35 Epic Issues to do in Canada by Canadians

There are infinite issues to do in Canada for each sort 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 nations over the previous 22 years and might affirm that touring in Canada is among the greatest journeys on this planet.

We’re actually happy with every part Canada has to supply. Canada is a four-season playground full of thrilling cities, outside 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 pals, it’s low cost too! Our greenback is actually weak proper now, so make your approach to Canada and check out considered one of these nice adventures right this moment!

If you wish to see the most effective extra about the most effective cities in Canada, try our publish: 14 Lovely and Finest Cities in Canada. This text focuses extra on outside adventures, however we have now included a number of Canadian cities that we really feel we couldn’t pass over.

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 approach to Hudson Bay. Every year vacationers flock to board tundra buggies to see the polar bears, however we had the prospect 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 automobiles however when a bear was noticed within the distance we received out to stroll with them!

We drove inside 1km of the attractive creatures the place we hopped out from the security of our automobile 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 Biggest Arctic Safari

2. Soar over Banff Nationwide Park

Banff Nationwide Park might be probably the most well-known locations to go to in Canada. That’s as a result of Banff actually is among 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 infinite prospects for a vacation in Banff.

Examine it right here: A Spectacular Helicopter Tour in Banff, you’ll learn the way to guide 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 considered one of Canada’s high 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 lovely views of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier and the encircling 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. Nonetheless, 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 probably 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 beautiful 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 among the world’s most scenic drives. It stretches from Banff Nationwide Park to Jasper Nationwide Park in Alberta and is full of scenic points of interest and adventures. It’s a brief day drive of solely  293 km (182 miles) however you must spend a few days exploring all of its high points of interest. From the attractive reflections of Bow Lake to its many lookouts and climbing trails, this can be a highway journey that isn’t to be missed.

Midway by the drive are the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Ice fields. The Icefields are the most important nonpolar ice fields on this planet, and when you find yourself out on the glacier, you actually really feel how large it’s. Strolling alongside this mammoth glacier actually reveals you the facility of Mom Nature. Take a look at Driving the Icefields Parkmeans 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.

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 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 Freeway

We love taking highway journeys around the globe, 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 automobile 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. Now we have it on our listing as one of many world’s greatest highway journeys. 25 Finest Highway 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 most effective place on earth to identify moose within the wild. We advise reserving a tour with Voyageur Quest as a result of the professionals know precisely the place the most effective 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 should not within the Canadian Rockies? That’s okay although, the Fitzsimmons and Coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia provide unmatched world-class snowboarding. Nonetheless, to ski or snowboard within the Canadian Rockies, it’s good 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 Nationwide Park are unbelievable 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 approach 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 Website and The oldest constantly 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 a number of skate rental retailers to strive Canada’s favorite pastimes.

It’s superb to go to in summer season or winter. If chilly isn’t your factor, strive 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 among the high vacationer points of interest in Canada, and whereas many individuals go to face on its glass ground and to absorb the town views, the CN Tower gives one thing for these searching for the final word adrenaline rush. Going up the CN Tower is among the high issues to do in Toronto, however not as many individuals dare to strive 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 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. 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 id and are pleasant and welcoming to individuals eager to be taught extra about their heritage. Now we have had many indigenous experiences in Canada and considered one of our favourite locations is on Manitoulin Island.

The Nice Spirit Circle Path takes you around the globe’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 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 climbing above it alongside the Fundy Footpath in Fundy Nationwide Park.

If you wish 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! Learn extra Superb Bay of Fundy Adventures – Methods to Expertise the Highest Tides

14. Hopewell Rocks

Top-of-the-line 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 probably the most legendary approach 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 ground surrounded by big flower pot rocks and sea caves. The Fundy Path is a tremendous 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 most effective 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 too can 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 evening 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 stated above, we love Niagara Falls. In actual fact, we have 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 any case our years of exploring, we nonetheless haven’t completed all of it. However we have now completed 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 not less than annually. It homes most of the high points of interest 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. No person can kayak or boat on this, they’ll actually get sucked to the underside. However 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 coated boat alongside the Niagara River. (we’ve completed each!)

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18. See The Aurora Borealis

Canada is a tremendous place to identify the Northern Lights. In the event you go to the Nice White North within the winter months, your possibilities of seeing the Aurora Borealis are big. Top-of-the-line 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 numerous 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

One in every of Canada’s greatest darkish sky preserves is in Jasper Nationwide Park and if you wish to make certain to see the Northern Lights, attend the Darkish Sky Pageant there. The Darkish Sky Pageant is a tremendous approach to witness Canadian evening stars with out gentle air pollution. Attending to see the celebrities in Jasper is an added bonus.

There are numerous lakes to exit to view the Aurora Borealis and milky means and there are many particular occasions to maintain you occupied. We liked our keep on the Fairmont Jasper too! Learn extra: Superb Issues to do in Jasper, Alberta

19. the Midnight Solar

The alternative 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’ll 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 take pleasure in this unusual expertise.

The best locations are positively Whitehorse or Dawson Metropolis Yukon. Dawson Metropolis is price 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 in the course of the top of summer season 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. Learn extra: Go to Dawson Metropolis, Yukon – The Quirkiest City in Canada

20. Camp with Grizzley Bears

Dave and I really like viewing wildlife. Flying into the distant outpost of Ivavik Nationwide Park within the far north took us to considered one of Canada’s most distant locations. Ivvavik can also be the most effective place to look at Grizzly Bears.

