This past Thanksgiving was hands down one of the most memorable I’ve ever had. I convinced my old man to take some time off work and join me up north for some fall horseback riding in the boreal forest. The goal was to catch sight of the 400+ free range plains bison that roam Prince Albert National Park. Little did we know how close we’d end up getting.

These brick-walls of beasts have had a tough go, yet despite their near extinction, they seem to be thriving in Prince Albert National Park since their re-introduction in 1969. They’ve come a long way since the first 50 were brought back. That’s partly due to the preservation efforts of Gord Vaadeland, Founder and Executive Director of the Sturgeon River Plains Bison Stewards. That’s only one of his gigs, he’s also the ED of CPAWS-SK and Watershed Awareness Coordinator for Provincial Council of Agriculture Development and Diversification. Say that 3 times fast… (Can’t be done!)

I got in contact with Gord while I was still in Halifax and asked if he’d be keen on showing me around his parts. He gladly obliged, and within weeks we had a unique tour of the area setup, which included Horseback Riding the western part of Prince Albert National Park in search of the bison, and sleeping in a traditionally built tipi at Ness Creek.

A short 6 hour drive from Regina got us near Big River Saskatchewan. We pulled into Sturgeon River Ranch and were finally introduced to Gord. I soon learned that his skills extended beyond being an outfitter, a cowboy, and a bison steward. Turns out he’s also a bluegrass musician, and a bit of a TV Celebrity (What’s up Mantracker!?). We all hit it off and it wasn’t long before we had the horses in the trailer and ready to roll.

Welcome to Prince Albert National Park

We pulled up to the edge of Prince Albert National Park and saddled up. It’d been a couple years since I’d ridden horse, but I managed to shake the cobwebs after the first mile or so. Gord led us through trails that wove through birch and spruce, our horses powered through the thick. Watching Gord lead us slowpokes, I couldn’t help but think “Shoulda found a cowboy hat!”. That thought was interupted as I was forced to dodge a low hanging branch. I chuckled to myself, “Keep cool Corbin, pay attention…”

Our horses began to slow down, and suddenly became a bit nervous. You could feel the tension in the air. These horses knew something was up a ways. We all stopped in our tracks. A gentle breeze blew through the trees, the sound of rubbing leather mixed with the loud breathe of the horses made that moment feel like it lasted a lifetime. Gord whispered “They’re up there. You hear that?”. Large crunching snaps echo’d back our way.

We slowly pressed on, nobody said a word. We didn’t know if we’d get a second chance to spot the bison up ahead. As we continued through the trail, the bush got thicker. Gord lead us in the direction of the breaking trees. We slowed down again, and Gord explained “We usually recommend people keep a safe distance from the bison. If you can cover them with your thumb, you’re close enough. But since you’re with me, we’ll be using our elbows and putting that thumb a little closer to your face, which means we’ll be getting a bit closer. Hope that’s okay!” I nodded my head with a huge smile “Of course!”.

Spotting the Wild Plains Bison

The sound of snapping trees got louder, but the bush was so thick you could hardly tell how close you were. Gord offered to hang onto our horses to see if we can get a clear photo. I climbed off Applejack (a trustworthy steed if I may say so) and nervously moved toward the sound of wild bison. My old man was right behind. Creeping towards the bison soon became a game of “Oh yea? I dare you to keep going!” I’d take one step, my Dad would take two. Soon we were lookin in the eyes of at least eight free ranging plains bison (there may have been dozens more behind them). We couldn’t have been more than 30 feet away from the small herd.

A final tree snap stopped me dead in my tracks. I looked at my old man and made eye contact, implying “If they move, I’m so out!” Several grunts and loud thumps on the ground forced me to take a step back. Then two. I looked up and blue skies and birch trees surrounded us, making a fast escape nearly impossible. Their noises progressively got louder, and I decided I had enough of playing chicken with thousand pound bisons. Another grunt & crack, and I was out! “Only gotta be faster than the guy behind you” I remember hearing. We laughed as we got back to our horses, blown away with what we’d just done. Needless to say my Dad gave me a hard time for backing out before him.

I was completely speechless as I tried to thank Gord. “Awesome. Wow!”. He laughed and said “I didn’t realize how close you guys were!”. He laughed as he handed us back our reins. Had that been anyone else I’m sure he would have Clint Eastwood stared us so bad for getting that close. But Gord seemed to trust us. Nothing like having a cowboy on your side!

Long Meadow – Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan

We pushed forward, following a few rough trails. Gord warmly told us about the history of the bison and shared some of the incredible preservation work being done with bison. This man is clearly passionate about his work. Who else but a Saskatchewan Patriot would come out on Thanksgiving Day to show a couple outta-towners around. As the conversation died down, the scenery opened up. A natural clearing called “Long Meadow” greeted us.

It was a breathe of fresh air to see the flatlands again and to set my eyes on the big blue sky. As we entered the meadow a White-tail deer skipped back into the cover of the trees. We followed Gord and picked up our pace. Just a few prairie boys wandering the land by horse. We stopped a mile or two up the meadow as Gord pointed out some moose antlers. A mile up and he stops to point out another sign of wildlife. The remains of a bison.

Bison Remains

He explained what makes Prince Albert National Park so different from all the rest with one word. “Predation.” There’s a couple wolf packs in the area that hunt the weak, injured, and the old. It’s a common sight in the park. It’s pretty wild to think that something could actually take a bison out.

We stopped for lunch in the middle of Long Meadow and Gord continued to share stories. The mans got a bunch, but you’ll have to book him yourself to hear them all. The horses fueled up on wild grass while we gorged on sandwiches and some of the best home made cookies I’ve ever had. Then it was back in the saddle.

Another herd of Bison

A few miles up we had our second encounter with another small herd of bison. Once again they were hidden in the trees. If my camera had a fist, it would have been shaking it vigorously at them. I wanted to see them in the wide open, but I suppose it wasn’t meant to be! More the reason to come back again!

It was coming on the 5th hour of riding, and the sun was just beginning to set. We had one last leg of trails to hit before calling it a day. We found our way onto a rough dirt road. Gord explained that a lot of these roads were actually started by the Bison. When people started showing up in the area, they picked up where the bison left off and turned the rough trails into drive-able roads.

Stoney Plain Meadow – Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan

Our fearless leader wandered into rougher terrain. Steep hills and fast slopes was the name of the game. Rocks, trees, and the odd patch of mud reminded our horses not to stumble. The horses pulled through with ease, and we soon found ourselves on top of a hill, overlooking Stoney Plain Meadow. Gord pointed out where his family’s land was and we enjoyed the start of sunset. Good company, great ride, and one helluva view. The definition of a great way to end the day!

Back at Sturgeon River Ranch

We loaded up the horses and dropped them off at Sturgeon River Ranch. I bid farewell to my new four legged friend Applejack and thanked Gord for sharing his wealth of expertise. He gave us directions to Ness Creek and said he’d meet up with us shortly. We drove 20 minutes on gravel roads and eventually found the right road.

Ness Creek Awaits

As we pulled into the Ness Creek grounds, you could see that it was a place for artists, free thinkers, and eco-friendly community leaders. The craftsmanship in everything from the signs, to the cabins, to the pieces of outdoor art located throughout the grounds make you stop and think “I wish I did more stuff like this!”

