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83 Bucket List Canada Things to Do in 2025 from a Canadian

Table of Contents

Many people assume Canada is all snow, igloos, and maple syrup. But there’s so much more than that!

In fact, most of the best things to do in Canada are summer activities!

As the 2nd largest country in the world, with one of the largest coastlines, Canada has a variety of experiences (and climates) to offer our visitors.

We have beautiful mountains, stunning beaches, unique wildlife, and many rich cultural experiences (that have nothing to do with maple syrup!). Of course, some activities do involve snow, so you’ll also find the best things to do in Canada in winter.

I’m a Canadian – born and bred! I’ve spent my whole life exploring Canada. I’ve lived in Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax and Victoria. I’ve driven across the country for 5 months, just me and my golden retriever. And I’ve spent countless years taking family holidays to the Rockies, the Prairies, and the Maritimes.

So I’ve got the inside scoop on what’s actually a must do – not just what any airplane magazine tells you to try out.

Are you ready to fall in love with Canada??

Scenic drive through the Canadian Rockies with a clear view of majestic mountains ahead, depicting the natural beauty of Canada's driving routes.

1. Drive Through the Rockies

I spent a month driving through the Canadian Rockies with my dog and had the best time! Youโ€™ll find the Rockies in Alberta and British Columbia, housing 5 national parks: Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay and Waterton.

The best way to experience the parks and the Rockies is to rent a campervan or RV. Youโ€™ll see more of the parks that way. 

2. Road Trip From Coast to Coast

Driving from Coast to Coast is the ultimate way to experience all of Canada. Iโ€™ve done it in two parts: Halifax to Toronto, and Toronto to Victoria. I just need to tack on the Territories now.

Youโ€™ll be spoiled with some of the best views in the world, and the opportunity to experience Canada in a way most locals never do.

Follow the Trans Canada Highway all the way across. It has no tolls and is really well maintained, so you can spend your time worrying about how many scenic stops to take instead of worrying about the roads! 

3. Search for Polar Bears on Safari in Churchill

Churchill is one of the hardest places to get to in Canada, but one of the most rewarding. Youโ€™ll need to fly or take a 40 hour train from Winnipeg to reach the โ€œPolar Bear Capital of the Worldโ€.

Wildlife safaris run from September to November, where youโ€™ll get a nearly 100% chance of seeing a polar bear in the wild. 

Youโ€™ll get close for photos, but be completely safe in the safari vehicle.

Itโ€™s an experience most Canadians dream of their whole lives!  

4. Snorkel with Beluga Whales in Churchill

Snorkelling isnโ€™t just for warm water! In July in Churchill, you can snorkel with beluga whales.

Get kitted out in an insulated wetsuit and pop your head into the water to interact with one of the friendliest whale species in the world.

You may even spot polar bears from the shore at the same time!

People skating on the frozen Rideau canal with the castle looking building the Chateau Laurier beyond the bridges.

5. Skate the Worldโ€™s Longest Outdoor Skating Rink

Every February, Ottawa becomes home to the worldโ€™s largest outdoor skating rink when the Rideau Canal freezes over. The 7.8km rink is free to use for all, as long as you have skates. You can go all the way from Dowโ€™s Lake (around Carleton University) to the Chateau Laurier downtown. 

When I lived in Ottawa, Iโ€™d skate from my apartment to the grocery store and back every week. Itโ€™s much faster than walking! 

Shipwreck beneath turquoise waters in Tobermory. It's an old steel ship that looks like the titanic but smaller.

6. Spot an Underwater Shipwreck at Canadaโ€™s Blue Grotto

Tobermory is one of the most popular summer spots in Canada for its blue grotto that looks like the Mexican Riviera! I took Theo one summer, but was more shocked by the shipwrecks that you can spot from a glass bottomed boat. The water is so clear that you can see every detail of them without snorkelling!

A Kermode or spirit bear on rocks beside the water with its baby.

7. Search for Spirit Bears in Great Bear Rainforest

Spirit bears are white-black bears that are only found in BC. They have great significant to the Indigenous peoples Northwest BC.

