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

1. Ask to speak in English

When speaking to a local stranger, be it gas station attendant, bistro staff, or just looking for directions, ask politely if he or she speaks English. You’re more likely to be treated kindly by doing this than by speaking blindly in English with no regard as to whether they speak it or not.

Pardon, madame/monsieur/mademoiselle, parlez-vous anglais?

Which translates to: Excuse me madam/sir/miss, do you speak English?

Most of the time you’ll find out that “Oui“, they do, however if they say “Non“, you’re on your own. Just hope that you’re both good at Charades.

2. Understanding French Road Signs

There are large parts of Quebec where the road signs will stop showing up in both English and French. If you know very little French this can be frightening. Stay calm. There are certain words that you can pick out of those signs to get you in the right direction.

When you see:

French	English
Nord	North
Sud	South
Ouest	West
Est	East
Entrée	Entrance
Sortie	Exit
Renseignements	Information
Interdit	Prohibited
Ouvert	Open
Fermé	Closed
Cédez la Priorité	Give Way
Défense de Stationner	No Parking
Interdiction de doubler	No Overtaking
Péage	Toll
Ralentissez	Slow Down
Sens Interdit	No Entry
Sens Unique	One Way

Of coarse having a map will significantly increase your chances of not getting turned around. Whenever I travel through Quebec I always do some pre-driving preparations just to make sure I know which Highways to get off and on. My last bit of advice for french road signs, follow the herd. As long as you’re doing what everyone else is doing, you’re probably not breaking any laws, of coarse you might not be heading in the right direction, but there’s no fines for being a lost tourist.

3. Know your French Food Terms

Food and Quebec go together like bikini’s and beaches, popcorn and movies, and peanut butter & jelly. Quebec can be a foodie’s paradise, but ordering your favourite dish can be confusing if you know little to no French. For the most part, pointing to what you want on the menu will normally suffice, but if you want to look extra cool, and not make the mistake of ordering something you didn’t want,  knowing a bit of french can make all the difference.

Food Terms

French	English
Je voudrais…	I’d like (a)…
Je suis allergique…	I’m allergic to…
…aux abeilles	…bees
…aux noix	…nuts
C’est combien?	How much is it?
Est-ce que je peux payer avec…	Can I pay with….
…ma carte de credit	…my credit card
…ma carte de débit	…my debit card (ATM/ABM)
Petit-dejeuner (or) Dejeuner	Breakfast
Dejeuner (or) Diner	Lunch
Diner (or) Souper	Dinner / Supper
Manger	Eat
la Soupe	Soup
la Salade	Salad
le Dessert	Desert
le repas	meal
avoir faim	to be hungry
…	…click here for more French food translations

You may have noticed there are a couple ways to say breakfast, lunch, and supper. That’s not a type-o, Quebec french is a little different than traditional French. It can sometimes be confusing if you were taught traditional French. Most French speaking Quebec people will call breakfast “dejeuner”, lunch “diner”, and supper “souper”. However they’ll completely understand what you’re trying to say should you say “petit dejeuner” in lieu of “dejeuner”. Just smile while you’re saying it and you’ll be fine.

4. Booking accommodations in French

If you plan on booking a hotel, bed and breakfast, campground, or a dorm in a hostel, there’s a chance you’ll end up having to do so in French. Knowing what to say in person and over the phone can make booking a place to stay in another language much less stressful.

Accommodation Terms

French	English
Je cherche…	I’m looking for a…
…un Hôtel	…hotel
…une auberge de jeunesse	…youth hostel
…un camping	….camp ground
…une pension de famille	…guesthouse
Est-ce que vous avez des chambres libres?	Do you have any rooms available?
Je vourdrais…	I’d like a…
…une chambre à un lit	…single room
…une chambre pour deux	…room for two
…une chambre avec des lits jumeaux	…room with two beds
…me coucher dans un dortoir	…dorm room
Quel est le prix…?	How much is it…?
…par nuit	…per night
…par personne	….per person
Je pars aujourd’hui	I’m leaving today

5. Understanding some Transportation lingo

If you’re not going to be the one driving there isn’t much need to know about the road signs. However if you plan on catching a bus, train, plane, or ferry, you’ll probably need to know a few french phrases to keep up with all the hustle and bustle going on around you.

