20 Must-Try Experiences in Canada
Canada is a vast and diverse country filled with breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or history buff, there’s something for everyone. Here are 20 must-try things to do in Canada, from witnessing the Northern Lights to surfing on the Atlantic coast!
1. Take a Dog Sledding Ride in Whitehorse, Yukon
Dog sledding is a quintessential Canadian experience, especially in the Yukon Territory. Whitehorse, the capital city, is one of the best places to embark on this thrilling adventure. Before setting off on the sled, you’ll have the chance to meet the dogs, learn about the history of mushing, and receive training from expert guides. Riding through snow-covered forests and frozen lakes, with nothing but the sound of the sled gliding over the snow, is an unforgettable experience.
If you're looking for a half-day or full-day tour, many companies in Whitehorse offer packages that include gear rental, guided instruction, and even a warm meal after your ride. For the ultimate adventure, consider a multi-day expedition where you’ll camp under the stars and fully immerse yourself in this unique Arctic tradition.
2. Surf at Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia
Surfing in Canada? Yes! While many think of California or Australia as the go-to surf destinations, Nova Scotia boasts some of the best surfing conditions in the world. Lawrencetown Beach, located just 30 minutes from Halifax, is a hotspot for surfers year-round. With the powerful waves of the Atlantic, it's an ideal location for both beginners and experienced surfers alike.
During the summer, the water is warm, making it a great time for newcomers to take lessons at one of the many surf schools nearby. But for those who love a real challenge, the fall and winter months bring the biggest waves, making it a haven for experienced surfers. Surfing in Nova Scotia offers an entirely different experience—imagine riding waves while surrounded by rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and fresh ocean air.
3. Ice Climb in the Rocky Mountains, Alberta
For an adrenaline-pumping experience, try ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies, one of the best locations in the world for this extreme sport. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a beginner looking to challenge yourself, the towering frozen waterfalls and cliffs provide an epic adventure.
Climbing routes range from easier ascents in places like Johnston Canyon to more advanced routes on the Weeping Wall or Polar Circus. Climbers use specialized ice axes, crampons, and ropes to scale frozen walls of ice, making this a truly unique winter sport. It’s important to book a guided ice climbing tour, as professionals will ensure you have the right safety equipment and techniques.
4. Watch the Northern Lights in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Seeing the Aurora Borealis is one of the most magical experiences in the world, and Yellowknife is the best place in Canada to witness this natural light show. Located far north in the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife provides clear skies and minimal light pollution, making it ideal for aurora viewing.
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between November and April, when the nights are long and dark. You can watch the lights dance in the sky from a lakeside cabin, join a guided tour to remote viewing spots, or even witness the phenomenon from the comfort of a heated Aurora Dome.
Many tours offer cozy teepee experiences, where you can sip hot chocolate, learn about the science behind the Northern Lights, and capture stunning photos of the swirling green and purple lights.
📍 Plan your Northern Lights trip
5. Try the CN Tower EdgeWalk in Toronto, Ontario
If you're a thrill-seeker, the CN Tower EdgeWalk in Toronto is a must-try. This attraction allows visitors to walk hands-free around the outside of the CN Tower’s main pod, 1,168 feet (356m) above the ground. Suspended only by a harness, you’ll lean back over the edge and take in 360-degree views of Toronto’s skyline, Lake Ontario, and beyond.
The EdgeWalk is one of the most extreme urban adventures in the world and has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the highest full-circle hands-free walk. You’ll receive a safety briefing, full-body suit, and video/photos of your experience. If you’re looking for an unforgettable thrill, this is it!
6. Stay at the Ice Hotel in Quebec
The Hôtel de Glace in Quebec is a one-of-a-kind winter experience that you won’t find anywhere else in North America. Every year, this hotel is completely rebuilt out of ice and snow, featuring stunning ice-carved sculptures, elaborate ice rooms, and even an ice bar.
Guests can stay overnight in temperature-controlled ice rooms, cozy up in sleeping bags on ice beds, or enjoy a warm outdoor spa under the stars. Even if you don’t stay the night, you can take a day tour, visit the ice chapel, or sip a cocktail in an ice glass at the Ice Bar.
7. See the Polar Bears in Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill, Manitoba is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in the wild. Often referred to as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, Churchill attracts visitors from all over to witness these majestic creatures as they migrate across the tundra.
The best time to visit is between September and November, when the bears gather near Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to form. The safest and best way to see them is on a guided tundra buggy tour, which allows you to get up close to the bears while staying protected in an enclosed vehicle.
8. Kiteboard on Malpeque Bay, Prince Edward Island
PEI is a kiteboarding paradise, thanks to its steady winds and shallow waters. This sport, which combines elements of wakeboarding, surfing, and windsurfing, allows you to ride the waves while being propelled by a giant kite.
Malpeque Bay is one of the top locations in Canada for kiteboarding, offering ideal wind conditions for both beginners and pros. Whether you're trying it for the first time or refining your skills, the island’s numerous kiteboarding schools provide excellent training and rental equipment.
9. Hike the Fundy Trail Parkway, New Brunswick
The Fundy Trail Parkway is one of Canada's most stunning coastal hiking routes, offering breathtaking ocean views, lush forests, and rugged cliffs. Located along the Bay of Fundy, home to the world's highest tides, this trail provides a mix of short scenic walks and challenging multi-day hikes.
The parkway is 30 kilometers long, featuring 21 hiking and biking trails, seven beaches, and multiple lookout points. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Fundy Footpath, a 61-kilometer backcountry trail that takes about 4-5 days to complete. For a more leisurely experience, drive the parkway and stop at designated lookouts for panoramic ocean views.
