Canada
Banff
THINGS TO DO
Banff Gondola: This is an absolute must! The views from the top are breathtaking, and photos are unreal. There’s even fire pits! If you book online here in advance you can get 10% off, and now in COVID times, it’s recommended.
Banff Avenue: Restaurants, cafes, desert shops, and an overall places to explore, people watch, and take pictures.
Banff Hot Springs: Relax and soak in a beautiful view of the mountains.
Fairview Mountain: Don’t let the modest 9.2km RT distance fool you — sumitting Fairview Mountain requires a challenging, steep climb at the end. It’s totally worth it! From the top, you can peek over and see Lake Louise.
Grassi Lakes: An easier hike that also has some climbing options.
Johnston Canyon: Beautiful walk to waterfalls and even up to some mud pits. Doable in the winter and summer!
Lake Cruise: Hop on a boat at Lake Mineewanka to take in fresh air, learn some history, and see some amazing views.
Lake Louise: Rent a canoe and head out on the lake to get the Instagram photo you’ve been dreaming about since you’ve booked your flight. Come in the summertime when the ice is melted to catch the turquoise blue color.
Lake Minnewanka: Rent a little motorboat and explore.
Lake Moraine: So calming and beautiful. You can also rent boats for canoeing here. The lodge nearby has souvenirs and snacks. Talk about calming, this lake was of course also scenic and just beautiful.
Tunnel Mountain: Definitely not an easy hike, so make sure you pack water, snacks, and wear appropriate shoes. The views at the top sure are rewarding!
Skiing: The Big3 provide different terrain and runs for all ski levels. Mt. Norquay is more family friendly, Sunshine has something for everyone, and Lake Louise has awesome back bowls and tons of double blacks. Ski season typically runs from December to April!
SUP the Bow River in Banff!
Via Ferrata: For all you thrill seekers out there, climb up cliffs and across suspension bridges, all while clipped into cables and led by a guide, for stunning views over the Banff ski area.
Other Hikes: Download the All Trails app for the best hikes in the area. They’ll be rated by level of difficulty, have reviews you can read, and tell you the length. Johnson Canyon Mt Jimmy Simpson, Mt Jimmy Simpson Junior are all recommended!
PLACES TO EAT
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: You don’t need reservations here, but just know that those who are staying in the hotel get first dibs on seats! If you go for lunch or dinner when it’s still light out, try and grab a window seat for fantastic views of Lake Louise. Their salmon is A+, and we loved getting a hot drink in the winter after walking on the ice.
The Elk and Oarsman: Great places to eat with rooftop views!
Wild Flour Bakery: Grab a breakfast sandwich and a fresh squeezed juice.
Evelyn’s Coffee Bar: Perfect spot to grab a quick sandwich and coffee on the way out. We loved their matcha.
Farm & Fire: phenomenal shareable plates and delicious cocktails. Everything is farm to table and so fresh! The staff was also SO kind.
Hello Sunshine: an Asian karaoke bar (rooms are in the back, so have no fear of tone deaf party goers!) with amazing sushi and the best Mushroom Ragu over crispy rice you’ll EVER have.
Block + Kitchen and Bar: Some of the best speciality cocktails we’ve ever had, and small, shareable asian plates.
The Bison Restaurant: check this place out for local Canadian fare.
For options in Canmore, stop at 514 Poutine for some hipster, warehouse style cheese curd goodness, or Graze for amazing poutine.
PLACES TO DRINK
Banff Ave Brewing for local brews.
Dancing Sasquatch for late nights and dancing.
Rose and Crown: live music and no frills joint. The floor was bouncing when the Blink 182 cover song came on.
Banff Tea Co: Stop in and grab a hot tea to go. They have tons of flavors and usually a tester of the day!
PLACES TO STAY
Camping: If you want to camp, make sure you reserve a spot early online.