You can spot one in the Great Bear Rainforest on Vancouver Island if youโ€™re very lucky.

Even if you miss them, the rainforest is full of wildlife like grizzlies, sea otters, and dolphins.

Skyline trail on the Cabot Trail with its boardwalk leading down the hill to a lookout over the Atlantic Ocean.

8. Complete the Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trails is a 185 mile loop around Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. I took my dad one summer when I was studying in Halifax and we drove the loop in 4 days, stopping to hike, eat our bodyweight in lobster, listen to local fiddlers, and spot wild moose!

Itโ€™s best done with two people so someone can point out all the vistas to stop at along the drive. 

I recommend hiking the Skyline Trail. It has the best views..

A vibrant blue and white painted orca statue in front of the Prince of Whales Whale Watching sign in Vancouver, showcasing local street art and Canadian wildlife tourism attractions.

9. Go Whale Watching in Nanaimo 

Nanaimo on Vancouver Island is one of the best places in Canada to see wild whales. Itโ€™s home to a resident population of Orcas, which means they stay there all year long. You can also see humpbacks, dolphins, and sea lions.

Iโ€™ve also gone whale watching in Vancouver, Tofino, Quebec, and Halifax. Each place has different species, so you can go again and again!ย 

French fries with gravy and cheese in a white bowl on a blue and checked mat.

10. Eat Like a Canadian with Poutine and Maple Syrup

You canโ€™t leave Canada without trying our traditional foods.

The most popular are maple syrup, peameal bacon (or Canadian bacon, as Americans call it), poutine, and Beavertails.

Hereโ€™s my complete guide to the food you need to try in Canada.

11. Build and Sleep in an Igloo in Nunavut

Inukpak Outfitting is on my bucket list! The company runs specialized tours that teach tourists about Inuit culture. Youโ€™ll get to build your own igloo, sleep in it, and do fun activities like snowmobiling, snow sailing, kayaking, and narwhal watching!

Are you a Canuck or a Hoser? Test your Canadian knowledge now!

12. Watch the Earliest Sunrise in North America in Newfoundland

Cape Spear is the easternmost point of North America, making it the perfect spot to watch the morning sunrise. Itโ€™s one of the most breathtaking views – especially in the summer on a morning when the sky is bright red before a storm.

Niagara falls flowing over a cliff into the river with a boat full of people in red rain ponchos driving towards it.

13. Get Wet at Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Canada for honeymoons, family trips, and solo adventures. I drove to Niagara from Toronto with Theo at the start of our cross-Canada road trip.

You can stop by for an hour to see Horseshoe Falls or spend a few days enjoying the area. Skylon Tower has great aerial views and they even run helicopter tours over the falls!

If you visit at New Years, youโ€™ll get to watch the fireworks and see the frozen waterfalls. 

14. Cheer at an Ice Hockey Game

Hockey games are fun even if youโ€™re not a fan (Iโ€˜m not!). Thereโ€™s a great atmosphere in the arena and you quickly get swept up in the cheering.

Check out local games for cheaper tickets. Or go for the CHL games with the Leafs or the Canadiens.

If youโ€™re in Toronto, book a ticket for a Marlieโ€™s game. Theyโ€™re the league beneath the Leafs, but their games are infinitely more fun to watch.

Purple night sky full of stars in Jasper National Park.

15. Stargaze in Jasper National Park

Jasper is a designated dark sky preserve, meaning that it has little light pollution to allow you to see more stars. Camp in the national park to see the Milky Way in its full glory.

To get the best experience sleeping beneath the stars, visit during October for the Dark Sky Festival. Youโ€™ll be able to participate in events, learn more about the stars, and take excellent dark sky photos of the stars.

If you donโ€™t want to sleep outside, you can return to accommodations in Jasper after you view the starlit sky.

Lake Louise in Banff with two red canoes floating in the center and mountains with glaciers in the background.

16. Canoe on Lake Louise at Sunrise

Lake Louise is best known for the incredibly rich turquoise water from the glaciers that feed the lake.

