Looking for things to add to your Canada bucket list? Look no further! This comprehensive list covers all the best things to do in Canada while you are visiting.
Canada is really unique in that you can find bustling cities. remote islands, stunning mountain ranges, waterfalls, the bluest lake, and they get a ton of snow. Make sure and try the countries top food items while you are there. You won’t be disappointed.
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Canada Bucket List
1. Attend Igloofest in Montreal
Igloofest is an annual event in Montreal that usually happens at the beginning of the year. It’s the perfect event to attend to connect with other locals. Just make sure you dress appropriately!
2. Find the Northern Lights
You must add finding the Northern Lights to your Canada bucket list. They can only be seen during certain times of the year, so make sure you do your research before you book your trip.
Editorial credit: Ken Phung / Shutterstock.com
3. Go glamping
For a fun experience in Canada, try to go glamping! You can do this almost anywhere in the country. See where you can find an excellent luxury yurt or igloo and sleep under the stars in style.
4. Eat traditional Canadian poutine
Poutine is one of the most popular dishes in Canada. It’s fries with gravy and cheese curds and can be purchased at almost any Canadian restaurant.
5. Explore the Bay of Fundy
Visit the Bay of Fundy near Nova Scotia to check out the high tides and amazing beaches. There are also great hiking trails here for you to explore!
6. Visit Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador are underrated locations on this Canada bucket list, so don’t overlook them. They have Viking history that you can explore by visiting their top landmarks! Make sure to look out for cute puffins.
7. Take the train from Vancouver to Banff
To explore some of Canada’s best scenery, take a train ride from Vancouver to Banff. You could even consider going all the way out to Montreal if you really wanted to!
8. Find the fossils at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs
The Joggins Fossil Cliffs in Nova Scotia are filled with exciting landmarks like trees that have become fossilized. They’re also right near the water, so the view is incredible.
9. Get soaked at Niagara Falls
Even if you’ve visited Niagara Falls from the United States side, visit on the Canadian side! The views are breathtaking, and you can go on a boat tour to get closer to the falls.
10. See the view from the CN Tower
Head to the glass observation deck at the CN Tower for some of the most epic views of the Toronto skyline. Seriously, the view can not be beaten no matter where you are!
11. Visit Baffin Island
Baffin Island is one of the biggest islands in all of Canada. If you want to learn more about the Arctic, this is the place to go. Not many people live on the island either. AND there are polar bears!
12. Skate on Rideau Canal
Go ice skating on Rideau Canal in Ontario. It only can be skated on when it’s frozen over, so if this is something you want to do, plan your trip to Canada well!
13. Stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is one of the most impressive and luxurious hotels in all of Canada. This one is in Quebec and is a 5-star hotel, perfect for a romantic getaway.
14. Hike Gros Morne Mountain Trail
This 9-mile trail is considered hard to do, so if you don’t have hiking experience, this is probably not the best hike for you. With that being said, the viewpoints along the way are unparalleled.
15. Visit the Green Gables House
Head to the Green Gables House on Prince Edward Island! You may have heard of this from Anne of Green Gables. You can even go on a tour when you visit to learn more about the author’s influence on the book.
16. Eat Ketchup Chips
This strange snack is trendy in Canada, and it’s actually what it sounds like. They’re ketchup-flavored chips! They can be purchased at most grocery stores.
17. Attend the Calgary Stampede
This is a huge rodeo that takes place every year in Calgary. People come from all over the country to attend this exhibition, so be sure to buy tickets in advance.
18. Shop at the Edmonton Mall
This mall is one of the biggest malls worldwide, so even if you don’t have to do any shopping, it’s worth adding it to your Canada bucket list. You might want to get a map when you visit.
19. Backpack the West Coast Trail
If you’re visiting Canada for a longer time, consider backpacking the West Coast Trail. It goes all around the island of Vancouver and is about 47 miles, so it can take quite a few days to complete.
20. Attend (or at least watch) an ice hockey game
Canadians love their ice hockey. Try to at least catch a game on TV, maybe at a local pub. If you can, head to an actual game in one of the major cities to witness it live in person!
21. Try Canadian maple syrup
Maple syrup is a staple in Canada, so you have to add trying it to your Canada bucket list. Just purchase it at any grocery store and try it on something like snow or ice cream!
22. Spend the night in an Ice Hotel at Hôtel de Glace
Spend the night in an ice hotel, which is something that you can’t do in many places. These are hard to get a night’s stay at, so make sure you book well in advance and dress/pack the appropriate clothing to stay warm.
Editorial credit: Carolyne Parent / Shutterstock.com
23. Drive Icefields Parkway
This is one of the most breathtaking and scenic drives on this Canada bucket list. It goes through and around the mountains with stops near some great trailheads.
24. Go whale watching
Believe it or not, but you can go whale watching while visiting Canada! Consider going on a tour near the coast to make sure you’re with people who know how to look out for them.
25. See the Churchill polar bears
Did you know that Canada is one of the most accessible places to spot a polar bear? Churchill is the best spot to see them, but you can only spot them depending on the weather when you visit.
