There are limitless issues to do in Canada for each kind of journey lover. We all 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 greatest journeys on the earth.
We’re actually happy with the whole lot Canada has to supply. Canada is a four-season playground full of thrilling cities, out of doors actions, and superb cultural experiences. Isn’t it about time you explored Canada?
Finest Issues to do in Canada
That is the final word Canadian bucket listing! Canada is one thrilling vacation spot and for our American, European, and UK buddies, it’s low cost too! Our greenback is basically weak proper now, so make your solution to Canada and take a look at one in all these nice adventures at the moment!
If you wish to see the perfect extra about the perfect cities in Canada, try our submit: 14 Lovely and Finest Cities in Canada. This text focuses extra on out of doors adventures, however now we have included a couple of Canadian cities that we really feel we couldn’t omit.
1. Stroll With Polar Bears
Churchill Manitoba is the Polar Bear Capital of the world. Positioned alongside the polar bear freeway, it’s the premier place on earth to see polar bears as they make their solution to Hudson Bay. Every year vacationers flock to board tundra buggies to see the polar bears, however we had the possibility to get much more private with polar bears. Take a look at Issues 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 acquired out to stroll with them!
We drove inside 1km of the attractive creatures the place we hopped out from the protection of our car and slowly approached on foot. Strolling with polar bears is the primary factor to do in Canada so put it on the high of your Canadian bucket listing experiences proper now! Learn extra: Strolling with Polar Bears – The Best Arctic Safari
2. Soar over Banff Nationwide Park
Banff Nationwide Park might be some of the well-known locations to go to in Canada. That’s as a result of Banff actually is likely one of the most lovely locations in Canada. From Moraine Lake to the Banff Scorching Springs and its personal Cave n’ Basin Nationwide Historic Website there are limitless prospects for a vacation in Banff.
Examine it right here: A Spectacular Helicopter Tour in Banff, you’ll learn the way to e-book and what to anticipate.
We landed excessive within the Rocky Mountains the place we went snowshoeing to absorb much more unimaginable views of this UNESCO World Heritage Website and Canada’s first Nationwide Park! Learn extra: The Finest Issues to do in Banff, Alberta
3. Canoe Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one in all Canada’s high vacationer locations and there’s no higher solution to see it than to get out on a canoe. Plus, canoeing is so Canadian. You’ll get pleasure from lovely views of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier and the encompassing mountains. That is one for the bucket listing. Learn extra: Canoe Lake Louise and Banff Nationwide Park, Alberta
4. Play Hockey
Banff Nationwide 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. Nevertheless, it’s right here that you are able to do a very Canadian expertise within the winter and that’s to play pond hockey.
Everybody is aware of that Canadians are gaga over Ice Hockey. You’ll be able to take part on the enjoyable in essentially the most lovely place on the earth. 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 Nationwide Park? See extra: Pond Hockey on Lake Louise – Skating the Most Lovely 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 Nationwide Park to Jasper Nationwide Park in Alberta and is full of scenic sights and adventures. It’s a quick day drive of solely 293 km (182 miles) however it’s best to spend a few days exploring all of its high sights. From the attractive reflections of Bow Lake to its many lookouts and mountaineering trails, this can be a street journey that isn’t to be missed.
Midway by way of the drive are the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Ice fields. The Icefields are the most important nonpolar ice fields on the earth, and if you end up out on the glacier, you actually really feel how huge it’s. Strolling alongside this mammoth glacier actually reveals you the ability of Mom Nature. Take a look at Driving the Icefields Parkmethod 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.
Think about standing on a dry river mattress as 100 billion tons of water comes dashing in. Inside minutes we scrambled into our boats to journey 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 Freeway
We love taking street journeys all over the world, however there was one thing particular about driving the Dempster Freeway. The Dempster freeway stretches from Dawson Metropolis to the Arctic Ocean. We rented a automotive in Inuvik within the North West Territories and drove south to Dawson Metropolis, Yukon, this freeway crosses the Arctic Circle, and took us to the Nationwide Historic Website of Fort McPherson, we rode on ferries, and we noticed caribou as we looked for grizzlies.
