Whether you are a local or a tourist, these holiday markets are a great way to support local businesses and neighbourhood creative artisans. But, with so many different options, it can be tricky to know which markets are worth visiting. So I’ve put together this helpful list of the best Toronto Holiday Markets you won’t want to miss during this beautiful time of year!

Toronto Holiday Markets

1. The Distillery Winter Village
2. One-of-a-Kind Winter Show
3. Swedish Christmas Fair
4. Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market
5. Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market
6. Toronto Artisan Market
7. Holiday Fair at Nathan Phillips Square
8. Stackt Holiday Hills
9. Evergreen's Winter Market

The Distillery Winter Village

When you visit the Distillery District during the holidays, you will feel like you are in a winter wonderland! The Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most charming spots. Built in 1832, the old Gooderham and Worts Distillery has been preserved to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The cobblestone streets and restored Victorian Industrial buildings have been transformed into a pedestrian-only neighbourhood with amazing restaurants, cozy bars and unique boutiques. 

And there is no better time to visit the Distillery District than at Christmastime! The entire neighbourhood is converted in November into the Distillery Winter Village. The streets are transformed with millions of twinkle lights and bright Christmas baubles. Wooden market stalls pop up to mirror those traditional European Christmas Markets. It’s a great spot to do some holiday shopping! The market hosts over 65+ unique and local shops, artisans, restaurants and cafés. So whatever you’re looking for, you most likely will be able to find it here!

Hours & Admission

The market opens on November 17th, and the event’s last day is December 31st.

Tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4:00 PM and December 27-31 after 4:00 PM. At all other times, access is free of charge and tickets are not required. Your ticket time window indicates what time you can enter the distillery. But there is no limit to your visit duration. 

The market is always packed on the weekend after 4 PM, hence the requirement for ticketing so they can control crowd levels. If you can go during the week, this will be your best chance to visit when it’s less busy. I always advise going during the week if you can.

Tickets are $11 + HST each. Kids 9 and under are FREE of charge.

Address: 55 Mill St, Toronto

One-of-a-Kind Winter Show

The One-of-a-Kind Show is an arts & crafts fair held a few times a year in the huge Enercare Centre within Exhibition Place. Every year at Christmas time, over 600 artists from across the country gather to sell their handmade goods. This is often my favourite spot to shop for Christmas presents and unique seasonal decor. The stuff you find here, you won’t find anywhere else! It’s nice to have such one-of-a-kind pieces of festive decor that your friends and family will be in awe of this Christmas.

With over 600+ vendors, you can wander the floor for hours. Just admiring all the incredible things people can create! Sometimes it feels more like going to an art gallery than a craft show! But here, you can actually afford most of the art you see on the walls! 

Hours & Admission

November 24 – December 4 | Weekdays & Saturdays: 10am to 9pm | Sunday: 10am to 6pm
Late Night Hours: December 1, 10 AM-11 PM

Tickets: $23 Adults | $17 Seniors | $17 Youth 5-17

Address: 100 Princes’ Blvd #1, Toronto

Swedish Christmas Fair

The Swedish Christmas Fair was always one of my favourite events in Toronto! I sorely missed it when it was closed in 2020 and 2021. But I rejoiced when I heard it would be back in 2022! The Swedish Christmas Market is hosted by SWEA Toronto. This adorable marketplace features Swedish designs, products and folk art that will surely add some Scandinavian flair to your holiday decor. I fondly remember my trip to Stockholm at Christmas and all the wonderful Christmas markets. But being back at the Swedish Chrismas Fair in Toronto feels like being right back there, without ever having to get on a plane.

Be sure to stop by the cafe to get a hot plate of meatballs and lingonberry jam. There are also many events throughout the day, like a St. Lucia procession, Swedish Folk Dancers and Swedish Christmas Singers. It’s a great event to learn more about Swedish Christmas traditions. But my favourite part? The traditional Glögg, which is Swedish mulled wine. This beverage is the perfect drink to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. M

Hours & Admission

November 19 – 20, 2022 | 11 am – 4 pm | FREE Admission
Address: 585 Dundas St E, Toronto

Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market

Most people who visit Toronto rarely experience the east end of the city. The downtown core definitely hogs all the attention. But in my opinion (and I suppose I’m biased since I live here), this is a sorely overlooked part of town. The east end is full of charming architecture, a laid-back atmosphere and fantastic shopping and restaurants. But to find all that east-end energy in one place, you should head to the Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market. The market is held every weekend in December. It features 30-40 local artisans and east-end businesses selling all the best Christmas goodies! Plus all sorts of handmade items, perfect for your Christmas gift list. In addition to the shopping, there is also a hot chocolate bar, a chance to meet Santa, ornament-making workshops and a children’s craft corner! Something for everyone

Hours & Admission

Address: 911 Queen St East, Leslieville
Dec 3-4 | Dec 10-11 | Dec 17-18 | FREE admission

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Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option for your Christmas Shopping, you should check out the Annual Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market. Over 65 local vendors come here to showcase their planet-friendly and botanically-themed festive products. If you love nature-based decor, this is the place to go. Everything from handmade real Christmas wreaths, seasonal plants, and vibrant poinsettias. There are even rare flower bulbs to give as gifts, great for planting in the spring! There are also Holiday Decor Demonstrations where you can learn how to make gorgeous floral arrangements! Something that will impress all your friends and family when they see it on the walls. And don’t forget to grab a fresh hot drink or light bite over in the charming Bloom Cafe!

Hours & Admission

Friday, November 25, 2 to 8 pm | Saturday, November 26, 10 am to 4 pm | Sunday, November 27, 10 am to 4 pm.
If you buy your tickets in advance, they are $10 per person. Tickets cost $15 at the door, so it’s best to buy them in advance to save some coins!
Address: 777 Lawrence Ave E, North York

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Toronto Artisan Market

The Toronto Artisan Market is a non-profit organization ​that supports and benefits local artisans and the neighbouring community. Every year, the organization hosts a holiday market at the Twist Gallery on Queen Street West. Everything from holiday gifts to original art, handmade jewelry, skincare, ceramics, home goods and more can be found here. One of the best places in the city to shop for the most uniquely creative gift options! Even if you have no idea what to get someone for Christmas, this is the place to get inspired. You’ll be amazed at what you find and how happy you will be to discover the perfect something for that special someone you didn’t even know they needed!

Hours & Admission

Saturday November 19th – Sunday November 20th | 11 am to 5 pm
Free Admission + Pet Friendly
Address: 1100 Queen St W, Toronto

Holiday Fair at Nathan Phillips Square

Every year, Nathan Phillips Square is a hub of Christmas activities and transforms into a magical winter wonderland. It is one of my favourite places to come at the start of the season to get into the Christmas spirit. And this year, their holiday fair has returned once more! This fantastic market is entirely free and open almost every day of the week! In addition to the fantastic vendors, there is a mesmerizing winter carnival with an old-fashioned carousel, carnival games and more! It is the perfect place for the kids to get that memorable meet-and-greet with Santa! And for the adults, there is the Polar Point bar. This holiday cocktail bar features seasonal favourites like mulled wine, hot apple cider, seasonal beer, liquor, and wine.

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The brilliance of this market is the number of food trucks there selling delicious treats for you to enjoy! Potato Twists, Korean fried cheese, hot dumplings and Tiny Tom’s Donuts are just some Toronto street food classics you can get here at the market. Exhibiting the creative flair and cultural diversity of our city is of the utmost importance at the Holiday Fair at Nathan Phillips Square.

Hours & Admission

December 2nd to December 23rd (Closed Mondays)
Tuesday to Thursday – 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Friday to Saturday – 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Sunday – 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto

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Stackt Holiday Hills

Stackt Market is North America’s largest shipping container market and is located in the heart of Toronto’s downtown. Literally stacked up, one on top of the other, a series of recycled shipping containers are now home to various shops and restaurants. Everything from microbreweries to local artisans. It is also a relaxed place to go and get some of the most incredible views across the city. Pop-up vendors arrive at the holiday market during the festive season. They join various Christmas workshops, winter games, and festive experiences like the giant inflatable Santa’s Village! Their fire pits are the perfect place to relax with friends while keeping warm under a picturesque snowfall. There is also an ironically Canadian s’more station! Perfect to nosh on a delicious sweet treat while enjoying the magical ambiance all around you.

Hours & Admission

November 18 – December 31, 2022
Gates Open: 9 am – 11 pm | Stores Open: 12 pm – 8 pm | Restaurants Open: 12 pm – 11 pm | Free Admission
Address: 28 Bathurst St, Toronto

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Evergreen’s Winter Market

Evergreen Brick Works is one of those Toronto landmarks we all have fond memories of since it hosts some of the city’s best events! The former brick-making factory along the Don River has been transformed into one of the trendiest outdoor events spaces in the city! Evergreen prides itself on building sustainable practices that enable flourishing cities of the future. This year, after some closures during 2020 and 2021, they are hosting their Festive Winter Market again. This one-day-only event features everything from a delicious food court, a charming skating rink to immersive hikes along their wintery trails. And, of course, lots of vendors selling sustainably produced and handmade items along with artisan and vintage items. This is the place to experience a variety of classic Canadian Christmas traditions in one spot!

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The firepits light up at night, and you can grab a winter-inspired cocktail from the bar to enjoy while relaxing in the warmth. The skating rink is open all night, and under a swath of twinkle lights, it is something out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. At 7 pm, the space comes alive with live music, so grab your loved one and hit the dance floor! While many think Evergreen Brick Works is a little out of the way for tourists to easily visit, thankfully, the Evergreen Shuttle is back! This shuttle bus really helps make the journey as seamless as possible. Simply ride the subway to Broadview Station and hop on the shuttle. It runs every 30-45 minutes from the parkette north of the subway.

Hours & Admission

December 18th | 11am-5pm & evening activities from 6pm-9pm
Free and open to the public
Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto

Hopefully, these Toronto Holiday Markets are the perfect place for you to check off all the items on your Christmas list! Let me know in the comments what you’re searching for this holiday season!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post All the Best Toronto Holiday Markets you Need to Explore This Festive Season! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

When you’re travelling alone, you experience things much more simply and without the influence of the groups excitement. I’m happy to report, that even as a solo adult traveller Heritage Park is still one of the best activities to enjoy when visiting Calgary.

Whether you’re an adult, a kid or a kid at heart, diving into the past inside Heritage Park is what everyone needs in this fast-paced, technology-driven world. Heritage Park offers visitors the opportunity to see a glimpse of how Calgarians used to live in the early 1900s. It is home to Canada’s second-largest collection of heritage buildings. You can step inside more than 100 historic homes and structures from Alberta’s past. As someone who is inherently curious I adore this kind of exploration.

Here are some suggestions on how to spend the perfect day at Heritage Park Calgary!

Table Of Contents

1. Hours & Admission
2. Access & Accessibility
3. When To Go
4. Map of Walking Tour
5. The Famous 5
6. Midnapore Station
7. Laggan Station
8. First Nations Encampment
9. Livingston House & Barn
10. Drew's Saloon
11. Gleichen School
12. Hudson's Bay Company Fur Trading Fort
13. Burnside Ranch House
14. Main Street
15. Cottage Hospital
16. Thorpe House
17. The Strathmore Standard
18. Post Office & Telephone Exchange
19. Alberta Bakery
20. Wainwright Hotel
21. Club Café
22. Flett's Blacksmith Shop
23. Wing Chong Chinese Laundry
24. S.S. Moyie Historical Paddlewheeler
25. Botsford Harness Shop
26. Claresholm General Store
27. Gledhill's Drugstore
28. Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour
29. Midway
30. Prince House
31. The Montefiore Synagogue
32. Gasoline Alley

Hours & Admission

Heritage Park is open 365 days a year. But the most important area of the park (the historical village) is only open from late May to mid-October. So I would only consider going during this time or during their Christmas Celebrations. The park is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

Pricing: Adults: $29.95 | Children (7-15): $19.95 | Children (3-6): $14.95 | Seniors: $22.95

Included in your admission is entry to the various historical homes, street theatre performances, daily activities, and special exhibits. Also included in your admission is access to unlimited rides! Although there aren’t many rides, it’s incredible that they still offer this included in your entry, as many other places like this often charge extra. Rides include S.S. Moyie paddlewheel ship, antique steam train, horse-drawn wagon rides and antique midway rides.

Access & Accessibility

By Car

Heritage Park is located a 20-minutes drive from the city in the Southern Eagle Ridge neighbourhood. If you choose to drive, there is a large parking lot outside the park. Parking is $8.00 for the first 7 hours and $8.00 per ½ hr after that to a maximum of $32.00.

Bike Path

Heritage Park is also very accessible by bike! Calgary is known for its fantastic bike trails. You can make your way to the park on your bicycle via the Elbow River Pathway.

Public Transit

If you are looking to arrive via public transit, there are several options depending on your starting destination. If you’re leaving from the central downtown area, you can hop on the #3 Bus to Elbow River Station and transfer onto the #502 Bus west. This takes you directly to the doors of Heritage Park. A single ride on the Calgary Public Transit system costs $3.50 for adults and #2.40 for children.

Accessibility

Although the park is dedicated to authenticity, this results in many of the buildings being inaccessible to wheelchairs. In addition to this, the pathways are mostly gravel, which is difficult to traverse in many mobility devices. And the boardwalks that surround the main street have no ramp access.

Gasoline Alley Museum and Heritage Town Square are the only areas fully accessible by wheelchairs. Some of the exhibit sites have been made accessible by wheelchair. Those spots are identified by a wheelchair symbol on the map. But like I said before, the gravelly road makes it hard for the wheelchair to even make it out there. I understand the dedication to historical accuracy, but I feel like there need to be some considerations made to ensure everyone is included in the experience.

When To Go

As the exhibits are both indoors and outdoors, it’s best to arrive on a day with good weather. Many park elements won’t be as enjoyable if it’s raining. Heritage Park often offers special daily events like music in the park, market nights, and different festivals. So check their events calendar before planning your trip. These special events can really make your trip extra special.

How Long To Spend?

I was amazing at how many things there were to do here! I’d advise arriving early to give yourself at least four to five hours to explore the park. You’ll want to go inside the preserved building, eat some delicious food and enjoy the views around the park on one of their historic pieces of transportation.

How to Interact with the Actors

Inside all of the open buildings, you’ll find real-life historical reenactors. They are there to set the scene and tell you all about the building’s history. While they have their standard spiel about the location, these people are VERY knowledgeable historians. Feel free to ask the questions, be curious! They loved when I asked them weird or exciting questions and were excited to answer them. If I asked a tricky question, they would run around to other people to get a consensus on a good answer. Some of the actors working in the park have been there for ages, and were well into the 60s and 70s. So don’t hesitate to chat with them; their stories are worth the price of admission in itself!

Land Acknowledgement

Before stepping into the park, it’s essential to recognize that Heritage Park is located in the traditional territories of Treaty 7 peoples. This includes the Blackfoot people (the Nii-tsi-ta-pi) composed of the Kainai, Piikani and the Siksika Nations; the Tsuut’ina Nation; and the Iyarhe (Stoney) Nakoda, including the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley First Nations; and is situated within the Métis homeland and the home of the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3.

I didn’t see any Land Acknowledgement signage in the park but found this online. I wanted to make sure to include this here. Perhaps I missed it, but I still think this kind of acknowledgement is important, especially given the type of history the park delves into.

Map of Walking Tour

For our self-guided tour, we will walk through the park in chronological order. This way history moves along with you!

The Famous 5

Walking into the park, you make your way up a slight hill with the various dates of the park’s historical buildings embedded into the concrete. The first large building you’ll pass is the Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women. The famous five were a group of Albertian women who dedicated their lives to empowering the voices of Canadian women. They were Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards.

In 1928, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that women were not “persons” according to the British North America Act. This meant that women were, therefore, ineligible for appointment to the Senate. When this was announced, these women weren’t going to just sit there and accept that. They submitted the “persons case” to the highest court in the British empire, and in 1929 the judgement was reversed. This ruling meant that women could no longer be denied rights based on a narrow interpretation of the law.

The house itself can find storytellers and interpreters who tell the story of these women’s activism. The home itself is a replica of Nellie McClung’s former Calgary home, from 1923 to 1932. One of the things I noticed on my tour was the focus the park held on the impact and importance of women. Unlike many historical records written by men that underplay the role of influential women, this park really highlighted the work and impact of women in Canadian history.

Midnapore Station

Just up from the Famous Five House are the train tracks and where you’ll find the old Midnapore Station. The station was built between 1900 and 1940 as a part of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

When building these railway stations in the Prairies, they used pre-designed templates to apply to different locations. Their location and purpose directed what amenities were required. Midnapore Station represents the “combination” station design. This station included a house, a freight storage room, a waiting area and an office all under the same roof.

The antique Morrissey, Fernie & Michel steam train runs around the park throughout the day. Trains can be boarded from three stations; Midnapore Station, Laggan and Shepard Station. Most people seem to get on the train at Midnapore Station first thing upon arrival. But I would actually advise skipping this for the time being. Instead, take the train when you return back to the main gates at the end of the day. It’s nice to see some of the buildings you’ve now explored from far away and get a different vantage point on the layout of the park.

The train runs very slowly, so riding it around the entire loop takes precious minutes out of your day. I would advise getting on at Shepard Station and riding towards Midnapore Station. This part of the journey is the most scenic and gives you a taste of a 19th-century train ride.

Laggan Station

From Midnapore Station we are going to walk along Heritage Park road (Livingston Trail) towards Laggan Station. This area of the park is called “The Settlement” and represents the years from 1860 to 1880. This train station is an example of designs built for the Canadian Rockies during the 19th century. Unlike Midnapore Station, which was meant for local travel, this was one of the first “tourist stations” built to service Lake Louise. These stations were luxurious and featured restaurants complete with silver dinner service.

First Nations Encampment

Crossing the train track, we head to the north-east part of the park to find the First Nations Encampment. As you cross the bridge into the Emcampment you can immediately see the white and yellow buffalo skins that form traditional Tipis. Surrouding the tipis are some indigenous women who can answer your questions and speak directly yo your about their rich culture. Tipis were the traditional dwelling of Alberta’s First Nations. The First Nations people of Alberta moved their camps seasonally in response to the buffalo herds, so it was important they could be easily taken up and down. Women were in charge of the tipis as they were the ones who set them up and took them down. Only two women were able to set up these huge dwellings in just under an hour!

Life in the Encampment

If you had a horse, your Tipi could be slightly larger, measuring 15 feet in diameter. But for those who carried it on their backs, theirs would measure 6 ft. These Tipis were decorated with illustrations. The images symbolic of their family history, myths, or even the family’s crest. The door of the Tipi always faces east. This is to allow the families morning prayers to travel towards thee rising sun. The east facing direction also helps keep the strong western winds out of dwelling.

Livingston House & Barn

Just north of the Encampment is the Livingston House and Barn. Sam Livingston was a farmer who built this house in 1878. He was contracted to supply fresh meat to the northwest Mounted Police at Fort Calgary. Livingston was one of the first individuals to settle in Calgary. He travelled extensively around Calgary before finally claiming his permanent homestead in the beautiful Elbow River Valley.

