Summary of Canadian Adventures
Best Adventures in Canada
Canada is a massive and beautiful country brimming with endless adventures. It’s no wonder that The New York Times and Lonely Planet named Canada the number one place to visit in 2017. We have compiled the best adventures from our experiences traversing the land, alongside insights from esteemed Canadian travel bloggers who share their favorite Canadian adventures!
From the East Coast and beyond, these are the most epic outdoor adventures in all of Canada. Enjoy!
Eastern Canada
1. Nova Scotia – Tidal Bore Rafting
The Bay of Fundy is home to the world’s highest tides. To truly appreciate the power of this rushing water, embark on a thrilling adventure by Tidal Bore Rafting in zodiacs as the Bay of Fundy pours into the Shubenacadie River.
2. Nova Scotia – Circle the Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail is among Canada’s ultimate scenic highways. Located on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, it is a rite of passage for Canadians exploring breathtaking scenic stops. With opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, this incredible route requires a proper week to fully appreciate all it has to offer.
3. Newfoundland – Spy on Puffins
When visiting Newfoundland, aside from iceberg hunting, your eyes should be peeled for adorable puffins. Elliston, Newfoundland, the perfect spot for puffin viewing, is home to these unique seabirds. Best viewed from May to September, you can always spot them at the Puffin Viewing Site, rain or shine. Admission is free, and donations are welcomed.
4. Labrador – Visit the Torngats
Torngat Mountains National Park offers rugged adventure along Labrador’s scenic coast. Its ancient rocks are over 3.8 billion years old, making this destination a unique spot on your travel wishlist. Visitors can experience the landscape’s raw beauty while spending time with Inuit elders, exploring islands, fishing, hiking, and possibly learning throat singing.
5. Newfoundland and Labrador – Hike The East Coast Trail
The East Coast Trail boasts 26 wilderness paths connecting 30 communities along 300 kilometers of stunning coastline. The trails offer spectacular views, sea stacks, lighthouses, and various terrains, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Amenities are limited, but tourists can explore the trail in sections, with local favorites including North Head, Sugarloaf Trail, and Father Troy’s Trail.
6. Newfoundland – Hike to Gros Morne Summit
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Gros Morne National Park offers breathtaking views accessible by hiking to its summit. Although not exceedingly high, the sight from 806 meters is remarkable, and wildlife encounters, such as moose sightings, make the journey worthwhile.
7. New Brunswick – Kouchibouguac National Park
Kouchibouguac National Park is a hidden gem in New Brunswick, featuring diverse ecosystems and stunning sandy beaches. The warm waters of the Northumberland Strait make this park ideal for water sports, cycling, hiking, camping, and engaging in various outdoor activities.
8. New Brunswick – Walk on the Ocean Floor at Hopewell Cape
With the highest tides in the world, Hopewell Cape offers an incredible opportunity to walk on the ocean floor when the tide recedes. Witness the iconic flowerpot rock formations and their spectacular erosion, making this area a unique natural wonder.
9. Prince Edward Island: Stay in a Lighthouse
Spending the night in a lighthouse is a distinctive Canadian experience; the West Point Lighthouse Museum and Inn offers guests a chance to stay in an active lighthouse with stunning views of the Northumberland Straight. Visitors can explore the museum and ascend the lighthouse for a breathtaking panorama.
10. PEI – Enjoy the Greenwich Dunes
The Greenwich Dunes at Prince Edward Island National Park are a hidden gem featuring parabolic dunes and a pristine beach. Visitors can hike through forests and marshes, relax in the soft sand, swim, or explore interpretive viewing platforms set up along the trail.
Northern Canada Adventures
11. Northwest Territories: Explore the Mackenzie Delta
Inuvik, NWT, represents remote beauty with its majestic landscapes and welcoming local Inuvialuit and Gwich’in peoples. A scenic flight over the Mackenzie Delta unveils Canada’s largest freshwater delta, where you may catch glimpses of migrating beluga whales.
12. Northwest Territories & Yukon: Drive the Dempster Highway
The Dempster Highway stretches 736 km from Inuvik to Dawson City, offering a remarkable road trip adventure through the Arctic. With an average of 56 days of continuous sunlight in summer, this historic route beckons adventurers to explore its scenic vistas.
13. Yukon – Spot Grizzlies in Ivvavik National Park
Ivvavik National Park features remote beauty and a thriving ecosystem for Grizzly Bears. With guided walks led by park rangers, visitors can experience magnificent views while on the lookout for these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
14. Yukon – Explore Hershel Island’s Whaling History
Herschel Island offers an intriguing glimpse into its whaling past with remnants of old whaling stations, whale bones, and the Yukon’s oldest building. Local guides provide opportunities for hiking and spotting muskoxen in this unique Arctic landscape.
15. Yukon – Experience the Dead Toe in Dawson City
Dawson City is notable for its unique cocktail experience—the Dead Toe. Patrons sip a drink with a preserved toe in the glass, making it a memorable and quirky adventure for those daring enough to try it!
