My Intro Video!

It’s pretty rare that I’ll ever jump in front of the camera, but I’m so excited for this opportunity to work with the CTC, and was encouraged by their social media team to just be myself and tell the world what I’ll be doing. Unfortunately for the internet, being myself includes being a bit of a scatterbrain with a extra dash of quirky and weird. Shortly after posting this video to youtube, one commenter informed me that I look a lot like Wil Wheaton. Personally I don’t see it, but there’s worse people to look alike. Who knows, maybe it’ll open up a few extra doors when I get to the Toronto International Film Festival. Ha!

What’s the Game Plan?

It’s going to be a busy week! I’ll be traveling with 4 other bloggers / online writers, exploring Toronto & Montreal. We’ll be landing in Toronto first to catch one of Canada’s most exciting events, the Toronto International Film Festival. After bumping shoulders with some of the worlds greatest filmmakers, we’ll be jumping on VIA Rail and heading to Montreal to catch POP Montreal, one of Quebec’s most popular fall events. POP Montreal includes symposium discussions, art exhibits, fashion shows, movie screenings, countless performances, and of course, a few all-night parties.

I’m crazy excited to take part in this huge travel blogger tour, and hope you’ll follow along. If you’ve ever been to TIFF or POP Montreal, I’d love to hear what I should expect? Any tips? Suggestions? Send me out a tweet @ibackpackcanada or follow my updates on Facebook or Instagram! Also be sure to check out the Keep Exploring Tumblr page, which will be syndicating the whole project!

Cross-Canada Blogger Tour: Counting down to TIFF & POP Montreal! is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Introducing 35 Million Directors!

35 Million Directors is the new online campaign by The Canadian Tourism Commission. They plan on creating the ultimate video to inspire people from all over the world to visit Canada. They’ll be using the best footage that gets uploaded to 35 Million Directors and making an inspirational “Visit Canada Because It’s Awesome!” type of video that will be shared across the world. By submitting your own video or photography you’ll be entered to win some incredible prizes, including video gear, and a dream trip for you and a friend (valued at $10,000!). If your footage gets used in their video they’re also handing over $500 per clip!

If that doesn’t make you want to get out there & start recording I don’t know what will! Best of luck!

Capture Your Canada & Win Big with 35 Million Directors is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Lower Berths

Traveling for days on end can lead to exhaustion. While the economy seats on VIA Rail are massive, with enough leg room that would make a 6’8 basketball player smile, spending a little extra money on a 40+ hour train ride can make all the difference. Stretching out in a freshly made bed, and sprawling in your newfound privacy is something everyone can appreciate. Having your own bench seat during the day (or bed should you choose to leave it down), where you can properly lay back, read, and relax not only helps pass the time, but better lets you enjoy the sights from your window. Sleeping through the night in a comfy bed and waking up well rested and that much closer to your destination is easily worth the price bump.

The showers

Showering while traveling is important. No more so than when you’re in a train with 28 cars traveling for 2 days straight. While Economy tickets don’t have access to shower, all Sleeping Cars come with them. To wake up refreshed from a full nights sleep and to have access to a clean and hot shower is one of the best ways to start a morning.

Time to Work

While Wifi is typically limited to the Corridor (between Windsor & Montreal), if you are able to continue to work disconnected from the rest of the world, you’ll have plenty of time to do so. During my countless hours on the train I was able to organize and edit all of my photos, consistently write new blog posts, and edited three videos.

The Dining Car Food

VIA Rail’s incredible selection of fully cooked and prepared meals makes the thought of airline food sound like the gruesome meals that were likely prepared in the middle ages. You won’t hear a single moan coming from the dining car as VIA Rail’s helpful staff serve everything from smoked salmon to veal, with your choice of beer, wine, juice, or coffee.

The Lack of Anxiety

While I wouldn’t consider myself a very nervous flyer, there have been times where I couldn’t help but start thinking about the fact that 36,000 feet is a long way down. The closest thing to uncomfortable turbulence you’ll find on VIA Rail is the occasional bumpy line of track, which means nothing more than a gentle rock left to right. No sudden drops, no feeling your stomach in your throat, just a smooth & gentle ride.

