[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

Between May and October 2010, The National Parks Project sent a filmmaker and a few musicians into the wild to try and capture the curiosity of Canadas National Parks. Thirteen parks were selected, and each came out with a soundtrack and a short film. The best musicians from across Canada were hand picked to explore and create music. The entire process, and finished videos and music can be found on the National Parks Project website.

I’ve litterally been back and forth on that website for the last week and then it hit me. I need to share this. People need to see this! I can bet my left one that you’ll leave that website with a “Man, I’ve got to go there” feeling.

Allow me to apologize ahead of time, as you’ll likely end up spending more time on there than you anticipated.

National Parks Project

Need Inspiration to Travel In Canada? Check out the National Parks Project! is a post from: I Backpack Canada

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about this holiday, nor will it likely be the last. I’ve been asked by several people what my plans are for Canada Day. One would expect a guy who writes about Canada to have something grand, immense, and insane planned. “Shotgunning 3 beers into my mouth while riding a giant firework into Parliament while screaming EH Crazy”. While that would be incredibly badass, my plans are a little more humble, but I’d have to say they’re equally as awesome.

Tomorrow morning myself and 11 friends (who are spread out all over Atlantic Canada) are roadtripping to one of Canada’s most unacknowledged National Parks and camping there for several nights. Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia. Nope, not a typo (at least I hope not). Pronounced Keh-Je-Ma-Coo-Jick, or Keji for short. The name Kejimkujik means “Tired Muscles” in Mi’kmaq. So typical facts aside, theres something like 4 rivers that run through here, along with some incredible wildlife, including Moose, Deer, Beaver, Black Bears, and Loons (made famous by the Canadian Loonie).

Cool, camping, standard Canada Day activity right? Wrong! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill “Pull your car into your campsite, unload your tent, build a fire, have a beer” type of campground. We’re going inland. Far. We rented some canoes, and rented an Island Campsite. We’ve got to canoe for a good hour + just to find our little secluded campsite. While the party may not have much for fireworks, nor live music (unless you count some Koombaya around the Campfire), there shall be many drinks being consumed on this little shin-dig.

I’ll be sure to take pictures and try my best to get a signal to throw some photos up on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (if you follow me – username: corbinfraser) In the meantime, I wanted to share with you guys some of my favourite posts I wrote that I think could be helpful if you’re planning a Canada Day getaway.

Canada Day Resources

My old post of Canada Day Celebrations across this great nation!

Going Bungee Jumping In Canada? Give this a read!

Find out the Best Places in Canada to Surf!

Try a new beer this Canada Day! Read 10 Must try Beers from Canada

If you’re camping you’ll want to eat right. Read Top 7 Must Have Foods for Camping

Get your fix of live music, but first read The Ultimate List of Canadian Summer Music Festivals

Follow a fellow Canadian or two – Read 6 Canadian Travel Bloggers You Should Be Following

Listen to this! Great Canada Day Celebration Song!

What are your plans for Canada Day? I’d love to hear from ya.

Happy Canada Day – Lets Get Traditionally Drunk! is a post from: I Backpack Canada

I loved the fact that Halifax & the Canada Games went out of their way to showcase their local Atlantic music talent, including the likes of Joel Plaskett, Sloan, Hey Rosetta!, Matt Mays, Great Big Sea, and CBC Radio 2′s own Buck 65. Some more artists that joined the party included Hawksley Workman, Rawlins Cross, Old Man Luedecke, Radio Radio, and City & Colour.

Despite the freezing cold, and the fact that these shows were held mostly during the week, the support from local Haligonians and the Canada Games participants was quite astounding. I’ve never been to a show that big at the Grand Parade, but it seems to have gone on without a hitch. Keep it up Canada Games! I look forward to seeing you wherever you’re held next year!

2011 Canada Games Rocked Celebration Square is a post from: I Backpack Canada

The roadtrip

30 minutes out of the city

License and registration, please

High fives

You don’t have to live like a refugee

Back in Saskatchewan: Roadtrip to Joe Cocker & Tom Petty is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Photo by nowhere3

NXNE – North by North East

June 14 – 20 – Toronto, ON

http://nxne.com/

North by Northeast, as you may have guessed it, was based on the South by Southwest festival in Texas. NXNE is a yearly festival in Toronto, Ontario that brings five days of live music, film festivals, and conferences to keep that artistic monster you keep trapped inside at bay. The festival is held each year in June and brings about some of the most creative bands, writers, film makers, and people from all over the wrold. NXNE relies heavily on volunteers for their operations to be a success, so if you’re looking for work, or just to make some friends, you might want to look into this. If you’re big into the arts scene, you’d have to be higher than a kite to think about skipping this one.