Livingston built his two-storey log house to accommodate his growing family. He would later go onto build a barn which served as a granary, bunkhouse, and garage. When Livingston died, his land was eventually bought by the City of Calgary. But it wouldn’t be until 1946 that the park began to take shape, and his formed homestead was restored in 1968. I love the furnishings in his house, full of furns and heavy fabrics. This, along with the fireplace in the centre of the room, really gives the impression of how cold winters would have been in the Praries.

I. G. Baker & Co.

Behind the Livingston house, is the small street that represents rural main streets of the 1880s. Here you’ll find the Drew’s Saloon, the Stopping House and the I. G. Baker & Co. I. G. Baker Company was a mercantile and grocery company based in Fort Benton, Montana. It was started by Isaac Gilbert Baker and his brother, George Amos Baker, in 1866. The company set up their first store in Calgary, Alberta, in 1875. Its aim was to help the exhausted and goods-deprived northwest Mounted Police who arrived here from Winnipeg. In 1891, the Canadian assets of the company were purchased by its chief rival, Hudson’s Bay Company. This building is a replica of the original store. Today you can step inside and shop for stick candy, jams and other small wooden toys.

Drew’s Saloon

In 1886, ex-U.S. army officer Henry “Boston” Drew built this saloon in Spitzer Crossing, Alberta. Drew found that many visitors on their way to Calgary or Fort Macleod needed a place to stay along the way. So Drew went about building a second storey above his residence. There he installed four bedrooms which served as the “Stopping House” for travellers. Today, Drew’s Saloon is a lovely spot to stop to grab some snacks or even a glass of beer or cider.

Mounted Police Barracks

The log cabin next door to Drew’s Saloon was home to the Mounted Police. This outpost served as the Barracks for the NWMP. The original structure was located 145 km east of Calgary and was built in 1905. Back then, it was indeed the Wild West out here. Heavily armed outlaws raided ranches in Alberta. Their aim was to steal herds of cattle and bring them across to Montana. The Mounted Police were stationed around the province to help patrol and prevent this thievery. In just ten years, the patrols were dismantled. But not because they were ineffective. The police patrols were so effective that the cross-border thievery stopped entirely. And they effectively put themselves out of a job.

Gleichen School

At the end of the boardwalk, you’ll come to the old Gleichen School. This is a great chance to see how life was like for the school children of these early settlements. This school was built in 1888 from logs that were floated down the Bow River. Just as today, the school had little funding and the meagre supplies. Teachers were underpaid (again, little has really changed). And yet, their humble one-room schoolhouse was responsible for the education of all ages of school children in the area.

Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Trading Fort

Up the hill to the west, you can make out the huge wooden walls of the Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Trading Fort. The fort’s layout was designed as a 1965 replica of an 1835 fur trading fort built in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

The Hudson’s Bay Company was a North American fur trading company with posts as far as Alaska, Oregon and Labrador. Inside these forts, about 30 labourers, clerks and traders would live and work together.

Hunters would bring their latest catch into the clerk to sell, and buyers would come soon after to pick up the latest furs. My favourite part was walking around the original store to see the prices of all the different items. It was incredible to see the fantastic range of things available to these early settlers.

Be sure to stop by the campfire outside the fort to hear stories from one of the traders!

Our Lady of Peace Mission

Outside the Fort is the small wooden church called the Our Lady of Peace Mission. Although most information printed about the church names the missionaries as “teachers, preachers, healers, translators and peacemakers,” we know their mission held a more upsetting truth. The information we now have regarding mistreatment and murder of indigenous children at the hands of church is something every visitor should sit with. It is difficult to see this church overlooking the peaceful First Nations Encampement nearby and not feel an immense swell of sadness. I truly hope Heritage Park aims to focus more on the injustices done by the church toward the indigenous people of Canada, as this is an important part of our history not to be forgotten.

Burnside Ranch House

Walking west along the railway, you can see farm yard animals in the ranch poking their heads out of their cages. Walking up to the ranch house, you can check out the chicken coops, horse barn and see some of the antique farming equipment. Amazing to imagine the amount of work they got done with this rustic equipement.

Ranch House

The large yellow house with wrap-around verandah was once owned by the MacKay family. It was built in 1904 in Grand Valley, eight kilometres northwest of Cochrane, Alberta. The MacKay family is the very same family that started the famous MacKay Ice Cream Shop in Cochrane.

After the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885, life was easier for settlers to make permanent moves into the prairies. More and more people were buying up land and developing it into these types of farms. Immigrants from many parts of the country and other countries were flocking to the prairies. Vast and inexpensive lands could be just the opportunity people wanting to start a new life were looking for.

The interior of the house is a charming peek inside a frozen moment of country life. Inside the kitchen, women are set on making baked goods using only ingredients, kitchen utensils and appliances from the 1900s. The smell of baking breads wafting throughout the entire house smells enchanting.

Main Street

Take a walk along the Ranch Road, past the old Horse barns, towards Cochrane Fire Hall. The road emerges onto Main Street. This area of town is set in the 1910s and is the most vibrant part of the park. Townspeople in historic garb walk up and down the street. Gossiping about the latest news in town and starting up a conversation with the guests. This is such an amazing opportunity to chat with the actors and learn more about the daily events. When I visited, there was an election happening! Various townspeople had signs in their windows advertising their choice elector. And people in the street were discussing with the guests who they were going to vote for.

There was also a new circus in town. Various actors were running about main street, performing different scenes from that story. It was so funny and really brought the town to life! These live theatrical scenes makes the historic village more than a museum, but a living piece of history.

Cottage Hospital

Before heading right into the central part of Main street, veer to the left to check out the charming Cottage Hospital. The white house with green time is decorated in amazing gingerbread trim traditional of the 1900s. The main purpose of the Cottage Hospital was to treat men injured in their work on the railway. These cottage hospitals were small, temporary and poor. They were run primarily by female nurses, and only every so often would a doctor come into town. Doctors didn’t work for free and often had no interest in lending their skills to the poor. This was unlike the nurses, who were often nuns and willingly gave their service to care for the poor.

Unlike today, this hospital didn’t have proper antiseptics or sanitary measures. Surgery was often conducted on the dining room table. That being said, many of their techniques were the beginning of modern medical history. These were the early days of discovery and the development. These women were leading the way to curing illnesses we are now able to treat easily today.

Thorpe House

The Thorpe House was my favourite home in the entire park. Walking inside I was overwhelmed by the incredible wallpaper that covered the entirety of the walls around the house. The Thorpes were a Norwegian immigrant family who moved to Calgary to work at the Eau Claire & Bow River Lumber mill. Bernt Thorpe was a skilled millwright and was in charge of building and maintaining the mill’s expensive machinery. As such he would have been paid a hefty salary to build this incredible folk Victorian house.

The house was eventually owned by Mrs. Lillian Jacques, Thorpe’s youngest daughter, who later donated the house to Heritage Park in 1969.

The Strathmore Standard

As a trained graphic designer, I’m a sucker for the newspaper office. Step inside the Strathmore and Bow Valley Standard Offices to see how newspapers in small prairie towns worked. Inside, you can watch the typesetter at work creating the newspaper pages and printing them on the giant, seven-ton Wharfedale press.

The press had been imported from Edinburgh, Scotland and built in 1870. One single page of the paper would take the typesetter about 8-hours to hand lay each letter. Often the typesetter was also the publisher, editor, and reporter and marketing director. In a small town, you had to do it all!

Barons Snooker Parlour

To stop it for a little game of pool, walk inside Barons Snooker Parlour. No, the Snooker Hall wasn’t owned by a Baron; it was named after the town in which the Snooker hall was originally built, Barons Alberta. A village in southern Alberta, Canada. Snooker Parlours originally only allowed men to play inside and were placed of bad repute. Drinking aplenty was the name of the game, and during the temperance movement, these establishments were greatly frowned upon. Nevertheless, their popularity only continued.

Along with the snooker table they also houses pool tables, bowling lanes, and even a bathroom where you could rent a bath for 75 cents! After a huge drinking bender one can imagine how bad you’d smell and a bath was definitely in order!

Post Office & Telephone Exchange

Head across the street and hop inside the Post Office & Telephone Exchange. Back in the 19th century, there was no email, Tiktok or texting. The only way you could correspond with your loved ones was via the mail. Therefore, just like social media is the most popular pasttime for people today, the post office was the hottest place to be back then! People would rush daily to see if there was any news from back home. 

The first post office in Calgary was established in 1883! Before then the Mounted Police were postmasters for the area, dropping off mail on horseback throughout Western Canada. Often post offices also featured electronic telephone switchboards and the one inside the Post Office still works today and actually is used to connect to 16 other phones spread throughout the park.

Today you can visit the Post office and still send off a postcard with a unique Heritage Park stamp to send home to your friends and family. This is such a cute and unexpected treat for someone to receive as snail mail truly feels like a thing of the past and yet feels so special to receive.

Alberta Bakery

If you’re getting peckish, be sure to stop into the old Alberta Bakery. You can smell this place all the way down the road. The Bakery was originally built in 1912. Back then, going out for your baked goods was something no good housewife would ever be caught dead doing. They did their baking at home and took pride in their homemade bread. But the bachelors who worked on the railroad or with the North-West Mounted Police didn’t know how to bake and would frequent bakeries like this.

In addition to snacks and sweets like Cinnamon Buns, Butter Tarts, Gingerbread people and Sausage rolls, you can also get entire loaves of bread to bring home. Their sourdough is to die for!

Wainwright Hotel

In any small town, where you see the same people day in and day out, the hotel is the most exciting place to be! It’s here where locals get to greet the newcomers and talk their ear off about the goings on outside of their village. Everyone from new farmers, visiting doctors or even a theatre troupe would come to stay. And the same is true of the Wainwright Hotel, here in Heritage Park. It’s here where heritage actors are constantly abuzz, chatting with the visitors on their way to get something to eat. They wander around the gorgeous grand veranda that wraps around the exterior of the 1909 era hotel. Something about these verandas feels like the wild west and you almost sense like there is a old style gun fight about to break out!

The Wainwright Hotel is where you can have a formal dinner inside the elaborately decorated 20th century dining room. Unlike the more rustic rural adornments, the Wainwright Hotel features more modern, elegant décor. If you prefer something a little bit more relaxed and just need to rest your legs you can stop into the authentic saloon where you can grab a drink at the bar and enjoy some piano music.

Club Café

Quick detour down Railway Street. The various establishments on Railway Street represent a vital community invaluable to the growth of the Prairies. And that was the Asian community. Chinese immigrants, mainly men, arrived in Canada around the 1880s to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. There were over 17,000 recorded men who came from China to work on the railway. Sadly, over 700 of these men were killed, primarily due to the extremely unsafe working conditions.

Once work was done, they were stranded in Canada with much less money earned than they had promised. They were often paid less than half of what their white coworkers earned. This meant most of them could not afford to return home, sending what they did make back home to support their families. But never wanting to give up, the remaining Chinese immigrant began to open businesses. Many of these were laundries, groceries and restaurants.

The Club Café is an eatery in the park where you can still grab a delicious snack lunch today! The building is based on pictures of the historic Won’s Public Lunch. This Chinese Café was initially located in Olds, Alberta and was built in 1918. These Chinese Cafés were a staple of small prairie towns in the Edwardian era. Although dubbed “Chinese Cafes,” the food served here wasn’t what we think of as Chinese food. Instead, it was an extensive western menu with very low prices. You could get a cup of coffee for five cents!

Flett’s Blacksmith Shop

Across the street is everyone’s favourite, Flett’s Blacksmith Shop. With, of course, the working blacksmith putting on a show for the visitors. In the 1900s, the blacksmiths were one of the most influential people in town. Not only did blacksmiths service the horses and oxen used for transportation and agriculture, but they also serviced farming equipment that was the backbone of the agriculture industry in the Prairies. The blacksmith was once owned this shop was Tom Flett, who built it in Airdrie in 1902.

Wing Chong Chinese Laundry

As mentioned before, many Chinese immigrants opened up Laundries during this period in history. Domestic work was one of their only options regardless of their many talents. The laundry we can visit today is designed after June Jay Tse’s laundry. June Jay Tse moved to Canada to work on the railway, and after that contract ended, he worked delivering laundry. He worked hard and eventually was able to purchase this building and open his very own laundry shop.

Walking inside, you can see how a typical laundry would have looked in 1914, complete with the price list! If you turn down the hallway, you can peek into the back rooms. The first represents the Chinese kitchen, and the back room is set up as the living room of a moderately successful Chinese family.

S.S. Moyie Historical Paddlewheeler

Let’s quickly head back to Main Street and walk to the water to catch a ride on the S.S. Moyie Historical Paddlewheeler. In the early days of the Province, many parts of Alberta were inaccessible on land. The many large rivers and lakes were the only way to get to these remote places. These were traversed by steamships, just the one we can still ride on today! Because many of the streams and rivers had such low water levels, large tall ships would never have been able to get through. But a paddlewheel boat can function in just a few inches of water! The S.S. Moyie was built in 1898 and used to take supplies and people to mines and railway construction sites all over the Province.

Today the Paddlewheeler is used to take guests on a short ride around the Elbow River. From this vantage point, you look back up at the park giving you a different view of the entirety of the village.

As you continue you’ll also enjoy some breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Calgary from the waters of the Glenmore Reservoir.

Front Street

Head back up the stairs and make your way to Front Street. Front Street is where we find the antique outdoor Shopping mall. The row of shops here contains an old harness shop, general store, candy and druggery.

Botsford Harness Shop

The old Botsford Harness Shop was one of the first kinds of the store that would pop up on the main streets in new prairie settlements. These shops worked with leather creating horse harnesses to connect a horse to wagons, carts, and farm machinery so they could pull them. It would be one of the most critical farming equipment on the farm. The shop would also sell saddles, shoes and boots, all made with the same leather. Today you can shop here for unique gift items, figurines, jewellery, hats, dolls, cast-iron creations, wooden toys and more.

Claresholm General Store

The Claresholm General Store was opened by another family of Norwegian immigrants in 1905. These stores were another popular hangout, especially when the delivery cart arrived with the newest imports from around the country. Back then, many store owners still used the barter system, trading items in stock for anything the farmers had to trade that they could also go on to sell in-store. Most of what they sold was dry goods and rare and precious – candy! Just as much a treat as it is today. You can still shop inside for vintage-inspired candy, which gives you a hit of sugar and that nostalgic hit of dopamine.

Gledhill’s Drugstore

My favourite store in any old heritage museum is the druggery. I’m obsessed with antique pharmacies and learning more about how medicine worked ages ago. Gledhill’s Drugstore was initially built in 1908 in Dundurn, Saskatchewan. These drug stores were a rich environment. The embossed tin ceiling, bevelled glass mirrors, and stunning maple flooring were materials not likely to be found in the Prairies. Walking into this place would have felt almost royal to local farmers! This wealthy, opulent interior communicated to the customer the pharmacist was clearly successful and therefore knew what they were doing…although this wasn’t always the truth! There were quack doctors and pharmacists aplenty back then who made their mint selling elixirs that never worked.

Pharmacists were responsible for much more than just medical advice and dispensing medicine. They were also veterinarians that helped farmers with their sick animals. They marketed, created and sold poultices used as sunscreens, bath products, bug sprays, soaps and lotions. Today the store can still be toured, and many of the original products are hidden behind the glass.

Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour

A clear favourite on hot summer days is the Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour. In the 1930s, General Store often was renovated to feature soda fountains and served fresh ice cream. The sweet treat caught on with teenagers who couldn’t yet go out to the bar. Instead would hang out at the ice cream parlour late into the night. Often drug stores or general stores already featured carbon dioxide tanks that were used in developing medicines so converting these to make sugary drinks was an easy shift.

The Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour was originally the Elves Bros. General Store built in 1910 by Fred and Reuben “Rube” Elves. It was located in the small town of Vulcan, which rose to popularity near the Canadian Pacific Railway construction site. The interior was designed to replicate the looks of the old Olivier’s Bakery and Confectionery Shop in Calgary, circa 1910.

Midway

The part of the park I most enjoyed as a child was by the Midway. And although the ride is primarily meant for children, I made a point to still get on ‘The Whip’ to see if it lived up to the hype I remember. To be honest, it really did. But I think that might have been the nostalgia talking. But I’m not the only one who gets nostalgic about the rides. Even in the western Prairies, the Canadian Victorians felt that entertainment was essential to life.

The Whip

The Whip dates back to 1914 and was one of the world’s first thrill-based rides! It first debuted in Luna Park in Coney Island, New York and quickly began to be manufactured for fairgrounds worldwide. The Whip at Heritage Park actually dates back to 1921!!! Things really were made to last back then. But this is the only functioning portable Whip still known to exist. Be sure to study the floral decorations on the front of the cars. These were inspired by photographs taken of the Whip at the Johnny J. Jones Carnival in Edmonton.

Bowness Carousel

Another classic carnival ride that everyone can enjoy is the Bowness Carousel. This adorable, closed-top carousel dates back to 1904 and has been lovingly restored. My favourite part of the ride has always been the paintings of the Victorian women in the centre of the carousel. The carousel was originally built in 1904 and made in Louisville, Kentucky. Unlike other carousels that go up and down, with horses placed on long poles connected to the ceiling, this carousel is a more open concept. And the horses bob back and forth rather than up and down.

Dangler Swings

The Dangle Swings are another gorgeous antique treasure still part of children’s memories at the park. The Swings were first invented by Fritz Kreis, a German manufacturer of amusement park rides, in 1920. When they debuted in Europe, they were the first of their kind and genuinely wow-ed everyone who saw them. Not just for the ingenuity of the ride but for the gorgeous painted frames around the central pole.

Prince House

As we make our way towards the gate where we entered, we walk down Prince Street. One of the largest buildings on the street is the grand Prince House. Peter Anthony Prince was a lumber and hydroelectricity magnate who, at the time, was one of the wealthiest men in the Prairies. He not only started the Calgary Water Power Company in 1890, but he also owned a flour mill, a meat-packing plant, grain elevators and a brewery. In 1894, Prince built this house for his family on the west end of town.

Of all the houses in the park, this one is by far the most opulent. Lush furnishings decorate the interior. Tiffany stained glass light fixtures hang from the ceiling against richly ornate window curtains.

Upstairs the bedrooms are an intimate peek into the simple things the Victoria Prince family enjoyed. A group of teddy bears sits around a table enjoying a cup of afternoon tea. Such sweet moments are frozen in time.

The Montefiore Synagogue

The last stop on our tour is inside the Montefiore Synagogue. This beautiful Synagogue was initially located in the Montefiore Colony near Sibbald, Alberta, in 1919. Many Jewish immigrants had fled to Alberta as early as the 1880s, feeling waves of antisemitism spreading across Europe. In Montefiore, a small Jewish community built their Synagogue. The building also served as a meeting hall and a school for the religious education of the colony’s Jewish children.

