Things To Do In Canada – Canada offers a wide variety of great outdoors excitement for adventurous travelers of all types. Few places on earth have natural wonders as awe inspiring as Canada. From coast to coast, each province offers its share of unique wonders. Whether it is the pristine beauty of a northern lake, the rugged expanse of the Rocky Mountains, the rolling grasslands of the prairies, the iconic red soils and lighthouses of the Maritimes, or the rich history and architecture, Canada inspires awe and offers an endless list of possibilities.
Must Things To Do In Canada:
The fascinating things to do in Canada not only let the globetrotters have a fantastic action-packed holiday in the country, but also offer them the opportunity to learn about the culture, art, architecture, beauty, and history of this wonderful nation. These exciting and equally exhilarating activities range from watersports and heritage tours to wine tasting sessions and shopping.
The myriad of fun activities to do in Canada are suitable for all kinds of travelers starting from honeymooners to family vacationers. While the couples can go tie a love lock on the Corkstown bridge and the shopaholics can buy all kinds of local products at the Saint John City Market. You can also go on a food tour and relish the Canadian wine and the Montreal Bagel to cater to your foodie soul. You can also engage in a number of adventure activities like zip-lining, kiteboarding, surfing, and swimming at the various beaches and parks of the country.
Here are the most exciting things to do in Canada on a vacation to have the best experiences in this North American country:
Walk With Polar Bears:
There are guided tours and experiences available in Churchill that allow visitors to observe polar bears from a safe and responsible distance. These tours usually take place in specialized vehicles, known as tundra buggies, which provide a secure and elevated vantage point for viewing the bears in their natural habitat.
These tours are typically organized during the fall, specifically in October and November when polar bears congregate near the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the ice to form. It is during this time that visitors can witness the bears from the tundra buggies as they roam the area.
Banff National Park – Canoeing:
Situated in Alberta, Banff is the country’s oldest national park whose unparalleled beauty makes it a top point of interest for every type of traveler. If blue water and snow-white mountains with a private canoe ride amidst it sounds like a plan to you, know that this experience is meant for you!
Yukon – Watch The Northern Lights:
One of the most favorite activities to do in Canada for all travelers is northern lights hunting in the city of Whitehorse, which is considered to be the perfect destination for enjoying a breathtaking northern lights show. You can get the best view of the aurora borealis during the initial weeks of the winter season, between 10 PM and 3 AM, when the sky is clear, dark, and moonless.
Bay Of Fundy – Walk Through The Tides:
The Bay of Fundy, located in Eastern Canada in between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is known for its amazing tides. The variation between high and low is the largest in the world, measuring up to a maximum of 19 meters (10 fathoms).
While there are many ways to appreciate this natural wonder, some of the most popular locations and sights along the Bay of Fundy are the cliffs and rock formations at Hopewell Cape, Fundy National Park, the Fundy Trail Parkway, and Grand Manan Island.
Visit Niagara Falls:
Niagara Falls is a collective name for three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. You can witness the thundering power and beauty of the falls from several vantage points. The most popular spot is the promenade along the Canadian side, which offers unobstructed views of the falls and the opportunity to feel the mist on your face.
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One of the best ways to experience Niagara Falls up close is to take a boat tour. The iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour departs from the Canadian and American sides and takes you right into the misty heart of the falls.
For a breathtaking aerial view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area, consider taking a helicopter ride. This allows you to appreciate the scale and grandeur of the falls from above and capture stunning photos.
Explore Old Quebec:
Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Canada’s historic gems. Spread across the Upper and Lower Town of Quebec, this area contains the city’s most historic buildings. The Lower Town, along the St. Lawrence River, is the site of the original settlement and home to the outstanding Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, as well as numerous other treasures. The Upper Town rests on 100-meter-high cliffs and is home to the Citadel, the Plains of Abraham, Place d’Armes, and the Parque Historique de l’Artillerie.
Old Quebec is one of Canada’s most popular historical areas and is well developed for tourism. In addition to the historical sites, other highlights include artists displaying their works on Rue du Trésor; interesting museums, like the Musée de la Civilisation; and unique shops and restaurants.
