight-forward 4-hour drive. The roads are well maintained and there’s 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…] about Edmonton to Jasper in 2021

9 Ways to Enjoy Christmas in Calgary

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Winter in Lake Louise

Last updated: February 3rd, 2020

Canada is a country that is known for its winter. From cold weather to deep snow, Canada is one of the greatest places on Earth to experience a true winter. Because of this, it’s also a great place to experience Christmas, especially if you’re looking for a white Christmas. We’ve written articles about Christmas in Canada, as well as destinations to experience Christmas in Canada, but now we’d like to focus on our home city of Calgary, Alberta.

Nestled in the foothills just next to the wonderful Canadian Rockies, Calgary is an incredible place to spend the Christmas Holidays. Whether you’re looking for holiday cheer in the city or an epic ski vacation to Banff National Park, a Calgary Christmas is a wonderful place to spend your Christmas holidays. [Read more…] about 9 Ways to Enjoy Christmas in Calgary