Despite the antisemitism that was seemingly infecting the rest of Europe, the small settlements in Alberta were welcoming to the new settlers. And Christian farmers were often known to help out at the Synagogue during their religious celebrations. When you lived in such a small community, everyone was in it together and helped wherever they could, regardless of religion.

In 1927 a severe drought caused most of the citizens of Montefiore to abandon the village, and the Synagogue was turned into a grain shed. It remained this way until 2008. It was eventually purchased by the Little Synagogue on the Prairie Project Society and brought to Heritage Park to be restored. During this restoration process, they discovered thousands of books, a precious Torah, a wooden Ark, and a bimah hidden away inside. These historical treasures were a priceless find and are still on display for you to see! Today the Synagogue serves as one of the few surviving examples of wooden synagogues built by pioneers on the Canadian prairie.

Gasoline Alley

Before leaving the park, if you still have some energy, you should take a peek inside the Gasoline Alley Museum. The Gasoline Alley Museum is an indoor exhibition that tells the story of the automobile. It features a rare collection of vintage vehicles, gasoline pumps, signage, and more.

Since Calgary was built upon the Natural Gas industry, it’s no surprise to see this automobile collection here. Along with, of course, some beautiful vintage gas pumps! The museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of rare vintage vehicles and artifacts relating to the auto industry.

Hopefully, you enjoyed this day out at Heritage Park. A walk back in time to be enjoyed by anyone of any age. Although it might be marketed as something to do with the kids, I was amazed by how great of a time I had just on my own. Exploring the amazing treasure and historical antiquities, I found here!

Let me know in the comments if you’re planning a trip to Calgary and what you want me to cover next.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post How to Spend the Perfect Day in Heritage Park Calgary as an Adult! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Montreal Central Station
2. Dorchester Square
3. Lights on Peel
4. Saint-Catherine Street
5. Rendez-Vous Corner
6. Guardians of Odyssée
7. Legend of the Bears
8. McGill College Avenue
9. Centre Eaton de Montréal
10. Hotel Birks Montreal
11. Phillips Square
12. Place des Festivals
13. Luminotherapie
14. Place des Arts
15. Les Jardins d'Hiver
16. Parterre du Quartier des spectacles

Montreal Central Station

Start your tour inside Montreal Central Station. This is the most convenient access point to the downtown area from anywhere in Montreal. Nearly 11 million rail passengers use the station every year, making it the second-busiest train station in Canada. The station is decorated with huge pink stars and illuminated lights during the Christmas season. As we near Christmas day, they even set up a giant Christmas tree in the centre of the station. I arrived via Central station and there was nothing more magical to welcome me to the city! What a fantastical way to start your trip.

Dorchester Square

From Central Station, make your way north to Peel Street. Peel Street runs through Montreal’s most popular shopping district. The street is lined by former mansions converted into McGill University buildings. Making it one of the most picturesque streets but made even more spectacular at Christmas. On the edge of Peel Street and Boulevard René-Lévesque is Dorchester Square. As soon as the first snow falls on Montreal, this square is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Sparkling Christmas lights don the trees around the park and the lamp posts are given sparkling and enchanting flare. 

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The park is set around some of the most romantic buildings in the city, all decorated for Christmas. The imposing Sun Life Building stands on the east side of the park. Its huge columns are encircled with Christmas lights and topped with one of the largest ornament garlands in the entire city. The roof of the Sun Life Building is also illuminated with different colours throughout the year. And at Christmas time is often seen illuminated with red and green colours.

Lights on Peel

Continue walking north along Peel street until you reach Peel and Sherbrooke Street. At this intersection, hand-crafted artifacts from the local Indigenous population of Montreal were discovered. Before there ever was a ‘Montreal,’ there was Tiohtià:ke. Tiohtià:ke is the name given to the area by the indigenous Kanien’kehá:ka clan who lived here for thousands of years. An illuminated installation called ‘Lights on Peel‘ can be found here during the wintertime. The lights aim to commemorate the story of Tiohtià:ke. The installation was designed by artist Kaiento:ton and portrays three of the Rotiononhsión:ni clan’s symbolic animals: the turtle, the wolf and the bear. You can also scan the QR codes found on the poles which display the lights to get more information on First Nations’ history.

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Saint-Catherine Street

Walk west along Sherbrooke Street and then north down Rue de la Montagne towards Saint-Catherine Street. Saint-Catherine Street is the main street in the Montreal business district. It is considered the backbone of Downtown Montreal. There are nine metro stations along Sainte-Catherine that prove just how large important this part of town is. There is also an enormous Underground Pedestrian Network that is essential during those brutally cold winter days.

But during the winter, Saint-Catherine Street is a hub of Christmas activity. All the lampposts are hung with huge blue snowflake lights that brighten up the street. Not only are all the high-end shop’s windows decorated for Christmas, but the street itself is also home to some incredible installations.

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Rendez-Vous Corner

Between Rue De la Montagne and Drummond is Rendez-Vous Corner. At the corner, you’ll find a huge lighted arch that is perfect for snapping those picturesque Christmas photos! Complete with bright pink Christmas trees in the background.

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Guardians of Odyssée

Just to the east along Saint-Catherine, between Drummond and Peel, you can find the great Guardians of Odyssée! The Guardians are huge inflatable nutcrackers who watch over Montrealers and visitors during the holiday season. Their smile is their greatest weapon, and legend has it that they can break the hardest of diamonds with a snap of their jaws.

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Legend of the Bears

At the Metcalf intersection, you will see the illuminated images of giants bears framing the street. This installation is called the ‘Legend of the Bears‘ and is based on an indigenous legend. It is said that if you see a bear in your dream, it means that good look is coming your way. So make a point of walking by to catch all the luck you can!

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McGill College Avenue

Further east, you can make a stop at the entrance to McGill College Avenue. The street was first laid out in 1857. But in 1983, it was greatly widened to create this now incredibly scenic roadway. The trees along either side of the avenue and the centre lane are wrapped in twinkle lights at Christmas time. Casting the most magical glow onto the road, leading up to the hillside of Mont-Royal, silhouetted just up ahead.

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Centre Eaton de Montréal

A great way to warm up is to stop inside the Centre Eaton de Montréal. This is one of Montreal’s largest shopping malls, with over 45,000 square metres of shops inside. At Christmas, the mall installs an enormous Christmas tree in the centre. It rises up above the three floors that surround it. The Christmas is hung with these huge digital frames displaying images of winter scenes all around Montreal.

Hotel Birks Montreal

At the corner of Saint-Catherine Street and Union, make a short detour towards the old Hotel Birks Montreal entrance. In 1840 Canadian entrepreneur, Henry Birks founded a jewelry company here in Montreal. He named it ‘Birks‘ and, in 1907, opened their magnificent flagship store in this very building. The shop spread out over 18,000 square feet and was complete with dazzling ornate architecture and modern conveniences. Eventually, the shop closed, but in 2018, the building was renovated to transform it into a high-end, historic hotel. Every year, the hotel goes all out for Christmas with lavish decorations pouring off the entrance into their hotel. This fantastical awning makes for an amazing photo spot underneath all that lush greenery and shining Christmas baubles.

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Phillips Square

Back on Saint-Catherine Street, you can find Phillips Square. Phillips Square was named for Thomas Phillips, a building contractor and city councillor. Phillips died in 1842 and the land he once owned was donated to the city to create a public square in his honour. In the centre of the square stands a large statue of Thomas Phillips himself. The trees around the statue are all lit up with Christmas lights. And when the park has a layer of freshly fallen snow upon it, it is truly a spectacular scene.

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Place des Festivals

A short walk east brings you to the Place des Festivals. Place des Festivals is a large public space created inside the Quartier des Spectacles. Quartier des Spectacles is Montreal’s arts and entertainment district. Montreal is home to over 100 different festivals and public events! As more and more people began to visit Montreal for these wonderful events, there became more need to build areas to host these outdoor events.

The Place des Festivals features a water fountain with 235 in-ground jets, four light towers, two glass-encased restaurants, a grassy slope and granite walkways. But during the winter, the square is transformed into a winter wonderland. Complete with Christmas trees lighting up the Great Montreal Christmas Market. 

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Luminotherapie

Also found inside the Quartier des Spectacles is Luminotherapie. Luminotherapie is now celebrating its 12th year, lighting up the Quartier des Spectacles during the winter season. This event features interactive art installations that are focused on illuminations. Places des Festivals is home to two amazing installations.

In the centre of the square, you’ll find ‘Echoes‘ by Mathias Gmachl. Echoes feature a giant metallic whale light with a rainbow of colours from inside. The colours inside the whale symbolize the planet’s flora and fauna. The whale makes gentle, melodic noises from afar. But if you get too close, it will make a loud noise to warn you that you are getting too close. A message about the invasive ways people are invading the natural world.

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Towards Maisonneuve Boulevard, you can find ‘Impluse,’ a series of oversized seesaws. Each one glows and makes ambiant sounds. You can hop on and the more they move, the more intensive the noises will get.

Place des Arts

Next door to the Place des Festivals is the Place des Arts. Place des Arts is a major performing arts centre and the largest cultural and artistic complex in Canada. The centre of the plaza plays home to the ‘Iceburg‘ installation. Iceberg consists of a series of illuminated metal arches. When you walk through you’ll notice that each of them makes a particular sound. Sounds mimic the noise icebergs make when they crack as water seeps into their crevasses. The sounds echoing around you.

Les Jardins d’Hiver

Also located inside the Places des Arts is ‘Les Jardins d’Hiver.’ This little treasure takes visitors on a magical walk through a Christmas garden trail. It leads guests through a maze of Christmas trees featuring cozy little cottages displaying enchanting dioramas.

Parterre du Quartier des spectacles

Parterre du Quartier des spectacles on the orner of Rue Saint-Urbain and Rue de Montigny features a wonderful installation called ‘Entre les Rangs‘ by Kanva. The huge scene represents a field of wheat. The illuminated installation is made up of thousands of flexible stems topped with these little white reflectors. Each one responds to the nearby activity, which creates constantly shifting animation as if the wheat is blowing in the wind from different directions. It is the most peaceful and mesmerizing installation and the perfect place to end our tour.

I hope you enjoyed this magical walking tour of Downtown Montreal’s most incredible Christmas lights. They truly light up the city and cast an enchanting glow over the snow-covered streets! If you enjoyed this tour, check out our guide of Montreal’s Old Town Christmas Lights. Let me know the comments where your favourite Christmas light display can be found in your hometown!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Tour of Downtown Montreal’s Best Christmas Light Displays first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Although you can simply wander the city to discover your own favourite displays, I’ve put together a little walking tour of all the best places to check out in Old Montreal. This self-guided walking tour will take you past some of the most important historical buildings in Old Montreal. So we’ve added in some interesting information about this bygone part of the city. Come with us now on our Christmas Lights Trail of Old Montreal!

McGill Street

At the corner of Victoria Square is where McGill Streets begins and heads down into the Old Town of Montreal. McGill Street is famously known as “the link between the strategic sectors of the Old Port, Old Montreal, and the Quartier international.” It is one of the most historical and, therefore, illustrious streets in Montreal. You can find such important buildings as the Canadian National Railway Company, Canadian Coast Guard, Canada Border Services Agency and a slew of popular restaurants all along this stretch of road.

During the winter season, the streets and individual buildings are all lit up for the holidays. The street is lined with these fantastic illuminated trees with a giant ball of lights bursting from the top! Enormous wreaths hang inside windows. And you can almost always see some of the most fanciful garlands made from real fir trees suspended from the doorways. The intoxicating smell drifts into your nose as you explore.

Maison Pepin

Continue along McGill Street until you reach Saint-Paul Street West. Turn left along the street until you read the famous Maison Pepin. During the wintertime, the alleyway entrance into Maison Pepin’s is transformed into their “Marché de Noël.” The old brick alley looks like something out of Harry Potter! As if you stepped into Diagon Alley when it’s all decorated for Christmas. Wreaths and Christmas tree hangs along the walls and when freshly fallen snow graces you with its presence the entire place is like a painting. Every year the team that decorated the alley brings a new element of wonder and this year their use of dried flowers is absolutely enchanting. And the entire scene is lit with a series of lights above casting down an ethereal glow on the alley.

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Miracle on Place d’Youville

Continue shortly down Saint-Paul Street West and take a short detour towards Rue Saint Pierre to the corner of Place d’Youville. Hidden away, inside the Parlement Bar is an absolute Christmas Wonderland. Miracle Bar is like Christmas turned up to eleven. From the floor to the ceiling, Christmas wrapping paper covers the entirety of the space. Lights twinkle from every corner, hundreds of stockings hang from the top, and of course, Christmas music blares throughout the bar. It has the warmest, most friendly atmosphere, like walking into a warm hug. When I was in town, I was alone for a portion of the trip, and I didn’t feel alone in here for a second. Everyone was in the spirit of Christmas and happy to make new friends.

There are a myriad of Christmas-themed drinks on offer, as well as beer, cider and yes, even non-alcoholic drinks as well! They all come in a delightful array of Christmas drinkware, and if you love what you’re served in, you can even buy a mug or cup to bring home!

Place Royal

Continue along old Place d’Youville to Place Royal. Place Royale has always been an important meeting place for the people of Montreal. In the early 19th century, this was where you could have found the old marketplace. Today, the square is dominated by the Old Customs House. This is an archaeological site, which is a part of the Pointe-à-Callière museum. At Christmas time, the square is filled with a series of real Christmas trees. A large illuminated tree is positioned in the centre, with a life-sized sleigh nearby for fantastic photo ops!

Rue Saint Paul

Walking up Place Royal Street towards Saint Paul street, you can continue along this long road. Saint-Laurent Boulevard divides the street where Saint Paul Street becomes Rue Saint Paul. This is because Saint-Laurent Boulevard was once the dividing line between the English part of town and the French quarter. Saint-Paul is Montreal’s oldest street and for many years served as its main thoroughfare. It was established in 1672 and named after Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, founder of Montreal. His residence was located on this street and built-in 1650. Rue Saint-Paul follows the path of the old fort which once bordered the area.

During Christmas, Saint-Paul street is perhaps the most enchanting. Massive Christmas light installations are put up on either side of the street. Creating almost a halo of light above the road. The stores on either side of the street are filled to bursting with Christmas spirit. It seems like every boutique has its own unique approach to Christmas decor and peeking your head inside is a wonderful way to warm up.

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Rue Saint Vincent / Rue Saint Anne

As we continue towards Place Jacques-Cartier, make a quick detour up Rue Saint Vincent. The street was originally built on the land owned by Jean-Vincent Philippe de Hautmesnil. Jean-Vincent was a businessman and wealthy fur trader. His uncle, the Sulpician Gabriel Souart, was the first parish priest of Montreal. The street gets its name from the patron saint of Jean-Vincent Philippe de Hautmesnil.

Just a few feet along Rue Saint Vincent is the incredible alleyway Rue Saint Anne. This hidden passageway is framed by a series of old wooden branches in platers covered in twinkle lights. And as you enter the alley, you pass under a monumental archway also wrapped in lights. Creating this tunnel all aglow!

Place Jacques-Cartier

At the end of the Rue Saint-Vincent, you’ll pop out right in the middle of Place Jacques-Cartier. The square was originally built in 1723 as the royal gardens belonging to the Château Vaudreuil. The Château Vaudreuil was made for Philippe de Rigaud, Marquis de Vaudreuil but was burned down in 1803. After the destruction, the city transformed the space into a public square, known then as New Market Place.

In 1809, a large column was installed and named ‘Nelson’s Column.’ But in 1847, it was renamed in honour of Jacques Cartier, the explorer who claimed Canada for France in 1535. Today it stands as the oldest public monument in Montreal. During the Christmas season, the street is lined with lighted trees. At the top of the square is a huge light art installation. Made in the shape of large bare trees with branches resembling reindeer antlers.

Bonsecours Market

Head back down to the Rue Saint Paul-East and continue walking until you reach the Bonsecours Market. Bonsecours Market is a two-story domed public market first built in 1844. And for more than 100 years, it was the main public market in Montreal. Today, it’s home to boutique shops popular with tourists. During the Christmas season, the building’s large Doric columns are covered in Christmas lights. Highlighting the beautiful architecture of the old building.

Rue de la Commune

Take a short walk towards the water, out to Rue de la Commune. Rue de la Commune follows the original shore of the Saint Lawrence River. The buildings along the north side of the road are former commercial buildings.

From this point, you have a beautiful view along the tree line Rue de la Commune and the accompanying Christmas lights. You can also see the beautiful Old Port to the north and towering La Grande Roue de Montréal Ferris Wheel, which lights up the sky.

View of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel

After getting a good look at the Port, head back up towards Rue Notre Dame Est. Make a stop at the top of the street, where you have an incredible view of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is one of the oldest churches in Montreal. Built in 1771 over the ruins of an earlier chapel. The church is always decorated and lit up for Christmas. With the Ferris wheel spinning overhead, this spot makes for the perfect photo opportunity.

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Vauquelin Place

Looping back towards where we started, walk along Rue Notre Dame Est to Vauquelin Place beside the old Montreal City Hall. The small square is home to the old Montreal Great Christmas tree! It is one of the most instagrammable spots in the city during the Christmas season. The square is named after captain Vauquelin who was a distinguished French naval office. A statue of the captain still dominates the square behind the fountain where the Christmas tree is located.

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Montreal Courthouse

Further down the street, you’ll come up the Montreal Courthouse. The brutalist style of architecture really stands out among the old town neo-gothic buildings. In front of the courthouse every year, they put up a large white illuminated Christmas tree. While it is just one lone Christmas tree, the way the light reflects off the glass windows of the building is really spectacular.

Places d’Armes

At the intersection of Rue Notre Dame-West and St. Sulpice Street, we find the Places d’Armes. Place d’Armes is a large public square centred around some of the most famous buildings in the city. This includes the great Notre-Dame Basilica, Saint-Sulpice Seminary, New York Life Building, Aldred Building and Bank of Montreal head office.

Originally the public square was called ‘Place de la Fabrique‘ when it was first developed in 1693, at the request of the Sulpicians. It was later renamed Place d’Armes in 1721 when it became the stage for various military events. From 1781 to 1813, it was used as a hay and wood market. Eventually, in 1836 it was redeveloped as a Victorian garden. For more than a hundred years, the square fell out of favour and eventually fell into disrepair. It wasn’t until 2009 that the city decided to renovate it at a whopping cost of $15.5 million!

During the holiday season, the square is one of the most popular places to come to see the Christmas lights. Massive illuminated stars are set up all around the square. They look like shooting stars that have fallen to earth. As you stand there the stars change colour and transform the look of the square. Just across from the square, the Banque Nationale also features a large window display on their first floor. The trio of Christmas trees and blue twinkling lights delight all the visitors passing by.

Parc Saint-Jean

Continuing along Rue Notre Dame-West, you’ll see some different lighting designs dedicated to this area of town. Along this street, the lampposts are hung with sprays of illuminated tree branches and large brightly glowing snowflakes twinkle and shine.