Transportation Terms

French	English
Quel heur le (…x) arrive?	What time does the (…x) arrive?
Quel heur le (…x) part?	What time does the (…x) leave?
…le bateau	…boat
…le bus	…bus
…l’avion	…plane
…le train	…train
Je voudrais un billet…	I’d like a … ticket
simple	one-way
aller-retour	round trip
de première classe	first class
Je vourdrais louer…	I’d like to rent/hire…
une voiture	a car
un quatre-quatre	a four wheel drive
un vélo	a bicycle
le numero de quai	Platform number
le guichet	ticket office
la gare	train station

Quebec is a stunning example of Canada’s mosaic of languages and cultures. Whether you know how to say ‘Bonjour‘ or not, you’ll have a good time regardless. Still, brushing up on your French can help you out a lot on the road. Even if you only end up using it a couple times. I compiled the translations into a more “Printer friendly” version, should you decide to print these out and give ‘em a go along the way.

Click here for a Printer Friendly version of the translations.

In an effort to make this post not just a rhetorical piece of filler material, the National Association of Good Grammar want to remind people that 2010 is pronounced Twenty-Ten, I’ve been advocating this for like 8 or 9 years when I realized how stupid it was that we were saying “Two thousand, x”. Apparently Robert C. Clarkes, 2001: A Space Odyssey is part of the reason to blame. But I hold no grudge, Clarke is sci-fi God.  So with the start of a new decade, these Grammar Police are making a full-on attack and are hoping to win the war on correct pronunciation of years. Godspeed.

VIA’s Virtual Vivian did a nifty post on some of the best places to bring in the New Year in Canada. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make it to any of these, but had a superb night all the same at the Paragon Theatre in Halifax, where for $30 I was able to watch The Slowcoaster Story, The Jimmy Swift Band, Three Sheet, Scientists of Sound, and Aaron Collier. I’ll see what I can do about finding pictures from that, but that night is a bit of a blur, and I imagine the photos will be as well. My camera holding skills go out the window once a few drinks find their way into me.

**Update: Found them. As I expected. Blurry.

So once again, Happy New Years, have a safe winter, stay warm, stay happy, be awesome.

Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays Folks

Click on Red Icons to show drinking age

Canadian Provinces where the drinking age is 18

• Alberta
• Manitoba
• Quebec

Canadian Provinces & Territories where the drinking age is 19

• British Columbia
• Saskatchewan
• Ontario
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Newfoundland & Labrador
• Prince Edward Island
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

As you can see, there are only a few provinces left in Canada where the drinking age is 18. I’ve heard rumours that even those few may end up at 19 sooner or later. So take advantage of Canada’s younger drinking age while you can. Drink responsibly.

1. Maple Chicken

Try this classic and tasty meal with a few friends. This recipe adds a little more crisp to every bite of chicken you take.

Ingredients

2 1/2 lbs chicken pieces
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh lemon rind
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1 pinch pepper
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions

1.Over 400 F (200 C).
2.Remove skin from chicken pieces, and discard skin.
3.Place chicken pieces in a shallow 9 x 13 (3 litre) pan.
4.Mix remaining ingredients and pour over chicken.
5.Bake in 400F (200C) oven, uncovered, for 50 minutes, basting occasionally.

2. Canadian Car Bomb

This alternative to an Irish Car bomb has the same kick, however with a definite sweet side to it. Depending on where you order it, the recipe may change depending on whiskey, beer, or maple. However it’s pretty consistent that you drop a shot of Whiskey and Maple Syrup or Liqueur into a cold beer. Try

Ingredients

1 pint of Molson Canadian Beer
1/2 Shot of Canadian Club Whiskey
1/2 Shot of Maple Syrup or Maple Syrup Liqueur

Directions

Drop the half and half shot of maple syrup and whiskey into the pint of Beer and commence chugging. Similar to an Irish Car Bomb or a Jaggerbomb.

3. Maple Milk

An old farmers recipe to curing a sweet tooth. One of my personal favourites.

Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to a cold glass of milk, stir, sip, enjoy.

4. Maple Glazed Carrots

Take an already delicious vegetable, and spruce it up with some delicious Canadian Maple Syrup. A great way to get vegetables into someone who doesn’t like them.

Ingredients

8 medium carrots
3 tablespoons butter
¼ cup maple syrup
½ teaspoon ginger

Directions

Slice the carrots. Cook until they are tender. Melt the butter, then add the maple syrup and
ginger. Simmer the carrots in maple syrup mixture until glazed

5. Maple Spare Ribs

Spare Ribs are universally known for being delicious however you cook them. Add a Canadian twist to your batch and impress some friends. Try it out on a barbeque or in the oven. Either way you’re mouth will crave more with every bite.

