Insiders Travel Guide Canada

24/01/2024

The experience that inspired the book. Will this little Grizzly Bear Cub be O.K? I based my richly illustrated Children's Book on this harrowing experience I witnessed in the wilderness. Check out the book on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle. This one is great for reading with your little ones. On Amazon as "Ella Learns a Lesson - A story of Rapids, Grizzlies, and Motherly Magic." https://a.co/d/aAm3wLJ

22/01/2024

I'm so excited to share our new illustrated children's book in print and kindle on Amazon. It's about a young grizzly cub and her mom on a journey to an annual salmon run. It's called, "Ella Learns a Lesson" and is available now. It's a great book adults will enjoy as much as the kids.

20/01/2024

Do your children read on Kindle? If so, we are so excited to present to you our first Kindle Book, based on an actual experience in the wilderness that Les McDonald witnessed, "Ella Learns a Lesson." An enchanting and visually compelling story about a young Grizzly Bear cub and her mother who embark on a journey to a place where the rivers meet for an annual salmon migration and have a whole lot of adventure along the way. Ella has a close call, and her mother reminds her how important it is to listen. You can purchase it on Amazon at this link for download. Please let us know what you think!

Ella Learns a Lesson - A story of of Rapids, Grizzlies, and Motherly Magic eBook : McDonald, Les: Amazon.ca

19/01/2024

I have a video about bear safety that has had a lot of traffic and it does not talk about Bear Spray because I don't really think it's necessary. I came across this old comic strip I used to have in Jasper This Week. I thought this one was relevant LOL.

04/01/2024

So excited to be working on our digital children's book about a young Grizzly Bear cub and her mother on an adventure on Canada's West Coast on an annual migration to the Bute Inlet for the annual Salmon Spawn. This little one has a few life lessons to learn but thankfully, she has a really great mom. :) We will keep you posted on the release!

14/12/2023

By popular demand, we created an extended directors cut of Grizzly Country with only a little bit of dialogue and only the original natural sounds. It feels like you are there.

For thousands of years Grizzly Bears have been converging on the Bute Inlet on the Pacific Northwest of British Columbia for the Salmon Spawn. So many bears ...

08/12/2023

Talk about an up close Grizzly Bear encounter!

The closest I've been to a Grizzly bear, and so many of them! Join us as we witness these majestic Grizzly Bears, in their natural habitat during the annual ...

07/12/2023

Vancouver on Canada's Pacific West Coast is one of our TOP travel destinations. If you are planning a trip to Vancouver, B.C. Canada, this is your ultimate travel planner! This is more than a tour; it's an Insider's Guide, where the city's story unfolds through the eyes of its residents.

If you are planning a trip to Vancouver, B.C. Canada, this is your ultimate travel planner! This is more than a tour; it's an Insider's Guide, where the city...

07/12/2023

Vancouver Island is world famous for very good reason. You HAVE to go there.

Embark on an unforgettable exploration of Vancouver Island, guided by acclaimed travel and nature documentary Filmmaker Les McDonald. This intimate insider's...

06/12/2023

For our Chinese Canadian friends and family, and visitors, we are proud to present you with our new video about Vancouver, British Columbia. We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.

这不仅仅是一次旅行；这是一本内部指南，通过居民的眼睛讲述这座城市的故事。如果您计划前往不列颠哥伦比亚省温哥华旅行加拿大，这是您的终极旅行规划师！章节：00:00 序言/概述01:10 温哥华市介绍01:52 斯坦利公园和海堤02...

08/11/2023

Lakes are starting to freeze but be ware, you may be putting yourself on thin ice! Be ware, take care.

IMPORTANT REMINDER! Parks Canada does not monitor natural ice surfaces 🧊.

As temperatures dip, ice forms, and you're tempted to dust off the skates in the coming weeks, we remind all visitors to exercise caution around frozen water bodies.

If you skate or walk on frozen lakes, you are doing so at your own risk. Parks Canada strongly encourages visitors to educate themselves about ice safety ⛸️.

The Red Cross recommends the following minimum ice thickness:
• 15 cm for walking or skating alone
• 20 cm for skating parties or games

For more info, on ice safety, visit The Red Cross's website: https://ow.ly/3qzf50Q4a4B

08/11/2023

Having trouble deciding what to pack for your Canadian Rockies Holiday? Here's my guide for what to pack for your Banff, Jasper or Canada vacation activities and day hikes.

You've booked your ultimate holiday in Banff, Jasper or Canada but you aren't sure what to pack. Insiders Travel Guide, Les McDonald makes it easy and takes ...

15/09/2023

Having an experienced guide certainly didn't hurt. Good thing the folks at Discover Banff Tours are prepared, professional and knowledgeable. Explore thier tours on my Travel Guide at www.insiderstravelguidecanada.com

22/08/2023

If you are looking to plan your perfect trip to Banff or Jasper National Parks, we've got the easy to use resources you need right here at Insiders Travel Guide Canada.

The best place to plan the Canadian Rockies vacation of your dreams! Insiders tips for Banff and Jasper holiday planning

22/07/2023

Very useful shuttle info if you are visiting Banff National Park.