On a budget? Banff International Hostel is highly recommended, or try Canmore – it’s not as busy but still close to the park.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: They’ve got exceptional service, beautiful views, and many other luxuries on site.
Mount Royal: center of Banff town and walkable to everything.
TRANSPORTATION
Rent a car: Pick it up in Calgary. It’s definatley the easiest way to get around and get places early to be the crowds.
Calgary
THINGS TO DO
Go to the top of Samis Road for sunset – great view of the city.
Calgary Tower for a nice view. A bit cliche, but Calgary is a good looking city during the day or at night.
Running or biking along the Bow River.
PLACES TO EAT
Village Ice cream: This place is a must. Prepare for long lines if it’s a hot day on the weekend. Enjoy it once, then go back for more.
Anju: Asian fusion with lots of shareable plates and they are all SO good. Good cocktails as well.
Shiki Menya: Get the ramen.
Keg: Great steaks.
Native Tongues: Mexican food in Canada.
Joyce’s on 4th: 19 cent wings on Mondays!
PLACES TO DRINK
Hudson’s on 5th: A super Canadian place to drink.
1410: Massive craft beer selection.
Craft Beer Market: Another huge craft beer selection.
National on 10th Avenue
PLACES TO STAY
Beltline, 17th Ave, Eau Claire, Crescent Heights are all great areas around the city centre.
TRANSPORTATION
There is a bus that takes you straight from the airport to downtown, then the CTrain should get you pretty much anywhere you need to go in that area. The immediate downtown area is fare free on the CTrain!
Uber works, too.
Calgary
THINGS TO DO
Go to the top of Samis Road for sunset – great view of the city.
Calgary Tower for a nice view. A bit cliche, but Calgary is a good looking city during the day or at night.
Running or biking along the Bow River.
PLACES TO EAT
Village Ice cream: This place is a must. Prepare for long lines if it’s a hot day on the weekend. Enjoy it once, then go back for more.
Anju: Asian fusion with lots of shareable plates and they are all SO good. Good cocktails as well.
Shiki Menya: Get the ramen.
Keg: Great steaks.
Native Tongues: Mexican food in Canada.
Joyce’s on 4th: 19 cent wings on Mondays!
PLACES TO DRINK
Hudson’s on 5th: A super Canadian place to drink.
1410: Massive craft beer selection.
Craft Beer Market: Another huge craft beer selection.
National on 10th Avenue
PLACES TO STAY
Beltline, 17th Ave, Eau Claire, Crescent Heights are all great areas around the city centre.
TRANSPORTATION
There is a bus that takes you straight from the airport to downtown, then the CTrain should get you pretty much anywhere you need to go in that area. The immediate downtown area is fare free on the CTrain!
Uber works, too.
Cape Breton
THINGS TO DO
Beaches: Cool off in the North Atlantic Ocean on Black Brook, Port Hood Beach, Inverness Beach, or Ingonish Beach through late June to early September.
Cabot Trail: Considered one of the world’s most scenic destinations because of its stunning ocean vistas, old-growth forests, prehistoric rock scarred by glaciers, and the mysterious Cape Breton Highlands. A visit to the Cabot Trail is a multi-day (3-5 days) experience. Enjoy the culture, music, and countless outdoor activities like local festivals, musical events, and kitchen parties.
Ceilidh: Also known as a square dance, its a traditional Scottish social gathering and popular in the summer time, especially on the West Coast of the island around Mabou and Inverness. You’ll find people of all ages, and it’s a great way for tourists to interact with locals, hear some Scottish tunes, and learn a quick jig.
Celtic Colors: A world-renowned Celtic music festival celebrating the heritage of Cape Breton’s Scottish ancestry and the incredible fall colors of the island.
Golf: Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs are newer courses but are already critically-acclaimed due, in part, to their incredible views of the ocean.
Hiking: MacKinnon’s Brook, Ferny Mountain, and the Skyline Trail.