The Dempster Freeway 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’ve it on our listing as one of many world’s greatest street journeys. 25 Finest Street Journeys 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. Learn 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 number of the greatest snowboarding in North America, however do you know its mountains aren’t within the Canadian Rockies? That’s okay although, the Fitzsimmons and Coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia supply unequalled world-class snowboarding. Nevertheless, to ski or snowboard within the Canadian Rockies, it is advisable 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 Nationwide Park are incredible for all ranges. Take a look at 15 High Ski Resorts in Canada For Winter Enjoyable
10. Skate on the Rideau Canal
If you wish to skate on one other iconic Canadian area, make your solution 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 Website and The oldest repeatedly operated canal system in North America. It runs 203 km from the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario.
Within the winter, this nationwide historic website is the world’s newest skating rink! There are warming huts, locations to get Beaver Tales and Maple Syrup, and numerous skate rental outlets 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 Japanese Ontario, we’d have spent many a summer season on this lovely waterway. Learn all about it at Superb Rideau Canal Cruise – A Distinctive Cruise Vacation 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 face on its glass flooring and to absorb 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 high 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 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 way in which throughout Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Take a look at extra CN Tower Edgewalk – Taking up The World’s Highest Sky Stroll
12. Immerse in First Nations Tradition
Canada’s First Nations Folks have a robust cultural identification and are pleasant and welcoming to individuals eager to study extra about their heritage. We’ve had many indigenous experiences in Canada and one in all our favourite locations is on Manitoulin Island.
The Nice Spirit Circle Path takes you all over the world’s largest freshwater island to expertise the traditions and tradition of the Inishabeck Folks. Participate within the Voice of the Drum, a Smudging Ceremony and a lot extra. See our experiences on the Nice Spirit Circle Path
13. Kayak the Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is residence to the world’s highest tides and there are lots of methods to see the bay of fundy from strolling on its flooring to mountaineering above it alongside the Fundy Footpath in Fundy Nationwide 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! Learn extra Superb Bay of Fundy Adventures – Methods to Expertise the Highest Tides
14. Hopewell Rocks
Among the finest 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 best ways to expertise the Bay of Fundy, however essentially the most legendary solution to see it’s on the Hopewell Rocks.
Positioned in New Brunswick, the Hopewell rocks are a unprecedented website the place we walked on the ocean flooring surrounded by large flower pot rocks and sea caves. The Fundy Path is an incredible hike that you are able to do in Canada and after we explored New Brunswick, we additionally made some extent of crossing into Prince Edward Island. Take a look at 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. However 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 – Locations to Go to 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 mentioned above, we love Niagara Falls. Actually, we had been there simply a few months in the past once more for the umpteenth time.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Niagara Falls, that even in spite of everything our years of exploring, we nonetheless haven’t achieved all of it. However now we have achieved most of it: The Finest Issues to do in Niagara Falls
We completely advocate happening the Hornblower to enterprise into Horseshoe Falls and love strolling behind the falls in Journey Behind the Falls as nicely. However 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 no less than every year. It homes lots of the high sights in Canada, however our favourite factor to do in Niagara Falls is positioned simply outdoors town at Niagara on the Lake.
The Jetboat takes you to the Class 6 rapids of the Niagara River Whirlpool. No one can kayak or boat on this, they’ll actually get sucked to the underside. However these high-powered jet boats had been made to outlive 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 achieved each!)
- Learn extra about Niagara Falls:
18. See The Aurora Borealis
Canada is an incredible place to identify the Northern Lights. Should you go to the Nice White North within the winter months, your probabilities of seeing the Aurora Borealis are large. Among the finest 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 a lot of locations to see the Northern Lights in Canada although. We’ve seen them in Ontario’s north, Jasper Nationwide Park, and Banff Alberta.
Darkish Skies of Jasper
Certainly one of Canada’s greatest darkish sky preserves is in Jasper Nationwide Park and if you wish to be sure to see the Northern Lights, attend the Darkish Sky Competition there. The Darkish Sky Competition is an incredible solution to witness Canadian night time stars with out gentle air pollution. Attending to see the celebrities in Jasper is an added bonus.