The Space & Comfort

While I can’t stress how awesome an upgrade on VIA Rail is, even in Economy seats, the amount of room given is on average MUCH more than you’ll find on most airlines. Combined with the ease of getting out of your seat to wander to the Snack Car, the Lounge Car, the Obvservation Car, or just walking to get your blood circulating, having that ease of moving around simply can’t be beat.

Less Hassle

My biggest pet peeve with flying is being stuck behind a giant line at airport security, anxiously waiting to get through in fear that I might not make it to my gate on time. Security on airlines isn’t just strict, it’s border-line de-humanizing. While VIA Rail has it in their right to check your luggage, their security is far more realistic for the average traveler. You show up, check your luggage, grab your ticket, board, and go. Removing the scans, the pat downs, the 20 questions of “Where are you going?“, “What do you do?“, really speeds things up and makes for a much more enjoyable experience boarding the train. I traveled between Montreal & Toronto with Riley of Riles For Miles, and she couldn’t stop saying “That was so easy!” after boarding the train.

The Sights

VIA Rail trains will never win a race with airlines, but that’s not what train travel is all about. The slower pace of train travel on VIA Rail allows you to truly take in the size and scenery of Canada. You’ll be hard pressed to see moose, bear, deer, and a variety of Canadian birds from 36,000 feet up. Traveling  by train, this becomes a daily occurrence! A seat atop the Observation car during the day (or night – with the lights off) offers an astounding view of the scenic landscapes Canada is so famous for.

The Sounds

Many people don’t know this, but VIA Rail offers free train rides to musicians for performing two 45 minute sets per day on the train for passengers. While this is a great way for musicians to get around the country and tour for cheap, it also gives passengers a unique experience. There’s nothing like watching as the rugged Canadian landscape goes by outside the Lounge Car and some of Canada’s most talented artists serenade guests from all over the world.

I was fortunate enough to catch The Bombadils performing on VIA Rails “The Ocean”, between Halifax & Montreal. I also caught Morgan MacDonald perform on “The Canadian”, between Toronto & Winnipeg. Discovering new artists performing on VIA Rail might have been one of my favourite parts of the entire journey.

The Social Side of Travel

When I fly I am a grumpy human being. I don’t want to talk to the person next to me. I typically want to scold parents for bringing children on the flight, and I am generally just not somebody anyone would ever want to talk to. Perhaps it’s the discomfort, the nerves, the terrible food, the state of fear the media has us all worked up in. But the last thing I want to do is talk to anybody I don’t know while I travel on a plane.

The opposite couldn’t be more true on train travel. There is nothing more common on trains than seeing people who didn’t know each other as they boarded the train disembark as newfound friends. Partaking in conversation with both young and old, about their jobs, their past travels, their future aspirations, and their general interest in how you ended up on this same train. During my journeys on board VIA Rail, I became a conversationalist. A suave, interesting guy who wanted to speak to anyone who would listen. I couldn’t have been more of the opposite to that grumpy human being I am when flying.

The Staff

Airline staff can often times feel a bit robotic. Any conversing with staff can lead you with somebody (passenger or staff) glaring at you as if you’re putting the entire world in jeopardy. Staff on VIA Rail behave differently. They are relaxed, happy, comfortable, rested, and it all shows. From the way they’re happy to assist you, to the fact that they’ll spare an extra five minutes from their busy schedule to converse with a passenger about anything from beer preferences, to destination tips. Did I mention they’re hilarious as well?

The Wildlife

The beauty of traveling slow is that you have time to look. Time to take in what you’re seeing, where you are, and who you’re with. In my opinion, one of the best parts of traveling with VIA Rail is the amount of wildlife you’re sure to see. Between bears, moose, elk, and even mountain goats, it’s hard to spend a day on the train and not see something out of the window. What I love is that the staff aboard VIA Rail take time out of their day to announce if there’s wildlife coming up. I scored this great photo of a mother and young mountain goat, a couple dozen kilometers outside of Jasper.

