Photo by RedBull

While I’d love to say I’m crazy enough (and fit enough) to compete with these guys, chances are I’d get trampled. My skating skills are best left on the outdoor rinks, and not “ice slaloms”. My own skills aside, I decided before the holidays that I was going to try to check it out this year! Seeing and experiencing the Red Bull Crashed Ice event in Old Quebec has been on my bucket list since I first heard of it. Living on the East Coast, it’s now way more feasible to just pop by and it out!

Photo by Redbull

When I first heard about Crashed Ice I was blown away. As kids we did almost the exact same thing, only on a smaller scale with a smaller crowd, and without energy drinks. We would play Shinny at the local outdoor rink until we couldn’t feel our toes. -30 degrees celcius and you’d still see us out there, frozen boogers, icy eyelids, rosey cheeks and giant smiles. Being kids, our attention could only be on one thing for so long, and distractions became a routine to a night out at the rink. Our local rink was nearby this big giant hill (giant on a Saskatchewan scale), and one of us had the genius idea of strapping on our skates and using the skates as a make shift “stand-up toboggan”. After the first guinea pig made it down alive, it wasn’t long before we turned it into a competition. I remember telling my parents all about it when we got home and my Dad scornfully laughed as he told us  ”You probably wrecked your skates, but way to go!”.

Crashed Ice takes place this March in Quebec! Stop by, cheer loud, and keep an eye out for me!

I still haven’t decided where I’ll be staying when I travel to Quebec. I’m considering either checking out the local hostels, maybe splurging on a hotel, or going crazy and finding one of the local vacation rentals! Click here to check those out!

Crashed Ice is Coming Back to Quebec, and this Hoser’s checking it out! is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Photo by Natalie Taylor

I had never ridden a Segway before. But safety comes first with Segway Of Ontario, followed shortly thereafter by Teamwork. Our Segway Guide “Chris”, a charming, and dare I say “awesome” fellow took us through how to properly drive these units, even going so far as setting up an obstacle course to navigate. I must admit, I was worried my Toronto “street cred” would be harmed if I were caught riding this contraption. Thankfully he threw in a few Segway tips for looking extra cool while wearing a helmet.

• Wave at as many ladies as you can
• Make engine noises
• Make brake noises when turning sharp or coming to a stop

Outfitted with Segways and wise words, my friend Natalie Taylor (of Near Afar) and I were off with our new favourite guide. We did one quick lap to get comfortable, then we went deep into history. Not the polished type of history where everyone lived in rich Victorian houses and sat around drinking tea all day. We went 100% into the history of the Distillery District.

Photo by Natalie Taylor

Now I spoke to my friend Natalie about whether or not I should include much about this part of the tour. By all means, the history amped up the tour quality from a 10 to an 11, but I worry that I might give away too much. Basically I’m trying to prevent you from becoming that guy or girl at the comedy club who knows every ones routine.

Natalie Taylor Learning To Segway

So in sheer respect to the ruggedly awesome guide Chris and the fellows at Segway Ontario, all I will reveal is that the tour involves sampling Mill Street Beer (award winning stuff!), locally made Chocolate, and learning about the true old Toronto. Chalk full of alcoholism, immigration, labour rights, and the history behind what was once North America’s largest distillery.

No cliches with people in costumes pretending to be from some old era, no boring flashbacks to those old history classes you “sometimes” went to in high school. Just pure, unadulterated fun on a segway in one of Toronto’s most historic areas.
Segway Of Ontario also does off-road Segway Tours through Horseshoe Valley and even offers Winter Segway Tours for you warm blooded types.

Give them a call at (416) 642-0008 / 1-866-405-8687 or chat them up on Twitter @SegwayOntario

Get Fast & Geeky with Segway Tours in Toronto is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Tofino is a surf town at its very core, and its a great stop for backpackers. There’s a couple Hostels in town, and plenty to see and do. Tofino’s a great spot for first-time surfers. If you have a little more experience you’ll have to chat to the locals to find the fear-inducing locations. Be sure to book ahead in Tofino as accommodation in the summer is pretty limited. If things are full, don’t be afraid to check out Ucluelet, which is a great alternative to Tofino.

Video by Canadian Tourism

Sunday Canadian Travel Video – The Surf Lifestyle in Tofino BC is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Q. How long have you been guiding?

A. I’ve been in the tourism industry for ten years and guiding for 5 of those. I used to be a diving guide in the Caribbean, but missed the mountains so I came home this Christmas. I’ve been with Moose ever since and have been loving every day of of it!

Q. What is your favourite thing about working with Moose Network?

A. Without a second guess it has to be the people I meet everyday. Observing peoples reaction when they discover something for the first time, and being able to witness their passion for travel is amazing. Everyone is in this permanent holiday happiness mode. It ends up feeling like I’m just travelling with friends.

Q. What are some highlights that stand out during your time with Moose Network?

A. So far, taking an Australian girl to Peyto Lake to let her see and touch snow for the first time was one that stood out. Witnessing peoples reactions when they see the mountains, only to find out they’re in the foothills, then seeing their minds explode when we actually get into the Rockies. That’s always a big favourite. Lastly, seeing how happy and energized people are after white water rafting the Kicking Horse River makes me smile!

Q. What are some things you think everyone should try when they travel in Canada?

A. Where do I start? You’ve got to see the Old Growth Forests on Vancouver Island. Trees here can get to be up to 9m round and 60m tall! Everyone should also experience a night on Granville Street in Vancouver, it will be memorable to say the least. When you get hungry, try some fresh BC smoked salmon. Hop on a tour and try and see a wild Grizzly Bear. If you’re looking to chill go enjoy the west coast beaches, salt air and try surfing or head to the Okanagan Valley for some fine wine and more amazing Beaches. Just being in Canada is something everyone should try.

Q. Do you think more Canadians should start riding the Moose, and if so, why?

A. Absolutely! Each province is like a country of its own, with its own culture, food, and personalities. They’re all so geographically different, limiting yourself to your home province is sort of like sitting in the same lawn chair around a campfire the whole night. Move around, be social, talk to people, see things from a different light. As a Canadian myself, I still love watching as the landscapes change during the long drives across provinces and through the seasons. Shameless plug here, but Moose Network goes across Canada and lets you hop on and off as you see fit. Great for seeing Canada!

Q. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever witnessed while guiding with Moose Network?

A. Well its only my first season, but Watching a Grizzly Bear swim across a glacier river with the rocky mountains looming over the entire scene. The bear climbed out of the water and scratched himself against a tree for like ten minutes, as bears do! It was unreal. Of course, I should mention that its always a laugh watching people try to swim in the freezing glacial water and realizing how splintering cold it is. People do crazy stuff for photos.

Q. If there is one thing you could tell someone whos planning on backpacking across Canada, what would it be?

A. Plan more time because you won’t want to leave. Lots of people end up hopping off the Moose for a day and never leave the country.

Gros Merci goes out to the always lovely Rachel Huber. If you have any other questions regarding what Moose Network can offer you, send them a tweet @moosenetwork or check out the Moose Network website. Of course, you can always comment here and I’ll do my best to answer any questions I can.

