30+ Incredible Experiences For Your Canada Bucket List

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If you don’t already have a Canada bucket list, you really should. Not only is Canada awesomely beautiful, but it’s the second largest country in the world so there’s a lot of it to see. But how do you narrow down all the insanely unique and fun things there are to do in the Great White North?

Lucky for you, I’ve done some of the legwork. Since Canada is the place I call home I love exploring here. But like I said, it’s big, so I had to enlist some help. Some of my favorite travel bloggers have also made their epic Canada bucket list suggestions to create an experience guide you’re going to absolutely love.

British Columbia

Starting with the province I live in, the words Beautiful British Columbia adorn every license plate, and it soon becomes apparent why. BC is a nature lovers paradise, with giant mountains, gorgeous lakes, coastal views and temperate rainforests. It rains a lot, but that makes it especially green and beautiful.

Cycle Stanley Park’s seawall in Vancouver

Stanley Park is one of the best things in Vancouver. This city park is huge. Full of giant trees, hidden trails, an abundance of wildlife and much more. And the views of Vancouver harbour, the city skyline and the North Shore mountains cannot be beaten. The best way to see? Ride your bike around the 10km seawall.

With the dense, lush forest on one side and the ocean on the other, this is a bike ride you won’t forget. Don’t have a bike? There are rentals nearby during the day, or take advantage of the city’s Mobi bike share program for the day. If there’s one thing worth getting up early for in Vancouver it’s this.

Why get up early? Well, the seawall is very popular so it’s always a good idea to beat the crowds. Plus taking in the early morning sun is a great way to start the day. Living downtown for years I would often take a 6am bike ride around the seawall, meeting only a handful of people.

Wells Gray waterfall hunting

Contributed by Debbie from WorldAdventurists.com

Wells Gray Provincial Park is British Columbia’s waterfall chasing paradise. With 41 named waterfalls, you will be mesmerized by the beauty and power of Mother Nature. A five-hour drive from Vancouver, Wells Gray is a bit off the beaten path.

The biggest draw to the park is the iconic Helmcken Falls, British Columbia’s fourth-largest waterfall, cascading 141m to the canyon below. Several of the most visited waterfalls are easily accessible with some steps from the parking lot, while others require a short hike.

Other popular falls in the park that you will not want to miss are Spahat Falls, Moul Falls (you can walk behind it!), and Dawson Falls (nicknamed the mini-Niagara falls).

One of the best ways to enjoy the park and explore the waterfalls is by camping. If camping is not your style, there are also several lodges outside the main entrance to the park. Helmcken Falls Lodge is an excellent option.

Hike the West Coast Trail

Contributed by Campbell and Alya from Stingy Nomads

The West Coast Trail is a challenging 75 km multi-day backpacking hike on the coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. A large part of this beautiful trail is spent hiking on long white sandy beaches and you can camp on the beach every night.

When not on the beach the trail explores spectacular indigenous forest. Lots of wild animals can be seen on the trail, orcas, whales, dolphins, bears and deer are common.

This hike can be grueling when it rains with difficult terrain and a lot of mud. The West Coast Trail hike is usually completed in 6 or 7 days camping and carrying your tent and all food and gear required for the trail. Only 30 people are allowed to start hiking the trail each day so it is recommended to book this amazing adventure well in advance.

Whale watching around Vancouver Island

Being by the ocean, Vancouver and Vancouver Island are great places to go whale watching. If there’s one Canada bucket list experience you need to add to your BC wish list, it’s seeing wild Orcas. There are humpbacks, grey whales and a variety of other wildlife to see on a whale watching tour, but the Orca probably tops the list.

Take a Vancouver whale watching tour, or if you are visiting Vancouver Island, check out a local tour in Victoria or Tofino – or further north in the remote Telegraph Cove area. All have excellent tour options and give you the unique opportunity to observe Killer Whales as they hunt and play in the open water.

A visit to Seaworld cannot compare to the ability to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Tours can be taken on larger passenger boats, but for the best (and closest) opportunities, take an inflatable Zodiac style boat tour and really feel the salt water in your face.

See the Sproat Lake Petroglyphs

Contributed by Mary from Be Right Back By Mary

Sproat Lake, also known as Kleecoot, is a beautiful lake located in the Sproat Lake Provincial Park. Found in the centre of Vancouver Island, it’s a short 15 minute drive west of Port Alberni.

