There are infinite issues to do in Canada for each kind of journey lover. We know as a result of we’re two proud Canadians which have crisscrossed the nation from coast, to coast, to coast. Dave and I’ve traveled to 115 international locations over the previous 22 years and may verify that touring in Canada is likely one of the finest journeys in the world.
We are actually happy with every part Canada has to provide. Canada is a four-season playground crammed with thrilling cities, out of doors actions, and superb cultural experiences. Isn’t it about time you explored Canada?
Best Things to do in Canada
This is the final word Canadian bucket checklist! Canada is one thrilling vacation spot and for our American, European, and UK pals, it’s low cost too! Our greenback is actually weak proper now, so make your method to Canada and check out one among these nice adventures at the moment!
If you need to see the very best extra about the very best cities in Canada, try our submit: 14 Beautiful and Best Cities in Canada. This article focuses extra on out of doors adventures, however now we have included just a few Canadian cities that we really feel we couldn’t miss.
1. Walk With Polar Bears
Churchill Manitoba is the Polar Bear Capital of the world. Located alongside the polar bear freeway, it’s the premier place on earth to see polar bears as they make their method to Hudson Bay. Each 12 months vacationers flock to board tundra buggies to see the polar bears, however we had the prospect to get much more private with polar bears. Check out Things to do in Churchill Manitoba – Land of the Polar Bears
Staying at Nanuk Lodge with Churchill Wild on in the Canadian arctic was an expertise we’ll always remember. We looked for moms and cubs alongside the Hudson Bay in tundra autos however when a bear was noticed in the gap we received out to stroll with them!
We drove inside 1km of the gorgeous creatures the place we hopped out from the protection of our automobile and slowly approached on foot. Walking with polar bears is the primary factor to do in Canada so put it on the high of your Canadian bucket checklist experiences proper now! Read extra: Walking with Polar Bears – The Greatest Arctic Safari
2. Soar over Banff National Park
Banff National Park might be probably the most well-known locations to go to in Canada. That is as a result of Banff actually is likely one of the most stunning locations in Canada. From Moraine Lake to the Banff Hot Springs and its personal Cave n’ Basin National Historic Site there are infinite potentialities for a vacation in Banff.
Read about it right here: A Spectacular Helicopter Tour in Banff, you’ll learn the way to guide and what to count on.
We landed excessive in the Rocky Mountains the place we went snowshoeing to take in much more unbelievable views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Canada’s first National Park! Read extra: The Best Things to do in Banff, Alberta
3. Canoe Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one among Canada’s high vacationer locations and there’s no higher method to see it than to get out on a canoe. Plus, canoeing is so Canadian. You’ll get pleasure from stunning views of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier and the encircling mountains. This is one for the bucket checklist. Read extra: Canoe Lake Louise and Banff National Park, Alberta
4. Play Hockey
Banff National Park is superb in winter. With snowboarding and snowboarding at Lake Louise, sleigh rides, and canine sledding, Banff is a year-round playground for journey lovers. However, it’s right here you can do a very Canadian expertise in the winter and that’s to play pond hockey.
Everyone is aware of that Canadians are gaga over Ice Hockey. You can be a part of in on the enjoyable in probably the most stunning place in the world. Nothing is extra Canadian than getting on a pond to play some hockey. And what higher place than with the scenic backdrop of Lake Louise in gorgeous Banff National Park? See extra: Pond Hockey on Lake Louise – Skating the Most Beautiful Rink in the World
5. Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is likely one of the world’s most scenic drives. It stretches from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park in Alberta and is crammed with scenic sights and adventures. It is a brief day drive of solely 293 km (182 miles) however it is best to spend a few days exploring all of its high sights. From the gorgeous reflections of Bow Lake to its many lookouts and mountain climbing trails, this can be a highway journey that isn’t to be missed.