Moose Karate Photo by Candice Walsh

Interview with a Moose Network Travel Guide is a post from: I Backpack Canada

What is the Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier covers almost 325 of the most badass kilometers in Alberta. While it may have seen some decay in the last hundred years, she’s still thick as ever and willing to let travellers from all over the world climb all over her. This Canadian glacier is the largest accumulation of ice & snow south of the infamous Arctic Circle, and can reach depths of as much as 360 metres. Candice & myself recently had the opportunity to check it out and snap a few photos along the way.

A Red Monster in the Mountains

I approached a bright red monster, stretching my neck upwards to take in its massive height and size. This bus was the love child of a winterized school bus and a monster truck. Each tire weighing in at over 650lbs. I laughed looking at the treads of the tires. I pictured my mountain bike fitting inside the rim of one of these tires. We climbed into one of the 22 Terra Bus’s owned by the Columbia Icefield with a large group of eager tourists. The familiar smell of plastic school bus seats made me smile. I was happy to see the seats were still in perfect shape. Back in elementary school, those plastic seats didn’t last more than a month before someone had stabbed them with a pen or chewed them to pieces.

Our tour guide was extremely knowledgable and encouraged everyone to cheer as we desceneded down the 30% grade which lead to the incline to the top of the glacier. People from all walks of life held onto the squeaky plastic chairs, expecting the red monster bus would take a roll. As cool as that would have been for this story, we made it down safe and sound and picked up some speed as we climbed towards the top of the Columbia Icefields.

Sweet Winter Wheels

As the red monster bus tires made contact with the glacier we could feel the speed decrease. Our guide informed us that despite these tires weighing over 650lbs, they typically only kept them at 12 to 15 psi as it was easier to control in the snow and was easier on the glacier. Brewster makes every effort to implement voluntary practices that all work towards the common goal of minimizing environmental impact. How very Canadian of them! After 10 minutes of driving and keeping our eye out for a Grizzly Bear that was reported to be in the area, we parked alongside 3 other red monster bus’s.

What does it taste like?

Exiting the bus, I smiled as I watched children and adults all reach down to grab a piece of this frozen terrain carver. Many of which had likely never this much ice. Looking up you could see we were barely on the tip of this icefield. 325 square kilometers goes way beyond the piece of ice we were standing on. I snapped some pictures and reached down to taste the running water caused by glacial melt. My Swiss friend asked “What does it taste like?” I laughed as I replied “Cold water”.

I jumped up and down on the icefield, half expecting to fall through, but also to test how solid this thing really was. It really puts your life into perspective knowing this piece of ice has been around longer than my family has been in Canada. Heck, it’s been around longer than Canada has been a country with borders. After snapping what would have been several rolls of films, had we not been spoiled with the privilage of digital cameras, we boarded the monster bus again. Several people were waiting in the bus trying to warm up. The winter-esque conditions in the Columbia Icefields aren’t for everyone.

Mountain Goats To the Left

The engines of the Terra Bus roared back to life. Our guide spoke over the deep rumble, “Did everyone have a blast”, a choir of replies followed “Yea”. The bus slowly turned around and made its way back to the Parkway. We listened to the gentle purr of the red monster, the entire group seemed quiet after experiencing the icefields. “GOATS!”, our guide yelled. The entire bus load of people dove to the left side of the bus as we drove past a pack of wild mountain goats. Several kid goats were spotted with the adult goats and an outpoor of “Awww”‘s were poured from mouths.

As we drove on our Guide told us that the Glacial melt from the Columbia Icefields feeds three different oceans. The Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. In the midst of hearing everyone say “Oh, thats nice!”, we were also told that if you were to pee on the Columbia Ice Field, you’d be peeing in three oceans at the same time. I looked back on the trip and shook my head. “Should have done it when I had the chance“, I thought.

Have you ever conquered a glacier or pee’d in three oceans at the same time? If so, I’d love to hear from you (comments below)!

Special thanks to the Moose Network for their awesome help with planning my recent trip through the Rocky Mountains. Big thanks to the folks at Brewster & Columbia Icefields for putting us up on this wicked snow-cruise.

Roaming on the tip of a Glacier at the Columbia Ice fields is a post from: I Backpack Canada

1. River obstacles must be named something funny or terrifying.

With names like “Rollercoaster”, and “Goat 2″, its typically safe to assume that those rapids will likely be pretty fun, but also not very murderous. On the opposite end of that stick are the insane names. Take “Terminator Hole” for example. This particular rapid has the ability to suck you under and keep you under. For good. Most Hydra River Guides would advise avoiding that particular rapid. Then there’s always “ShotGun” –  a Class 4 rapid that will literally shotgun you through it (mostly out of control), the only thing you can do is hold on and hope for the best. The nomenclature behind these rapids makes for a perfect mix of fun & fear. Which makes conquering them all the more enjoyable.

Photo by Candice Walsh

2. Bison Burgers are delightful

The Bison Burgers that were barbecued up for our group absolutely rocked. The ladies at Banff Adventures Unlimited ensured we give them a try. Bison Burgers are like super burgers. They have less fat, more protein, and are incredibly awesome with sauteed onions, lettuce ,tomatoes, and pickles. It may not be the most vegan meal (however, they did have vegetarian burgers should you have morals, or a better diet than me), but honestly, who’s going to pass up eating a cousin of an almost extinct animal. Can someone say “Bragging Rights”?

3. Sucked Under? No problem!

Ever since I was a kid one of my biggest fears was being sucked underwater and being held underwater by the constant pushing of flow above me. Back when I lived in Saskatoon, SK I told my parents I wanted to swim down the river and go down the little Gardiner Dam in the South Saskatchewan River. I would have been maybe 5 or 6. They said that wouldn’t be smart, as I would be all sorts of dead. It must have stuck, as it still freaks me out a bit.

Fortunately the Hydra River Guides explained how to get out of this sticky situation, should we ever have the misfortune of getting ourselves into this little pickle.

Step one – Curl up in a ball and wait 10 seconds. If you don’t get pushed out go to step two.

Step two – Spread out into a starfish and wait 10 seconds. If you don’t get pushed out go to step three.

Step three – Repeat Step 1 and 2 until you escape. Or drown.

4. James Hectar Was Sort Of A Zombie

So back in the day this James Hectar fellow was trekking around this river looking for new routes for the Canadian Pacific Railway and collecting plant species with his buddy slash commander John Palliser and a few native guides. On one unfortunate day he was kicked in the chest by his horse while trying to cross the river and was knocked unconscious.

Medicine wasn’t so good back then, so they chalked him up as dead. As they were burying him he awoke from his coma, and freaked everybody out. The natives then named the river Kicking Horse River after James Hectars’ return from the dead.

Photo by Glenn Miller

5. Hoodoos are some freaky things

During one of the few slower parts of the Kicking Horse River, our Hydra Guide pointed out some Hoodoo formations. These bad boys were formed over hundreds of years. The wind and rain erodes the sand but the roots of the trees above the sand keep part of the sand intact. Once they get pronounced enough they’ll start “Hoo-ing” as strong winds blow through them. In the old days, Native Americans would detour for hundreds of miles to avoid Hoodoos as they were thought to container evil spirits.

