Top Things to do in Canada
What to do and see in Canada, Canada: The Best Outdoor Activities
World class skiing, decadent European style cuisine, ornamental cathedrals, peaceful island life…Canada is a patchwork of thriving cities and majestic wilderness. Montreal beckons travelers with its French charm and booming cultural landscape. In Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is a vision of Frank Gehry architecture and national artistic treasures. The gleaming mountain ranges of Banff set a stunning backdrop for an exploration of the Canadian Rockies.
Restaurants in Canada
1. Icefields Parkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,845 reviews
Scenic highway cutting through breathtakingly beautiful mountain passes.
Reviewed By BCW_1016 - Charlevoix, United States
We drove it in our rental car leaving Banff at 7:30AM and did not get beck until after 4PM - so much to see! This is an absolutely beautiful drive with many places to stop to take in the marvelous views of mountains, lakes & streams and/or enjoy short hikes. You can see many glaciers on the mountains. We took the drive in mid September and the Aspen trees were a beautiful golden color against the backdrop of green pine trees. Our turning point was at the “Ice Field Center” where we walked up to the glacier. If you wanted to get up close and personal with the ice, tours are available - they take you out onto the glacier on a special bus and let you walk around for a few minutes. A very enjoyable day.
2. Crypt Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 281 reviews
Reviewed By Burkendah - Cold Lake, Canada
No trip to Waterton National Park would be complete without a hike to Crypt Lake. It is probably one of the most difficult hikes but it is well worth it. The landscapes are stunning, the views are amazing, the lake itself is one of the most beautiful I have ever soon (and I have traveled all over the world). The trail is full of plants, insects, birds and mammals (mule deer, squirrels, prairie dogs, marmots) The feeling of accomplishment when you complete the hike is genuine. It is a tough hike but anyone with enough determination can do it.
3. Pacific Rim National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,337 reviews
Unique park composed of three sections - Long Beach, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group of Islands - that feature sandy beaches, island archipelagos, temperate rainforests and important archaeological sites.
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve consists of 3 units stretching from Tofino, the northern end, to Port Renfrew at the southern end, on Vancouver Island. These 3 units are: 1) The Long Beach Unit located between the beach towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, 2) The Broken Group Islands located in Barkley Sound and accessible only by boat, and 3) The West Coast Trail stretching for 75 km from Pachena Bay to Port Renfrew. Only experienced trekkers should attempt this trail. We got to explore the Broken Group of Islands when we joined one of the Whale Watching tour operators in Ucluelet. We were taken across the small islands in Barkley Sound, towards the south-east of Ucluelet, and saw the spectacular views of these islands covered by a small forest of trees, and rocks with a lot of kelp floating around. Finally the captain of the motorised boat spotted a humpback whale which we followed for quite a while as it kept spouting and breaking the surface of the water every few minutes. We even saw a group of grunting and squabbling sea lions on a rocky island, a sea otter floating on it’s back in the water, and some sea eagles perched up on tall trees of some of the islands. Likewise, a walk along the Long Beach near Tofino and along the West Coast Trail must be as mesmerizing for the incredible coastline scenery with the temperate rain-forests of the islands meeting the ever turbulent waters of the Pacific Ocean. Keep your eyes open to spot some of the wonderful aquatic and terrestrial fauna like whales, orcas, dolphins, wolves, bears, cougars, and myriads of smaller creatures along the shore.
4. Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 588 reviews
Whistler Mountain Bike Park has something for every level of rider. Gentle, banked cruisers through the Coastal forest. Tight and twisty single track - perfect for intermediate riders. For the armour clad, full face wearing, 50lb. bike group there are steep rock faces, gnarly, root strewn lines, drop offs of all descriptions and more.
Reviewed By oko42 - Havant, United Kingdom
Excellent organisation of the lifts, very smooth operation. Brilliant variety of graded trails which you can work your way through. Good for experienced cyclists, but challenging for the absolute beginner. Worth hiring protective gear if you haven't taken yours. Check when the season starts and finishes before you go. Although it looked busy from the bottom, once on the hill you meet very few people. Worth checking out the various bike hire places for the best deals and booking in advance. Plenty of good bars and restaurants nearby too.
5. Chesterman Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,522 reviews
Reviewed By Departure683118 - Wardner, Canada
We visited this beach more than any of the others during our stay on the coast. Not only was it smaller than some of the others, but it seemed more sheltered. The rocky outcrops, and a number of close, small islands, however, really made the crashing waves that much more spectacular. The sand was hard...easy walking...and there seemed to be more “treasures” to be found. We loved exploring here, and watching the many surfers who practiced their craft here. And as an added bonus, the sunsets were beautiful. This will definitely be our go-to beach when we return!