Ingredients

1.4 kg (3 lbs.) lean pork spareribs

175 ml (6 fl.oz.) pure maple syrup
15 ml (1 tablespoon) chili sauce
15 ml (1 tablespoon) Worcestershire sauce
15 ml (1 tablespoon) red wine vinegar
1 small onion, chopped
1.25 g (1/4 teaspoon) dry mustard
Salt
Freshly ground pepper

Directions

Roast ribs on a rack in pre-heated oven 400F (200C or gas mark 7) for roughly 30 minutes. Combine all the
remaining ingredients in a pan and bring to boil for 5 minutes. Remove the ribs from rack and reduce
heat to 350F (180C of gas mark 4). Place ribs in a baking tin and cover with the sauce. Bake
uncovered for a further 45 minutes, basting frequently.

6. Maple Baked Beans

The only known way of making Baked Beans more magical than they already are.

Ingredients

1. 2 cups dried navy or white beans, soaked overnight
2. 2 cups maple syrup
3. 4 slices bacon, diced
4. 1 x large onion, peeled and diced
5. 1 tbsp dried ginger
6. 1 tbsp dried mustard

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees.
2. Place the beans into a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer until beans until tender, about 45 minutes.
3. Drain the beans and place in a 4-quart ovenproof baking dish with a tight fitting lid. Add the maple syrup, bacon, onion, ginger and mustard. Bake until the beans have absorbed all the liquid, and are brown and tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

7. Maple Syrup Glaze for Salmon or Ham

A traditional East Coast recipe. Sure to knock the socks off any true foodie.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2-3 T. Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 T. balsamic vinegar
• 1 t. salt
• ½ t. black peppper

Directions

1. Whisk ingredients together
2. Cover salmon or ham steaks with glaze, reserving some for serving.
3. Refrigerate for 1-6 hours.

8. Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are delicious enough on their own. But add a sweet glaze of Maple Syrup and compliment it with a pinch of cinnamon and you are in for a flavour explosion.

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes, unpeeled and scrubbed (about 1-1/2 lb)
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, melted butter or margarine
4 teaspoons maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 pinch nutmeg

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 425°F
2.Spray rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
3.Cut sweet potatoes lengthwise in half and each half into 4 wedges. Place on prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients; brush half of mixture over sweet potatoes.
5.Bake in centre of oven for 20 minutes.
6.Turn and brush with remaining maple syrup mixture.
7.Bake another 15 minutes or until tender.

9. Maple Syrup Pie

A delicious Maple Syrup Pie. Warm. Crisp. Sweet. The perfect way to finish a meal.

Ingredients

Pastry dough
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs at room temperature
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup pure maple syrup (preferably dark amber)
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Roll out dough into an 11-inch round on a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin and fit into an 8-inch (3-cup) glass pie plate. Trim excess dough and crimp edges decoratively.
3. Whisk together brown sugar and eggs until creamy. Add cream, syrup, and butter, then whisk until smooth. Pour filling into pie shell.
4. Bake pie in lower third of oven until pastry is golden and filling is puffed and looks dry but still trembles, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool on a rack to room temperature (filling will set as pie cools).

10. Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup Sandwhich

People have looked at me as if I’m crazy when I do this. However, I am not alone (or at least I like to think so). If you’re short on Jam or Jelly for your PB & J Sanny – try this alternative. Easy to make. Easier to enjoy.

Take two slices of bread, spread a large amount of peanut butter on one slice of bread, followed by a tablespoon or more (depending on your preferences) on the other slice. Slap both slices together and eat.

Have you got a random food you enjoy with maple syrup? Let us know!

It’s a known fact that when it comes to North American Beer, the best stuff comes from North of the Border. Not only is it better made, better tasting, it also has more kick than the beer you’ll find our good friends from the US of A drinking. Not to mention it stays cold longer, what with the weather and all. Every province and territory in Canada has it’s own beer that locals love to call their own. Don’t be afraid of Canadian Beer, embrace it. Backpacking across Canada is tough work, do yourself a favour and stop along the way, reward yourself with some of the best beers from Canada.