At the intersection of Rue Notre Dame-West and Rue Saint-Jean is a small parkette named Parc Saint-Jean. This park is decorated with the most delightful Christmas lights. It features a large illuminated arch that makes for one of the best Instagram spots in the town. And best of all, this park is pretty hidden away and usually a little very peaceful. The rest of the park is dotted with giant twinkling snowflakes, randomly dispersed all over the grounds.

This brings us to the end of our tour of Montreal Old Town’s Christmas Lights. If you are interested in continuing your tour of Montreal Christmas Lights, head on over to our blog post on Downtown Montreal’s Best Christmas Lights! Let me know in the comments where your favourite displays are in Montreal or what you’re most looking forward to seeing.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Self Guided Tour of Old Montreal’s Best Christmas Lights first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Tips for Surviving Winters in Montreal
2. Do You Need to Speak French?
3. Map of the Walking Tour
4. Christmas Light of Old Montreal
5. Old Port Skating Rink
6. Miracle Christmas Bar
7. Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site
8. Marché Place Jacques-Cartier
9. Noël Éternel
10. Notre-Dame Basilica Aura
11. Le Petit Dep
12. Centaur Theatre
13. Cité Mémoire
14. Village de Noël de Montréal
15. Luminothérapie
16. The Nutcracker
17. The Jardins d'Hiver
18. Jean-Talon Christmas Market
19. Montreal Christmas Village
20. Noël dans le Parc
21. Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
22. Juliette et Chocolate
23. Le Darling

Tips for Surviving Winters in Montreal

Montreal is COLD. And I’m saying that as a Canadian. There is something about that Montreal winter that hits different. Perhaps it’s the wind, or maybe it’s the humidity off the river (that’s right, there is even humidity in the winter). Whatever the reason, being prepared to face the winter weather is key to having a good time in Montreal. The average temperatures in December are around -4.7°C or 23.5°F. But don’t let the set temperature fool you. Let me introduce you to a very Canadian term, the “feels like.” We don’t just look at the thermometer. You need to check the “feels like” temperature. This takes into consideration the wind strength, humidity, as well as air temperature to give you an idea of what it actually feels like outside.

Most public spaces in Montreal require you to wear your mask at all times unless you are eating and drinking. So be sure to bring with you some high-quality masks. The current recommendation, especially during the winter, is to wear disposable KN95 masks. Luckily, these come in all different colours and even various patterns just like the cloth masks. So no need to simply settle for the boring medical blue and white. Hand sanitizer is always recommended to have on hand when you cannot wash your hands right away. Especially when getting on and off public transit.

Dress in Layers

One of the best pieces of advice for winter weather dressing is to wear layers. Then if the weather warms up or cools down, you can take off or put on more layers as needed. Some essential materials to look out for are merino wool, polar fleece and cashmere. These fabrics will help keep you warm but won’t make you sweat, as the materials are more breathable. You can find quality winter items on Amazon or in any of your favourite clothing shops (Uniqlo, J. Crew, Everlane). If you’re on a budget but really want to have something cozy, check out your local thrift shops. I have found dozens of fabulous 100% wool or cashmere sweater at thrift and vintage store. Usually for less than $20 when brand new they would cost over $200 and up! Plus vintage shopping always results in some sweet styles.

Winter Coat

If you already own a winter coat, you definitely need to bring that. But if you live in a warm place like California and think a light pea coat is a satisfactory winter coat, you’re going to have to rethink that a little. The two key elements that make up a quality coat for winters in Montreal. These are the length and the filling. You really want a long coat, at least something that goes down to your knees since you’re legs can get really cold.

The other element is to ensure the coat is down feathers filled. If you want to avoid animal products in your clothes you can also look for synthetic alternatives. Look for coats containing Primaloft, Omni-Heat, Thermolite, Thermacore, or Weathered fillings. A good coat with a hood is also a great way to ensure your head and neck are warm, as they are one of the primary ways heat escapes the body in the winter.

Boots

A good set of winter boots is also a key to ensuring those toes don’t get too cold. There is nothing worse than cold feet in the winter. It turns a lovely walking tour into a real pain. Since you can’t feasibly change from boots to fancier shoes as you go in and out of cafes and restaurants throughout the day, I suggest investing in a stylish boot. Luckily, so many brands make fashionable winter boots you’ll be happy to put on when you go outside.

Sorel is my go-to boot brand, but there are many other options from UGG, Dr. Martens, Blundstone and Columbia. If you don’t think you’ll have any use for a high-quality winter boot when you get home, try going to the used-clothing store and buying a pair second-hand. Just look for those brands listed as even an older boot will still be well made enough to last for ages.

Accessories

Even if you have a hood on your coat, you’d want to be sure to bring a large scarf or neck warmer to put around your neck. The wind can be brutal and blow your hood back, so you’ll be glad to have the scarf. I also bring a few different hats with me as it feels like a fun way to change up my outfit when I’m travelling in the winter.

Warm gloves are essential; you won’t get away with just putting your hands in your pocket. Trust me, I ran into some travellers from Spain who were otherwise dressed perfectly but missing their gloves, and by the end of our walking tour, their hands were freezing. If you use your phone to take pictures, you’ll want to get a pair of gloves with touch screen capabilities. Even taking your hand out of your gloves for a few minutes to take some pictures can really cool you down, especially at night. 

If you are terrified of the cold, I suggest investing in a set of hand warmers. These are fantastic to use throughout the day when the weather really dips down low. One of my favourite options is these OCOOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmers. They are a bit of an investment, but if you live in a cold-weather climate, you can easily use them throughout the year as well. And maybe this trip is the push you need to buy them. Plus they also double as a phone charger as well! If you just need something for the length of your vacation, you can also buy a pack of disposable hand warmers. These last up to 7-hours and easily fit inside your pocket to keep those hands nice and warm.

Long Johns

To keep your legs warm, you’ll want to bring along a pair of warm long johns. These can easily fit underneath your jeans or pants, so they won’t really change the look of your outfit. Fleece Lined thermals as the best thing to get to keep you warm all day long. If you can afford a pair of cashmere thermals, you’ll be overjoyed to find how utterly cozy you’ll feel.

But the cold weather and chance of precipitation mean you’re very likely to see snow when you arrive. The falling snow is like free Christmas decorations cast upon the city. So instead of complaining about it, just dress for success!

Do You Need to Speak French?

Although French is the official language in Montreal, you absolutely can visit the city without speaking any French at all. The signage might worry you at first since it is all in French (by law). But almost everyone in the city speaks English. In fact, many people live and work here who barely can speak fluent French themselves. Unlike Quebec City, which is primarily French-speaking, 57.4% of the population can speak both English and French. That being said, it is always a good idea to learn a bit of French to use when visiting. Below are some key phrases to know if you want to try and speak a bit of the local language.

Hello: Bonjour 
Goodbye: Au revoir
Thanks: Merci 
You’re welcome: De rien 
Please: S’il vous plaît
How are you?: Comment allez-vous?
how are you?: ca va? 
Yes: Oui
No:  Non
Okay: D’accord
I don’t speak French: Je ne parle pas français
Corner Store: Dépanneur (you’ll see this everywhere, so it’s good to know what it means)
Sorry: désolé (the most Canadian word to learn)

Map of the Walking Tour

Christmas Light of Old Montreal

There is nothing better than watching the snowfall while wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. The buildings that pop up throughout the old town date back as far as the 17th century. They are some of the most interesting and eye-catching buildings anywhere in the city. You absolutely cannot visit Montreal without making a trip to visit the old town and honestly seeing it at Christmas is just that much more special!

At Christmas time, the entire neighbourhood is decorated with fantastical Christmas lights and illuminated installations. Different streets have their own particular themes, like snowflakes, branches, stars and twinkling ornaments. Add to that the multitude of incredible Christmas window displays which peek out of the shop fronts, and you are left with one of the most magical experiences in Montreal!

Although my advice is simply to let yourself wander around the historic centre if you want to check off certain areas the street below are the best places to visit if you’re looking to see all the Christmas magic.

• McGill Street below Notre Dame Street
• Marche Bonsecour
• Saint Paul Street
• St. Sulpice Street
• Rue Saint-Vincent
• Place Jacque Cartier
• Rue de la Commune (along the riverside)
• Place Royal

Old Port Skating Rink

Located along the St. Laurence River, you’ll find the beautiful Old Port of Montreal. The Port was initially built in 1611 and used by the French fur traders used it as a trading post. Today, the modern riverside is filled with museums and tourist attractions. One of the newest of these attractions is the Grande roue de Montréal or Montreal Ferris Wheel. It is now the tallest Ferris wheel in Canada and looks out over the entirety of the city. From old town you can almost always see it peaking out over the buildings.

But if you just want to savour the view of the Ferris wheel while enjoying a classical Canadian winter activity, head to the Patinoire du Vieux Port. The Patinoire du Vieux Port or Old Port Skating rink is open from 9 am to 9 pm and until 10 pm Thursday to Sunday. The rink is such a unique setting with a spectacular view of Montréal. And when it gets dark, the rink is spectacularily illuminated. Skate rentals are $10.45 per person. You can also rent a helmet for $4.35 or bring your own skates for FREE!

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Miracle Christmas Bar

Hidden away, inside the Parlement Bar on Place d’Youville is an absolute Christmas Wonderland. Miracle Bar is like Christmas turned up to eleven. From the floor to the ceiling, Christmas wrapping paper covers the entirety of the space. Lights twinkle from every corner, hundreds of stockings hang from the ceiling, and of course, Christmas music blares throughout the bar. It has the warmest, most friendly atmosphere, like walking into a warm hug. When I was in town, I was alone for a portion of the trip, and I didn’t for a second feel alone in here. Everyone was in the spirit of Christmas and happy to make new friends.

There are a myriad of Christmas-themed drinks on offer, as well as beer, cider and yes, even non-alcoholic drinks as well! They all come in a delightful array of Christmas drinkware, and if you love what you’re served in, you can even buy a mug or cup to bring home!

Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site

If you’re like me a LOVE a Victorian Christmas, you must make a stop at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site. Every year they hold a “Victorian Christmas” at the Cartier’s home. The Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site is a historic house-turned museum located in Old Montreal. It commemorates the life and accomplishments of Sir George-Étienne Cartier. It also includes the old Cartier family home. The Cartiers were part of the upper-middle class of 19th-century Montreal and had one of the most illustrious homes in the city.

From December 4th to the 19th, you can take a guided tour of the house and see how it would have been set up for Christmas in 1897! You can see all the “latest” trends in Christmas decorations popular in the 19th century. See what they would have had on their Christmas table and even look at the marvellous fashions women would have worn to Christmas dinner. It’s a fantastic way to learn about life in the early days of Montreal and how Christmas traditions have both changed and stayed the same after hundred-plus years.

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Marché Place Jacques-Cartier

In the centre of Old Montreal is the Marché Place Jacques-Cartier. During the Christmas season, they set up a traditional Cabane à sucre in the square. The Cabane à sucre or sugar shack is usually found in the middle of maple groves deep in the woods around Quebec. The sap for the trees is collected throughout the year and boiled down in the springtime to make the most famous of all Canadian exports; maple syrup.

But in the wintertime, the maple syrup is boiled down even further to a thick, taffy-like consistency. It’s then poured onto a thick pile of snow to be cooled down even further. A popsicle stick is placed on top of the cooling sugar and rolled up until the sugar separates from the ice. And you get yourself a little maple syrup taffy on a stick. It is wonderfully sweet and such a treat to enjoy at Christmas time!

Noël Éternel

If you want to bring home the perfect Christmas souvenir from your trip to Montreal, there is no better place to go than Noël Éternel. The boutique located in the Old Quarter has been bringing the magic of Christmas to Montreal year-round since 1995. They have the most extensive collection of diverse Christmas decorations, from German nutcrackers, Russian dolls, mouth-blown glass ornaments or hand-painted items! There is something for everyone’s perfect Christmas tree no matter what your style.

Notre-Dame Basilica Aura

Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal or Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the most famous buildings in all of Montreal. Its steeple can be seen from all over the city, as it was once a city ordinance that no building could be built taller than the church itself. Construction began on Notre-Dame Basilica in 1672 with a small parish. Over the years, after the growth of the city, Montreal wanted to be known as the jewel of Canada. And to be such a place you needed a fantastical church. The breathtaking interiors of the church were constructed from 1785 to 1795. And the facade and vaulting were finished in 1818.

The interior of the church is what people come from far and wide to see. It is perhaps the most dramatic interiors in North America, if not the world. It features masterpieces of Gothic Revival architecture, with deep blue painted vaults covered in golden stars. The sanctuary is painted in blues, azures, reds, purples, silver, and gold. One of the most unique aspects of the church is their stained glass windows. Instead of depicting biblical scenes, the windows depict scenes from the religious history of Montreal.

Aura

Over 11 million visitors come to see the church every year, and one of the most alluring aspects of the church is that they have transformed the space from a simple place of worship to a multimedia spectacular. Aura transforms the interior of the church and highlights different aspects of the building using lights and projections. Music accompanies the entire performance. At times it feels like you are witnessing the church being built around you.

As someone who loves ecclesiastical architecture, I found the entire thing very moving. But the tickets are pricey. At $32 a person, there are plenty of people who might find this over-priced and underwhelming, especially when you can see projections for free outside with Cite Memoir. The show runs from Thursday to Saturday all year. But it does feel extra special at Christmas, even without any specific Christmas references.

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Le Petit Dep

In the centre of Old Montreal, you can’t help but notice the darling aqua exterior and gold trimmings of Le Petit Dep. “Dep” is short for “Dépanneur,” which means convenience store. But this is a convenience store unlike any other! The building is from 1822 and has been transformed into this hipster coffee shop and boutique. Retro decor and vintage furniture compliment the space, inviting you inside and wrapping you in warmth from the cold. The cafe features a myriad of different Christmas-themed desserts during the Christmas season. And the boutique turns into the absolute perfect one-stop shop for everyone on your Christmas list.

Centaur Theatre

Located in the old Canadian stock exchange building, Centaur Theatre is one of the best examples of Montreal’s vibrant art community. Every year they put on a showstopping Christmas comedy. There is something new to see every year. If you are looking for something a little different than you’re typical Christmas nativity play, then this is definitely something you should check out!

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Cité Mémoire

If you need another reason to wander the old streets of Montreal after the sun goes down, it is to see Cité Mémoire. Cité Mémoire breathes new life into the old city. The best outdoor video projections the world over are used across the old town to transform the urban landscape. Buildings and cobblestones are used as a canvas to tell the stories that have shaped the city. 24 different tableaux composed of images, dialogue, and music are projected on walls, alleys, ground, and even on the trees! Be sure to download their app that will guide you along the different routes. This allows you to explore the various projections hidden around the city with ease.

While there might not be a specific Christmas theme to this installation, it gives you a reason to get out and enjoy the outdoors after dark. And watching the projections surrounded by falling snow and twinkling Christmas lights is nevertheless a magical holiday experience.

Village de Noël de Montréal

If you’re like me and mourning the fact that you couldn’t easily make it out to the German Christmas Markets this year, the Great Christmas Market in Montreal or Village de Noël de Montréal will make your heart sing! From the end of November until the beginning of January, you can wander through a magical journey inside the Quartier des Spectacles. There are over 30 different enchanting chalets featuring both local artisans, musical entertainment and delicious food.

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Inspired by traditional Christmas markets, you can find everything here from handmade jewellery, gourmet food, and classical Christmas decorations. The Montreal cold might be bitter, but it pairs well with a mulled wine and hot chocolate. Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, the decor which surrounds the market is so beguiling it’s worth just exploring.

Luminothérapie

Also located in the Quartier des Spectacles and Place des Festivals is Luminothérapie. Luminothérapie is an interactive illuminated art exhibit. Buildings have incredible projections placed upon them, and magical sound-and-light installations are placed along the sidewalks to be interacted with by passers-by. This is the kind of Christmas magic that you’ll see being enjoyed as much by the locals as by visitors. For the locals, it is something new and exciting to see. And as the winter weather begins to creep in it makes the cold all the more enjoyable.

The Nutcracker

Every year, the Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal presents The Nutcracker throughout the month of December. This year the show is a unique take on the production featuring the Kingdom of Sweets as well as all that iconic Tchaikovsky score. The show overwhelms you with the Christmas spirit and is a wonderful way to see the artistry of the Montreal ballet.

The Jardins d’Hiver

Jardins d’Hiver, or the Winter Gardens, is a special Christmas trail located just outside the Place des Arts, on Sainte-Catherine Street between Jeanne-Mance and Saint-Urbain. The wintery pathway takes visitors along a Christmas trees-lined maze towards these little cottages displaying enchanting dioramas. It’s like exploring a magical and luminous fairy-tale. The trail ends with a Grand Christmas tree perfect for your holiday photos.

Jean-Talon Christmas Market

The Jean-Talon Market is a huge farmer’s market in the Little Italy neighbourhood of Montreal. The market was opened to the public in 1933 and is over two city blocks long! The market is open year-round, even during Montreal’s frigid winters. As of last year, they opened their very first Christmas Market. The market has a focus on local cuisine! This market is a festive culinary experience that you absolutely cannot miss! Everything from chocolate to maple syrup and pastries are overflowing inside the darling wooden huts located inside the market building. Twinkle lights hang from the ceiling and blue spruce and fir trees make the entire room smell like Christmas!

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Montreal Christmas Village

Located just outside the Old Town, in Atwater Place du Marché, you can walk around Montreal’s Christmas Village. The event is held from the end of November to the end of December. This marvellous public square is decorated for the holidays with local food vendors, artisan market stalls, live music and great activities for the kids. The little kiosks are all set up inside a wooden hut, reminiscent of old European Christmas markets.

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A Christmas tree farmer sells Christmas trees inside the market to the locals here, so it always smells divine! Sitting beside the Christmas trees enjoying a hot cup of cocoa is a wonderful way to relax.

Noël dans le Parc

Noël dans le Parc, or Christmas in the Park, is an event held along Mont-Royal Avenue and Cartier Street in the Parc des compagnons de Saint-Laurent. Festivities run on the weekends from 2 pm to 5 pm during November and December. The Christmas celebrations include wonderful musical entertainment, perfect for those who love to sing carols. Grab a glass of warm mulled wine or hot chocolate and sit to enjoy the wonderful musical and artistic programming. This is very much a community-driven event, so you’ll find lots of locals with their families coming out to enjoy the outdoor party.

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Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal

Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Montreal. But at Christmas time, there is an even better reason to make your way out here. Inside the church is their museum collection featuring their various famous “Crèches.” A Crèche is a model or tableau representing the scene of Jesus Christ’s birth, usually displayed in homes or public places at Christmas. We also call these “Nativity Scenes.” The museum collections feature two of the church’s historic large outdoor Nativity Scenes.

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But even more interesting, is the museum’s collection entitled ‘A World in a Crèche.’ This part of the museum features nearly one hundred Nativity Scenes from as many countries. Viewing all these different scenes, you can study the different ways each country depicts the Nativity scenes and how different artists make their unique impression on the classical display.

