Canada is a country of visual feasts that offers endless possibilities for exploration and adventure, leaving you with lasting memories.
From exploring mountaintops, watching the Northern Lights glitter in Yellowknife, kayaking with Beluga whales, or taking a helicopter ride on top of Toronto, Canada has something for everyone.
Here are the 51 best things to do in Canada for couples and families during the summer and winter.
Key Takeaways
- Some of the best things to do in Canada for couples include walking at the CN Tower Edge Walk, experiencing the Toronto Harbour Dinner Cruise, and witnessing Northern Lights.
- Some of the best things to do in Canada with kids are spotting grizzly bears, whale watching in Vancouver, and experiencing thrilling rides at La Ronde.
- Some of Canada’s most popular winter activities are skiing in Banff, seeing the frozen Niagara Falls, and ice skating on the Rideau Canal.
Best Things To Do In Canada For Couples
1. Walk the CN Tower Edge Walk
Trying out the CN Tower Edge Walk is one of the best things to do in Canada for couples because of the thrilling 90-minute experience where you walk hands-free around the perimeter of CN Tower’s central pod 1,168 feet above the ground.
The activity is open to 13 years old and above and gives you breathtaking views of the whole of Toronto from above.
Edgewalk in CN Tower is one of the world’s highest hand-free walks on a building where the cost starts at $199 going up to $225.
2. Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica
If you’re interested in Canada’s religious history, architecture, and art, the Notre Dame Basilica is a must-visit in Quebec Old Montreal.
You can walk through the historical church while admiring the Gothic revival architecture and try the AURA experience to witness captivating and luminous multimedia shows and light displays.
The sightseeing tour costs $14 for adults, $12 for students, and $9 for children.
The AURA experience costs $32 for adults, $27 for seniors, $21 for students, and $18 for children. You can combine the two tours for a discounted price.
3. Spend the Night At Hôtel de Glace
Hotel de Glace is one of Quebec’s couple-perfect destinations during winter, made up of ice and snow, featuring ice bars, ice sculptures, an ice chapel, and a Nordic spa.
If you’re looking for something cozy yet adventurous, staying at Hotel de Glace is a perfect choice because of the ice activities you can enjoy, like ice fishing, ice skating, and snowshoeing.
4. Attend the Montreal Jazz Festival
As couples, you cannot miss one of Quebec’s most iconic events, the Montreal Jazz Festival featuring over 500 concerts, workshops, activities, and exhibitions.
The festival is celebrated over ten days from late June to early July, attracting thousands of jazz enthusiasts worldwide.
The great thing about this festival is it doesn’t just celebrate jazz music but all music genres, including swing, fusion, bebop, blues, funk, and so much more.
You can browse their website to choose the concerts you want to attend.
5. Go Wine Tasting in the Okanagan Valley
Regarding delicious wines from world-class wineries, nothing beats the scenic vineyard of Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
You can explore a variety of wines, learn about how they make them, try out some activities, and dine at the best winery restaurants in Canada.
Visit the Okanagan Valley for wine tasting during summer, generally from June to September, when the weather is nice and warm, and most grapes are ripe enough to be harvested.
6. Morning Bike Tour of Toronto Islands
One of the funniest and most romantic ways to explore Toronto in Canada is trying out the morning bike tour at the peaceful Toronto Islands, which is a short ferry away from the city proper.
Here you can witness the beautiful beaches, scenic parks, fun amusement parks, the famous Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, and, most significantly, the beautiful skyline of Toronto from afar.
Try the morning bike tour at a price that starts from $85 for a 3.5-hour duration.
7. Explore the Casa Loma Castle
Another great Gothic revival architecture in Canada built in the early 1900s is Casa Loma, in Toronto, Ontario.
The majestic castle features numerous secret passageways, a 240-ft long tunnel, and a beautiful outdoor terrace with panoramic city views.
You can also explore various historical and cultural exhibits inside, like the Conservatory, the Library, and the Great Hall.
The General admission to Casa Loma Castle costs $44.49 for adults, $39.32 for youths and seniors, and $28.98 for children.
8. Try the Twilight Helicopter Flight
For an unforgettable experience, try the twilight helicopter flight with your partner, which lasts around 30 minutes and is piloted by trained professionals.
During the flight, you can have breathtaking city views, including iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, Toronto Islands, and the Rogers Center.
To remember the experience, take a photo with the helicopter and indulge in chocolates and wine as a special gift.