7. You don’t have to be insane to go white water rafting

Sitting down after being given the safety instructions can be daunting. For some people in our group they looked visibly nervous. Jumping up and down, shivering hands, trying their best to surpress their fears with laughter. We had a wide variety of people rafting with us today. A family of 5 with several guys in their 15′s and 16′s, an elderly couple, a group of friends from ireland with an age range of 30-50, and several solo female travellers. Then there was Candice and I, each in our young(er) twenties. People from all walks of life were joining in on the fun. Not because they wanted to die, but because they wanted to live while they still could. For some it was the adrenaline, for others it was a bucket list. People do crazy things for all sorts of reasons, questioning any of those reasons would be selfish.

Fact of the matter is, everyone felt comfortable enough with our guides and with the safety precautions that were being taken that nobody bailed out of the boat. In fact, everyone did so well we didn’t have a single fall-out during the entire white water rafting adventure. That’s not to say it can’t happen, but going in there with a clear mind and a determination to paddle your heart out, and everyone will come out alive.

Have you been white water rafting in Canada yet? What did you think?

Thanks to the Moose Network for their awesome help with planning my recent visit through B.C and Alberta, and for arranging for a comped pass with Banff Adventures Unlimited and Hydra River Guides. All opinions and reviews are my own.

6 Things I Learned Rafting the Kicking Horse River is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Kayaking with Natural Escapes

The girls from Natural Escapes Kayaking took the group through a crash course of kayaking, which included proper paddling techniques and even some basic lifesaving assistance. Very thorough, I thought to myself. I can’t think of how many times I’ve gone kayaking with people who weren’t given a lick of instructions on what to do if somebody flips. It was reassuring to the whole group that we were in good hands.

Photographic Echos

Sunshine clawed its way through the clouds and warmed the black paddle in my hands. I pushed forward through the water and felt the mountain breeze across my face. I let my hand drag through the glacier fed lake and thought how great this place was. I guiltily broke the peace and quiet of this tranquil location, “Hey Candice, picture!”. My travel amigo struck a pose and laughed. The beeping camera noise seemed to echo off the water.

Lake Wildlife

Our Kayaking guides informed us that this tiny lake was home to the elusive painted turtle, a couple of beavers, and even a resident bald eagle. Everyone on tour with Moose Network paddled from corner to corner of the lake in hopes of finding some wildlife. The beavers remained in hiding, as did the bald eagle; however, turtles were spotted, as was a blue heron, and we even had a local deer stop by to say “What’s up!”

Goodbye Kayaks, Hello Vistas

We parked our hand crafted water chariots after touring the entire lake. Smiles were exchanged as we bid our farewells to our guides. The BC sunshine lead the exhausted and partially wet travellers back aboard our Moose Network Bus. Rachel, our Moose Network guide, cranked the tunes and put the wheels in motion. Within no time we were back on the road to explore the Rockies!

Strike A Stupid Pose

Despite how exciting road trips are, driving for hours will drive people to exhaustion. Maybe its the scenery, the rocking back and forth, or the gentle vibrations of the highway. Whatever it is, a good stretch can change the mood of an entire bus. Our lovely Moose Network guide pulled over as often as possible to let us stretch our legs and get photo-snappy with her box of goofy hats. You can only take photos of scenic backdrops for so long until you realize having a little fun in front of the camera will likely be more memorable than the millions of photos you have of trees, mountains, and rocks.

Our target had been locked in. Like a master dart player, the Moose Network Bus lined up its shot, and launched. It wasn’t long before we found out we had made it to the little mountain town known around the world. Banff! This is where the fun begins. The outdoors, the icefields, the white water rafting. To say we were looking forward to it would have been the 2nd most largest understatement in the century. (The first would be that Poutine is tasty. )

Tour all over Canada with Moose Network

Kayak British Columbia with Natural Escapes Kayaking

Thanks to the Moose Network for their awesome help with planning my recent visit  through B.C and Alberta, and for arranging for a comped pass to the hostel. All opinions, reviews, and photos are my own.

Kayaking Near Revelstoke Mountain with The Hoodapus Gang is a post from: I Backpack Canada

We were joined by my youngest brother, Payden, my Dad’s fishing buddy Eric, and his Father-in-law, Wayne. Being the non-expert, I gladly sat back and observed the pro’s in action. Wayne has been fishing Last Mountain Lake for over 15 years, Summer or Winter, he’ll find a way to put his line in. Over the years I’ve managed to find myself falling through thin ice two times too many. Needless to say, I felt a heckuva lot safer knowing we had a couple seasoned professionals on board with us.

Meet the Artctic Cat

As my little brother and I unloaded the truck and threw whatever we could onto the Snowmobile, the old boys dragged out the collapsable ice fishing cabin and proceeded to attach it onto our sweet ride, the Arctic Cat. Faster than your average feline, and comfortably sits 3. As the final rods and tackle were loaded up, Wayne was happy to let us young guys hop on the sled with him. Take that walking!

Goodbye Shore!

The snowmobiles motor roared and we were off, dragging what I could only guess was over 900 pounds of gear and body. I couldn’t help but think “All those Christmas sweets could actually be the death of me”. I laughed it off as we picked up speed and watched as the snowy shore lined with cottages faded towards the horizon. Wayne let up on the throttle and slowed us down to a spot he thought might be deep enough to catch something.

18 Feet And Counting

He used his fancy ice penetrating laser depth finder to find out we were still only above 18 feet of water. He suggested we head a little further out in the hopes that we’ll have better luck, and to avoid snagging any Jacks. The engine roared back to life and we continued on, despite knowing perfectly well the weather was turning on us. What was once a sunny blue Saskatchewan sky with calm winds had turned overcast and dropped to well below -35 with windchill. Prairie weather can be so unpredictable in the winter.

A Cold Walk On Ice

We slowed down to our final location and began unloading gear. The ice fishing cabin was quickly set up, and all the luxaries were quickly placed inside. This wasn’t Waynes first rodeo, he came prepared. Kerosene heater, check. Fancy laser depth finder, check. Underwater fishing video camera with 10 inch display, check. Prepared indeed! As we finished setting everything up, my old man and his pal Eric finally made it. They were forced to walk all the way out on account of the lack of room on the snowmobile. Poor bastards.

Drilling the Lake

Eric promptly picked up the auger and began to drill himself a hole in the ice. The ice was no match for this giant drillbit and it sunk through like a hot knife through butter. Water spewed out of the hole as the auger was pulled up, bringing shards of ice along with it. You could practically smell how cold it was down there. I quickly went over some old safety tips I had learned as a kid if you ever fall through the ice. I approached the hole and laughed at how thick the ice was. I thought to myself “Yea, I won’t be needing those.”

Prepare to Fish

Within minutes, we each had our own ice fishing hole along with baited lines dropped in. Our hooks dropped 20 odd feet and lay there waiting patiently, “Here fishy fishy fishy…” Part of me expected to haul out a marlin of a fish within the first few minutes, it just made sense to me judging by my prowess with fishing up north in the summer. Unfortunately, that wasn’t so. I sat and waited patiently.

Waiting for Fish

Time ticked by and still nothing. The underwater video camera showed a barren lake floor. I stepped outside of the heated cabin to see how the old boys were doing. Same situation over there. I couldn’t help but laugh at how red their faces were from the wind. If it weren’t for their relaxed bodies I’d think they were raging mad. They laughed as they saw me reaching for the bag where I stored a couple beers.