Visit at sunrise before the canoe rentals get busy – especially in the summer. Be sure to bundle up, as the glacial lake is cold even in July. Youโ€™ll get iconic shots of Fairview Mountain and the glaciers.

You can hike up the Beehive afterwards or go to Lake Agnes Teahouse for some yummy treats. 

Nina smiling sitting in front of tulips in Ottawa at the Canadian tulip festival.

17. Attend the Largest Tulip Festival in the World

Spring in Ottawa is truly magical with the blooming tulips around the city painting everything a bright hue. The tulips were a gift from the Netherlands after we helped their princess during WW2. Now, Ottawa receives thousands of tulip bulbs every year.

Ottawaโ€™s Tulip Festival is actually larger than any others in the world โ€“ including in the Netherlands!

Be sure to visit in May for the best photos of the tulips. Pose in bright colours so you stand out amongst the flowers.

Golden retriever on a leash walking down a peaceful, tree-lined trail, reflecting pet-friendly outdoor activities in a Canadian forest setting on the Bruce Trail.

18. Hike the Famous Bruce Trail

The Bruce Trail is an 890km trail will take you from the Niagara River to the tip of Tobermory. If youโ€™re feeling more adventurous, add on over 400km of side trails for a custom hiking experience. Youโ€™ll pass through 13 UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves and local towns most visitors never see.

Whether you decide to try to beat the record for completing the trail fastest (9 days and 3 hours), or do it in separate legs like the Camino Santiago, this trail will allow you to see Ontario as you never have before. 

Sunrise over Lake Muskoka with pine trees framing the view.

19. Unwind at a Muskokan Cottage

Thereโ€™s nothing more Canadian than a cottage weekend. Get the local experience in Muskoka – just 2 hours north of Toronto.

You can rent a rustic cabin or a modern cottage depending on your preferences, but it should be lake-side so you can wake up to colourful sunrises over the water. To truly embrace it, youโ€™ll need a colourful Muskoka chair, some sort of watercraft, and a campfire after dark.

20. Live on the Edge at the CN Tower Edge Walk

The CN Tower Edge Walk is a newer addition to the Ontario bucket list, having been created a few years ago. It offers visitors the opportunity to hang over the edge of the tallest structure in Canada, getting a birdseye view of the city.

As an adventure lover, and someone who doesnโ€™t fear heights, this activity is on my bucket list! While I think the CN Tower is generally overhyped, the addition of the Edge Walk is swaying my opinion.

I did something similar in Australia where you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and had the best time. 

Haida Gwaii's unique landscape with tide pools on the rocky outcroppings and mountains in the distance.

21. Visit the Galapagos of Canada at Haida Gwaii

Haida Gwaii is an archipelago of 150 islands off the West Coast of British Columbia. Itโ€™s a bucket list place to visit in Canada for its unique topography, connection to First Nations history, and local wildlife. A visit isnโ€™t complete without a Haida Watchmen historical tour, visiting the 26 totem poles that guard the village, and going searching for wildlife.

The region has some of the richest heritage in Canada, with authentic examples of the first coastal First Nations people. You can visit the remains of a longhouse in Canadaโ€™s Galapagos โ€“ so named for the diverse plant and animal life. Watch for sitka deer and eagles in the summer.

22. Hike to Lake Moraine

Lake Moraine is like Lake Louiseโ€™s forgotten sister. Many people miss this stunning gem thatโ€™s just as emerald and picturesque as Lake Louise. 

Hike from Lake Louise to check out this gorgeous lake in summer. 

Frozen Lake Bubbles in Lake Abraham.

23. Check Out the Frozen Bubbles of Lake Abraham

One of the most iconic photos of Canadian winter involves the trapped ice bubbles at Lake Abraham. The release of methane beneath the lakeโ€™s surface causes bubbles to form that become trapped within the ice. The clear ice makes it easy to see these natural formations.

Visit once the lake has frozen in January to witness this stunning phenomenon.

See the northern lights to painting the sky green in the Yukon.