While most visitors frequent the upper section of Old Town, the real “Old Town” is found closer to the water. With buildings dating back to the 17th century, locals will tell you Lower Old Town is the real birthplace of the city.
Nunavut – Beluga Whales Watching:
Being a world-class beluga whale observation site, Arctic Watch is home to more than 2000 whales, polar bears, and arctic foxes. With an excursion tour in a kayak or on an ATV that takes you around the water, this once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Canada in August.
Ideal For: Nature lovers, photographers, solo travelers, and private groups
Timings: You can book an experience tour during June, July, or August.
Location: Cunningham Inlet, Somerset Island, Nunavut X0A 0V0, Canada.
Whistler Blackcomb – British Columbia:
Internationally regarded as one of the top four season resorts in North America, Whistler is any winter sports enthusiast’s dream. Featured as the alpine venue for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Whistler is also a great vacation destination for the whole family. Unique boutiques, award winning restaurants, an active nightlife, and beautiful hotels complete the quant alpine village.
Moose Safari In Algonquin Park:
Nothing is more Canadian than seeing a moose while canoeing. A canoe trip to Algonquin Provincial Park is a rite of passage for anyone residing in the province. It’s also the best place on earth to spot moose in the wild. We suggest booking a tour with Voyageur Quest because the professionals know exactly where the best moose spotting is.
Float through Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland:
If you want to view the best icebergs, you need to head to Newfoundland without a second thought. You will love to float through the iceberg alley and its massive size will leave you amazed. The water here is so clear that you can drink them straight away while you float through the alley.
You can also spot various types of enormous iceberg chunks flowing along the iceberg alley, including Tabular icebergs, Blocky icebergs, Wedged icebergs, Dry rock icebergs, and Dome icebergs.
Ottawa – Frozen Rideau Canal Skating:
The historic Rideau Canal is a beloved four-season playground for the residents and visitors to Eastern Ontario. Extending from Kingston, on Lake Ontario, for 202 kilometers to Ottawa, this National Historic Site has been in operation since 1832.
In the summer, pleasure boats filled with families enjoying the summer sun transit the locks and make their way slowly along the route, stopping for ice cream and snacks at small towns along the way.
A portion of the canal in Ottawa transforms into a 7.8-kilometer-long ice skating rink in winter. All along the route are warming huts, pastry shops (be sure to try a Beaver Tail), coffee and hot chocolate vendors, changerooms, and washrooms. The skating season usually runs from January to early March, depending on the weather, and admission is free.
Ideal For: Experience and adventure seekers
Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Location: Rideau Canal, Ottawa, K1M 1M4, Canada
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park:
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is known for its stunning natural beauty. It encompasses a diverse landscape with rolling hills, lush forests, sparkling lakes, and open meadows. The park is a haven for nature lovers and offers countless opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and photography.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is home to several lakes and reservoirs, including Elkwater Lake and Reesor Lake. These bodies of water provide opportunities for various water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing. Anglers can try their luck in catching trout, pike, and other fish species.
Park is designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, making it an excellent destination for stargazing. The park’s remote location and minimal light pollution allow for exceptional views of the night sky. Visitors can attend astronomy programs or simply marvel at the stars and constellations on clear nights.
Walk the Toronto skyline:
Adrenaline junkies can lean over Canada’s largest city in the open air on the EdgeWalk: a wide ledge set outside the CN Tower’s main pod. Towering 550m (1800ft) above Toronto, the CN Tower has long been one of the country’s most popular attractions for its unbeatable, 360-degree views. But the addition of the world’s highest hands-free external walk – a Guinness World Record breaker and the first of its kind in North America – has skyrocketed the tourist site to international attention.
Book a table at CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant, where you’ll find award-winning Canadian-sourced cuisine served in a sleek setting, and the “cellar in the sky,” the world’s highest wine cellar.
Calgary Stampede:
The Calgary Stampede is an annual event held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is often referred to as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
Rodeo Events: The Calgary Stampede is famous for its world-class rodeo competitions. You can witness thrilling events such as bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and tie-down roping. The rodeo showcases the skills and bravery of cowboys and cowgirls as they compete for top honors.
