Where is the Cool?

sharing all the cool places to travel

Underrated in the Great White North: cool things to see and do in Canada

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With soaring mountains, wide open spaces, and a culture all its own, it’s no wonder Canada has attracted an increasing amount of attention from travelers in recent years.

Combine the above with a currency which has been weaker than in previous years, and there are plenty of reasons to plan a visit to the Great White North in the winter or summer.

If you are looking to hit up more than the well-known attractions, though, know there are more sights to see than what is advertised by tourism boards or Lonely Planet.

In every corner of this country, there are amazing secrets hidden of which only locals and travelers in the know are aware.

While these activities are intended to ignite excitement in your holiday, there will inevitably be days where things will be more laid back.

If you are craving thrills, a quick visit to https://www.casinogames.ca will remedy the situation in a hurry, as this site has a selection of games from blackjack to roulette that will provide you with the opportunity to win a tidy sum if Lady Luck manages to smile upon you.

On other days, though, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore all the wonderfully weird things which make Canada an awesome place to visit and live.

Below, we’ll share a few of our favorites…

1) Buy a classic book from a unique vending machine in Toronto

Canada’s largest city has plenty of star attractions, but if you have a bit of extra time and you love reading, take a side trip to The Monkey’s Paw.

While the store itself is notable for its eclectic collection of rare and old books, its star attraction is the Biblio-Mat.

An opaque vending machine, it dispenses a random book to customers for the princely sum of $2. If you are looking for something completely different to read, give it a shot.

2) Sleep in a Free Spirit Sphere on Vancouver Island

Want to feel the new age and hippie spirit that pervades much of Vancouver Island? Resolve to spend at least one night in a Free Spirit Sphere.

Suspended from the massive cedars which grow in abundance near the resort town of Qualicum Beach,  getting in a restful night’s sleep in these amazing structures is a fantastic way to realize your childhood tree house fantasies.

3) Discover the world’s only ‘gopher hole’ museum

If you are looking to take a trip into the realm of the surreal, make a pilgrimage to the village of Torrington, Alberta.

Despite being called the Gopher Hole Museum, the stuffed rodents within are actually Richardson Ground Squirrels, but the charm of the place lies in how they are used.

Throughout the building, you’ll find different scenes where the ‘gophers’ are made to depict everyday life on the Prairies.

Dressed up like people, you might be amused or weirded out, but you definitely won’t be bored during your time here.

Best places in the world to enjoy various sports

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When it comes to hair raising excitement, few things match the thrill an intense sports match can deliver.

From football to ice hockey, each has its own moments of drama which will have you hanging on the edge of your seat.

While you could catch every sports event in the world on William Hill television from the comfort of your home, athletics are best experienced when you are in the heart of the action.

If you are looking for the coolest travel experience you’ve had in a while, head to the best places in the world where you can enjoy the best sports in the world.

Below, we have outlined our favorite sports pilgrimages – check them out and if you end up going, be sure to have a blast on our behalf…

Horse Racing – Hong Kong

Horse racing has a long history which traces its roots back to the days of Ancient Greece, but as passion goes, few nations can match the fervor Hong Kongers have for this intense sport.

It all began in 1841 when Happy Valley Equestrian Club opened and began hosting competitions. While it only appealed to the city’s upper class in the beginning, horse racing was eventually embraced by sports fans of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Racing season runs from September to July, but those wanting to take in the most exciting action of the year will want to show up in March or April, as the Hong Kong Derby and the QEII Cup take place during these months.

Football – England

Unquestionably, football is the world’s most popular sport, as all it takes for anyone to play is a ball, healthy set of feet, and the will to win.

Accordingly, this beautiful game has spread to every corner of the globe over the years. Great games can be attended all over the world, but if you want to explore its roots, pack your bags and make for England.

While ball games have been played since the days of Ancient China, the origins of the modern game of association football can be traced to England when official rules were first codified in the 19th century.

While England hasn’t won the World Cup in some time, there’s no questioning the pedigree of its players, the passion of its fans, and the fast-paced action present in the average Premiere League match.

Ice Hockey – Canada

With winter closing in, ice hockey teams across the Northern Hemisphere are gearing up for another season of action in their respective leagues.

If you want to properly appreciate one of the fastest games on Earth, though, catch a flight to Canada. From coast to coast, the second largest country in the world is dotted with arenas big and small, playing host to everything from minor hockey to top-flight NHL games.

Not up to speed on the rules? Meet some locals and have them to take you to a game. For the most part, Canadians are passionate enough about hockey to enthusiastically explain its intricacies to anyone willing to adopt the sport as their own.

Best activities to enjoy on a holiday in Yellowstone National Park

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America has many amazing national parks, but none are as celebrated as Yellowstone. With mountainous terrain, waterfalls, acres of wooded wilderness, and some of the most spectacular geothermic features in the world, it is not hard to see why.

If you are a fan of the outdoors, this guide will you find the best activities you can enjoy on a holiday in Yellowstone National Park.

1) Camping

You don’t have to be a rugged outdoors person to enjoy the wildness that Yellowstone National Park has to offer.

By setting up a tent in one of many frontcountry campgrounds throughout the park, you’ll get to breathe in the pine-scented air that is a world away from the car exhaust-tainted oxygen you inhale everyday.

As you might imagine, these sites fill quickly during peak season, so be sure to reserve your spot well in advance of your trip to Yellowstone National Park.

2) Frontcountry hiking

When you aren’t chilling out at your campsite, you’ll have no shortage of trails that can take you to some of the most scenic sites in the park.

With over 900 miles of paths, it can be hard to figure out which one to head down first, so we’ll narrow it down for you.

If you love waterfalls, Uncle Tom’s Trail will take you ¾ of the way down into the gorge of the Lower Falls, while the Observation Point Trail will give you an elevated view of multiple geysers, including Old Faithful.

There is much more to discover, but these ones will get you off the fence and exploring. 

3) Boating

With plenty of lakes and rivers within its bounds, Yellowstone National Park is paradise for those who love to get out onto the water.

There’s nothing better than a full day spent paddling the waters of Yellowstone Lake, which boasts a stunning cobalt blue colour on a bright, sunny day.

However, take care when on the lake, as its temperatures rarely peak above 15 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer. Always wear a life jacket when out and about, as the cold waters can make it hard for even good swimmers to stay afloat after a few minutes.

4) Cross-country skiing

While Yellowstone National Park largely empties out during the winter months, there are still things to do during that time.

Walking trails that host plenty of hikers in the summer are groomed and track set for cross-country skiers soon after the first major snowfall of the season.

This makes it possible to glide past elks (brought out of hiding with all the tourists gone) and geothermic features such as the Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful with nothing but the silence of winter to accompany these marvelous sights.