Looking for the best things to do in Canada? Look no further.
Canada is geographically the 2nd largest country in the world, covering a land mass of 9.8 million square kilometers. With a varied terrain consisting of rocky mountains, freshwater lakes, old-growth forests, prairies, and icy artics, Canada is a must-see place for nature lovers.
Canada is highly cultured. With its French and English settlement history as well as indigenous heritage, and ethnicities from all over the world, Canada is a diverse, multicultural society where over 200 different languages are spoken.
I have tips that will allow you to learn more about Canadian culture and experience the way of life of Canadians.
So, let’s chat about the best items to add to your Canada bucket list.
23 Best ‘Bucket List’ Things to Do in Canada
- Visit the ‘Europe of North America’
Quebec City is more than just the oldest city in Canada; it also has a lot of special gems that you can’t find elsewhere on the continent.
Old Quebec City which was settled by French explorers over 400 years ago. You can visit the Citadel which is a medieval fortress built to protect from an American invasion, and walk through the cobblestone old town and admire the quaint boutique stores, hole in the wall cafes and restaurants.
Quebec City is the location for the only crypt in North America, for which you can book a private tour, as well as the only ice hotel in North America that can be visited in the winter months.
Summer in Quebec City is the most popular time to visit, with winter as a close second. Regardless of the time you go to Quebec City, there is almost always something unique going on.
- Go chasing waterfalls
Canada has almost 2,000 waterfalls from coast to coast.
Della Falls is the largest waterfall in Canada at 1,400 ft tall, while Niagara Falls is the most world-famous with the thickest volume of water.
The only way to get to Della Falls is by taking a hike followed by a boat; whereas Niagara Falls can be easily visited from Toronto by car, private tour or public transportation.
The area surrounding Niagara Falls is known for having more waterfalls than any other area in the county, so it’s a good place to visit to see a lot of great ones.
- Visit a sugar bush
A “sugar bush” in Canada is a forestry farmland where maple sytrip is produced. Canada is the world’s largest exporter of maple syrup. Of all the maple syrup exported worldwide, 80% of it comes from the province of Quebec.
The only time of year to truly enjoy sugar bush season is to visit during the late winter and early spring which is when the maple syrup is being extracted from the trees. You can enjoy campfires, take a wagon ride, and enjoy the crisp wintery air among the trees.
You often purchase maple taffy or bottles of maple syrup produced on-site. Sugarbushes can be found primarily in Ontario and Quebec.
- Get a foodie experience in Toronto or Montreal
I often get asked about traditional Canadian food, and what Canadians tend to eat.
The truth is that Canadian food has a mix of influences from indigenous, European, and hundreds of other cultures from around the world.
Toronto and Montreal are both known as foodie destinations in Canada; both of them are known for their variety, creativity and multiculturalism in the food scene and you can eat mouth-watering dishes from around the world.
One of the best foodie experiences in Toronto is to tour the Kensington Market. The Kensington Market is a bohemian neighborhood that functions the same today as it did 100 years ago.
The Kensington Market evolved from being a working-class immigrant neighborhood, to now being a very popular place for students, tourists and foodies. Its known for its multicultural culinary scene, where you can find mouthwatering dishes from around the world.
- Visit Canada’s capital
While many people initially believe Canada’s largest city (Toronto) to be the capital, it is a much smaller city – Ottawa.
Ottawa has a completely different atmosphere from Toronto and some other major cities, but it has beautiful heritage buildings, parliament buildings and some top-notch exciting Canadian experiences.
In addition, Ottawa has some of the best museums in the country. It is said that 9 of the 10 best museums in Canada are located in Ottawa.
In Ottawa, you can do a free guided tour of Rideau Hall, the Supreme Court and Parliament Hill, which allows you to get an insight into how Canada is run. This is interesting to Canadians, but also to visitors who are curious about learning more about Canada.