Chuckwagon Races: Another highlight of the Calgary Stampede is the chuckwagon races. Teams of horses and drivers compete in high-speed races around a track, providing an adrenaline-pumping spectacle. The races are a long-standing tradition and a crowd favorite.
Grandstand Show: The evening Grandstand Show is a spectacular performance that combines music, dance, acrobatics, and fireworks. It showcases talented performers and celebrates the western heritage and culture of Canada.
Tickets for various events and activities can be purchased in advance, and it’s advisable to plan and book early, as the Calgary Stampede attracts large crowds. Whether you’re a fan of rodeo events, live music, or simply want to experience the vibrant Western culture, the Calgary Stampede offers an unforgettable celebration of all things cowboy and Canadian heritage.
Visit Parliament of Canada:
Pay a visit to the brilliantly architectured Parliament of Canada, which is a renowned national government center. Take sufficient time to marvel in awe at the stunning Gothic Revival style architectural design of this majestic building.
You can check out the three important buildings – the East Block, the West Block, & the Centre Block – of this structure, which stands overlooking the picturesque River Ottawa. When you go out to the open grounds surrounding the main building, you can witness the beautiful statues of the renowned political personalities of the country.
Location: 111 Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada
Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM
Wolf Lake – Fishing:
Wolf Lake is a mesmerising lake in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Yukon. The lake is not just blessed with breathtaking scenic beauty but is also rich in fish species. It is home to the rare fish species, the Arctic Grayling. This lake is a great site for fishing in Canada. It is also a great place for nature’s photography. This is one of the best things to do in Ontario, Canada.
Ideal For: Nature walk, picnic
Timings: NA
Location: Sudbury District, Ontario, Canada
Eat Bagel in Montreal:
It is a sin to leave Canada without trying the iconic Bagel of Montreal. You will be amazed by the supreme taste of these lean hand rolled delicacies sweetened with honey and baked to perfection in an old wood-fired oven. These skinny bagels are made of flour, oil, malt, sugar, and eggs and have a small hole in the middle.
They are crunchy on the outside and perfectly chewy on the inside. Some of the top picks for bagels in Montreal city include Fairmount Bagel Bakery, R.E.A.L Bagel Decarie, Ville Emard Bagels, Hinnawi Bros Bagel & Café, and Bagel Etc.
Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada
Bike the Vancouver Seawall:
With nearby outdoor challenges like hiking the steep wooden steps of Grouse Mountain – aptly nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” – and Lynn Canyon Park’s Suspension Bridge, Vancouver tends to attract a competitive athletic crowd. A much more inviting and leisurely outdoor experience is found right in the city along the False Creek Seawall.
While you can easily walk or rollerblade sections of the two-way paved path, cycling is best to take in all the 23km-long (14-mile) route has to offer. Beginning in Coal Harbour and ending at Kitsilano Beach, the seaside path winds you through some of the city’s best destinations, like Stanley Park, English Bay and Jericho Beach.
Make time to refuel at Granville Island Public Market, where locals and visitors dine at world-class gourmet food stalls while admiring eclectic art and tranquil harbor views.
See Wild Bison in Alberta:
Head to the breathtaking Elk Island National Park in Alberta to spot the fascinating wild bison. On your visit to this national park, you can encounter more than 750 bison, belonging to different species. You will find wood bison in the southern part and the plains bison in the northern side of the national park. It is advisable for the visitors to plan their tour to the Elk Island National Park at dusk or in the early morning to increase their chances of spotting wild bison.
Location: Elk Island National Park, Alberta, Canada
Gros Morne National Park:
Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park is more remote than many of Canada’s most popular national parks, but worth the effort to discover this beautiful landscape of mountains and fjords. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring steep cliff walls, waterfalls, and interesting rock formations carved by the glacier-fed waters.
Most visitors take a boat tour to appreciate the scenery, but there are also hiking trails and opportunities for kayaking. In winter, the park receives far fewer visitors, but is open for ski touring, complete with backcountry ski huts.
