There are countless 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 affirm that touring in Canada is likely one of the greatest journeys on this planet.
We are really happy with all the things Canada has to supply. 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 listing! 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 strategy to Canada and check out certainly one of these nice adventures in the present day!
If you wish to see the perfect extra about the perfect cities in Canada, take a look at our publish: 14 Beautiful and Best Cities in Canada. This article focuses extra on out of doors adventures, however now we have included a number of 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 strategy 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 within 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 within the distance we bought 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 prime of your Canadian bucket listing experiences proper now! Read extra: Walking with Polar Bears – The Greatest Arctic Safari
2. Soar over Banff National Park
Banff National Park might be one of the well-known locations to go to in Canada. That is as a result of Banff really is likely one of the most lovely locations in Canada. From Moraine Lake to the Banff Hot Springs and its personal Cave n’ Basin National Historic Site there are countless potentialities for a vacation in Banff.
Read about it right here: A Spectacular Helicopter Tour in Banff, you’ll learn how to e-book and what to anticipate.
We landed excessive within the Rocky Mountains the place we went snowshoeing to soak up 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 certainly one of Canada’s prime vacationer locations and there’s no higher strategy to see it than to get out on a canoe. Plus, canoeing is so Canadian. You’ll take pleasure in lovely views of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier and the encircling mountains. This is one for the bucket listing. 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 that you are able to do a very Canadian expertise within the winter and that’s to play pond hockey.
Everyone is aware of that Canadians are gaga over Ice Hockey. You can take part on the enjoyable in essentially the most lovely place on this planet. 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 within 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 prime sights. From the gorgeous reflections of Bow Lake to its many lookouts and mountain climbing trails, it is a street journey that’s not to be missed.
Halfway by means of the drive are the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Ice fields. The Icefields are the most important nonpolar ice fields on this planet, and if you end up out on the glacier, you actually really feel how huge it’s. Walking alongside this mammoth glacier really exhibits you the ability of Mother Nature. Check out Driving the Icefields Parkmanner from Banff to Jasper Alberta
6. Go Tidal Bore Rafting
Witnessing the ability of the world’s highest tides on the Bay of Fundy is an expertise unto itself, however using 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 dashing 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 street journeys around the globe, 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 automotive in Inuvik within 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 listing as one of many world’s greatest street journeys. 25 Best Road Trips within 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 within the province. It’s additionally the perfect place on earth to identify moose within the wild. We recommend reserving a tour with Voyageur Quest as a result of the professionals know precisely the place the perfect moose recognizing is. Read all about it at In Search of Algonquin Moose – A Canadian Wildlife Safari
9. Ski within the Canadian Rockies
Whistler Blackcomb British Columbia has a few of the greatest snowboarding in North America, however do you know its mountains usually are not within the Canadian Rockies? That’s okay although, the Fitzsimmons and Coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia supply unmatched world-class snowboarding. However, to ski or snowboard within the Canadian Rockies, you want to go to a ski resort in Alberta or within the jap 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 implausible for all ranges. Check out 15 Top Ski Resorts in Canada For Winter Fun
10. Skate on the Rideau Canal
If you wish to skate on one other iconic Canadian enviornment, make your strategy to Ottawa for Winterlude. The spotlight of this winter competition 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 loads of skate rental retailers to attempt Canada’s favorite pastimes.
It’s superb to go to in summer season or winter. If chilly isn’t your factor, attempt renting a luxurious houseboat to tour the Rideau Canal. If we had grown up in Eastern Ontario, we’d have spent many a summer season on this lovely 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 prime vacationer sights in Canada, and whereas many individuals go to face on its glass flooring and to soak up the town views, the CN Tower affords one thing for these in search of the final word adrenaline rush. Going up the CN Tower is likely one of the prime issues to do in Toronto, however not as many individuals dare to attempt the CN Tower EdgeWalk.
As avid thrill seekers, we needed extra out of our many visits to the CN Tower, so we have 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 powerful cultural identification and are pleasant and welcoming to individuals desirous to be taught extra about their heritage. We have had many indigenous experiences in Canada and certainly one of our favourite locations is on Manitoulin Island.