Halfway by way of the drive are the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Ice fields. The Icefields are the biggest nonpolar ice fields in the world, and when you’re out on the glacier, you actually really feel how large it’s. Walking alongside this mammoth glacier actually reveals you the facility of Mother Nature. Check out Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta
6. Go Tidal Bore Rafting
Witnessing the facility of the world’s highest tides on the Bay of Fundy is an expertise unto itself, however driving the tides on a tiny zodiac is the final word journey. Thrill seekers will love Tidal Bore Rafting on the Bay of Fundy.
Imagine standing on a dry river mattress as 100 billion tons of water comes speeding in. Within minutes we scrambled into our boats to experience the waves of the rising tides into the Shubenacadie River. See our expertise Tidal Bore Rafting in Nova Scotia – The World Highest Tides
7. Drive the Dempster Highway
We love taking highway journeys world wide, however there was one thing particular about driving the Dempster Highway. The Dempster freeway stretches from Dawson City to the Arctic Ocean. We rented a automobile in Inuvik in the North West Territories and drove south to Dawson City, Yukon, this freeway crosses the Arctic Circle, and took us to the National Historic Site of Fort McPherson, we rode on ferries, and we noticed caribou as we looked for grizzlies.
The Dempster Highway is certainly one of many extra distinctive locations to go to in Canada being so distant with nothing surrounding you however wilderness and wildlife. We have it on our checklist as one of many world’s finest highway journeys. 25 Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken
8. Moose Safari in Algonquin Park
Nothing is extra Canadian than seeing a moose whereas canoeing. A canoe journey to Algonquin Provincial Park is a ceremony of passage for anybody residing in the province. It’s additionally the very best place on earth to spot moose in the wild. We counsel reserving a tour with Voyageur Quest as a result of the professionals know precisely the place the very best moose recognizing is. Read all about it at In Search of Algonquin Moose – A Canadian Wildlife Safari
9. Ski in the Canadian Rockies
Whistler Blackcomb British Columbia has a few of the finest snowboarding in North America, however do you know its mountains aren’t in the Canadian Rockies? That’s okay although, the Fitzsimmons and Coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia provide unmatched world-class snowboarding. However, to ski or snowboard in the Canadian Rockies, you want to go to a ski resort in Alberta or in the japanese a part of British Columbia. Revelstoke Resort or Fernie ski resort in British Columbia is superb and the likes of Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Norquay in Banff National Park are unbelievable for all ranges. Check out 15 Top Ski Resorts in Canada For Winter Fun
10. Skate on the Rideau Canal
If you need to skate on one other iconic Canadian area, make your method to Ottawa for Winterlude. The spotlight of this winter pageant is skating on the world’s largest ice skating rink. The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and The oldest constantly operated canal system in North America. It runs 203 km from the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario.
In the winter, this nationwide historic web site is the world’s newest skating rink! There are warming huts, locations to get Beaver Tales and Maple Syrup, and lots of skate rental retailers to strive Canada’s favorite pastimes.
It’s superb to go to in summer time or winter. If chilly isn’t your factor, strive renting a luxurious houseboat to tour the Rideau Canal. If we had grown up in Eastern Ontario, we might have spent many a summer time on this stunning waterway. Read all about it at Amazing Rideau Canal Cruise – A Unique Cruise Holiday with Le Boat
11. Conquer The CN Tower Edgewalk
The CN Tower is likely one of the high vacationer sights in Canada, and whereas many individuals go to stand on its glass flooring and to take in the town views, the CN Tower gives one thing for these in search of the final word adrenaline rush. Going up the CN Tower is likely one of the high issues to do in Toronto, however not as many individuals dare to strive the CN Tower EdgeWalk.
As avid thrill seekers, we wished extra out of our many visits to the CN Tower, so we had been tremendous pumped when the world’s highest out of doors edgewalk was added to the enduring tower. We strapped ourselves to a harness and clung to the sting 110 tales excessive as we did our greatest superman impressions overlooking our hometown of Toronto and all the best way throughout Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Check out extra CN Tower Edgewalk – Taking on The World’s Highest Sky Walk
12. Immerse in First Nations Culture
Canada’s First Nations People have a robust cultural id and are pleasant and welcoming to individuals wanting to be taught extra about their heritage. We have had many indigenous experiences in Canada and one among our favourite locations is on Manitoulin Island.
