Things to Do in Canada

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Need an epic journey through natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities, and cultural richness? Head to Canada! From the peaks of the Rockies to the coastal charm of Nova Scotia, Canada offers year-round adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse local cultures. Whether you're road-tripping through national parks, sipping wine in the Okanagan, or exploring Quebec’s cobblestone streets, Canada is a country of unforgettable experiences.

Canada Highlights:

For Adventurous Travelers: Hike the Icefields Parkway in Alberta
For History Buffs: Walk Old Québec (Quebec City)
For Shoppers: Explore Toronto’s Distillery District and Queen West
For Couples: Cruise through the Thousand Islands in Ontario – A romantic getaway among forested islets and castle-like homes.
For Families: Visit the Montreal Biodome – Explore five ecosystems under one roof—perfect for kids and nature lovers alike.

Best Time to Visit Canada

The best time to visit Canada depends on your goals. June through September is perfect for hiking, festivals, and exploring cities in pleasant weather. December through March offers prime skiing, winter carnivals, and northern lights viewing in places like Yukon and Alberta. Fall (September–October) is ideal for foliage drives, particularly in Quebec and Ontario.

How to Get to Canada

By Air: Major international airports include Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), and Calgary (YYC). Most large U.S. and global cities offer direct flights.
By Car: Numerous U.S. border crossings allow entry into provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Don’t forget your passport!
By Train: VIA Rail offers scenic rail travel within Canada, and Amtrak connects the U.S. to Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

Where to Stay in Canada

Recommended for Families: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (Quebec City) – A castle-like hotel in a storybook setting with family packages and city access.
For Couples: Wickaninnish Inn (Tofino, BC) – Rustic-luxury oceanfront retreat on Vancouver Island with spa and fine dining.
For a Boutique Hotel Stay: The Drake Hotel (Toronto, ON) – Trendy urban stay with eclectic decor, rooftop lounge, and art-focused atmosphere.

Best Things to Do in Canada

1. Jasper National Park

Rating: ★★★★★

Jasper National Park

What is Jasper National Park?
- Jasper National Park is a vast national park in Alberta, Canada, covering 6,835 square miles. It is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What makes Jasper National Park special?
- It is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, featuring a stunning landscape of alpine meadows, mountains, rivers, forests, and glaciers.
What kind of wildlife can be found in the park?
- Jasper National Park is home to around 70 mammal species, including:
  - Moose
  - Grizzly bears
  - Elk
Are there hiking opportunities in Jasper National Park?
- Yes, the park boasts over 615 miles of hiking trails, offering routes for all experience levels.
- There are also more than 12 miles of multi-use and bike-friendly trails for visitors to explore.
Is camping available in the park?
- Yes, Jasper National Park offers various camping options, including:
  - Backcountry camping
  - Forested camping
  - Lakeside camping
What water activities are available?
- The park has several lakes and beaches, making it perfect for watersports enthusiasts.
- Hidden Cove is an ideal spot for canoeing and kayaking.

500 Connaught Drive, Jasper, Canada, Phone: 780-852-6176, Map

2. Rideau Canal National Historic Site

Rideau Canal National Historic Site

What is the Rideau Canal?
- The Rideau Canal is a 19th-century historic waterway that was constructed during a time of military threat, linking a scenic series of lakes and rivers.
What is the Rideau Canal used for today?
- It now serves as an outdoor recreation area, where history blends with the tranquil Eastern Ontario countryside.
What water activities can visitors enjoy?
- Visitors can explore the canal by:
  - Kayaking
  - Canoeing
  - Motor boating
- These activities can be enjoyed any day of the week along the canal’s lock system.
Are there swimming and fishing opportunities?
- Yes, the canal features sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming.
- Sport fishing is also a popular activity along the waterway.
Is camping available at the Rideau Canal?
- The lush greenery surrounding the canal makes it an ideal camping destination.
Are there trails for cycling and hiking?
- Yes, the area offers plenty of cycling and hiking trails for visitors to explore.