With some of the best views in British Columbia, Sproat Lake is popular among visitors for its beach, the water activities and relaxing views it offers. The lake is also quite unique as it hides some prehistoric petroglyphs on the eastern end of the park.

These rock carvings represent real and mythical creatures from the sea. The petroglyphs can be viewed from the dedicated platform over the lake. Sproat lake is definitely one of those looked-over places that is worth adding to your Canada bucket list. 

Dog sledding in Whistler

Contributed by Rachel from A City Girl Outside

Dog Sledding is one of the top winter activities in Whistler. Canadian Wilderness offers one of the best ethical dog sledding experiences in Canada, taking you on a winter wonderland ride through the Callaghan Valley. After a shuttle pick up, the tour begins at the base camp in the Callaghan. Meet your guides and the dogs that will be leading the tour. 

The sled dogs love to be petted and your guide will explain what each dog is responsible for, and a little about their personalities. During your tour, your guide will explain which words they use to direct the dogs – Hike for go, Gee to turn right, Haw to turn left and Easy to slow down. 

Halfway through the tour is a short break: stretch your legs, pet the dogs as they rest and take any photos. Once you return to base the dogs are given a treat and allowed to roam. Dog Sledding is a fun winter activity in Whistler and one that should be added to any Canada bucket list. 

Canoeing Bowron Lakes

Contributed by Taryn from HappiestOutdoors

Paddling a canoe is a quintessentially Canadian activity. Canoeing the Bowron Lakes in northern British Columbia is a must for any outdoor adventurer’s Canada bucket list.

This chain of lakes near the town of Quesnel is arranged in a rough rectangle shape and takes about a week to paddle. Along the way, you’ll be treated to spectacular mountain scenery and tons of wildlife sightings including moose, bear, beaver, otter, and lots of species of birds.

You can rent canoes and other gear from several outfitters in the area. Before your trip, stay in a cute log cabin at historic Becker’s Lodge.

Exploring the Okanagan wineries

Contributed by Casandra from Karpiak Caravan

The Okanagan Valley in the interior of British Columbia is a beautiful place, with an even more beautiful winery scene. There are over 180 wineries to visit in this wine region that is starting to rival that of Napa Valley, just on a smaller scale. 

There really isn’t a better way to spend a summer day than sampling some delicious BC wines or indulging in an incredible meal at one of the many winery restaurants in the Okanagan.

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is a popular vineyard, complete with 11 adults-only guest rooms, a pool and hot tub overlooking the vineyards, a fabulous on-site restaurant called the Sonora Room and last but not least, their wine tours and wine tasting room.

If you find yourself in the stunning Okanagan, pick a few wineries along the wine trail and take in the scenery.

Alberta

Home to almost unreal looking lakes and mountains, vast prairies and desert like areas, Alberta is a mix of awesome and more awesome. Fly into Calgary or Edmonton as the easiest places to start exploring. Gas up the car and get ready to cover some miles as you traverse this incredible province.

Moraine Lake and the Canadian Rockies

It wouldn’t be a Canada bucket list without talking about the absolutely stunning and incomparable Canadian Rockies. Truly one of the most dramatically beautiful parts of the country.

The Canadian Rockies are filled with huge mountains and the bluest lakes you’ve ever seen. Moraine Lake might be over-popular but there’s a reason – and yes, it really is that color. While there are many stunning lakes you’ll see in Alberta, Moraine Lake is still the one that tops the list in my opinion.

Aside from the pretty lakes, there are endless outdoor adventures to pursue in the Canadian Rockies. From the rugged wilderness of Jasper National Park to the ethereal sights of Banff National Park you’ll need at least a week to properly do it justice.

One of the best activities is to plan some of Banff National Parks top hikes. There are plenty of options ranging from easier, family friendly shorter trails to longer full day hikes.

Digging in Dinosaur Provincial Park

Contributed by Corinne from Reflections Enroute

Dinosaur Provincial Park is located about 2 hours east of Calgary. It’s a world heritage site that houses a valley of hoodoos made of sandstone. Millions of years ago, the climate here was subtropical, the perfect place for dinosaurs.

Today, a visitor’s information and discovery center provides excellent information regarding dinosaurs discovered in the park and offers a variety of tours and programs. One of the most popular is an archeological dig to find dinosaur remains. The tours are for children of all ages. No one can describe how it feels to hold a dinosaur tooth that was just uncovered. Magical!

