- Must Do Canada
- Posts
- Things to Do in Canada 250
Things to Do in Canada 250
Banff in Winter
Good morning!
Did you know? The tradition of Christmas markets in Canada dates back to the early 1600s, with European settlers bringing their customs to the continent. Today, there are dozens of incredible markets across the country.
One of those markets is the Banff Christmas Market, which captures the tradition, heritage, and romance of European markets while showcasing the best artisanal products of the Bow Valley and its surrounding regions, all surrounded by the incredible Rocky Mountains.
For those interested in coming out to meet us and/or check out our new scratch-off adventure cards, we will have a booth at the Banff Christmas Market from November 20-23. This will be our first time setting up at a Christmas market, so we’re excited to see what it’s like.
But without further ado, enjoy the 250th edition of the Weekly Goose, which features the Banff Christmas Market, a really cool gift box featuring artisan goods from small Canadian towns, our guide to the best things to do in Banff, and so much more!
Happy Travels!
Watch
It’s been a while since we’ve made a new video about Banff, but we’ve been there many times. So, if you are planning to go, here is a video we made in 2020 to give you a taste of Banff in the winter.
Ad
Experience the Magic of the Banff Christmas Market
Embrace the holiday spirit at the Banff Christmas Market, where the magic of the season comes alive in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Set against the stunning backdrop of the historic Banff Train Station, this European-inspired market transforms Banff into a cozy alpine wonderland filled with twinkling lights, handcrafted goods, and the irresistible scent of mulled wine drifting through the crisp mountain air.
Whether you’re planning a fun family day out, a romantic date night, or a festive girls’ shopping weekend, the Banff Christmas Market offers something special for everyone. Kids can write a letter to Santa and hand-deliver it to the big guy himself at his North Pole workshop, while couples can snuggle up by the fire with a warm cup of glühwein. For those on the hunt for the perfect gift, rows of artisan vendors showcase unique handmade items and local treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
The Banff Christmas Market runs every weekend from November 21 to December 14, with a special preview event, Twinkle Night, on November 20. Tickets sell quickly each year, so bundle up, book early, and make this enchanting market part of your holiday tradition!
Learn more at www.banffchristmasmarket.com
Buy tickets at: www.banffchristmasmarket.com/tickets
Ad
Discover Canada’s Small Town Treasures — Delivered to Your Door!
Acre75 Gathered is a lifestyle subscription box curated to help you support small town Canadian businesses. Each seasonal box features products made in small communities across Canada with fewer than 30,000 residents.
Their Holiday Acre75 Gathered Box, shipping in late November, is a celebration of the country we call home—wrapped in pride, tradition, and just the right amount of maple. Inside, you’ll find items crafted in small Canadian towns, chosen to bring warmth, joy, and festive cheer to your home and holiday gatherings.
More than simply made in Canada, these items honour Canada—think plaid, poutine, and all things maple, with a touch of merry. Their Holiday Box is already over 85% sold out, so subscribe today to have this box of festive, small-town Canadian love delivered right to your doorstep.
Beaver Bites
Canada’s tourism sector once again broke records this year, recording a record-breaking amount of revenue during the summer months. This was driven largely by Canadians exploring their own backyard and international tourists who chose Canada over its Southern neighbour.
The 2026 World’s Best Cities Report is out, and five cities in Canada made the cut, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Ottawa.
Toronto is about to get even more flight options thanks to a major Air Canada expansion at Billy Bishop Airport, which includes more frequent flights to Montreal and Ottawa as well as new flights to major U.S. cities.
According to Nutritionists, this is what you should and shouldn’t eat while flying.
Nova Scotia is hopefully getting a whale sanctuary. They still need money and federal permits, but the project has inched forward in recent days. This would be a huge help in relocating all the beluga whales from Marineland.
The fall colours are pretty much behind us, but if you’re planning to see them next year, here are four places to consider going. While Quebec is the only Canadian destination, we can certainly vouch for Ontario and Nova Scotia as well.
Both Vancouver and Quebec made National Geographic’s “Best of the World” 2026 list.
Hotel hopping is definitely not for families, but if you pack light and want to see a city from a variety of neighbourhoods, it might be something to consider.
Just for Fun
Team Canada has revealed their new ice hockey jerseys for the upcoming tournament in Milan, Italy. I think the red one is our favourite.
Love a good pint? Enjoy reading a great book? This Halifax woman combined the two, offering “Thirsty Traveller” pop-up events across the city.
Speaking of books, don’t let the cold Canadian winter stop you. This book club takes reading outside, even when the landscape is covered in snow.
Want to reach 65k+ Canadian travellers for your brand? Reach out (reply to this email) to sponsor an edition of Must Do Canada.