🚍 You’ve reserved your Parks Canada shuttle ticket to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, but you're confused about what to do next?
No worries! Here’s what’s going to happen:
1️⃣ Arrive at the Park and Ride located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort on the day and time of your reservation and enjoy free all-day parking.
2️⃣ Proceed to the “reservation holder kiosk” where a Parks Canada staff member will scan your ticket and direct you where to board your bus – Tickets MUST be scanned at the Park and Ride to activate the Lake Connector shuttle ticket. This ticket allows you to travel between the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
3️⃣ Sit back and enjoy the ride!
👉 Please Note: Visitors cannot park at the Lake Louise Lakeshore and board the connector shuttle service, all shuttle trips must begin and end at the Park and Ride.
🎟️ Haven't booked your ticket yet? Hurry up! Popular dates and departure times are selling out faster than a squirrel chasing acorns. Reserve your shuttle seat in advance to avoid disappointment: https://ow.ly/Oeln50PhGtK

23/06/2023

A little about me, and my reason for doing this!

I made this video so you could sort of meet me in person and so I could tell you why I created Insiders Travel Guide Canada. Please visit my website if you a...

18/05/2023

What viewers are saying! Thank you!!!

17/05/2023

Great idea! Trying to have your vehicle in town is a pain! And trust me, everything is walking distance in Town of Banff !

Coming to Banff on the long weekend? Avoid the hassle of traffic and pay parking downtown by using Norquay Road into town so you can park for free at the Train Station Public Parking Lot. Then it’s just a short walk to the downtown pedestrian zone.

Find your way to the train station lot at https://banff.ca/trainstation

Take transit to get to all attractions in town and in the national park with Roam Public Transit https://roamtransit.com/

Or avoid driving altogether and take On-It Regional Transit for only $10 from Calgary to Banff https://www.onitregionaltransit.ca/banff-canmore/

Learn more about parking at https://banff.ca/parking

11/05/2023

Don't let your first hike ruin your entire trip to the Rockies! The importance of getting your hiking boots or hiking shoes before your trip so you can break them early in for success!

So you've made the commitment and started booking your dream trip to the Canadian Rockies. Great news! Now, what to pack?

04/05/2023

Looking to explore the natural beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks this season? Don't forget to pack the right apparel! Layering is key for the variable weather you'll encounter in the Canadian Rockies. Check out our short and insightful guide for tips on what to pack to ensure you stay comfortable and prepared for all your outdoor adventures. From sturdy footwear to waterproof jackets and breathable clothing, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on the trip of a lifetime because of improper attire. Start planning your Banff and Jasper vacation today!

An Insiders Guide to the right apparel and gear for the Canadian Rockies.

25/04/2023

Why it's so important to keep your pet on leash in the National Parks.

Two people and two dogs "running freely" between them were hiking on the Wabasso Lake Trail at 4 p.m. when they ran into a black bear.

16/04/2023

Sunrise shuttle on the way!

08/04/2023

Bear Safety 101 Video to give you some peace of mind while visiting our National Parks.

Bear Safety tips for visiting the Canadian Rockies. Your introduction into what you need to know to be BEAR AWARE in Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho and all Ca...

03/04/2023

Spring in the Rockies and the first bears are coming out of their dens. Be bear aware and enjoy viewing wildlife safely from a distance.

Well it's that time of year and the first bears of spring have been spotted coming out of their Dens in Banff and Jasper. The Boss has been sighted on the Bow Valley Parkway and he's looking super healthy. Also keep your...

28/03/2023

Be bear aware. First bear sightings of the season.

Parks Canada says the first bear sighting of the year was recorded last week, a good reminder for visitors to stay safe when exploring Banff National Park.

28/03/2023

If you want to see the genuine, real deal, locals perspective on Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, I'm pleased to share this documentary I finally finished. So much work, but so rewarding. I hope you enjoy it.

Take an intimate journey through Banff, Kootenay, Yoho and Jasper National Parks with long time resident and documentary film maker Les McDonald. This full l...

26/03/2023

Nightrise at the Summit. Just wow!

This Winter at the Banff Gondola

24/03/2023

Day 1 of flights today on the Jasper SkyTram for the season. Amazing views and meals at the top are waiting for you.

And we're off! It's the first day of the 2023 season at the SkyTram today - happy opening!
We're excited to kick off another season and look forward to welcoming everyone!

Book your flight online at www.jasperskytram.com

20/03/2023

Travel from Vancouver to Banff in style by train. (But not just any train!) Check out the "First Passage to the West" that is offered by Rocky Mountaineer. Truly a once in a lifetime you can't miss.

Relax and join us onboard the Rocky Mountaineer for two days of all-daylight rail travel through Canada's West and the Canadian Rockies.

20/03/2023

So Luke Combs loves Banff. Well of course he does!!! https://curiocity.com/joe-rogan-podcast-luke-combs-calgary-banff/?fbclid=IwAR0A-NuZARmPnUnT7TKhdOLexh3t1N4lMSfK0NoOviwzursKER4Xrj0Q6xc

On the March 16th episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Luke Combs gushed about a recent trip he took to Alberta with his wife.