Note: Virgin Mobile announced they’re sponsoring a free show with Iggy Pop & The Stooges alongside a huge lineup. Click here for the 2010 NXNE Lineup

Photo by Kweezy McG

Pemberton Festival

Unfortunately cancelled this year – Pemberton, BC

The Pemberton Festival is slash was slash might be again a massive three day summer music festival. Unfortunately festival organizers, Live Nation, have cancelled the last 2 years in a row. However With any luck, the Pemberton Festival might play zombie and RISE FROM THE DEAD! The Pemberton music festival is/was/hopefully will be again a primarily rock and indie rock show, with a dash of hip hop to keep the thugs in harmony. Headlining the 2008 show was Coldplay, Tom Petty, Jay-Z, Nine inch Nails, The Hip, Flaming Lips, and about a billion other bands I feel deserve more credit than the headliners, such as Wintersleep, Death Cab for Cutie, Wolfmother, Sam Roberts Band, Vampire Weekend, Metric, Interpol, Grand Ole Party, MSTRKRFT, and many many more. Despite 2010 being a write-off for this summer festival, maybe, JUST MAYBE, 2011 will have better luck.

Photo courtesy of Cavendish Beach Music Festival

Cavendish Beach Music Festival

July 7 – 11 – Cavendish Beach, PEI

http://www.cavendishbeachmusic.com/

Between July 8th and 11, on the small island of P.E.I, semi trailors full of music gear heard towards the small town of Cavendish to put on a massive country festival. Country music’s favourite TayTay aka Taylor Swift will be there on Saturday, July 10th, while guitar slinging Keith Urban will be bustin chops on Thursday, July 8th. Emerson Drive, The Roadhammers, Little Big Town and Collin Raye are also performing this weekend. The whole shindig takes place between July 7th and 11th.

Photo by Troy Fleece

Craven Country Jamboree

July 15 – 18 Craven, SK

http://www.cravencountryjamboree.com/

Craven Country Jamboree… home of fond memories, blurs, and the occasional hangover. This little prairie town in the middle of Qu‘Appelle Valley becomes one of the largest cities in the province during the weekend of July 15 – 18. Craven is always a sell-out show, so prepare for loads of people, some competitive beer darts, and some honkin tonkin country music. Hands down one of country musics biggest Canadian festivals, and by far its funnest. You don’t have to enjoy country music to fall in love with this festival, if you happen to own a cowboy hat, or fancy yourself a borderline alcoholic, you’ll find plenty to do during Saskatchewans largest summer festival.

Note: Buy the taco-in-a-bag at the Grand Stands, it will sexify your tastebuds like no other.

Photo by  coaxeus

Virgin Festival

Multiple Dates – Multiple Locations

http://www.virginfestival.ca/

Virgin Festival is another annual event that typically takes place across Canada. The festival is North Americas take on the UK’s V Festival. They typically aim at bringing in as many big names in pop, rock, and hip hop to center stage in Canada’s largest cities. Strange thing about this one though is I’m not even sure if it’s still going on anymore. I have yet to find a bit of information regarding a 2010 show, so for all I know this one could be done. Then again, many of these so-called “annual” festivals end up taking a year off… *Cough* Pemberton Festival *Cough*. Whatever the case may be with Virgin Festival 2010, if you hear they’re going to be playing in town, be sure to look into it. Last year Toronto’s Virgin Festival had Ben Harper, the Pixies, Franz Ferdinand, Paulo Nutini, Nine inch Nails, The Von Bondies, and a whole bunch more. So keep your eyes and ears peeled.

Photo by Heavymetalmomma

Halifax Rocks

July 24, 25 – Halifax NS

http://www.halifaxrocks.ca/

A newbie but a goodie. Halifax Rocks is coming on it’s second year, and should be a blast. They’ve already announced that The Black Eyed Peas, along with Weezer will be performing this year, as well as a whole bunch of other artists to be announced. This music festival takes place in the Halifax Commons, which to those who’ve never been, is this cool massive park in downtown Halifax. Apparently it’s also the oldest urban park in Canada. This ones definitely one to keep your eye on, if not it, then watch what’s going on in the Commons. For the last few years there’s been a steady stream of concerts and festivals showing here, including Paul Mcartney, The Rolling Stones, KISS, Keith Urban, Sloan, Wintersleep, Joel Plaskett, amongst many more.

