50 Things to Do in Canada

Things to put on your bucket list when visiting Canada

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Would you choose to visit Canada in summer, autumn, winter or spring? If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you already know about the quality of the snow in Canada, the stunning alpine scenery, the long runs and uncrowded slopes. Then there’s the wilderness, the breathtaking scenery and the powerful energy of the mountains. That’s why winter is my favourite season in Canada, but not just for winter sports, I love Canada in winter for all those reasons above and these things to do in Canada in winter. 

I bet you’ll find a few for your bucket list too! If you’re visiting at any other time of the year, read on for things to do in Canada in spring, autumn and summer.  

Contents

50 Things To Do in Canada

20 Things to do in Canada in Winter

1- Aurora | 360 Experience

It was past midnight and pushing minus 20 degrees Celsius when our group of 47 boarded the Boeing 733-500 chartered jet to a destination unknown.

Our mission was simple: chase the northern lights.

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Literally.

As we took off from Whitehorse International Airport for the Aurora 360 Experience the excitement onboard was palpable. How long would it take to find the lights?

Which side of the plane would have the best view?

Could I convince the person across the aisle to swap seats?

As we rose above the clouds straight into the auroral oval, our friendly pilot revealed our journey.

We’d be making a three-hour loop to the Arctic Circle, turning right into the Northwest Territories before returning to Whitehorse.

He expected the northern lights to make an appearance momentarily.

With that, the lights were turned off, both inside the plane and on the wings.

Waves of tingling anticipation and gratitude washed over me as I pressed my nose to the window.

In less than 15 minutes, a band of light emerged on the plane’s left side, like a long trail of green fairy floss.

So began a three-hour light show that changed form and colour every few seconds.

Our pilot steered the jet around the lights so that both sides of the plane received prime viewing opportunities, and everyone was too happy to share seats and photography tips.

The enchanting aurora danced, swirled and somersaulted in ribbons of ecstasy as though celebrating its own beauty, and we all felt privileged to be in its audience.

Equally spectacular were the stars, so much closer and more vivid than I’d ever seen, like countless glittering crystals strewn across a black velvet blanket in perfect constellations.

I knew I was forever changed when we touched down and went our separate ways.

The magnetic pull of Yukon had drawn me in, shown me a magic I never knew existed, and given me memories that would stay with me always.

• An award-winning Canadian photographer leads the Aurora | 360 Experience to help you record these colourful apparitions.
• A professional science team determines the flight path to optimize aurora viewing potential.
• Taking place in late January, you’ll be flying 36,000 feet above sea level, travelling at speeds of up to 800 kilometres per hour.
• The Aurora | 360 Experience includes pre and post-flight activities, including an evening of Yukon First Nations stories, dance and culture, science talks, and daytime nature excursions showcasing Yukon’s unique land, water and sky.
• All participants receive a full itinerary outlining hotel accommodation, meals, activities and answers to FAQs.

2- See the Northern Lights

things to do in canada in winter
Seeing the Aurora Borealis is one of the top things to do in Canada for the bucket list. Photo: Blachford Lake Lodge

Looking up and seeing a green pulsing curtain in the sky is a spectacular sight.

The Aurora Borealis in Canada is a surreal spectacle of nature.

The sky becomes a giant screen of pulsing colour.

The best place to see the Aurora in Canada is in the Northwest Territories or Yukon Territory. Yukon Northern Lights viewing tours are available from Whitehorse. 

The Northern Lights can appear anytime in the sky between September and May.

Seeing them in real life far surpasses watching a documentary.

Is it magic?

Sure it is!

3- Go dogsledding

dog sled in canada in winter
Dogsledding at Muktuk Adventure Ranch is one of the fun things to do in Canada in winter.

Dog sledding is available just about anywhere in Canada in winter and shoulder seasons between October and April.

The best places to go dog sledding are in the Yukon and the Rocky Mountains.

The best ski resorts in Canada, including Whistler, Sun Peaks and Lake Louise, also offer dog sledding.

If you’re planning a skiing or snowboarding holiday, you might want to fit in a half-day dog sled tour.

Some tours will give you a taste of what it’s like to drive your own dog sled.

But there are longer tours, such as the Ghosts of Fortune Mountain tour, where you can spend two days in the wilderness to learn the skills of mushing in the Rocky Mountains and sleep a night in a tent.