You can try the Twilight Helicopter Flight for $141 per adult.
9. Enjoy the View on a Toronto Harbour Dinner Cruise
Take your partner to a romantic and magical dinner at Toronto Harbour Dinner Cruise while enjoying a delicious meal and the breathtaking skyline of Toronto City.
The Toronto Harbour Dinner cruise features live entertainment, a multi-course dinner, and drinks from seafood to steak and other veggie options, and when you step out on the deck, you can take in the fresh air while taking spectacular photos.
The dinner cruise costs $121.40 (with taxes) and goes up depending on your package.
10. Witness the Northern Lights in Aurora Village
Nothing beats the view of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis at the picturesque resort of Aurora Village in Northwest Territories, where you see a variety of stunning colours clearly, including purples, greens, pinks, and blues across the night sky.
The Aurora Village is a cozy heated log cabin with pretty impressive amenities that make visitors comfortable while enjoying the sight of the Aurora Borealis.
11. Experience the Skyline Trail at Cape Breton Highlands
Cape Breton Highlands is a holy place for nature enthusiasts and hikers, and you can get the best of the area by trying the Skyline Trail, which offers views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
You can also see wildlife along the trail, including whales, bald eagles, moose, and beautiful flora.
At the trail’s end, you can see the panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Highlands.
12. Try the Steamy Hot Springs at Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs, located in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, is a relaxing natural refuge away from the hustle and bustle of the Canadian metropolis. It is one of the best things to do in Canada for couples.
The hot springs provide a relaxing and refreshing experience, with temperatures between 35 and 47 degrees Celsius.
You may relax and unwind in the hot springs while taking in stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
13. Try Beers from Fredericton, New Brunswick
Fredericton, New Brunswick, is a beer lover’s paradise, with its abundance of specialty and superb beers.
In this attractive city’s thriving craft beer industry, you can satisfy your thirst for hoppy IPAs, luscious stouts, and other flavorful brews.
Enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, tasty beers, and warm hospitality of one of Fredericton’s pubs is a great way to spend an evening.
Related: Best Things to Do in New Brunswick
14. Picnic at Liverpool, Nova Scotia
Liverpool in Nova Scotia is a charming coastal town with a beautiful backdrop and fresh sea air for a picnic lunch or dinner.
You can head to the picturesque Fort Point Lighthouse Park on a scenic peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering picnic tables, benches, and grassy areas to relax and enjoy your meals.
The town’s charming stores, museums, and historical landmarks will create a fascinating after-picnic exploration.
Best Things To Do In Canada With Kids
15. Explore Stanley Park
Kids would love Stanley Park because of the plethora of outdoor activities, such as exploring the gardens, enjoying a picnic, and walking or biking around the seawall.
Just within Stanley Park is the Vancouver Aquarium, with over 50,000 animals you can see and various shows and exhibits you can participate in.
You can also relax, swim, and sunbathe at the two beaches inside Stanley Park, such as English Bay Beach and Second Beach, which boasts stunning ocean views.
16. Visit Niagara Falls
Visiting Niagara Falls is one of the best things to do in Canada with kids because of the plenty of activities and attractions near the famous falls.
Some of the most notable activities for kids are the Maid of the Mist boat ride to get up close to the falls, the Niagara Falls Discovery Center with interactive exhibits about the ecology, history, and geology of Niagara Falls, the Cave of the Winds, Niagara SkyWheel, and the Butterfly Conservatory.
17. Visit Anne of Green Gables in PEI
A visit to Prince Edward Island would be more enjoyed by kids with a trip to Anne of Green Gables, where you can introduce them to classic books and the island’s history.
One fun and exciting experience within the island is to take a carriage ride along the Anne-related sites.
Explore Cavendish Beach, visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum and Green Gables Heritage Place, and experience the Anne of Green Gables musical at the Charlottetown Festival.
18. Visit Byward Market in Ottawa
Byward Market is a lively neighbourhood in Ottawa, Canada, ideal for families with kids because of its proximity to the National Arts Centre.
Kids will have a great time discovering new delicacies, interacting with local artists and entertainers, and exploring the vibrant booths and businesses at the market.
There are also several activities for children to participate in and keep them entertained, such as street entertainers, a splash pad, and playgrounds.
Take advantage of the opportunity to indulge your sweet tooth at the renowned BeaverTails stand!
19. Spot Grizzly Bears in the Great Bear Rainforest
Take a guided tour of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia to learn about the endangered Grizzly Bear and possibly catch a glimpse of this elusive and beautiful species in its native environment.