24. See the Northern Lights in the Yukon

Yellowknife sits under the northern auroral oval, making it the best location to spot the northern lights. Visit in autumn and winter, wrap yourself in some warm clothes, and sit back to enjoy one of the greatest natural shows on earth.

You can rent a wilderness cabin or lodge to see the Borealis from your room. Or go dog sledding to meet them at night.

Hopewell Rocks' flowerpot rocks at low tide.

25. Kayak at Hopewell Rocks and See the Largest Tides in the World

The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world where the water level changes by 40ft twice a day! You can visit to walk on the ocean floor when the tide goes out, and then return to sea kayak around the pillars you were walking under just hours before.

I was blown away by the difference when I visited! And by how soft the muddy sea floor is to walk on. 

Man soaking in a natural hot spring like the kind you can visit in British Columbia.

26. Soak in Natural Hot Springs

The tradition of using natural hot springs to relieve your aches dates back to the First Nations people in BC, who would soak in the mineral waters as a form of healing. The tradition continues today, with many beautiful hot springs located around the province.

You can find hot springs across Canada in Banff, Quebec, and BC to name a few.ย 

Theyโ€™re an amazing way to warm up in winter, too! 

27. See the Smoking Hills of Inuvik

These barren red rocks in the Northwest Territories of Canada have been smoldering for centuries, releasing smoke that seems to come from the depths of hell.

Itโ€™s actually sulfur beneath the surface smoking. It looks similar to what I saw in Iceland, but a completely different landscape. 

Dogs running ahead of a dog sled in nunavut canada.

28. Go Dog Sledding in Nunavut

Go dog sledding, like the Inuit have done for centuries. Youโ€™ll get to work with a Qimmiit – a dog bred especially for dog sledding.

Local communities offer dog sledding expeditions in winter and summer. Summer is the best time to go, as you can see the breaking ice floes and participate in a traditional Inuit way of transportation.

29. Kayak Through Iceberg Alley

Head to Iceberg Alley, a section of the Atlantic coast that stretches from Labrador along the Northeast coast of Newfoundland. You can go out to see these incredible structures in a kayak, and even get to chisel off a piece to taste!

30. Get Screeched In

Itโ€™s a Newfie tradition to โ€œscreech inโ€ new settlers. The tradition involves drinking Screech โ€“ a type of rum that tastes more like moonshine โ€“ and kissing a dead cod fish on the lips.

Even if you arenโ€™t a local, you can try some screech and maybe theyโ€™ll let you kiss the fish that somehow seems available in every pub.

Anne of Green Gables home in PEI - a barn with green fields.

31. Visit the Birthplace of Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables may be a fictional character, but she still has a birthplace in Canada. Visit the home in Cavendish that inspired L.M. Montgomery to create Green Gables.

32. Have Your Mind Blown at Magnetic Hill

Cars canโ€™t roll uphill, right? Magnetic Hill will challenge everything you know about gravity. Visit, flip your car into neutral, and watch as your car magically goes up the hill on its own.

33. Spot Wild Horses at Sable Island

Sable Island is a beautiful national park reserve that is home to hundreds of wild horses. These horses were introduced to the island in the 1700s, and have since flourished.

Visit one of the most secluded places in the world to watch the wild horses roam.

34. Meet First Nations at Canadaโ€™s Largest Pow Wow

In May, Winnipeg hosts Canadaโ€™s largest Pow Wow: Manito Ahbee Festival. The festival showcases traditional dress, cultural traditions, and First Nations music. Donโ€™t miss the intertribal dance!

35. Float in Canadaโ€™s Dead Sea

Did you know that the Dead Sea in Jordan isnโ€™t the only one in the world? Visit Lake Manitou in Saskatchewan to float in water 3x saltier than the ocean!

36. Visit the Most Northern Sand Dunes in the World

Saskatchewan is more than farmland and lentil fields. The Athabasca Sand Dunes are an undiscovered gem that offers unique landscapes.

They can be difficult to access, so the Great Sand Hills are an excellent alternative that offers similar views of sand dunes in the north.