The Great Spirit Circle Trail takes you world wide’s largest freshwater island to expertise the traditions and tradition of the Inishabeck People. Take half in the Voice of the Drum, a Smudging Ceremony and a lot extra. See our experiences on the Great Spirit Circle Trail
13. Kayak the Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is dwelling to the world’s highest tides and there are various methods to see the bay of fundy from strolling on its flooring to mountain climbing above it alongside the Fundy Footpath in Fundy National Park.
If you need to take the journey up a notch guide a kayaking journey to the Three Sisters is Nova Scotia. This two-day tenting and kayaking journey took us alongside the Nova Scotia coast the place we camped on the Bay of Fundy and explored the spires of the Three sisters at each excessive and low tide! Read extra Amazing Bay of Fundy Adventures – Ways to Experience the Highest Tides
14. Hopewell Rocks
One of the very best Canadian locations to go to is to stroll among the many Hopewell Rocks at Hopewell Cape. I do know we talked about Tidal Bore Rafting is one of the simplest ways to expertise the Bay of Fundy, however probably the most legendary method to see it’s on the Hopewell Rocks.
Located in New Brunswick, the Hopewell rocks are a rare web site the place we walked on the ocean flooring surrounded by large flower pot rocks and sea caves. The Fundy Trail is a tremendous hike you can do in Canada and once we explored New Brunswick, we additionally made a degree of crossing into Prince Edward Island. Check out the very best issues to do in Saint John New Brunswick
15. Sleep with Wolves
Our favorite place to see wildlife in Canada is at Parc Omega in Quebec. If you need to witness white wolves, Arctic fox, bison, caribou, and extra in their pure habitat, that is the place to go. But it’s also possible to sleep in a single day in the wolf sanctuary with a wild pack of wolves.
Waking up to a wolf howl in the wee hours of the morning as they name out to the night time sky was a haunting and memorable expertise. See extra particulars – Places to Visit in Ottawa this Autumn
16. Zip Over Niagara Falls
Okay, okay, we are able to’t make a Canada bucket checklist checklist with out mentioning Niagara Falls. It’s our most well-known landmark. And as we stated above, we love Niagara Falls. In reality, we had been there simply a few months in the past once more for the umpteenth time.
There are so many issues to do in Niagara Falls, that even in any case our years of exploring, we nonetheless haven’t accomplished all of it. But now we have accomplished most of it: The Best Things to do in Niagara Falls
We completely advocate occurring the Hornblower to enterprise into Horseshoe Falls and love strolling behind the falls in Journey Behind the Falls as properly. But our newest Niagara Falls journey was ziplining on the Falls. It’s a enjoyable thrill and distinctive expertise.
17. Jetboat into Class 6 Rapids
We love visiting Niagara Falls at the very least yearly. It homes most of the high sights in Canada, however our favourite factor to do in Niagara Falls is positioned simply outdoors the town at Niagara on the Lake.
The Jetboat takes you to the Class 6 rapids of the Niagara River Whirlpool. Nobody can kayak or boat on this, they’ll actually get sucked to the underside. But these high-powered jet boats had been made to survive the highly effective waves. You sit on the sting both getting soaked on the open boat or taking the coated boat alongside the Niagara River. (we’ve accomplished each!)
Read extra about Niagara Falls:
18. See The Aurora Borealis
Canada is a tremendous place to spot the Northern Lights. If you go to the Great White North in the winter months, your probabilities of seeing the Aurora Borealis are big. One of the very best locations in Canada that we’ve seen the Northern lights is in like Churchill Manitoba. The skies are clear and the nights are lengthy making for good odds to see them.
There are many locations to see the Northern Lights in Canada although. We’ve seen them in Ontario’s north, Jasper National Park, and Banff Alberta.