We turned the bend and saw our accommodations for the night. Standing in the middle of a field was a traditionally built dakota tipi. The wooden poles pierced the orange sky, a light breeze blew the doorway gently. I stopped in my tracks to stand and take it all in before snapping a photo. Wild bison, a full day of riding in the boreal forest, and now a night under the stars. I thought to myself “I have this moment to be thankful for.”

Big thanks goes out to Gord & the Gang at Ness Creek for showing me around their little slice of heaven. If you want to see more wildlife photos be sure to check out the Bison Stewards Facebook Page. Same goes with the Sturgeon River Ranch Facebook page! Stay tuned for an upcoming post on Ness Creek, in the mean time, check out Gord Vaadeland’s appearance in Mantracker.

Horseback Riding in Prince Albert National Park with Sturgeon River Ranch [Photo Essay] is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Studies were eventually done on the water in Little Manitou Lake. They discovered several things. The water in this lake is 5 times more saline than the ocean, making it almost half as dense as the Dead Sea. In total, the gravity of Little Manitou Lake’s water is 1.06, which allows for some incredibly easy floating, even for you non-swimmers.

On my recent travels throughout Saskatchewan I was driving towards Saskatoon but was being completely thrown off schedule with a sudden rainstorm. The storm had gotten to the point where driving was beginning to get dangerous. It was my intention to check out Little Manitou Lake anyways, but I wasn’t sure exactly for how long, nor what I’d find. As I pulled into town I realized there was enough to see and do in town to warrant taking a half day off driving, and hope for the rain to pass.

Little Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan

I drove through the small town of Watrous (5km from Manitou Beach) & made my way slowly down the hills towards Manitou Beach, one of Saskatchewans oldest and most unique resort towns. As I parked my vehicle, I casually strolled towards the sandy beach. The wind and rain made for thousands of small waves covering the entire lake. Grey skies were all around, yet despite the lack of colour, the area was still beautiful. Foam caused from the crashing waves and salt water algae covered parts of the beach. Despite the cold weather & occasional burst of rain, I removed my shoes and socks and dipped my feet in.

Pins and needles soon forced me to get out of the frigid waters to seek warmth. I figured I could find that up the road so I proceeded to walk. The rain picked up again, and it was then that I realized that my rain jacket wasn’t nearly as waterproof as it was supposed to be. I was soaked to the bone. Thankfully my camera was protected in its bag, but I didn’t have that luxury. I made my way around around a couple bends in the road and then suddenly the rain stopped. As I turned one last bend I saw it. Danceland, Home of the world famous dance floor built on horse hair.

Danceland, Home of the World Famous Dance Floor Built on Horse Hair

I wasn’t sure if they’d be open, but I saw one vehicle parked near the hall and hoped it was one of the owners. I strolled up with camera in hand, and gently pushed the creeking screen door open. It was pretty dark inside the dancehall. Concerned I might be breaking and entering, I warmly called out “Hello?”… Out of the kitchen came both of the owners. Arnold and Millie Strueby introduced themselves and were happy to show me around. Within minutes we were talking about the history of Danceland.

The first dancehall was built in 1919, then rebuilt as “Danceland” in 1928 as one of the first dance floors built on top of horse hair. I was completely lost about this whole Horse Hair shenanigans, thankfully the Strueby’s explained its purpose. Dancers can apparently go for hours without getting sore due to the bounce caused by the horse hair. They say when the dancehall is full you can actually see the floor bounce. Danceland still uses the original 5,000 square foot maple hardwood floor that was installed in 1929.

There has been countless owners throughout its history, and a huge variety of acts have played on stage at Danceland, including Wilf Carter, Don Messer, Bobby Gimby, Mart Kenny, and my personal favourite, the Inkspots. Back in those days it was common to get big names in town. At the time there was nothing like Manitou Beach, and trains were coming in and out of town bringing in loads of people.

Despite its age, Danceland has this jaw dropping feel about it all. You can’t help but stare in amazement at the structure of the building. Everything from the lights, to the beams, to the sheer size of the building, you can’t help but smile. Danceland continues to operate to this day. They’re open year round, with dances on Friday and Saturday, followed by Gospel shows on Sunday. There’s buffets, weddings, social events, you name it! It’s a pretty wild little Saskatchewan gem, and stepping onto that Horse Hair infused floor, you can’t help but want to shake and jive.

I said farewell to the owners who encouraged me to warm up in the Manitou Springs Spa. It was still drizzling outside so I figured “What the hey! Why not?”

The Manitou Springs Spa & Resort

I grabbed my swim trunks from the car and wandered into the Manitou Springs Spa. I decided I’d pass on the swedish stone massages and facials, and just skip right to floating in the mineral rich waters. As I finished changing I realized I probably shouldn’t be creeping about a spa with a camera in hand. I can’t imagine I’d get anything but strange looks from people, and who wants to get kicked out into the rain. I decided it was safer to lock up my gear and just relax.

After a quick shower, I slowly eased myself into the hot and murky lake fed mineral waters. There was maybe 12 other people in the pools, and I was quite visibly the only person below 55. I laughed it off and decided to give this whole floating gig a try. I dunked my entire body, and within micro-seconds I bounced back up. It was like swimming in a new breed of water. I felt alien, light, almost hollow. This 1.06 gravity thing was completely blowing my mind. I spun onto my back and let the water do all the work. Heal me water, heal me good!

What’s in the mineral water?
Grams per Gallon

• Magnesium Sulfate – 308.38
• Magnesium Bicarbonate – 63.42
• Sodium Sulphate – 50.92
• Potassium Sulphate – 116.62
• Sodium Chloride – 1405.60
• Calcium Sulphate – 104.96
• Oxide of Iron & Aluminum – 0.28
• Silica – 0.69

After almost two hours of floating I was a mineral infused prune. I wandered out of the water and decided I had to risk it. I needed a picture. I unlocked my gear, and did a dash. As I entered the pool area with a camera I got one weird glance, but nobody else seemed to notice. I quickly snapped, and realized my camera was fogging up like crazy. I had to hope for the best that one of three photos would look okay.

As I left the Spa I felt like a new man. I was completely relaxed, stress free, and ready to hit the road to continue my journey throughout Saskatchewan. Manitou Beach is one of those strange aging gems in Saskatchewan. It might not be as popular as it was back in the day, but there is still plenty going on in the area. If you’re heading north from Regina to Saskatoon, you’d be crazy not to stop and check it out.

For more information on Manitou Beach check out The Watrous Manitou Website.

Relax in the Little Resort Town of Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan is a post from: I Backpack Canada

1. The Wanuskewin Restaurante – First Nations Food with a Modern Twist

One of the first things you’ll notice as you walk into the Visitor Centre is the clean and beautiful decor of the building. However, you’ll soon be distracted by the second thing you’ll notice. The food! The Wanuskewin Heritage Park has it’s very own restaurante which serves an assortment of traditional and non traditional first nations food. They serve everything from Rabbit Stew, to Wild Rice Salads, or if you want to play it safe, try their incredibly delicious Bison Burger. But don’t forget to order a plate of Bannock to spread an unhealthy amount of butter and jam on. What better way to start a hike & a tour than on a full stomach.