Coldest Ice Fishing, Ever

A snag, a false alarm, and a couple beers later and we still didn’t have a single thing. Wayne was apologizing on behalf of the lake, I insisted there was no need. Whether we caught anything or not, it’s still been fun. It’s not everyday you get to go ice fishing, and half the fun is just being out there. As the hours continued on, the weather continued to drop. It was getting to the point where skin was freezing, and we all decided to call ‘er quits.

As we loaded everything up I thanked Wayne and Eric for bringing us out here. They insisted I come back soon to try again, and I promised I would. I got a taste for the ice fishing, and I sure as hell am going to catch something out there one of these days. Unfortunately, that won’t be this winter. The truck was warm, and I had some extremities to unthaw. Fish or no fish, I had a blast!

Ice Fishing Saskatchewans Last Mountain Lake is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Toboggan gear is surprisingly cheap

We made a quick stop at the local Canadian Tire to equip ourselves with some tobogganing equipment. We were able to pick up a couple Crazy Carpets for $4.00 each and a Speed Saucer for $5.00. Thankfully, one of my friends was smart enough to hang on to his old GT Racer from when he was 12. Needless to say, we were all pretty psyched to re-live the experience of hurdling ourselves down a hill on a cheap piece of plastic. Seeing as we’re all “Adults” now, we had to find a way to make this whole adventure a little more mature. What better way to be mature than to bring beer to the top of the hill. Classy!

Quick fact: Mount Pleasant was actually a landfill decades ago, and the hill is actually part dirt, and part ancient trash. The park was given a giant eco-makeover and turned into a local park. Looking at the park now you might have a tough time believing that though. It’s very much green.

Icey beers are oh-so-awesome!

Beer seemed like it would go so well with tobogganing. So we picked up Cube of Pil, aka Saskatchewan Champagne, Sner, Pilly Pop, or more formally Pilsner. For those unaware, Pilsner is a staple of Saskatchewan culture. We hauled our case of beer along with our plastic vessels to the top of Mount Pleasant. The weather was a teeth chattering -30 degrees Celcius with windchill, and the beer was all but too happy to freeze minutes after cracking the top. This in turn lead to the realization that a newly opened beer needed to be consumed in under a minute and a half, or else you’d be left with slushy ice-beer that was nearly impossible to get out of the can. Needless to say, the challenge was accepted.

Liquid strength and broken bodies

Making good use of our newfound liquid confidence, we propelled our bodies in the direction of icey ramps left behind by past tobogganers. A few bruises and scratches later and the decision was made to slow our pace a bit and enjoy the flashback inspired thrill of catching speed and losing control of our toboggans only to roll the rest of the way down the hill.

We repeated this process until all but 5 beers were finished and our bodies were numb from pain or cold. At that point I wasn’t sure which it was, all I knew was that I needed some warmth. Thankfully that warmth could be found in my parents house, located only a handful of blocks away. Who knew re-living childhood memories could be so awesome?

Tobogganing Mount Pleasant in Regina SK is a post from: I Backpack Canada

I’ve been swamped to the extreme as of lately, so I’m handing the reigns over to the good guys & gals at ExploreRockies to tell you about some of the best things to see and do while exploring Banff. These guys live and breathe the Rockies, so you know you’re getting the information straight from the horses mouth!

When you plan your next holiday, if you are looking for beautiful scenery and a family vacation that no one will ever forget, look no further than magnificent Banff, Canada. Banff is located in the friendly province of Alberta, nestled into the Canadian Rockies. Sitting pretty at an impressive 1383 meters (4537 feet), it is the second-highest city in the country and offers something for everyone.

The Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is a spectacle to behold. It lies at the southern end of Jasper National  Park and receives up to a staggering seven meters (275 in) of snow a year. It is the home of  eight glaciers: Athabasca Glacier, Castleguard Glacier, Columbia Glacier, Dome Glacier,  Stufield Glacier, and Saskatchewan Glacier.

Lake Louise

The Banff Gondola

Skiing

Banff is one of the indisputably best locations in the entire world to go skiing. It consistently  ranks among peoples’ favourites alongside the Swiss Alps and the fantastic runs in the United  States in Colorado and Utah.

Hiking

The Top 5 Things to do in Banff is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Gap Adventures is a multi-national adventure travel company that’s been around since 1991. Since Day One they have been promoting social and eco-friendly travel to each of their many locations, which believe it or not, now includes all seven continents on Earth. Gap continues, to this day, to be the leader in eco-tourism and bringing travellers out of their shell and into the world.

As of recently not only can you experience the the thrill that Gap offers, you can do so with the benefit of Flight Centres travel consultants. They’ll be there for you, helping you make the crucial decisions needed to make your trip a successful one.

Flight Centre and Gap Adventures take care of just about everything, so the hardest part of it all is deciding where you want to go next. Gap Travel currently offers more than 1000 adventure tours, so the best thing you can do is research and ask questions. Thankfully Flight Centre makes that simple as well. You can easily browse through every tour that is offered and find out the specifics. From price, to length of time, to what you’ll see and what you’ll be doing when you’re there.

One thing I love about this partnership they have setup, is the information they have available for you. Upon finding a tour you’re interested in, clicking ‘More information’ will bring you to a page with a tour summary, details on the itinerary, the difficulty of the tour, the dates and rates, as well as a contact number which you can call if you have any other questions. For those not in a hurry, you can also inquire online, something that’s crucial in this day and age, however something that is often overlooked by booking companies.

So what am I getting at? Well, if you’re new to travel, and want to experience something a little outside the realm of normality, booking a Gap Adventure through Flight Centre can be an amazing wall to lean on while you’re adjusting to your newfound surroundings. You can never have too much help when making a big decision like travel!

Book a Gap Adventure with Flight Centre is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Crashed Ice is what you get when you amp up a bunch of hockey players on Red Bull, tell them to race to the bottom of an icy hill, and be a hero. At all costs. Mayhem, adrenaline, speed, and nasty spills typically ensue. Fans describe it as a mix of hockey, downhill skating, and boardercross.

The Crashed Ice courses typically take place in an urban environment with thousands of people lining up along the course to get a glimpse of some of the action.

The Next Crashed Ice Event!

Crashed Ice’s next event is March 20th, 2010 in Quebec City! If you have the opportunity to check it out. Please go. For me. I wish to every deity, demi-god, or semi influential political figure that someday I’ll be able to go down a Crashed Ice Course. Every bone in my body aches to be hurt by this piece of architectural ingenuity. In the meantime, I have a date with a lot of drinks on March 20th at the nearest pub. Cheer loud!

Contact Billetech at 1 877 643-8131 or visit www.billetech.com for tickets ($30 + taxes).

Check out last years Crashed Ice in Quebec City and try to not want to be there…you can’t can you?

Crashed Ice is back in Quebec City! is a post from: I Backpack Canada

1. Craven Country Jamboree

Craven Country Jamboree is Canada’s longest running multi-day music festival. Known locally as just “Craven”, this unique festival is located on the same plot of land for 25 years, smack-dab in the middle of the Qu’Appelle Valley. 23,500 fans flock to the small town of Craven, Saskatchewan to catch four days of some of the worlds best Country Music.

The 2009 lineup included George Strait, Taylor Swift, Clint Black, Kellie Pickler, Billy Ray Cyrus, and the Charlie Daniels Band. Whether you’re into Country Music or not, if you like drinking (heavily), you’ll fit in just fine here. Don’t forget to bring a cowboy hat, a tent you have no sentimental feelings about, and a few cases of Pilsner.