34 Beckwith Street South, Smith Falls, Ontario, Phone: 613-283-5170, Map

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

3. Banff National Park

Banff National Park

What is Banff National Park?
- Banff National Park is Canada's first national park and one of the most visited parks in the country.
How many visitors does Banff National Park receive annually?
- The park welcomes over three million visitors per year, making it a flagship destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Is Banff National Park a UNESCO site?
- Yes, Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
- Banff offers a wide range of activities throughout the year, including:
  - Mountain biking on 190 km of trails
  - Hiking along 1,600 km of maintained trails
  - Cross-country and alpine skiing
  - Exploring mountain villages
  - Scenic drives through breathtaking landscapes
  - Bird and wildlife watching for nature photography
What is a must-see highlight in Banff National Park?
- One of the top attractions is the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, which features:
  - Hot mineral springs tours
  - Star gazing experiences
  - Live performances in a unique setting

224 Banff Avenue, Banff, Alberta, Canada, Phone: 403-762-1550, Map

4. Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens

What is Butchart Gardens?
- Butchart Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden located in Victoria, British Columbia, open year-round.
When is the best time to visit Butchart Gardens?
- While the gardens are open all year, the peak season is during July and August when the flowers are in full bloom.
Is there a map available for visitors?
- Yes, visitors can download the Butchart Gardens Map & Guide, which is available in 22 languages.
- The guide includes a brief history of the gardens and descriptions of its five themed gardens:
  - Sunken Garden
  - Japanese Garden
  - Rose Garden
  - Italian Garden
  - Mediterranean Garden
- Other notable areas include Star Pond (near the Japanese Garden) and the Piazza (between the Italian and Mediterranean Gardens).
What visitor services are available at Butchart Gardens?
- The gardens offer a Plant Identification Counter where experts answer plant-related questions.
- There is also a Seed and Gift Store for souvenirs and gardening supplies.
- Visitors can enjoy dining at three different restaurants on-site.
Does the visitor center offer amenities?
- Yes, the visitor center provides complimentary use of:
  - Dog leashes
  - Umbrellas
  - Strollers
  - Wheelchairs

Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Phone: 250-652-4422

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

5. Canada's Wonderland

Canada's Wonderland

What is Canada's Wonderland?
- Canada's Wonderland is the country's premier amusement and water park, located in Vaughan, Ontario.
What attractions does Canada's Wonderland offer?
- The park features a variety of entertainment options, including:
  - Heart-pounding rides for thrill seekers
  - Street festivals with live entertainment
  - Live shows that cater to all audiences
How many rides are there at Canada's Wonderland?
- The park has over 75 rides for all ages, including:
  - Taxi Jam – A fun ride for little kids
  - Soaring Timbers – A thrilling experience for adventure seekers
What water attractions are available?
- The water park attractions are included with general admission and offer options for all ages:
  - Splash Island Kiddie Slides – Perfect for younger guests
  - Muskoka Plunge – A high-adrenaline waterslide experience
Can visitors skip the lines for popular rides?
- Yes, guests can purchase Fast Lane or Fast Lane Plus wristbands to skip the lines on select rides.
Does Canada's Wonderland offer entertainment beyond rides?
- In addition to rides and water attractions, the park features plenty of live shows and a continuous stream of events for guests to enjoy.

9580 Jane Street, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, Phone: 905-832-8131

6. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

What is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park?
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a 27-acre outdoor adventure park built around its famous suspension bridge, offering fun and thrills for visitors of all ages.
What is the Capilano Suspension Bridge?
- The Capilano Suspension Bridge was built in 1889 and is the park's main attraction.
- The bridge stretches 450 feet across the Capilano River at a height of 230 feet.
Is the park environmentally friendly?
- Yes, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a sustainable park that is designed to be easy on the environment while still providing thrilling outdoor experiences.
What other attractions are in the park?
- The park offers several adventure experiences, including:
  - Cliffwalk – A cantilevered walkway that clings to a granite cliff, providing breathtaking views.
  - Treetops Adventure – A network of seven suspension bridges positioned 100 feet above the forest floor.
What additional activities are available?
- Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, such as:
  - Guided nature tours to learn about the surrounding ecosystem.
  - The Kids’ Rainforest Explorer program, designed for young adventurers.
  - Seasonal entertainment featuring special events and performances.
  - A totem park showcasing Indigenous art and history.
  - A gift shop with souvenirs and unique finds.