- Try a poutine
Poutine is a fast food dish that was invented in Quebec. It tends to taste best in Quebec because of the real cheese curds, and locally sourced ingredients, however, you can find decent poutine in many specialty eateries across the country.
Poutine usually consists of simply French fries, cheese curds and gravy, but sometimes there is also chopped meat and other toppings. Nowadays, there are more options for poutines than ever with meat, vegetarian, vegan and even gluten-free options available.
Poutine is typically sold at snack bars, fast food restaurants, and even higher-end restaurants.
As a Canadian, I can tell you that the most authentic poutine is usually found in fast foods, snack bars and food trucks – especially ones that specialize in poutine.
- Try a Canadian winter sport
Many parts of Canada experience white, snowy winters with temperatures cool enough to try winter sports. Some of the most popular Canadian winter sports are hockey, skiing and snowboarding, ice skating and snowshoeing.
Trying these sports can be intimidating for some that haven’t tried them before, but I highly recommend giving them a go if you’re in Canada during winter.
Most ski resorts offer beginner lessons to people of all ages, and many community ice rinks have public skating hours where people of all levels and abilities are welcome.
If you’re looking for an easy winter sport to pick up – snowshoeing is your best bet. Strap on your snowshoes and walk on the snow’s surface, while enjoying the glistening, snow-covered surroundings of the forest.
Pro Tip: Don’t have winter sports gear? No worries! Gear such as skis, snowboards, skates and snowshoes can be easily rented from local sports gear rental businesses. You can also check Kjiji for people who are selling used equipment, which would be much cheaper than buying it brand new.
- Go whale watching
There are over 30 species of whales that live in the oceans off the coast of Canada, and being able to see them in the wild is a mesmerizing experience.
Whale watching can be done on the east coast or the west – some of the most popular places are Vancouver Island, Bay of Fundy and Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and even some parts of Quebec.
The best time to go whale watching in Canada is from April to October.
- Admire indigenous art
Indigenous people have been creating art in modern-day Canada for thousands of years. Some of the oldest indigenous works of art consist of stone carvings found in modern-day Canada that are over 5,000 years old.
Indigenous traditional art can take a variety of forms. In addition to stone carvings, there are embroideries of moose hair, burden straps of twined hemp, intricate beadwork, and colourful paintings.
The best place to appreciate Canadian indigenous artwork is the McMichael Art Collection, just north of Toronto in a town called Kleinburg. There are also many works found at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, as well as art galleries in most major cities around the country.
- Go canoeing
Canoeing is an indigenous sport that dates back to 7,000-8,000 BC. Indigenous people of Canada perfected the design of what is still used today as a modern canoe.
A place called Atikokan, Ontario is known as “the canoeing capital of Canada.” However, you don’t need to go there to try canoeing.
Canoeing can be done on a lake, pond, or river, which makes it very accessible regardless of where you are.
You can go canoeing just about anywhere in Canada, as it’s a popular sport loved by many Canadians. If you visit a national park, there are often outfitters stores where you can rent a canoe, or book a canoe trip.
- Do a wine tour
Wine has been produced in Canada for over 200 years. Canada is not as famous for its wine as its European or Australian counterparts, but many self-proclaimed ‘wine-os’ consider Canadian wines to be of great quality.
The terrain in Ontario in particular allows vineyards to thrive; the Niagara region in particular is known for its wine. Most wineries around the country allow you to drop in for tastings, but it is recommended to book wine tours in advance.
Pro Tip: If you want to try a wine in Canada that is rare anywhere else, you should try ice wine. Canada is one of the few countries to produce ice wine, because of how cold it needs to be for the grapes to freeze.
- See Canadian wildlife
Canada is known for its wildlife, and much of its terrain is made up of conserved land where wild animals can thrive.
Some of the most sought-after animals that people try to spot while camping and hiking are moose, and bears (both grizzly and black), but there are also raccoons, beavers, and loons (the bird found on the $1 Canadian coin.)