Check out Craven’s website and watch for the 2010 lineup being announced soon.

Photo by Tim Wiest

2. Regina Folk Fest

Come the 2nd weekend of August, downtown Regina’s Victoria Park is flooded with 20, 000 people seeking to catch a glimpse of their favourite folk and indie bands. This festival has been going on for over 40 years, and in recent years has been scoring some huge names in the indie/folk scene. Recently they were able to get Blue Rodeo, Michael Franti, Iron & Wine, Bedouin Soundclash, Steve Earle, Feist, Nihaz, Buck 65 and many more. Tickets are relatively cheap considering how many bands you’re able to see, and when the music isn’t playing there are countless workshops you can attend, along with children’s activities going on to keep every member of the family entertained.

Check out the Regina Folk Fest website for more information.

3. Hot Summer Days at the Lake

Those who have never been to Canada have a strange assumption that’s it’s always cold up here. Toss in a unfamiliar province name like Saskatchewan, and within one sentence you’ve gone from being a regular guy or girl to being an expert in Igloo and Quinzhee Design.(Read How to build an Igloo) Fact of the matter is, come summer time, this place get’s hot. Between the months of June and September, the weather in Saskatchewan will stay well above 30 degrees Celsius  for weeks on end, and occasionally make it all the way up to 40. With over 100,000 lakes scattered across this square shaped province, you’re sure to find somewhere close by to cool off.

If your staying in Regina, you’re best bet is to check out Last Mountain Lake. It’s roughly 40 km North West of Regina. This lake is 70 km long, and only 2 km wide at it’s widest portions. Local favourites of Last Mountain Lake include Regina Beach, Grandview Beach, and Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park, which has a marina for boaters and sea-dooers, a full service campground, a small restaurant, and every campers favourite…mini golf.

4. Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding in the Prairies

The thought of downhill skiing or snowboarding in the prairies has boggled the mind of many a non-flat-landers alike. “How is it downhill if it’s always flat?” – Glad you asked Kemo Sabe – Saskatchewan is home to thousands of valleys and hills, some of which are large enough to ski or snowboard down. The demand for winter activities in Saskatchewan has caused several Ski Resorts to pop up around Saskatchewan. Including Mission Ridge, 40 Minutes from Regina (near Fort Qu’Appelle),  Wapiti, located north of the of Melfort, and Table Mountain Regional Park, located 16km west of Battleford.

I’ve personally been going to Mission Ridge for years. It gets a good amount of snow, occasionally icy, but that’s to be expected given Saskatchewan’s climate. It’s home to several rails, boxes, kickers, and a half pipe. These little ski resorts are cheap compared to the lift tickets in the Rockies, and if you’re just getting started, or need to keep the “itch” at bay until your next trip to the Rockies, they’re the perfect choice.

5. Pond Hockey / Shinny

Located in just about every city or town in Saskatchewan is a pond, lake, stream, river, or something that will freeze over by winter. Rent, borrow, or steal some skates and a hockey stick, and you’ve made the cut to one of Saskatchewans favourite winter pastimes. The trick to getting a good Pond Hockey game going is to either wait until the Ceremonial Stick Throwing, or start your own pile and scream “Shinny!“.  The Ceremonial Stick Throwing is where all participants throw their sticks into a pile. One blindfolded pond hockey player then kneels in front of the large pile of hockey sticks, and begins throwing one to the left, one to the right. One to the left, and one to the right. And repeat. Once all of the sticks are gone; the teams are made. Retrieve your stick and commence getting your “Game On.”

Saskatchewan has a superb habit of having very clear winter nights. There isn’t really anything like looking up from a hockey rink into a starlit sky. The sound of skates tearing into the ice, pucks hitting sticks, the sight of your breathe leaving your mouth, and the cold feeling you get in your lungs once you inhale. Sooth your frozen aching feet with a warm cup of mocha and you’ve got yourself a perfect Saskatchewan evening.

6. Saskatchewan Roughriders

Throwing the ol’ pig skin around isn’t just an American thing. In fact, the CFL (Canadian Football League) is one of the most followed leagues in Canada, next to the NHL. This surge in popularity, along with our passion for drinking & partying, has earned ‘Rider Fans a reputation amongst other cities. Whether your in it for for sport, the heritage, or just an excuse to slap an emptied watermelon on your head and hammer back a dozen beers, you’ll find somewhere to fit in amongst the masses of Rider Nation. The Saskatchewan Roughriders play their home games at Mosaic Stadiums Taylor Field, located in downtown Regina. Be sure to show up a few hours ahead of the game for the pre-game entertainment, and remember to cheer loud as you walk down the Green mile.

I’m sure if I thought hard enough I could come up with a few other reasons, but six is my favourite number, so stopping here just feels right. The idea for this post came from the many conversations I’ve had with people who know absolutely nothing about Saskatchewan aside from it being flat. Hopefully this will give you something to talk about next time you run into somebody from Saskatchewan. Just a tip: Scream “RIDERS” or “CRAVEN” to any group of drunks to make instant friends. 60% of the time, it works every time.

My favourite skit the Gemini’s did a couple years back

6 reasons why Saskatchewan Doesn’t Suck is a post from: I Backpack Canada

1. Dog Sledding

Take a guided trip and command your own team of dogs. There are several options to choose from in different areas of Canada. Be sure you’re ready to brave the cold. Overnight trips are available as well. Dog Sledding trips are perfect for families and couples, or anyone who wants to see some of the most remote parts of Canada.

2. Tobogganing

Tobogganing (or sledding) is one of the most popular things to do in the winter. Grab a crazy carpet, GT, wooden toboggan, anything that’ll let you slide, and aimlessly propel yourself downhill. Get ready for face washes, snow in your boots, ice burn, and tingling fingers. But like the heat in the kitchen, if you can’t take the cold, stay out of the snow.

3. Snowmobiling

Many provinces, such as Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, have an intricate network of trails for snowmobiles. Many of which are groomed as well. Find your nearest ski doo rental shop and hop on a Polaris. The thrill is that of riding a motorcycling all terrain through the snow. It’s awesomeness won’t let you down.

4. Ice Fishing

Canadians have an unhealthy obsession with fishing. Spring, summer, fall, and even winter, there’s always something to catch. Drive to the nearest lake and expect to see a village of wooden shocks on top of the ice. Many Fishing Supply Stores will have their own shack, and some even rent them out. Be sure to bring coffee or hot mocha.

5. Snow shoeing

Snowshoes are one of those great inventions that made the Settlers in Canada extremely thankful to have. Several parks around Canada offer guided tours, including Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay and Glacier National Park. Although not nearly as thrilling as snowboarding or skiing, this activity is great for snapping pictures of the Canadian terrain.

6. Skiing & Snowboarding

Most skiing and snowboarding activities take place on the west coast of Canada, between Alberta and British Columbia. Rentals are available at nearly every ski shop once you make it into one of the many mountain villages. Rentals are occasionally done right at mountain as well. Canada has some of the best mountains for skiing and snowboarding, so be sure to give it a go during the winter.

7. Cross Country Skiing

Picture yourself skiing down a mountain. Now picture that there is no mountain and you’re pushing yourself through the flat snow. Doesn’t sound all that awesome does it? Well believe it or not this is still a popular sport in Canada, and can offer some great views of Canada’s winter landscape. Be prepared for a sore body as this is an extreme workout for people who’ve never done it before. Bring a camera along as you should have plenty of time to snap a few pictures while waiting to catch your breath.