2. The Historical First Nations Artifacts & Art Pieces

The museum & gallery in the Visitor Center of Wanuskewin has a variety of beautiful and incredibly fragile pelts. The art and craftsmanship that went into every day to day item used by the First Nations people is astounding. Each item has this strange ability to take you back to a time when these items were necessary for survival. When these historical items were designed and built, I’m sure the First Nations had no idea they would end up on display. They were tools, yet here they are behaving very similar to how I see the art hanging on the walls. It’s easy to forget there’s more to Wanuskewin than old items & ornate pieces of first nations art.

3. The Bison Pounds

It’s been long known in the First Nations community that Wanuskewin was a place of gathering and of spiritual healing. In the 1980′s archeologists began to confirm these findings with a multitude of incredible finds. One of my personal favourites was the remnants of several Bison Pounds. A Bison Pound is essentially a wooden gate that First nations hunters would use to hunt bison with. Thousands upon thousands of wild bison would stampede, and upon seeing these wooden gates, would be confused and disoriented. In an attempt to go around these blockades they would be guided to their fate at the bottom of a Buffalo Jump. I don’t care how many animals you’ve skinned, even the bravest warrior had to have been scared trying to herd stampeding buffalo off a cliff.

4. The Traditionally Built Tipis

Wanuskewin has several large tipis errected around the park which allow visitors to see what it would have been like to live in one. They’re an incredible piece of human ingenuity. Knowing that the tradition and knowledge of how to build Tipis has been preserved and handed down throughout the years, despite the pain and suffering the First Nations have gone through, is heart warming. If you plan your visit to Wanuskewin appropriately, you can actually get the opportunity to watch an elder setup a tipi as well.

 5. The Trails to Archaeological Finds

There are 4 very scenic trails you can take as you exit the Wanuskewin Visitor Center; however, if you have an extra couple of hours in your day I highly recommend doing them all. They can easily be done as long as you’re in relatively good shape. I confess I did have sore legs after the entire hike; but nothing I wasn’t able to walk off. The scenic trails include

“The Trail of Discovery”

which takes you from the ampitheatre to the first bison pound and the Tipi Village. As you continue uphill, you’re given a scenic panorama of the Opimihaw Creek which includes seeing almost the entire Wanuskewin Park. As you finish the Trail of Discovery you’re able to connect to the “Path of the People” for a few minutes, which then turns into the “Trail of the Bison” (My personal favourite) as you climb uphill in an eastern direction.

“The Trail of the Bison”

On the “Trail of the Bison” you’ll see this massive Bison Rubbing Stone along with some of the most beautiful grasslands. Further on you’ll see several small cliffs that drop down to the Saskatchewan River. The vista at the top of this trail is breathtaking to say the least. The prairie harsh winds make it difficult to stay up there long, but the view is second to none. As you loop around the “Trail of the Bison” you’ll reconnect with the Path of the People.

“The Path of the People”

This path gives you the opportunity to explore the lush vegetation along the Opimihaw Creek and take in the dry valley walls. This leads eventually to the Juniper Flats, a dry desert like area that seems oddly foreign after walking through the flatlands then a lush wetland. The Path of the People eventually leads to the “Circle of Harmony”

“The Circle of Harmony”

This particular trail leads to some incredible archeological finds and some more great views of the area. Expect to find a tipi ring, a medicine wheel, and another bison pound. There’s a very interesting history behind the tipi rings and medicine wheel (or sacred hoop). If you’re really into the spiritual side of history, this will no doubt be a great place to stop and absorb your surroundings.

6. First Nations Hoop Dancers

As you finish the last of the trails you’ll no doubt be aching to sit down for a bit, which gives you the perfect opportunity to learn about and witness the famous First Nations Hoop Dance. This dance is incredibly old, and has been past down from generation to generation. The skill and finess behind it is simply amazing, words really don’t do it justice. If you’re brave enough the kind dancers will even show you some of the basics.

Have you ever been to Wanuskewin? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

For more information on Wanuskewin be sure to check out their website!

6 Reasons You Should Visit Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatchewan is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Driving through the Saskatchewan prairies can at times feel like you’re completely alone in the world. You begin to notice things. Things you might have overlooked, things you might take for granted. You notice your head swivelling slowly, scanning the horizon and looking for something, but you’re not sure what. When your eyes spot it, you pull over. Jutting out of the miles of flatlands is a wooden skyscraper.

The Saskatchewan Grain Elevators

While they may not break any world records for building height, and they sure aren’t the most sophisticated pieces of architecture. They’re different. And they’re disappearing one at a time. The Grain Elevators of Saskatchewan are an endangered species. What was once a common sight across Saskatchewan has now become an opportunity to see an era fade into the history books. Something people may someday see in pictures but never get the opportunity to see with their own eyes.

Chasing Prairie Skyscrapers

During my recent travels throughout Saskatchewan I made an effort to find as  many of these dying creatures as I could. The Grain Elevators of Saskatchewan offer a unique look at an important time in human civilization. These wooden castles helped feed the world. Before elevators, grain was hauled in bags and towed by horse and carriage. The idea of modern farming we see today didn’t begin until the late 1800′s with the invention of the Grain Elevator.

Wood Mountain Elevator

The Elevators are in my blood

My Grandpa was one of the thousands of labourers who helped construct the Grain Elevators in Saskatchewan throughout the mid 1900′s. He died at a fairly young age due to lung complications caused by breathing in mass amounts of grain dust throughout his life. This was a danger that was unknown back in those times. While I never really got to know him, I do know that some of the elevators built with his hands still stand today. Others he worked on have met their fate on the ground which they proudly stood over for decades.

The Grain Elevators Are Vanishing

In the 1930′s there was said to be over 3,300 grain elevators in Saskatchewan. That number has plummeted to roughly 450 in recent years. It’s my hopes that more will be done to protect and preserve these unique pieces of Saskatchewan history. Unfortunately they’re being demolished at an alarming rate due to concerns for safety and cost of maintenance. Some call them Tinder Boxes, others call them an Eye Sore; however, there is growing support to save them. Many communities are coming together to protect them.

Protecting the Prairie Elevators

It’s an uphill battle, but the local Saskatchewan community is coming together to try their best to protect the grain elevators. The Western Development Museum in North Battleford currently has a working 1920′s elevator on display. Several small communities have also converted their elevators into museums and restaurantes. Rural communities with a strong enough voice continue to partner with the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation to save their local elevator. This problem of the disappearing elevators isn’t unique to Saskatchewan. Alberta & Manitoba face the exact same problems.

Morse Elevators

The Prairie Skyline is Changing

Time is running short for the prairie skyline. Most of the wooden-cribbed grain elevators are showing wear and tear. The province of Saskatchewan is changing fast. Rural areas are growing smaller and smaller while the 5 urban city centres of Saskatchewan continue to grow each year. In response to this exodus, ghost town’s continue to be born.

I fully understand that there is no way for all of the elevators to be saved. Times will always be changing, and newer elevators are needed in order to meet the demand of a growing population. However, these elevators are a piece of the past, and a past that in my eyes is worth preserving. There is really no time like the present to see and photograph what’s left of the Prairie Skyscrapers. Chasing them can become an addiction and can easily be the basis to one of the greatest Saskatchewan road trips you’ll ever take.

