What’s more, few places on earth can equal the natural beauty that Canada is known for. This country is home to no less than 127,000 square miles of national parks, mountains and lakes, making it a bucket list destination for any outdoors-inclined traveller.
If you’re making your way to the land of Maple syrup, we’ve listed here three things you must do during your time there. Let’s take a look.
1. Visit Niagara Falls
Niagara falls is located on the border of the United States and Canada, and is one of the most recognisable places in the world!
Niagara falls is even more impressive in real life and somewhere you really must visit once in your life. The best views are without a doubt better from the Canadian side and when you reach the three impressive cascades, you will be awestruck.
It's free to walk into Niagara Falls State Park to see the Falls, and it's open 365 days a year! There are also lots of tours and cruises available to book where you can up close the Falls for the thrill of a lifetime.
2. Go Hiking
When you think of the great outdoors, few places anywhere on earth deliver this the way Canada does.
Canada is the second largest country in the world by landmass, but over 85% of its population live within 100 miles of its southern border. This results in the population density in Canada being only about 4 people per square kilometre, comparable to much smaller countries like Iceland.
What this means in practice is that once you start breaking out into its northern reaches, you’ll rarely see another soul outside of the small towns and villages you encounter.
Among the most beautiful regions to explore is the Banff National Park, located in Alberta. The country’s first oldest national park, it is contained within the Canadian portion of the Rocky Mountains, around 100 miles west of Calgary. The park is frequently compared with Switzerland thanks to its high snowcapped mountains, alpine meadows, glacial lakes and deep pine forests.
3. Take in All the Entertainment Canada Has to Offer
Few nations on earth can match the Great White North for the range of exciting entertainment experiences it offers.
When one thinks of unmissable events to fit in on a visit to the country, it’s only natural to think of Canadians’ beloved national sport, Ice Hockey. You can find venues and games in most major cities, but if you really want to see the top flight in action you should try to catch a game featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators or the Montreal Canadians.
Of course it’s not just Ice Hockey that Canada has distinguished itself at, with the Toronto Blue Jays now ranked among the top baseball teams in North America. And who can forget the unprecedented rise of the Toronto Raptors to secure victory in the NBA finals in 2019 – rest assured if you’re after sporting thrills, Canada has it in spades.
4. EdgeWalk at the CN Tower, Toronto
Toronto is one of the most popular cities to see in Canada with foreigners and there is a good chance that you have probably heard of The CN Tower.
This iconic needle skyscraper shoots straight up into the skyline of Toronto and reaches an impressive 1,815 feet tall. However, you can do more than just gawk at the view of the tower from the bottom.
You can actually partake in what is known as an edge walk, where you get to take a tour around the top of the tower from the outside. There is even a restaurant located at the top if you aren’t sick to your stomach by the time you reach the top. This is one of the unmissable things to do in Toronto.
5. Explore Vancouver
If you are an outdoor person, Vancouver is probably right up your alley.
This is one of the most popular places to live in Canada and there are lots of things to do in Vancouver al year round. Most locals either spend their days skiing on the Grouse Mountains, swimming at Kitsilano Beach or just strolling through the impressive Stanley Park.
This is not to even mention all the bustling outdoor cultural attractions, markets, and museums. You could even take in an ice hockey game which is one of the local passions.
6. Soak Up the Atmosphere in Quebec
There really is something so charming about Quebec City. The destination is filled with a variety of colonial streets that will have you thinking you just jumped right into the pages of a fairly tale.
In addition to this, there are tons of great restaurants that are famous for their tasty cuisine and impressive wine list. It really doesn’t get more romantic than Quebec City.
7. Go Paddling In Banff National Park
Have you ever closed your eyes and tried to imagine the perfect canoeing or kayaking location? There is a good chance that nothing you are picturing will compare to Banff National Park.
The spectacular park is filled with icy blue lakes, fir trees, wildlife and perfectly still waters that will be so relaxing you will be left speechless. One of the best ways to see the Banff National Park is by kayak.
8. Sample the Local Delicacies
The uninitiated may be forgiven for thinking that there’s no such thing as distinctive Canadian cuisine, but in reality this couldn't be further from the truth. With its mix of British and French Canadian food traditions it has a rich culinary history to draw upon.
Without a doubt the most popular dish beloved by Canadians is Poutine. This delicious, warming dish is composed of french fries topped with both gravy and cheese curds. The original loaded fries, Poutine emerged from Quebec in the 1950s before catching on across the country.
There is a good chance that you have probably never heard of poutine, but it is a delicacy that you need to try before leaving Canada. While this dish is served throughout the country, you will probably not find a tastier concoction of the dish in the Montreal area.
If you’ve got room for dessert following that, we recommend you try a slice of Saskatoon Berry pie, which has a distinctively sweet and almondy flavour and is beloved in every province today.
9. Skiing In British Columbia
Canada has some of the best ski slopes on the planet and if you are looking for a thrill you can take this to the next level.
Have you ever wondered what it was like to jump out of an airplane onto a beautiful, white ski slope? Well, you can actually make this dream a reality in British Columbia.
Once you make your way down a world famous ski slope, you can cuddle enjoy one of the best adventures of your life. There are also some stunning accommodation available where you can relax and sleep in a picturesque log cabin or resort.
10. Ice-Skating In Ottawa
Ice-skating on the 202 kilometer-long Rideau Canal is more than a rite of passage in Ottawa. In fact, it is like a heritage and this is something that you can partake in if you are lucky enough to find yourself in the Ottawa region during February.
11. Whale Watching in Newfoundland
Do you want a magical experience? Travel to Newfoundland and see wild whales. The best time to go whale watching in Newfoundland are from mid-May to September, with the peak season being from mid-July to mid-August.
Aso whether you are an early riser or you like to sleep in, you have to make it a point to check out the sunrise from Newfoundland. Cape Spear located right on the outer fringe of the destination is probably the best spot. The view of the Cape’s historic lighthouse doesn’t hurt either.
12. See Polar Bears in Manitoba
With only a population of 813, Churchill, Manitoba might seem like a speck on a large map, but you would be mistaken not to make a stop in this town as it is the polar bear capital of the world!
During winter, you can book trips and there is a good chance that you will have at least one or two encounters with one of these beautiful animals. This destination is slightly off the beaten track so you might want to view Canada tours for options.
Have you been to Canada? Do you have any recommendations to share? Let us know in the comments section below.