8. Build an Igloo / Quinzhee

Having the ability to construct a shelter out of nothing but snow and ice is a valuable skill to have. Despite the fact that it can take a good few hours out in the snow to complete one, once you’ve got everything finished, there is nothing like relaxing in the hollow sound of a Quinzhee or Igloo. As a kid I used to build a couple of these every winter. Until I got bored and put my smash-face on. They make the perfect forts for snowball fights and can keep you warm in the harsh winter conditions of Canada.

9. Snowball Fights

The art of molding a perfect snowball is a skill most Canadians possess. It’s something we acquire from birth really. We can tell you which snow to use, which to avoid, and how to properly remove the frozen sheet of snow which gives access to the hidden ‘good stuff’. In recent years, snowball fights have been banned at most schools, and there are always a few nutty parents screaming devil’s play at the sight of kids hurling snow and ice at one another. This hasn’t stopped snowball fights from happening. Whether it’s getting in a snowball fight with some random kids at a park, or taking part in a drunken snowball fight after a night out of partying, you should always be on your toes and be ready for a snowball fight to break out. Avoid picking up that frozen block of ice to throw, breaking faces is one of the few rules of war. Dirty snowballs are sometimes fair game, just try not to be the first to throw them.

10. Pond Hockey / Skating

By late December, most ponds and lakes have frozen over, and the cities have finished their public skating rinks in the parks, giving people another surface to play on. Whether it’s a quick game of hockey, or just practicing your sweet Elvis Stojko moves, you’ll have a good time out on the ice. There’s something magical about the sound of blades tearing through ice, the sound of pucks hitting the boards, the swish and spray of someone putting on the breaks, and the sight of your own breathe following you wherever you go. Depending on where you are, public skating rinks and ponds are nearly everywhere. Just be sure to watch for signs indicating ‘Thin Ice’, and never skate on pond or lake ice alone.

10 Winter Activities You Shouldn’t Miss is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Sunshine Village, Banff National Park, Alberta

Sunshine village is located a short 15 minute drive from Banff, it’s one of the most popular ski resorts for Albertans, due to it’s close proximity to Calgary. Sunshine Ski & Snowboard resorts spans the continental divide, which defines the Alberta-BC border in the Rocky Mountains. In order to access Sunshine village, an eight person high-speed gondola transports guests from the Car Park all the way up to Upper village in 18 minutes. Once at upper village, you have your choice of ten chairlifts, and a grand total of 107+ trails around the alpine valley, formed by three mountains. Goat’s Eye Mountain, Lookout Mountain, and Mount Standish. All of which make up Sunshine Village.

Sunshine Village covers 3, 358 Acres (or 13.6 square kilometers) of skiable terrain in Alberta, and B.C. The highest point of elevation is at a cozy 2, 730m (or 8, 957 ft). However, the primary skiing and snowboarding area around Sunshine Village is based at 2, 160m (7, 087 ft) which provides roughly 570m (1, 870 ft) of vertical terrain to the top of Lookout Mountain.

Average annual snow fall is up to thirty-three feet (9+m). Ski season at Sunshine Village begins in early November, and typically finishes in late May, on Victoria Day long weekend. The majority of travelers stay in the City of Banff and drive to Sunshine in the morning. There is a $15 bus to all guests staying in Banff, or you can take that bus for free with a “Tri-area lift ticket”. That bus ticket is good for three nearby resorts as well. Banff@Norquay, Lake Louise Mountain Resort, and Sunshine Village)

Check out the Sunshine Village website for more information.

Whistler-Blackcomb, British Columbia

Nestled in Whistler, British Columbia, this resort is one of Canada’s most famous. At one point, these two mountains were seperate ski operations, however in 1997 they merged and have been in full operation with one another since 2003. Combined, they are the largest ski area in North America, offering 8, 171 acres (33 square kilometers) of ski and snowboarding area. That’s a whopping 54% larger than Vail, the second largest. Whistler Blackcomb has some of the largest vertical Skiing in North America. Blackcomb proudly boasts having the most at 1, 565m, but they like to round it up to an even Mile.

As you may or may not know, Whistler Blackcomb will be hosting the alpine skiing events for the 2010 Winter Olympics, which includes Downhill, Super-G, Giant slalom, super combined, as well as slalom. In addition to the great skiing and snowboarding, Whistler Village is found at the base of Whistler Mountain. The Village has tons to offer. Including shops, entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels, condos, and a handful of different bars. The perfect place to experience a weekend out in Canada.

Check out the Whistler-Blackcomb website for more information.

Panorama Mountain Village, British Columbia

Panorama is a ski and golf resort, found in the Purcell Mountains of BC. Founded in 1962 by a group of friends, it has since grown into a popular tourist destination for British Columbians and Ski and Snowboarding Tourists. In terms of size, Panorama ranks somewhere in the top ten, with 2, 847 acres (11.52 square kilometers) of skiing area. As for vertical drop, it ranks 5th behind Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Whistler-Blackcomb, Jackson Hole, and Kicking Horse.

At the bottom of the hill are countess condos, a golf coarse, restaurantes, bars, and a small grocery store. Snowfall at panorama isn’t quite as high as some of the other mountains, with roughly 189 inches per year, however, it makes the best out of every inch of snow it gets. The terrain park is top notch, and there’s always some hidden runs to find. Panorama Mountain Village is found 18 kilometers from Invermere.

Check out Panorama Mountain Village website for more information.

Revelstoke, British Columbia

Revelstoke Mountain Resort is the up-and-comer in Canada. Located on Mount Mackenzie, found just out of Revelstoke BC, the resort is currently about the same size as other major resorts, such as Vail and Panorama. However, upon completion, this Mountain Resort will have 10, 000 acres, which will make it the largest in North America. The mountain receives an average of 1, 200cm (472in) of snow per year, roughly 20% more than whistler. So all you powder-junkies should remember that. Due to its higher altitude and location, the snow here tends to be a better, more consistent quality of snow. Construction has been continuous for the past few years, however, despite the minor detours you may encounter, this mountain is definitely one to check out when traveling Canada.

Check out the Revelstoke website for more information.

Fernie Alpine Resort, British Columbia

Despite it’s smaller size compared to some of the other Mountains in this list, it makes up for it in snowfall alone. Fernie is famous for it’s powder skiing, and that alone is enough to drag out thousands of skiiers and snowboarders each year. Annual snowfall is roughly 875cm (28.7ft) Fernie has 10 lifts, operating 112 different trails. Each as awesome as the next. Fernie has always been an underdog, but it has begun to grow in popularity over recent years. If you’re in and around Fernie, be sure to grab a lift ticket and check this one out.

Check out The Fernie Alpine Resort website for more information.

Kicking Horse Resort, British Columbia

With a mean name like that, one can only expect this mountain to rock. Thankfully, it does. Kicking Horse Resort is one of the newer ski resorts in BC, located 14km outside of Golden, BC. It currently ranks fourth highest in Vertical Drop in North America, 6 feet shy of Jackson Hole. It includes 2, 750 acres (11.1 square km) of skiable terrain.