4- Hop on board a horse-drawn sleigh

horse drawn sleigh canada in winter
A horse-drawn sleigh ride in Jasper National Park (or anywhere in Canada!) is one of the fabulous things to do in Canada in winter.

The tinkling of sleigh bells and the clatter of hooves are some of the sounds of winter in Canada as you ride through valleys and forests in a horse-drawn sleigh.

Most Canadian winter resorts offer sleigh rides; some will drop you off at a mountain cabin restaurant for a hearty winter dinner.

It’s a fun way to spend time travelling with friends and family. 

5- Go on a snowmobiling adventure

things to do in canada
Snowmobiling is another fun thing to do in Canada. Try it in Paradise Basin.

Snowmobiling in Canada in winter is a Canadian experience through and through.

The Skidoo was invented in Quebec, so it’s not surprising that the best snowmobiling spots are in Quebec’s backcountry.

But it doesn’t matter where you are in Canada, you’ll not be hard-pressed to find a snowmobiling tour.   

Snowmobiling is fun and safe for most fitness levels and is a great way to experience being outdoors in winter. 

6- Explore the outdoors snowshoeing

things to do in canada in winter - snowshoeing
One of the things to do in Canada in winter is snowshoeing. It will give you a good workout. Try it in Grande Prairie. Photo: Travel Alberta

One of the best things about visiting Canada in winter is there are plenty of ways to get active.

And if you’re not that keen on skiing or snowboarding, then have a go at snowshoeing.

It’s a fun outdoor activity that gets you right in the midst of nature.

I don’t think it’s going to be a walk in the park.

Snowshoeing will give you a good workout, and you’ll appreciate that soak in the spa later.  

7- Soak in an outdoor spa

winter in canada
A Scandinave spa ritual is one of the more relaxing things to do in Canada in winter.

Soaking in a hot tub or an outdoor bath while the snow falls around you is a dreamy experience.

Most winter resorts have some kind of outdoor Jacuzzi but for a special treat check into a Scandinave Spa.

There are four in Canada and one in Whistler is particularly enchanting.

The treatment is a series of hot and cold Scandinavian-style baths in a sprawling complex located in a picture book forest setting amidst spruce and cedar trees.

8- Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola in Whistler

things to do in canada in winter
Looking down on the PEAK 2 PEAK in Whistler is one of the things to do in Canada at any time of the year. Photo: Whistler Blackcomb/Amy McDermid

Even if you’re not a skier or snowboarder, Whistler Blackcomb’s Peak to Peak Gondola is a sightseeing experiencing worth doing in winter.

It’s the longest (3.024km) and highest (435m) lift in the world, with mind-blowing vistas of a white winter wonderland from the sky.

For skiers and snowboarders, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opens up options as it connects the high alpine terrain of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

9- Ice Fishing in the Northwest Territories

things to do in canada in winter
Ice fishing at Blachford Lake Lodge in Northwest Territories is an amazing thing to do in Canada.

Wherever there’s an icy lake, there’s an opportunity to go ice fishing.

There are many places where you can stay warm in a heated hut and fish through a hole in the ice.

Fishing is a way of life in the Northwest Territories and this part of the world does fishing well.

You can fish for trout or pike on an inland lake.

You can even travel to your ice-fishing destination by dog team to jig for Char on the Arctic coast.

10- Canyon Ice walking in the Rocky Mountains

things to do in canada
Exploring ice caves, fossils and frozen waterfalls on Maligne Canyon Icewalk is one of the more spectacular things to do in Canada in winter. Photo: Maligne Adventures

Caves, fossils and frozen waterfalls are some of the jaw-dropping sights on an ice walk.

The most popular ones are in Maligne Canyon and Johnston Canyon in the Rockies.

On a guided walk you’ll be equipped with tread-enhancing cleats and warm winter boots. 

Then you’ll walk along a frozen canyon floor through an ice kingdom of ice caves, natural ice sculptures and waterfalls that look like a wizard has cast a spell.

If you’re adventurous there’s the opportunity to try ice climbing too!

11- Celebrate Christmas in Canada

skating in canada is one of the fun things to do in winter
Looking for things to do in Canada for the kids? How about celebrating Christmas in Canada at Lake Louise or at least ice skating on the frozen lake.