Steam Whistle Pilsner

Toronto, ON – 5.0% – Brewed next to the CN tower at the infamous and historic St. John’s Street Roundhouse. Steam Whistle Pilsner is a golden beer with a refreshing and distinctive aroma of hops, with a clean, crisp finish. After taking a good swig of this beer you’ll understand why their motto is “Make one kind of beer and make it the best in the world.” Use their online locator to find the nearest Steam Whistle Pilsner closest to you.

Alexander Keith’s I.P.A

Halifax, NS – 5.0% – Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale was first created in 1820 for British Troops serving in India. This beer is brewed only in Halifax where prying eyes can’t find their original top secret recipe. A unique clean and crisp taste with a hop flavour and floral notes. This beer is extremely popular on the East coast of Canada, and is beginning to become more popular in the west as well. This beer is getting easier to find in just about any Liquor Store.

Unibroue Maudite

Chambly, Quebec – 8.0% – Maudite has a true Quebecois name that comes from the legend of the Chasse-Galerie, otherwise known as the legend of the Flying Canoe. The story goes that a group of lumberjacks made a deal with the devil to fly home in their old wooden canoes to make it home in time for Christmas. Maudite was born in November 1992, and was the first strong beer to be sold throughout Quebec grocery stores. It also just so happens to be the first beer brewed in North America that improves with age. Drink a young Maudite and you’ll find it very smooth, however when served after a few years of storage, its flavour begins to take on that of a port. A rich tasting, mahogany-coloured premium beer with a distinct and beautifully complex taste. Unibroue recommends serving it cool, but not cold. Easily one of my favourite beers.

Moosehead Lager

St. John, NB – 5.0% – A delicious Canadian lager that’s bound with both sweet malt and hop essence. Moosehead goes down extremely easy, if you’re a little vanilla with your beer tastes, I’d definitely recommend this one. It’s pretty rare that anyone doesn’t enjoy a few of these on a warm summers evening. Distribution of this beer has been expanding quite a bit in the last few years, it’s quite easy to find these at any Liquor Store.

Great Western Pilsner

Saskatoon, SK  – 5.0% – An award winning beer sure to please any fan of a good pilsner. Great Western Pilsner is a highly carbonated beer with an extreme crisp finish and sweet malt notes. A local favourite in Saskatchewan. If you’re driving through SK you’re sure to find a 2-4 of Great Western Pilsner at every liquor store.

Wild Rose Velvet Fog

Calgary, Alberta – 4.5% – Don’t let the American percentage in this beer fool you. This beer was a gold medal winner at the 2008 Great Canadian Beer Festival in Victoria. A rich North American style wheat beer, sporting 50% wheat malt, and 50% barley malt, which gives this unfiltered brew a hazy, golden colour with a tangy fresh character. A little harder to come by than your Moosehead or Keiths, but definitely worth the purchase if you find some.

Mill Street Tankhouse Ale

Toronto, ON  – 5.2% – An angry looking deep copper-red American style pale ale from the 2007 and 2008 Canadian brewery of the year. Brewed with 5 different malts and Cascade Hops. Mill Street Tankhouse Ale is complex, malty texture beer with subtle chocolate, coffee, citris and honey finishes. Let this beer sit on your palate a a minute and try and pick out the flavours. Mill Street Tankhouse Ale is a very unique Canadian beer.

Okanagan Spring Pale Ale

Vernon, BC   – 5.0% – Brewed using 2 row Saskatchewan barly. A clear and copper ale that is fruity on the palate, and finishes off dry with hearty hops. Also a toughy to find in your everyday Liquor Store, so if your in the Okanagan Valley, or anywhere in South East BC, you should be able to find it.

Kokanee Lager

Creston, BC – 5.0% – A light, flavourful beer. Typically Canadian Youths “Entry Level” beer. Despite it’s popularity with youth, the beer itself is worthy of consumption from people of any age. This beer is easily found in Canada, primarily in Western Provinces and the Pacific Northwest of America. Kokanee is British Columbia’s best selling beer. The beer comes from pure mountain stream water, and is aged naturally. It uses several types of malt and a blend of western grown North American hops. Pick up a can or bottle of Kokanee and see if you can spot the Miniature Sasquatch hidden on the mountain.