It’s an excellent opportunity for families with grownups enthusiastic about wildlife and the outdoors.
If you want to get a greater perspective, make sure you have your camera and binoculars.
20. Drive the Lighthouse Route in Nova Scotia
The Lighthouse Route is a scenic coastal drive in Nova Scotia that stretches from Halifax to Yarmouth, perfect for a family road trip.
It offers stunning views of picturesque fishing villages, lighthouses, and rugged coastlines.
Some of the activities that kids will enjoy include visiting beaches, kayaking, and whale watching.
Here are some more fun things to do in Nova Scotia.
21. Visit Tofino
Tofino, a tiny fishing town on the western coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, is an excellent destination for families with young children.
Beautiful beaches, scenic hikes, and wildlife-viewing excursions await you. Children will enjoy the Pacific Ocean, sand beaches, and tide pools.
22. Go Whale Watching in Vancouver
In Vancouver, whale watching is a thrilling and fun activity for the whole family, where you might spot orcas, humpbacks, and other marine mammals from a boat.
From Vancouver, there are several tour operators to choose from if you want to go whale-watching, and some of these are the Wild Whales Vancouver, Prince of Whales, and Vancouver Whale Watch.
Related: Winnipeg to Vancouver Road Trip with Kids
23. Visit the Alberta Badlands
The Alberta Badlands are a fascinating geological wonderland in Alberta, perfect for adventurous families with curious kids.
You and your kids can explore the unique landscape, which includes hoodoos, canyons, and dinosaur fossils.
Your kids will also love visiting the Royal Tyrrell Museum to learn about the history of dinosaurs and see life-size dinosaur skeletons.
24. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is an indoor aquarium in Toronto, divided into nine galleries with unique themes and displays featuring 16,000 marine animals worldwide, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
Here you can experience live shows and feedings, walk through an underwater tunnel filled with aquatic life, and touch various species in interactive exhibits.
The aquarium also offers educational programs for schools and groups, private events, and sleepovers for a truly immersive experience.
25. Visit the MarineLand Amusement Park
MarineLand is a family-friendly amusement park in Niagara Falls with plenty of amusement rides like roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and other water-related activities.
It features a variety of marine animals, such as dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions, and walruses.
Kids will love the shows and exhibits, including feeding the animals and getting up close to them.
26. Experience Thrilling Rides at La Ronde
In Montreal, you can go to La Ronde, a Six Flags amusement park with 40 rides and attractions featuring water rides and roller coasters.
Kids will love the thrills of rides like the Goliath roller coaster and the Titan, while younger children will enjoy the Kidzopolis play area.
The park also offers live shows, games, and delicious food options.
27. Stroll Around Toronto Zoo
A stroll around the Toronto Zoo is an exciting and educational experience for kids where they can learn about over 5,000 animals from 500 different species worldwide.
Your kids can visit the Arctic wolves, giant pandas, and kangaroos, among many other animals.
The zoo also offers educational programs, events, and interactive exhibits, including a Discovery Zone and a Splash Island that your kids will surely enjoy.
28. Explore Science World
Science World is a Vancouver science center featuring interactive exhibits exploring various scientific concepts like biology, physics, and ecology.
Visitors can engage in hands-on activities, attend live demonstrations, and view dynamic shows in the center’s OMNIMAX theatre.
Science World also offers educational programs for schools and groups, as well as workshops and camps for children.
29. Explore Nature at Biodome
Exploring the Biodome is one of the best things to do in Canada with kids because of its unique nature museum, which is perfect for nature lovers of all ages.
The museum showcases four distinct ecosystems found in the Americas:
- The tropical rainforest
- The Laurentian maple forest
- The Gulf of St. Lawrence
- The Sub-Antarctic Islands
Visitors can walk through each ecosystem and observe over 4,500 animals from 250 species, including penguins, otters, and sloths.
The Biodome also offers educational programs and interactive exhibits that explore the importance of biodiversity and conservation.
30. Explore the Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum in Canada is a fun-filled interactive museum that offers children an opportunity to learn and explore uniquely.
The museum has over 12 galleries filled with exhibits that allow kids to experience different cultures, careers, and technologies.
Kids can explore a replica of a 1920s Manitoba town, visit a circus, or build their roller coaster.
The museum also offers educational programs, workshops, and special events annually.
