Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

Winter

59 of the Best Things To Do in Alberta

By Matthew G. Bailey 172 Comments

Banff to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada
The Spectacular Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada. Photo by Matthew G. Bailey.

Updated: March 20th, 2022

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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48 of the Best THINGS TO DO in British Columbia

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.

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25 Best Things to Do in Edmonton

By Matthew G. Bailey 28 Comments

Things to Do in Edmonton

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.

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20 Best Things To Do in Winnipeg

By Matthew G. Bailey 11 Comments

Things to Do in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Things to Do in Winnipeg Last Updated: April 5, 2023

Located almost perfectly in the middle of Canada, Winnipeg is a city with lots of fun and beautiful attractions. Often overlooked by other major cities in Canada, Winnipeg is very underrated for what it offers.

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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34 of the Best Things to Do in Montreal

By Matthew G. Bailey 5 Comments

Montreal

Things to Do in Montreal Last updated: March 17, 2022

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.

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Playing Hockey at the World Pond Hockey Championship 2020

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

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

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

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.

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Winter in Quebec City with the Quebec Winter Carnival

By Matthew G. Bailey Leave a Comment

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

Ottawa in the winter.
Parliament Hill in the winter.

Ottawa in the Winter last updated: December 25th, 2022

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 surrounded by a white blanket.

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