Canada for Beginners: Top 20 things to Do in Canada

Canada. It’s a place that might not have crossed your mind to visit, unless you’re an avid skier or serious snowboarder. Breathtaking scenery, an impressive food and wine scene and loads of outdoor adventures to be had, there’s not much Canada doesn’t offer. Not convinced? Here, we share our top 20 must-do activities in a beginner’s guide to Canada. Once you’ve finished reading, it’ll be impossible to resist the pull of the north.

Search flights to Canada

1. Surf in Tofino

Where: Vancouver Island, Canada

Tofino is to Canada what Byron Bay is to Australia. Think: hippy vibes, great food, travelling surfers and a stunning location. Learn to surf or add a new wave to your brag list at the beaches that surround this little funky town on Vancouver Island’s west coast. We can’t promise it’ll be warm, but it will be memorable. You may even share a wave with the seals!

2. Marvel at the Northern Lights

Where: Northwest Territories or Yukon Territory, Canada

If you’re visiting Canada over winter it’s worth making the mission to the north for a chance to witness the aurora borealis, aka the Northern Lights, in action. This colourful light show is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is guaranteed to blow minds (figuratively speaking, of course), and Canada offers some of the best viewpoints on Earth.

3. Boot scoot to The Calgary Stampede

Where: Alberta, Canada

Dust off the cowboy boots (we know you have a pair!) and scoot on over to what claims to be the greatest outdoor show on Earth, The Calgary Stampede. Held annually in July, this country extravaganza hosts a smorgasbord of entertainment including the world’s richest tournament-style rodeo. Yeeha!

4. Take a scenic drive

Where: Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada

The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton is billed as one of the most beautiful drives in Canada and can be knocked over in a few hours if time is of the essence. Stretching almost 300km, the road meanders through picturesque fishing villages, lush national park and hugs the coastline at different points along the way.

5. Venture into the wild on Baffin Island

Where: Nunavut, Canada

Floating in the Arctic, Baffin Island is Canada’s largest. It’s remote location and pristine state means that spectacular fjords, giant glaciers and the sea surrounding it are home to an abundance of marine wildlife including white belugas and polar bears.

6. Shoot a postcard-worthy photo at Lake Louise

Where: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

If you know a bit about Canada, chances are you’ve heard of the Rockies. And if you’ve heard of the Rockies, well you’ve probably heard of Banff. And if Banff rings a bell, the name Lake Louise is most likely sounding sirens. Surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks, the cerulean lake is breathtaking and is the perfect snapshot to send home while you continue to gallivant across the country.

7. Soak and unwind in hot springs

Where: Various locations across Canada

You can thank the thermal activity beneath Canada for the abundance of hot springs scattered across the country. From the more developed resort-style springs to naturally heated rock pools in the wilderness, bobbing in the mineral-rich water is bound to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Our favourites include Lussier Hot Springs in the Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park and the serene Hot Springs Cove near Tofino.

8. Fall for Niagara Falls

Where: Ontario, Canada

Sure, it’s considered one of the wonders of the world. And yeah, it’s been visited by almost anyone who ventures this way, but that’s for a good reason! Take away the gift shop, the busloads of tourists and the boats at its foot, and you’re left with a mesmerising wall of white that throws down between 4 and 6 million cubic feet of water per minute. Impressed? That’s what we thought!

9. Cheer on a NHL game

Where: Various stadiums across Canada

To say the Canadians are obsessed with ice hockey would be a gross understatement. Loved nation-wide, this sport brings together the nation in a way that nothing else does. Head to a National Hockey League (NHL) game and cheer loud and proud as players charge, check and shoot. Unsure of who to go for? We’re pretty sure the person sitting next to you would be happy to give a bias tip off.

10. Munch on a Montreal-style bagel

Where: St-Viateur Bagel, 263 av. St-Viateur West or Fairmount Bagel, 74 av. Fairmont West, Montreal, Canada

Bagels are serious business in Montreal. Dense, slightly sweet and wood-fired these handmade rounds of rustic goodness will send taste buds into a frenzy. The infamous St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel are so good, they’ll have you going back for seconds before you can say ‘bagel’.

11. Get high in Toronto

Where: 301 Front Street West Toronto, Ontario, Canada

We’re talking 1,168 feet kind of high. The Edge Walk is for adrenalin junkies and will see those who are game take on the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk around the top of the iconic CN Tower. Not for the faint-hearted or height wary!  

12. Take on the white at Whistler

Where: British Columbia, Canada

With over 3,000 hectares of impressive terrain, two spectacular mountains, and all the runs – from green to black diamond – an avid skier or snowboarder could wish for, it’s not difficult to see why Whistler is one of the top ski destinations in the world. Conveniently location a two-hour drive from Vancouver, it’s the perfect weekend getaway.

13. Go iceberg hunting

Where: Twillingate, Newfoundland, Canada

Ever dreamt of having floating towers of ice, some 15 storeys high, at your fingertips? Kayak or cruise boat, however you decide to get up close and personal with the mammoth icebergs in Twillingate, it’ll be an adventure you’ll be telling the grandkids about.  

14. Explore the Rockies by train

Where: British Columbia, Canada

Making tracks across the Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is arguably the best way to take in the ever-changing and diverse landscape. Sit in luxury and cruise past picturesque lakes, majestic mountains and possibly a wandering grizzly. Our number one tip? Keep the camera out and at the ready!

15. See the Bay of Fundy

Where: New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada

Another of Canada’s many natural wonders, the Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world. Located on the east coast, each day 160 billion tonnes of water flows in and then empties out of the bay. If you’re more a do-er than a watcher, chat to one of the tour companies about rafting a tidal bore.

16. Wander around Old Quebec

Where: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

There is nowhere else like the enchanting Old Quebec (Vieux Quebec) in North America. If you want to spend the day feeling like you’re in an old part of France, then strolling down the old city’s narrow cobbled streets and pausing to dine at cosy bistros or peruse boutiques will surely do the trick. C’est magnifique!

17. Explore Dinosaur Valley

Where: Drumheller, Alberta, Canada

Rub shoulders with giant hoodoos and get a dose of dinosaur history in the spectacular Drumheller Valley, otherwise known as Dinosaur Valley. Situated in the badlands of Alberta, this intriguing area is a mix of manmade and natural attractions, and is said to boast the remnants of more than 35 species of dinosaur!  

18. Shop ‘til you drop!

Where: West Edmonton Mall, Alberta, Canada

Need to scratch that shopping itch? There’s nowhere better or bigger than West Edmonton Mall, the largest of its kind in Canada. There are over 800 stores to browse (hello credit card!) and if that wasn’t already enough, it even has its very own waterpark and rollercoaster. Seriously! Shopping heaven is a place!

19. Get wet in Saskatchewan

Where: Saskatchewan, Canada

It may sound a little far-fetched, but Saskatchewan has over 100,000 lakes! Swim, kayak, waterski or stand up paddle your way across as many as you can. Not hot enough? Hire a rod and stick to the shore or the comfort of a boat for a fishing escapade that could end with a feast of Walleye or Rainbow Trout depending on your luck!

20. Vineyard hop in the Niagara region

Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

For the ultimate food and wine experience, a visit to the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-lake is a must! The historic area surrounding the village is home to 26 unique wineries and is a place where dining on decadent cuisine, touring vineyards and taste testing glass after glass of wine is encouraged, and quite possibly even mandatory.