6. The Calgary Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,462 reviews
From the splendor of the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Destination Africa, The Calgary Zoo takes you to see almost 900 animals from around the world. Trek through the gorilla’s rainforest, safari over the Savannah to watch the hippos swim, or climb the Canadian Wilds to see a grizzly bear. Cool off and get beak to nose with 4 species of penguins in our popular Penguin Plunge or visit endangered red pandas and amur tigers in Eurasia! Wind down your trip with a walk through our fragrant Dorothy Harvie Gardens or sit with the butterflies in ENMAX Conservatory. You'll love knowing that every visit helps protect endangered animals at home and in the wild. NEW in 2017 is the unique and immersive permanent Land of Lemurs exhibit. Coming in 2018 are the iconic giant pandas!
Reviewed By 672wadey - Lloydminster, Canada
We took kids here several times really enjoyed the displays the animals seem healthy and well taken care of , the dinosaurs part was a big hit for the kids and are wanting to go again with the grandkids
7. Sea to Sky Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,492 reviews
A two-lane scenic highway passes both the Pacific Ocean and rugged mountain peaks.
Reviewed By TravelinSuz - Chandler, United States
What a gorgeous scenic drive! There’s waterfalls, trials to hikes, and cold water corals for scuba divers! So worth the time.
8. Kamloops Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 722 reviews
The BC Wildlife Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue & rehabilitation of injured wildlife. Discover some of British Columbia's iconic wildlife and view nearly 200 animals and 65 animal species, including bears, elk, bobcats, arctic wolves, and cougars. The majority of the Park’s animals are rescued, including Clover, the only Kermode Bear in human care in the world. Book an interactive VIP Wildlife Experience or Wildlife Encounter, or enjoy seasonal activities such as feed talks, animal encounters, Bird of Prey flight demonstrations, splash park, playground, Wildlife Express miniature train, and more. For more detailed information, check out the daily activity schedule online.
Reviewed By 630lauraleen
I recently went on the VIP Experience at the BC Wildlife Park. My sister and I loved going around the bobcat and wolves enclosures to hide the food, and got some great pictures of the animals in action. We did not get up close interactions with the animals, but we did get to go into their enclosure. My grandparents use a walker, and were able to walk around the park with relative ease, and even got to ride on the train. The only thing I would have wanted was more information on the animals at their enclosures. I would highly suggest going through the VIP Experience and asking lots of questions.
9. Gatineau Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,036 reviews
This vast and scenic Ottawa park is ideal for walking, biking or cross-country skiing and also houses the MacKenzie King Estate, once the home of Canada's former Prime Minister.
Reviewed By FarAway752596
A must to visit! Gatineau park is just beautiful. Close to Ottawa, with so many lakes including Pink lake (green), trails, wildlife, breathtaking views especially from Belvèdere where you can see as far as the Outaouais River. Good variety of restaurants (Chelsea) it does not matter the season of the year, each one is unique in its own way. In Autunm enjoy the colors is just magic!!! My favorite place in the Outaouais.
10. Tremblant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,109 reviews
Four-season holiday destination and ski resort, Tremblant welcomes families, couples, friends, and groups in the heart of the Laurentians, in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. Experience true joie de vivre through a selection of year-round activities and events: ski, snowboard, snowparks, après-ski and nightlife, spa, golf, beach, shopping, musical festivals, and sports competition. Voted #1 ski resort in Eastern North America many times over the years, Tremblant provides accommodation for every budget: hotels, condos, homes, and chalets. With more than 30 restaurants, bars and cafés and 35 boutiques and stores, our pedestrian village at the foot of Mont Tremblant will delight you summer, fall, winter, and spring!
Reviewed By trudilynel - Natick, United States
Tremblant is fabulous! The pedestrian village is beautiful and the two other Tremblant villages are next door and have great restaurants. The skiing is fantastic for all levels, there are green trails to double blacks from the top. Even during school vacation week, there were no lift lines. There are many other activities, too. There is an indoor waterpark and spa onsite. There is also an activity center that will hook you up with a variety of excursions. We did a dog sled tour and drove snow buggies. It was fantastic! If you go, bring a lot of layers. Actually, bring ALL YOUR WINTER CLOTHES. It is freezing! If you live in the US northeast, drive the extra few hours to Tremblant. It is worth it.
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