For more about the problems facing the Grain Elevators check out the National Film Board’s documentary “Death of A Skyline“. I managed to find it online on Vimeo, and while it’s a little dated, you do learn a lot more about the locals plight. Be sure to check out some of the demolition videos, its oddly depressing to see them fall.

Chasing Prairie Skyscrapers across the flatlands of Saskatchewan [Photo Essay] is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Country Roads, Take Me Home

On my recent trip back to my home province of Saskatchewan I decided it was time I get photographic proof of my explantations. My solo mission through Saskatchewan was to be a rediscovery of my home province. I made sure to take in parts of Saskatchewan I hadn’t seen in years, and some I’d never seen at all.

Drive South on HWY 6

Driving south from Regina will gradually take you through a sequence of topographies. Now you might be laughing at the use of the word “topographies” while describing Saskatchewan. “Isn’t it pretty flat there?” is the typical response from someone who’s never seen much of the prairies. Sure, we’ve got a few hundred thousand square kilometers of flatlands, but there’s more to it than that.

Rolling Prairie Hills

After roughly 2 hours of driving south, you’ll come across the rolling prairie hills. They’re still farmed like the flatlands, and still feel like “Saskatchewan”, but these hills have an uncanny ability of stealing your attention. As you continue driving, these rolling hills turn into something totally different. The fields of wheat, canola, and barley begin to disappear as you arrive in one of my favourite regions of Saskatchewan. The Big Muddy Badlands! Even saying it aloud makes you feel like a cowboy.

The Big Muddy Badlands

The Big Muddy Badlands are located along the Big Muddy Creek and extend all the way to Montana. They’re located inside the Big Muddy Valley. This unique valley is 55 kilometres [34 mile] long, 3.2 kilometres [2mile] wide & 160 metres [520 feet] deep. It’s one of the driest and most rugged regions of Saskatchewan.

What Goes on in the Big Muddy?

Bandits! Well, there used to be bandits. Back in the late 1800′s and early 1900′s the Big Muddy Badlands formed the northern tip of the Bandit Trail. This trail was used by world renown horse bandits Sundance Kid, Dutch Henry, Pigeon Toed Kid, Coyote Pete, and my personal favourite, Sam Kelly (more on him in a later post).

Nowadays the Big Muddy is known for its Horseback riding, cattle ranching, farming, and some of Saskatchewans most exciting highway drives. The rocky cliffs and carved out valleys are so foreign after hours of flatland, that its hard to believe you’re actually still in Saskatchewan.

It’s easy to get distracted in the Big Muddy. I had to remind myself that I was here for a reason. I was trying to find Castle Butte, a 70 meter relic from the ice age; similar to Uluru (In Australia), only on a smaller scale. I had stumbled upon it years ago online and decided I had to check it out.

Finding Castle Butte

One would assume that it’d be easy to spot, but it’s actually surprisingly tricky to find. Highways in this part of Saskatchewan can be tough to navigate, signs tend to be few and far between. While some may find this to be a minor inconvenience, I quite enjoy getting lost and finding my way back onto the correct path. It typically leads to a few self deprecating laughs.

Turning onto Highway 34, south of Bengough, I finally see a sign indicating I’m on the right track. I drive through a texas gate, and begin to wonder if I’m trespassing on someones property. I ignore that thought and continue on. Signs don’t lie, do they?

Thar she be!

As the gravel road curves, I spot it. Looming over the dry pasture land is Castle Butte. I snap a few pictures from afar and continue on. As I drive up the winding road a welcome sign greets me. I park my car at the base of the ancient monument and look up.

Welcome to Castle Butte

Gazing up at this massive prairie goliath I laugh in excitement. I start by doing a full lap around the perimeter of Castle Butte, deciding whats the best route to begin the climb. As I complete the full 360 degree circle I realize that the first walkway up was the best. Before setting out to climb, I decide to check out some of the small caverns that have been erroded into the sandstone & clay.

A Small Saskatchewan Cave

I climb into the darkness, using the flash of my camera to see how far this Saskatchewan cave goes. It appears to narrow out at about 12 feet at which point it stops. The cave juts in and out at all angles, making for an awkward crawl. I bump my head twice and rub the location of impact. I’m clearly not cut out for spelunking.

Ryan Was Here

I feel my way out and spot several carved names inside the cave. Looks like “Ryan” beat me here. I exit the tiny cave and breathe a sigh of relief for not being crushed to death by Castle Butte. The sun is still shining and this giant piece of rock is calling my name.

Commencing the Climb

I began climbing, carefully stepping between crevices, hoping with each step that I don’t lose my grip and roll to the bottom. The first half of the climb is mostly just a steep walk. As I get about halfway up it picks up in difficulty. While it’s by all means not the toughest climb, there are a several spots that require all four limbs and a decent balance.

Pause & Picture

I paused to catch my breathe and snap a couple photos as I approached the top of Castle Butte. Looking back down below provided an incredible view of the Big Muddy Badlands. I smiled and pushed on. ”Only 15 feet or so before I’m able to comfortably stand and relax.” I thought to myself.

King of the Castle

I reached the top of Castle Butte and pulled myself up. As I regained my posture I commenced the first among many 360s. The vista that was before me was a mix of prairie flatlands, harsh rocky cliffs and badlands. The blue sky above shined down on what had to be one of the warmest fall days in Saskatchewan history.

I snapped a few photos and found a spot to place my backpack. Just as I was about to relax my phone began kicking off in my pocket. I laughed to myself “Looks like I’m back in cell phone reception“. I opened a newly received email from my Grandma. “Hows the trip going?” she asks. I decided to take advantage of the reception and send her a few photos and explain exactly where I am, knowing she’ll get a kick out of it. Bernice is awesome that way!

I must have spent nearly an hour on the top of Castle Butte. During that hour I didn’t see a single human soul. Not even one car drove by. The closest thing to company was a small herd of black angus cattle a couple miles away who would occasionally hollar out “hello” to me. Sitting on the top of Castle Butte I said a quick thank you to the last ice age for being so awesome and carving this giant monster out of the prairies. This relic of a landmark is hands down one of the coolest places I’ve ever been to in Saskatchewan.

Note: Castle Butte isn’t pinned on Google Maps yet  so I managed to use my phones GPS to grab the coordinates and mapped them below. This might be the only modern map to Castle Butte so use it wisely. If you get lost there are a few service stations in the area that might be able to offer directions. The town of Coronach is the tourism hub for this region so they should be helpful as well.

Exploring The Big Muddy Badlands & Castle Butte [Photo Essay] is a post from: I Backpack Canada

This time lapse was taken from the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower. It’s located on this incredible hill above the town, overlooking the Lake of Bays in the Muskoka and Haliburton area. While it’s not technically “Algonquin Park”, its pretty darn close. After climbing the rickety metal structure, I was a little out of breathe. I counted a total of 116 steps, although I may have messed up near the end as I began to realize I need to work out more.

I was carrying my new Gorrila Pod & my handy iPhone 4, so I set up shop for roughly 20 minutes and commenced time lapsing. This video was the result of it all. See below for photos as well.

Switch to 720p if you’re on a good connection please! 

 Special thanks to Avril from the McMichael Art Gallery for telling us to make the Dorset Tower a stop.