There is a campground at the park, and it’s prudent to stay a couple of days, especially if the weather is rainy. The tours cannot go out in the rain, so it allows the visitor to have more than one chance to go on a dig. Along with this amazing dinosaur adventure, another great destination is the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller, which is about 2.5 hours away.

Yamnuska wolfdog sanctuary

Animal experiences need to be at the top of any Canada bucket list, because Canada has so many amazing animals. Wolves in particular are such beautiful and intelligent animals. Which is why you can’t leave Alberta without a visit to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary.

With almost three dozen wolfdogs, these animals have varying degrees of wolf in them. You can see these beautiful creatures up close at the non-profit sanctuary.

For an extra special experience, take an interactive tour. You’ll literally have these wolfdogs eating out of the palm of your hand and get to learn all about them in the process. It really is a phenomenal opportunity, just outside of the Canadian Rockies in Cochrane, Alberta.

Visit the Salt plains

Contributed by Lindsay from I’ve Been Bit

Straddling the border between the Northwest Territories and Alberta, Wood Buffalo National Park is not only Canada’s largest national park but it is also home to the only salt plains in the entire country.

Head to the Salt Plains Lookout located along the side road just off of Highway 5. Take the Switchback Trail to the base of the hill and enjoy the incredible views of this natural wonder! It may look like Wood Buffalo has snow in the dead of summer but it’s certainly not.

Look for the largest cluster and you’ll find a natural saline spring. Stick your finger in the water and give it a taste… if you dare! If the weather has been dry and sunny, the entire area will be covered in a layer of salt. Take off your shoes and enjoy some of the best natural exfoliations your feet will ever be treated to! This is certainly one of the best things to do in Wood Buffalo National Park.

Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs

The Fairmont Banff Springs is a beautiful hotel to stay in if you’re visiting the town of Banff. There are so many amazing things to do at the hotel. But one of the best is their super fancy (and delicious) afternoon tea.

Make sure to book in advance, then let the Banff Springs take care of the rest. From being able to select your preferred loose leaf tea, to indulging in an array of yummy snacks – both sweet and savory – this is a Canada bucket list experience for any foodie.

As if the food isn’t good enough already, the presentation is fantastic and the view over the Bow Valley from the castle window is out of this world. The afternoon tea service is not cheap – upwards of $60 CAD per person, but its an activity worth splashing out for. The Fairmont Afternoon Tea was easily modified with vegetarian options.

Muttart Conservatory Edmonton

Contributed by Celeste at Slow Travel Blog

While driving through Edmonton‘s beautiful river valley, you are likely to spot a group of glass pyramids reminiscent of the Louvre. It’s not a museum though: Muttart Conservatory is a plant lover’s dream.

Inside the conservatory you will find 4 different garden “habitats.” Three permanent fixtures: Desert, Temperate, and Tropical; and one seasonal. This seasonal pyramid is decorated and filled with plants to celebrate different holidays and seasons – Christmas, Day of the Dead, Easter, and more!

Weekends have free activities for kids in the workshop rooms, there is an onsite cafe and gift shop. Outside the conservatory, guests can climb up the hill and walk around the pyramids.

The best time to visit Muttart Conservatory is in the winter as a welcome escape from the cold. You can close your eyes and pretend to be in Mexico, for the low price of $14.95!

Travel the rails on the Rocky Mountaineer

Consistently ranked as one of the world’s best train rides, the Rocky Mountaineer is the most luxurious way to see the Canadian Rockies. With rail journeys traveling between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, there are lots of options for the perfect vacation.

Sit back and watch the scenery roll by from the comfort of your SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf rail car. Incredible hospitality and locally sourced food accompany complement both service levels.

The windows are larger than your average train which means you don’t need to press your face against the glass to get a good view. Follow an eagle as it flies overhead, or look behind to the majestic mountains in the distance.

There’s not a bad seat in the house, but if you really want to get some good photos then the GoldLeaf service guests can enjoy access to their rail cars own outdoor viewing platform. Really feel the fresh air in your face as you take in the view.

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

The prairies of Alberta are just the start as you continue East to the neighboring provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Both are very flat compared to Alberta and BC, but with much more to do than you might have heard.

Valley of 1000 Devils hike

Contributed by Dean and Laynni from Routinely Nomadic

Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan is one of the least-visited national parks in Canada despite boasting unique prairie scenery, badlands terrain and diverse wildlife. Split into two blocks, each with their own distinct ecosystems and highlights, Grasslands is the place to go to experience authentic prairie landscapes.

