17 Bucket-List Experiences You Must Have In Canada

There are non-stop adventures and activities in Canada, and narrowing down the must-do experiences isn’t easy. However, Culture Trip whittled down the options to bring you the top bucket-list items.

Driving the Cabot Trail

Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island has been named one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and its Cabot Trail is its crowning glory. A drive through the trail gives you stunning views and is full of fun stops along the way. For the most epic scenery, take the trip during the fall and admire the autumn colors.

Skiing the Rockies

Canada’s Rocky Mountains offer some of the best skiing conditions in the world, among many other activities, including heli-skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing. Oh, and they are unbelievably beautiful.

Visiting Parliament Hill

Canada’s House of Parliament sits in a gorgeous group of stone buildings set against the Ottawa River. In addition to tours, many activities take place around Parliament Hill, including daily yoga classes and light shows.

Go to the Calgary Stampede

For one week every July, the city of Calgary transforms into the home of the Calgary Stampede, the self-proclaimed Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. You’ll find live concerts from country music’s top stars, bull riding, horse shows, and so much more.

Visiting a Maple Farm

Did you know that 75% of the world’s maple syrup comes from Quebec? Learn more about the process, and enjoy some delicious samples at one of the many maple farms around Eastern Canada.

Wine tasting in the Okanagan

British Columbia’s Okanagan region is the wine destination in the country. Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll get to enjoy some of the country’s best wines and best views.

Experiencing the Northern Lights

While often elusive, the Northern Lights are without a doubt one of the most amazing natural phenomena. When the conditions are right, you’ll get the chance to admire them from many northern regions, including the territories and northernmost portions of many provinces.

Visit polar bears and beluga whales in Manitoba

In the winter, Churchill, Manitoba’s polar bear population outnumbers the human population! And in the summer, nearby Hudson Bay fills with beluga whales! Go on a polar bear excursion or a beluga snorkeling trip and have the unforgettable experience of getting up close and personal with these beautiful creatures.

Getting Screeched In in Newfoundland

Not an original Newfie? No problem! All it takes to become an honorary Newfoundlander is a short ceremony, known as a Screech In. All you have to do is recite a poem, take a shot of Newfoundland rum, and—brace yourself—kiss a frozen cod. Thousands of people flock to the province every year to participate in this unique ceremony.

Go to a hockey game

Did you know that Canada’s official sport is actually lacrosse, not hockey? Unofficially though, hockey is number one in the hearts of Canadians. Taking in an NHL game will give you a taste of what true hockey fans look like!

Explore the National Parks

Canada is home to some of the most stunning parks in the world, and they are an amazing way to experience the country’s varied geography. From marveling at the fjords in Newfoundland’s Gros Morne Park or relaxing in a hot spring in one of British Columbia’s many parks, there is something for everyone.

Kayak through Hopewell Rocks

Head to the Bay of Fundy to discover the Hopewell Rocks, one of New Brunswick’s most famous landmarks. These giant rocks, carved from the nearby cliff-lined shores, are a sight to be seen. When the tide is out, you can explore them on foot, or enjoy a kayak ride when the water levels are up.

Enjoy a seafood dinner

If you’re visiting any of the coastal provinces, a seafood dinner is a must. From wild salmon to lobster to shellfish, Canada has it all.

Explore the Athabasca Sand Dunes

When you think of Saskatchewan, you probably think of nothing but wheat fields, right? But the province is also home to the world’s most northerly sand dunes. Located in Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, they can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet) high.

Check out Niagara Falls

Canada shares Niagara Falls with the United States, but the Canadian side is definitely the most awe-inspiring. The falls are breathtaking and well worth a visit—just don’t spend too much time in Niagara afterward because it’s tourist central!

Skate Ottawa’s Rideau Canal

Ottawa’s Rideau Canal is the longest natural skating rink in the world, and it attracts over 20,000 visitors per day during the winter months! It’s especially busy during rush hour when thousands of locals commute to work on skates. It doesn’t get much more Canadian than that.

Drive (or take a train) from coast to coast

Canada is such a massive country that you can’t just go to one city or province and say you’ve seen it. From ocean to prairies, from mountains to ice fields, this country has it all, and the best way to experience it is a cross-country commute. Enjoy the flexibility of driving yourself, or kick back and enjoy the view via a cross-country train.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.