Drumheller – See Dinosaurs:
Drumheller is located in the centre of the Canadian Badlands. During a coal mining process in the 1800’s near the Red Deer River, a Dinosaur skull was discovered from the site. Drumheller developed into the ‘Dinosaur capital of the world’, with Royal Tyrrell museum. This museum exhibits fossil exhibits. You can also explore the national historic site of Atlas Coal Mine.
Ideal For: See dinosaur fossil
Location: Alberta, Canada
Sable Island – Nova Scotia:
Isolated and remove, Sable Island is only accessible by plane or boat. Now protected by Parks Canada, anyone wishing to visit must obtain permission. Located roughly 300km from the Halifax coast, the sandy island is one of Canada’s furthest offshore islands, and is home to hundreds of wild horses. With a history spanning more than four hundred years, Sable Island has come to be called “The Graveyard of the Atlantic,” as more than 350 shipwrecks have been recorded.
Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller:
One of the world’s premier dinosaur museums, the Royal Tyrrel is not to be missed. Incredible displays of dinosaurs found nearby are impressively showcased in a world-class setting. As you wander through the 13 galleries, you’ll be transported back 3.9 billion years to the time that dinosaurs roamed the world. Standing next to these giants will truly make you feel rather insignificant.
A visit here isn’t all indoors. Be sure to take time to explore the interpretive hiking trails located on the museum property.
Cavendish Beach – Prince Edward Island:
The iconic red sands of Prince Edward Island are on full display at Cavendish Beach. Marvellous rock structures tower from the beach, which touches the cool waters of the Atlantic. Sandy dunes and red sandstone cliffs rise up in the background. In the summer months a variety of water activities and deep sea fishing are offered. Small farming communities surround Cavendish, complete with unique dining and shopping options.
Catch a theatrical performance in Toronto:
If you are looking for good entertainment in Canada, head to one of the amazing theatres in Toronto and buy the tickets for an impressive play or show. You will be having a myriad of options at your disposal, as the city of Toronto brims with many commercial and non-profit theatres.
Some of the best theatres you can pick include Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, Aki Studio Theatre, Young Peoples’ Theatre, Lower Ossington Theatre, and Royal Alexandra Theatre. From standup comedy shows to musical performances, you can enjoy all kinds of entertainment at these theatres.
Location: Ontario, Canada
Relax at Stanley Park:
One of the most sought after things to do in Canada for leisure seekers is to go unwind and relax at the breathtaking Stanley Park, which is considered to be the largest and oldest urban park in Vancouver. While you are chilling in the laid-back environment of this park, you can soak in the mesmerizing views of the majestic mountains, lush trees, mystic trails, and rich wildlife. You can also ride the miniature train and see the Vancouver Aquarium.
Location: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada.
Canada is famous for a number of reasons including its long scenic coastline, the thundering Niagara Falls, ice hockey, delicious maple syrup, diverse culture, snow sports, and cute polar bears.
May to September is considered to be the best time of year to visit Canada.
The most recommended things to shop for in Canada include the Canadian milk chocolate, Canadian diamonds, Canadian Club Whisky, local maple syrup, Niagara wine, Mill Street Beer, shoes, dream catchers, Inuksuk, Roots clothing, sweaters and jackets, cookies, donuts, & stuffed moose.
Some of the best restaurants in Toronto are Avelo Restaurant, Canoe Restaurant and Bar, Pinky’s Ka Phe, Richmond Station, Oji Seichi, Grey Gardens, Alo Restaurant, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, Gusto 101, and the Lakeview Restaurant.
Niagara Falls, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City, Gros Morne National Park, Toronto, Churchill, Whitehorse, Okanagan Valley, Ottawa, Athabasca Glacier, Winnipeg,Glacier National Park, Peggy’s Cove, and many more.
Bannock
Nanaimo Bars
Maple Syrup
Saskatoon Berries
Caesars
Ketchup Chips
Montreal Smoked Meat
Lobster
Toronto. Toronto – the capital of Ontario, is deemed the most beautiful city to visit in Canada by many!
Most Canadians will simply say “hello,” with French Canadians sticking to the usual greeting of “Bonjour”.