The Great Spirit Circle Trail takes you around the globe’s largest freshwater island to expertise the traditions and tradition of the Inishabeck People. Take half within 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 residence 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 wish to take the journey up a notch e-book 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 perfect 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 the easiest way to expertise the Bay of Fundy, however essentially the most legendary strategy 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 an incredible hike that you are able to do in Canada and after we explored New Brunswick, we additionally made a degree of crossing into Prince Edward Island. Check out the perfect 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 wish to witness white wolves, Arctic fox, bison, caribou, and extra of their pure habitat, that is the place to go. But you may also sleep in a single day within the wolf sanctuary with a wild pack of wolves.
Waking as much as a wolf howl within 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 will’t make a Canada bucket listing listing with out mentioning Niagara Falls. It’s our most well-known landmark. And as we stated above, we love Niagara Falls. In truth, we have 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 spite of everything our years of exploring, we nonetheless haven’t carried out all of it. But now we have carried out most of it: The Best Things to do in Niagara Falls
We completely suggest 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 lots of the prime sights in Canada, however our favourite factor to do in Niagara Falls is situated simply exterior 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 have been made to outlive the highly effective waves. You sit on the sting both getting soaked on the open boat or taking the lined boat alongside the Niagara River. (we’ve carried out each!)
- Read extra about Niagara Falls:
18. See The Aurora Borealis
Canada is an incredible place to identify the Northern Lights. If you go to the Great White North within the winter months, your probabilities of seeing the Aurora Borealis are big. One of the perfect 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 greatest darkish sky preserves is in Jasper National Park and if you wish to ensure that to see the Northern Lights, attend the Dark Sky Festival there. The Dark Sky Festival is an incredible strategy 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 manner and there are many particular occasions to maintain you occupied. We beloved 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 summertime. Instead of darkish skies, it’s 24 hour daylight. The farther north you go, the longer the times are and you may go for weeks with fixed sunshine. We skilled this in Dawson City however there are various locations within the Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest territories to take pleasure in this unusual expertise.
The best locations are undoubtedly Whitehorse or Dawson City Yukon. Dawson City is value visiting by itself. This quirky city is situated on Yukon River that’s crammed with klondike facades from the Gold Rush a saloon, an outdated paddleboat on the Yukon River, and Canada’s first on line casino.
Visiting throughout the top of summer season retains you up till the wee hours of the morning as a result of you haven’t any thought 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 within the far north took us to certainly one of Canada’s most distant locations. Ivvavik can be the perfect place to observe Grizzly Bears.
The camp is situated on “Grizzly Alley” and in case you are fortunate, all it’s a must to do is sit in your tent to observe for 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 learn 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 fad within the winter and in Quebec, they take it a step additional with the Ice Hotel. Hôtel de Glace is situated simply exterior Quebec City and you may spend an evening within the lodge made from ice. If that’s not up your alley, there’s a implausible ice bar in Whistler British Columbia on the Bearfoot Bistro.
22. Go Ice Climbing
While we’re with reference 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 an enormous frozen waterfall in the course 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 literally thousands of them to see! Beluga Whales migrate by means of this hall proper off the shore of the town.