There are a lot of lakes to exit to view the Aurora Borealis and milky method and there are many particular occasions to maintain you occupied. We beloved our keep on the Fairmont Jasper too! Learn extra: Superb Issues to do in Jasper, Alberta
19. the Midnight Solar
The other of the Auroras occurs in the summertime. As a substitute 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 Metropolis however there are lots of locations within the Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest territories to get pleasure from this unusual expertise.
The best locations are undoubtedly Whitehorse or Dawson Metropolis Yukon. Dawson Metropolis is value visiting by itself. This quirky city is positioned on Yukon River that’s full of klondike facades from the Gold Rush a saloon, an outdated paddleboat on the Yukon River, and Canada’s first on line casino.
Visiting through 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. Learn extra: Go to Dawson Metropolis, Yukon – The Quirkiest City in Canada
20. Camp with Grizzley Bears
Dave and I like viewing wildlife. Flying into the distant outpost of Ivavik Nationwide Park within the far north took us to one in all Canada’s most distant locations. Ivvavik can also be the perfect place to look at Grizzly Bears.
The camp is positioned on “Grizzly Alley” and in case you are fortunate, all it’s a must to do is sit in your tent to look at 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 skim all about it.
21. Expertise an Ice Resort
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 Resort. Hôtel de Glace is positioned simply outdoors Quebec Metropolis and you may spend an evening within the lodge fabricated from ice. If that’s not up your alley, there’s a incredible ice bar in Whistler British Columbia on the Bearfoot Bistro.
22. Go Ice Climbing
Whereas we’re with regards to chilly locations, one other superb factor we did whereas touring Canada was to go mountaineering in Canmore Alberta. Mountaineering is superior sufficient, however to seize maintain of an ax and strap on crampons whereas scaling a large frozen waterfall in the course of the Rocky Mountains is excellent! Learn 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 way of this hall proper off the shore of town.
They had been so curious and surrounded our kayaks, even bumping our hulls and nipping at our GoPros 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! Learn extra at Kayaking with Belugas
24. the Rocky Mountaineer
Evidently wherever we go all over the world, individuals dream of using the Rocky Mountaineer. Effectively, guess what? We’ve achieved that! Taking a practice journey by way of the Rocky Mountains is excessive on many an individual’s bucket listing. Go in type on the Rocky Mountaineer leaving from Vancouver and ending in Banff Nationwide Park. This two-night journey goes by way of a number 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 way in which
25. Pink Sands of Prince Edward Island
We’ve all the time heard of the pink sand seashores of Prince Edward Island, and we will attest, they are surely pink and delightful. The redness is attributable to the excessive iron oxide (rust) within the soil. However it’s not simply the seashores that entice vacationers to PEI, Anne of Inexperienced Gable’s flans flock to Cavendish to see the placement of the beloved books.
Creator Lucy Maud Montgomery Montgomery lived in Cavendish and there’s a lot devoted to her. In addition to the Anne of Inexperienced Gables Museum and Anne of Inexperienced Gables tour, there’s the lengthy and delightful Cavendish Seashore. Cavendish Seashore isn’t removed from the capital metropolis of Charlotteville, making it some of the standard locations to go to in Prince Edward Island. Learn extra: 16 Finest Issues 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’ll be able to keep contained in the cluster of islands away from the wind. There are a lot of issues to do on the Slate Islands, however it’s the Woodland Caribou which might be the highest draw. They may stroll proper by way of your camp as you put together dinner! Test it out right here. The Uncommon Woodland Caribou of the Slate Islands
27. Be an Olympian in British Columbia
Whistler is named the perfect 4 seasons trip vacation spot in all of North America, and we agree. Nevertheless, 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! Should you can pull your self away from the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb head to the Olympic bobsleigh Middle to hitch an Olympic racer inside a sled as you’re feeling the Gs push in your helmet whereas racing down a observe of ice at 125km per hour! Right here you may also do the skeleton in the event you dare. Take a look at 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. However there’s a lot extra to Ottawa than the Parliament of Canada. Ottawa is full of vacationer sights from the Rideau Canal Nationwide Historic Website operating by way of town to numerous museums, lovely structure and adventures on the Ottawa River, now we have visited no less than a dozen instances and we all the time discover one thing new.