3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Phone: 604-985-7474

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

7. CN Tower

CN Tower

What is the CN Tower?
- The CN Tower is an iconic landmark in Toronto, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and beyond.
What are the main observation levels at the CN Tower?
- The tower features several observation areas:
  - LookOut Level – Located at 1,136 feet, it features floor-to-ceiling panoramic window walls for breathtaking views.
  - Glass Floor – Offers a thrilling vertical view from 1,122 feet. This was the first of its kind and inspired see-through floors worldwide.
  - Outdoor Sky Terrace – Located at the same level as the Glass Floor, allowing guests to feel the open air while enjoying the view.
  - SkyPod – One of the highest public observation areas in the world at 1,465 feet, featuring interpretive exhibits and a pendulum that demonstrates the tower’s sway in the wind.
Is there a restaurant at the CN Tower?
- Yes, 360 The Restaurant is located on the LookOut Level, providing fine dining with rotating views of Toronto.
What is EdgeWalk?
- EdgeWalk is the world’s highest hands-free walking ledge, where guests can walk around the exterior of the tower while safely harnessed.

301 Front Street West, Toronto, Canada, Phone: 416-868-6937

8. Hopewell Rocks

Hopewell Rocks

Where can visitors experience the highest tides in the world?
- Just under an hour outside Moncton, New Brunswick, visitors can witness the highest tides in the world at the Bay of Fundy.
How can visitors best experience the tides?
- To fully appreciate this natural wonder, it is recommended to plan for both high and low tides.
- During low tide, visitors can walk on muddy beaches beneath towering rock formations.
- During high tide, guests can take guided or self-guided kayak tours around the same rock formations.
What dining options are available?
- The High Tide Café offers a full menu and an outdoor deck with scenic views.
- The Low Tide Café provides snacks for visitors exploring the area.
What other attractions are available?
- The area features an interpretive center and a gift shop for souvenirs and educational exhibits.
- There is a network of scenic trails for those who enjoy hiking.
- Visitors can also explore several caves carved by the tides.
What wildlife and historical sites can be found nearby?
- The site features the 300-year-old Acadian seawall, a historical remnant of early settlers.
- Nature lovers can observe Bay of Fundy shorebirds and watch for peregrine falcons at Demoiselle Beach.

Hopewell Rocks, 131 Discovery Road, Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick, Canada, Phone: 877-734-3429

9. Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls

What is Horseshoe Falls?
- Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls, located on the Canadian side between Table Rock and Goat Island.
How big is Horseshoe Falls?
- The falls have an impressive height of 173 feet and a width of 2,600 feet.
- Approximately 90% of the Niagara River flows over Horseshoe Falls at a staggering rate of 600,000 gallons per second.
Where can visitors get the best views of Horseshoe Falls?
- The best ground-level viewpoints include:
  - Table Rock – Located right next to the falls.
  - Niagara Parkway south of the Rainbow Bridge.
- For a breathtaking aerial view, visitors can ascend the Skylon Tower.
What makes Horseshoe Falls special at night?
- At night, the falls are illuminated with vibrant, colorful lights, creating a stunning and unforgettable sight.

7400 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Phone: 877-642-7275

10. Journey Behind The Falls

Journey Behind The Falls

What is Journey Behind The Falls?
- Journey Behind The Falls is an attraction that allows visitors to stand in the heart of Niagara Falls and experience its power up close.
How do visitors access Journey Behind The Falls?
- Guests descend 150 feet through bedrock via an elevator to reach the attraction.
- They then enter a 130-year-old tunnel that provides access to two portals and two observation decks.
What can visitors see from the portals?
- The two portals, Cataract and Great Falls, allow guests to stand one-third of the way behind the waterfall.
- This unique vantage point offers a chance to look out through the falls while listening to the thundering sounds of rushing water.
What are the observation decks like?
- There are two observation decks:
  - Upper Observation Deck – Provides a stunning perspective of the falls from above.
  - Lower Observation Deck – A particularly awe-inspiring experience, allowing visitors to sit at the foot of Horseshoe Falls and feel the water raining down on them.

6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Phone: 877-642-7275