And there is no better way to experience all that Grasslands has to offer than on the epic Valley of 1,000 Devils hike. The first half of the trail leads through rolling hills and classic knee-high grass before suddenly shifting gears when you reach the badlands. Here you will find an expansive, chaotic and confusing jumble of hills, ridges and gullies that will make you feel like you’ve been transported back to the Wild West.

At just 11km return with a total elevation gain of 250m, it is definitely possible to complete the hike in a single day. However, to properly appreciate this fascinating area you will want to allow an extra couple of hours (and several more kilometres) of aimless wandering among the buttes and gorges. And wild camping among the badlands – without another soul around for miles – is a truly memorable prairie wilderness experience.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Contributed by Bea from PackYourBags

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, an icon on the Winnipeg skyline, was designed by architect Antoine Predock. Located at The Forks, an important historical site, this impressive tower of glass, stone and metal is impossible to miss. 

Spanning seven floors and ten core galleries, a visitor is awed by both the enormity of human rights struggles and the architectural ingenuity of the building. The museum highlights Indigenous and women’s rights and keeps the memory of past human rights violations on top of mind.

It has been described as a “museum of ideas” with a focus on preventing future human rights violations. The experience of this museum is a multi-sensory one thanks to the use of interactive exhibits. Several hours are needed to visit this museum that should be on everyone’s Manitoba itinerary and Canada bucket list.

See polar bears in Churchill

Contributed by James from Travel Collecting

Churchill, a small town in Manitoba on the western shore of Hudson Bay, is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears. They wander around the tundra surrounding the town and are best seen in a tundra buggy. 

These buggies are specially designed to safely venture on to the tundra, allowing you to get close to the cute, but extremely dangerous, animals. Stay in one overnight at the Tundra Buggy Lodge and on a clear night, you may even see the northern lights!

With no roads to Churchill, plan for a 48-hour train ride or a flight from Winnipeg. October and November are the best months, as the polar bears wait on the shores of the bay for the waters to freeze over so they can venture out and hunt over winter.

Top Tip: Book more than one tundra buggy ride to maximize your chances of seeing the bears. They don’t appear on cue – plus if you see them on the first tundra trip, there’s no hardship in seeing them again!

Ontario

Canada’s most populated province, Ontario is home to Canada’s largest city, Toronto as well as the federal government in Ottawa, the nation’s capital. Both are great cities and likely the best to fly into for your Ontario adventures. Ontario is the land of extremes, having cold winters and hot, humid summers.

Skating the Rideau Canal

Contributed by Nina from Nina Out And About

Ottawa, a very underrated city, is not only home to parliament, but also to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Rideau Canal.

In summer, paddleboard or cruise along this long canal that wraps into the Ottawa River. In spring and fall, visit the Canal History Museum to learn about how the Rideau Canal protected the country from American invasions.

But the best time to visit is the 3-4 weeks from January to March when the canal becomes the world’s longest outdoor skating rink. Bundle up to enjoy this 7.4km outdoor adventure. You can rent skates on the canal if you don’t have your own.

Bring some cash to stop by a Beavertails stand or get a hot chocolate to help you power through the skate from Parliament to Dow’s Lake. The canal lets kids enjoy Canadian winter, is a great date activity for couples, and allows solo travelers to see the entirety of the city on ice.

You’ll have fun people watching, especially during rush hour when business people use the canal to skate to work and back home. Stay at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Laurier to get gorgeous views of the winter ice rink from your room.

Cottaging in Muskoka

Contributed by Stephanie from The World As I See It

If you’re looking for bucket list activities in Canada then consider booking a Muskoka cottage getaway! Cottaging is a truly Ontario experience!

What is cottaging? It’s the experience of staying at a cottage or cabin during the summer and fall in Ontario. Enjoying time at the cottage usually involves spending your days boating and swimming as well as cozy night’s fireside. It’s a perfect escape from work, where you can get away from work for a few days or a week, and recharge.

There are two popular regions for escaping to the cottage in Ontario. One is Kawartha and the other is Muskoka. Both locations are approximately a two-hour drive from Toronto.

Muskoka is filled with a wealth of things to do during your stay as well as over 1500 lakes. This makes it the perfect spot to experience cottage life in Canada. You’ll find a host of cottages in Muskoka to rent, from historic log cabins to luxury ones. Be sure to book your cottage early!