One of the most exciting things is to see polar bears and kayaks with beluga whales in a place called Churchill, Manitoba. You take a 40-hour train ride from Winnipeg, which brings you to the town of Churchill near the polar bear habitat where you can get once-in-a-lifetime views of these majestic animals.
- Try authentic bannock bread
Bannock bread is an indigenous Canadian bread recipe. It’s known as the “hockey puck made of carbohydrates.”
The challenge with finding authentic Bannock bread is that it’s not typically found in mainstream grocery stores or bakeries. You need to look for indigenous bakeries, which are quite rare in Canada, but they do exist.
Some of the best places to try Bannock are in British Columbia. Salmon N’ Bannock in downtown Vancouver is indigenous-owned and operated, and bakes fresh bannock as well as other indigenous cuisine.
You can also try Bannock Queen Bakery in Delta, BC or Tea N’ Bannock in Toronto
- Visit a farmer’s market
Vising a farmers market allows you to buy freshly produced, locally sourced food products from Canadian farmers. You can find meat, cheeses, and fresh produce.
Visiting a farmers market also gives you a chance to meet the farmers, and learn more about Canadian crop production.
Farmers markets can be found in small towns and cities around the country, and typically happen on weekends between May and October.
- Do a haunted walk
Although Canadians have a worldwide reputation for being ‘nice,’ there are some dark sides to many Canadian towns and cities. Haunted walks are common in most Canadian cities to hear some bone-chilling tales and accounts of paranormal activity.
One of the most popular haunted walks in the country is in Kingston, Ontario which was Canada’s capital before Ottawa took over.
Haunted walks year-round in Canada, while some smaller communities may only do them during the Halloween season.
Pro Tip: If you’re going to be in Canada during October, then you will be able to experience Halloween, which is a very popular holiday in Canada. There are typically more haunted walks and activities during this time, so be sure to look out for them!
- Go hiking in the wilderness
Canada has incredible wilderness, with the terrain differing from coast to coast.
Between rocky mountains, old-growth forests, rock formations of the Canadian Shield, and stunning lakes, Canada is one of the most beautiful countries to go hiking.
With four different seasons, you can find stunning nature that varies from month to month. One of the trails in Canada is the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, which can be either hiked or driven through.
Some of the best places to hike in Canada are national and provincial parks. Some of these government-operated parks require a reservation and payment. It’s important to look into the park you plan to visit to see if you need to reserve before visiting.
- Explore shipwrecks
There are said to be over 6,000 shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, which date as far back as the 1600s. The icy cold water of these lakes keeps the ships well intact.
Canada may not have beautiful corals like the Caribbean and Australia, but it has crystal clear freshwater (in some areas) where you can snorkel or scuba dive for shipwrecks.
There are dive shops in many areas of Ontario that allow you to explore shipwrecks through scuba diving or snorkelling. You can snorkel in Lake Ontario, Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay, among others to find ships that sank over 100 years ago.
- Soar through the forest on Canada’s longest zip-line
The Sasquatch is the longest zipline in North America and connects Whistler to the Blackcomb Mountains.
Nearby, there is also Eagle Canyon, which is Canada’s longest suspension bridge.
Since these two activities are near each other, they can be booked together at Eagle Canyon Adventures.
- Do the edge walk in Toronto
The CN Tower, once the tallest free structure in the world, remains Canada’s tallest building.
A popular activity called Edgwalk started in 2011, which consisted of hanging over the edge of the CN Tower, feeling the wind at your neck as you hang backwards towards the city below.
Not up for Edgewalk? Not a problem – there are many other ways to experience the CN Tower. You can stand on the glass floor from 1800 feet in the air, looking down at the ground below.
You can also dine at the 360 restaurant, which revolves slowly, giving you unbeatable views of the city and Lake Ontario. (Be sure to make reservations in advance at the 360 restaurant, as it fills up, especially on weekends.)