The Cost

Trains are usually on par with your average budget flight, and at times even less expensive. Train travel isn’t as pricey as many people make it out to be. One has to remember that most legs of train travel are over an entire day and night, saving you a night of accommodation and giving you a comfy ride and a whole new experience.

Don’t believe me? I took a look at a one way Economy Fair on VIA Rail for September 8th from Toronto to Saskatoon. The adult pass came up at $273.46 ($242 fare + $41.46 tax). I took a same look at Air Canada for a flight on September 8th from Toronto to Saskatoon. The adult pass came up at $420 ($278 fare + $148 in tax). Making VIA Rail the cheaper choice by $146.54! Add on top of that the fact that you’re saving 2 nights of accommodation by sleeping on VIA Rail and you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.

Photo Courtesy of VIARail.com

As you have probably figured out, I am a convert! Train travel is the bee’s knees, wearing cat’s pyjamas. It’s for those people who aren’t in a rush, who have learned that in life, it’s not only good, but essential to stop and smell the flowers. Canada was built by the railroads, and I think one of the greatest ways to honour this fact is for every Canadian, and every visitor, to see this magnificent country from coast to coast with VIA Rail.

Special thanks to the folks at VIA Rail for having me aboard their train and giving me access to shoot photos & video. 

13 Reasons to Ditch Airlines for VIA Rail is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Red

Quebec City, home to some of Canada’s best food, most beautiful arts, and quirky things found throughout the city. This photo features these giant red flower pots which reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. The two people walking past are an Australian lady and a local Quebecois woman who was touring the Aussie and I around Old Quebec. Having them in the photo really helped provide a sense of scale for these massive red pots. It was taken on the fly so it’s definitely not the BEST photo, but I thought it was unique and needed to be shot.

Green

This photo was taken on a small hiking trail on Grand Manan Island, a little island off the coast of New Brunswick. Walking through these trails on this beautiful maritimes island, you are completely enveloped in shades of green. This one particular spot I thought the sun was shining through perfectly, and the moss combined with the decaying trees made for a great subject.

Blue

Taken last week in Toronto, the sharp lines and curves in this photo give it a strange perspective, and really showcase the beauty of the architecture in Toronto. I suspect people living in Toronto sometimes forget to look up, but anytime I’m in the city I’m always blown away by the beauty in these man made mountains.

Yellow

The Sour Toe Cocktail of Dawson City Yukon; while hardly yellow, is traditionally kept in a jar of preservatives. However, when somebody signs up to join the Sour Toe CockTail club, the toe along with its salt are piled on top of a yellow certificate which does very little to make you want to put this severed human toe into your glass of whiskey. I joined the Sour Toe Cocktail Club a couple months back, surprisingly not as gross as you’d think. The trick is to not think about it. Ever.

White

During my recent trip to Churchill, Manitoba, I managed to score a seat on the infamous Tundra Buggy’s. These Tundra Buggy’s are really more like a bear proof rovers that keep visitors high off the ground in these monster bus’s, away from the hungry mouths of polar bears. I was given the opportunity to walk around the tundra and explore, unfortunately I got a bit too close to some baby Herring Gull’s, and Mom decided to get in defence mode. She chased me around for a while, and while I thought it was funny, she was clearly angry. I managed to snap a photo of her just as she swooped over me. It’s rare to see something so white so angry, which is why I chose this photo!

Now that my submissions are out in the wild I’m meant to nominate some other bloggers. Unfortunately all of the bloggers I know / read have been nominated already, so rather than wasting nominations I’m just hoping some other bloggers want to join. If so just leave a comment and I’ll make it official by updating this post with a link to your blog!

