1. Overview of Adventures in Canada
Canada is a travel lover’s paradise, presenting endless opportunities for exploration across its diverse landscapes. With jaw-dropping natural wonders and vibrant cities, there are adventures suitable for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Canada!
There are endless things to do in Canada for every type of travel lover. We know because we are two proud Canadians that have crisscrossed the country from coast to coast. Dave and I have traveled to 115 countries over the past 22 years and can confirm that traveling in Canada is one of the best trips in the world.
We are truly proud of everything Canada has to offer. Canada is a four-season playground filled with exciting cities, outdoor activities, and amazing cultural experiences. Isn’t it about time you explored Canada?
Best Things to do in Canada
This is the ultimate Canadian bucket list! Canada is one exciting destination and for our American, European, and UK friends, it’s cheap too! Our dollar is really weak right now, so make your way to Canada and try one of these great adventures today!
If you want to see more about the best cities in Canada, check out our post: 14 Beautiful and Best Cities in Canada. This article focuses more on outdoor adventures, but we have included a few Canadian cities that we feel we couldn’t leave out.
1. Walk With Polar Bears
Churchill Manitoba is the Polar Bear Capital of the world. Located along the polar bear highway, it is the premier place on earth to see polar bears as they make their way to Hudson Bay. Each year, tourists flock to board tundra buggies to see the polar bears, but we had the chance to get even more personal with polar bears. Check out Things to do in Churchill Manitoba – Land of the Polar Bears.
Staying at Nanuk Lodge with Churchill Wild in the Canadian Arctic was an unforgettable experience. We searched for mothers and cubs along Hudson Bay in tundra vehicles, but when a bear was spotted in the distance, we got out to walk with them!
We drove within 1km of these magnificent creatures, hopping out from the safety of our vehicle to approach on foot. Walking with polar bears is the number one thing to do in Canada, so be sure to add it to your Canadian bucket list experiences!
2. Soar over Banff National Park
Banff National Park is one of the most famous places to visit in Canada. It is one of the most beautiful places, featuring iconic spots like Moraine Lake, Banff Hot Springs, and the Cave n’ Basin National Historic Site. We took a thrilling helicopter ride high in the Rocky Mountains followed by snowshoeing to absorb the incredible views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site!
3. Canoe Lake Louise
Lake Louise stands out as one of Canada’s top tourist destinations, and paddling through its waters is a must-do. Canoeing here offers stunning views of the Fairmont Chateau, Victoria Glacier, and the breathtaking surrounding mountains. It’s a truly unforgettable experience!
4. Play Hockey
Wintertime at Banff National Park is nothing short of amazing. With skiing, sleigh rides, and dog sledding, the park is truly an all-year adventure paradise. Engage in a quintessentially Canadian experience by playing pond hockey against the gorgeous backdrop of Lake Louise.
5. Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is known as one of the world’s most scenic drives. Stretching from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park in Alberta, this short yet breathtaking journey of 293 km (182 miles) within the Canadian Rockies is packed with visual splendor. Make sure to set aside a couple of days to fully embrace its beauty, from the stunning reflections at Bow Lake to numerous lookouts and hiking trails.
Halfway through, discover the magnanimous Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefields, the largest nonpolar icefields globally. Walking on this glacier is a humbling experience that showcases the might of nature.
6. Go Tidal Bore Rafting
Witness the extraordinary power of the Bay of Fundy’s tides while experiencing Tidal Bore Rafting. This thrilling experience is sure to impress any adventure seeker. Imagine standing on a dry riverbed as 100 billion tons of water comes rushing in!
7. Drive the Dempster Highway
Driving the Dempster Highway, which stretches from Dawson City to the Arctic Ocean, is a must for any road trip enthusiast. Renting a car in Inuvik, we drove south to Dawson City, where we crossed the Arctic Circle and saw caribou in their natural habitat.
8. Moose Safari in Algonquin Park
Nothing epitomizes Canada more than spotting a moose while canoeing. Our canoe trip to Algonquin Provincial Park was an unforgettable experience, renowned for being the best place on earth to spot moose in the wild.
9. Ski in the Canadian Rockies
While Whistler Blackcomb is well-known for its snowboarding opportunities, exploring ski resorts in Alberta or eastern British Columbia takes you into the scenic Canadian Rockies. Visit top-notch locations like Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, where you can enjoy winter sports for all skill levels.
10. Skate on the Rideau Canal
For a quintessential Canadian experience, head to Ottawa during Winterlude. Skating on the Rideau Canal—the world’s largest ice skating rink—is an iconic winter pastime. This UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into a beautiful, bustling hub during winter, complete with warming huts and tasty treats.
11. Conquer The CN Tower Edgewalk
When in Toronto, the CN Tower is a top attraction. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the CN Tower EdgeWalk is a unique experience. Strap into a harness and walk along the edge 110 stories high, taking in breathtaking views of the city and Lake Ontario.
12. Immerse in First Nations Culture
Canada’s First Nations people represent a rich and welcoming culture. One of our favorite experiences was exploring the Great Spirit Circle Trail on Manitoulin Island, where we engaged in various cultural ceremonies, including a Smudging Ceremony.
13. Kayak the Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is known for the highest tides in the world. Embarking on a kayaking trip will allow you to explore stunning natural formations along the Nova Scotia coast, including the breathtaking Three Sisters, while camping along the way.