Best Things To Do In Canada In Winter
31. Go Skiing in Banff
Banff is the best place to go skiing in Canada, with world-class slopes and stunning mountain scenery that will make your winter vacation unforgettable.
Banff Mount Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Sunshine Village are the three local ski areas, so there’s something for skiers and snowboarders of all capabilities.
Banff is also great for families to go skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, and hiking in the mountains together.
32. See the Frozen Niagara Falls
The winter months convert Niagara Falls into a mystical frozen paradise, adding to the spectacle that draws millions of people each year.
As the temperature drops, the mist from the falls freezes, creating a stunning icy spectacle that is a sight to behold.
Visitors can take a winter hike along the Niagara River, explore the surrounding parkland, or take a thrilling ride on the Niagara SkyWheel for a bird’s-eye view of the frozen falls.
33. See the Northern Lights in Yellowknife
Dress warmly and prepare for one of the best things to do in Canada in winter by visiting Yellowknife, one of the best spots in the world, to view the Aurora Borealis, often known as the Northern Lights.
This breathtaking natural phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gasses in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating colourful dancing lights in the sky.
From late August to early April, Yellowknife’s bright, dark skies are ideal for viewing the Northern Lights.
34. Watch a Game of Ice Hockey
Fans can enjoy watching the action-packed ice-hockey game while indulging in classic Canadian snacks like poutine and beer.
Attending an ice hockey game is one of the best things to do in Canada in winter and is a fantastic chance to get a taste of Canadian enthusiasm for the fast-paced, high-energy sport.
Some of the best-loved NHL teams call cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver home.
Games are played at various times during the week, from October through June.
35. Go Ice Skating on the Rideau Canal
Experiencing the iconic Canadian ice skating activity on the Rideau Canal is a quintessential winter experience in Canada.
The 7.8-km historic canal in Ottawa, Ontario, becomes the world’s largest skating rink every winter as it transforms into a wonderland for skaters.
Skate rentals and hot chocolate are available at various locations along the canal, making it an easy and enjoyable activity for everyone.
The skating season typically runs from January to February, weather permitting.
36. Attend the Quebec City Winter Carnival
The Quebec City Winter Carnival is a 17-day lively and festive winter event every year in Quebec City with various outdoor activities, including ice skating, sledding, and snow sculpture competitions.
You can also enjoy live music, parades, and the delicious local cuisine here.
One of the highlights of the carnival is the Bonhomme Carnaval, a snowman mascot who presides over the festivities.
37. See the Polar Bears in Churchill
Churchill, Manitoba, is dubbed the “polar bear capital of the world” because it is one of the few locations where you can view these magnificent creatures in their natural setting.
Hundreds of polar bears wait patiently each year for the Hudson Bay to freeze over so they may begin their annual seal-hunting season.
You can take guided tours to see the bears on foot or from specially designed tundra vehicles.
38. Go Snowmobiling in Ontario
A thrilling way to experience the winter sceneries and breathtaking beauty of Ontario is on a snowmobile.
Forests, frozen lakes, and stunning scenery can all be explored on the network’s more than 30,000 kilometres of pathways.
The Ottawa Valley, Haliburton Forest, and Muskoka are all fantastic places to go snowmobiling.
You can either bring your snowmobile or rent one locally.
39. Try Dog Sledding Through Snow in Whitehorse
Whitehorse, Canada’s dog sledding, is an exciting excursion that lets you glide across the frozen landscape behind a team of huskies, taking in the breathtaking scenery.
A variety of tours are available into the Yukon wilderness, taking you past frozen rivers and breathtaking mountain scenery.
As you travel, you’ll pick up interesting tidbits about the area’s indigenous people and their connection to the land.
40. Attend the Ice Wine Festival
The Ice Wine Festival in Canada annually celebrates one of the country’s most unique and delicious exports: ice wine while providing a stunning backdrop of Niagara Falls.
Held in the Niagara wine region, the festival offers visitors the chance to taste and learn about this sweet and flavorful wine made from grapes frozen on the vine.
The festival features tastings, food pairings, and special events, including a gala dinner and ice bar.
41. Go Ice Climbing at Canmore Alberta
Canmore, Alberta, is a world-class destination for ice-climbing enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
With its stunning mountain landscapes and frozen waterfalls, Canmore offers a unique and challenging environment for climbers of all levels.
The stunning views from the top are well worth the climb, and the exhilarating feeling of conquering a frozen waterfall is an experience that will stay with you forever.