Juliette et Chocolate

One of my personal favourite places to go in Montreal is Juliette et Chocolate. This is place has immense nostalgia for me as I would frequent it with my dad when he lived in Montreal. Juliette et Chocolate is a chocolate lover’s paradise! Their cafe was originally just a little chocolate shop in Quebec City but as soon as it opened, it was a complete hit with the locals! They opened their first location in Montreal and it was just as big a success. Today, there are three different locations spread across the city. The shop sells all kinds of decadent desserts. From intensely chocolate brownies to rich fondues, sweet crepes and artful chocolates and pastries!

Hot Chocolate

But during the Christmas season, there is one main reason to come to Juliette et Chocolate, which is for their hot chocolate! They have over eight different flavours, which are sure to warm your body and soul. The favourite that keeps me coming back year after year is their Grandma’s style hot cocoa. The velvety hot chocolate is so thick and rich it almost feels like you’re drinking a chocolate fondu! You can even choose the type of chocolate for your drink; 70% Dark, 55% Dark, 33% Milk, or White!

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And don’t worry, if you’re vegan, they even have a few vegan options made with an almond beverage. For a splurge, go for their smoked campfire hot chocolate (which costs a whopping $14.59 CAD!) This chocolatey campfire experience comes with their velvety hot chocolate smoked with wood chips and served with our brownie and toasted marshmallow skewer. If you’re looking for the best Christmas gift to bring home, they have a wide selection of amazing Christmas-themed chocolates and even produce their own advent calendars.

Le Darling

Darling café and bar are some of the enchanting settings for a Christmas dinner or nightcap. Hidden away inside a dark window front along Blvd St-Laurent, you step inside and are immediately overwhelmed by the whimsical decor within. The interior designers responsible for the fantastic interiors were inspired by colours and textures from steampunk with a modern, sassy twist. Decorating the walls are eclectic items like dolls inside bell jars, teacups, mannequins and carnival regalia. But during the Christmas season, they go ALL OUT on Christmas decorations with baubles hanging from every single surface and twinkling lights casting a magical warm glow all around the room.

Wherever you find yourself in this city, you are bound to discover the magic of Christmas. From random choirs roaming the streets to Christmas light displays outside family homes, there is so much to see and do in this city outside of the list I’ve curated for you here. Let me know in the comments what amazing discoveries you make on your next trip to Montreal!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Your Guide to Spending the Best Christmas Holiday in Montreal [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Moraine Lake is also slightly less packed with tourists, which made it all the more peaceful. Lake Louise can often feel like Disneyland. I found that Lake Louise is a destination, while Moraine Lake is an adventure. One of the reasons that Moraine Lake was less frequented by visitors in the past years was because it was so difficult to access. But thanks to the Park and Ride Shuttle the lakes are now more accessible than ever! 

Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada. With its deep blue water and lush green scenery, it really is a sight to see. Towering mountains and a pristine blue sky almost always surround the lake. The backdrop is so magnificent it’s been dubbed “one of the most beautiful places on earth.” If you’ve been planning a trip to Banff for a while, definitely consider adding Moraine Lake to the top of your list! And honestly, if you are short on time and had to choose between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, I’d put my votes on Moraine Lake! Here are some great tips on how to make the most of your visit to this spectacular location.

Table Of Contents

1. When to Visit?
2. How to Get to Moraine Lake
   • By Car
   • By Bus
3. Shuttle Bus
   • Roam
4. Park Pass
5. Hiking Tips
   • Be Bear Aware! 
6. Moraine Lakeshore Trail
7. Canoeing on the Lake
8. Rockpile Trail
9. Consolation Lakes Trail
   • Food at Moraine Lake
   • Bring Your Own Picnic

When to Visit?

Being located in the mountains means that Moraine Lake is much much colder than in the city just a few hours away. Even in the summer, you might find snow in the forest. Summer and early fall make for the best times of year to visit. Try to avoid weekends and holidays as this is the busiest time to visit with lots of locals flocking to the mountains for a day of hiking. Try to avoid at Moriane Lake early in the morning. This gives you the best chance of having the lowest crowd levels and also will allow you to see all there is to do around the Lake itself.

In the fall, you will also be greeted by the Golden Larch. The Larch is a needle-laden tree whose leaves turn the most beautiful yellow hue in the early fall. The nearby Larch Valley is the best place to see these changing colours. Late fall is my favourite time to visit as the crowds are much lighter. Plus, the incredible fall colours add another element of dynamism to the area. It is a lot chillier than in the summer but just dress in layers to survive those frigid mornings. Although the winter is the quietest season in Lake Moraine, the lake generally freezes over, so you won’t be able to appreciate the gorgeous turquoise colours of the water.

How to Get to Moraine Lake

As mentioned before, Banff and Lake Moraine is an easy day trip from Calgary, and there are many different ways to get there. While many people think renting a car is the only option, Banff is much more accessible than you might think via public transport!

By Car

To get to Calgary by car, you’ll need to rent one from the airport or any car rental locations downtown. Car rentals in Calgary for a simple, mid-size vehicle can be found as low as $60/day. The prices go up in the summer months, so I would plan on about $100/day if travelling in high-season. If you are travelling in the summer or during busy holidays, book your rentals months in advance. You might be surprised to find car rentals book up relatively quickly as a drive into the mountains is such a popular activity. If you can’t find any rentals downtown, consider looking at the airport since they usually have more rental availability there.

By Bus

What really surprised me was that you can actually take the bus from Calgary, directly to Banff and Canmore! On-It Regional Transit offers weekend-only service to and from Calgary. You can book a spot on their Saturday service 6:40 am bus which arrives in Banff around 9:15 am. Return buses to Calgary run about every hour after 5 pm. This means you can easily spend a whole day in Banff without a car!

If you’re looking to stay in Banff overnight or for the entire weekend, you can book one of their Friday Night tickets. They will get you into Banff at 8:30pm and you can stay the entire weekend, returning Sunday afternoon. There is only one bus on Friday Night so book those tickets in advance. Sunday buses run six times a-day. Each one-way tickets only cost $10! Super affordable, and great for any budget. Be sure to book your spots in advance as there are only so many buses available.

Shuttle Bus

If you are driving, please please consider taking the Park and Ride Shuttle Bus. This shuttle bus runs to and from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake! Parking at Moraine Lake is extremely limited! The parking lot is full by sunrise (!) and remains full throughout the day. Unless you’re willing to get to the parking lot at 6 am this is a real shot in the dark and could easily ruin your trip! And don’t think if the parking lot is packed, you can just park down the road. No, park rangers patrol the area and pretty much anywhere you could think of parking is restricted. But not to fear! This is where the Parks Canada Shuttle Bus comes in hand.

You must book your tickets in advance as only a certain number of tickets are sold every day. Walk-up seat sales are not permitted. Tickets are only $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for youths (6 – 17 years), and children under 6 are free! You need to book your ticket in advance and select your specific departure time. This is to ensure no one timeslot is overcrowded. This requires a little bit of extra scheduling but is worth the effort.

Park and Ride → Lake Louise → Moraine Lake → Park and Ride

This shuttle bus runs from the Park and Ride lot to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The Park and Ride area is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway as marked on the map. But there are plenty of signs to direct you on your way. Once you arrive you check-in at the desk to get your ticket and wait for your designated bus. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes. From the Park and Ride, you can go directly to Moraine Lake. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at the entrance to the park with NO STRESS. No worrying about finding parking spots or the need to arrive at 4 am.

I honestly cannot recommend this service enough. Not only does the shuttle bus take you from the parking lot to either Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, you can also take the shuttles between the two lakes. As many times as you want. This guided itinerary to 24-hours in Banff is created around using the public transport system and the shuttle bus as it is truly the BEST WAY to explore the area with ease. The buses run about every 15 minutes, so you never have to wait very long in between shuttles to get where you want to go.

Roam

But how do I get around once I arrive if I take the On-It bus? Well, lucky for you, your On-It tickets allow you to travel for FREE on local Roam Regional services! Roam is the local transit system around the Bow Valley. Even if you don’t have an On-It ticket but want to ditch your car for the day you can get a 1-Day pass for the Roam local transit system. Tickets cost only $5 for adults and $2.50 for students and seniors. Kids under 13 are free! 

For a 1-Day ticket onto their expanded network, including buses to Moraine Lake, tickets cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for seniors and students.

Park Pass

Entry into the entirety of Banff National Park and Moraine Lake requires a valid Park Pass. The cost of the pass is necessary for maintaining the national park. A single adult pass costs $9.80 CAD, and children (6- 17) and seniors are $8.30 CAD. You can purchase a family pass for $19.60 CAD which covers your entire vehicle’s party.

You can purchase your Park Pass at the gate when you enter the park’s boundaries. But better yet, purchase it online before your arrival. Buying the pass in advance means you can simply print it off and then drive right into the park. That saves a bunch of time when there is a lineup to buy passes at the gate. Be sure to keep your pass on the dashboard of your vehicle, where it is clearly visible. Park rangers periodically check cars for their passes and you don’t want to get a ticket unduly!

Hiking Tips

Many of the short hikes/walks around Moraine Lake are very easy, even for beginners. They don’t require any high fitness level, so don’t be intimidated. Take it at your own pace and just enjoy the beautiful views. Remember to always dress in layers. You might get outta bed in the morning with frost in the air, but by midday, it could be sweltering! So be prepared for all kinds of weather. Bring a large refillable water bottle, as even with a short or easy hike, you need to keep hydrated. Wear comfortable hiking or running shoes. Even if the trails are flat, you’ll be doing a lot of walking and you’ll want to be comfortable.

Be Bear Aware! 

Even if you’re going on an easy, well-populated hiking trail, you need to be careful of bears. In fact, the area around Lake Louise has the highest ratio of grizzlies to humans in Canada! Something no hiker (or walker) should be without is bear spray. Bear spray can usually be purchased at campground stores or even in your hotel. Ask hotel staff if anyone left any bear spray behind. Since bear spray cannot be brought on the plane, people often check out and simply leave it behind.

In addition to bear spray, being bear aware on your walks is of the utmost importance. Walk and hike in large groups. Talk loudly, so you don’t surprise any bears, especially when turning around corners. Watch out for fresh signs of bear activity, including droppings, torn-up logs, overturned rocks, and diggings. 

Moraine Lakeshore Trail

Once you arrive at the lake the firs thing you should do, is walk along the Moraine Lakeshore Trail. The pathway weaves itself around the lake, giving you lots of different angles at the water and mountains above. The track is 1.5 km long and takes only about 45 minutes to return. The walk weaves in and out of the forest and down to the water’s edge making it such a beautiful walk. You’ll cross over boardwalks, ending at a small babbling rapids tucked into the edge of the forest. Unlike the Lakeshore trail in Lake Louise, this pathway is more visually dynamic, with much lighter crowds.

Canoeing on the Lake

Canoes can be rented on Moraine Lake for $124/hour. While this is still pretty pricey, many people view a trip to Moraine Lake as a bucket list activity. While this isn’t the type of activity you might splurge on every day, getting onto the waters is a truly unique experience. Don’t break the bank and feel like you MUST do this, but if you have the money saved and are a big fan of canoeing, you will definitely enjoy yourself. The canoe dock is only mid-June to mid-September.

Rockpile Trail

As you head back to the parking lot, you’ll find access to the famous Rockpile Trail. There is a reason this short hike is so popular. The Moraine Lake Viewpoint, located just 0.4km uphill, is genuinely one of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see. The trail is very short, but there are lots of steep steps. But once you get to the top, you’ll be glad you did!

Reaching the top of the rock pile you have the most magnificent view overtop of the lake. The water is simply etheral and you feel like you’re up in the clouds. Moraine Lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, which become very apparent once you are up here. The “ten peaks” are the ten different mountain peaks that can be seen across the vista.

The views you get from the peak of the Rockpile Trail were featured on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill from 1969 to 1979. Since then, many people also call this vista the, “Twenty Dollar View.” The tallest of all the mountains seen from the viewpoint is the Deltaform Mountain, which stands 3424 meters tall.

Consolation Lakes Trail

If you want to adventure out into the wilderness from Moraine Lake, you must take some time to walk the Consolation Lakes Trail. The entrance to the trail is located right next to the washrooms in the Moraine Lake parking lot. Although the trail is 6.1 km, the path is well paved and heavily trafficked, making it a fantastic hike for newbies. The course is relatively flat, and there isn’t too much elevation gained throughout your hike. The trail takes you from Moraine Lake into the woods towards two picturesque alpine lakes. All the while framed by the backdrop of Banff’s incredible mountains. While very well-trafficked by visitors, you always need to be sure to follow the previously mentioned instructions to be bear aware.

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Food at Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is home to both a small cafe and a luxury dining room inside the Moraine Lake Lodge (open during the summer season). The Snowshoe Cafe is a tiny little takeaway restaurant that offers a daily selection of sandwiches, baked goods, soups, and a large selection of coffee, lattes and tea. You can either take your food with you or sit outside on their outdoor charming patio.

The food inside the cafe is super costly for what it is. Partly this is due to the remote nature of the restaurant and probably partly because it’s your only lunch option if you didn’t pack a lunch. It won’t bankrupt you, but a $4 can of soda definitely gave me some sticker shock! We still grabbed a warm cup of coffee and a latte and were impressed by the quality! It was really nice to walk around in the crisp morning with a hot cup of coffee.

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The Walter Wilcox Dining Room is open in the evening from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Reservations are required as the restaurant is tiny and has limited seating for guests who are not staying at the lodge. The menu features Alberta Beef Tenderloin, Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb, Venison Rack and Pheasant Supreme. It’s definitely a splurge, but the views inside the floor-to-ceiling windowed dining room are spectacular.

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Bring Your Own Picnic

The best option for most people is to bring a picnic with you! There are plenty of benches along the trails for you to stop and enjoy a little picnic. But remember, leave no trace! Bring all your garbage back to the designated garbage bins located in the parking lot and beside the cafe. These bins are specifically designed to keep bears out, so you must be sure to only dispose of garbage in these bins.

I hope you make your way to Moraine Lake and if you do, let me know in the comments if you also liked Moraine Lake more than Lake Louise! Or if you’re a die-hard Lake Louise fan! Honestly, they are both jaw-droppingly stunning but Moraine Lake will always be where my heart lives.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Essential Tips for Visiting Moraine Lake, the Most Beautiful Spot in Banff! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. First Nations Land Acknowledgement
2. Banff History
3. Park Pass
4. When to Visit?
5. How to Get to Banff
6. How to Get Around Banff
7. Banff Accommodation
8. Hiking Tips
9. The Perfect 24-Hours in Banff Tour
10. Arrive at Lake Louise Early in the Morning
11. Fairview Lookout Loop Hike
12. Afternoon Tea at Lake Louise
13. Moraine Lake 
14. Moraine Lake Shore Trail
15. Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar
16. Stargazing on Lake Minnewanka

First Nations Land Acknowledgement

Long before this area of Canada was known as “Banff,” the land was home to the First Nations, Métis, and Inuits. The area is the traditional and ancestral territory of many peoples, including the Treaty 6, 7, and 8 territories. Namely: the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika – the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Métis People of Alberta, as well as the unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc. It’s important to acknowledge those whose territory we are visiting as an act of gratitude. This is just one of many steps it’s important to recognize as a step in the journey of reconciliation.

Indigenous people have lived in the area around what is now Banff National Park for over 10,000 years. They were drawn to the Bow River as it provided a means of travel and access to rich hunting and fishing spots. The name “bow” refers to the reeds that grew on the banks of the glacier-fed river. These reeds were used by Indigenous peoples to make their hunting bows. In the Blackfoot language, the river is called Makhabn, which means “river where the bow reeds grow.“

Banff History

Banff National Park is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It and encompasses over 10,000 square kilometres of glacier-capped mountains, canyons, and valleys. It was actually Canada’s first national park and is the flagship of the nation’s park system! If you are Canadian, visiting the park is a right of passage. If you’re a visitor, Banff feels like the peak of Candian iconography!  

The park was first established when workers on Canadian Pacific Railway discovered a series of natural hot springs. They came across them on the side of Sulphur Mountain in 1880. They were amazed by the seemingly healing properties of the springs. In 1885 the area became a federal reserve where they promoted the springs as a resort and spa just off the new railway line. It’s amazing to imagine that even over a hundred years ago, there was a direct railway that brought visitors into the Rockies. Sadly, although commercial trains still use these tracks, there is no tourist train that runs into the mountains. This is a result of corporate infighting in the ownerships of the railway’s tracks. Hopefully, they’ll resolve this in our lifetime, as a train ride through the Rockies into Banff would be so scenic.

Developement of Banff National Park

Eventually, the “Rocky Mountain Park,” as it was then known, began to expand to cover more and more areas outside the springs. It wasn’t officially named “Banff” until 1884. President George Stephen, Canadian Pacific Railway, decided to name the area after his birthplace of Banff, in Scotland. 

To provide tourists with more access to the wonders of the expansive forest, construction of more roads was required. One of the most unspoken parts of Banff’s history is that this work was mostly done by prisoners of the nearby Castle Mountian internment camp. It was established in 1915 and contained a total of 660 enemy aliens of WWI. The main purpose was to use forced labour to push the Banff highway on through to Lake Louise. Grand hotels were built to accommodate the incoming tourists. Including the famous Fairmont Lake Louise. 

Park Pass

Entry into the entirety of Banff National Park requires a valid Park Pass. The cost of the pass is necessary for maintaining the national park. A single adult pass costs $9.80 CAD, and children (6- 17) and seniors are $8.30 CAD. You can purchase a family pass for $19.60 CAD which covers your entire vehicle’s party.

You can purchase your Park Pass at the gate when you enter the park’s boundaries. But better yet, purchase it online before your arrival. Buying the pass in advance means you can simply print it off and then drive right into the park. That saves a bunch of time when there is a lineup to buy passes at the gate. Be sure to keep your pass on the dashboard of your vehicle, where it is clearly visible. Park rangers periodically check cars for their passes and you don’t want to get a ticket unduly!

When to Visit?

The best time to visit Banff is during the summer and early fall. Even at the height of the summer, the weather in the mountains is so much colder than in the city. Even in June, you might still see some snow! So visiting in the summer means the weather up in the mountains will be much more pleasant for exploring. My other favourite time to travel to Banff is in the fall. The crowds are much lighter, and the colours of the changing seasons are beautiful. Just be sure to dress for the chillier mornings. The winter in Banff is a sight to see, but various roads are closed, and the brilliant turquoise water of Lake Louise is frozen over.

How to Get to Banff

As mentioned before, Banff is an easy day trip from Calgary, and there are many different ways to get there. While many people think renting a car is the only option, Banff is much more accessible than you might think via public transport!