Treat yourself to a Christmas winter wonderland in Canada.

Of all the places to visit in Canada for Christmas, the ultimate spot is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the Canadian Rocky province of Alberta.

Skate the frozen, turquoise lake, snuggle up under a blanket for a dog sledding adventure, and walk off Christmas lunch on snowshoes, traversing through sparkling fir trees.

Or at least rent skates at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and glide (or wobble) out onto the frozen lake, which is cleared each day.

The lake, with its backdrop of Victoria Glacier and the Rocky Mountains, has a spectacular setting. 

12- Glide down a mountain in a Sno Limo

Glide down the mountain like an expert skier without being able to ski.

The Sno Limo is a smart British Columbia invention that allows non-skiers to experience the thrill of skiing.

It’s a chair on skis where anyone can be glided down the mountain by an expert skier.

It’s available at Big White, Grouse Mountain and Sun Peaks

12- Have a ball tubing 

tubing is a fun thing to do in Canada
Tubing is a fun thing to do in Canada in the colder months.

Although tubing doesn’t quite provide the thrills of a Sno Limo, it’s a fun activity for all the family.

It doesn’t matter what age you are (tubing is especially fun for the little ones), try it once and you’ll want to do it again and again.

13- Sleep in the Ice Hotel in Quebec

ice hotel in quebec
A frozen adventure in the Ice Hotel in Quebec City is one of the fabulous things to do in Canada. Photo: Xavier Dachez

The Ice Hotel (or Hôtel de Glace) near Quebec City is an icon in Eastern Canada, with soaring ceilings, snow vaults and ice sculptures.

The most amazing thing about the Ice Hotel is the rooms have beds made out of solid ice.

There’s a mattress on top of the ice and plenty of blankets but most people sleep to keep warm by tucking into an arctic sleeping bag.

It’s no wonder spending the night in the Ice Hotel is one of the most memorable things to do in Canada.

14- Try ice canoeing on the St Lawrence River

things to do at canada
Ice canoeing is a unique thing to do in Canada in winter (or maybe you might just want to watch!). That’s just as fun!

Ice canoeing on the St Lawrence River in Quebec is a pretty unique experience.

It’s a huge river where solid ice slabs float with the currents.

The river currents reverse direction during the day, adding to the magical experience of ice canoe.

You will have the impression of being on a giant treadmill while striding in front of a city boasting 400 years’ of history

15- Take a heli-sightseeing flight over snow-covered mountains

things to do in canada in winter
Helicopter Skiing is the thing to do in Canada for an adrenalin rush. Photo: Mike Wiegele

A bird’s-eye view of Canada’s mountains, rivers and valleys from the sky is stunning at any time of the year. 

The landscape has a particularly powerful allure in winter when the vast blanket of snow and ice spreads as far as your eye can see.

The scenery shows off the power of nature, the simplicity and serenity of the mountains.

You’ll find helicopter trips in the major centres, such as Banff National Park and Whistler Blackcomb as well as some of the smaller winter resorts. 

16- Try Show tagging at La Mauricie National Park

Here’s a winter activity you’ve probably never heard of.

Show tagging is where you snowshoe to a remote lake where you use your snowshoes to “draw” on the surface of the lake. 

Using a pre-designed picture drawn on a laminated sheet which also has the compass coordinates, you might end up creating, say, a picture of a spider.

It’s an activity that has taken off in Quebec in winter.

At La Mauricie National Park, the staff supplies you with a compass to interpret the coordinates.

You stamp the snow down with your snowshoes, creating a picture on the lake. Sound intriguing?

17- Ride an Olympic bobsleigh at Whistler Sliding Centre

things to do in canada in winter
Be an Olympian for an hour as your hurtle down the Olympic Bobsleigh track. It’s one of the most daring things to do in Canada for sporty types.

Live your Olympic dreams at the Whistler Sliding Centre, which was a venue for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Take an adrenaline-charged ride in a bobsleigh speeding at 125 km/h, launch headfirst down the world’s fastest sliding track or have a go at the luge.

18- Take a Rocky Mountains wildlife tour

things to do in canada wildlife
Think you won’t see wildlife in winter? Think again. Here are some Big Horn Sheep in Jasper National Park, Wildlife.