Sailing: Visit the picturesque town of Baddeck and sail on the Bras d’Or Lake, the largest salt-water lake in the world. Amoeba Sailing Tours offers day tours.
Whale Watching: Easily accessible along the Cabot Trail.
PLACES TO EAT
Cabot Links (Inverness): Enjoy dinner and experience the unforgettable sunset view across the Northumberland Strait.
The Dancing Goat (Maragree Valley): Stop in for a lunch and baked goods.
The Bite House (Baddeck): A twelve seat farm-to-table restaurant. Book in advance.
The Red Shoe Pub (Mabou): Owned by locally famous musicians, the Rankin Family. Typical pub fare with an east-coast twist. Enjoy lobster with a local lager and expect typical Cape Breton tunes in the evenings.
PLACES TO STAY
Cabot Shores (Englishtown): Try out some glamping (glamorous camping!) in Mongolian-style yurts in Englishtown on your way to or from Ingonish.
Cabot Links (Inverness): If you are looking for something on the luxurious side, the Cabot Links has incredible accommodations and villas available with seaside views.
Camping: Pay cheap prices for campsites located around the island that are operated as part of Park’s Canada (tents not included). Best if you want to truly embody the feeling of outdoorsmen.
Halifax
THINGS TO DO
Annapolis Valley Wine Tours: Take a day and road trip to the beautiful Annapolis Valley about an hour’s drive from downtown. Check out the vineyards Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyard and Luckett.
Be sure to talk a walk down Main Street in picturesque Wolfville, home of Acadia University.
Beaches: Enjoy local beaches Crystal Crescent, Queensland, and Martinique Beach in July and August.
Explore the waterfront & downtown: Restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and history can be explored on the Halifax Waterfront and downtown area.
Hiking: Enjoy Nova Scotia shorelines with beautiful hikes that can be explored in Spring, Summer, and Fall. Some local favourites close to downtown include Duncan’s Cove (30 minutes), Crystal Crescent (30 minutes), Long Lake (10 minutes), and Cape Split (2 hours).
Halifax Farmers Market: Check out the Saturday morning Halifax Farmers Market on the waterfront. Shop for delicious grub, baked goods, and local art.
Surf: Lawrencetown is famous for its year-round surf. Easily rent boards and wetsuits or get lessons from local instructors right on the beach.
PLACES TO EAT
Amano: A local favourite for Italian.
Antojo: Get your Mexican food and tequila here.
Bar Kismet: Located on trendy Agricola Street in the North End, this is a great place for intimate cocktails and small plates.
Bicycle Thief: Upscale restaurant on the beautiful Halifax Waterfront. Sit waterside in the summer time or enjoy their ice bar in the winter.
EDNA: Known as Halifax’s best brunch, but their dinner menu is incredible as well.
The Canteen: Cross the MacDonald Bridge to downtown Dartmouth for everyone’s favourite lunch spot. Explore King’s Wharf while you’re at it.
PLACES TO DRINK
Dirty Nelly’s: Located on the busiest bar-street in Halifax, head to Nelly’s for a pint and expect to hear some live music. It may seem like everyone in the place knows each other, but we can guarantee that by the end of the night you will too.
Lot Six: Cocktail bar with the best drinks, cheese boards, and ambiance you’ll find East of Montreal.
The Seahorse/The Local: A Halifax staple and institution located on Gottingen Street in the North End. Depending on the night, you may hear 90s music, R&B, or local bands if you’re lucky.
Montreal
THINGS TO DO
Bota Bota: Spa in a refurbished and repurposed ferry boat, really interesting space.
Boutiques on Rue Laurier Ouest: Diverse shops with clothing and specialty items.
Musee des Beaux Arts: Museum of fine arts, has a beautiful design pavilion.
Parc du Mont-Royal: Hilltop park, great view and outdoor activities (skating, cross-country skis, inner tubes
Parc La Fontaine: Beautiful park, also has ice skating.
