'This is the best country on Earth.' How Canada became the star of a new reality series

Imagine a high rope obstacle course. Now put it under a suspension bridge hanging hundreds of metres above B.C.'s Howe Sound. Or a race through mud — in New Brunswick's iconic Bay of Fundy. How about a 16-story rappel down the side of Canada's oldest hotel, the Chateau Frontenac?

Nikki Reyes and Craig McMorris are the hosts of Canada's Ultimate Challenge, a reality TV show that turns our damn fine country into an obstacle course for six teams of ordinary Canadians and their celebrity coaches. 

The cast, along with a crew of dozens travelled 13,000 km from coast to coast to film Canada's Ultimate Challenge over 32 days. It was the trip — and adventure of a lifetime. 

Why is Canada the perfect spot for this reality TV show?

Craig: Canada is the most perfect backdrop for Canada's Ultimate Challenge. From coast to coast to coast, there are beautiful natural landscapes that we've been able to utilize into one giant obstacle course. You couldn't do it in any other country. This is the best country on earth.

Nikki: Along our travels, we've been fortunate enough to see a ton of this country, and everywhere that we've gone to has such a different feel and charm and vibe. The weather was different everywhere we went, the people, the vegetation. That alone is a reason to try to tune in to see what Canada has to offer.

What's unique about this show?

Nikki: What separates this competition show from other competition shows is that it is uniquely Canadian. We're taking iconic landmarks and locations and incorporating them into the show, making them the obstacle courses and the challenges that you get to see. It's these places have become almost like the third character.

Craig: This competition series is unique for one simple reason, it's real. This is absolutely real. I've been in TV for a very long time and I've covered sports for a very long time. I have never believed that reality TV shows were kind of real. I always thought it was slightly fudged. 

Here, people want to win. They really, really want to win. It's not just trying to show up and be famous and look cool on TV. There's a real competitive aspect.

What's the most iconic place you visited?

Craig: Confederation Bridge. Honestly, I've never been here that was really exciting. I've never had boots on the ground for the rustic red soil of P.E.I. So the fact that we started the morning in Moncton, we finished in P.E.I. and we got to be on one of Canada's greatest and longest bridges.

Nikki: The Citadel in Quebec City. Quebec City is beautiful, charming, and had such a romantic feel to it. And then you have this block of just wall. I just love the contrast in the dichotomy of that, and it was just really interesting to be on those grounds.

Who would you want as your coach?

Nikki: Luke Willson. Luke Willson is 'let's go,' he's got all that energy, he's fierce, he's a really big dude, so he's got that going for him. He's a Superbowl champion, I love his drive and determination.  

Craig: If I had to pick one coach I would do this with Gilmore Junio. He is an Olympic speedskater and he's so down to earth and so kind.

What will you miss the most about the show?

Craig: Being able to co-host with Nikki Reyes and the incredible cast and crew that has been assembled to create this masterpiece. A lot of lifelong friendships were born, and I wouldn't have done it any other way.

Nikki: What I'm going to miss most about doing the show is the fact that all our meals were prepared. No, but really, it has to be Craig who is amazing to work with. So talented, it makes my job look so easy, makes me look good. And all the cast and crew from every different city that we've gone to.

Watch Canada's Ultimate Challenge, now streaming free on CBC Gem.

Note: interviews edited and condensed for clarity.