NWT From North of 60 to Home in Calgary: The Beautiful Final Drive

 

 

The Drive from Hay River to Calgary 

What a way to wrap up an unforgettable month up North!  This epic 1,350 KM road journey from Hay River, Northwest Territories back to Calgary captures everything we love about Canadian road trips. 

 

Starting strong “North of 60,” the drive winds through misty boreal forests thick with evergreens and that wild, rugged northern energy. Then, as you head south, the landscape transforms — opening up into sweeping golden prairies and endless big Alberta skies that stretch forever.  

One of the real highlights? Crossing those charming old wooden deck bridges. They rattle just enough to remind you you’re on a real adventure, connecting remote roads with history and heart. The light shifting across the trees, the open road ahead, and that deep feeling of freedom — it’s pure beauty on wheels.  

Whether you’re a fellow road trip lover, dreaming of your own northern escape, or just enjoying the views from home, this drive is a reminder of how stunning Canada really is when you take the long way home.  

Full 4K vlog is live and waiting for you: https://youtu.be/F82ktlAERiI  

 

Drop a comment and let us know — what’s your favourite part of a long Canadian road trip?     

 

 

  

       

Travel from the NWT to Calgary Alberta

Driving Hay River NWT to Calgary Alberta in One Day – Is It Doable?

If you’ve been following along, you know I recently made the big trek up north. In this video it was time for the long haul home — Hay River, Northwest Territories back to Calgary, Alberta in a single day.

The numbers:Distance: Roughly 1,350 km (about 839 miles) 
Driving time: 13 to 15+ hours depending on stops, weather, and road conditions 
Route: South on NWT Highway 1 → Alberta Highway 35 → High Level → Peace River area → Valleyview or Slave Lake route → Edmonton corridor → south on Highway 2 to Calgary 
 
It’s a serious full-day grind (think wheels rolling before sunrise and pulling into Calgary late at night). Long stretches of remote highway with limited services, so fuel planning and snacks are a must.

Best places to stop and stretch on the way south:Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park (Alexandra & Louise Falls) – One of the best early stops in the NWT. Easy trails, powerful waterfalls, and a great spot for photos. 
High Level, Alberta – Good fuel and food options after crossing back into Alberta. 
Peace River – Nice little town with services and a good break point. 
Slave Lake or Whitecourt – Depending on your route, these make solid lunch or coffee stops. 
Edmonton area – Quick resupply if needed, but if you’re pushing straight through, you can skirt around. 
 
The drive starts wild and remote with boreal forest and possible wildlife, then opens up into the prairies the further south you get.I filmed the northbound leg (and some northern adventures) in a video that somehow never got properly pushed by YouTube. Even Gemini couldn’t figure out why it disappeared into the algorithm black hole. 

If you haven’t seen it yet, here it is: Full Video Here 

The return drive is just as epic in its own way — going from the “Hub of the North” back home to the Rockies. Would I do it in one day again? Probably… but I’d definitely plan a couple overnight stops next time for maximum enjoyment.

Who else has made this monster drive? What were your must-stop spots or survival tips? Drop them in the comments Thanks for supporting KassDays — every bit helps me keep these road trips and videos coming!

Safe travels, 
— Kass

Final Chapter: Hay River to Calgary – We’re Rolling Home, Baby!

 

 

After weeks up north, it’s finally time to point the truck south and chase the horizon all the way home.

 

In the brand new video “Driving Hay River NWT to Calgary | 1,350 KM Road Trip (North of 60)”, we leave Hay River and hammer out the full 1,350 km journey back to Calgary. This is the big finale of the Alaska Adventure series and it does NOT disappoint.

 

You get to tag along as we cross the legendary 60th Parallel, wave goodbye to that massive “Welcome to the Northwest Territories” sign, and watch the wild boreal forest slowly melt away into endless Alberta prairie skies. Misty mornings, empty highways, and that sweet “we actually did it” feeling — all shot in beautiful 4K.

 

It’s raw, real, and ridiculously satisfying.Whether you’ve been riding with us since the start or you’re just jumping in now, this one’s a proper send-off.

Buckle up and come enjoy the ride south with us!

 

SUV Hotel: Trunk Mate Install in the Chevy Traverse

 

 

KassDays released a new video showing exactly how to turn a Chevy Traverse into a comfortable, no-build sleeping platform.

 

In “The SUV Hotel | Trunk Mate Install & The Secret to a Level Bed,” I installed the Trunk Mate in the back of my 2021 Traverse. This simple wooden slat system drops right onto the folded rear seats, giving you a flat, full-length sleeping area with zero permanent modifications.