Sunday Canadian Travel Video – Dorset Tower Time Lapse in Ontario 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

Do you love contests? Writing? The Ocean!? From May 3rd to June 5th, the Living Oceans Society is running “The Way I Sea It”, a blogging contest where contestants will share an experience that inspired them to make a difference. Submissions will be in 300 words or less, then its up to you to try to get as many people as possible to vote for your entry. So heard the masses of Facebook, score as many RT’s from your followers on Twitter, recruit Mom, Pa, Grandma, your kid brother. Tell everyone, and get them to vote! The final contestants will be weeded out to the final five, who’s submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Then, on June 8, otherwise known as World Ocean Day, a winner will be announced.

The winner of “The Way I Sea It” will be awarded a six-day adventure cruise by sail with Maple Leaf Adventures, along British Columbia’s coast, and will have the opportunity to use their writing skills to jot a few guest posts for Water Blogged, the Living Oceans Society’s blog. This awesome sailing trip will take place on a 95-ton schooner Maple Leaf, which features personal guides, whale watching, sailing, a gourmet chef, and hiking in the 200+ rainforest islands of B.C.’s Broughton Achripelago. The trip is the “Whale and Totems Tour of the Great Bear Rainforest” from August 28th, to September 3rd, 2011. Talk about the perfect way to end your summer!

For those who don’t know, The Living Oceans Society has been helping in the effort to protect Pacific Canada’s coast since 1998. Located in the small fishing village of Sointula, British Columbia, they have made a name for themselves as a leader in BC Conservation. The Living Oceans Society’s main goal is to help reduce harmful human impacts on the ocean.

As a fellow Canadian, its my civic obligation to tell people travelling through Canada to be aware of their personal impact on the environment, and that includes the ocean. Fortunately, Eco-tourism has seen a rise in popularity, and part of the reasons is due to the help of organizations such as these.

Enter Now! Get your entry in now, and start canvasing through friends, families and strangers and get yourself into the final 5, and find out why BC is so famous for its beautiful coastline! Best of luck!

Enter “The Way I Sea It” Contest & Help Make A Difference is a post from: I Backpack Canada

What is Ogopogo?

The First Nations of in the area have spoke of the Naitaka (aka Ogopogo) for hundreds of years. It was known as a constant threat to the people, and offerings were typically given before long journeys over Lake Okanagan. It wasn’t until the late 1800′s, when the Europeans began to settle/invade the area that stories and sightings began spreading about the 50 foot sea serpent living at the bottom of Lake Okanagan. Many people say Ogopogo is a cousin to the Loch Ness Monster, and is a living Plesiosaur.

Is this thing for real?!

Image courtesy of Wikimedia

In the last hundred and some years, countless photos, videos, and stories have surfaced about this Canadian Lake Monster. Unfortunately, as with most other cryptozoological discoveries, the photos are grainy, the videos are shakey and out of focus, or they’re clearly just logs of wood, waves, or in some cases just a beavers tail. Despite the lack of evidence, believers are common in the area.

My thoughts on Ogopogo

Having swam in Lake Okanagan, I can honestly say that it does have that eerie “What the hell was that…something just brushed my foot!” feel to it. Maybe thats because I had heard of the stories before swimming and I was just tripping myself out. Or maybe its the sheer depth and grandeur of the landscape and lake. Or maybe, just MAYBE, my chi was aligning with Ogopogos minds eye, creating a psychic connection where I could feel what he/she felt, and he/she could feel what I felt. Perhaps?

A note to Ogopogo:

I want to believe in you Ogopogo, because dinosaurs would be soooo awesome to ride, and feed, and probably party with. But if you exist, and read the internet, just do yourself a favour. Stand still for a photo, give a massive Dino-Scream in front of a video camera, heck…eat a tourist! We all just want to know, Are you for real!?

Sightings and stories of Ogopogo (’70s edition)

Yes, even the 70s had an interest in the unexplained. Watch the video “The Search for Ogopogo” and check out how young Leonard Nimoy looks! What a gem!

Part 2 of The Search for Ogopogo

Part 3 of the Search for Ogopogo

What do you think?

Do Lake Monsters Exist? And if they do, who would win in a fight…The Loch Ness Monster or Ogopogo?

Ogopogo – The Canadian Lake Monster is a post from: I Backpack Canada

I made my way from one glass display to another, dodging photo-happy parents and children emulating the hockey poses of their heroes. As I read through the history, stats, and obsessed over the minor details of the decayed hockey jerseys from decades ago, I came across the display of one of hockeys most beloved hockey players to ever step foot on the ice. Maurice “The Rocket” Richard.

For those who don’t know, Maurice Richard was the king of early hockey. He was the first to ever score 50 goals in one season, and the first to score 500 goals in a career. Top that all off with eight Stanley Cup wins, it is hard to dispute the fact that he’s a Legend amongst Montreal Canadian fans. Reading through his stats, I remembered a story I was told as a kid while visiting my grandparents farm.

I was around 10 years old, we were finishing up a home cooked meal and my Grandpa and Dad began talking about the Habs season. After discussing the stats of one of the newest additions to the team, my Dad told me that my Grandma’s cousin played for the habs back in the day. I never got a whole lot out of information from that convorsation aside from knowing that some semi-distant family of mine made it to the big leagues of my favourite sport.

Back in The Hockey Hall of Fame, I dodged another group of running kids dressed in their favourite teams jerseys and made my way to one of the interactive displays. While waiting in line to play with the controls, I sent a quick text message to my dad. “At hockey hall o fame!”. I got a reply a few seconds later. “Look 4 Elmer Lach items in there. He is from Nokomis & is your Grandma Fraser’s 1st cousin. You might find him on cmptr in there”

I left the line in search of this mysterious computer that may hold some information on my first cousin, twice removed. The computer took a minute to cooperate with me, but after searching for Nokomis Saskatchewan, he wasn’t hard to find. Elmer James Lach, #16, born 1918, played between 1940 and 1954, retired in ’54 as the leagues leading scorer. I skimmed through some more stats then smiled in confusion. Elmer Lach was a part of the Punch Line, along with Toe Blake, and the infamous Maurice Richard, one of the hockey legends.

I snapped a few pictures, and continued going through the different exhibits, laughing at myself for not knowing something so incredibly awesome. Some distant family of mine was shootin’ pucks, crushin’ beers, and hangin’ out with The Rocket. “To be able to time travel” I thought to myself. A wave of emotion crept over me as I thought of the memories they must have shared, winning the worlds greatest trophy.

A sign marked “Stanley Cup, This Way” caught my eye. I’d be disowned as a brother, son, and Canadian if I didn’t at least get a look at the Lord Stanley`s finest piece of metal. I followed a few arrows, and made my way up a long flight of stairs. The black stairwell opened up to a theatre-esque room, beautifully lit by the stain glass windows adorning the roof. Floor lighting assisted the spectacle.

The Stanley Cup stood proud on a small stage, in the middle of the room. A line had formed where hockey fans and tourists could pose for a photo with this titanic trophy. I waited for a clear shot without any people getting in the way of my shot. My camera stayed at eye level, however this was much harder than I had anticipated. The line was moving and growing. I waited, and waited, when one family left, another would follow right after.

