Chasing Greatness Across North America: A Five-City Capitals Hockey Tour
Some trips stay with you not because of a single moment, but because every stop, every arena, and every city adds a new layer to the story. My five-city hockey journey—following the Washington Capitals across North America as Alex Ovechkin chased the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring record earlier this year—was exactly that kind of trip. It blended sports, culture, natural wonder, and human connection into a travel experience I will be talking about for years.
And it’s the kind of experience I love building for my clients.
Stop 1: Edmonton — Rogers Place Sets the Standard
The adventure began in Edmonton, and it could not have started on a higher note. Rogers Place quickly became my favorite arena of the entire tour. The sight lines were phenomenal—every seat felt like a prime vantage point—and the sound system was absolutely elite, delivering sharp, echo-free clarity that made each goal and big hit resonate through the building. Although Connor McDavid was suspended for this contest, the Oil still were fun to watch even if I was cheering for the visiting side.
Canadian hospitality showed itself immediately. Fans were welcoming, funny, and more than eager to welcome an American hockey fan. It set the tone for the rest of the trip: friendly communities, passionate fans, and a sense of shared excitement.
I highly recommend eating in Studio 99, the Wayne Gretzky-themed restaurant in the arena, before the game. The staff was exceptional, and it was great seeing so many artifacts from his career.
Stop 2: Seattle — Climate Pledge Arena’s Modern Magic
From the prairies, I flew down to Seattle, home of the innovative Climate Pledge Arena. Although I had planned to take the VIA Rail from Edmonton to Vancouver before driving down to Seattle for the second game, the train was over 18 hours delayed forcing a change in my plans.
Climate Pledge Arena feels like a peek into the NHL’s future—cutting-edge, environmentally conscious, and architecturally striking. The in-game experience was fantastic, and the atmosphere electric. Seattle’s food scene, waterfront, and quirky charm rounded out a perfect second stop. The Kraken had the best pregame into I have seen; no, I have not seen a Golden Knights game in Las Vegas.
This was where the tour shifted from a hockey trip into a true travel experience—one that mixed sport with culture, food, and exploration.
Stop 3: Vancouver — Craft Beer, Suspension Bridges, and Coastal Vibes
Vancouver blended rugged nature with urban style in a way few cities can. Before the game, I joined a local craft beer tour—excellent breweries, enthusiastic guides, and a tasting lineup showcasing the Pacific Northwest’s signature hops.
Then came the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a breathtaking walk through towering evergreens and dramatic canyon views. Standing high above the river, surrounded by rainforest, was one of the most memorable off-ice moments of the entire journey. This is a must do if you have never been to Vancouver.
Stop 4: Calgary — Hockey Meets the Rockies
The next stop, Calgary, offered the most spectacular off-day of the trip. After touring the city—friendly, clean, and buzzing with energy—I made my first-ever pilgrimage the next day to Banff and Lake Louise.
Even after a lifetime of photos, nothing matched seeing those places in person.
The spectacular scenery of Lake Louise, the immense Rocky Mountain peaks, the crisp alpine air—it all exceeded expectations, and my expectations were already sky-high. Banff’s charm only added to the magic.
If you want a sports trip with a natural wonder add-on, Calgary is absolutely perfect. If you eat pregame in the club restaurant at the Saddledome, chances are you will be treated to a “pickleback”–a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey with a chilled pickle juice chaser.
Stop 5: Ottawa — A Warm Return and an Unexpected Gift
The journey ended in Ottawa, a city I’d visited before and was happy to revisit. Because of my day in Banff, I atypically flew in the day of the game and chose to stay within walking distance of the arena because I have toured the Canadian capital. I happened to sit by the bench, and the Capitals surprised me with a game-used stick, a priceless keepsake and a powerful way to cap off the tour.
As with every Canadian stop, the fans were gracious, knowledgeable, and eager to talk hockey—even with a traveler following Ovechkin and the Capitals across the continent.
What This Trip Taught Me—and How I Can Build One for You
This wasn’t just a five-city hockey tour. It was a blueprint for how meaningful, tailored travel unfolds when you combine passion with planning.
At every stop, I blended:
- A marquee event (Ovechkin’s chase for history)
- Immersive local experiences (beer tours, iconic attractions, nature excursions)
- Behind-the-scenes moments and surprises
- Smooth, stress-free logistics across borders and climates
Trips like this don’t happen by accident. They’re crafted.
If you’ve ever dreamed of:
- Following your favorite team on the road
- Witnessing a historic sports milestone
- Pairing NHL arenas with world-class landscapes and culture
- Experiencing Canada from a fresh, insider perspective
…I can design that journey for you.
This tour is one of my all-time favorites. I’d love to craft something just as unforgettable for you—whether your passion is sports, history, food, nature, or something entirely unique.
Insight That Moves You isn’t just what I offer—it’s how I travel, and how I design every trip.
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