37. Scuba Dive Through Lake Minnewankaโ€™s Underwater Ghost Town

Lake Minnewanka holds a secret: an underwater ghost town, complete with a hotel. 60 feet beneath the waterโ€™s icy surface lies the 1886 town of Minnewanka Landing. The town thrived until 1941, when dams made the water levels rise and ended up flooding the town.

Now you can scuba dive to see this underwater ghost town. 

Rocky Mountaineer train going through the forest in Canada.

38. Ride the Rocky Mountaineer through the Rockies

Riding the Rocky Mountaineer is a dream of most Canadians. The iconic train features large glass windows that offer one-of-a-kind views of the Rocky Mountains on a trip from Alberta to B.C.

The Rocky Mountaineer offers multiple routes, with options to focus on the gold rush, the highest peaks of the Rockies, or a classic route from East to West. You can do most routes in 2-3 days, or extend your time by adding on off-train adventures or circling your journey back through the Rockies.

39. Hunt for Dinosaur Bones in Drumheller

The largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world is in Drumheller, Alberta. Most of the dinosaur bones have been found in Red Deer River valley, colloquially known as Dinosaur Valley. You can see the largest dinosaur in the Royal Tyrrell Museum and learn from local experts.

While you canโ€™t actually hunt for your own bones, you can take a helicopter tour above the dig sites where bones have previously been found. Or hike through the Alberta badlands on your own.

40. Recharge at a Riverside Spa

Unlike other spas in hotels, Bota Bota is a floating spa, built on a historic river ferry. Its unique location doesnโ€™t prevent it from offering incredible spa services, like one of the most relaxing massages Iโ€™ve ever experienced.

Book a treatment at Bota Bota for access to their outdoor hot pools, where you can soak with an unobstructed view of Montrealโ€™s harbour.

A display of maple syrup bottles, showcasing the richness of Canada's cuisine.

41. Make Maple Syrup at a Cabane รก Sucre

Known as a Sugar Shack in English, Cabane รก Sucre is the French name for the location where maple sap is turned into maple syrup. Visit in the Spring to learn how they turn sap from trees into the delicious Canadian delicacy that we all love today.

Sucrerie de la Montagne in Quebec is open year-round and offers traditional Canadian pioneer meals, featuring lots of maple-infused dishes for you to enjoy.

42. Sail Through Desolation Sound

Desolation Sound is the largest marine park in British Columbia. Like Milford Sound, it is renowned for its natural beauty.

Travel through the series of islands to explore this natural wonder. Youโ€™ll spot seals, otters, and orcas as you make your way through the calm waters. Extend your adventure by camping on the rocky points.

43. Shop at the Largest Underground Mall on the PATH

Iโ€™ve walked the mall a thousand times growing up and never knew it was special until a few years ago. Now I tell everyone about it!

The PATH is the largest underground mall in the world with over 70 buildings connected, hundreds of shops, and dozens of service centres. My dentist is even down there! 

Itโ€™s also a great way to avoid the cold during Toronto winters. 

Bridal Veil falls flowing into a small grotto in Manitoulin Island.

44. Hunt for Waterfalls on Manitoulin Island

Located in Northern Ontario, Manitoulin Island is known for its small communities, friendly locals, and incredible relationship with the environment. And being the largest freshwater island in the world. Itโ€™s a very peaceful and spiritual place โ€“ the perfect spot for a natural retreat.

Itโ€™s got gorgeous hikes like the Cup and Saucer Trail, and amazing waterfalls. My favourite is Bridal Veil Falls.

Whistler gondola ride up to the ski hill.

45. Carve Powder in Whistler

People come from around the world to try out Canadaโ€™s most famous ski hill in Whistler, British Columbia.

Visit Whistler to ski the Whistler Blackcomb, one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Youโ€™ll find challenging courses for skiers and snowboarders alike. If you want more of an adventure, head to Olympic Park, the site of the Vancouver Olympics, where you can try ski jumping and tobogganing.