By Car

To get to Calgary by car, you’ll need to rent one from the airport or any car rental locations downtown. Car rentals in Calgary for a simple, mid-size vehicle can be found as low as $60/day. The prices go up in the summer months, so I would plan on about $100/day if travelling in high-season. If you are travelling in the summer or during busy holidays, book your rentals months in advance. You might be surprised to find car rentals book up relatively quickly as a drive into the mountains is such a popular activity. If you can’t find any rentals downtown, consider looking at the airport since they usually have more rental availability there.

By Bus

What really surprised me was that you can actually take the bus from Calgary, directly to Banff and Canmore! On-It Regional Transit offers weekend-only service to and from Calgary. You can book a spot on their Saturday service 6:40 am bus which arrives in Banff around 9:15 am. Return buses to Calgary run about every hour after 5 pm. This means you can easily spend a whole day in Banff without a car!

If you’re looking to stay in Banff overnight or for the entire weekend, you can book one of their Friday Night tickets. They will get you into Banff at 8:30pm and you can stay the entire weekend, returning Sunday afternoon. There is only one bus on Friday Night so book those tickets in advance. Sunday buses run six times a-day. Each one-way tickets only cost $10! Super affordable, and great for any budget. Be sure to book your spots in advance as there are only so many buses available.

How to Get Around Banff

Shuttle Bus

If you are driving, please please consider taking the Park and Ride Shuttle Bus. This shuttle bus runs to and from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake! Traffic congestion in the Lake Louise area is horrific, and parking is extremely limited! The parking lots are consistently full by sunrise (!) and remain full throughout the day. This means you’ll be hectically driving around and around the parking lots praying for someone to leave. Unless you’re willing to get to the parking lot at 6 am this is a real shot in the dark and could easily ruin your trip!

And don’t think if the parking lot is packed, you can just park down the road. No, park rangers patrol the area and pretty much anywhere you could think of parking is restricted. Plus, even if you arrive early and find a spot at Lake Louise, then you’ll miss the early-bird parking at Moraine Lake. And vice-versa. But not to fear! This is where the Parks Canada Shuttle Bus comes in hand.

You must book your tickets in advance as only a certain number of tickets are sold every day. Walk-up seat sales are not permitted. Tickets are only $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for youths (6 – 17 years), and children under 6 are free! You need to book your ticket in advance and select your specific departure time. This is to ensure no one timeslot is overcrowded. This requires a little bit of extra scheduling but is worth the effort.

Park and Ride → Lake Louise → Moraine Lake → Park and Ride

This shuttle bus runs from the Park and Ride lot to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The Park and Ride area is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway as marked on the map. But there are plenty of signs to direct you on your way. Once you arrive you check-in at the desk to get your ticket and wait for your designated bus. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes. From the Park and Ride, you can either go directly to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at the entrance to the park with NO STRESS. No worrying about finding parking spots or the need to arrive at 4 am.

I honestly cannot recommend this service enough. Not only does the shuttle bus take you from the parking lot to either Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, you can also take the shuttles between the two lakes. As many times as you want. This guided itinerary to 24-hours in Banff is created around using the public transport system and the shuttle bus as it is truly the BEST WAY to explore the area with ease. The buses run about every 15 minutes, so you never have to wait very long in between shuttles to get where you want to go.

Roam

But how do I get around once I arrive if I take the On-It bus? Well, lucky for you, your On-It tickets allow you to travel for FREE on local Roam Regional services! Roam is the local transit system around the Bow Valley. Even if you don’t have an On-It ticket but want to ditch your car for the day you can get a 1-Day pass for the Roam local transit system. Tickets cost only $5 for adults and $2.50 for students and seniors. Kids under 13 are free! 

For a 1-Day ticket onto their expanded network, including buses to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon, tickets cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for seniors and students.

Banff Accommodation

Although you can easily do this 24-Hour Guide on a day trip from Calgary, staying a night in the mountains is a beautiful way to get more out of your trip to Banff. Plus, there is so much more to do outside of this one-day guide. Accommodation in Banff can be pretty pricey, so if you’re looking to save some money, try visiting during the week and avoid weekends and holidays.

Castle Mountain Chalets

Castle Mountain Chalets is my #1 choice for a stay in Banff. While many people choose to stay in the famous Banff village, this area has become somewhat too touristy for me. If I’m going to head out into the mountains, I want to feel like I’m away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Castle Mountain Chalets are located off the Trans-Canada Highway, just 20 minutes away from Lake Louise, 10 minutes from the Park and Ride lot or 24 minutes from Banff Village. So no matter where you’re off to, this is the perfect outpost.

The chalets are located under the shadow of the incredible Castle Mountain, which towers above. Their rustic and yet opulent buildings are simply stunning. The aroma of the cedar log walls is intoxicating and deeply comforting. They offer a combination of suites inside their lodge (from $189/night ) and larger chalets (from $159-$290 per night). 

Juniper Hotel

The Juniper Hotel is located just on the other side of Banff village. So despite being so close to all the action, it manages to feel tranquil and out of the way. Although the hotel is more than 60 years old, there is a reason it stands today as an icon of Banff tourism. Friendly staff greet you upon walking in the door, and as soon as you step into your room, with its unparalleled views of the mountains, you’ll find it hard to leave! Opt for the deluxe room as it features mountain views and your own private balcony or deck! Starting at $209/night

Airbnbs in Banff and Canmore

In Banff Village and nearby Canmore, there are dozens and dozens of apartments created as timeshare opportunities. These are popular with locals from Alberta who loves to take weekend escapes to the mountains. But during the year when they are not staying there, they rent them out on Airbnb and VRBO. This means there are a plethora of different apartments always online for you to choose from! Lots of people love staying inside Banff Village since there are so many excellent bars and restaurants. So you can get the feeling of going out for a night on the town while in the middle of the mountains.

The best part is there are so many different kinds of rooms, so you can find something for any price point. Wanna splurge? Find yourself a suite with a panoramic view. Need to save some money? There are lots of you can get a smaller single room in Canmore which can be almost half the price of Banff village! If you have a large family these are especially great as they have large kitchens where you can save some money by cooking dinner at home.

A Note about Forest Fires & Smoke

If you’re planning a trip to Banff in the summer, you need to be aware that forest fires as far away as British Columbia might affect the visibility in Banff. Smoke is something any Calgary resident is familiar with. But to visitors, you might, like me, be surprised by just how thick the smoke can be. When smoke is especially prevalent, you should avoid heavy exercise outdoors. If you have a mask, consider wearing it even when outside to prevent excess smoke inhalation.

The views around Banff can be changed drastically by the presence of smoke. Try your best not to let that get you down. I know coming to Lake Louise is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for some people and they might be disappointed not to get the iconic view which has been made so famous. There is no way to really plan around this, and all you can do is make the best of it. Places where the views are closer to you, like Lake Minnewanka or Johnston Canyon, might be great alternatives if the smoke is very heavy and you want to try Lake Louise of Moraine Lake another day.

Hiking Tips

Many of the short hikes/walks around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are very easy. They don’t require any high fitness level, so don’t be intimidated. Take it at your own pace and just enjoy the beautiful views. Remember to always dress in layers. You might get outta bed in the morning with frost in the air, but by midday, it could be sweltering! So be prepared for all kinds of weather. Bring a large refillable water bottle, as even with a short or easy hike, you need to keep hydrated. Wear comfortable hiking or running shoes. Even if the trails are flat, you’ll be doing a lot of walking and you’ll want to be comfortable.

Be Bear Aware! 

Even if you’re going on an easy, well-populated hiking trail, you need to be careful of bears. In fact, the area around Lake Louise has the highest ratio of grizzlies to humans in Canada! Something no hiker (or walker) should be without is bear spray. Bear spray can usually be purchased at campground stores or even in your hotel. Ask hotel staff if anyone left any bear spray behind. Since bear spray cannot be brought on the plane, people often check out and simply leave it behind.

In addition to bear spray, being bear aware on your walks is of the utmost importance. Walk and hike in large groups. Talk loudly, so you don’t surprise any bears, especially when turning around corners. Watch out for fresh signs of bear activity, including droppings, torn-up logs, overturned rocks, and diggings. 

The Perfect 24-Hours in Banff Tour

Arrive at Lake Louise Early in the Morning

Lake Louise is by far the most popular place in all of Banff National Park. It’s the main draw for many visitors. It’s the Eiffel Tower of the Mountains. There are many lakes in the world, but there’s only one Lake Louise. It’s one of the most photographed lakes in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. With its turquoise waters and the surrounding mountain peaks, the lake has become a must-see destination.

As mentioned before, the parking lot at Lake Louise fills up before sunrise. Be sure you’ve booked yourself an early morning ticket onto the Banff Park and Ride Shuttle to Lake Louise. The park fills up a lot throughout the day, and the earlier you arrive, the more you’ll have the place to yourself. Although dealing with loads of tourists is part and parcel with the experience of visiting Lake Louise. But there are definitely ways to get around being overwhelmed by the crowds. Arriving early is one of those ways.

About Lake Louise

Lake Louise was previously named Ho-run-num-nay (Lake of the Little Fishes) by the Stoney Nakota First Nations people. The name “Lake Louise” was given to the waters in the 19th century. It was named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. She was also the wife of the Marquess of Lorne, then the Governor-General of Canada.

The lake is situated between three great mountains, Mount Temple, Mount Whyte, and Mount Niblock. In the center of the snowcapped mountains, you can make out the massive Victoria Glacier in the center. When the glacier melts it gives the lake that iconic brilliant turquoise colour. The glacier melt that trickles down into the lake contains large particles that refract light’s blue and green wavelengths.

The lake’s water looks like the perfect place for a dip but trust me, you won’t make it past putting your toes in the water. That same glacier melt which colours the waters also means that the lake is either freezing or frozen over! We tried dunking our legs in on one of the hottest days of the years and quickly jumped right out! No chance!

Canoeing on Lake Louise

Renting a canoe on Lake Louise is a bucket list activity for many visitors. And by renting one early in the morning, you’ll find the lake to be the most peaceful and least crowded. As the day goes on, the line for the canoe rentals can get pretty long. Personally, I would recommend renting a canoe at Moraine Lake instead. Moraine is slightly cheaper and I think a little more scenic. But if you have your heart set on renting one at Lake Louise then don’t let anyone stop you! Especially if it’s a nice clear day, the views you’ll get of the waters are indeed spectacular. I’m just personally more a fan of Moraine Lake over Lake Louse (controversial opinion, I know.)

The boathouse where you can rent a canoe is located along the left side of the lake. But here’s the kicker, the cost to rent a canoe is $135/per hour, or $95/hour if you are a hotel guest! If you are travelling with a larger group, the divided cost might be a little more manageable but for couples, it’s a pretty pricey activity.

Fairview Lookout Loop Hike

There are a variety of different hikes you take around Lake Louise. But the Fairview Lookout Loop Hike is my favourite for beginners who just want a taste of hiking in the mountains but don’t want to get into any too difficult or too long. This hike starts on the trail beside the canoe boathouse and loops up around the hillside to the east of Lake Louise.

Most people opt for the Lake Louise Lakeshore walk, a leisurely walk around the west side of the lake. The Lakeshore walk is great in its own right, as it’s super accessible with a paved trail for wheelchair and stroller use. But this trail is SUPER packed with people almost all the time. When we took the alternative Fairview Lookout Loop Hike, we didn’t see a single person on the track the entire time we were walking. It felt so much more peaceful and more like a true hike into nature.

The Fairview Lookout Loop Hike is also a short 1 km one-way hike that will take around 45 minutes roundtrip. The walk heads up into the woods towards a gorgeous lookout over the lake and the historic Fairmont Hotel. While the Lakeshore hikes provide unobscured views of the lake the entire time, this is all at the same elevations. The Fairview Lookout Loop Hike, on the other hand, actually gives you a more rich introduction to flora and fauna of the Lake Louise area. And that view at the top is otherworldly! On the way back down towards the hotel, the trail pop in and out of the water edge where you’ll get some truly amazing shots along the water. Far better than anything you’ll see on the Lakeshore Trail.

Fairmont Hotel

To cap off the perfect morning at Lake Louise, book yourself an Afternoon High Tea inside the Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise in their Fairview Restaurant. The Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise is a historic icon of the area. And although the hotel prices are astronomical, the high tea they offer is shockingly well priced. Plus, you get a stunning view of the entire lake from the inside.

History of the Fairmont Hotel

The origins of the Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise began in 1890 when Cornelius Van Horne, a Canadian Pacific Railway manager, built a small log cabin on the shores of the lake. He thought the scenic lake would make for the perfect vacation destination as it was easily accessible by the nearby Canadian Pacific Railway. He named the small lodge, the ‘Chalet Lake Louise’. The small hotel was originally only able to accommodate 50 guests. But over the years, as its popularity grew, the hotel began to expand.

By 1912, the property was seeing over 50,000 people through its doors yearly. Over the years, various fires that swept through the hotel changed its appearance. The current incarnation of the hotel was built in Renaissance Revival style. Renaissance Revival-style architecture drew its inspiration from early western European architecture and consisted of colonnades, low-pitched roofs with grand staircases and magnificent lobbies.

Afternoon Tea at Lake Louise

Once you are escorted inside the grand tea room at the Fairview Restaurant, you’ll be seated at a table either right against the windows or facing the windows. The benefit of being a two-some is that the tables against the windows are for groups of two and have the best view! So if you’re a group of four, consider making two separate reservations inside so you’ll get the window-side tables. Reservations for the high-tea are available from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Afternoon Tea Highlights

The Afternoon Tea features a selection of one of their luxurious tea blends paired with a three-tiered tray of delicious goodies. They are fantastic with accomodating dietary restrictions and even have an entirely vegan menu as well. We caught a glimpse of the vegan trays, and they looked incredible! They also have options for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.

The top tray features your choice of scones. We went with the jalapeno cheddar and the Saskatoon berry. The jalapeno cheddar paired perfectly with the marmalade and apricot jam! But my favourite topping for the scones is, of course, the clotted cream. The second tier features tiny savoury pastries like blackened tuna on a croissant, brioche toast with honeycomb and brie, and prawn & avocado.

The last tier is the sweet desserts, and although the sizes look small, we were beyond stuffed by the end of the meal. The staff kindly allowed us to take what we couldn’t finish home. We were sure to eat up the desserts that we knew wouldn’t travel well first. These desserts included macaroons, truffles, passionfruit pot de crème, salted caramel cake, olive oil tarts and lemon meringue. 

Moraine Lake 

After lunch, head back to the parking lot and hop on the Shuttle Bus or Roam Bus towards Moraine Lake. Moraine Lake is only 20 minutes away from Lake Louise. As you don’t need to worry about the parking lot being full, it’s a beautiful and relaxing drive through the mountains.

Moraine Lake is known for its incredible colours, which change with the time of day and season. In my opinion, Moraine Lake is THE most iconic view in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a gorgeous glacier-fed lake, just like Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters contrast with its rugged surroundings. The lake is set at an elevation of 1,740 metres and is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides. There’s nothing quite like a clear blue sky and shining sun reflecting off the pristine waters of Moraine Lake.

One of the reasons that Moraine Lake isn’t the first choice for visitors, like Lake Louise, is because of its small parking lot and narrow road. Both these aspects made getting to the lake a bit more complicated. But with the introduction of the shuttle bus, more and more people are starting to discover the natural beauty of this amazing National Park. 

Moraine Lake Shore Trail

The Moraine Lake Shore Trail is the most leisurely hike around the lake. And unlike the Lakeshore trail in Lake Louise, this trail is more dynamic, with different views that change as you go. The track is 1.5 km long and takes only about 45 minutes to return. The way the trail weaves in and out of the forest and down to the water’s edge makes it such a beautiful walk, over boardwalks and ending at a babbling rapids. The Rockpile trail, located right off the parking lot, is the most popular route, so you’ll find this trail is a little hidden gem. The stunning colour of the water, just like that of Lake Louise, is created with that glacier water that floods into the lake when the glaciers start to melt in late June.

Canoe Rental

As mentioned before, you can rent canoes on Moraine Lake for $124/hour. While this is still pretty pricey, many people view a trip to Moraine Lake as a bucket list activity. Nothing something you’d splurge on every day. Getting onto the waters is a truly unique experience. Don’t break the bank and feel like you MUST do this, but if you have the money saved and are a big fan of canoeing, you will definitely enjoy yourself.

Rockpile Trail

As you head back to the parking lot, you’ll find access to the famous Rockpile Trail. There is a reason this short hike is so popular. The Moraine Lake Viewpoint, located just 0.4km uphill, is genuinely one of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see with such an easily accessible trail. And once you get to the top, you’ll be glad you did!

Moraine Lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The ten peaks are the ten different mountain peaks that can be seen across the vista. The views you get from the peak of the Rockpile Trail were featured on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill from 1969 to 1979. Since then it has been called the “Twenty Dollar View.” The tallest of all the mountains seen from the viewpoint is the Deltaform Mountain, which stands 3424 meters tall.

Banff Village

To end your day, head back down to Banff village. If you take the Shuttle bus, it’s a short drive from the Park and Ride parking lot. If you arrived via the Roam bus, you can easily take the bus directly back to Banff from Moraine Lake.

Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar

There are so many unique places to eat in Banff Village, so you really have the pick of the litter. One of the best places we found was Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar. This trendy new restaurant was designed to emulate the atmosphere of being around a campfire bbq. The menu focuses on woodfired food, smokey-savoury flavours and their in-house distilled beverages. Such a homey place to relax after a long day in the mountains.

Stargazing on Lake Minnewanka

To end your day in Banff, consider a trip out to Lake Minnewanka to stargaze. If you didn’t drive your own car to Banff, the Roam bus will take you directly from Banff Village to Lake Minnewanka. But be aware the last bus generally leaves around 8:30 pm. The bus ride to Lake Minnewanka is about 30 minutes from Banff, and by car, it’s only 13 minutes. The parking lot is relatively large, and at night, you’ll find it’s much more empty than during the day.

Many people will go up the Banff Gondola to stargaze at the summit, but at $65 per person, the view you get for free from the shores of Lake Minnewanka is just as amazing! Those of us who live mainly in crowded cities rarely get to see the skies without light pollution. And seeing the stars under the gentle shadow of the mountains is such a spectacular sight to see.

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Hopefully, this guide helped you in your planning of the perfect day in Banff! There is so much more to see and do, but you can still take in so much magic from the Rockies for those who can only make it out for the day. Let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree with me as to if Moraine Lake or Lake Louise is the prettiest spot in Canada!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post How to Spend the Perfect Day in Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Grab a Coffe at Gravity Espresso

Gravity Espresso is one of those coffee shops that feels like a staple of the community. Their little artist gallery inside featuring new local talent is such a beautiful way to learn about the artisans who make their living in Inglewood. Sitting in this comfy shop you’ll get to watch locals meet up, chat with their favourite baristas and smile at strangers as their morning begins with a great cup of coffee. And the coffees are really that good!