Old Style Pilsner

Vancouver, BC & Edmonton, AB - 5.0% – I am obligated to include this beer on the list, as this is Saskatchewans most popular selling beer, and being a native of SK, if I didn’t include it, travelling throughout my own province would become unsafe for me. Despite my obligation, the beer rightfully deserves its place in the list. Old Style Pilsner has been brewed since 1926, and has a strange cult following throughout Canada. I’ve heard of people traveling with cases of Pil and trading it along the way for more beer than they began with. Another “Entry-Level” beer for Western Canadian Youths. Known across the country as “Pil”, “Saskatchewan Champagne”, “Sner”, “Vitimin P” and “Pilly Pop”. Old Style Pilsner is famous for crossing the lines of age, wealth, and taste. The beer appeared in the cult movie Fubar, and has appeared several times on CTV’s Corner Gas. As soon as you cross the border to Saskatchewan be prepared for the Green & Yellow cans and bottles to be found in almost every drinkers hands. A great tasting beer, perfect for a hot summer day on one of Saskatchewans 100, 000 lakes.

There are hundreds of beers from Canada, dozens of which compete at a world level. I may be missing some that others may feel are the “best”. However, I have taken it upon me to get belligerent off of each and every one of these beers at several times and would like to think I have a good idea. If you disagree with this list, or feel I’m missing any, please comment. However, my liver rarely lies. Bottoms up!

Canada Rocks the Capital!
Parliament Hill,
Ottawa Ontario

This is THE party to be at. If you happen to be near the Capital of Canada on or around July 1st, do yourself a favour and check out Parliament Hill. This is by far the most massive party you can find on Canada Day.

9:30 am – Flag-Raising Ceremony
10 am – Changing the Guard
10:30 am – RCMP Musical Ride
12:10 pm – The Canada Day Poster Challenge2009
Noon to 1:30pm – The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages invites you to join the Governor General, the Prime Minister and thousands of Canadians on Parliament Hill to mark Canada’s hosting of the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Once you get through all the formalities the parties will commence. Beer gardens, games, events, concerts, etc.

Concerts this year include:  Sarah McLachlan, Gordie Johnson with The Respectables, Marie-Mai, Shane Yellowbird, Marie-Jo Thério, Cirque Fantastic Concept, Hannah Georgas, Said The Whale, Nico Archambault, AlexWells, K’naan, Cassiopée, Chic Gamine and the Canadian Tenors.

The fireworks will begin shortly after 10pm and are definitely worth checking out. Buses are free after 10pm so don’t be so quick to refuse those shots of Canadian Club Whiskey. For more information on the Party on Parliament Hill, check out their website.

Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York
Friendship Festival

A joint festival between Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. Part Canada Day, Part Independence Day, Part “Put down our differences and eat a corn-dog together”. This festival is typically geared towards families, as there are lots of children’s events. However, if you’re looking to have a beer with a couple strangers, stop by the beer gardens, cold beer is on tap all day.

Concerts include: David Wilcox, The Trews (Must see if you’ve never!), Rides Again, Crash Karma, The Ending

For more information on the Friendship Festival check out their website

INTERNATIONAL PAVLION on Canada Day
Granville Island, Vancouver, BC

Come and savour the food from across the globe at the 4th annual Canada Day festivities. They have musicians from around the world, including many local talents, dancers, activities, and of course the delicious food. Admission is free.

Granville Island has several events taking place around it on Canada Day, if you’re “Out & Aboot” on this day, you’ll be sure to find something worth stopping and checking out.

For more information check out their website

2009 Surrey Canada Day
Cloverdale Millennium Amphitheatre, Surrey, BC
176 Street & 64th Avenue

Tickets = FREE

Surrey is proud to feature a stage packed with music from all over Canada. The party starts at 10am and proceeds until 11pm. Bands this year include: You Say Party! We Say Die!, Dan Mangan, Current Swell, Wild Moccassins, Now Or Never Bboy Crew, and healine bands 54-40 & Bif Naked.

For more information on the event check out their website

Canada Day Halifax / Dartmouth NS
All over / Dartmouth Waterfront

Find something red & white, and make your way to Halifax for some good ol’ fashioned Canada Day fun. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, scream Oh Canada from the top of Citadel Hill and watch the Tattoo Parade in downtown Halifax. After all the daytime activities have died down, head to the free outdoor concert on Dartmouth Waterfront featuring Nova Scotias own Joel Plaskett, and other Canadian artists. Top the night off with some Fireworks over Halifax Harbour at 10 pm and you’ve got yourself an authentic Canada Day.