14. Hopewell Rocks
Walking among the iconic Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick is a legendary experience. These extraordinary formations allow you to appreciate the dramatic tides of the Bay of Fundy up close, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
15. Sleep with Wolves
If you’re keen on an unforgettable wildlife experience, Parc Omega in Quebec is where you can witness wolves in their natural habitat. An overnight stay in a wolf sanctuary allows you to embrace an extraordinary experience as you awaken to the sounds of wolves howling in the night.
16. Zip Over Niagara Falls
No Canadian bucket list is complete without mentioning Niagara Falls, our most famous landmark. With countless activities to enjoy, embarking on a thrilling zipline adventure gives you an exhilarating perspective of the falls.
17. Jetboat into Class 6 Rapids
Just outside Niagara Falls, the Jetboat experience delivers an adrenaline-pumping adventure through the Class 6 rapids of the Niagara River Whirlpool. These high-powered boats are designed to tackle the tumultuous waves, ensuring an unforgettable ride!
18. See The Aurora Borealis
Traveling in the winter months increases your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, especially in places like Churchill, Manitoba. You can find various locations across Canada known for their exceptional views of the Aurora Borealis, including the stunning Jasper National Park.
Dark Skies of Jasper
Jasper National Park, recognized as one of Canada’s best dark sky preserves, offers incredible opportunities to view the night sky. Joining the Dark Sky Festival allows you to explore the stars while reducing light pollution for prime celestial viewing!
19. Experience the Midnight Sun
In summer, Canada enjoys near-constant daylight in northern regions. This unique phenomenon can be experienced in places like Dawson City, where you can revel in 24-hour sunlight and witness quirky attractions from the Gold Rush era.
20. Camp with Grizzly Bears
One of the premier wildlife viewing experiences in Canada is in Ivavik National Park—an exceptional location for observing grizzly bears. Visitors can experience nature in its wildest form while camping along “Grizzly Alley.” Follow park rangers for unforgettable hikes into their habitat.
21. Experience an Ice Hotel
Canada’s love for winter culminates in the Ice Hotel, Hôtel de Glace, located just outside Quebec City. Experience a night surrounded by intricately designed ice sculptures or visit an impressive ice bar for a unique winter experience.
22. Go Ice Climbing
One thrilling winter activity to experience is ice climbing in Canmore, Alberta. Scaling a frozen waterfall in the Rockies while using specialized climbing gear is an incredible way to enjoy the great outdoors.
23. Kayak with Beluga Whales
For a truly unique experience, kayaking with Beluga whales in Churchill, Manitoba is a must. These friendly creatures often surround your kayak, providing an unforgettable interaction in their natural habitat.
24. Take a Ride on the Rocky Mountaineer
Journeying through the Rocky Mountains on the Rocky Mountaineer is an experience many travelers dream of. This luxurious train ride from Vancouver to Banff is a breathtaking adventure filled with panoramic views and gourmet meals.
25. Red Sands of Prince Edward Island
The stunning red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island are a sight to behold. Not only are the beaches beautiful, but the legacy of Anne of Green Gables captures the hearts of visitors, drawing them to Cavendish to explore its literary heritage.
26. Kayak to Caribou
The Slate Islands on Lake Superior are one of the best paddling destinations in Ontario, where you can encounter Woodland Caribou in their natural setting. This picturesque region is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
27. Be an Olympian in British Columbia
Whistler is renowned as North America’s best four-season vacation spot, and visitors can test their bravery at the Olympic bobsleigh center here, racing down at astonishing speeds while experiencing true Olympic excitement!
28. Take a Biplane Flight
In Ottawa, Canada’s capital, an iconic biplane flight over Gatineau and Ottawa provides a unique aerial perspective. Experience the city’s beauty from the sky while reminiscing about the golden age of aviation.
29. Explore Old Quebec
Quebec City boasts European charm, with Old Quebec being a historic region filled with fortifications. Explore cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere that comes alive during Quebec Carnival.
See a Holy Door
Quebec’s religious heritage is highlighted by the Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral, home to the only holy door outside of Europe. This sacred site symbolizes renewal and hope, welcoming all who wish to pass through it.
30. Attend a Festival in Montreal
Montreal is a vibrant city packed with festivals, including the famous Montreal Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs. With its unique blend of culture, great dining, and nightlife, the city ensures an unforgettable experience for all.
31. Dive Over Shipwrecks
Tobermory is a diver’s dream, attracting explore-friendly tourists worldwide. Discover underwater treasures by diving among shipwrecks in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Lakes—a great adventure for both divers and non-divers alike!
32. Cape Breton Road Trip
Venturing along the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton is an unforgettable road trip characterized by incredible coastal views, fresh seafood, and numerous outdoor activities. This route encompasses unparalleled landscapes and cultural experiences.
33. Hoodoos of Drumheller
The remarkable Hoodoos of Drumheller are striking formations that can be found along the Hoodoo Trail. Combined with Dinosaur Provincial Park’s rich history, this area provides unique sightseeing opportunities and educational experiences.
34. British Columbia’s Northern Coast
Nature enthusiasts will find BC’s Northern Coast idyllic. The Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii offer unparalleled wildlife experiences, hiking, and indigenous cultural encounters—ideal for outdoor adventurers.
35. Fly over the Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley stands out as one of Canada’s leading wine regions, and experiencing its beauty from above by helicopter presents an exceptional thrill. From stunning vineyard views to outdoor pursuits, the Okanagan should not be overlooked on your journey through Canada.
These adventures in Canada showcase just a fraction of what this beautiful country has to offer. From the stunning coastal vistas of Vancouver Island to the thrilling landscapes of the Rockies, there’s an endless world of exploration waiting for you. Wherever you choose to go in Canada, you are bound to find unforgettable experiences!