One of the curators to the Hockey Hall of Fame saw my frustration and said they’d be happy to get a photo of me with the cup when the line cleared. I smiled hesitantly. “You get to touch it”, she insisted playfully. I laughed, and had to tell her “No thanks”. She looked shocked and asked “How come?” I told her that “This cup meant so much to me as a kid, that touching it now would feel like cheating, or stealing. I promised myself the only way I’d get a photo of me with that Cup, would be if I had won it.” She smiled then proceeded to tell me about the superstition that a hockey player should never touch the cup if he hasn’t won it. I guess that hockey spark still resides in me somewhere.

My career in hockey ended when I was 17, and I know for a fact that I’ll never win the Stanley Cup. But being near it, seeing it for the first time, was a close silver prize. This whole experience of being in the Hockey Hall of Fame, and being around retired jerseys and old hockey sticks, reminded me of exploring an old war memorial. These athletes may not have died in a war, but they sacrificed a good portion of their lives to play and compete in a sport that’s influenced the lives of so many people around the world. These athletes are heroes, and will remain that way, so long as we remember.

Elmer lach is currently 92 years old and lives in Montreal where he still attends the occasional hockey game. He is the oldest living Montreal Canadian.

30 Yonge St
Toronto, ON M5E 1X8, Canada
(416) 360-7735

Open Weekdays 10am-5pm; Sat 9:30am-6pm; Sun 10:30am-5pm

Adults: $15.00
Seniors: $12.00
Youth (4 to 13): $10.00
Children (3 and under): Free

Finding Family & Stanley in The Hockey Hall of Fame is a post from: I Backpack Canada

We made it down to Murphys Wharft, where our whale watching tour was to begin. My hangover was consuming me. I told Justin, my roommate, that chances were good that I was going to upchuck on a whale, or possibly a small child. He gave me one last way out, “You don’t have to do this man”. I lifted my face out of my hands, “Yes Justin, I must!”

We all boarded Murphys Tour boat, a collosal looking thing with chairs lining the outer-upper deck and theatre-esque seating in the main cabin. I found a sweet looking seat right beside the edge of the starboard side of our tour boat. If I was going to be sick, I didn’t want to be running for a garbage or bathroom. Plus the fresh air distracted me from how many shots of whiskey I shouldn’t have partook in.

The tour boat set off toward the sea while the tour guides gave us an in-depth history lesson on Point Pleasant Park, Pier 21, and the Halifax Harbour. I took in as much as I could under the circumstances. That is, until one of the Murphys Tour Guides mentioned on the P.A system that there was a bar in the cabin. My guts said no, but my logic said yes. The only way to cure (or at least delay) this hangover was to drink through it. Hair of the dog. Thankfully, Justin and his old man were happy to join me for beers.

My thoughts were finally tuning into the beauty of Halifax’s harbor. The second largest in North American, next to New Yorks. As of yet, we hadn’t seen much in terms of wildlife, aside from some seabirds. The history lessons continued, when finally some harbor seals swam by far enough away to look indistinguishable from some of the waves. The Murphys tour guides informed everyone on boat that they were going to pull a lobster trap out to let us touch (and annoy) some crustaceans.

As they hauled up the heavy looking wooden box, I had to laugh a bit. It was almost empty. There were a few little guys in there, along with some stone crabs and a very pissed off fish. This was by all means nothing like “The Deadliest Catch”. Thankfully, Murphys Gang had a backup plan, they ran to their tank in the cabin and pulled out their domesticated lobster and crab to let the kids (and me) hold. We grabbed a second round of beers and took our seats to enjoy the sun as it faught its way through the clouds. My hangover would come back every so often, or maybe it was seasickeness. Regardless, I held strong.

We’d been on the boat almost an hour with still no sight of whales. I was beginning to think we might be the unlucky group of the day when suddenly crowds of children and a few eager photographers ran to the port side of the ship to see something. The Murphys Whale Watching crew announced that they’d found a Minke Whale, but warned we might not see it for a bit as it looked like it was diving. I figured I should get up to see if I could see anything. Then on the starboard side two more whales surfaced, where they proceeded to show off a bit. One minke whale waved its tail as it dove deeper, while the other was just surfacing.

After watching for 15 to 20 minutes, one last whale, or possibly the first one, surfaced again on the port side. Unfortunately, unless you have a telescopic lens with a trigger finger and some serious high shutter speed, you may have a heckuva time catching any pictures of whales. As you can see, I didn’t. But I think that’s what a lot of people seem to forget. Its a Whale Watching Tour, not a Whale Photo Shoot. After realizing I wasn’t going to be able to get much of a shot, I put the camera away for a while, and just watched the whales. Its incredible how much faster the human eye is than the camera.

The Whale watching tour finished with some bird feeding and a few more historical stories, including the famous Halifax Explosion. As I snapped a few last photos of the Halifas Skyline, I realized my hangover was gone. Then I got off the boat and realized I was perhaps a bit dunk. “Hair of the dog, you’ve done it again!” And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you go whale watching hungover!

Whale Watching & Hangovers in Halifax Harbour is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Stay: Most of the city’s hostels are found downtown. Some top rated ones include: Backpackers on Dundas, Clarence Castle and the Canadiana Backpackers Inn.
Visit: Walk to the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, ROM, AGO, see the Blue Jays, Raptors or the Leafs depending on the season.
Shop: Check out the Eaton Center or if you prefer shopping outside Queen West has many big chains like Club Monaco, Zara and Gap. Chinatown and Kensington Market are great for cheap finds and vintage. Bloor street is for label hounds and designer divas.
Food & Entertainment: The Entertainment district is downtown with the main strip on King West. Check out a musical or grab some dinner all on King or hit a club.  Grab some Indian buffet on Queen Street and stop in at Horseshoe Tavern for a live show. If you want to be seen and spot celebs head up to Yorkville and try Sassafraz, the rooftop patio at Hemmingway’s or the street level patio at One Restaurant.

Toronto West End

Stay: Although there are mixed reviews you can stay in the West end at Marigold International Travellers Hostel
Visit: The Art & Design district is found in West Queen West and there are plenty of galleries including the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art.
Shop: West Queen West is littered with boutiques, keep walking up Ossington to find vintage shops like I Miss You Vintage or keep heading west into Parkdale Village for local jewellery designers at Made You Look.
Food & Entertainment: Get some fish & chips at Chippys across from Trinity Bellwoods Park or head up Ossington for some of the city’s hottest restaurants, and then dance the night away at Sweaty Bettys. Parkdale Village has a few theme bars like Stones Place; get cheap beer at the Rhino.

Toronto East End

Stay: There are a couple of top rated B&Bs just before you cross the Don River, but if you are looking for hostels you can try the Leslieville Home Hostel.
Visit: Once you cross the DVP there are few touristy sights, but you can see the Ashbridges family home and Riverdale farm. Or visit two of Toronto’s multicultural neighbourhoods, Greektown and Little India. Even grab some groceries at East China Town.
Shop: Check out The Danforth for boutiques like Tabula Rasa and Social Butterfly. Or stay along Queen Street for more boutique shopping from Riverside, Leslieville and the Beach. I recommend Studio We in Leslieville there are 2 locations one for women and one for men.
Food & Entertainment: Try Lynn Crawford’s restaurant Ruby Watch Co and live entertainment at the Opera House, both in Riverside. Have an afternoon beer on the Patios in Leslieville and the Beach or ice cream and gelato from Eds Real Scoop.