Spot elk, coyotes, wolves and sheep on a winter wildlife tour of the Rockies.

While the wildlife might sometimes be a little shy in winter, you’ll learn a lot about the animals and the mountain eco-system they live in.

19-  Journey along the Arctic Winter Road

The 1393km road trip from Whitehorse to Tuktoyaktuk is a northern Canadian winter experience of a lifetime.

It’s a thrilling winter driving adventure on an icy freeway over the frozen Arctic Ocean.

You’ll see caribou and musk ox, pyramid-shaped pingos (hills heaved out of the permafrost) and meet the Inuit.

20- Experience the buzz of the Yukon Quest

yukon quest dog sledding
Cheering on the dog sled teams at the start or finish of the Yukon Quest is a memorable thing to do in Canada. Photo: Christina Pfeiffer

Ther famous Yukon Quest is a 1600km/1000-mile dog sled race between Whitehorse in the Yukon and Fairbanks in Alaska. 

Held each year in February, the starting line (or finish line, depending on the year) is charged with energy. 

As it’s a typical relaxed Yukon-style event, you’ll be able to wander around and meet the mushers and their dog sled teams.

The gruelling race takes 10 to 20 days for the teams to complete. 

30 Things to do in Canada in Spring, Autumn and Summer

21- Sugar off at Quebec’s sugar shacks

thing to do in canada
Sugaring off at a sugar shack-like Sucrerie de la Montagne is a fantastic thing to do in Canada.

The fun ritual of “sugaring off” is more of a spring attraction, although in Quebec where sugar shacks attract thousands of visitors, it’s likely to be still snowing in March and April.

Imagine standing in a forest of trees covered in snow.

You tap a simple spout into a trunk, holding your mouth open underneath.

Sweet, ripping maple sap flows over your tongue with a sugar rush that makes you shiver.

You drink your fill and then join the feast inside, where a crackling fire awaits.

This is the Sucrerie de la Montagne, an authentic sugar shack, where trees are tapped for their saccharine sap, which is transformed into pure maple syrup using a traditional wood-fired evaporator.

Canada’s sugar shacks are fun for all the family.

Drink thick pea soup and munch on home-cured ham slathered with maple syrup and buckwheat pancakes.

22- Wander around old Montreal

Places to visit in Canada Montreal
Looking for a charming place to visit in Canada? Make sure to visit Montreal.

Wander the cobblestone streets of Montreal, where more than a whiff of French flair hangs in the air. 

Eat croissants, sip coffee and dine on fine French food.

Going shopping in Montreal’s chic boutiques and visiting the stunning Notre Dame Basilica are a couple of the fabulous things to do in Montreal in any season.  

Looking for a party?

Montreal is the place to be.

From the world-famous Montreal International Jazz Festival in July to Igloofest, the mid-winter celebration of electronic music, there’s a party to suit all tastes and ages.

My favourite?

The circus festival, Montreal Complement Cirque, is a stunning reflection of Montreal’s history with Cirque du Soleil and not to be missed. 

23- Experience the splendour of Niagara Falls

Things to do at Canada
Exploring Niagara Falls is one of the top things to do in Canada.

You can fly over Niagara Falls in a helicopter, take an adrenalin-pumping jet boat ride or go on a tour behind the falls.

And these are only some of the adventurous activities in Niagara Falls. 

But there’s more to Niagara Falls than simply watching water falling in torrents over gigantic cliffs. 

Tour the Niagara’s abundant wine district, cruise along the Niagara River indulging in gourmet fare and don’t miss the Niagara SkyWheel, Canada’s largest observation wheel.

24- Take the train across Canada 

Attractions Canada
A journey on board Via Rail’s The Canadian train is one of the amazing things to do in Canada for a leisurely holiday.

All aboard VIA Rail from British Columbia to Toronto on the Trans-Canada Experience.

Enjoy the romance of the rails as you make new friends, sleep in your own private cabin, and soak up the views and history along the way.

25- Stay in a Canadian castle

Places to visit in Canada Quebec CXity
One of the top attractions in Canada is staying in Quebec City’s castle.

Fall under the romantic spell of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.

This architectural masterpiece is complete with castle turrets, perched high on a bluff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River in a four-century-old walled city.

It’s little wonder this is the most photographed hotel in the world.