Place Jacques Cartier: Touristy, but gorgeous architecture.
Place Royale: Small square next to the Pointe-à-Callière museum. History shows its role as a community center in the 1700s.
Saint Claude Street: Bonsecours Market, worth a visit.
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier/Arts Plaza: Cultural hub, check online for different events and shows.
Walk: Head west on Rue Saint-Urbain toward Rue Saint Viateur Ouest or Rue Bernard Ouest, which are lined with the best vintage boutiques in town.
Walk along Saint Paul Street (Old Montreal): With restaurants, shops and galleries this is a great area to explore. One block is the port.
PLACES TO EAT
Fairmount Bagel Bakery: Wonderful bakery with variety of bagels plus other small bites.
La Banquise: Open 24 hours a day, this is the perfect late night poutine spot after a big night out on the town.
Patric – Patissier: Should be destination dining for anyone who has a sweet tooth, delicious french bakery.
Restaurant Chez Leveque: Quaint bistro offering classic French cuisine with a spacious terrace.
Schwartz’s: A famous canadian deli, it is one of the oldest in Canada. This shop boasts large sandwiches, a variety of smoked meats, and other great snacks.
Dinner
Bouillon Bilk: Modern French cuisine in a chic space.
Chez BOSS & fils: The Tomato and Goat Cheese Salad and Duck Ramen Noodle from the regular menu are unlike anywhere else. Great for sharing and socializing, should be on every visitor’s list.
Hvor: Upscale restaurant with farm-to-table menu.
Le Mousso: A high-end Canadian restaurant with an elaborate tasting menu. Pricey, but worth the experience.
Montreal Plaza: The food is original and perfect for sharing. Plaza’s escargots and other eclectic dishes are something you won’t soon forget.
Restaurants Europea: French plates diverse tasting menus in an interesting urban setting.
Restaurant Wellington: Bring your own wine! A perfect spot for a large group with market-fresh selections
PLACES TO STAY
Hostels
M Montreal: Dorm and private rooms available, vibrant space with many young travelers.
Hotels
Delta Hotel by Marriott Montreal: Pool, gym, spa, restaurant and bar in an ideal location.
Airbnb is a great option especially if you can find a spot near Park La Fontaine. This is a wonderful part of town.
Toronto
THINGS TO DO
Distillery District: Everyone’s favourite Instagram spot. Repurposed warehouses now home to chic restaurants, craft breweries and boutiques. Walk around and enjoy day or night, and at Christmas time the market is a must.
This city is diehard about it’s sporting teams. Having the sole MLB and NBA teams in Canada, people travel from across the country to cheer on the Blue Jays and Raptors. When it comes to NHL hockey, there’s Toronto Maple Leafs, but expect there to be Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadian fans present in the city. The spirit and energy you’ll experience at an NHL game is undeniable
Queen Street West: A popular shopping area with boutiques and chain stores. Restaurants and bars are also a dime a dozen
PLACES TO EAT
Rasa Bar: Located in Little Italy near University of Toronto, a neighborhood with lots of character. Incredible sharing plates and a cozy atmosphere.
Bar Isabel: Amazing cocktails and Spanish-influenced tapas style. Intimate and cozy, located in the gem of a neighborhood that is College/Ossington.
Bar Raval: Owned by the same group as Bar Isabel, Bar Raval is well known for the Gaudi-esque wood panels that make up the interior, and the distinct Barcelona feel.
Pho Tien Thanh: Toronto is known for it’s diverse population, and you’d be missing out if you didn’t try out one of the many local spots that offer Vietnamese Pho. Enjoy some in the Ossington neighborhood at this true hole-in-the-wall. Don’t expect fancy decor but do expect some extremely flavorful broth.
Pai: Thai food located in the heart of King West. Try out the Grabong sweet potato fritters as a sharing plate.