The name derives from the nearby Kicking Horse River, which is famous for it’s white water rafting. Something you should definitely do if you’re in the area. Kicking horse has some great backcountry, along with two bowls, Crystal Bowl, and Bowl Over. Crystal bowl is large and open, it’s more intermediate, and is the easest way down from the gondola. Bowl Over is pretty open, but much seeper, and usually peppered with moguls. However, in 2007, a trail was made to give some more advanced skiing and snowboarding into Bowl Over.

Kicking Horse is a snowboarders paradise, there are plenty of hidden trails only accessible by some serious hiking. So pack some water, perhaps some munchies, because the further you hike, the more expert these runs become. Kicking Horse also has a Grizzly Bear Refuge, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot Boo, one of two orphaned cubs who were brought there in 2003. Boo’s sister however, didn’t make it past her first winte. Bear tours are offered during the summer.Kicking Horse continues to add chairlifts and furthers the amount of runs accessible by lift. They’re currently installing 9 more lifts, which will expand the skiable areas by another 4, 000 acres.

Check out the Kicking Horse Resort for more information.

Big White, British Columbia

Big White Mountain is a bit of a secret spot for many skiiers and snowboarders. While the crowds flock to Banff or Whistler, many seek to find trails less crowded, without sacrificing the quality of the experience. Big White fills that niche perfectly. It has a village very similar to Whistlers, full of restaurantes, pizzarias, bars, steak houses, bakeries, but on a smaller scale. Big White is a very family friendly mountain with all the extra’s to provide people any age a good time. Keen on ice skating? They got that. Wanna feel the rush of a tube park? They got that too. One thing you might notice is Big White is a sort of a “Nouveau Australia”. Many South Pacificers (New Zealanders & Australians) call this placehome during the winter. Some for work, some for training, others just there to ride.

Big White gets some of the best snow in Canada, sporting a mean 750cm of powder falling annually. They’re a completely “Ski-in Ski-Out” Resort. No matter if you’re skiing on a budget, or spending some serious John A MacDonalds, you’ll get this convenience included in your accommodation. Big White is also super easy to get to, with Kelowna International Airport being only one hour away from the mountain, you can fly in and be skiing before lunch. This mountain comes highly recommended by locals.

Check out Big White’s website for more information.

Am I missing some of your favourite mountains in Canada? Please comment, I’d love to check them out.

Top 7 Ski Resorts in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Kicking Horse River

First up is Kicking Horse River, located in the Canadian Rockies of South Eastern British Columbia. Hundreds of thousands of happy rafters have experienced the thrill of the Kicking Horse river. There are several river rafting tour operators in this area. Each will give you the low-down on how to stay safe while getting your raft on. They also provide you with all of the proper equipment you’ll need. Kicking Horse River offers some amazing rafting. Most tours will take you through over 14 sets of rapids along the way. The towering canyon walls and beautiful scenery is just the cherry on top for this trip.

White Water Rafting Tours for Kicking Horse River Include:

• Kootenay River Runners
• Alpine Rafting
• Glacier Raft Company
• Wild Water Adventure
  

Kipawa River, Quebec

The Kipawa River has been rated as one of Eastern Canada’s best intermediate whitewater rivers. The Kipawa River is a 16 km run, from Lake Kipawa down to Lake Temiscaming. With 18 named rapids and a 90 foot waterfall, you’re guaranteed to feel the power behind this river. Unfortunately, this section of Whitewater is in danger as there are several proposals by Hydro-Quebec to driver & dam the river, thereby eliminating some of the best white water rafting in Canada. Rafting the Kipawa will only set you back about $100, so it should be in any backpackers budget.

Check out Esprit River Rafting for more info.

Shubenacadie River, Nova Scotia

The Shubenacadie River is one of Canada’s white water rafting oddities. At first glance, the river will seem like a dull muddy river. Once you get past the mudflats and sandbars, you’ll come across the mouth of the river. This is where things start going backwards. Litterally. Shubenacadie River is one of the only places to tidal bore raft in Canada. For those unfamiliar with Tidal Bore Rafting, it’s where the tides, in this case from the Bay of Fundy, come rushing in. Instead of riding downstream rapids. However, in this case, you’re rafting on the worlds highest tides. The tides travel inland at roughly 50 km per hour, and with a little luck on you’re side, you could be hitting sixteen-foot waves. There’s plenty enough force in this weird river to keep the adrenaline going.

• Tidal Bore Rafting Park & Cottages
• Shubenacadie River Adventure Tours Ltd
• Shubenacadie River Runners

Fraser River, British Columbia

Fraser River is the longest, and arguably the most famous river in British Columbia. There are a several Class 3 rapids along the ride, definitely enough to keep your heart pumping. The main reason why this is one of the best rivers for whitewater rafting is the scenery. This rafting trip will give you a superb view of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Top it all off with Rearguard Falls, and if you’re in the right season (Mid July to Late August) you’ll also be able to see some spawning Chinook Salmon. Also the cost for rafting this river is quite a bit lower than several of the more popular rivers.

Check out:

• Mount Robson Whitewater Rafting -Free Camping with the purchase of a rafting trip
• Kumsheen Rafting Resort
• Hyak Wilderness Adventures
• Reo Rafting

Ottawa River, Ontario/Quebec

One of Canada’s most famous whitewater rafting destinations. The Ottawa river gives you a hands on view of the Canadian Wilderness. With high volume rapids, you have the option of going down the Middle & Main channels of the Ottawa River. Or why not go all out and tackle them both? If you decide to take it all in, bring an extra pair of underwear, as this will be a solid two-day trip. The river itself is over 1400 km in length. However, for anyone looking for thrill, there are a set 12 kilometers that you’ll be truly looking forward to. There are a few different tour operators who will take you and a group along for the adventure.

Check them out:

Wilderness Tours
River Runners
Owl Rafting
Esprit River Rafting

Fraser River, British Columbia

This river is the longest, and arguably the most famous river in British Columbia. There are a several Class 3 rapids along the ride, definitely enough to keep your heart pumping. The main reason why this is one of the best rivers to whitewater raft is the scenery. This rafting trip will give you a superb view of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Top it all off with Rearguard Falls, and if you’re in the right season (Mid July to Late August) you’ll also be able to see some spawning Chinook Salmon.

Check out Mount Robson Whitewater Rafting – They give Free Camping with the purchase of a rafting trip (Score one for the budget!)

Top 5 Rivers for White Water Rafting in Canada is a post from: I Backpack Canada

So slap on your Spielberg hat, and get filming. Submit your entry here (Contest closes November 22, 2009)

Win a 3 Month Ski Pass Care of Powder Highway is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Although bungee jumping isn’t an ordinary pass time for most Canadians, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the rush of falling towards the planet while you’re traveling in Canada. You’re not going to find the biggest bungee jumps here, but the locations that offer bungee jumping are one hundred percent worth checking out. From the cliffs of Quebec, to the freezing rivers of Whistler, each bungee location in Canada offers a great view, and a great ride.

Great Canadian Bungee

The highest Bungee Jump in Canada, this 200-foot behemoth is the perfect option for adrenaline junkies. The Great Canadian Bungee is located at the edge of a cliff, the drop to the bottom will overwhelm you with a wall of solid limestone that drops into a 160 foot deep aqua blue lagoon, larger than three combined football fields. After your fall back to Earth, decompress that adrenaline on the hidden beach in Wakefield, Quebec. Perfect way to slow that heart rate back down.

