Best Things To Do In Canada

Situated among Pacific waterways, towering mountains, and spectacular national parks, Vancouver’s natural beauty is complemented by urban diversity and a vibrant cultural scene. There is something for everyone. Outdoor lovers can choose between the walk up Grouse Mountain, kayaking in Deep Cove, or hiking in the dense forests around Lynn Canyon. Urban explorers will love the many galleries, theaters, and eateries around Canada’s largest Chinatown or the Gastown neighborhood. It’s no surprise some consider Vancouver to be the most scenic city in the world. 

If you are unable to decide between city or country, hire a bike and cycle around Stanley Park, considered to be one of the best city parks in the world.

One of the most popular activities in Canada is to visit whales and dolphins, especially the uniquely intelligent Orcas, in their natural habitat. The waters around Victoria and Tofino on Vancouver Island are home to one of the world’s best-studied populations of Orcas- the so-called “Southern Residents”. You can also go whale watching at Labrador, near Newfoundland, where you might see beluga whales, humpbacks, and if you’re lucky, titanic Blue Whales.

There are few waterfalls that have captured the world’s imagination as much as Niagara Falls. While it can be enjoyed from the US, Canada offers some of the best vantage points. On the Canadian side, 3,160 tons of water cascade 187 feet down the curiously horseshoe-shaped waterfall (the Canadian section of Niagara is called Horseshoe Falls) churning up a magnificent white haze.

There are many great places to see the Niagara Falls in Canada, from the Table Rock Welcome Center located at the top of the Falls, to the deck of a ship with Hornblower Niagara Cruises or, if you don’t mind getting a bit wet, on a trip behind the falls.

For those interested in history or architecture, a tour of Quebec city has to be on your list of things to do in Canada. The city has a number of fantastic museums such as the Musée de la Civilisation (Museum of Civilisation), which houses exhibitions covering the history of Quebec, or the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, which displays the very best of Canadian and Quebecois art.

For those interested in Canada’s First Nations population, going to Wendake by the borough of La Haute-Saint-Charles is a must. Wendake is a genuine and autonomous First-Nation town of the Wyandot people. It features museums, restaurants, and examples of authentic first nation traditions. 

If you choose to visit Quebec City in late January or early February, you’ll have the chance to experience the Carnaval de Quebec featuring canoe and sleigh races, ice sculptures, and more.

To many, when they hear the name ‘Canada’, they envision snow-capped mountains, vast lakes of blue water, and forests of spruce trees. In short, they think of Banff National Park. 

You can experience First Nations’ life, tour the park by horseback, see animals in the wild, or simply play golf at one of the most scenic courses in the world, before heading to your rustic mountain cabin for a cozy night in.

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and provides a fantastic range of activities. There are countless mountain hiking trails, cycling routes, and canoe trips you can take to get closer to nature. Although fine dining doesn’t tend to be the first thing you think of when you go to a national park, Jasper has quite a diverse culinary scene. Or if you prefer wellness and relaxation, why not unwind at the Miette Hot Springs?

The Okanagan Valley is not only one of the most picturesque areas of Canada, thanks to its rolling green vineyards and a vast lake of blue water, but also one of the country’s best regions for food and wine. In the Okanagan Valley, there is a strong tradition of farm-to-table dining, ensuring that the delicious cuisine prepared in its many restaurants will be as fresh as possible. Better still, the area produces some of the best wines in the country with delicious merlots, pinot noirs, and more varieties, so why not book a winery tour while you’re visiting?

Whistler, just north of Vancouver, is home to one of the most vibrant ski and winter sports communities in the world. This is largely due to Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America’s largest ski resorts. Whether you’re an experienced skier or want to learn, you’ll find yourself among friends. 

Even if you’re not interested in winter sports, you can luxuriate in alpine spas, go shopping, or simply marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery all around you.

Canada offers spectacular options for road trips, such as the Sea-To-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler, which offers both ocean views and mountain ranges, all in the space of a couple of hours.

If you want to experience alpine scenery, taking a drive down the Banff-Jasper Icefield Parkway is essential. You will pass hundreds of glaciers, beautiful turquoise lakes, and rushing waterfalls on this route. Be sure to stop at the Glacier Skywalk for a view you will never forget.

Perhaps the best way to experience the wild Canadian countryside is by staying in a wilderness resort. Accommodations such as Nimmo Bay Resort, or the  Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, offer you a wonderful retreat in the lap of nature with all the comfort of a luxury resort. Some wilderness resorts like Knight Inlet Lodge, offer you the chance to view bears safely in their natural habitat.