This guest post was provided by Jane from torontoShopoholic.com. torontoShopoholic.com is one shopoholic’s guide to shopping in Toronto, neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Check out the neighbourhood shopping guides, store reviews, giveaways and style guides.

Backpack Toronto: Things to See and Do is a post from: I Backpack Canada

The weather was hovering around 25 degrees celcius all weekend, I needed to get out of my cramped apartment, and was itchin’ to see something new. After getting lost a couple times and nearly dieing as I struggled up every hill, I finally managed to find it. Point Pleasant Park.

One might wonder, how Pleasant is this Park? Well, as a matter of fact, I can proudly vouch for the name, this park is all sorts of pleasant. As soon as you walk through the first couple hundred feet of the footpaths, you begin to forget how close you really are to downtown Halifax, to the hustle and bustle of life in a metropolitan city.

The first thing I noticed upon walking into the park was the fragrance of the woods and flowers, combined with the chirping sounds of birds and the occasional blast of warm air, I began to wonder how in the hell this park had escaped me for this long.

After making a quick stop at Blackrock Beach, I was fortunate enough to catch one of the massive cargo ships leaving the Halifax Harbour. This was by far one of the coolest things I’d seen that day, however it was clear that myself and the cute asian girl standing a few feet away were the only ones who thought so, on account of us being the only two people snapping pictures and starring at this massive piece of machinery gracefully float back out to sea.

After hiking further through the park I began to find a whole bunch of WWI and WWII memorials. It was a surreal sight seeing people bathing in the sun just a few feet from this massive 25 foot Cross with the names of hundreds of men and women etched in it. Unsure of whether this was disrespectful or not, I made sure to pay a few minutes of attention to the memorial before grabbing a piece of grass and laying starfish as I watched the clouds go by.

Once my imagination gave out and the clouds began to simply look like clouds again, I hiked further into the park. After coming across a “You are here” sign, I began to realize how little of this park I had seen so far, despite spending almost 2 hours in it already. Turns out this monstrous park I was just meandering through is a total of 186 acres. So I decided to make use of what little energy I had left to see a little more of it. The canons only a few hundred feet from me, seemed like the next stop.

Hiking turned into walking, which then turned into “Holy crap I’m out of shape“. Thankfully I found the right trail that lead to somewhere I could rest. Price of Wales Tower. From far away it didn’t look like much, but as I got closer it became apparent how well made this thing was.  As I snapped some pictures, I did a quick 360 to see if I was getting in the way of somebody else’s picture. Turned out I was the only one in this part of the park. This gave me plenty of time to walk around this big brick tower and read all the signs before carrying on. Turns out this giant brick tub-stopper was built in 1794 through to 1799 as a means to protect the Halifax against seaborne attack  from the Northwest Arm. It must have worked, because Halifax still exists today. Thank you Tower.

As I finished the last of my water, I realized how incredibly hungry I was. I never argue with my stomach, so I decided to call it quits for the day. Point Pleasant Park was a great place to spend a hot spring day, and is well worth more than just a quick stroll through. You can’t beat the price (Free), and if you’re a history buff, I’m sure you’ll find something that interests you. If you’re a nature lover, the wooded areas and scenic vistas will make you right at home, and for those just in need of a quiet place to unwind, theres a good hundred acres or so for you to find a spot of your own.

Getting to Know Halifax: Point Pleasant Park is a post from: I Backpack Canada

So you coughed up the $50 for the ferry ride to Vancouver Island, you’ve got your camping gear, now what? First off, you’re going to want to decide what you’ll be doing during your stay in the Pacific Rim National Park. This is going to be a tough decision. So choose wisely!

Things to do in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Because this national park is so incredibly massive, the availability of activities really depends on where you plan on staying. Some of the few activities that are possible in just about every region include Bird Watching, Fishing, and Whale or Sea Lion Watching. Personally, that seems like a lot of sitting and watching. If you want a little more adventure and want to work up a sweat. You’ll be glad to hear there are more options to choose from.

If you happen to be in the Long Beach area

So you’ve decided the Long Beach area is where you want to be huh? Lots to do in these parts. There are several licensed commercial tour operators in this area, so if you’d like to have a guide show you around, this is something you might be interested in. However, if playing the roll of “Lonewolf” better suits your personality, you’ll be happy to hear that there are numerous hiking trails and beaches around to gather your thoughts and stretch your legs. The Long Beach area is the only region that allows for bicycling in the area. However they do recommend you keep it to the beaches. If getting wet and salty is more your style, The Long Beach region is a great spot for ocean kayaking and canoeing. Most padddlers choose to launch from Grice bay when the tides are high. This gives you the best chance of spotting some of the large marina animals in the area. Just be warned, watch the tide! During low-tide, Grice Bay becomes a big mudflat and you might find yourself grounded. Parks Canada advises paddlers to read the tide tables before launching.

Find your own piece of paradise in the Broken Group Islands

This wild and lush chain of islands is perfect for any boat and marine fanatic. There are countless places to hike and hundreds of hidden coves and bays to explore. Over 5000 paddlers come here during the summer to take it all in. The one place that you should watch out for is the Loudoun and Imperial Eagle, as these can be the most dangerous places to find yourself paddling through. Locals typically advise visitors to avoid hauling out the canoe or kayak for these areas as the weather has the notorious habit of changing on a dime, causing the water in this area to be more unpredictable than a drunken prom date. It definitely helps to have a boat in in this region, so this area might be a little tough to do for those with only their backpacks on their backs.

Take on the rugged West Coast Trail

The West Coast Trail is the mecca of hiking trails in Canada. It’s been proud to proclaim itself the Best Hike in the World (according to BestHike.com) since 1999. So for those who don’t know, the West Coast Trail is a 75 km (47 miles) long backpacking trail that follows the south western edge of Vancouver Island. It’s typically open between May and September, however be sure to double check as damage to the trails by weather has been known to delay opening dates.

Quick fact: The west coast trail was originally designed to save shipwrecked survivors. Rescuers and survivors would use this trail to find their way back to civilization.

If you happen to find the guts to tackle the West Coast Trail, you’ll may or may not find comfort in hearing you’re not alone in the forest. Wildlife in the area include cougars, bears, wolves, whales, sea lions, along with hundreds of types of birds. So using your good judgment in this area should be on the top of your list of things to do in and around here. If you don’t plan on doing the typical 6 days hiking the trail, there are also day hikes available in the area.

Park Fees

As with just about any National Park, you can expect some camping fees to be included in your little escape from society. A daily entry will set you back $7.80, however if you plan on camping, expect to pay between $17.60 and $23.50, depending on amenities included in your campsite. If you plan on taking on the West Coast Trail, the cost is $127.50 per trip. For more information on prices, head to the Parks Canada Website

If you’d like more information, you can call the Pacific Rim National park Reserve at (250) 726-3500 or call for a camping reservation at 1-8877-737-3783.

Campsites

One of the most popular campsite in the area is the Green Point Campground, which is located on Highway 4 between Ucluelet and Tofino. There’s plenty of RV and Campervan sites as well as lots of private sites for those tenting it. Each site has a picnic table and fire basket. There’s some great scenic views in this area and the beach is just a short walk from the campgrounds.