They have been so curious and surrounded our kayaks, even bumping our hulls and nipping at our GoExecs as we sang to them. One beluga whale couldn’t get sufficient of our gopro below the water and allow us to catpure nice footage. It was essentially 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 around the globe, individuals dream of using the Rocky Mountaineer. Well, guess what? We’ve carried out that! Taking a prepare journey by means of the Rocky Mountains is excessive on many an individual’s bucket listing. Go in model on the Rocky Mountaineer leaving from Vancouver and ending in Banff National Park. This two-night journey goes by means of a few of the most distant areas in Canada that may actually solely be seen by prepare. 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 pink sand seashores of Prince Edward Island, and we will attest, they are surely pink and delightful. The redness is brought on by the excessive iron oxide (rust) within the soil. But it’s not simply the seashores that appeal to 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 delightful Cavendish Beach. Cavendish Beach isn’t removed from the capital metropolis of Charlotteville, making it one of the 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 best locations to take a paddling journey in Ontario. If the waters are too tough on the lake, you possibly can 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 can be the highest draw. They will stroll proper by means 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 called the perfect 4 seasons trip vacation spot in all of North America, and we agree. However, when placing collectively the perfect issues to do in Canada, we had to decide on one other winter expertise in Whistler as a result of this journey is epic! If you possibly can pull your self away from the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb head to the Olympic bobsleigh Center to hitch an Olympic racer inside a sled as you’re feeling the Gs push in your helmet whereas racing down a monitor of ice at 125km per hour! Here you may also do the skeleton in the event you 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 known for its lovely 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 operating by means of the town to numerous museums, lovely structure and adventures on the Ottawa River, now we have visited at the very least a dozen instances and we at all times discover one thing new.
However, our primary advice is to go over to the aviation museum and take a traditional 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 means of the air. You’ll see the Peace Tower standing tall over Parliament Hill and the 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 essentially 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 within the nation with Old Quebec preserving the outdated forts and buildings that have 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 lovely and spectacular. Old Quebec is a chosen UNESCO World Heritage Site courting again to the seventeenth century. Old Quebec could be visited 12 months spherical. In truth, it turns right into a winter wonderland throughout Quebec Carnival with ice sculptures, skating rinks and loads of scorching chocolate. So contemplate heading to Old Quebec in winter too! Read extra: The 27 Best Things to do in Quebec City
See a Holy Door
The outdated cathedrals are the cornerstone of French tradition and web site seeing and one of many primary stops in Old Quebec is Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral. This Basilica homes the one holy door exterior of Europe.
There are solely seven holy doorways in the complete world with 4 in Rome, and one in Spain and France. It symbolizes forsaking undesirable burdens and strolling in direction of the brand new. The door was inaugurated on the time of its 350th anniversary. A Holy Door is stored 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 go by means of the door.
30. Attend a Festival in Montreal
While we’re with reference to cathedrals, Mark Twain as soon as referred to 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 received’t wish to depart. But Montreal has carried out an incredible job mixing the outdated 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 shortly grow to be one of many prime vacationer vacation spot in Ontario. We used to go right here with barely a soul round. In truth, we turned licensed scuba divers within the icy waters of Ontario. We realized to dive in 7mm wetsuits within the chilly darkish waters of the Great Lakes and I’ll always remember diving across the wrecks of Tobermory. Today Tobermory attracts divers from around the globe to discover its pristine ships. You don’t must 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 in the event you don’t wish to tough it an excessive amount of, e-book a glamping expertise by means of Parks Canada.
33. Hoodoos of Drumheller
The Hoodoos of Drumheller are out of this world to see in individual. 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 called the dinosaur capital of the world with Dinosaur Provincial Park only a brief distance away. Here you possibly can stroll by means of a working one of many largest concentrations of dinosaur fossils Dinosaur Provincial Park – Glamping Tour within 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 street. Each has a mushroom cap on prime and it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. Driving this street is a superb day journey to take a look at the Last Chance Saloon, the Canadian Badlands, and the Royal Tyrell Museum.
34. British Columbia’s Northern Coast
Nature lovers will wish to make their strategy 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 an enormous 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 within the Pacific Ocean that take you properly off the crushed path. Haida Gwaii is a nature lover’s dream. They are sometimes referred to 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, it is a vacation spot in BC that’s not to be missed.
35. Fly over the Okanagan Valley
Just earlier than we go, we should point out the gorgeous Okanagan Valley. It’s certainly one of Canada’s premier wine areas and many individuals go to pattern its wines and revel in its pretty cities. However, we’re speaking about epic adventures right here and if you wish to actually see the pure fantastic thing about the Okanagan Valley, you want to get within 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 ensure that to see it from above and to get out on the mountain climbing trails to discover nature.
And that concludes our most epic listing 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 all the things Canada has to supply. Luckily, we maintain including to the listing yearly. Where have you ever been in Canada that you just suggest?
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