10. Immerse Yourself in Inuit Culture in Nunavut
Experience authentic Inuit culture in Nunavut, Canada’s most remote territory. With no roads connecting Nunavut to the rest of Canada, visitors must fly into Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, or Pond Inlet to begin their journey.
Here, you can learn about traditional Inuit art, try throat singing, and participate in community feasts. The breathtaking Arctic landscape offers opportunities to watch narwhals, go on guided dog sledding tours, and experience the Midnight Sun. If you visit in winter, you can also witness the spectacular Northern Lights in one of the least light-polluted places on Earth.
11. Bungee Jump in Nanaimo, British Columbia
For thrill-seekers, bungee jumping in Nanaimo is an experience like no other. Located at WildPlay Element Parks, this 150-foot (46-meter) jump takes place over the Nanaimo River, surrounded by lush forests.
You can jump solo or tandem, and for an extra challenge, opt for the Water Touch, where your hands or feet dip into the river below. The park also offers ziplining, aerial obstacle courses, and free-fall jumps, making it a perfect adventure destination.
12. Visit Niagara Falls, Ontario
A must-see in Canada, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. This natural wonder consists of three falls—Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—which together create the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America.
Visitors can take a boat tour on the Hornblower to get up close to the falls, explore the Journey Behind the Falls experience, or even see the falls illuminated at night. The surrounding town of Niagara-on-the-Lake offers wine tasting, boutique shopping, and fine dining.
📍 Plan your Niagara Falls visit
13. Drive the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
One of the most scenic drives in the world, the Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering stunning coastal and mountain views.
This 298-kilometer route takes you through charming fishing villages, hiking trails, and scenic lookout points. The best time to visit is in the autumn, when the leaves change color, creating a breathtaking display of reds, oranges, and yellows. Stop for a lobster dinner, go whale watching, or hike the Skyline Trail for an unforgettable sunset view.
14. Skate on the Rideau Canal, Ottawa
The Rideau Canal turns into the world’s largest skating rink in winter, offering a unique way to explore Ottawa.
Stretching 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles) through downtown Ottawa, the Rideau Canal Skateway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from around the world. Along the way, stop at food stands serving classic Canadian treats like BeaverTails and poutine. Skating is free, and you can rent skates at several locations.
15. Visit Anne of Green Gables House, Prince Edward Island
Fans of Anne of Green Gables can visit the real-life Green Gables House in Prince Edward Island.
Located in Cavendish, the Anne of Green Gables Museum allows visitors to explore the home that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novel. Walk through the Lover’s Lane trail, see Montgomery’s handwritten manuscripts, and even dress up as Anne for a photoshoot. The nearby Prince Edward Island National Park offers stunning beaches and red sandstone cliffs to explore.
16. Explore a Cave in Canmore, Alberta
Take a guided cave tour through underground passages and stunning rock formations in Rat’s Nest Cave, located just outside Banff National Park.
Unlike typical caves with built-in lights and pathways, this authentic caving experience requires visitors to climb, crawl, and squeeze through narrow passages. Highlights include the Grand Gallery, an enormous cavern filled with stalactites, and the Grotto, a crystal-clear underground pool.
17. Go Whale Watching in Victoria, British Columbia
See orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales in their natural habitat off Vancouver Island’s coast.
Victoria is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with tours available year-round. From May to October, resident killer whales (orcas) are frequently spotted. In addition to whales, visitors may also see dolphins, sea lions, and bald eagles.
18. Visit the Icefields Parkway, Alberta
The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world, stretching 230 kilometers between Jasper and Banff. This is my favorite drive in Canada - I try to drive it every year!
Along the way, visitors can stop at famous landmarks like Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, and Athabasca Falls. The Glacier Skywalk offers a glass-bottomed viewing platform over the Sunwapta Valley, providing breathtaking views of glaciers and rugged mountain landscapes.
19. Attend the Calgary Stampede, Alberta
Known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede is a 10-day festival featuring rodeos, concerts, parades, and chuckwagon races.
Held every July, the event draws visitors from around the world to experience authentic western culture, carnival rides, and unique food (try deep-fried Oreos or mini donuts!).
20. Walk on the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver
This 450-foot-long (137m) suspension bridge is one of Vancouver’s most famous attractions, offering stunning views of the Capilano River and lush rainforest.
In addition to the bridge, visitors can explore tree-top adventure courses, cliff walks, and Indigenous cultural exhibits.
Conclusion
Canada is a country unlike any other, offering a vast array of landscapes, cultures, and experiences that cater to every type of traveler. From the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains to the cultural richness of Nunavut, and the thrilling adventures of the CN Tower EdgeWalk to the serene beauty of Niagara Falls, this list highlights just a fraction of what Canada has to offer.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking out extreme activities like bungee jumping and ice climbing, a history buff exploring sites like Green Gables and Indigenous cultural hubs, or a nature lover looking for whale watching, hiking, and Northern Lights viewing, Canada provides endless opportunities for unforgettable adventures.
No matter the season, there’s always something incredible to do in Canada, whether it’s skating on the Rideau Canal in winter, hiking the Cabot Trail in autumn, or whale watching in the summer months. This diverse and welcoming country promises something special for every traveler, making it the perfect destination to explore year after year.
So pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and start checking off your Canadian bucket list!
Start your Canadian adventure today!
📩 Contact me here.
📲 Follow me on social media here.
CONNECT WITH ME
〰️
CONNECT WITH ME 〰️
