35 Epic Things to do in Canada by Canadians

There are limitless 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 nations over the previous 22 years and might affirm that touring in Canada is among the greatest journeys in the world.

We are actually happy with every thing Canada has to provide. Canada is a four-season playground full of thrilling cities, outside actions, and superb cultural experiences. Isn’t it about time you explored Canada?

Best Things to do in Canada

This is the last word Canadian bucket listing! Canada is one thrilling vacation spot and for our American, European, and UK mates, it’s low-cost too! Our greenback is absolutely weak proper now, so make your approach to Canada and take a look at one among these nice adventures at the moment!

If you need to see one of the best extra about one of the best cities in Canada, take a look at our publish: 14 Beautiful and Best Cities in Canada. This article focuses extra on outside adventures, however we now 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 approach 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 automobiles however when a bear was noticed in the gap 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 actually is among 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 limitless prospects 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 prime vacationer locations and there’s no higher approach to see it than to get out on a canoe. Plus, canoeing is so Canadian. You’ll take pleasure in stunning 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 could 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 part of in on the enjoyable in essentially 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 among the world’s most scenic drives. It stretches from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park in Alberta and is full of scenic points of interest and adventures. It is a brief day drive of solely  293 km (182 miles) however you need to spend a few days exploring all of its prime points of interest. From the gorgeous reflections of Bow Lake to its many lookouts and mountaineering trails, it is a street journey that isn’t to be missed.

Halfway by 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 find yourself out on the glacier, you actually really feel how huge it’s. Walking alongside this mammoth glacier actually exhibits you the ability of Mother Nature. Check out Driving the Icefields Parkway 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 driving the tides on a tiny zodiac is the last 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 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 automotive 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 unquestionably 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 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 one of the best place on earth to spot moose in the wild. We recommend reserving a tour with Voyageur Quest as a result of the professionals know precisely the place one of the 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 greatest snowboarding in North America, however do you know its mountains will not be in the Canadian Rockies? That’s okay although, the Fitzsimmons and Coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia provide unequalled 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 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 improbable 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 enviornment, make your approach 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 website is the world’s newest skating rink! There are warming huts, locations to get Beaver Tales and Maple Syrup, and a number of skate rental outlets to attempt Canada’s favorite pastimes.

It’s superb to go to in summer time 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 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 among the prime vacationer points of interest in Canada, and whereas many individuals go to stand on its glass ground and to take in the town views, the CN Tower provides one thing for these looking for the last word adrenaline rush. Going up the CN Tower is among 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 had been tremendous pumped when the world’s highest outside edgewalk was added to the long-lasting 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. 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 folks wanting to study 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 lots of methods to see the bay of fundy from strolling on its ground to mountaineering 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 one of the 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 best ways to expertise the Bay of Fundy, however essentially the most legendary approach to see it’s on the Hopewell Rocks.

Located in New Brunswick, the Hopewell rocks are a unprecedented website the place we walked on the ocean ground surrounded by large flower pot rocks and sea caves. The Fundy Trail is a tremendous hike that you could do in Canada and once we explored New Brunswick, we additionally made some extent of crossing into Prince Edward Island. Check out one of the 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 evening 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 listing listing with out mentioning Niagara Falls. It’s our most well-known landmark. And as we mentioned 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 spite of everything our years of exploring, we nonetheless haven’t finished all of it. But we now have finished 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 nicely. 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 least yearly. It homes lots of the prime points of interest in Canada, however our favourite factor to do in Niagara Falls is positioned 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 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 finished 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 one of the 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 greatest darkish sky preserves is in Jasper National Park and in order for you to make sure that to see the Northern Lights, attend the Dark Sky Festival there. The Dark Sky Festival is a tremendous approach to witness Canadian evening stars with out mild air pollution. Getting to see the celebs in Jasper is an added bonus.

There are many lakes to exit to view the Aurora Borealis and milky approach 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 may go for weeks with fixed sunshine. We skilled this in Dawson City however there are lots of locations in the Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest territories to take pleasure in 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 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 time retains you up till the wee hours of the morning as a result of you don’t have 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 really 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 also be one of the best place to watch Grizzly Bears.

The camp is positioned on “Grizzly Alley” and if you’re fortunate, all you’ve got 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 trend in the winter and in Quebec, they take it a step additional with the Ice Hotel. Hôtel de Glace is positioned simply exterior Quebec City and you may spend an evening in the resort product of ice. If that’s not up your alley, there’s a improbable 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 mountaineering 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 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 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 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 world wide, folks dream of driving the Rocky Mountaineer. Well, guess what? We’ve finished that! Taking a practice journey by the Rocky Mountains is excessive on many an individual’s bucket listing. Go in fashion on the Rocky Mountaineer leaving from Vancouver and ending in Banff National Park. This two-night journey goes by 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 way in which

25. Red Sands of Prince Edward Island

We have at all times heard of the pink sand seashores of Prince Edward Island, and we are able to attest, they are surely pink and exquisite. The redness is triggered by the excessive iron oxide (rust) in 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 exquisite Cavendish Beach. Cavendish Beach isn’t removed from the capital metropolis of Charlotteville, making it one of the fashionable 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 top-of-the-line 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 are the highest draw. They will stroll proper by 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 one of the best 4 seasons trip vacation spot in all of North America, and we agree. However, when placing collectively one of the 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 possibly can pull your self away from the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb head to the Olympic bobsleigh Center to be part of an Olympic racer inside a sled as you are feeling the Gs push in your helmet whereas racing down a observe 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 known for its stunning Parliament Buildings sitting atop Parliament Hill. But there’s a lot extra to Ottawa than the Parliament of Canada. Ottawa is full of vacationer points of interest from the Rideau Canal National Historic Site operating by the town to numerous museums, stunning structure and adventures on the Ottawa River, we now have visited at the least a dozen occasions and we at all times discover one thing new.

However, our primary suggestion is to head 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 the air. You’ll see the Peace Tower standing tall over Parliament Hill and the whole 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 among 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 outdated forts and buildings that had been constructed by Samuel de Champlain himself.

The nationwide historic website 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 delegated UNESCO World Heritage Site courting again to the seventeenth century. Old Quebec could 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 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 website seeing and one of many most important 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 whole 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 working towards Christian or not, anybody is allowed to cross by the door.

30. Attend a Festival in Montreal

While we’re with regards 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 nicely.

With its European aptitude and old-world appeal, there are such a lot of issues to do in Montreal, you received’t need to depart. But Montreal has finished a tremendous 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 change into one of many prime 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 full of superb issues to do. From kayaking to mountaineering the skyline path, this is among the premier driving routes in Canada. Be positive to camp or for those who don’t need to tough it an excessive amount of, guide a glamping expertise by 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 long-lasting 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 possibly can stroll by 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 street. Each has a mushroom cap on prime and it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. Driving this street is a good 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 need to make their approach 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 among 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 nicely 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, mountaineering trails and outside adventures, it is 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 revel in its pretty cities. However, we’re speaking about epic adventures right here and in order for you to actually see the pure fantastic 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 excellent wine and meals expertise however make sure that 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 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 thing Canada has to provide. Luckily, we maintain including to the listing yearly. Where have you ever been in Canada that you simply advocate?

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