Visit their website for more information
Whether you can make it to any of these events or not, you’re sure to find something going on pretty much everywhere in Canada on July 1st. There’s not a city in Canada without a couple fireworks, a free concert, a beach to hang out on, or a bar to get drunk in. So find a Canada Flag, some face paint, and some fellow people to celebrate on behalf of this great country.

Eating Out
When I first arrived in New Zealand, I had been saving for so long, and avoiding eating out at all costs, that when it came time to eat while travelling, trying exotic foods like Fish n Chips (shutup…I’m from Saskatchewan) seemed like the logical thing to do. Every night. Every meal. After a month of that, I realized that at 10-15 bucks a day on food, spread out during a month, was roughly 300-400 dollars. Which was enough to keep a roof over my head for a few weeks. I’m not saying eating out is a bad thing, just be smart. Try the local delicacy, then suffer through the two minute noodles, rice, or pasta for a while. All of this extra money can go towards activities or accommodation.

Over packing
Most countries have the resources to clothe their people. It’s a blessing. Utilize it. Hauling around your old winter jacket all summer long because you might need it in 6 months is like wearing a condom all night, at a party without girls. There’s being prepared…then there’s being stupid. Clothes, gadgets, toiletries, can all be bought while travelling. No need for a 2L jug of shampoo, or 15 of your favourite shirts, or 4 different pairs of shoes. Be smart. Take what you need for where, and when you are.

Over planning
Those who plan every hostel, every activity, every stop and every meal along the way rarely seem happy. If you’ve ever run into one of these people, you know how stressed out they seem. It’s like being around a leper. You know you’re probably safe around them, it’s just sometimes uncomfortable. Backpacking is supposed to be an escape from routines. Planning ahead is smart. Over planning is stupid. If you don’t believe me, take a week off you’re over planning lifestyle and just wing it. If you find yourself on the phone with a travel agent, or online booking more than one or two activities at a time, take a few deep breathes, and stop what you’re doing. Let things fall into place. Expect the unexpected. Its not only more fun, but more mysterious as well.

Being Unrealistic
about Time and Money Ease up there Tonto. Enjoy the ride. If you’re rushing through country after country, city after city, catching only glimpses of each place, by the time you find your way back home, you’ll have trouble remembering what you did where, and when you done it. Get a feel for each city, if you enjoy it, chill out for a while, if you know it just isn’t your cup of tea, give it an extra day or two, some places grow on you. Travelling isn’t a race. Same goes for money, over budget everything and you’re more likely to make it last. Squeezing in an extra couple cities with only a hundred dollars is a recipe for disaster.

Spending too much time on computers
You probably spent several months saving up for your trip, reading up on it, now that you’re out there, what are you doing still on the computer? If you’re checking your email, updating your blog, Tweeting, or updating your Facebook status more than once a week, you’re in trouble. People rarely want to hear what type of computers or internet connections you ran into while travelling. Make some memories worth bragging about. Backpacking is all about losing touch with reality, however brief that may be. The more often your on a computer, the more attached you still are. If you’re reading this at an internet cafe, grab whoever’s sitting to your left, and ask if they want to go for a beer. If they say no, try your right.

Staying on the Tourist Trail
Lonely planet and Rough Guides are great tools for providing insight into somewhere you’ve never been. However, they should not be relied upon. Some of the best places you’ll find won’t be mentioned. Getting off the beaten path can be a great way to meet new people, and experience the “real” side of the place you’re in. When they zig, you zag. Capiche?

Not being social
Readings great, but don’t be a shut-in. Open up. It can be as simple as asking “You done with that fork?” It doesn’t take much to start a conversation. And while backpacking there is always lots to talk about. The common ground is usually travel. “Where are you from?” “Where have you been” “Where are you going?” “Who are you with?” – It doesn’t take much to get started. You never know when you’re going to meet your next travel com padre.

Comparing one country to another
When I was young my parents took me to Scotland. We were on a guided tour of the Edinburgh Castle. (I know, hypocrite) We had an old Scottish tour guide, he was explaining how this castle had never been overtaken, and was the closest thing to impenetrable around. Upon saying this an American spoke up from the back. “One nuke would take care of it” The tour guide, being old, Scottish, and witty, chimed back some derogatory spot that seemed to have put him in his place. He didn’t speak up for the rest of the tour. Don’t be that guy. Take each culture and each country, as it’s own. Reserve your bias and judgments to yourself.