Dark Skies of Jasper
One of Canada’s finest darkish sky preserves is in Jasper National Park and if you’d like to be certain that to see the Northern Lights, attend the Dark Sky Festival there. The Dark Sky Festival is a tremendous method to witness Canadian night time stars with out mild air pollution. Getting to see the celebrities in Jasper is an added bonus.
There are many lakes to exit to view the Aurora Borealis and milky method and there are many particular occasions to maintain you occupied. We liked our keep on the Fairmont Jasper too! Read extra: Amazing Things to do in Jasper, Alberta
19. the Midnight Sun
The reverse of the Auroras occurs in the summer time. Instead of darkish skies, it’s 24 hour daylight. The farther north you go, the longer the times are and you’ll go for weeks with fixed sunshine. We skilled this in Dawson City however there are various locations in the Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest territories to get pleasure from this unusual expertise.
The best locations are positively Whitehorse or Dawson City Yukon. Dawson City is value visiting by itself. This quirky city is positioned on Yukon River that’s crammed with klondike facades from the Gold Rush a saloon, an previous paddleboat on the Yukon River, and Canada’s first on line casino.
Visiting through the top of summer time retains you up till the wee hours of the morning as a result of you haven’t any concept what time it’s! We flew the drone from a excessive lookout at 11 pm and walked across the saloon facades of downtown at 3 am. Read extra: Visit Dawson City, Yukon – The Quirkiest Town in Canada
20. Camp with Grizzley Bears
Dave and I like viewing wildlife. Flying into the distant outpost of Ivavik National Park in the far north took us to one among Canada’s most distant locations. Ivvavik can be the very best place to watch Grizzly Bears.
The camp is positioned on “Grizzly Alley” and if you’re fortunate, all you’ve gotten to do is sit in your tent to look ahead to a grizzly strolling by. Park rangers additionally took us out for hikes the place we spied on them with binoculars earlier than heading again to the protection of our camp. Watch our video and skim all about it.
21. Experience an Ice Hotel
Canadians love the chilly so why not cozy up in a parka and sip on vodka in a freezing bar? Ice bars are all the fashion in the winter and in Quebec, they take it a step additional with the Ice Hotel. Hôtel de Glace is positioned simply outdoors Quebec City and you’ll spend an evening in the lodge product of ice. If that’s not up your alley, there’s a unbelievable ice bar in Whistler British Columbia on the Bearfoot Bistro.
22. Go Ice Climbing
While we’re with regards to chilly locations, one other superb factor we did whereas touring Canada was to go mountain climbing in Canmore Alberta. Rock climbing is superior sufficient, however to seize maintain of an ax and strap on crampons whereas scaling a large frozen waterfall in the center of the Rocky Mountains is excellent! Read extra at Ice Climbing in Canmore
23. Kayak with Beluga Whales
Kayaking with Beluga Whales in Churchill Manitoba. These are the cutest whales you’ll ever see. In Churchhill, there are millions of them to see! Beluga Whales migrate by way of this hall proper off the shore of the town.
They had been so curious and surrounded our kayaks, even bumping our hulls and nipping at our GoProfessionals as we sang to them. One beluga whale couldn’t get sufficient of our gopro underneath the water and allow us to catpure nice footage. It was probably the most enjoyable we’ve ever had on the water! Read extra at Kayaking with Belugas
24. the Rocky Mountaineer
It appears that wherever we go world wide, individuals dream of driving the Rocky Mountaineer. Well, guess what? We’ve accomplished that! Taking a practice journey by way of the Rocky Mountains is excessive on many an individual’s bucket checklist. Go in fashion on the Rocky Mountaineer leaving from Vancouver and ending in Banff National Park. This two-night journey goes by way of a few of the most distant areas in Canada that may actually solely be seen by practice. Plus, you’ll have superb meals and drinks alongside the best way
25. Red Sands of Prince Edward Island
We have at all times heard of the purple sand seashores of Prince Edward Island, and we are able to attest, they are surely purple and exquisite. The redness is brought about by the excessive iron oxide (rust) in the soil. But it’s not simply the seashores that entice vacationers to PEI, Anne of Green Gable’s flans flock to Cavendish to see the situation of the beloved books.