26. Learn at the Western Development Museum
The Western Development Museum is the perfect place to go and learn. They’re made up of a few different museums, so pick the one that’s located in an area you most want to learn about.
27. See Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill in Ottawa is one of the most popular attractions on this Canada bucket list. The building truly looks like a palace and towers over anyone who stands near it!
28. Go skiing and snowboarding
No Canada bucket list is complete without adding skiing and snowboarding. There are tons of ski resorts all across the country, so it shouldn’t be too hard to tick this one off your list.
29. Take a Canada road trip
Instead of following a strict itinerary, consider going on a road trip across Canada. This is the perfect way to come across hidden gems that other people might not even know about yet.
30. Visit the Great Sandhills in Saskatchewan
Yes, Canada has its own sand dunes! When you visit, you’ll truly feel like you’re in the desert. The landscape is unlike any other in all of Canada, so this is one attraction that you won’t want to miss.
31. Take a French class
Attend a French class, even if it’s just one, to learn some of the local language. People who live in Canada will surely appreciate it, even if you don’t pick up very many words during one class!
32. Kayak on Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of the most popular lakes to visit on this Canada bucket list. It’s a beautiful blue color and kayaks are available for rent. Canoes are an option too! Once you see the water, you’ll understand why this is a top bucket list destination in the world.
33. Find the natural hot springs
Throughout Canada, there are many different hot springs, so you can relax and rejuvenate while traveling. Try checking out the ones in Alberta as a place to start.
34. Hike the Cape Fife Trail
This trail may be long at 13 miles, but it’s moderate in toughness. If you’ve been hiking before, you should be able to handle this one. It has excellent views along the way and some exciting landmarks throughout the trail.
35. Spend the night near Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is one of the most stunning lakes to visit in Canada. Consider spending the night at Emerald Lake Lodge right along the lake’s edge for a peaceful evening with epic views.
Editorial credit: Stock for you / Shutterstock.com
36. Go camping
Even though Canada may be cold a lot of the year, it’s still a great place to go camping. You can go to one of the national parks or find a campground. The possibilities are endless.
37. Find the Flowerpots Rocks
These are quirky rocks inside Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park in New Brunswick! They got their name because they kind of look just like flowerpots, which is incredibly unique.
38. Try coffee and donuts from Tim Hortons
Think of Tim Hortons like the Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts of Canada. They are all over the country and are loved by so many Canadians. You have to try it and add it to your Canada bucket list!
39. Spend the night at Skoki Lodge
This 3-star lodge accommodation is in one of the most beautiful areas but is very minimal inside. Despite its minimalism, it’s worth staying at so you can truly enjoy nature while visiting Canada.
40. Drive Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia
Take a drive along the famous Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. You can go around the majority of Nova Scotia on the drive, so this is the perfect way to visit and explore the area.
41. Look for bison in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has lots of bison, so there’s no better place to look for it than there when visiting Canada. Just be sure to be kind and keep your distance from them!
42. Walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge
This suspension bridge goes over the Capilano River. You’ll feel like you’re walking among the treetops, which is an enjoyable feeling! This is a must-see attraction no matter your age.
43. Explore Ouimet Canyon
Take the time to visit and explore Ouimet Canyon in Ontario. The area is beautiful in the summer. There are lakes, trails, viewpoints, and more epic landmarks waiting to be explored.
44. Attend the Shakespeare Festival
If you love the arts, you should visit Canada during the Shakespeare Festival! It now goes by the name of Stratford Festival, but it’s the same thing. You’ll meet with other people who love the arts just as much as you.
45. Hike Bruce Trail
Bruce Trail in Ontario is an extended footpath, but the views are incredibly worth it along the way. It’s the longest trail in Canada, so it should only be fully completed by those with lots of hiking experience.
46. Take in the view from Cape Enrage
Cape Enrage in New Brunswick is known for its iconic views. The entire area is very natural and is even more beautiful in the summer. Be sure to check out the Cape Enrage Lighthouse too!
47. Visit the red sand beach
You can find red sand beaches on Prince Edward Island! Look for Argyle Shore Provincial Park. Not only is the sand red, but some of the water is also tinted red near the rocks.
48. Look for caribou in Newfoundland
There’s no better spot in the country to look and find caribou than while visiting Newfoundland. Similar to the bison, if you find any, keep your distance!
49. Go kayaking near an iceberg
This is one of the best things to do on this Canada bucket list. You can do it pretty much across the country, but often the tours are near British Columbia.
50. Walk around the Mingan Archipelago
This archipelago in Quebec is most well known for its giant limestone cliffs and rocks. You can’t help but see them when you visit! Be on the lookout for them and explore the area for a magical day.
51. See the view from the Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Take in the view from the Columbia Icefield Skywalk in Alberta! You can even look down for another view because the bottom of the skywalk is made entirely out of glass.
52. Visit Butchart Gardens in British Columbia
Easily one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, Butchart Gardens has a stunning sunken garden that cannot be missed.
53. Visit Jasper National Park
Jasper is the biggest National Park in the Canadian Rockies and absolutely stunning. The area is great for all activity levels – just decide what you want to see and do!
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