USA & Canada | Destination Guides

The 7 Best Experiences in Canada

Recently updated on July 10th, 2023 at 01:53 pm

Spot polar bears in a town where they outnumber local residents. Go crazy cheering for your new favourite ice hockey team. Or, witness one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders in the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’. We’ve whittled down the seven best experiences to have in Canada – so you don’t have to.

1. Treat yourself in Toronto

Go for dinner in Toronto

With over 8,000 restaurants to choose from, Toronto is a taste explosion. From fine-dining feasts at Scaramouche (order the coconut cream pie – you won’t regret it) to sensory suppers in total darkness at O’Noir, this city has a dinner for even the most indecisive. More of a comfort eater than connoisseur? Try a Torontonian favourite – a thick-cut peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery at St. Lawrence Markets.

2. Discover the Land of the Midnight Sun

Northern Lights in Canada's Yukon Territory

Dubbed the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’, thanks to 24/7 daylight in summer, Canada’s Yukon Territory gives you twice as much holiday time. With all that glorious sunshine, you’ll sleep less and have more energy for traversing the icefields of Kluane National Park or dancing the night away at a local music festival. During the colder months, you can witness one of world’s most impressive natural wonders, the Aurora Borealis. The Yukon’s unpolluted skies make it the perfect location for admiring the Northern Light’s ethereal colours.

3. Go crazy at an ice hockey game

ice hockey canada

Fast-paced, action-packed and loud, Canadian ice hockey is one of the most exhilarating sports to watch live. To feel like a true Torontonian, head to the Scotiabank Arena to cheer on local team Toronto Maple Leafs. Watch out for flying pucks if you sit near the rink – during a game they can reach up to speeds of 100mph. For maximum enjoyment, sit alongside the centre ice with a bucket of fried chicken wings.

Our top tip? Wrap up warm, even if it’s an indoor game.

4. Drink up at Toronto’s Distillery District

Visit Toronto's Distillery District

Stroll along the cobbled streets of Toronto’s 19th century Distillery District and you’ll soon find the city’s coolest restaurants, quirkiest galleries and trendiest boutiques. This preserved historic site is entirely dedicated to arts, culture and entertainment. Obviously, it would be rude not to have a drink in the city’s Distillery District, so wet your whistle at Mill Street with a craft beer brewed before your eyes. Fancy brewing your own? Learn all there is to know at the brewery’s Beer School for $25.

5. Spot a polar bear in Churchill, Manitoba

Spot a polar bear in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Always wanted to see a Polar Bear in the wild? In the town of Churchill in Canada’s north-west region of Manitoba, the polar bear population outnumbers the human population. It is one of the few human settlements in the world where polar bears can be observed in the wild. For prime polar viewing, stay in a wilderness lodge built on the bears’ migration route or take a tundra vehicle tour and goggle at the magnificent ‘Lords of the Artic’ from afar.

No sign of bears? Head out on a Beluga whale watching trip instead.

6. Paddle your own canoe in Banff National Park

Go canoeing in Banff National Park

Get outdoors and inhale some of that fresh Canadian air in the country’s most beautiful national parks. Pick up a paddle and set sail on Bow River in Banff National Park for scenic mountain views and shoreline wildlife-spotting. You can rent canoes from Banff Canoe Club and easily launch from their docks on Bow Avenue. Re-connecting with nature and forgetting about the stress of life back home is one of the greatest experiences you can have in Canada. For added excitement, go paddling in the evening and spot beavers building their dams.

7. Visit Okanagan Valley’s Vineyards

Visit Okanagan Valley's Vineyards

With more than 80% of the vineyards in British Columbia, Okanagan Valley is serious grape-guzzling country. From family run wineries to fine-dining vineyards, this region is home to some of the country’s best wine producers. Enjoy farm-to-table dishes at Covert Farm’s beautiful 650-acre organic estate or do like the Vancouverites do, and sip a glass of Rosato at Tuscan-style vineyard, La Stella. For a cheap and great way to explore the wineries, take a self-guided ‘hop-on-hop-off’ wine shuttle for $65.

Inspired to tick Canada off your 2019 bucket-list? Discover the very best of this beautiful country here. Already been? Share your favourite Canadian experiences below – we’d love to hear!

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