Author Lucy Maud Montgomery Montgomery lived in Cavendish and there’s a lot devoted to her. Besides the Anne of Green Gables Museum and Anne of Green Gables tour, there’s the lengthy and exquisite Cavendish Beach. Cavendish Beach isn’t removed from the capital metropolis of Charlotteville, making it probably the most common locations to go to in Prince Edward Island. Read extra: 16 Best Things to do in Prince Edward Island (PEI)
26. Kayak to Caribou
The Slate Islands on Lake Superior are among the finest locations to take a paddling journey in Ontario. If the waters are too tough on the lake, you’ll be able to keep contained in the cluster of islands away from the wind. There are many issues to do on the Slate Islands, however it’s the Woodland Caribou which might be the highest draw. They will stroll proper by way of your camp as you put together dinner! Check it out right here. The Rare Woodland Caribou of the Slate Islands
27. Be an Olympian in British Columbia
Whistler is named the very best 4 seasons trip vacation spot in all of North America, and we agree. However, when placing collectively the very best issues to do in Canada, we had to select one other winter expertise in Whistler as a result of this journey is epic! If you’ll be able to pull your self away from the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb head to the Olympic bobsleigh Center to be a part of an Olympic racer inside a sled as you are feeling the Gs push in your helmet whereas racing down a monitor of ice at 125km per hour! Here it’s also possible to do the skeleton for those who dare. Check out extra issues to do in Whistler
28. Take a BiPlane Flight
Canada’s capital metropolis is our favorite metropolis in Canada. Ottawa is legendary for its stunning Parliament Buildings sitting atop Parliament Hill. But there’s a lot extra to Ottawa than the Parliament of Canada. Ottawa is crammed with vacationer sights from the Rideau Canal National Historic Site working by way of the town to numerous museums, stunning structure and adventures on the Ottawa River, now we have visited at the very least a dozen occasions and we at all times discover one thing new.
However, our primary advice is to head over to the aviation museum and take a basic biplane flight over Gatineau and Ottawa. The open cockpit takes you again in time as you don leather-based helmets and goggles as you soar by way of the air. You’ll see the Peace Tower standing tall over Parliament Hill and your complete downtown space of Ottawa plus the gorgeous area of Gatineau Quebec. Watch our video – WWII Biplane flight over Ottawa
29. Old Quebec
Quebec City is probably the most European City in all of North America and Old Quebec is likely one of the best-preserved historic locations in Canada. The French Capital of Canada is the second oldest metropolis in the nation with Old Quebec preserving the previous forts and buildings that had been constructed by Samuel de Champlain himself.
The nationwide historic web site of Old Quebec is the one walled metropolis north of Mexico in North America that’s nonetheless standing and it’s stunning and spectacular. Old Quebec is a chosen UNESCO World Heritage Site relationship again to the seventeenth century. Old Quebec will be visited 12 months spherical. In reality, it turns right into a winter wonderland throughout Quebec Carnival with ice sculptures, skating rinks and loads of sizzling chocolate. So take into account heading to Old Quebec in winter too! Read extra: The 27 Best Things to do in Quebec City
See a Holy Door
The previous cathedrals are the cornerstone of French tradition and web site seeing and one of many fundamental stops in Old Quebec is Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral. This Basilica homes the one holy door outdoors of Europe.
There are solely seven holy doorways in your complete world with 4 in Rome, and one in Spain and France. It symbolizes abandoning undesirable burdens and strolling in the direction of the brand new. The door was inaugurated on the time of its 350th anniversary. A Holy Door is saved sealed and solely opened throughout holy years. The subsequent opening is ready for December 8, 2023. Whether you’re a practising Christian or not, anybody is allowed to move by way of the door.
30. Attend a Festival in Montreal
While we’re with regards to cathedrals, Mark Twain as soon as known as Montreal, “The City of a Hundred Steeples” and it’s clear to see why when you arrive. There are greater than 650 cathedrals and church buildings in Montreal. Montreal has its personal Notre Dame Cathedral and you should go inside to see it as properly.