16. Nunavut – Across the Arctic Circle in Auyuittuq National Park
Auyuittuq National Park beckons adventurous travelers with its remote beauty, offering an 8-12 day backpacking journey that includes crossing the Arctic Circle and encounters with stunning natural landscapes. Its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather create an unforgettable experience.
17. Manitoba – Walk with Polar Bears
In Northern Manitoba, Churchill Wild offers walking safaris to view majestic polar bears in their natural environment. An unforgettable experience awaits as you observe these magnificent creatures up close along the Hudson Bay.
18. Manitoba – Kayak with Beluga Whales
Summer brings thousands of beluga whales to the waters of Hudson Bay, making it a perfect spot for kayakers to forge unforgettable connections with these playful marine mammals. Observing their curious nature while paddling creates magical memories.
Central Canada
19. Saskatchewan – Grasslands National Park
Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan is a wildlife sanctuary filled with wild bison, prairie dogs, and diverse ecosystems. This Dark Sky Preserve invites visitors to camp and stargaze while experiencing the untouched beauty of Canada’s prairies.
20. Ontario – Whitewater Rafting in Ottawa
The Ottawa River is famous for its exhilarating rapids. Adventurers flock to this site to challenge themselves on class V rapids, making it a must-try experience when visiting Canada’s capital.
21. Ontario – Search for Moose in Algonquin Park
Algonquin Park, with its stunning lakes and extensive wilderness, is renowned for moose sightings. Engaging a knowledgeable guide for multi-day canoe trips is advisable for optimal chances to see these magnificent animals.
22. Ontario – Scale the Edge of Toronto’s CN Tower
The CN Tower offers visitors a unique outdoor experience with its Edgewalk. Harnessed for safety, you can marvel at the breathtaking skyline while teetering on the edge of one of the tallest structures in Canada.
23. Ontario – Hike the Pukaskwa National Park
Pukaskwa National Park presents a thrilling yet challenging hiking experience along the wildest shores of the Great Lakes. Hikers can encounter rich wildlife, stunning views, and the allure of the natural landscape.
24. Quebec – Stay in an Ice Hotel
The H ôtel de Glace in Quebec City offers a unique stay in North America’s only ice hotel. Built annually from ice and snow, it features beautifully crafted rooms and a bar where drinks are served in ice glasses.
25. Quebec – Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean
This region is home to North America’s fjord, offering diverse outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking amidst waterfalls, and extraordinary wildlife encounters. Zoo Sauvage St. Felicien presents an interactive Canadian safari experience with various animal species.
26. Quebec – Snowboard at Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant, located in the Laurentians, attracts countless skiers and snowboarders. With excellent slopes and an incredible Apres Ski culture, it’s the perfect destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Western Canada
27. Alberta – Ice Climb in Canmore
Canmore’s icy cliffs are a hotspot for both professional and amateur ice climbers from around the world. Guided adventures provide thrilling opportunities to scale frozen waterfalls in the Rocky Mountains.
28. Alberta – High Mountain Trail Ride
Horseback riding in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains offers breathtaking views and exhilarating adventures. Choose high mountain trail rides for an unforgettable experience amid stunning landscapes.
29. Alberta – Ski Sunshine Village and Snowboard Lake Louise
Alberta is home to world-class ski hills, providing abundant opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can enjoy the fresh powder at Sunshine Village and the thrilling runs at Lake Louise.
30. Alberta – Ride North America’s Fastest Zip Line
The Olympic Park zip line offers an adrenaline-pumping experience as riders accelerate to speeds of up to 140 km/h. It’s a thrilling way to experience the stunning views from the slopes!
31. British Columbia – Bobsled in Whistler
In Whistler, the world’s fastest bobsleigh track provides an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers. Join pro athletes for an exhilarating ride reaching speeds of 125 km/h.
32. British Columbia – Surfing in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
The shores of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve are a prime surfing destination, attracting surfers year-round. The area provides excellent opportunities for surfing, kayaking, whale watching, and experiencing the coastal vibe.
33. Everywhere – Go Dogsledding
Dogsledding is a thrilling way to experience winter in Canada. From Ontario to Alberta, adventurers can glide through snowy landscapes while bonding with Alaskan huskies.
34. Both East and West Coasts – Incredible Whale Watching
Canada boasts remarkable marine life, making it an ideal destination for whale watching on both coasts. Encounter diverse whale species while enjoying the serene beauty of Canada’s coastal landscapes.
We have traveled across nearly every province and territory in Canada, filling in experiences from expert friends. What Canadian adventures have you enjoyed? Share your stories, and let’s inspire each other for future explorations.
We hope this guide has inspired your travel planning for memorable Canada adventures. There’s so much more to explore—come and enjoy our welcoming country!
Special thanks to Ontario Tourism, Tourism Nova Scotia, Travel Alberta, Travel Manitoba, and Travel Yukon for their support in helping us Discover Canada. For further travel planning information, be sure to check out other great Canadian websites.
