Imagine an awesome RV wrapped in a cool design traveling to the best destinations Western Canada has to offer.  Along the way I blog about what I see and post pictures, video, and other tasty tidbits that I find interesting, hopefully inspiring you to get out there and adventure with me.

And who are you?

I’m Ryan. I started a small web design / marketing company a few years ago called Boom Street Media. Travel is my passion and most of the year I work and manage projects remotely from all over the world.  Over the last few years I’ve lived short terms in SE Asia, parts of Europe, Central America, and Portland Oregon.

Growing up north of Edmonton Alberta, I have a special endearment for the beauty, freedom, and variety that Western Canada offers.  I decided to combine my love for travel, knowledge of the web and desire to teach others into a summer tour that shows off the places, events and people that make Western Canada the best place in the world to call home.

Every summer I will be blogging, answering questions, posting pictures, and creating videos that will live here on theBoomBus site.  I want this to be a community where everyone can get involved in sharing their own stories, favorite places, pictures and videos. Social media makes it easier than ever to share content with the world and this site will be an online destination built to give a deeper look into this little corner of the planet.

So thanks for stopping by, feel free to join the twitter and FB pages, and don’t be shy to comment.

Love,

Captain Ryan

Nothing caps off a successful Canada Day like a good fireworks show, and Edmonton’s river valley is one of the best backdrops you can find (the Alberta Centennial show from the Legislature grounds in 2005 is still my all time favorite show!)

Although the city is bustling with day time activities I’ll get right to the best part first….

Good Viewing Locations:

* Alberta Legislature Grounds
* Victoria Park (River Valley Road)
* Ezio Faraone Park (west entrance to High Level Bridge on 109 St. north)
* Dantzer’s Hill (below Queen Elizabeth Park)
* Government House Park (Groat Road & River Valley Road)
NOTE: No viewing from Kinsmen Park

Viewing Areas Accessible on Foot Only (closed to vehicles):

* River Valley Road
* Walterdale Hill Road & Queen Elizabeth Park Road
* 109 St. (between Saskatchewan Drive & the High Level Bridge)
* Access is restricted in Kinsmen Park, Walterdale Hill, High Level & Menzies Bridges after road closure times. Kinsmen playground and picnic area are closed on Canada Day.

Event Parking

Increased parking bans in effect. With minimal parking in the area of many venues, Edmontonians are encouraged to take the bus or LRT. Usual parking restrictions are in effect. Vehicles illegally parked will be tagged.

A few day time highlights include Alberta Legislature, Fort Edmonton Park, and Muttart Conservatory. I’ve only checked out the Leg grounds myself but from what I hear all host family activities and entertainment from around 12 – 5pm.  This year at the Alberta Legislature the Kupalo Ukrainian Dancers will  hit the stage with some beautiful choreography and high flying jumps.

Whyte ave (82nd) is also bustling during the day and the night life is always bumpin after the fireworks.  This is Edmonton’s most popular pub / restaurant / shopping scene. With a laid back vibe and tonnes to check out, you can always count on Whyte ave for an interesting stroll or a few drinks.  I’d say Billiards Club is the best spot to set up (105st – 82ave).

Happy Canada day!!!

Feel free to post comments and links with your favorite Canada Day activities. What are the best spots to hit in Calgary? Vancouver?

As July 1st nears the final touches are just being put on the tour. The wrap is 90% finished and we’ve added some great stops for July including Alberta’s very own Waterton National Park, Banff National Park and Elk Island National Park. We’re also highlighting Capital Ex, Taste of Edmonton, Honda Indy, Calgary Stampede and several other events and hot spots around Alberta.

I will be posting on here weekly throughout the summer and I welcome everybody to make comments, join us on Twitter & FB, and share your own Western Canadian stories and favorite destinations.

The goal is to create an interactive place for western Canadians to show off the activities and festivals that make our summers awesome!

Thanks everyone! See you on the road!

Captain Ryan

ps. dont forget to go to www.audiblepodast.com/boom to get the free book and 2 week trial. Even if you don’t stick with them after the 2 weeks they let you keep the book you download. Vaarrrry Nayyce!