Other great ski resorts are:

  • Mont Tremblant
  • Blue Mountain
  • Banffโ€™s Sunshine Village
  • Revelstoke
  • Kicking Horse Mountain

46. Fish for Salmon in the Salmon Capital

Campbell River, or the Salmon Capital of the World, is known for its four species of salmon. Grab your rod and try to reel some in for yourself!

47. Compete in a Bathtub Race

Every year, the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society hosts the bathtub races, where individuals convert bathtubs into boats and race them. It began in 1967 to put Nanaimo on the map, and it worked!

Visit the last weekend of July to watch this event, and maybe compete if youโ€™ve got a motor-powered bathtub with you!

48. Search for Ogopogo, Canadaโ€™s Nessie

Kelowna, BC is known for two things: wine and Ogopogo.

Ogopogo is the most famous lake monster in Canada that youโ€™ve never heard of. Stories date back thousands of years, when First Nations people first began to see the creature. Its original name was Nโ€™ha-a-itk, until the European settlers changed it to Ogopogo.

Visit Okanagan Lake in Kelowna to try to spot the 25 metre long lake monster for yourself! Or maybe people just spotted my golden retriever diving for tennis balls when we were there.

View from a window overlooking Tofino's sandy beach and surf waves, framed by lush greenery, highlighting Canada's stunning Pacific coast.

49. Go for a Sunrise Surf in Tofino

Tofino on Vancouver Island is renowned for its large surf, making it the perfect spot for newbies and advanced surfers to hit the water. I stayed at Long Beach Lodge Resort which has surfing lessons every morning, and a hot tub to warm up in afterwards. 

50. Get an Epic Workout at Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of the most picturesque places in Canada โ€“ which is saying a lot, because our country is stunning. The steep mountain is home to Grouse Grind, also known as โ€œmother natureโ€™s stairmasterโ€. Put your legs to work making your way to the top on foot, or relax in a summer gondola ride that allows 360-degree views of the area.

Youโ€™ll get panoramic views of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains. And you can see grizzly bears at the Wildlife Refuge.

Stanley Seawall wrapping around a cliff with the Pacific Ocean on the side.

51. Walk the Seawall in Stanley Park

Visiting Stanley Park is a must do in Canada. The park, located in Vancouver, is home to the Stanley Park Seawall, a 10 km loop of walking and cycling trails. Get some exercise by cycling, rollerblading, jogging, or walking along this paved path. Youโ€™ll be rewarded with views of the Pacific as you go.

You can walk the whole route, accumulating 13,123 steps (I checked when I did it!), or do parts of the walking trail.

52. Go Wine Tasting in the Okanagan Valley

Okanagan is home to vineyards and fruit orchards, where you can stroll endlessly and snap perfect Instagram shots.

Grab some friends for a weekend getaway or head out on a solo vacation to explore Kelowna, the main city in the area.

The best wineries are:

  • Summerhill
  • Phantom Creek
  • Lake Breeze
Nina having high tea at the Fairmont Empress.

53. Have High Tea and Purple Gin at the Fairmont Empress

Stop into this amazing hotel for afternoon tea if you arenโ€™t staying in the hotel to appreciate the gorgeous architecture. Have a traditional tea, complete with views of the harbour as you enjoy your scones. 

Itโ€™s a romantic Vancouver date idea.

You can also have lunch on the patio and drink their famous purple gin! 

54. Visit the Winter Carnaval Festival

Quebec is home to the largest winter carnival festival in the world! Walk through a labyrinth of ice sculptures in downtown Montreal. Watch the ice canoe race. Stop by Bonhommeโ€™s palace to spot the famous snowman mascot of the event. Party like a kind at night, with a local Caribou cocktail.

55. Spot Celebrities at TIFF

The Toronto International Film Festival brings celebrities from around the world flock to Toronto in September.

56. Watch the Calgary Stampede

Every July, Calgary connects with its rodeo roots and hosts the Calgary Stampede. This festival is held every July, lasting 10 days.