Not Realizing the Glory of Pasta
If you haven’t caught on, pasta is cheap! Not only is it cheap, it goes a long way. It doesn’t take much to make pasta less boring. Try different shapes. Penne, Rigatoni, Spaghetti, Shells, Spirals. Or add some spices. Toss in some diced onions. If you’re sick of Bolognese, try something more creamy in nature. Or buy a small brick of cheese, cheese makes everything alright. At under $2.00 for over 500g of Pasta, you’d be stupid not to recognize it’s glory.

Buying Every Girl Drinks
Believe it or not, some girls go to the bar expecting drinks to be bought. I know, it’s hard to believe. But in retrospect, if I had the goods, I’d do the same. The trick is to not be an idiot. If you’re too much of a gentleman, just limit that gentlemanliness. Limit your generosity to one drink for the entire night. Not only will it save you money, you’ll be that much more conscious as to who deserves it. FYI: That blonde thing surrounded by guys, doesn’t.

Avoiding Locals
Locals not only give you a unique look into life through their eyes. They can be hospitable, friendly, caring, and fill that void for your family that you haven’t seen in months. Don’t be a freeloader. If they’re offering you a place to stay, some food to eat, help out. Whether its some chores, or just doing the dishes. Every bit counts. You’re in a unique spot where you can tell them about a land far away that they can only dream of. Introduce yourself. Locals love to hear your stories. Many people dream of travelling, few get to experience life on the road.

Drink what’s Cheap
Why would I want a burger when I have steak at home? Well you’re not at home! Take the burger. Or in this case, the cheapest booze you can find. You may be used to a higher quality of alcohol at home, but while traveling, anything goes. If you’re going for a night on the town, and know you’ll be spending a handful dollars on a pint or two, get some drinking in ahead of time. Another thing worth considering is investing in a flask. ($15-20) Every bar will give you free ice water, some will even give you free coke if you’re the “Designated Driver” – If you’re real cheap and have low morals, feel free to spike your own free drink. Just be advised you will usually get kicked out if they catch you with your own alcohol.

Reason 1 – Wine –

Reason 2 – Surfing – Yes, you read that right! Surfing isn’t reserved for the tropics. Even the frigid waters of Canada have surf. The best place to check out Vancouver Island’s Surf is Tofino. By far one of the coolest towns on ‘The Island’. A small hippy hangout that has been evolving into a eco-destination with plenty to do. A 24 hour board rental in Tofino is going to set you back $20-25. If you’re a complete Newb to surfing, there are a variety of lessons you can take. Pacific Surf School and Surf Sister both offer lessons. Pricing varies, but expect to pay $65 for a Surfing 101 class, while a multiday course is going to cost roughly $175. A wetsuit would be one of the smarter decisions you could make for your day on the surf, water is cold year round. So unless you’re accustom to the frigid waters of the North, or maybe just drank too much of that Wine from Reason 1, don’t be foolish. Take the wetsuit.

Reason 3 – Whale Watching – One of the more touristy things you can do on the Island. But well worth it if the whales decide to make an appearance. From May to October, boat after boat filled with eager tourists leave Victoria in search of the megalithic creatures. Should Moby Dick bail on your group, try not to cry, or cuss, or pollute the sea, normally the Whale Watch Tours include a visit to the haunts of Elephant Seals and Sea Lions. Not quite megalithic, but chubby none-the-less, and well worth the day out. Expect to pay $80-90 on a Whale Watching Tour.

Reason 4 – Scuba Dive – Vancouver Island has several world renown Scuba spots. Jacques Cousteau himself said “Vancouver Island has the best temperate water diving in the world and second only to the Red Sea”. Though a little pricey for the everyday backpackers budget, if you’ve got the money, and Scuba is your vice, dive in (Oh yea, I went there) – Vancouver Island is home to several famous Artificial Reefs. Including The Saskatchewan, a 110m ex-Canadian Navy destroyer escort (75,000 + dives) & The Cape Breton. Check out Diving BC for more information on dive sites & costs.

Reason 5 – Backpacker Friendly – With shorter distances, plenty to see in between, and the ease of finding a cheap hostel or campsite makes Vancouver Island a captivating choice for backpackers alike. The sights & sounds are something not to miss. Drive the coastline between Victoria and Nanaimo. Or hike the dozens of trails. Drink some cheap drinks at backpacker bars in Victoria. Or just chill on one of the many beaches around the Island and take it all in. With friendly people and lush scenery, this Islands full of surprises. Be sure to add Vancouver Island to your itinerary.

Vancouver Island