Rossland, BC: We wrapped many of our road adventures with crowd scenes like this one. We called them “bumper shots.” They were always infused with local pride. I loved that viewers in every part of the country would watch and say, “That reminds me of home.”

Taking part in “The Train of Death.” Don’t let the name fool you. It’s far worse than it sounds.

Getting my beard of bees on, with help from the Bee Dude, Mark Winston. I can’t tell you what’s worse, the feeling of all those bees crawling on your skin or the horrifying sound they make.

Sophie Grégoire made a great first impression. “Justin,” I told her husband, “you married above your station.”

Paul Martin was the first prime minister to show us around 24 Sussex Drive. The place was falling apart. Later we would travel to Canadian Tire to purchase plastic for the windows at the back of the house.

Sharing time on-camera with Chrétien was like being onstage with Eugene Levy or Martin Short. He was really that good.

Stephen Harper was the strangest, most impressive prime minister I ever met. He was very funny in person, but he went to great pains to hide it.

I’ve collected Canadian prime ministers over the years, but more importantly I met every member of Rush.

With Geddy Lee shooting a “Celebrity Tip” on toboggan safety. Typical rock star, he arrived early, sober, driving his own car and was incredibly polite.

Hanging in a hangar with Alex Lifeson. We went indoor sky diving. Believe it or not this is not the most absurd thing Lifeson has worn in his rock and roll career.

Waiting for my turn on the drums behind the late, great Neil Peart, one of my childhood heroes.

With some Barenaked Ladies and Bruce Cockburn backstage at a fundraiser for Tsunami Relief. The number of benefits Canadian musicians do is astounding.

When I was asked to host a show in someone’s living room, it sounded a little sketchy—until I heard Sarah McLachlan was on the bill too. (Not to mention Rod Stewart and Robin Williams and Chantal Kreviazuk…)

I won’t say I had a spiritual experience in Algonquin Park, but it was close. Even before I laid eyes on a bear, I’d had about as perfect a day as anyone could.