In the midst of a record-breaking heatwave, we can firmly say that Summer has arrived! Looking for some travel plans? We’ve got you covered. We asked our team for their top Canadian bucket list experiences. If someone was visiting Canada what should they see, eat, or do? Here are some of our top picks.

Experience

Mermaid Lagoon in Abraham Lake, AB

Looking for a place to cool down from the heat of Summer? Our Business Development Manager, Stacey, recommends cliff jumping at the Mermaid Lagoon, located on the edge of Abraham Lake! Relax on the lake’s edge, or take a daring jump off the cliff while surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and bright turquoise waters. Don’t let the Caribbean-blue water fool you; it’s cold–ice cold. 

Stacey’s Review

“If someone was visiting Canada, I would take them to go cliff jumping at the Mermaid Lagoon at Abraham Lake!  

Tucked away and unrealistically blue – the water at Abraham lake is something to be seen. You must see it with your own eyes because you wouldn’t believe it otherwise! Anytime I show pictures of this spot – the first question is if the pictures are filtered. Mermaid Lagoon at Abraham Lake is breathtaking – the Lagoon is tucked in a small alcove. You are hidden from the wind, and the water is very calm. Perfect cliff jumping spot in Alberta!”

East Coast Trail in Cape Broyle, NL

Explore North America’s most eastern path filled with ocean views, towering cliffs, and incredible wildlife. Our Sales Consultant, Derek, has explored the East Coast Trail many times and recommends it to anyone visiting Newfoundland! The trail is 336 km long with memorable stop points including abandoned settlements, lighthouses, ecological reserves, seabird colonies, whales, icebergs, the world’s southernmost caribou herd, historic sites, a 50-metre suspension bridge, and two active archaeological dig sites! 

East End of Rundle in Canmore, AB

Looking for the perfect rocky mountain photo? Check out the East End of Rundle, recommended by our Interior Design Technologist, Jeannine! This short brisk hike takes you about ⅔ up Mount Rundle. A spectacular view is waiting for you at the end of Ha Ling Peak and the bright blue waters of Whitemans Pond.

Jeannine’s Review

“East End of Rundle was my challenging experience so far but absolutely worth the hike because of its jaw-dropping views the entire way up!”

Visit a Festival in Edmonton, AB

This one’s recommended by our Controller, Dave Ratke! Although you may want to wait until 2022, Edmonton has no shortage of activities and festivals! There’s the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, Folk Fest (pictured above), Deep Freeze, Taste of Edmonton, Heritage Days, K Days, and Craft Beer Festival, just to name a few. There’s always a few going on in the Summer, so make sure to pop by then!

Dave’s Review 

“I’m looking forward to many outdoor theatre/music and outdoor food festivals! Rock Fest and the Folk Fest or the Fringe come to mind for great summer events to enjoy.  And of course Heritage days, taste of Edmonton and Pork Fest to enjoy food, the beer gardens, outside in the summer heat with family & friends.”

Mount Lady MacDonald in Canmore, AB

The toughest climbs make for the best views! Jenna, our Marketing Coordinator, recommends taking a hike up Mount Lady MacDonald located in Canmore, AB! Get your heart racing as you soak in the beautiful mountain views from Lady Mac. Many people hike to the helicopter landing about ¾ of the way up, which offers a great place to sit and enjoy the stunning views. If you still have some energy, head to the top and take a walk along Lady Mac’s skinny ridge! There’s a steep drop on either side, so it’s not for the faint of heart. 

Jenna’s Review

“Lady Mac is one of my favourite hikes in Alberta! Take time to enjoy the beautiful views on the way up, you’ll likely need it to catch your breath. If the weather’s good, I recommend going to the top and taking a walk along the ridge. You feel like you’re on top of the world!”

Food

The Chickenburger in Halifax, NS 

This recommendation is from Sam Shaw, the owner of Allwest! The Chickenburger, aka “The Chick,” is a 50’s inspired diner located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s reputed to be the oldest drive-ins in Canada, using the same iconic chicken recipe since 1940! There’s a reason it’s been a go-to place for over 80 years! So throw on a tune in the jukebox, enjoy the nostalgic setting, and enjoy a delicious meal.

Sam’s Review

“My top restaurant in Canada is Chickenburger, which serves the very best hamburgers and milkshakes. Enjoy the 50s & 60s music and great customer service while you drive in or eat in. Growing up in Halifax, we would go to Chicken late Saturday nights after the dances and hang out in the parking lot, eating burgers, fries, and fries drinking milkshakes. Fond memories!

The Bohemian in Kelowna, BC

The Bohemian is a restaurant based in Kelowna, BC that creates its menu around seasonal produce and locally sourced goods. Leila, HSE Administrator & Executive Assistant, recommends a stop to this family-owned restaurant that offers hand-made meats, bread, and jams, which are used to create one-of-a-kind dishes you can’t find anywhere else! 

Leila’s Review

“My Canadian bucket list item is, and I do this every summer, breakfast at The Bohemian! When we go to Kelowna, we always base our trip on a stop at The Bohemian for breakfast. There is usually a lineup, but if you wait, you’ll understand why. The food is all locally sourced, fresh, and they make everything in-house. So if you order French toast, you can rest assured that bread is fresh homemade bread (my husband’s favourite item on the menu). I, however, love the blueberry pancakes or the Huevos Rancheros!

If anyone chooses to take my advice, don’t forget to invite me!”

St-Viateur Bagel in Montreal, QC

Take a trip to Montreal’s longest-running bagel shop with over 60 years of service! If you’re in Montreal, David, our VP of Sales and Marketing, suggests you start your day with a trip to St-Viateur Bagel. Each bagel is hand-made, hand-rolled, and cooked in a wood-burning oven. They preserve old transitions and recipes to keep their bagels authentic and consistently delicious. 

On a road trip to the Maritimes? David suggests enjoying the fresh-caught lobster of Nova Scotia. An absolute must for any visitor!

There is so much to see and do around Canada! We look forward to exploring more every year. So tell us, what’s on your Canadian Bucket List?