Bang Bang Ice Cream: Amazing ice cream wedged in a home made cookie sandwich. May all your Instagram foodie dreams come true.
Gusto 101: Some have claimed it’s the best pasta you can get in Toronto. $1/ounce wine deals don’t hurt either!
Byblos: High end Middle Eastern Cuisine.
Lee: High end Asian fusion. Named after the owner and chef, Michelin starred Susur Lee. The coleslaw is a must.
Piano Piano: Amazing venue with great eats located in charming Harbord Village.
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen: Fantastic brunch spot.
Vancouver
THINGS TO DO
Capilano Suspension Bridge: Suspension bridge crossing the Capilano River, absolutely worth a visit.
False Creek Community Centre: Rent a kayak and trek around False Creek.
Grouse Mountain: Winter time: outdoor ice-skating, snowboarding, skiing, with a cute lodge at the top. Summer/Spring/Etc: hike up and down (or hike up then ride the cable car down). Check to make sure hike is open when you want to go.
Kitsilano Beach Park: Busy beach with lots of young people (and drinking). Fun spot to hang out on a hot day.
Quarry Rock: Hike here, great overview of northern Vancouver.
Richmond Night Market: Check if you’re here at the right time, it’s only open a few months out of the year. Amazing night market, bustling crowds, all the asian food/desserts you can imagine. Short walk from Bridgeport Station.
Vancouver Art Gallery: Great iconic art gallery in the middle of town. Check online for donation days! Go early because it gets busy.
PLACES TO EAT
Ask For Luigi: Brilliant Italian food, great pastas, anchovies etc.
Ba Le Sandwich Shop: Little Vietnamese shop with awesome authentic desserts and sandwiches.
Dubh Linn Gate: Good brunch and great beers.
Forage: Neat little drink spot to start at before hitting Koreatown.
Fritz European Fry House: Best poutine in Vancouver, hands down. Come here for some great eats after dancing/drinking the night away on Davie Street.
Guu Garden: Amazing Guu spot. Japanese food, fresh seafood, and neat take on drinks.
Honey’s Doughnuts: Great spot to get donuts after a hike up Quarry Rock.
Norboo Korean Restaurant: Stellar Korean food in general, get their bulgogi or bimbimbaps.
Purebread: Coffee shop + bakery.
The Templeton: Cute diner with a jukebox that does a great brunch! Go early to get a booth or put your name on the list.
PLACES TO DRINK
CRAFT: A fantastic beer place right next to Tap and Barrel. Great food, tuna tacos, beers, etc.
Granville Island Brewing: Vancouver’s most famous brewery, go early and sign up to see how they make the beer and experience tastings!
Guilt & Co: Cool bar, live music, chill ambiance, and great cucumber cocktail.
LOCAL Public Eatery: One of the best patios in Vancouver. Go early because it does get ridiculously busy, but a great place to hang on a hot day.
Juniper: Gin bar, countless creative concoctions.
Salt Tasting Room: Wine tasting and pairings with meats, cheeses, olives, etc.
Storm Crow Tavern: SO MANY BOARD GAMES and SHOTS and DRINKS and bar food. They do a fun thing with a 20 sided dice, where you roll and get a surprise shot – super fun place.
Steel Toad Brewing Co. Ltd.: Awesome beers on tap, love their Yorkshire beers. Unique flights and food too!
The Diamond: Specialty cocktails, highly recommend their regular Old Fashioned or Paper Plane.
Tap & Barrel: Bar with an outdoor deck that overlooks Olympic Village, mountains etc. Delectable beers and burgers.
The Yale Saloon: If you want to see what a country bar in Canada is like… this is your spot. Yes, they have an electric bull.
PLACES TO STAY
HI Vancouver Central: Right in the middle of Granville Street’s pub and club district, one of Vancouver newest hostels.
St. Clair Hotel-Hostel: Easy access to restaurants and hotels, quiet corner of Vancouver.