The camp is positioned on “Grizzly Alley” and in case you are fortunate, all you must 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 security 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 trend 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’ll spend an evening within the resort made from 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

Whereas we’re with regards to chilly locations, one other superb factor we did whereas touring Canada was to go mountain climbing in Canmore Alberta. Mountain climbing is superior sufficient, however to seize maintain of an ax and strap on crampons whereas scaling an enormous frozen waterfall in the midst 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 millions of them to see! Beluga Whales migrate by 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 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 probably the most enjoyable we’ve ever had on the water! Learn extra at Kayaking with Belugas

24. the Rocky Mountaineer

Evidently wherever we go around the globe, individuals dream of driving the Rocky Mountaineer. Properly, guess what? We’ve completed that! Taking a practice journey by 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 Nationwide Park. This two-night journey goes by 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

Now we have at all times heard of the purple sand seashores of Prince Edward Island, and we will attest, they are surely purple and exquisite. The redness is attributable to the excessive iron oxide (rust) within the soil. Nevertheless it’s not simply the seashores that appeal to vacationers to PEI, Anne of Inexperienced Gable’s flans flock to Cavendish to see the situation of the beloved books.

Writer Lucy Maud Montgomery Montgomery lived in Cavendish and there’s a lot devoted to her. Moreover the Anne of Inexperienced Gables Museum and Anne of Inexperienced Gables tour, there’s the lengthy and exquisite Cavendish Seashore. Cavendish Seashore isn’t removed from the capital metropolis of Charlotteville, making it probably the most widespread 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 top-of-the-line 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 numerous issues to do on the Slate Islands, however it’s the Woodland Caribou which are the highest draw. They are going to stroll proper by 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 most effective 4 seasons trip vacation spot in all of North America, and we agree. Nonetheless, when placing collectively the most effective issues to do in Canada, we had to decide on one other winter expertise in Whistler as a result of this journey is epic! In the event 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 are feeling the Gs push in your helmet whereas racing down a observe of ice at 125km per hour! Right here you too can do the skeleton in case 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 legendary 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 points of interest from the Rideau Canal Nationwide Historic Website operating by the town to numerous museums, lovely structure and adventures on the Ottawa River, we have now visited not less than a dozen occasions and we at all times discover one thing new.

Nonetheless, our primary suggestion 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 the air. You’ll see the Peace Tower standing tall over Parliament Hill and the complete downtown space of Ottawa plus the attractive area of Gatineau Quebec. Watch our video – WWII Biplane flight over Ottawa

29. Outdated Quebec

Quebec Metropolis is probably the most European Metropolis in all of North America and Outdated Quebec is among the best-preserved historic locations in Canada. The French Capital of Canada is the second oldest metropolis within the nation with Outdated Quebec preserving the outdated forts and buildings that have been constructed by Samuel de Champlain himself.

The nationwide historic website of Outdated Quebec is the one walled metropolis north of Mexico in North America that’s nonetheless standing and it’s lovely and spectacular. Outdated Quebec is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Website courting again to the seventeenth century. Outdated Quebec might be visited yr spherical. In actual fact, it turns right into a winter wonderland throughout Quebec Carnival with ice sculptures, skating rinks and loads of scorching chocolate. So take into account heading to Outdated 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 important stops in Outdated Quebec is Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral. This Basilica homes the one holy door outdoors of Europe.

There are solely seven holy doorways in the complete world with 4 in Rome, and one in Spain and France. It symbolizes abandoning 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 following opening is about for December 8, 2023. Whether or not you’re a working towards Christian or not, anybody is allowed to go by the door.

30. Attend a Pageant in Montreal

Whereas we’re with regards to cathedrals, Mark Twain as soon as referred to 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 you have 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 received’t wish to go away. However Montreal has completed a tremendous job mixing the outdated with the brand new with world class eating and nightlife and glorious leisure. It’s a metropolis of festivals housing the world-famous Montreal Jazz Pageant, Only for Laughs Pageant and the Cirque Pageant. From the Cobblestone Streets of Outdated Montreal to the Nightlife on Rue St. Catherines, it has one thing for everybody.

31. Dive Over Shipwrecks

Tobermory has shortly turn out to be one of many high vacationer vacation spot in Ontario. We used to go right here with barely a soul round. In actual fact, we grew to become licensed scuba divers within the icy waters of Ontario. We discovered 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. Right now Tobermory attracts divers from around the globe 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 Highway Journey

Driving the Cabot Path of Cape Breton is a week-long journey full of superb issues to do. From kayaking to climbing the skyline path, this is among the premier driving routes in Canada. Be sure you camp or in case you don’t wish 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 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 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. Right here you’ll be able to stroll by 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 highway. Every has a mushroom cap on high and it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. Driving this highway 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 approach 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 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.

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 usually referred to as the Galapagos of the north with distinctive wildlife species endemic to the islands. From whale watching to indigenous experiences, climbing trails and outside 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 considered one of Canada’s premier wine areas and many individuals go to pattern its wines and luxuriate in its pretty cities. Nonetheless, we’re speaking about epic adventures right here and if you wish to actually see the pure fantastic thing about the Okanagan Valley, it’s good to 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 outstanding wine and meals expertise however make certain to see it from above and to get out on the climbing 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 every part Canada has to supply. Fortunately, we maintain including to the listing yearly. The place have you ever been in Canada that you just advocate?

• Learn Extra about Canada and Canadian Tradition