Visit โ€œThe Greatest Outdoor Show on Earthโ€ to watch bucking broncos, cow wrangling, and a giant parade. You can play games at the midway, dress in your finest cowboy garb, and learn more about First Nations cultures.

57. Shop at Canadaโ€™s Largest Mall

West Edmonton Mall is the largest mall in North America โ€“ beating out anything in the US. The mall is so big that it has a waterpark, Ferris wheel, skating rink, mini-golf course, and go-kart track all within the building!

Visit to shop, adventure, or stay at a hotel within the mall (yes, thereโ€™s more than one).

Stay in the FantasyLand Hotel for a truly out-of-this-world experience. They have 120 rooms all with different fantasy themes, from Western to Sci-Fi.

Upclose view of the road driving north on the Icefields Parkway.

58. Drive the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is a highway that runs from Jasper to Banff. The route takes you through both national parks, past 100 glaciers, and amongst an abundance of wildlife species.

This is a slow drive that requires time to stop for hikes, to take in the view, and to capture stunning pics to share with friends. Theo and I did it this summer. 

59. Howl at Wolves

In the summer, Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan is a haven of wildlife and dense forests. The park interpreters bring a caravan of visitors to the forest every day to howl at the wolves, and listen to them howl back.

Buffalo sculpture in front of a sunset at the First Nations University in Canada.

60. Horse Ride with Bison

Prince Albert National Park is home to the last remaining Plains Bison that once dominated the Prairie landscape. Take a horseback riding tour with Sturgeon River Ranch of the area to sneak up on wild moose, bison, and bears without scaring them away. Itโ€™s one of the most authentic and unique ways to explore the Prairies.

61. Go Rafting on a Tidal Bore

When Nova Scotiaโ€™s longest river encounters the rushing water of the Bay of Fundy, it creates a tidal bore. This phenomenon creates a four-foot-tall wave that swallows the sandbar and creates intense rapids.

62. Learn About Canadian Immigration History at Pier 21

My grandmother came to Canada in the 50s, fleeing WW2 Serbia (then Yugoslavia). Her story and the story of countless other immigrants are displayed in the Nova Scotia Pier 21 Museum. Located on the Halifax boardwalk, this museum is a crucial visit to understand the cultural history of Canada post-war.

63. Visit the Graves of Titanic Victims

When the Titanic sank, many of the bodies washed up on Canadaโ€™s coast. Halifax, Nova Scotia received the brunt of the bodies and created dedicated cemeteries to ensure the victims had a proper burial.

You can visit the graves to pay your respects and even eat in the building that was once the morgue.

Peggy's Cove lighthouse with a red top on top of large boulders.

64. Visit the Iconic Peggyโ€™s Cove Lighthouse

Peggyโ€™s Cove is one of the most picturesque places in Canada with the best lobster rolls.

65. Camp in Fundy National Park

Explore over 120kms of walking and hiking trails. Youโ€™ll see valleys, mountains, and waterfalls on your expeditions. You can relax on the beaches or take to the water in this rare coastal wilderness park.

Take the Fundy Footpath for an epic hike where youโ€™ll need to camp to make it from one end to the other. The 60km trail will take you from one end of the park to the other.

66. Walk on the Red Sand of PEI

PEI is famous for their beaches. The island is home to red sand beaches, where you canโ€™t wear white or youโ€™ll ruin your clothes.

At Basin Head Beach the sand actually sings to you! Scuff your feet along the dry sand and youโ€™ll hear this unique melody.

67. Cycle the Confederation Trail

This cycling trail runs from one tip of PEI to the other. Youโ€™ll be able to cycle across the province without worrying about cars, able to take in the beauty of the island.

68. Get a Scoop (and a Tee) at Cowโ€™s Creamery

Hailed as one of the best ice cream shops in Canada, visiting Cows is a must do thing when youโ€™re in PEI. The ice cream chain was created in PEI and is home to truly delicious ice cream. It rivals any Ben&Jerryโ€™s or Haagen Dazs pint youโ€™ll find!

Be sure to grab a souvenir t-shirt with their cow puns!