The décor of the hotel’s interior brings you right back to 18th-century France and the hotel’s view of The Saint Lawrence River is stunning – a castle away from home.

26- Explore the 1000 Islands

Places to visit in Canada Thousand Islands
1000 Islands is a lesser-known gem of a place to visit in Canada.

The sparkling waters of the 1000 Islands on the St Lawrence River has over 1800 islands, including a stretch of cottage country called Millionaire’s Row.

Located on the US Canada border, the region is a playground for wealthy New Yorkers who own majestic summer retreats that are quite a sight. 

A cruise from Gananoque will take you across the border to Boldt Castle while a helicopter flight over the islands is a spectacular way to see the region.  

27- Take a road trip through the Yukon 

Cool things to do in Canada road trip Yukon
Exploring the Yukon on a driving adventure is a cool thing to do in Canada.

Independent travellers are always looking for new, amazing road trips and the Yukon Territory has scenic drives to blow your mind.

This is a driver’s dream – an exhilarating combination of picturesque scenery, historic communities, and roadside wildlife.

The Yukon is a land of friendly characters, endless midnight sun and northern lights, with awe-inspiring expanses of wilderness

28- Taste food and wine in the Okanagan

Okanagan Valley
Sampling food and wine in the Okanagan Valley is one of the attractions in Canada in summer.

This one’s for the wine connoisseur in us all!

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is home to most of the province’s 208 grape wineries.

We’re talking 5,000 acres of wine country in a near-desert region 400 kilometres inland from Vancouver.

You won’t find a more idyllic location to sample some of the finest wines on the planet.

Okanagan Valley stretches between the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Monashee Mountains to the east, stretching north from the unique desert region of Osoyoos.

One of the region’s most famous libations is Icewine, a sweet dessert wine produced from grapes frozen on the vine.

29- Sail The Great Bear Rainforest

What to do in Canada
If you’re a wildlife lover you won’t be wondering what to do in Canada. Head to the Great Bear Rainforest.

British Columbia’s remote western coast lies begging to be explored.

Discover ancient native villages, untouched forests, amazing coastal wildlife and like-minded travellers.

Sail the Great Bear Rainforest and Cruise the Haida Gwaii on Bluewater Adventures 70-foot yachts. It’s one of the adventurous things to do in British Columbia

Here lies the ancestral home of the Haida – the West Coast Aboriginals who have lived here for thousands of years.

Jump on a kayak to explore tiny coves and narrow passageways, and watch the abundant wildlife all around, including eagles, wolves and grizzlies.

And the Holy Grail of them all?

Catch a glimpse of the elusive all-white Spirit Bear (Kermode) in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. 

You won’t find these awesome creatures anywhere else in the world.

30- Eat Your Way Through Victoria

Calling all foodies to Vancouver Island!

The city of Victoria will whet your appetite.

Red Fish Blue Fish is a canteen-style, take-out fish restaurant operated out of a steel shipping container on Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

I can tell you first-hand that this seafood hub serves Pacific halibut, wild salmon, and albacore tuna that will melt in your mouth.

Try Mo:Le for lunch, a Victorian institution, and Spinnaker’s Gastro Brewpub for dinner, defining the art of regional cuisine with hand-crafted beer.

31- Cruise the Rideau Canal

Amazing things to do in Canada Rideau Canal
Cruising the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada’s capital.

Canada’s capital city of Ottawa boasts the Rideau Canal, famous as the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world.

During summer, cruise the Rideau Canal, take in a free outdoor yoga class on Parliament Hill and visit the eclectic ByWard neighbourhood, with its markets and cafes.

You may see a group of locals and visitors alike doing yoga on Parliament Hill – Lululemon Athletica coordinates free “guerrilla yoga” classes each Wednesday at noon from May to the end of September (weather permitting).

Up to 1000 people participate on a weekly basis! Bring a mat to join in the class, or just enjoy the grassy lawns of Parliament Hill.

It’s one of the classic things to do in Ottawa.

32- Stay at the Fogo Island

Places to visit Canada Fogo Inn
One of the unique places to visit in Canada is the Fogo Inn.

It’s a striking example of world-class innovation.

The magnificent Fogo Island Inn, perched on the furthest edge of the Earth off the north-east coast of Newfoundland, stands on crooked pilotis on the dramatic and rocky coastline, providing panoramic views through its floor-to-ceiling windows, surrounded by whales, seabirds and icebergs.