With its European aptitude and old-world appeal, there are such a lot of issues to do in Montreal, you gained’t need to depart. But Montreal has accomplished a tremendous job mixing the previous with the brand new with world class eating and nightlife and wonderful leisure. It’s a metropolis of festivals housing the world-famous Montreal Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs Festival and the Cirque Festival. From the Cobblestone Streets of Old Montreal to the Nightlife on Rue St. Catherines, it has one thing for everybody.
31. Dive Over Shipwrecks
Tobermory has rapidly turn into one of many high vacationer vacation spot in Ontario. We used to go right here with barely a soul round. In reality, we grew to become licensed scuba divers in the icy waters of Ontario. We realized to dive in 7mm wetsuits in the chilly darkish waters of the Great Lakes and I’ll always remember diving across the wrecks of Tobermory. Today Tobermory attracts divers from world wide to discover its pristine ships. You don’t have to dive to see the shipwrecks of Tobermory, some are jutting proper out of the water!
32. Cape Breton Road Trip
Driving the Cabot Trail of Cape Breton is a week-long journey crammed with superb issues to do. From kayaking to mountain climbing the skyline path, this is likely one of the premier driving routes in Canada. Be certain to camp or for those who don’t need to tough it an excessive amount of, guide a glamping expertise by way of Parks Canada.
33. Hoodoos of Drumheller
The Hoodoos of Drumheller are out of this world to see in particular person. The driving the Hoodoo path to Drumheller takes you from these superb hoodoos to the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, and the enduring Royal Tyrell Museum to see real dinosaur fossils. Drumheller is named the dinosaur capital of the world with Dinosaur Provincial Park only a brief distance away. Here you’ll be able to stroll by way of a working one of many largest concentrations of dinosaur fossils Dinosaur Provincial Park – Glamping Tour in the Alberta Badlands
The Hoodoos are the star attraction although. They are tiny clusters of tall, skinny rock formations that sit on the facet of the highway. Each has a mushroom cap on high and it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. Driving this highway is a good day journey to try the Last Chance Saloon, the Canadian Badlands, and the Royal Tyrell Museum.
34. British Columbia’s Northern Coast
Nature lovers will need to make their method to the north of British Columbia to discover locations just like the Great Bear Rainforest on the mainland, Gwaii Haanas National Park on the islandnorth of Vancouver Island. British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest is a large chunk of land lining the Pacific Ocean for 400 km up the west coast of BC. This is likely one of the premier locations to grizzly bears and black bears. It’s additionally good for whale watching.
Across the water is Haida Gwaii, a system of 150 distant islands in the Pacific Ocean that take you properly off the crushed path. Haida Gwaii is a nature lover’s dream. They are sometimes known as the Galapagos of the north with distinctive wildlife species endemic to the islands. From whale watching to indigenous experiences, mountain climbing trails and out of doors adventures, this can be a vacation spot in BC that isn’t to be missed.
35. Fly over the Okanagan Valley
Just earlier than we go, we should point out the gorgeous Okanagan Valley. It’s one among Canada’s premier wine areas and many individuals go to pattern its wines and luxuriate in its pretty cities. However, we’re speaking about epic adventures right here and if you’d like to actually see the pure great thing about the Okanagan Valley, you want to get in the air. We boarded a helicopter flight from Penticton that took us over Okanagan Lake to Kelowna. Whether you keep in Penticton, or Kelowna, you’ll have an outstanding wine and meals expertise however be certain that to see it from above and to get out on the mountain climbing trails to discover nature.
And that concludes our most epic checklist of adventures in Canada. There are so many issues to do in Canada, the sky is the restrict. From exploring Vancouver Island to totem poles of Stanley Park in British Columbia to the Fundy Footpath to Halifax Harbour, it takes a lifetime to see every part Canada has to provide. Luckily, we maintain including to the checklist yearly. Where have you ever been in Canada that you simply advocate?
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