- See the Northern Lights
With its location in the Northern Hemisphere and its long winter, Canada has many great locations for seeing the northern lights.
You don’t often need to go anywhere ‘special’ to see them – I have seen them from my backyard porch. But there are some areas where you have a greater chance of seeing them.
Generally, the further ‘north’ you are, the higher the chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Being in a rural area without too much ‘light pollution’ helps as well. There is a special Yukon Hunting Tour in the Yukon, in northwest Canada.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Canada is between November to April. They can still be viewed in the summertime (in fact, I have only seen them in the summer.)
- Venture into small towns
When visiting Canada, don’t overlook some of the small towns and villages.
While big cities like Toronto and Niagara Falls are exciting, Ontario has dozens of quaint, small tourist towns that shouldn’t be overlooked. This also goes for British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta and the maritime provinces.
Visiting small towns allows you to experience some local culture, history and way of life of many Canadians, try locally sourced cuisine, and learn more about the heritage of Canada.
- See snow and ice sculptures
One of the prettiest things about winter in Canada is the creation of beautiful ice and snow sculptures. You can usually find ice sculptures at winter festivals (weather permitting) that are held in cities and in small towns.
Ice sculptures are especially prominent in Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta because of the international ice carving competition called Ice Magic.
Ice Magic happens during January and has been running for over 30 years.
- Explore northern dunes
You didn’t think we’d finish this list without mentioning the prairies, did you?
While Saskatchewan isn’t known for much outside the province besides wheat fields, it has one of the rare ecosystems in the country – Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park
Located in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, these are the most northern sand dunes in the world and some of them reach almost 100 feet high.
This park is only accessible by a float plane, and there are no services within the park – just the awe of natural beauty.
Because of its location far from any services, the park is only recommended to seasoned hikers with a decent level of fitness. Read about restrictions, and how to book permits here.
How to Get Around Canada
There are train systems that connect large cities. Going into rural areas will often require a bus.
The easiest way to get around outside the major cities is by car.
2 Tips for Checking Experiences off your Canada Bucket List
- Look for alternatives in different provinces or territories
Canada is a large country, with a variety of things to do from coast to coast. Whatever you intend to do somewhere, there will be a smaller version of it somewhere else.
For example, while Quebec is known for poutine – you can still find it in other provinces. British Columbia might have the longest zipline and suspension bridge, but you can find great ones across the country too.
Visiting all provinces and territories would be costly and take a lot of time, which is something even most Canadians haven’t done.
- Dress for the weather
If you’re in Canada during the months between November and March, (regardless of if you try any winter sports) you will need some warm winter clothing, such as hats, mitts, scarves and a warm coat. Waterproof winter or hiking boots are also recommended.
Its also worth it to know that summer in Canada can be very hot, especially in Ontario where temperatures often reach over 30 C – so don’t forget your summer clothes if you’ll be in Canada between May and September.
Best things to Do in Canada: FAQs
Is Canada worth a visit?
Canada is definitely worth a visit. It’s a great destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, bird and wildlife photographers, solo travellers and families.
What is the most beautiful province in Canada?
The title for Canada’s most beautiful province is debatable, but many Canadians would agree that the Western provinces, British Columbia and Alberta would be the most beautiful in Canada.
Their dramatic landscape of the rocky mountains and turquoise coloured lakes is serene and unbeatable.
What is Canada known for?
Canada is known for rocky mountains, maple syrup, wildlife such as moose, bears, beavers and Canadian geese, and of course, its national sport – hockey.
Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Canada
By now, you know some of the iconic, most memorable things to do in Canada to make your trip or stay the most enjoyable. Whichever of the above activities you decide to add to your Canada bucket list, I am certain that your time in Canada will make memories that you will cherish.
Taking part in these Canada bucket list activities you become acquainted with Canadian culture and heritage, and experience the Canadian lifestyle; a lot of which involves the great outdoors.
