In July 2020, a few weeks before I gave birth to my son, I made him a promise that someday I’d take him to the Bay of Fundy. So, when GM Canada offered me the chance to take an epic road trip anywhere in Canada in the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS, I thought instantly of New Brunswick. (Actually, I thought instantly of the Dempster Highway but then remembered that I have a young toddler.) So it was decided that my husband Jason and I would hit the road for 10 days and take our son Marcus to visit some of our favourite spots in the province where we met.

My late-pregnancy brain, marinating in hormones, had conjured up a powerful image of chubby legs running on the red mud of Alma Beach, of a little hand inserted trustingly in mine as we walked together between sparkling tide pools. It never occurred to me that we’d have to get the child to New Brunswick, and parent him in between sentimental movie moments. Life with a toddler is wild, frustrating, hilarious and exhausting no matter where in the world you are. There were plenty of moments when Jason and I exchanged silent glances that said help, and what have we done? But it also turns out that seeing a beloved destination through your child’s eyes is pretty darn magical, so it seems only fitting that I share Marcus’ highlights from the trip — with some added context from mom and dad.

You don’t have to be an equestrian to appreciate eight unusual horses grazing on the sweet summer grass in the Ottawa greenbelt. You just have to be into stories, and this is a good one.

Horses and ponies were first introduced to North America by the Spanish in the late 1400s. Within a few years, the animal began to play a crucial role in the history of the continent’s conquest, exploration, transportation, and agriculture. Some might think of the spirited mustang as a native untamed horse, but that legendary breed is a descendant of Spanish horses. What about the wild herd of horses on the sandy beaches of Sable Island, or the free-roaming ponies of Assateague? They’re from Spanish stock too. According to Smithsonian Magazine: “Native horses once lived in North America, but they died out over 10,000 years ago.” This is the history book narrative, and it is wrong.

Banff in the winter is synonymous with carving the hills. But for those of us who’d rather not shred snow-covered peaks on skis or snowboards, this iconic Canadian destination has so much more to offer no matter your age or activity level. From exploring the peaks on foot to guided nature tours to soaking in a hot tub to cap off a perfect day in Canada’s first national park. And just because you didn’t hit the slopes, doesn’t mean you can’t aprés at one of Banff’s top restaurants. Here’s a peek at some of the experiences you can have in Banff this winter.

Halloween is right around the corner, and we’ve got the lowdown on the spookiest activities in Ontario. Across the province, Halloween enthusiasts have put together the most exciting (and haunting) events and attractions to choose from, with something for every age! So whether you are looking for the perfect place to pick a pumpkin or to experience the fright of your life, Canadian Geographic has you covered. Ontario certainly knows how to celebrate the scariest time of the year, so grab your flannel, put on a scarf (or a costume) and get ready to be spooked.