Photo courtesy of Evolve Festival

Evolve Festival

July 23, to 25 – Antigonish, NS

http://www.evolvefestival.com/

Evolve festival started off in 2000 as a music and cultural festival, aimed at bringing awareness to sustainable living and current environmental issues. This mega-eco-music-fest takes place in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, just a couple hours drive north of Halifax. Big acts who’ve played here include, K-os, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Xavior Rudd, The Trews, Hey Rosetta!, and many more. Tickets start at $110 for early bird tickets, and what’s a good hippie project without a tree getting planted for every ticket! Woop Woop!

Photo by Doog

Shambhala Music Festival

Augst 6 – 9th – Salmo River Ranch, Kootenay Mountain Range

http://www.shambhalamusicfestival.com/

Photo by dragswolf

Osheaga

July 31 – August 1 – Montreal, Quebec

http://www.osheaga.com/

The Osheaga Music & Arts Festival is a two day festival in the beautiful french metropolitan city of Montreal. It’s held each year on Ile Sainte-Helene in the Parc Jean-Drapeau. Osheaga Festival, and Montreal in general, always seem to be able to bring in some superb acts. 2010 Osheaga takes place between July 31st and August 1, and will feature Arcade Fire, Weezer, Metric, The Black Keys, Pavement, The Nationa, and Gaslight Anthem. Is there a reason not to go? Heck no!

Photo by quack.a.duck

Calgary Stampede

July 9 – 18 – Calgary, AB

http://calgarystampede.com/

The Calgary Stampede is a big one, but a good one. Considered by some as a drinking marathon, the Calgary Stampede runs for 10 days every summer, typically the first or second week of July. The Calgary Stampede is a massive combination of Music Festivals, Parades, Rodeos, and exhibitions of Alberta culture. It is the worlds largest outdoor rodeo and features an internationally recognized competition to boot. If you’ve never done a rodeo, this is where it should be done. Queue the country music, find yourself a cold brew, and be prepared for Chuckwagon Races, Cowboy hats, Yeehaws, and a whole buncha live music. The Calgary stampede attracts over a million visitors to Calgary, and usually has just over 300, 000 in attendence. The Calgary stampede has been going on in one form or another since 1886, so they’ve had well over 100 years to get it right. If you had started to think that the farmlands of Canada have little for culture, arts, and community spirit, chances are the Calgary Stampede will trample those thoughts. Then poo on them. Go cow patties!

Photo courtesy of Dawson City Music Festival

Dawson City Music Festival

July 16 – 18 – Dawson City, YK

http://www.dcmf.com/

Dawson City Music Festival has been bringing tunes way up North since 1979. If you were planing on doing the Yukon, this is a great way to start it all off. With three days of music, many in different venues, you’ll get a good tour of the city, along with hearing some superb Canadian and international acts. This remote part of Canada has an exciting history behind it, plenty to see and twice as much to do. Dawson City Music Festival kicks off on Friday afternoon with a free concert at the Gazebo on Front street, and closes Sunday Eve at Minto Park.

Folk on the Rocks

July 16 – 18 – Yellowknife, NWT

http://www.folkontherocks.com/

Every Summer, on the shores of Frame lake, Folk on the Rocks sets up six stages and puts on one of the biggest festivals in the North West Territories. For three days, festival go-ers are treated with world class music from all over Canada and the world, along with a cultural area, where you can check out the local arts scene. Food-lovers shall rejoice as international and traditional food find their way into the festival. Wash down the music, food, and art with a cold one at the fan favourite Beer Gardens, where you can try some of Canada’s favourite beers. Each year Folk on the Rocks brings roughly 25 artists to put on this massive show. Recent artists who’ve set foot on stage include Buck 65, Sam Roberts, Digawolf, Old Man Luedecke, and many more.

Photo by Quiplash!