Swimming at Bathtub Island

Contributed by Cecily from Groovy Mashed Potatoes

Take a beautiful drive along Lake Superior to discover one of Ontario’s best hidden gems, Bathtub Island. Located about 150km north of Sault Ste Marie, Bathtub Island is a tiny island with a swimming hole you can only access by foot from the shoreline of Lake Superior.

The journey is worth it to swim in this piece of paradise. To get to Bathtub Island, park at the Katherine Cove Picnic Area and walk south along Katherine Cove. Keep walking until you are adjacent with Bathtub Island on Google Maps. From the shoreline, walk through the shallow waters until you reach the island.

The best time to visit is during summertime when the weather and water is its warmest. Check out the daily weather report as a thick fog can take over the lake, even on a warm sunny day. Even with fog however, it’s a magical place to visit.

Edgewalk of CN Tower

Contributed by Natasha from Planes, Trains and Karcz

The CN Tower is arguably the most recognizable structure across Canadian skylines. Standing tall at over 550m, the CN Tower is considered not only the tallest building in Toronto, but in the entire country.

Boasting 360° views over the bustling metropolis below and nearby Lake Ontario, visiting the CN Tower has become a Canada bucket list staple for domestic and international travelers alike; each eager to take in the best panoramic view nationwide.

There’s only one way to make the experience better – by removing the glass barrier that stands between you and the steep drop-off located high above the city. The Edgewalk, CN Tower’s most thrilling activity, allows you to walk out onto the edge of the CN Tower, with nothing holding you back but a mere harness.

This experience will be sure to get your adrenaline pumping, so ensure to pack your camera to capture every thrilling moment!

Hear the Kincardine pipe band

Contributed by Kelly from Just One Passport

Don’t let the beauty and serenity of this sleepy town, tucked away along the shores of Lake Huron, fool you. The Saturday night pipe band that walks the streets of Kincardine every week throughout the Summer months will have you feeling as if you’ve been transported to Scotland.

Tourists flock to the streets of Kincardine to participate in the parade being led by some of the best pipers in the world. Locals gather to catch up on the Town’s gossip, and the youngins gather around “Binky” for a chance to play the drums.

It is a well-kept secret among locals that periodically at dusk throughout July and August, the sound of bagpipes can be heard playing along the shores of Lake Huron. Head to Station Beach where you may have the opportunity to hear the Phantom Piper. And if you are lucky you’ll see the surfers riding the waves at one of Canada’s surfing capitals.

The Kincardine Saturday night pipe band should be on everyone’s list of things to see in Canada and it may even become a family tradition for generations to come.

Get soaked at Niagara Falls

We can’t have a Canada bucket list and not talk about one of the most powerful forces of nature the country has to offer. Niagara Falls, the world famous waterfall, is located in southern Ontario just across the border from New York state. You can literally see the border from the Falls.

But we need to settle the argument once and for all – the Canadian side has the better views. Take the Journey Behind the Falls adventure or book a Niagara Falls boat tour experience to get up close (and literally feel the water on your face). Just happy to be here? There are plenty of viewing platforms and lookout areas along the main street in the town of Niagara Falls.

For an even better experience, book an overnight stay at a Niagara Falls hotel with a view. Then head down to the Falls at night to see the spectacular Falls lit up in a variety of colors.

Québec

Canada’s largest province is the primarily French-speaking Québec – so brush up on your S’il vous plaît and Merci before you go. Here, the European-like cities of Montreal and Québec City are some of the oldest in the country, and outside the city you’ll find some of the best maple syrup producing trees in Canada.

Check out city views from Mont Royal

Contributed by Mary from Bucket List Places

The city of Montreal is named for the small mountain above it, Mont Royal. The Mont Royal Park is one of the most unique places to explore in Montreal, filled with hidden gems.

Kondiaronk Belvedere is a must-visit lookout spot with sprawling views of Montreal’s downtown and the St Lawrence River beyond. Next, hike through the verdant paths to the Mont Royal Cross, a 30+ meter cross that has stood on the mountain for nearly 100 years, and lights up at night.

Perhaps the most thrilling experience is snow tubing down the park’s toboggan hill. To avoid expensive flights or long drives, you’ll love how easy it is to access this urban park, even from afar. You can take a bus from New York to Montreal, then hop on the 11 public bus line; public transport will deliver you from NYC’s Central Park to the summit of Mont Royal.