The island’s people and stories are felt throughout the Inn: bespoke furniture and fixtures entirely handmade by local carpenters and artisans; the textiles– quilts, rugs, pillows – are hand-crafted by the island artisans following the centuries-old traditions of “made not bought”.

This place has to be seen to be believed.

33- Hunt for James Bond in Winnipeg

Psst! Did you hear? Bond—the real James Bond—is hiding out in Winnipeg.

Ian Fleming based the character on Winnipeg-born William Stephenson.

To live like a spy, check out the James Bond Connection.

This intriguing tour is one of the coolest things to do in Winnipeg.

Think debonair tweed suits, perfect silk socks, mysterious mansions and, of course, the ultimate accessory: a polished humidor of Cuban Cohiba Behikes.

Can’t get enough of covert operations?

Go on a private Architecture, Spies and Hidden Code Tour to discover the city’s fascinating secrets.

34- Channel your inner cowboy at the Calgary Stampede

Things to do in Canada - Calgary Stampede
Channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl at the Calgary Stampede, which is a top Canadian attraction in summer

Hides are raw, hearts untamed, and the world’s toughest rodeo stock walk on two legs at what’s known as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth – The Calgary Stampede.

Australians flock to this event – it’s like the Easter Show on steroids.

Aside from the bareback, bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, and down roping, the music is truly the heart and soul of Stampede.

From country legends to rock royalty, it’s the ultimate outdoor music festival.

35- Walk on the ocean floor at the Bay of Fundy 

Place to visit in Canada
Bay of Fundy is one of the amazing UNESCO World Heritage-listed places to visit in Canada

In the maritime province of New Brunswick in eastern Canada, walk on the ocean floor as the world’s highest tides ebb around the towering rocks at the Bay of Fundy.

A few kilometres away, marvel at the strange sensation of braking at the bottom and rolling uphill at Magnetic Hill in Moncton.

I’m not kidding.

This natural phenomenon has been baffling visitors for over 80 years.

Simply drive your car to the bottom of Magnetic Hill, take your foot off the brake and roll back uphill. 

It’s mind-boggling!

36- Dig Up a Clam on Prince Edward Island

It’s the new trend in food preparation – catch it yourself.

Prepare to be chest-deep in water as you dig for clams in this unique, hands-on experience in Georgetown, on Prince Edward Island, with Tranquility Cove Adventures.

Had a successful haul?

Head off to the beach to steam them in fresh saltwater or an old-fashioned beach cook-out.

Then continue ticking off your list of things to do in Prince Edward Island by snapping a selfie at the Panmure Island Lighthouse.

37- Experience old traditions in Newfoundland

It’s famous for its craggy coastline, colourful clapboard houses and lonely lighthouses, but Newfoundland has a unique character shaped by its locals, for those who take the time to connect with them.

Self-drive with Cape Race and immerse yourself in the Newfoundlander way of life.

Step into their culture, living room and workplace for a rich, authentic experience.

It’s a transformative way to experience old traditions.

38- Go Camping at Algonquin Park in Ontario

Things to do in Canada outdoors
Go camping in Canada as Canadian national parks are some of the best places to visit if you love the outdoors.

The essence of Algonquin Park in Ontario lies in its vast interior of maple hills, rocky ridges, and thousands of lakes.

The only way to explore the interior of this park is by canoe or on foot.

Led by expert guides, experience an Algonquin Park canoe adventure in Ontario.

We’re talking amazing wildlife viewing opportunities, fantastic backcountry cuisine and spectacular campsites.

Stay at the Algonquin Park Log Cabin, where you can canoe, hike and dogsled to your heart’s content.

Soak up the warmth of an authentic log cabin in a spectacular wilderness setting.

39- Discover the Nahanni River

Attractions in Canada
Nahanni is one of the less well-known attractions in Canada.

Looking for a new place to drop your line?

The Nahanni River system in the North West Territories is the ultimate outdoor adventure for fishing, kayaking and wildlife, teeming with Arctic grayling and lake trout.

Its towering granite walls, deep canyons, cave systems and hot springs draw white-water canoeists and adventure-seekers, with grey wolfs, grizzly bears, black bears, caribou, moose, and mountain goats roaming freely.