Have Brunch at Red’s Diner

As fun as trendy and hip brunch places are, nothing really hits the spot better than a traditional greasy spoon-type diner. And Red’s Diner is the best of the best. Red’s Diner serves incredible all-day breakfasts inside a friendly and comfortable interior. They have all the classics and a specialty Prairie Breakfast Plate, which adds potato cheddar perogies and Rocky’s kielbasa to a traditional breakfast platter. Their Blueberry, Basil & Goat Cheese Stuffed French Toast was INCREDIBLE! Portions are enormous, so don’t hesitate to share.

Grab a Novel at Fair’s Fair Books

Inglewood is home to some of the best shopping in all of Calgary. Make your first stop at the famed Fair’s Fair Books. This shop has been open since 1988, curating one of the best-used books stores in the province. While some used bookstores are a real shot in the dark for finding what you’re looking for, this enormous store really feels more like a high-end new bookstore as their selection is so deep! Plus, the cute and quirky decorations really make the place so inviting.

Be Entranced at The Apothecary in Inglewood

If you’re looking to relax, then you need to visit the Apothecary in Inglewood! You’re overwhelmed with the intoxicating smell of aromatic herbs, spices, and more just walking in the door. This store is known for its zero waste goods, pure essential oils, bulk herbs and refillable products. Forget Lush bath bombs and instead grab yourself a few of their handmade herbal bombs to pamper yourself in an indulgent bath. I love their selection of locally crafted candles as well. Nothing better than scents to bring back travel memories!

Become a Cowboy at Smithbilt Hats Inc

There’s perhaps no better accessory to shop for in Calgary than a cowboy hat. And no better place to do so than Smithbilt Hats Inc. The Smithbilt’s company was started by Morris Schumiatcher in 1910. The Schumiatcher family immigrated from Russia to Canada and changed their name to Smith when they arrived. The family made and sold dress hats with small brims, as was the style in Europe at the time. But as they spent more time in the prairies, the Stampede Board wanted to have Smithbilt’s create a special hat to promote western wear. This was where the white cattleman hat was invented. The white cattleman hat soon became the symbol of the Stampede and of Calgary itself.

You can still buy your very own white cattleman hat today in the shop. But there are so many more designs to choose from. Everything from classic styles to modern, brightly coloured hats withs feather and jewelled embellishments. Even if hats aren’t your thing, checking out the artistry required to handmake these hats is well worth your time. Drop-in and visit this truly historic Calgary establishment.

Find some Indigenous Made Treasures at Moonstone Creation

Moonstone Creation is an Indigenous-owned and family-run business proud to represent over 60 Indigenous makers and artisans from across Turtle Island. So many people buy Moccasins as a souvenir when visiting anywhere in Canada but rarely are these created by Indigenous makers. To purchase an authentic pair of Moccasins is expensive, but that is because they are intricately made by hand, with genuine leather and embellished with meaningful beading. But most importantly, you are supporting and honouring the Indigenous culture by buying them from Indigenous creators.

If you are looking for a beautiful gift or souvenir, they also have lovely beaded feather & orange shirt brooch kits. It’s a great way to learn about the history of beading and the methods which they have used to create these crafts for hundreds of years. The kits come with all the supplies you need. They also run beading workshops throughout the year, so check their website to see if one is running while you’re in town!

Fill up on Stationary at Recess

For anyone who loves stationery as much as me, visiting Recess is like being a kid in a candy store! There’s nothing better than a bright white interior filled with vividly bejewelled paper treasures. If you haven’t grabbed a new journal to document your travel memories, this is the perfect place to get one. If you’re interested in learning how to create beautiful hand lettering to take your journaling game to the next level, then you should grab one of their customs Learn to Letter Guides. They have so many unique items that will spice up any desk drawer.

Bring Home a Plant

Even if you can’t bring any of these little beauties home with you, a visit to Plant Shop is sure to brighten any grey day. The Plant Shop aims to help re-connect people with the natural world and inspire them to build and maintain more beautiful spaces! Just walking around the shop and looking at all the exotic plants is such a serene experience. They have great selections of handmade and ceramic planters as well in a myriad of exciting designs. So if you have some green beauties at home, you can bring these home as a memento of your trip. Plus their custom DIY Terrariums are a gorgeous gift for anyone who wants a low-maintenance plant to bring some greenery into their home office.

Get Your Spices at The Silk Road Spice Merchant

The Silk Road Spice Merchant is my favourite shop in town. This is the perfect place to come to upgrade your pantry! The colours, smells and flavours of the spices on offer here are captivating. The Silk Road Spice Merchant started up when the owners couldn’t find the kinds of international spices they wanted to try in their cooking. So they aimed to start up their own store where they would carry every type of spice imaginable! One of my favourite things in their shop is their Hot Cocoa blends. They offer Spicy Mexican Hot Cocoa, Winter Spice (with cinnamon, ginger, cloves and mace,) Cinnamon Cardamom Hot Cocoa and even Chai Masala Hot Cocoa. All of these warm, exotic flavours are the perfect thing to warm you up on a cold night.

Lunch at Inglewood Drive-In

If it’s time to get something to eat for lunch, head on over to the Inglewood Drive-In. This retro Diner is one of those classic spots you just can’t miss. Don’t let the dated exterior fool you; this place is an iconic Calgary destination. Everything from their mouth-watering handmade burgers, thick milkshakes, crispy onion rings, and perfectly seasoned french fries will make you coming back for more. They even serve up a Dole Whip ice cream! One of the only places you can get this pineapple treat outside of Disneyland. But the old-school foods aren’t without a few modern twists. They have new additions like the curry veggie burger and the spicy kimchi burger.

Hop on a Scooter

If the weather allows during your visit, you need to spend the afternoon explore Inglewood on a Scooter. There are several different companies that serve the Calgary area, with the various brands of scooters littering the sidestreets of the city. Bird scooters, Lime and Neuron Mobility, are the most popular and readily available in the city. Download the related app, and you’ll be able to see which scooters are the closest to you. You can also see on the app which scooters have the most battery life since you don’t wanna get stuck with no battery.

These scooters are so much fun to ride. Although you can easily walk to the following destinations spread out around Inglewood, the scooters are a blast to use and make the journey a little more speedy and a lot more fun! Simply hop on the scooter and make your way into the parkland towards our next destination.

Relax at Harvie Passage

Head north along 13th Street and east along New St. along the Bow River. The residential neighbourhood quickly gives way to the beautiful natural environment of the Pearce Estate Park. This tree-filled pathway is such a calming part of the city and the fact its mere steps away from the main street is one of the amazing things about Calgary.

Making your way along the river, you’ll reach the Harvie Passage Lookout. The Harvie Passage Lookout is wonderfully designed to give visitors a stunning view of the rapids below. Harvie Passage is a fast-running channel off the Bow River. After a massive flood in 2013, the city went about an extensive redesign to not only make this part of the river safer (for the rafters who would constantly sneak onto the waters) but provide a more enjoyable experience for river-based recreationists.

Kids and adults can wear lifejackets and ride down the western passage, which was created as a natural river ride. Lots of locals bring floaties or small rafts to ride down the river rapids as well. Even if you don’t have any of these with you, the stone steps they have created make a great place to rest your feet on a hot day. It’s incredible to see the entire community come out on hot days to enjoy this amazing riverside feature. And best of all, it’s totally free!

Enjoy a 5-Course Dinner at Deane House

One of the best ways to end off your day is with dinner at Deane House. Deane House was initially built in 1906 for Captain Richard Deane, who worked at Fort Calgary. Eventually, the house was moved the where you find it today. It was moved in 1929 to an area with a better view of the Elbow River. Over the years, the house was used as a boarding home and then purchased by the city to be used as a gallery.

Today, it’s home to one of the best restaurants in the city. In the summertime, you can dine outside in their immersive garden, rain or shine. Although they have a complete a-la-carte menu, the best option is their delightful 5-course chef’s tasting menu. The chef curates this selection weekly to suit the flavours and fresh produce of the month. The 5-course menu is $90 per person, which is truly a great price for the quality of food you receive. It’s such a fantastic way to cap off your evening.

Sunset on Scotsman’s Hill

If you’re looking for a spot to watch the sunset over the city, take a walk through ENMAX Park to the top of Scotsman’s Hill. To get there you’ll walk through the Elbow Riverpath which is the most serene walking path surrounded by Calgary’s relaxing natural landscape. Scotsman’s Hill is one of the best places in the town to give a view of Calgary’s skyline set behind a steep escarpment facing the Elbow River.

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Late Night Drinks at Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co.

To end the night, take a walk over to the Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co. Ol’Beautiful Brewing Co. is located in this little hidden away corner of Inglewood, where you’ll want to while the night away. I’m not going to lie; the design of the beer cans drew me in right away but it was the amazing atmosphere that made me want to stay. The time-worn and well-loved interior designs of their taproom feels like it belongs in the hippest streets of Los Angeles or New York City. Inside this chic and vintage-adorned interior, you can sit and enjoy any of their amazing craft brews. Best of all surrounded by their friendly staff and incredible regulars. They are more than happy to help you find your perfect brew! If the weather is nice, their outdoor patio is a lively and fun place to enjoy your drinks.

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Play some Games at Revival Brewcade

If you’re a night owl and aren’t yet ready for your night to end, head back up to 9th avenue to Revival Brewcade. While the bar is stocked with incredible drinks, the best thing about this place is the retro pinball and arcade machines that line the walls. One of my biggest pet peeves about so-called “retro arcade bars” is how expensive the games can be. But here at Revival Brewcade, you can buy a $5 all you can play pinball card!! This will keep you there all night trying to get the top score!

After a day of cold brews, boutiques, beers and bars, it’s time to head back to your hotel or home for the night. Hopefully, you found more interesting shops along the way, which keep you coming back to Inglewood for more! Let me know in the comments if I missed your favourite place!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post How To Spend the Perfect Day in Inglewood Calgary first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Coffee & Cafes
   • Analog Coffee
   • La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe
   • Lukes Drug Mart
   • Kaffeeklatsch
2. Brunch
   • Our Daily Brett
   • Red's Diner on 4th
   • Galaxie Diner
   • Monki Bistro
3. Lunch
   • Park By Sidewalk Citizen
   • Native Tongues Taqueria
   • Actually Pretty Good
   • Myhre's Sandwich Shop
4. Sweet Treats
   • Hoopla Donuts
   • Don't Yell At Me Cafe
   • Made By Marcus
   • Black Sheep Pâtisserie
5. Dinner
   • Lulu Bar
   • Comery Block Barbecue
   • Aida's Bistro
   • A1 Cafe & Bodega
6. Markets & Specialty Shops
   • Peasant Cheese Mission
   • Kalamata Grocery
   • Bridgeland Market
   • The Blue Store

Coffee & Cafes

As soon as my feet touch the ground in a new city, I’m on the hunt for a good cup of coffee! Partly to quell the jetlag and partly as a means to just sit back and relax. When 9 am hits on vacation, there’s no need to jug down that coffee and run to the office. Instead, you can savour the brew, bring out a book and just take in the sounds of the city.

Analog Coffee

Walking into Analog Coffee almost felt like walking into someone’s family kitchen. The vibes inside were so friendly. Everyone seemed to know each other, buying drinks for their friends and catching up with the staff. This is always a key indicator to know when a place is good. They have a wide selection of signature coffees and tea lattes for those who aren’t a fan of the bean. These pastries are all brought in from local bakeries. The indoor-outdoor seating offers a comfortable setting any time of the year. During certain hours of the day, they even have a small DJ booth area where you can enjoy live music! Truly a unique and special place to spend your mornings.

La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe

La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe holds a very place in my heart. It was where my grandparents would come every morning to enjoy a chai latte and mocha with each other even in the last years of their lives. Dating till the very end! But it’s not just my warm fuzzy memories that make this cafe and bakery an extraordinary place. Locals flock to the bakery every morning with a line out to the door.

The family-owned restaurant offers up a distinctive variety of fresh, flaky pastries. There is seemingly always something new to try and make your mouth water. And their coffee is the perfect companion to those sweet treats. For me, their chai latte is a personal favourite, but their espresso is deep and delicious. Be warned that this place is always busy, so your order might take a bit longer than the typical coffee shop. Just take a seat on their Parisian inspired patio, and people watch while you wait on your order.

Lukes Drug Mart

Coffee in a Drug Store? Not exactly the first place you might think of, but trust me on this one, Lukes Drug Mart is worth the trip to Bridgeland, just north of the river! And yes, it really is a Drug Store. In fact, it is the oldest independently owned pharmacy in Calgary, opening in 1951. This location is now home to a trendy cafe. But the store is also filled with a small vinyl record collection, specialty grocery items, quality skincare and cosmetics. As well as the typical drug store items you’d expect to find in a pharmacy.

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Kaffeeklatsch

Kaffeeklatsch is a cozy little cafe located on 12th avenue. The word ‘Kaffeeklatsch‘ is a combination of two Germain words, which mean “coffee” and “gossip.” What more could you want! The word is the perfect description of what truly feels like a homely coffee shop where friends meet up to chat and get caffeinated before work. The shop is home to a small lending library, so if you forgot a book to bring on your vacation, you can pick one up here and just drop it back off before you leave!

One of the best parts of the coffee shop is pairing your morning brew with their traditional german pastries available fresh every morning! One of the more unique coffees available only at Kaffeeklatsch is the Black Forest Cake Lattee. This drink is made with chocolate milk, espresso and topped with cherries and whipped cream. If you wanna drink your pastries, this is the thing for you!

Brunch

Our Daily Brett

Hidden away, up in the Mount Royal neighbourhood, is one of the BEST brunch places in all of Calgary. Our Daily Brett prides itself on good, honest food, and it really lives up to the hype. Their adorable and chic restaurants are also home to one of the best curated retail shops in the entire city as well. So once you’re finished eating, you can browse the walls filled with local goods. Their menu is so diverse, with something for everyone. But the Huevos Rancheros and Shakshuka are some tried and true favourites.

If you’re a fan of pickles, you MUST order a side of their fresh turmeric pickles with chilli flakes. It makes for the perfects savoury bite to pair with your meal. If you want something special to drink, try their lavender fog latte! Honestly, anytime I see this one on the menu, I order it up as fast as I can!

Red’s Diner on 4th

As fun as trendy and hip brunch places are, nothing really hits the spot better than a traditional greasy spoon-type diner. And Red’s Diner on 4th is the best of the best. Red’s Diner serves incredible all-day breakfasts inside a friendly and comfortable interior. They have all the classics and a specialty Prairie Breakfast Plate, adding potato cheddar perogies and Rocky’s kielbasa to a traditional breakfast platter. Their Blueberry, Basil & Goat Cheese Stuffed French Toast was INCREDIBLE! Portions are enormous, so don’t hesitate to share.

Galaxie Diner

The minute I spotted the retro-painted exterior of the Galaxie Diner, I knew I was going straight inside. While the trendy decor is one thing, good food is another, and happily, I was met with both! They are best known for their incredible breakfast burrito, but for me, the sourdough french toast is ALWAYS the way to go! That slight tang the sourdough gives to balance out the sweetness is perfect. With bottomless cups of coffee, toast and hashbrowns, there really is no reason to leave!

Monki Bistro

If you have a sweet tooth, then run, don’t walk, over to Monki Bistro. Handily they have two locations, one downtown and one over in the hipster neighbourhood of Inglewood. They frequently have specialty items on the menu, such as their Cookies and Cream French toast. This intensely rich dish is covered in crumbled Oreos, Nutella, whipped cream and cheesecake sauce served atop their iconic MONKI French Toast (which is thick as a brick!) Another one of their super unique items is the Brisket Poutine. This dish is made with slow-braised beef brisket cooked with truffle ricotta, cream cheese, and mushrooms. Then it’s topped with hashbrowns, smoked gouda, mozzarella cheese mix, a poached egg, hollandaise and a dash of hot sauce! I mean…Are you drooling yet?

Lunch

Park By Sidewalk Citizen

Right off of Central Memorial Park, you can dine on some of the most delicious shareable lunchtimes treats at Park By Sidewalk Citizen. Sidewalk Citizen has several locations around Calgary, but this is my absolute favourite. There is no way to not mention the gorgeous decor, which is a blend of beautiful natural wood and fantastical plants which feel like they blend right into the park’s backdrop. I’m one of those people that loves “sides,” and this restaurant serves up some of the most delicious sides, which I was more than happy to have as my entree. The honey, lemon and rose halloumi was some of the best things I’ve ever eaten! So simple and yet so deep! Don’t miss out on this place!

Native Tongues Taqueria

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ll know my deep love for Mexico City! So whenever I’m anywhere else in the world where I see a taqueria that reminds me of Mexico City, I have to go right in. And Native Tongues Taqueria in Calgary was one of those places that felt like it transports you somewhere else, both with the decor and the food!

They focus on traditional Mexican street and market foods, which makes it the perfect place for lunch. If you’re visiting with a friend or a group, you MUST try the salsa tasting. The tasting consists of freshly made tortillas and an assortment of five different salsa. Each one is increasing in the spiciness. The waiter comes out and presents each salsa to you like they were fine wines; it was amazing! The pork belly taco was my favourite, though, but that’s no surprise, as it’s always the best choice

Actually Pretty Good

If you are looking for the cutest spot to grab a pizza, look no further than Actually Pretty Good! If you are gluten or dairy-free, this place also offers up some amazing alternatives for any diet. Their incredible creations are really unique, especially the Club Med Pizz, which has semi-sun dried tomatoes, charred red onion, calabrian chillies, roasted red pepper, kale, feta, mozzarella. YUM! Also, be sure to grab one of MANY of their dunking sauces; Hot Honey of the Roasted Garlic Tahini really takes that crust to the next level!

Myhre’s Sandwich Shop

When most people think of smoked meat, think of Montreal. Luckily Calgary has its very own authentic Montreal smoked meat at Myhre’s Sandwich Shop. Their counter even has a sign on it that says, “We specialize in skeptical Montrealers,” so you know it’s going to be good if they’re that confident. Although I do love a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, I can’t say no to a grilled Reuben! Plus, the interior of this place just feels like you’re in a different time and place. Everything about this place truly hits the spot.

Sweet Treats

Hoopla Donuts

I am someone who feels like a meal isn’t complete without dessert. Especially when I’m on vacation, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a sweet treat. And a specialty donut shop is just one of those things that I’m always on the lookout for! Hoopla Donuts caught my eye right away with this modern and brightly coloured branding, but when I walked inside and saw their selection of donuts, my jaw dropped.

Their aim is to create high-end donuts with unique ingredients and flavours. Even the presentation is of the utmost importance. It’s almost like a fancy pastries shop. Their flavours range from everything from crème brûlée (which actually has a hard brûlée crust on top,) cherry chocolate pie, caramel corn, raspberry chai old fashioned, London fog and horchata. Best of all, many of their flavours are available in gluten-free versions, and some are naturally vegan! Trust me, make this one of your first stops, and you’ll be back every day!

Don’t Yell At Me Cafe

Don’t Yell At Me Cafe is a boutique bubble tea shop that specializes in some of the most incredible bubble tea flavours. Bubble tea is another one of those sweet treats that pair flawlessly with walking around the city. It powers you up and is the ideal thing to enjoy on a hot summer’s day. I was entranced by their cotton candy milk tea but was so worried it would be too sweet, but once I tasted it, I was so happy to find that it was the PERFECT level of sweetness. This place truly knows what they are doing.