Sleep in an Ice Hotel

Contributed by Emilie from Love Life Abroad

Have you ever stayed in a castle? What about an ice castle? If you want to experience a unique Canada bucket list activity, try the Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel) in Quebec City this winter. The only ice accommodation in North America – and the décor changes each year.

An Hôtel de Glace overnight stay package includes a welcome cocktail, a room at the Hôtel Valcartier (in case you get too cold at night or if you feel like taking a warm bath in the morning) and access to the ice skating path. They also provide warm sleeping bags. After your cocktail, wander the hotel and admire the impressive work and ice carving.

Not only can you have the ultimate Hôtel de Glace experience with a themed room overnight stay, but you can also simply visit the Hôtel. Make sure to head to the ice bar for a Caribou drink – not the animal, but a drink of hot wine, Canadian whiskey and maple syrup.

Montreal’s Museum of Archeology

Contributed by Portia from When I Wander

Visit Pointe-à-Callière (Montreal’s Museum of Archeology) for a fascinating look at Montreal’s history and archeology. You can live the life of a pirate or privateer, see where Montreal started, and go underground to the first collector sewer in North America in the permanent exhibits.

Keep an eye out for changing exhibits as well, you may end up playing games in an igloo or joining a circus, depending on when you visit. 

Staying at the Doubletree by Hilton will give you easy access to the Subway, Underground City, and the Complexe Desjardins on your winter Montreal adventure. You can eat, shop, and get around the city while avoiding some of the winter’s cold near the hotel.  

Discover the Eastern Townships

Contributed by Renee from Dream Plan Experience

Experience the Eastern Townships in Quebec where you’ll find an endless amount of unique and wonderful things to do. Sitting at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, the entire area is about 400-kms and lies between Montreal and Quebec City.

There are four provincial parks and three main mountains – Bromont, Orford and Owl’s Head. This draws nature and outdoor enthusiasts, known for its hiking, biking and skiing.

One of the four provincial parks, Mont Megantic, is home to the ASTROLab and observatory, Canada’s most powerful telescope. It features the world’s first Dark Sky Preserve, where little to no unnatural light impede your views of the starry night sky.

Another big draw to the Eastern Townships is to visit the 13 designated Les Coeurs Villageois (villages with heart). Each charming village has something unique to offer from products to culture. One such village, Lac-Brome or Brome Lake, served as the inspiration for crime novelist Louise Penny’s famous village of Three Pines. 

Atlantic Canada

Way out in Eastern Canada are the Atlantic coastal provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Newfoundland & Labrador. The first three are also commonly known as the Maritimes.

With small populations, quaint villages and a whole lot of fishing, Atlantic Canada is not to be missed, and is well worth the extra effort to get there.

See icebergs in Newfoundland

Contributed by Lora from Explore with Lora

Canada is full of incredible bucket list experiences, but one of the most unique is seeing icebergs in Newfoundland. Every spring, giant icebergs make their way across the Atlantic Ocean from Greenland and end up off the coast of Newfoundland, making it one of the best places for iceberg watching in the world.

While it’s common to see icebergs from shore, the best way to experience them is by taking a boat tour to get up close. It’s an unreal experience to see how large they can be, and all the magnificent shades of blue.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, Newfoundland even offers iceberg kayak tours! The icebergs start to come in April and tend to be melted by June, so come in May for your best chance of seeing them. 

Wander around Chéticamp, Cape Breton NS

Contributed by Erin from Pina Travels

Chéticamp is a traditional fishing village on the famous Cabot Trail. If you’re wanting to explore Cape Breton, then Chéticamp, Nova Scotia is the perfect spot to spend a few days. There’s plenty to see in the village, as well as along the Cabot Trail. 

Chéticamp is just outside the west coast entrance into Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This makes it the perfect village to stay in while exploring the coast, forest, mountains, rivers, and valleys in the Cape Breton Highlands. And, the village is recognized as a worldwide leader in preserving Acadian culture. While visiting the village, stop by Les Trois Pignons to learn more about Acadian history and culture. 

See some of Cape Breton’s beautiful nature by walking the Gypsum Mine Trail to a beautiful lake and climb up the nearby lookout point. To learn about traditional rug hooking, head to Chéticamp’s Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life. And of course, be sure to drop by the Seafood Stop Restaurant for a traditional lobster dinner! 