Winnipeg Folk Festival

July 7 – 11 – Winnipeg, MB

http://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/

In the early weeks of July, hype around the Winnipeg Folk Festival rises and rises. The tension is instantly blissfully released as the first chords are struck on the festivals stage. Located in Birds Hill Provincial Park, the Winnipeg Folk Fest brings music performances, a folk school, programs for young artists, a food village which specialize in the use of local, organic, and fair trade products. Come evening, thousands of people find their way to the main stage to partake in some world class music, while taking in the prairie heat Manitoba so generously offers each summer. On top of the great music, great food, and great people, the Winnipeg Folk Festival was the first event to be officially certified by the Canadian Environmental Choice Program as an eco friendly festival. To even consider naming some of the artists in this festival would be next near to impossible, as there’s been hundreds of superb artists to have played over the years. There’s plenty of volunteer opportunities around the Winnipeg Folk Fest too, so if you’re looking for a way to see the festival without having to pay for the ticket, theres a good chance your hard work can get you in.

Photo by Kronick_

Ottawa Bluesfest

July 6 – 18 – Ottawa, ON

http://www.ottawabluesfest.ca/

If the upcoming 2010 lineup isn’t enough to bring you to this summer music festival, I don’t know what is. The 2010 lineup includes heavyweights RUSH, Weezer, Keith Urban, Santana, Arcade Fire, The Flaming Lips, The B-52s, Great Big Sea, and a whole slew more. The Ottawa Bluesfest is a 3 day festival with multiple stages, showcasing everything from pop, rock, blues, r&b and just about every other genre in between. They aim at bringing a diverse variety of music to the festival, which in turn brings in people from all walks of life. This massive shindig takes place in downtown Ottawa Ontario, in LeBreton Flats Park. The Ottawa Bluesfest is the largest blues festival in Canada, and second largest in all of North America. If you’re anywhere near Ottawa during the second week of July, you’d be off-your-rocker crazy not to to look into tickets.

Photo courtesy of Hillside Festival

Hillside Festival

July 23 – 25 – Guelph Lake Island, ON

http://www.hillsidefestival.ca/

Another three day, multiple stage event (5 to be exact), that takes place during the summer in the fine city of Guelph, Ontario. The festival takes place near the shores of Guelph Lake, and apparently this festival is one of the reasons why Guelph is in the big list of Top Ten places to live in Canada. Due to the insane amount of success the Hillside Festival has had in recent years, the Festivals committee started a second annual festival, Hillside Inside. However, the REAL meat and potatoes still takes place during late July at the Hillside Festival, so by all means aim for the summer festival, your party bones won’t regret it.

Photo by Earle Macdonald

New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee

July 31 – Aug 2 – New Glasgow, NS

http://www.jubilee.ns.ca/

Find your way to the picturesque scenery of Pictou County, Nova Scotia, in the middle of summer, a festival of massive proportion is constructed, showcasing the talent of East Coast Musicians, Canadian Artists, and International acts. For those who have trouble coughing up $200+ dollars for a weekend festival, cringe not fellow cheap friend, for the Riverfront Jubilee weekend pass’s go for a mere $45! This festival takes place on the East River, and promises to deliver some great music, and great fun, without the huge dent in your bank account. On top of the cheap tickets, somehow the New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee still manage to bring in big names, along with some mega talented up & comers.

The Havelock Country Jamboree

August 19 – 22 – Havelock, ON

http://www.havelockjamboree.com/home.html

The Havelock Country jamboree is another big ol’ fashion ho-down gone extreme. This massive country music jamboree is held annually on the third weekend of August between Thursday and Sunday. Some big names who’ve played include Randy Travis, The Road Hammers, Corb Lund Band, George Canyon, Travis Tritt, Clint Black, Aaron Tippin, and a whole slew of other cowboys. The Havelock Country Jamboree is one of Canada’s largest country music festivals, come rain or shine, sunburndt or muddy, you’ll have a riot here.

Whats your favourite summer festival in Canada? If I’ve missed any crucial or memorable festivals, please be sure to comment!

The Ultimate List of Summer Music festivals in Canada is a post from: I Backpack Canada

For more surfing videos like this check out Surf Donkey

Watch Matt Mays & Sam Roberts get their surf on in Nova Scotia! is a post from: I Backpack Canada

1. Craven Country Jamboree

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

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

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

Photo by Tim Wiest

2. Regina Folk Fest

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

Check out the Regina Folk Fest website for more information.

3. Hot Summer Days at the Lake

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

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

4. Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding in the Prairies

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

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

5. Pond Hockey / Shinny

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

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

6. Saskatchewan Roughriders

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

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

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

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