Nevertheless, our primary suggestion is to move 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 way of the air. You’ll see the Peace Tower standing tall over Parliament Hill and your complete downtown space of Ottawa plus the attractive area of Gatineau Quebec. Watch our video – WWII Biplane flight over Ottawa
29. Previous Quebec
Quebec Metropolis is essentially the most European Metropolis in all of North America and Previous 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 Previous Quebec preserving the outdated forts and buildings that had been constructed by Samuel de Champlain himself.
The nationwide historic website of Previous Quebec is the one walled metropolis north of Mexico in North America that’s nonetheless standing and it’s lovely and spectacular. Previous Quebec is a chosen UNESCO World Heritage Website courting again to the seventeenth century. Previous Quebec may be visited yr spherical. Actually, it turns right into a winter wonderland throughout Quebec Carnival with ice sculptures, skating rinks and loads of sizzling chocolate. So contemplate heading to Previous Quebec in winter too! Learn extra: The 27 Finest Issues to do in Quebec Metropolis
See a Holy Door
The outdated cathedrals are the cornerstone of French tradition and website seeing and one of many essential stops in Previous 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 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 saved sealed and solely opened throughout holy years. The following opening is about for December 8, 2023. Whether or not you’re a working towards Christian or not, anybody is allowed to cross by way of the door.
30. Attend a Competition in Montreal
Whereas we’re with regards to cathedrals, Mark Twain as soon as known as Montreal, “The Metropolis 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 it’s essential to go inside to see it as nicely.
With its European aptitude and old-world appeal, there are such a lot of issues to do in Montreal, you gained’t wish to depart. However Montreal has achieved 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 Competition, Only for Laughs Competition and the Cirque Competition. From the Cobblestone Streets of Previous Montreal to the Nightlife on Rue St. Catherines, it has one thing for everybody.
31. Dive Over Shipwrecks
Tobermory has shortly change into one of many high vacationer vacation spot in Ontario. We used to go right here with barely a soul round. Actually, 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 Nice Lakes and I’ll always remember diving across the wrecks of Tobermory. As we speak Tobermory attracts divers from all over the world to discover its pristine ships. You don’t need to dive to see the shipwrecks of Tobermory, some are jutting proper out of the water!
32. Cape Breton Street Journey
Driving the Cabot Path of Cape Breton is a week-long journey full of superb issues to do. From kayaking to mountaineering the skyline path, this is likely one of the premier driving routes in Canada. Make sure you camp or in the event you don’t wish to tough it an excessive amount of, e-book 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 Nationwide Historic Website, 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 quick distance away. Right 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 within the Alberta Badlands
The Hoodoos are the star attraction although. They’re tiny clusters of tall, skinny rock formations that sit on the facet of the street. Every has a mushroom cap on high and it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. Driving this street is a superb day journey to take a look at the Final Likelihood Saloon, the Canadian Badlands, and the Royal Tyrell Museum.
34. British Columbia’s Northern Coast
Nature lovers will wish to make their solution to the north of British Columbia to discover locations just like the Nice Bear Rainforest on the mainland, Gwaii Haanas Nationwide Park on the islandnorth of Vancouver Island. British Columbia’s Nice 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.
Throughout the water is Haida Gwaii, a system of 150 distant islands within the Pacific Ocean that take you nicely off the overwhelmed path. Haida Gwaii is a nature lover’s dream. They’re typically known as the Galapagos of the north with distinctive wildlife species endemic to the islands. From whale watching to indigenous experiences, mountaineering 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
Simply earlier than we go, we should point out the attractive Okanagan Valley. It’s one in all Canada’s premier wine areas and many individuals go to pattern its wines and luxuriate in its beautiful cities. Nevertheless, we’re speaking about epic adventures right here and if you wish to actually see the pure great thing about the Okanagan Valley, it is advisable get within the air. We boarded a helicopter flight from Penticton that took us over Okanagan Lake to Kelowna. Whether or not you keep in Penticton, or Kelowna, you’ll have an excellent wine and meals expertise however be sure to see it from above and to get out on the mountaineering trails to discover nature.
And that concludes our most epic listing of adventures in Canada. There are such a lot of 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 the whole lot Canada has to supply. Fortunately, we maintain including to the listing yearly. The place have you ever been in Canada that you simply advocate?
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