Marvel at Teacup Rock PEI

Contributed by Sarah from In Search Of Sarah

Visiting Teacup Rock at Thunder Cove Beach in PEI should be on everyone’s Canada bucket list! Located just an hour outside of downtown Charlottetown, visiting Teacup Rock is like visiting another planet.

The red sand of Thunder Cove’s expansive shores, combined with the rugged, crumbling sandstone cliffs makes you truly realize how much we’re at the mercy of nature’s forces.

You’ll have to walk across the beach for ten minutes; then make your way around sea caves and a cove to get your first glimpse of this stunning formation. Teacup Rock sits precariously on its own on the shores and resembles a teacup – hence the name!

If you visit during the off-season, you’ll have the entire place to yourself. Be sure to time your visit with the ever-changing ocean tides to make sure you can access Teacup Rock!

**Note Teacup Rock is no longer standing after a powerful post-tropical storm in 2022. However the area it once stood is still a beautiful place to visit, and just one of the many great areas of PEI.

Territories

As well as Canada’s ten provinces covering the lower part of the country, there are also three much larger (and much colder) territories. The Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut cover the top half of Canada, extending up into the Arctic Circle.

These regions are known for their 24-hour darkness in the winter and midnight sun in the summer months, as well as being home to the Inuit – indigenous people of the Arctic.

See the Northern Lights in the Yukon

Contributed by Melanie from Postcards and Places

We flew to Whitehorse in early January hoping for a winter wonderland experience, and it did not disappoint. One of the top items on any Canada bucket list will be to see the northern lights, so keep your eyes on the aurora forecast and the weather. One night when the conditions looked right, we drove to Fish Lake. 

Fish Lake is one of the best places in the Whitehorse area to see aurora borealis. Located twenty kilometers away, the only night lights are the stars. And at 800 metres above the city, you can get above the stubborn clouds. 

At the lake prepare to be awed by a sky full of stars and a gentle green glow above the trees. On our visit we had it all to ourselves. It was almost -40 and neither my camera nor my fingers were thrilled to be exposed to the elements, so we got back in the car and watched the lights like it was a private drive-in movie.

Kayaking with belugas in Nunavut

Contributed by Mikaela from Voyageur Tripper

Nunavut may not be the first destination one thinks of when planning a kayaking trip. Nonetheless, it is home to some of the best kayaking in the country and kayaking is one of the best things to do in Nunavut.

This northern territory has more than 200,000 km worth of coastline; icebergs lazily meander by and beluga whales periodically pop their head out of the water. Rocky cliffs jut out of the arctic ocean, which sparkles under the midnight sun.

For a short trip to Nunavut, consider visiting the capital city of Iqaluit where you can kayak in between icebergs on Frobisher Bay. For a longer trip, join an arctic safari in the high arctic.

These trips are timed to match animal movements, maximizing your chances of seeing beluga whales. Wherever you choose to paddle, you’ll need to go with a guide as kayaking near icebergs, wildlife and freezing temperatures have safety risks. But this is truly a Canada bucket list activity.

Go snowshoeing in Whitehorse, Yukon

Sure, you can go snowshoeing anywhere with a bit of snow – even around some of the snowshoeing trails in Vancouver. But the Yukon is one of the ultimate winter locations in Canada. With sub-zero temperatures being the winter baseline, and more snow than you might ever see, there are some incredible opportunities to traverse the trails – or carve out your own.

Many people who visit Yukon will end up in Whitehorse, the capital – which is still very much a small town. And everyone in Whitehorse seems to really embrace the outdoor adventure lifestyle. Which is why it’s the perfect place to go snowshoeing.

Snowshoe rentals are available at a few places in Whitehorse with daily rates – even some of the hotels offer the option. Fish Lake and Valerie Lake are great places to go, or get talking to locals – the best way to find hidden trails with some impressive views. Even if you don’t have a car, there are plenty of snowshoeing tours you can take.

The ultimate Canada bucket list

You can see why Canada is such a popular destination – the sheer beauty, the incredible sights and unique experiences you can enjoy here. These are just a few of the many reasons to visit Canada.

With Canada being so big, you may need a couple of trips to really give it the attention it deserves. The best thing to do would be to pick two or three provinces/territories to focus on and really explore the best of what to see there.

The cities definitely have a lot of great things to do, but its outside of the city where Canada really comes to life. Nature and wilderness is what Canada does best, so make sure to round your Canada bucket list out with a good balance of both.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What else would you put on this Canada bucket list? What on this list do you want to experience first?