Whistler Bungee Jumping

Open year round, Whistler is a perfect choice for trying your hand at Bungee Jumping. Located just 15 minutes out of Whistler Village (highway 99), Whistler Bungee gives you the opportunity to hurl yourself off a tower over a beautiful gorge, and fall 160 feet just above a shall river. The highest jump in BC, and easily one of the most beautiful. Nothing like watching the Rocky Mountains while screaming all the way down.

Center of Gravity – West Edmonton Mall

The West Edmonton Mall is the hub of Northern Alberta, with all the ample room in this huge mall, it would only make sense to allow people the ability to jump from the ceiling above the massive wave pool in the World Water Park. If you’re looking for an audience to see your triumphant 100 foot fall, this is the place to do it. The entire Water Park stops to watch as Bungee Jumpers fall, and scream. Center of Gravity is the World’s largest indoor Bungee Jump.

Nanaimo Bungee Jump

Take a jump off Nanaimo’s 150 foot high bridge found above Nanaimo River. This Bungee is ranked as on of the top 100 things to do in Canada by 2006 National Post Survey. Vancouver Island is such a beautiful part of Canada, what better way to see it than atop of the bridge. With over 190, 000 people having felt the rush of diving head first off this bridge, why not help Nanaimo Bungee Jump hit 200, 000.

Ottawa River Bungee

Ottawa river is the perfect place to stop in the summer. There’s plenty to see, and lots to do. For those wanting to get their blood pumping, Ottawa River Bungee is your source for adrenaline. Their man made tower sits at over 150 feet above the Ottawa River. Easily one of the best ways to cool off on a hot summer day. Book your bungee with your white water rafting, and save some of that hard earned money of yours.

5 Best Places to Bungee Jump in Canada is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Z-tripping operates weekends between 10:00am and 5:00pm, and will accept booking of 10 or more people throughout the summer.

Rates
Individual – $33
Additional same-day rides – $20
Groups: (12 – 39) – $27/person
Groups: (40+) – $25/person
Group capacity 24 people/hour

Make your booking here

Zorbing in Calgary’s Olympic Park is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC

This is the ‘Byron Bay’ of Canada, filled with Surf shops and schools, along with miles of beach. The surf in this area is easily some of the best in Canada. Because of this, Tofino has been gaining recognition in the global surf community. O’Neill is hosting Canada’s first professional surfing competition here between October 25 and October 31, 2009. The Cold Water Classic Tofino is the fourth part of a five-part World Qualifying Series that are sponsored by O’Neill. This event is expected to bring in more than 100 pro surfers competing for $145, 00 U.S. If you’re in the area around then, you should definitely check it out!

Tofino and the surrounding area is extremely beautiful, and for those Surf Tourists, this is definitely a stop you shouldn’t miss. The town has a cool vibe to it, there are plenty of backpackers and free-spirits. Plenty to see, even more to do. Easily one of the best surf town’s in Canada, and a very popular destination for surfers alike. Long beach, the most popular surf spot for Tofinites, is just south of Tofino. Long Beach is a provincial park, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding parking. Easily one of Canada’s best surf locations.

See Tourism Tofino for more information

Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia

25 minutes south of Halifax is a unique small town, which when first going through doesn’t seem much more different than the last few. However, once you get to the waters edge, you’ll see the difference. This great little community is full of surfers, and taking one look out into the ocean, you can see why. The East coast has a habit of getting the best waves at night, so if you can’t sleep, wander down to the beach, you might be lucky enough to see a few redeye surfers out there, taking advantage of a quiet night out on some of the Maritimes best Surfing.

Lawrencetown Beach is a south-facing stretch of sand that unfurls for approximately 1.5 km (1 mile). The beach is a provincial park and is one of the first beaches in the province to be supervised by the Nova Scotia Lifeguarding Service. The beach hosts not only some amazing surfing, there is also some great mountain biking and hiking nearby.

Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia

Located inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish Beach is a remote and well hidden beach many surfers call their own. The breaks aren’t quite as consistent as Lawrencetown, but during winter and particularly hurricanes this area can get crazy quick. It’s a very nice, scenic beach, with miles of sand. A great place to learn to surf, as it’s rarely all that crowded and swells tend to keep below 7 feet.

Ingonish Beach provides a great view of the Highlands of Nova Scotia, with plenty to do, including mountain biking, hiking, golfing, cross country ski, and yearly Ceilidhs and other traditional Cape Breton entertainment. Well worth the drive.

Kincardine, Ontario

Found in the southern part of Ontario, Kincardine has a great beach that can surprisingly keep up with some of Canada’s coastal surf spots. Keep in mind, the weather plays a huge part in the swell size and breaks here, but plan it out and you can find yourself with some solid 10 ft waves.

Make it down to the beach, and you’ll see the massive pier going into the lake. Take a graceful jump off it, and should the weather be on your side, you’ll be surfing before you know it. It may not be one of the best surf spots in Canada, but it’s unique enough that I thought it deserved being on this list. If you’re an avid surfer, you can score some good bragging points for saying you surfed in the Great Lakes.

Habitat 67, Montreal, Quebec

Habitat 67 is the name of Canada’s very own standing wave. Found in Lachine Rapids, in Montreal, Quebec. It’s become a popular stop for whitewater kayakers and river surfers. Named after the unique building complex located adjacent to the waves. There are two schools out here that’ll teach you how to ride the standing wave. Imagine Surfboards has taught 3,500 students since 2005, and KSF, another Montreal River-surfing school, has had 1, 500 students a year since 2003.

The waves are created by the fast moving water of the rapids hitting some underwater boulders, which produces waves as high as two metres. There are a few other standing waves upriver as well, including another one name Big Joe. Standing Waves are the perfect way to feel comfortable on your board. Rather than a short stint of being up on your board, you can be riding these waves for 10, 20, 30 minutes if nobody else is waiting. Even if you don’t plan on jumping in, it’s definitely worth stopping to check out.

Lake Superior, Ontario

As coastal areas are becoming more and more “discovered”, many surfers have gone to great lengths to find a spot they can call their own. Some of these surfers have turned to the Great Lakes, and surprisingly enough, they’ve been finding some.

The North Shore of Lake Superior offers a good amount of surf. Weather determines the quality of these waves, but despite being very reliant on the weather, surf associations have begun popping up around the area. The Superior Surf Club displays beautifully what the Great Lakes can offer curious surfers. On average there is about 10 surfable days per month, and of those, 2 days will be of good quality. Waves here can reach 10 to 12 feet in height. However, they can get a lot bigger than that during the throes of a raging storm. The most popular places to surf in Lake Superior are Lester River, Stoney Point, and Park Point. They have the most consistent amount of surf. There are no rentals here though, so you’ve got to bring your own surfboard and hope for the best.

For those looking for a unique experience, Canada offers some great surf locations for novices and pros. It’s just a matter of hunting them down. There are countless other surf locations in Canada, you just have to keep your ear to the ground as surfing in Canada isn’t nearly as popular as say hockey, or even curling. Hopefully this list can get you started for a potential great time. Remember, waves come year round, it’s just a matter of finding the guts to dive in, no matter how cold it might be.

Best Surf Locations in Canada is a post from: I Backpack Canada

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