If you’d like to find a campground around Tofino there are a couple options:

Bella Pacifica Resort & Campground
400 MacKenzie Beach Road, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0‎ – (250) 725-3400‎

Tofino Campground
1850 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC‎ – (250) 725-3314‎

If you’d prefer to find a campground near Ucluelet there is:

Ucluelet Campground
260 Seaplane Base Road, Ucluelet, BC‎ – (250) 726-4355‎

Surf Junction Campground
2650 Tofino – Ucluelet Highway
Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0 – (250) 726-7214

Camping in the Broken Chain islands has recently stopped, due to the cultural significance of the area to the Tseshaht First Nations. However visiting and paddling through the area is still allowed, so given the chance, you should try to see these parts.

Remember to dress for the weather while visiting the west coast. Vancouver Island can go from one extreme to another, so be sure to have some warm clothes for the night, along with any rain gear you think you’ll need. Despite the potential wet and cold, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is one well worth exploring. It’s a great launching point for checking out some of the hiking trails, beaches, and the famous Tofino Surf. Vancouver Island has lots to offer the budget traveller, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is just one of the many gems in this group of islands.

Camping in Canada: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Photo by carre23 -

Each year in Montreal, locals and visitors flock to the streets for the world’s largest bike festival. Montreals bike festival includes a few different events, including Operation Bike-to-work, the Metropolitan Challenge, and Tour de l’Île de Montréal and one of the most popular and flashy events, Un Tour la Nuit, where everyone gets decked out in their brightest colours and attach as many lights and glow sticks as possible to themselves and their bikes. This year the Montreal Bike Fest takes place between May 30th and June 6th, so mark your calendars.

I’m convinced that some day I shall be amongst these brightly lit bicyclists and tour this awesome city by bike, while screaming what little french words I have remembered from school. “J’aime le fromage!”

Metropolitan Challenge – Some serious distance

Start time: Sunday – May 30 – 7am
Start location: Saint-Anne-des-Plaines
Length of bike route: 75, 100, 125, 150km
Finish location: Saint-Anne-des-Plaines

Tour la Nuit – Decorate yourself up for this one with all things glowing and lit

Start time: Friday – June 4 – 8:30pm
Start location: Saint-Joseph Blvd
Length of bike route: 20km

Tour de l’Île de Montréal

Start time: Sunday – June 6 – 9:15am
Start Location: avenue du Parc
Length of bike route: 50km
Finish Location: parc Jeanne-Mance

For more information on rates and the history of Montreal Bike Fest head to Velo Quebec’s website.

Montreal Bike Fest lighting up in June is a post from: I Backpack Canada

There’s so much room for activities!

Cypress hills is a great place for outdoor activities. During the summer months (June to September) you’ve got your pick at dozens of hiking trails in Alberta and Saskatchewan. If hiking  gives you a case of the yawns, pick up a bike and hit some of the dozens of biking trails, from beginner to intermediate, to even a few expert trails. If you find working up a serious sweat isn’t your thing, you could always slow things down with some of the many Interpretive Hiking Trails, which will point out important landmarks and teach you about the local flora and fauna.  During winter, dust off those cross-country ski’s, proceed with your worst impression of “wax on, wax off” and strap in for a work out and a good time!

The wild? Are you nuts?

If you’re amped up on crazy, and obsessed with getting pictures of animals in the wild, you’ll be happy to hear that Cypress Hills is home to Elk, White Tail, Mule Deer, Moose, Rainbow and Brook trout (bring your fishing rod) and even cougars, North America’s largest and most badass wild cat found on this continent. Keep in mind, 3 of those listed animals have the ability to kill you, and coincidentally each are on my list of 10 Ways to Die in Canada. So just be smart out there.

Pitch a tent!

There are plenty of campgrounds to go around, both on the Saskatchewan side and on the Alberta side of Cypress Hills. Prices typically range from $21 for non electrical campsites and up to $32 for full service campsites. (More Camping Costs) You’ve got a huge variety of choices here, so if you’ve got time, and want to familiarize yourself with the campgrounds, take a drive and see what each has to offer.

• For Cypress Hills, Alberta campgrounds call (403) 893-3782 or reserve a site online
• For Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan campgrounds call (306) 662-5484

Camping in the upper-class

If tenting brings about thoughts of uncomfortable sleeping, creepy crawlies, and a sore back in the morning, there are a few other options. Cypress Hills has a couple different resorts you can stay with. In Alberta, there is the Elkwater Lake Lodge & Resort, and in Saskatchewan there is Cypress Park Resort Inn. There is also several Bed & Breakfasts and Guest Ranches where you can kick up your pampered feet after a long day.

Cypress Hills has got the wildlife, it’s got all the camping you could ask for, it’s got some of the most amazing sights and sounds in the area, the only thing missing from this picture is you. This magnificent park is located in the perfect spot to give your wheels a rest during the 8 hour drive between Calgary and Regina. It’s the perfect spot for a long weekend camping trip or a quick day trip on your way through. Whatever your reason for visiting, it gives you some great views of the rolling hills of Alberta, and the flatlands of Saskatchewan, and makes you appreciate this part of Canada so much more.

Camping in Canada: Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park 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

Fact #1. Camper vans rock.

Fact #2. Buying & Selling vehicles can be a pain.

Fact #3. Saving money by sleeping in a Camper Van is clever.

For those who don’t know, Wicked Camper Vans are one of the many transport options backpackers have to travel across Canada. They’re an affordable way to see Canada the way you want to see it. Plus they have cool paintings on them, which makes losing them in a parking lot difficult. I did a quick online search for how much it would cost me to pick up a van  and was surprised how cheap it was. Some might even say its ‘Cheap Like Borscht’ (find out what Borscht is here, it’s delicious and it  turns your pee pink!)

So using Wicked Campers online booking gizmo, I pretended as if I were planning an awesome 2 week winter vacation in Canada starting December 1st from Vancouver, British Columbia. Knowing there’s already plenty of snow, I’ll likely be hanging around the Mountains, as that’s what people do in B.C during December. So pickup & drop-off will be done in Vancouver.

Traveling by Camper Van can get cold during the winter, so let’s do some more pretending and say a really good looking girl who happens to find me incredibly attractive wants to come with and do some of that ‘heat-sharing’ I hear so much about. Let’s call her Megan…Megan Fox. I’ll need at least a 2-person camper-van as one must have a decent amount of room to make sharing heat a pleasurable experience for both, thankfully they have one in stock. Click.

Click to Zoom

According to the Wicked Camper Booking Gizmo, I can rent a campervan for $50 a day. Insurance will set me back an extra $10 a day. Knowing I’ll get lost at least once, renting a GPS is a good idea. GPS rentals go for $3 a day.  I also know that I won’t be going to the Alaska, Yukon, or Northwest Territories, so I won’t need to pay the extra $550 fixed price. With taxes and a few other small surcharges we’re sitting at $1,027.00. At first glance this might seem like quite a bit, but remember, “campervan” is just another word for “uncomfortable home on wheels“. Accommodations alone can almost cost that ($65 double bed at hostel X 14 days = $910) This could be your ticket to a budget backpacking trip through Canada. Keep in mind, this rental is for “off-season prices”, during Summer they’ll likely go up a tad.

Wicked Camper Van Rentals in Canada 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