Top-rated Canadian Experiences
Canada is the second largest country in the world based on total land area. Due to its large size, it has a lot to offer visitors and residents in terms of outdoor recreation. Throughout the country, you will experience four different terrains and five different climates. On the coastlines, you can explore rainforests, while inland you can walk along desert plains.
Amongst the unique and diverse geography, you will have the opportunity to experience some bucket list destinations and attractions. If you are thinking about exploring Canada as a resident or tourist, you will want to add these 10 bucket list Canadian Experiences to your must-see list.
10 Bucket List Canadian Experiences
Northern Lights, Yellowknife
Canada is one of the best places in the world to spot the northern lights and Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories is a popular place to do it. We suggest travelling between January – April when the night’s skies are the clearest. Take a tour or venture out on your own to a location away from city lights. To increase your chances of seeing these fantastic lights, plan your trip to allow for at least three-four days in Yellowknife, this will maximize your chances of getting a clear night.
Whale Watching, Tofino
Grey whales, humpback whales and orcas all frequent the West Coast of Canada and are frequently seen on whale watching trips in Tofino. The open ocean makes travelling on a zodiac extra exciting, and the plethora of wildlife is almost beyond comprehension. Tiny Tofino is on the coastline of Vancouver Island. Its exposed location makes it an ideal place for wildlife sightings, surfing and hiking. During a whale watching trip in Tofino, you will see more than just whales; seals, sea lions, sea otters and puffins all live in the area, and if you choose you can end your trip at the natural hot springs cove just off the coast of Tofino.
Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer is an iconic journey through Western Canada and into the Canadian Rockies. Most passengers will opt for a two-day journey from Vancouver – Banff or Lake Louise. The train is equipped with glass dome windows, which allows for the beautiful scenery to be seen from every direction. Experience the spiral tunnels, glacier-fed rivers, snowy mountains and wildlife. Once in Banff or Lake Louise, explore the town, take a hike or go out for a paddle on the world famous Lake Louise.
Ski/Snowboard, Whistler
Whistler is a two-hour drive from Vancouver, British Columbia; it is a world-class ski resort and was the host of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. It is one of the largest ski resorts in North America and boasts a variety of different runs and parks. This beautiful mountain town has also developed into a summer destination, with great golf courses, mountain biking, hiking and lively nightlife.
Polar Bears, Churchill
Every year from September – November majestic polar bears pass through Churchill, Manitoba on their migratory route to the frozen waters of Hudson Bay. These beautiful creatures are best seen on a guided tour, as you will want to be sure to respect their privacy and your safety. This is one of only a few human settlements in the world, where you can see polar bears in the wild.
Niagra Falls, Ontario
Niagra Falls is actually three separate falls. These falls are on the border of Ontario and New York, USA. The falls range from 21 – 34 meters. Taking a boat trip, where you can feel the mist coming off the falls is a truly humbling moment and something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Calgary Stampede, Calgary
Each year for one week in July Calgary comes alive with a Western flare. The Calgary Stampede is a 12-day event featuring a variety of entertainment, activities, food fairs, markets and auctions. It is one of the most anticipated events in all of Canada and regularly sees over 1 million visitors each year.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Cabot Trail is located on Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. This 300km highway is packed with some of the world’s most stunning scenery. Explore on your own or join one of the many guided tours and be awed by this beautiful coastline.
Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia & New Brunswick
The Bay of Fundy is one of the seven wonders of North America and sees the largest tides in the world. Rare whales and unique dinosaur fossils have also been found at this phenomenal location. You can explore high tides by boat and low tides by foot. We recommend joining an experienced travel outfit to get the most out of your time at the Bay.
Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland
Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland is one of the best places in the world to view icebergs. Every spring icebergs arrive from Greenland and Canada’s Arctic, they are visible all year long and can easily be seen with the naked eye from the coastline. If you like getting out onto the water, there are also many boat tours that are available from the shoreline in Iceberg Alley that allow for you to get a bit closer to these magnificent formations.
What Canadian experiences are on your bucket list?
There are so many other amazing things to experience in Canada that we could not fit onto this list. If you are planning an epic experience in Canada, contact our team of experienced travel specialists to help you get the most out of your vacation!