My Very Canadian Entry For Capture The Colour Contest is a post from: I Backpack Canada

[testimonial url="http://hikebiketravel.com" company="Hike Bike Travel" author="Leigh McAdam"]Kayaking on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park. Photo of a fellow camper – quintessential Canada – a canoe, a National Park, a maple leaf on the canoe and a fishing rod.[/testimonial]

[testimonial url="http://www.candicedoestheworld.com/" company="Candice Does the World" author="Candice Walsh"]How to spend Canada Day in Prague: Walk around aimlessly, and then wander into a ridiculous bar named Kavarna Mlynska where an eccentric local artist named David Cerny created the bar-top display, complete with plastic vagina and fingers from the morgue. After getting sufficiently liquored, break out the Canada flags and the flashy headgear, and rent a paddle-boat on the Vltava. When you get harassed by Brits on a stag party, flee to the nearest beer garden and make friends with other Canadians. Sing the Canadian anthem on the riverfront.[/testimonial]

[testimonial url="http://havebabywilltravel.com/" company="Have Baby Will Travel" author="Corinne McDermott"]Growing up in Toronto watching Buffalo TV, you become kind of enamoured with all things US – Cellino & Barnes Attorneys At Law, Carvel’s Cookie Puss and Fudgie The Whale, Tops Friendly Markets (“Tops Never Stops. Saving You More”) – and one standout for me was Darien Lake, NY - “Darien Lake Fun Countreeeeee!” It’s one of those places that I’ve alwayswanted to visit, and now that I’m a grown up, I can! So we spent Canada Day at an American resort and theme park, which isn’t exactly very patriotic, BUT… I dressed the kids in red, we said “Please” and “Thank You” and “Sorry” (that’s “sore-y” not “saw-ry”) and had a wonderful time. We went on rides, we ate junk food, we watched a fireworks and laser show with a Canadian tribute (almost 60% of Darien Lake’s visitors are Canucks), and we realized how lucky we are to be able to live in Canada, yet enjoy everything the USA has to offer whenever we like. Although I still have not eaten a Cookie Puss…[/testimonial]

[testimonial url="http://www.gonewiththefamily.com/" company="Gone with the Family" author="Lisa Goodmurphy"]Our family (minus one daughter who flew to Scotland the night before) drove to Stratford for the Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s 1st Annual Canada Day Family Weekend. We watched a hilarious performance of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown followed by a family party with face painting, costumes, photos with cast members and pizza. After the party we walked along the river to feed the ducks and swans which 8 year old Emma always insists on doing. It was a low key celebration but it suited our mood this year.

It’s our commitment to creating a cultural mosaic and our acceptance of diversity that has always made me proud to be a Canadian and even when it comes to our nation’s birthday we celebrate in our own unique way. Whether it’s at a loud and raucous party or a simple family picnic, by attending an explosive fireworks display or quietly contemplating what it means to be Canadian, on July 1st we all honour the amazing country that we call home.[/testimonial]

[testimonial url="http://www.thetravellingmom.ca/" company="The Travelling Mom" author="Claudia M. Laroye"]We celebrate Canada Day in the same way every year; in the great outdoors, celebrating the great natural beauty of Canada and its provincial parks. Our family loves camping, and every Canada Day long weekend, we visit Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park on the east side of Vancouver Island.

This spectacular park encapsulates everything we love about our province and country; the ocean; its beaches, forests and trees; natural wildlife like deer, seals, owls, eagles and shorebirds; campfire rituals like making smores; and drinking coffee (with a touch of Baileys) on the beach at sunrise. Above all, we are grateful for the opportunity to spend time together as a family, appreciating our natural surroundings, and counting our blessings to be living in such a wonderful, beautiful country. [/testimonial]

[testimonial url="http://breathedreamgo.com/" company="Breathe Dream Go" author="Mariellen Ward"]As it turns out, Canada Day was very significant for me! I spent the day with my two-year-old niece, playing in my backyard in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood of Toronto. We played in a kiddie pool, ran through the sprinkler, ate watermelon and then walked to the store for frozen yogurt. We had a wonderful time, and the best part was that it was my first real play date with her; the first time I was alone with her for an entire afternoon. It was a beautiful, hot sunny day and we did a whole bunch of classic Canadian summer stuff. I renamed Canada Day “Penny Day” just for the afternoon … I don’t think Canada will mind, do you? [/testimonial]