The Nahanni River leads to Virginia Falls, a thundering waterfall cascading more than 90 metres, nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls, and is flanked by towering evergreens, completing a perfect picture.

40- Drive the Cabot Trail

Of all the wonderful places to visit in Canada, the Cabot Trail in the maritime province of Nova Scotia serves up one of the greatest road trips in the world.

My top tip?

Head there during autumn – the fusion of light and colour has to be seen to be believed.

41- See polar bears at Hudson Bay

Things to do Canada polar bears
Yes, seeing polar bears up close is something you must do in Canada.

There’s a good reason why Churchill, an outpost near Hudson Bay, calls itself the “The Polar Bear Capital of the World”. 

In October and November, hundreds of polar bears gather at Hudson Bay waiting for the ice to form, anxious to leave. 

17,000 of the world’s 25,000 polar bears are in Canada. 

The bad news?

The polar bear season is a short one and seats on a Tundra Buggy or in a polar bear lodge, where you can get close to bears on the ground are in high demand. 

The good news?

In summer, you’ll swim with belugas, spy families of polar bears roaming free in the distance and see a 100 species of birds.

42- Journey aboard Train le Massif

The luxurious Train le Massif is a five-star rail journey from Quebec City to the artisan region of Charlevoix, 140 kilometres along the beautiful banks of the St Lawrence River.

Alight at Baie-Saint-Paul and soak up the eclectic, arty vibe of this quaint village.

43- Relive the Goldrush in Dawson City

The Yukon Territory’s Dawson City is a township steeped in history and is one of the more fascinating places to visit in Canada.

Wander the dusty streets and soak in the heady Klondike Gold Rush days when 100,000 poor miners and wealthy prospectors came to strike it rich in 1896.

44- Experience the creativity of the Charlottetown Festival

Canada things to do
Explore Canada’s creative side at this cool festival.

Creativity buzzes in the air at the annual Charlottetown Festival on Prince Edward Island.

Anne of Green Gables – The Musical is a product of the festival and Canada’s longest-running musical.

Take in a show and soak up the creative vibe alongside Canada’s finest designers, playwrights, performers and directors.

Prince Edward Island is a charming place to visit in Canada.

45- Take an Instagram photo at Peggy’s Cove 

What to do in Canada
Peggy’s Cove is a fabulous place to visit in Canada.

Strike envy into the hearts of your Instagram followers at Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia.

Canada’s most photographed fishing village is set in the midst of a geographical marvel and the perfect pit-stop along the lighthouse trail to the colourful town of Lunenburg.

46- Toronto’s EdgeWalk

Adrenalin junkies love Toronto’s EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk along a 1.5 metre-wide ledge encircling the top of the CN Tower and one of the top things to do in Toronto

Lean back over Toronto with nothing but air and breathtaking views of Lake Ontario beneath you.

47- Watch the iceberg parade along Iceberg Alley

Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the best places in the world to view 10,000-year-old icebergs.

Go on a boat tour, paddle a kayak or hike along the coastline and watch these glacial giants parade down Iceberg Alley

49- Meet the bears at Assiniboine Park Zoo 

Things to do Canada
If you can’t get to Churchill then Winnipeg’s Zoo is the best place to visit in Canada to see polar bears.

Visit Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and experience Journey to Churchill, a new 10-acre Arctic species exhibit, featuring four exquisite polar bears.

You’ll be awestruck as the polar bears perform synchronised swimming overhead in an acrylic tunnel.

50- Learn about traditions in an Economuseum

Of the 70+ Economuseums around the world, a large number are in Quebec and there are a some in Atlantic Canada too. 

The aim of these Economuseums is to preserve the culture and traditional ways of creating food, crafts and other things.

 

The video about Canada in this post was produced by InVideo.

50 Things to Do in Canada

50 Things to Do in Canada

Plan Your Trip

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Christina Pfeiffer
Christina Pfeiffer is a writer, photographer and video blogger based in Queensland, Australia. She has lived in three continents and her career as a travel journalist has taken her to all seven continents. Since 2003, she has contributed travel stories and photographs to mainstream media in Australia and around the world such as the Sydney Morning Herald, CNN Traveller, The Australian and the South China Morning Post. She has won many travel writing awards and is a full member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers.