Tofino is the first stop on Jon’s tour, and for good reason. If you’re looking to RV and camp beachside, Tofino is the place to be. Jon learns about surf culture with the owner Aftanas surf, then tries it out for himself with lessons from the legendary women-led surf school, Surf Sister. En route to Tofino, it’s easy to skip the tiny, quaint town of Ucluelet (pronounced yew-kloo-let or just “Ukee” as locals call it). Ukee has all that wild west-coast charm without the bustling crowds. Jon sits down with Brewmaster Allan from the local-loved Ucluelet Brewing Co. to chat about the importance of community and providing world-class beer.
Kelowna is the mecca of the Provinces’ wine country, which makes sense when you discover the first vines were planted here over 160 years ago! But, there’s so much more to Kelowna than just wine, including its busting craft beer scene. Jon pays a visit to the infamous BNA brewery, gets nostalgic with Kekuli Cafe and sees Kelowna from a birds-eye view.
Before exploring Drumheller, home to the largest variety of Dinosaurs ever found in one place, Jon meets up with Jeremy from the amazing village brewery to talk about Alberta’s bustling craft beer scene and the charm that Calgary offers to newcomers from all over the world. Before he takes to the skies, Jon sits down with Conor from Local Laundry, to talk about the value of supporting local, and giving back to the community.
Jon goes back to his Prairies roots as he RV’s to the province that raised him - Manitoba. Diversity Drum Circles gives Jon a lesson on how not only “Canada’s Heart Beats”, but how he can drum to his very own. Everyone is invited to this drum circle and the same inclusiveness goes for Nonsuch Brewing Co., which Jon visits in Winnipeg. Outside of the city, Jon cowboys it up at Birds Hill Park Ranch and takes time to reflect on his journey with his trusty SUP at Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park.
The Niagara Region, home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, offers Jon an exciting playground to explore. Jon sets up camp with his RV at 180 Estate Winery - one of Ontario’s smallest wineries located in Jordan Village. Down the road, he visits Bench Brewing to learn about their sustainable approach to brewing their product. Speaking of sustainability, Jon visits Treadwell Cuisine - a farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake to discover the importance of cooking with local ingredients. After some tasty food and tipples, Jon gets to explore the Niagara Region from a whole other view.
Jon brushes up on his French as his RV takes him to his next destination - Quebec City. He visits La Souche Microbrasserie and discovers its “roots”, has some seriously old cheese (don’t worry - the delicious kind), and learns about the history of Quebec’s delicacies at both Île d'Orléans and his campsite at Le parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. Jon goes out with a bang as he bids adieu to La Belle Province.
After RVing thousands of miles across Canada, Jon reaches his final destination: Prince Edward Island. Dubbed the Birthplace of Confederation, PEI is a scenic land filled with red-sand beaches, fertile farmland, lighthouses and fresh island cuisine. Oh, and beer! Jon starts his adventure off at PEI Brewing Co. before deep sea fishing with Tranquility Cove Adventures for his dinner - lobster! What better way to end his cross-country adventure than with a party? Jon’s hosts a lobster boil with the help of Chef Adam Loo and Gordie “Crazy Legs” MacKeeman for his campsite neighbours!