69. Hike the Gros Morne Tablelands

Visit Gros Morne Tablelands to hike some of the oldest rocks on the planet.

Caribou in newfoundland canada.

70. See the Caribou Migration from the Sky

Every year countless caribou migrate across the remote tundra to move from Nunavut to northern Quebec and Labrador. Witnessing thousands of caribou in one place in Labradorโ€™s George River is a truly unique Canadian bucket list activity.

To see the caribou best, fly above them with a local biologist.

71. Raft the Nahanni

The Nahanni gets its water from a waterfall twice the height of Niagara Falls. Join a local rafting tour to snake your way through the rapids, past 500km of undisturbed wilderness.

72. Cruise to Baffin Island

Baffin Island is the largest island in Canada and the 5th largest in the world. Itโ€™s an Arctic time capsule that holds the last remnant of an ice age: Penny Ice Cap.

Visit by cruise to walk amongst the icebergs, glaciers, and tundra. Donโ€™t forget to scale Mount Thor while youโ€™re on the island.

73. Take a Sour Toe Shot

The Yukon has a strange obsession with sour things. You call a local a Sourdough, and even have a โ€œsour toeโ€ shot.

Now, this shot isnโ€™t for the feint of heart: it involves drinking a shot with a pickled human toe in it!

74. Learn to Speak Like a Canuck

Learn some of the essential Canadian slang during your visit to understand what weโ€™re saying. Youโ€™ll need to know:

  • How we use โ€œehโ€
  • Say sorry, even if it wasnโ€™t your fault
  • A double double is a drink order
  • Canuck means Canadian
  • We measure distances in time rather than units of distance (i.e. itโ€™s 1 hour away)

Learn more Canadian sayings to prepare to visit Canada.

Ice wine in a display at a liquor store.

75. Go Ice Wine Tasting in Niagara

Drink sweet Canadian dessert wine at Niagara on the Lake.

76. Go Backcountry Camping in Banff

One of the best places for camping in Canada is Banff National Park. 

77. Rent a Campervan or RV on Vancouver Island

Rent a campervan or RV in Vancouver Island and experience the beautiful rainforests of the West Coast in a unique way.

View down from a mountain in Alaska looking at the cruise port and two cruise ships.

78. Take a Cruise From Vancouver to Alaska

Cruise north to Alaska to see humpback whales, grizzlies, jumping salmon, and a gorgeous rainforest. 

Golden retriever lying on a pebble beach at sunset, with gentle waves in the background, capturing a serene moment along Canada's picturesque coastline.

79. Enjoy the Summer Sun on Victoriaโ€™s Beaches

The warmest and most beautiful rocky beaches in Canada are in Victoria – including dog friendly ones!

80. Take Part in Torontoโ€™s Pride Festival

One of the largest LGBTQ++ community celebrations in the world every June.

81. Spot the Canadian Big 5

Technically, this is an African term for the 5 animals youโ€™ll see on safaris, but Iโ€™ve repurposed it for Canada.

  • Beavers
  • Moose
  • Beluga Whales
  • Bears (especially Polar Bears)
  • Timber Wolves
Information sign at the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site in Alberta, Canada, offering historical insights into indigenous hunting practices and cultural heritage.

82. Learn About Indigenous History at Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump

Learn about Indigenous life in Canada before the settlers at this UNESCO site. 

83. Visit Yukonโ€™s Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake really lives up to its name. Itโ€™s famous for the rich green colour of the water and has quickly become an Instagram sensation.

What Are You Waiting For?

Canada is one of the most interesting countries in the world. Itโ€™s an underrated travel destination with a lot of misconceptions from tourists. On your next visit, leave Toronto behind to explore more of what Canada has to offer. Itโ€™ll help you fall in love with the country.

Book your flight today so you can start crossing some bucket list Canada experiences off this list!

When you’re ready to visit Canada, find the cheapest flights with this tool.


Read More About Canada!

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Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES! โ€” Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes โ€” In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes โ€” Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)

📲 Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe โ€” Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩 Whatโ€™s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️ Whatโ€™s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not โ€” US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.