[testimonial url="http://nearafar.com/" company="Near Afar" author="Natalie Taylor"]I was paddle boating with Candice Walsh on the Vlatva River in Prague complete with beer and sparkling wine, we did indeed get our boat hijacked by Brits from Chester. Not only did they rope their boat to ours so we literally couldn’t paddle away from them, they compared me to Pamela Anderson (and this is a compliment?). We later saw some geniuses at the beer garden by the river later on waving our Canadian flag only to realize the flags were ours. This beckoned other Canadians to our table to which we were able to complete my Prague Canada Day checklist item of singing the National Anthem with the Prague Castle in the background. We ended it by waving our flags on the Charles Bridge and watching a very uneventful Euro Cup final match in a bar to escape the rain. I wouldn’t have it any other way (minus the Brits and getting caught in the rain) [/testimonial]

What did you get up to on Canada Day? Post in the comments below!

2012 Canada Day According to Canadian Travel Bloggers is a post from: I Backpack Canada

While walking through the streets to Parliament Hill wasn’t exactly what I’d call fast, it was always fun. Whether it was the young adult shot gunning a beer in front of a family with 3 kids, only to have the Dad high five the young fellow for his expert drinking speed, or watching people who aren’t so good in crowds panic and find the nearest corner to breathe. Seeing these little moments pushing through crowd made the journey much more enjoyable.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Eager people visited many of Ottawa’s beautiful sights, including the popular National War Memorial, located near the corner of Elgin and Sparks. It’s hard not to stop and watch as eager Canadians & visitors stand with the guards for photographs. As the day progressed, miniature Canadian flags (which are handed out for free throughout the city) begin to be piled all over “The tomb of the Unknown Soldier“. I learn that this is a tradition in Ottawa, that’s done each year during Canada Day and Remembrance Day.

Party on Parliament Hill

Arriving at Parliament Hill, the stage is lit, children sit on the shoulders of their fathers, and people young and old climb, stretch, and squirm their way into the best view they can possibly get for the show that’s about to start. The excitement in the crowd rises with each minute. “God Save The Queen” follows into “Oh, Canada”, and as the Snowbirds fly over the top of Parliament Hill a loud roar explodes throughout downtown Ottawa.

A Giant Parks Canada Beaver

After watching some award winning performances, including that of one of my favourite female artists “Feist”, along with a quick speech by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the noon hour shenanigans on Parliament Hill dissipated, and the party spread to the streets and several of Ottawas finest parks. I made a quick walk to the Rideau Canal, and watched as boaters climbed the historic Ottawa locks. Parks Canada was out in full force educating children and adults about the incredible parks in their own backyard. There was also a giant blow-up Beaver, which could make even the most grumpy of Gus’s smile.

A Wall of Red & White

As my mid-day hunger kicked in, it became clear to me that food was the only thing that would keep me going. I set my sights on Major’s Hill Park, where the Chicken Farmers of Canada were serving what they did best. Chicken! As I slithered my way through the crowds, I hit a human road block. It would appear the entire city of Ottawa was playing a giant game of “Red Rover” with me, preventing me from eating. Hungry Corbin is not a pleasant person to be around; so I Hulked out, and in my most Canadian way, “Sorry’d” my way past roughly a thousand people.

Chicken, Chalk, and VIA Rail

I arrived at Major’s Hill Park and watched as the worlds happiest children climbed aboard a miniature VIA Rail train that was cruising around the park. Chalk artists and chalk amateurs coloured the pavement with flags, words, animals, and whatever else their imaginations could come up with. I promptly found myself a $4.00 chicken sandwich and sat back people watching and resting my legs for what was sure to be a busy evening.

Ottawa Jazz’s Up Canada Day

After resting up, I made my way to Confederation Park, where the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival was taking place. July 1st was their free day, and the park was a superb reprieve from the business of Canada Day. A beer gardens in one corner, wide open spaces perfect to lounge on the grass, and some incredible musicians from around the world performed to a happy crowd. I sat back in a chair in the beer gardens, consuming my first beer of the day. Beau’s Lug-Tread Lager, a beautiful local Ottawa beer that couldn’t have tasted better on what might have been one of the hottest Canada Day’s I’d ever experienced.