42. Go Ice Fishing
Canada’s gorgeous lakes and rivers may still be enjoyed by anglers throughout the winter months thanks to the sport of ice fishing.
You can catch trout, pike, and walleye with a fishing rod, a warm coat, and some patience.
Many guided trips and outfitters get you to the most significant fishing areas and provide you with the gear you’ll need.
Other Best Things To Do In Canada
43. Hike the Giant Trail in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Hiking the Giant Trail in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is one of the best things to do in Canada for any outdoor enthusiast visiting Ontario.
The 22-km loop trail gets its name from the park’s iconic Sleeping Giant rock formation, which towers over Lake Superior and provides a stunning backdrop for the hike.
Along the way, you can spot wildlife, including moose and bald eagles, and see beautiful landscapes, including rocky outcrops, meadows, and forests.
The trail’s highlight is the stunning views from the top of the Sleeping Giant, which provides breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding wilderness.
44. Visit Grasslands National Park
Grasslands National Park is a unique and beautiful place in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. It is home to many wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, wolves, and rare plant species.
You can hike, camp, and go on organized trips to see the park’s different landscapes, such as the rolling grasslands, badlands, and coulees.
The park is also a designated Dark-Sky Preserve, offering incredible stargazing opportunities.
45. Climb the Rocky Mountains
Climbing the Rocky Mountains in Canada is an exciting journey with different challenges for climbers.
Some of North America’s most famous peaks, like Mount Robson and Mount Temple, are in the mountains. Some many routes and trails take climbers through beautiful alpine scenery.
The mountains can be climbed safely with the help of guided tours and classes, and the beautiful views from the top are well worth the work.
46. Play Glow-In-The-Dark Mini Golf at Putting Edge
Putting Edge is an indoor mini-golf course that is unlike any other. It takes playing to a whole new level.
The course has bright colours and blacklights that make it look like something from another world.
The course has hurdles and tricky shots that require skill and accuracy, but it’s fun for people of all ages.
47. Kayak with Beluga Whales
Kayaking with Beluga whales is a unique and exciting activity that lets you get close to these beautiful animals.
The best place to accomplish this is in Churchill, Manitoba, where thousands of belugas assemble every summer.
As you paddle through the Arctic seas, you’ll hear the belugas’ unique chirps and whistles and may even feel the spray from their blowholes.
48. Stay in Lakeside Log Cabin in Manitoba
A lakeside wood house in Manitoba is a great place to get away from it all and relax in the middle of nature.
You can fish, hike, and boat in an area surrounded by woods and clear water.
The cabin has modern features like a fully stocked kitchen, comfy beds, and a warm stove.
49. Stay at a 5-Star Fairmont Hotel
When you stay at a 5-star Fairmont hotel, you enjoy comfort and wealth.
Every part of a world-class hotel, from the grand halls to the comfortable guest rooms, is designed with care.
Enjoy excellent services like fine dining restaurants, exercise centers with the latest equipment, and a relaxing spa.
50. Watch the Whales at Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is a great place to see whales where they live in the wild.
The Bay of Fundy, next to Nova Scotia, is a great place to watch whales because it has a lot of food for them.
From the middle of June to the end of October, you can see humpback, finback, and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
51. Pamper Yourself at a Sonora Resort
Sonora Resort, located in British Columbia, offers a luxurious and rejuvenating getaway surrounded by natural beauty.
The resort is accessible only by boat or helicopter, providing a sense of seclusion and exclusivity.
You can indulge in spa treatments, gourmet dining, and outdoor adventures like fishing, hiking, and kayaking.
The guest rooms are elegantly designed with stunning views of the ocean and mountains.
FAQs
The #1 tourist attraction in Canada is Niagara Falls, which gets millions of tourists every year. These huge falls drop about 57 meters and are about an hour’s drive from Toronto, near the border with the United States.
Canada is known for three things: scenic beauty, ice sports, and maple syrup. No one can deny how beautiful the landscapes in Canada are. Ice hockey, the national winter sport, is similar to football in Europe, and the country produces 80% of the world’s maple syrup.
Most people would say yes, but sometimes that’s not true. There are ways to travel in Canada without spending much money; you must research how. The average cost of a one-week trip to Canada for one person is about CA$1,318.
Canada is known for several famous foods, including poutine, maple syrup, and Nanaimo bars. Poutine is a dish made of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy and is considered quintessential Canadian comfort food.
Related:
- Places to Visit and Things to Do in Kelowna
- Nexus Canada Guide