 

At the 5:20 mark I share my little “secret” for getting the support legs perfectly level — the part that usually frustrates most people.

Once the platform is in, just add your favourite sleeping setup: inflatable mattress, foam topper, or whatever you like best. The front seats still work for sitting up, so it’s totally livable for weekend trips or quick overnighters.

 

Pro tip: Throw in a portable toilet. It gives you peace of mind when nature calls and there’s no decent restroom around.

If you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to camp in your Traverse (or most SUVs), this is a solid option.  Video is live now on the KassDays YouTube channel.  Sleep flat. Travel simple.  

Roof Rack Install on my SUV

This 4K tutorial provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for installing aftermarket load bars on a 2021 Chevy Traverse. While many high-end brand name racks are available, this guide focuses on a cost-effective alternative rated for 220 lbs (approx. 105 kg), utilizing the vehicle's existing fixed-point roof rails.

Key Installation Steps

The process begins with preparing the vehicle's roof rails by removing the flush plastic caps that protect the factory mounting points.

• Pro Tip for Maintenance: Replace the factory plastic caps with metric screws and lock washers painted black. This allows you to easily seal the holes and prevent dirt or water ingress when the rack is removed, while keeping the removal process fast and simple.
• Bracket Preparation: The kit includes specific brackets for the right (blue bag) and left (white bag) sides. It is crucial to slide these onto the load bars and keep them loose for final adjustments once on the roof.
• Aerodynamic Alignment: Ensure the load bars are oriented correctly, with the tapered edge facing forward to minimize wind noise and drag.
• Protecting Your Paint: Use a blanket or cardboard to cover the roof while positioning the bars to prevent accidental scratches during the solo installation.

Final Adjustments

Once the brackets are hand-tightened to the roof rails, center the load bars within the brackets for an even weight distribution. Tightening the underside torque screws can be cumbersome due to the awkward angle; using a small ratchet can make this process significantly faster than using a standard Allen key.

Following this guide ensures a secure install. 

Solo Thule Motion 3 Install: Easy 10-Minute Step-Stool Trick (No Help Needed)

 

 

Mounting a heavy rooftop cargo box by yourself can be intimidating — especially the Thule Motion 3, which weighs around 50-60 lbs empty. Most people think it takes two people, but in the latest KassDays video, I show how I do it solo in under 10 minutes using a simple step-stool trick.

 

Why the Thule Motion 3?

The Motion 3 is one of the best aerodynamic cargo boxes on the market. It offers great capacity (16–21 cu ft depending on size), low wind noise, dual-side opening, and the easy PowerClick mounting system. Perfect for road trips, camping, or extra luggage.

 

The Easy Solo Install Method

Prep – Make sure your crossbars are correctly installed and spaced. 

Step Stool Trick – Place a sturdy step stool next to your vehicle at the mounting position. This gives you the height and leverage you need. 
Lift & Position – Lift one end of the box onto the crossbars, then slide and rotate it into place using the stool for support. 
Clamp It Down – Slide the PowerClick clamps into the tracks, hand-tighten until they click. No tools required. 
Final Check – Test your rear hatch clearance and double-check all clamps. 
 
That’s it! The whole process is quick, safe, and scratch-free.

Quick Tips

• Slightly offset the box toward the driver’s side for better hatch access. 
• Trust the PowerClick torque indicator — don’t over-tighten. 
• Use the same stool trick when removing the box. 
• Always check clamp tightness before every trip. 

If you’ve been putting off buying a roof box because of the install hassle, this method changes everything. Watch the full step-by-step 4K video on the KassDays YouTube channel (out today at 3:30 PM) for all the details and real-time demonstration.Save yourself $100 on professional installation — try the step-stool trick and let me know how it goes!Safe travels!  

Happy Travels -- KassDays

 

Best Cosplay in Canada?

 

 

KassDays just dropped a fire YouTube Short featuring epic footage from last year’s Parade of Wonders — and yes, it might just be the best cosplay Canada has to offer.

Watch it here: 

Is this the BEST Cosplay in Canada? Stormtroopers rocking the Canadian flag, flawless Top Gun squads, and cosplayers who clearly went all out — pure energy and next-level dedication from the 2025 Calgary Expo parade.

Even though this year’s outdoor parade got weathered out (too windy!), the Fan Expo Calgary 2026 is still going strong on its final day at the BMO Centre. The floors are packed with incredible cosplay if you’re in town right now.

What do you think — best in Canada? Drop your answer in the comments and tag your favourite cosplays from this weekend!

Watch the Full 2025 Fan Expo parade highlights