It was approaching 7:00pm and my energy was fading fast. Between the heat, the long walks, the heavy backpack filled with camera gear, and the heavy crowds, I made a decision. Cold shower! I wandered back to the historic Lord Elgin Hotel where I was staying for the night, and jumped into my incredibly awesome shower. I was in and out, feeling like $100, and ready get back at it. I worked my way back to Parliament Hill and just caught the start of the 7:30pm show.

Live Music & High Fives

After watching Simple Plan do their thing on stage, and watching as the talented Roch Voisine woo’d crowds, the sun was setting fast. The fireworks were going to go off in just over an hour, and judging by the speed I moved through the crowds earlier in the day, I suspected I should leave early. After a 45 minute walk, high fiving the worlds happiest Canadians, I made it back to Major’s Hill Park to watch the fireworks.

Fireworks over the Ottawa River

I set up my tripod, my camera, my remote switch, I had the view framed perfectly for an interesting photo with the parliament with fireworks in the background. I waited patiently, excited for the results. The perfomers in Major’s Hill Park stopped playing. The lights went out. People spread out on the grass, tilting their heads skywards. Then suddenly, an explosion of light and sound. I watched the first one go off, and realized then that I am a big dummy. Turns out I was way off, and I had somehow boxed myself behind a wall. There was going to be no photos of this spectactle.

I quickly grabbed my camera from the tripod, switched into video mode and hit the record button – I figured worst case scenario, I could grab a frame from the movie. The young couple standing next to me laughed, as did I. We were all shaking our head in disapointment, as we had all arrived early to score the best spot, only to be stuck behind a wall. “Nothing a little laughter and beer can’t fix” – said someone standing behind me. “So true“, I replied. I followed the fireworks for the next fifteen minutes with my camera, grabbing each moment of excitement, laughing at myself the whole time.

As the final explosion went off, a thunderous roar could be heard from Parliament Hill and across the river. The sound of thousands of people screaming for a short 30 seconds was almost deafening. As the bands started up again they played as the massive crowd that had gathered in the park slowly drifted downtown to partake in as much drinking as humanly possible. My beard must be turning grey, because I was beat and didn’t have the energy to party for another 3 hours. A couple patio pints of Beau’s and Kichesippi beer and I was beat. Is this what being an adult feels like? As I finished my beer and wandered back to my room at the Lord Elgin Hotel I couldn’t help but think “I honestly am happier with a few patio beers & an easy wake-up than ridiculously loud club music & all night whiskey & tequila shots. Hello adulthood! You’re pretty okay. And Canada, you’re beyond awesome!”

Ottawa Celebrates Canada’s 145th Birthday [Photo Essay] is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Muskoka, Ontario boasts over 1,600 lakes, and some of Canada’s best camping. With views like this, it’s hard not to drop what you’re doing and go for it.

For more timelapses and crazy neat videos check out MILapse on Vimeo and Youtube.

Sunday Canadian Travel Video: Muskoka Ontario Timelapse is a post from: I Backpack Canada

All that is about to change though! With the recent purchase of my Canon 60d (which by the way, shoots beautiful video!), I was finally able to start filming again! You still might not catch me in a ton of video, and while part of that is because I’m still a bit shy, I also think I can let the destination speak for itself. My game plan is to do up a little video for each city I visit over the summer.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

My first finished travel video is on one of my favourite cities in Canada, and a place I was calling home for the last few years. The beautiful east coast metropolitan city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Spring litterally sprung last week, and I took the opportunity to spend my long weekend filming out and about in downtown Halifax. I feel like I managed to do it justice, and even managed to include some of my favourite restaurantes in town. I wanted to play up the “artsy” side of travel, and really showcase the people and the general demeanor of life in Halifax. I think using some of these “vintage” techniques adds a bit of personality to the shots and kind of forces you to admire the subtle details of Halifax.

Cross Canada Video Tour: Halifax is a post from: I Backpack Canada