Their goal is to make beautiful and tasteful layered milk tea, chocolate milk, creative sparkling water and freshly ground coffee, so even if you don’t like bubble tea, there will be something for you! Those jade pearl with Sakura milk tea, though, is absolutely worth a try if you’re in town!

Made By Marcus

If you love ice cream, then you NEED to make time to head over to Made by Marcus! And luckily for you, they have four locations around Calgary, so you have no excuse not to go. Made By Marcus actually started out as a macarons bakery. Macarons require lots of egg white, and so not wanting to waste anything, they turned the yolks into small-batch ice cream. Well, the ice cream started to outsell the macarons (and aren’t we all over macarons), so they decided to just make the ice cream!

And this is no ordinary ice cream. They create truly unique made-from-scratch ice cream with local ingredients supporting Alberta-based farmers, roasters, distillers and artisans. Every month they released limited batches like Peach Blackberry Habanero, Whisky Caramel Cornbread Crunch, Odd Company Passionfruit Coconut Sour and Apricot Almond Tart! But their classics are still super special flavours like Lemon Saffron coconut sorbet, sea salt and goat milk caramel, chinook honey lavender apricot and vegan chocolate brownie fudge!

Black Sheep Pâtisserie

Every time I’m travelling I spend a bit of time before I leave looking up the top-rated restaurants and shops in the city I’m visiting. And rarely do you find a shop with a rating as high as Black Sheep Pâtisserie. It’s almost unbelievable. So obviously, I had to try it for myself. Their croissants are what have been making the rounds online, and they do not disappoint! They are airy, flaky and gorgeous to look at! But these aren’t just regular butter croissants. You can get raspberry filled with house-made jam, pear and vanilla, even grapefruit! All made with that iconic coloured ribbon of dough which makes them perfectly instagrammable! But it’s not just stunt food; it’s the real deal.

Dinner

Lulu Bar

Lulu Bar is where you go to escape from the ordinary in Calgary. They tried to recreate a little backyard oasis in the centre of downtown. Their aim is to make guests feel like they’re on vacation with their Pacific-inspired menu. And they really did succeed. Just sitting out on the patio with my adorable kitty-cat cocktail, I felt like I should be on the beach in Honolulu. Their wagyu beef tartare was amazing, but the best part of the meal was the BBQ crispy half duck served on turmeric crepes with pickles and tamarind sauce. Gluten-free and tasty beyond belief!

Comery Block Barbecue

I had passed Comery Block Barbecue several times while walking around the city. The smell drew me in every time, so I made sure to book a reservation ASAP. Comery Block Barbecue is a West-Tennessee-inspired BBQ and Bourbon joint on 17th Avenue. While I’m no whiskey aficionado, I do adore some good BBQ. They serve meat by the half-pound, but as usual, for me, it’s the sides that make the entire meal. Their collard greens were indeed some of the best collard greens I’ve ever had! That cornbread with honey butter was out of this world. The atmosphere in this place is so cheery with large shared tables and music that just makes you wanna get up and dance. The kind of place to come to spend a long summer evening watching the sunset and the little twinkle lights come on to light up your night.

Aida’s Bistro

For a taste of Lebanon in the centre of Calgary, you have to head over to Aida’s Bistro. Just the sheer variety of these international restaurants is the one thing that surprised me so much about Calgary. Who knew you could travel around the world in just one city. And Aida’s Bistro is one of the best. Their meals are genuinely made with love, and the intimate environment feels like you’re eating mom’s home cooking. Try their dip sampler platter as the perfect way to start your meal. Their shared plates are the perfect amount for two people, and I love the feeling of eating together like this.

A1 Cafe & Bodega

A1 Cafe and Bodega is a unique blend of a restaurant and neighbourhood grocer in the centre of Calgary’s hip downtown neighbourhood. The bodega section of the restaurants serves the community with local produce. The restaurants then use the products that would otherwise go to waste to help create a zero waste environment. Their aim is to create foods that sustain you and the planet! But the food is out of this world! The dishes are loosely Mediterranean-influenced, with a long list of charcuterie items and sharable plates. I know, I know here I go with the shared plates! But trust me on this one, the dill and butter potatoes, roasted beets and ricotta, harissa octopus and peaches and cream stracciatella are all too good to be kept to yourself!

Markets & Specialty Shops

Peasant Cheese Mission

If you prefer to make a little picnic and take that with you while you’re in town, there are some truly unique and fantastical markets and specialty shops you need to visit! Peasant Cheese Mission is one of the most amazing cheeses and charcuterie shops in the entire city. The people who own the shop are some of the kindest and most helpful cheesemongers without an ounce of pomp.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when a cheese shop doesn’t want to cut the cheese too small, and you end up with huge chunks of cheese you’ll never finish eating on your little picnic. But this place knows how to help you curate the perfect mini platter for your vacation, so you don’t have any leftovers at the end of the meal. Be sure to ask for their pickled purple cauliflower; it’s the most incredible pairing for any cheese plate.

Kalamata Grocery

Kalamata Grocery is one of those grocers you might pass right by but is totally worth popping inside. This building has been home to a grocery store since it opened in 1912! Kalamata Grocery Store. This tiny international grocer features a fantastic selection of foods, spices and candy from around the world (specializing in Greece, Turkey, Spain.) Pop in to shop the olive bar, try their hand-made feta, grab some Turkish honey, and pick up a few ricotta cheese triangles.

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Bridgeland Market

Bridgeland Market is one of those places that feel like it’s from a bygone era. It manages to maintain that old-school corner store feeling while serving up everything the modern gourmand requires! There is a wonderful selection of local products as well as some international delights. They have cold brew coffee on tap, custom-made floral bouquets and wide selections of produce, fresh bread, meats and cheeses. Be sure to snap a picture outside with their hilarious marquee sign, which is always changing up their sayings to make people smile.

The Blue Store

In the popular neighbourhood of Inglewood, the Blue Store is where you need to come to find your essential groceries plus some truly extraordinary delights! If you’re looking for Korean Fried Chicken, this is the place for you! Grab some to-do along with a tray of Yakuza Sushi and a large iced slushie! Their aim in creating this general store was to bring affordable groceries to everyone in the community and embrace the nostalgia of this heritage building. They have restored the original hardwood floors and tin ceilings and added a 60’s & 70’s inspired mural outside. This is the perfect place to grab a handful of snacks and ready-to-eat meals and head over to the edge of the Bow River to enjoy your meal with the best view in town!

After reading all this, you must be drooling? After wiping away that drool, get yourself onto a plane, train or automobile and make your way to Calgary to try these places for yourself! Let me know in the comment if I missed any of your faves!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Best Spots you MUST EAT at in Calgary first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

What started as just me watching his journey across America, turned into me watching Dad become a little travel blogger. Even in mico-posts. Reading his commentary of the voyage made me realize where I get all my creativity and drive to share my journeys.

For as long as I have been travelling, I have been writing about it. At first, it was just in notebooks, then as I grew up I started a Livejournal. Then when that folded, I started then a Blogspot account. Now I have thecreativeadventurer.com to share all these memories and moments with the rest of the world. I have always wondered where this desire to write and record came from, and during this horrible pandemic, I think I might have figured it out.

My dad was the first person who really inspired my desire to travel. He travelled all over the world for work, and despite now knowing he probably saw little else than airports and conference rooms, I loved hearing about all the places he would go. When I was 14 he took me with him on a business trip to London. It was my first trip travelling to another continent and, unbeknownst to me, it would be my first time travelling on my own.

When we landed after a red-eye flight, we got to our hotel in Islington and dad handed me a handwritten page of paper which would be my guide to the city. He had meetings all day but still wanted me to be able to go out and experience London for myself. Every single direction was meticulously written down and opened up the city to me like a storybook. I was hooked, and it was his guide that made it so easy for me to explore even as a teen. I think if Dad hadn’t been an accountant, he would have been the Canadian Rick Steves.

Since my dad has a private Instagram account, I asked if he would be ok with him to share some of his stories here with you. He happily agreed and I think that even during this intense time of uncertainty and worry, his little journey across our middle earth is an interesting document of this time in history.

Goodyear, Arizona | 2,475 miles to go

Departure from Goodyear, Arizona. Tough to leave this weather. Returning in the fall? Long drive ahead.

Saguaro Lake | 2,197 miles to go

1st stop at Saguaro Lake, Tonto National Forest. Who knew there was another lake in Arizona!!

Payson, Arizona | 2,141

Pitstop in Payson, Arizona. Lots of elevation gained (and lost). Payson is quaint on old Main Street. Best thing I can see is the magnificent views north to the Mongollon Rim.

Mongollon Rim| 2,116 miles to go

On the Mongollon Rim, near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Seems like top of the world (or at least this part). Spectacular vistas. But, I found snow!!!! Too soon.

Over the mesa near Holbrook, Az to the edges of the Painted Desert.

Petrified Forest National Park | 2,063 miles to go

Detour to Petrified Forest National Park. Pretty amazing wood! A very windswept mesa today. The scale of this “forest” is awesome.

New Mexico | 1,949 miles to go

New Mexico, finally!! Red rock has been a constant feature as I neared New Mexico. Crossed the continental divide (7,300 ft elevation) 33 miles before arriving in Grants, NM where I will bunker down for the night in the shadow of Mount Taylor.

El Malpais National Conservation Area | 1,899 miles to go

Detour into El Malpais National Conservation Area as the sun rises in the east. Near the Continental Divide. Long magnificent stretches of sandstone cliffs and wind blasted bluffs. Views of ancient volcanoes and lava flows. And, great view of La Ventana Arch, one of the largest natural arches in New Mexico.

Petroglyphs National Monument | 1,820 miles to go

Visiting the Petroglyphs National Monument. A field day for petroglyphs is here for sure in the Boca Negra Canyon. Nature emulates art for me at one point. Can you find the flute player?

Albuquerque Old Town | 1,815 miles to go

Stop in Albuquerque Old Town to see the historic buildings. Today “ghost town” could be added to “old town”. Despite this, it definitely shows off a variety of the historic west styles.

Old Town Albuquerque – signs and art. Especially for Laura, who enjoys these things (but has a much better eye for it and camera skill!).

Tucumcari | 1,639 miles to go

Tucumcari and historic Route 66. I have been on I-40 for a long stretch now. It follows near or on historic Route 66. I ducked in to Tucumcari where there are known to be a lot of original commercial and heritage buildings that folded after I-40 was built, and some that still struggle to hang on. A fascinating slice of history.

Amarillo, Texas | 1,576 miles to go

On to Texas. Nice greeting sign!! Most amazing fact … 20 miles after entering Texas I encounter commercial energy production. No surprise!?? Well, it’s not oil. A wind farm. Thirty four miles long. I repeat, 34 miles long, all along the I-40. They do ‘em big in Texas.

Shamrock, Texas | 1,437 miles to go

On the way out of town, paused at the U-Drop Inn, another Route 66 anachronism, but still in business. This morning’s light rain and fog helped the neon jump out. You might love the juxtaposition of the two fueling options in the last two pictures – both were available at the U-Drop!!!

Oklahoma | 1,422 miles to go

Into Oklahoma. The fog and rain are trying to prevent my enjoyment of this (new to me) state. I think I am getting the hang of it. Farming. Red soil. New crops. Also found Lucille’s Historic Highway Gas Station. An example of a two story filling station / home combo. Apparently Lucille was a legend in the Great Depression for providing assistance to traveller’s, earning her the nickname “Mother of the Mother Road” (the latter being a reference to Route 66).

El Reno, OK | 1,299 miles to go

Detour to historic Fort Reno in El Reno, OK. Part of the difficult history with the native peoples. Fort Reno was established in the period following General Custer’s roundup of the people at the winter camp of Cheyenne chief Black Kettle. They had no reservation here at the time and one was quickly established and needed a nearby fort, so Fort Reno was built. Now home to several organizations, including the US Calvary Association.

Oklahoma City | 1,272 miles to go

Duck into Oklahoma City to stretch my legs before lunch. Home of the Thunder at Chesapeake Center. Smaller downtown than I expected. Beautiful botanical gardens immediately south of the downtown for a quiet walk.

This purple flowering tree. So, I know this is a repeat but from my observation these trees are not just cultivated, as they were at the OKC Myriad botanical garden. I have seen them all over the place in the region around OKC, sort of like lilacs. Research completed now! They are the Oklahoma Redbud. Their deep purple colour makes them easy to spot, even at roadsides. And, since I have you now and flowers are unlikely in most parts of Canada, I am throwing in some bonus flower photos from around the botanical garden!

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield | 1,001 miles to go

Stopping in Missouri at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, the site of a major battle in the American Civil war and the first in Missouri, apparently also the first with the death of a Union general (Nathaniel Lyon). The battle is so named for the creek in the valley, pictured at the end. The house pictured had a wide view of the battlefield and served as a hospital for the Confederates, who brought Lyon’s body here after the battle. Sadly, this battlefield saw a large loss of life.

Springfield, Missouri | 989 miles to go

Crossed into Missouri this afternoon. Stopped in Springfield. Found “the largest fork in the work” at the offices of The Food Channel. And, more Route 66 history – A Rte 66 car museum; The Gillioz Theater, opened in 1926 to cater to Rte 66 travellers; and, I learned why Springfield is known as the birthplace of Rte 66 (John Woodruff of Springfield first proposed the number for the Chicago to LA highway; he later became the first president of the Rte 66 business association). And, lovely tree blooms. And, no snow!!

Missouri RV Park | 976 miles to go

Missouri rain. Breakfast in the rain this morning, followed by two hours of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Comforting (?) to see the army on the roads keeping me company as I drove. I seem to be moving faster than the storm as I have emerged to stretch my legs. Not sure if I will beat the rain to St. Louis!

Ozarks | 940 miles to go

Detour into the Ozarks. I got ahead of the rain! Quick “scenic” drive into the Ozark outback. Very rural and very, very hilly! Love the Advanced Animal Control covering armadillos!

Laumeier Sculpture Park, St. Louis | 788 miles to go

Stretching my legs at Laumeier Sculpture Park, St. Louis. Internationally recognized as one of America’s oldest and largest sculpture parks. Large number of walking trails. Lightly busy today and everyone social distancing. Rain caught me again just as I left!

Tower Grove Park, St. Louis | 779

Stop in to Tower Grove Park, St. Louis. Apparently it’s a “classical Victorian” style park. Reminds me a bit of High Park in Toronto, but a bit flatter. Opened to the public in 1872. In a perfect spot for me to eat some lunch, although the rain is catching up to me (as you will see). It’s cool today but that hasn’t stopped a lot of lovely bloom and colour, including Hyacinths, Magnolia, Forsythia, and a red berry bush that I am not familiar with. Lots of active social distancers here as well. See if you can spot the red bird (cardinal ?) in the video near the end. Pushing on to Indiana! (John – you should spot Beethoven in here!)

Terre Haute, Indiana| 609 miles to go

Stop at the “Crossroads of America” in Terre Haute, Indiana. Interesting and fun architecture. Love the piano!

Found two unusual things in Terre Haute, Indiana. First, in an alley behind the Verve (a music club and cocktail bar – see prior post) beside the band entrance (marked by the sculpted faces above the entrance) there is a Kcymaerxthaere marker (plaque). Kcymaerxthaere is the name of an alternative universe that is part of a storytelling art project. You can read more about it at Kcymaerxthaere.com.

Second, a short distance east of Terre Haute I found the Smith Memorial Labyrinth, patterned from the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth in France. The Smith version is meant as a place of reflection in Hawthorne Park. And, it’s 575 paces long (I measured!). Two odd finds in Indiana!!

Gaston, Indiana | 471 miles to go

Waiting for the morning fog to clear (I hope!). Aiming to be in Canada today and home by tonite. Wondering what other travellers I might encounter on the road? So far, I have seen car license plates from 27 states.

Fort Wayne, Indiana | 424 miles to go

Hello to Fort Wayne, Indiana. And, yes, there really was a fort! The first trading post was built here, on the Maumee River in the mid-1600s. The first dirt was built in 1697 to solidify French claim on this region. The current buildings are a reconstruction of the 1800s fort that withstood a siege in the war of 1812. As you can see, being near water brought some of the fog back. Not difficult to be social-distanced with only two geese and me in the park! Spooky views of the Maumee River

Fort Defiance | 379 miles to go

O-H-I-O!! Stop in to Fort Defiance. Must be “fort” day! Dates from 1794 and saw use. In the war if 1812. Nothing left of the fort but the foundations, grassed over. Interesting Canada connection. According to a placed stone marker, “all land north to Canada is surveyed on a baseline from” the point where the Fort Defiance flagstaff sits. Who knew!!

Toledo, OH | 304 miles to go

Fleeing to Canada – reached Toledo, OH. Stopped to stretch legs and nibble some lunch at the Toledo Botanical Gardens. Flower season has not yet arrived but I found a few blooms, including crocuses. I also enjoyed their Artist’s Village and Secret Wood, by myself!

Detroit | 255 miles to go

Detroit, really? Well, it is a fort day and I needed one more leg stretch. Believe it or not, I found Fort Wayne, and it’s not a rerun and it’s not Indiana. It’s in Detroit, by the river. Wayne is just a mighty popular guy. This fort was closed today, other than a few buildings. Built in the early 1840s when the Americans feared their relations with Britain might lead to a British attack. Didn’t happen, but the fort was re-manned in 1861 when the Americans feared a Canadian (really British) attack during the Civil War. OK, time to put The Canadian border at Sarnia into the GPS!!!

The Bridge to Canada | 297 miles to go

This is it! There is the bridge to Canada. But, am I ready?

Gassed up (check). Car cleaned and last of Arizona fruit chucked (check). Documents in hand, literally (check). Wait – does that unshaven, bed head face really resemble me (check?!). Yeah, but those Arizona plates won’t help! What will? Thankfully I have stored messages from family and friends to offer up. And, the clincher – the tattoo on my hand!! Here I go….

Sarnia Border | 187 miles to go

BACK IN CANADA!!!!

Pinery provincial park | 149 miles to go

Heading home – now by the eastern shores of Lake Huron, passing The Pinery provincial park. Many family memories here. Sadly, in the circumstances, it is closed.

Flesherton, ON | 29 miles to go

Nearing home in the southwestern Ontario countryside – a nice little restaurant in Flesherton, ON that Pam and I quite enjoy. Sadly, and understandably, closed.

Collingwood | 0 miles to go

I have arrived. After logging 3,960 km (2,475 miles) this home is a sight for weary eyes, even if there is still snow! Let the 14 day quarantine begin!

I know these are weird times, but maybe this little journey brought a smile to your face and made you think about all those beautiful things that are still out there in the world. We’ll be able to enjoy them someday soon, but until then, let’s virtually explore this great world of ours!

The post Travelling Home During Coronavirus first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.