Vast and wild, Canada is a country best experienced on a grand scale. This gigantic country, spanning 13 provinces, inspires you to seek out moments you simply won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for peaceful reflection, lively festivals, active outings or meaningful Indigenous encounters—not to mention exploring pristine nature reserves and spotting incredible wildlife—there is truly something for everyone. Building your ultimate Canada bucket list is a great way to ensure you experience the best things to see and do.
Throughout my own travels in this limitless playground, I’ve enjoyed a patchwork of these iconic activities. I’ve curated them here so you can dive headfirst into Canada. I hope this diverse list inspires you to fully embrace the same country I fell in love with years ago—a place that has never left my heart.
Ready for the trip of a lifetime?
1. Meet whales in Tadoussac
It’s a three-hour drive from Québec City (accessible by direct flight from Paris, Nantes, and Marseille) to Tadoussac, the gateway to the North Shore and a prime spot for observing the majestic blue whale. At the confluence of the St Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord, where the waters are rich, is where belugas, fin whales, and other large whales migrate. Depending on your luck—whether on a zodiac excursion, in a kayak for a stealthier approach, or from the shores of Les Bergeronnes if you don’t have sea legs—you’ll hear their blows before catching a glimpse of an impressive tail slipping beneath the surface.
Seeing such a majestic animal in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience that will definitely give you chills.
Top tip: the best months for whale watching are August, September, and October.
2. Surf in Tofino for epic coastal adventures in Western Canada
Located at the edge of Vancouver Island in the Pacific Rim, British Columbia, Tofino is absolutely legendary. This exceptional coastal destination has earned its title as the “surfing capital of Canada.” Here, the Pacific Ocean shows off its raw, untamed power.
To be honest, you’ll need to brave the somewhat chilly ocean weather to catch a few waves, but stepping out of your comfort zone to take the plunge is pure joy. You won’t regret it!
Not to mention the scenery—home to the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations—where pristine rainforests border the beaches, shaping the stunning Tofino region. Even if you’re not comfortable on a surfboard, you can always stroll along the many trails and wooden boardwalks that hug this rugged coastline.
3. Canoe on Lake Louise
Located in Banff National Park, Lake Louise is one of the most breathtaking lakes we’ve ever seen. An iconic image of Alberta and Canada, this turquoise lake is nestled in an impressive cirque in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. While hiking offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks, canoeing has become the ultimate emblem of the lake for a slower, more classically Canadian experience.
A quick heads-up: if the weather isn’t cooperating, we suggest taking the scenic 2km walking trail along the northern shore instead.
Fun fact: the Indigenous communities originally from the region still refer to Lake Louise as Horâ Juthin Îmne, which translates to “lake of the little fishes.”
4. See the northern lights in Yellowknife
Far from any light pollution, the night skies of the Northwest Territories are famous for their exceptional clarity. On a clear night, the Yellowknife region sets the stage for one of the most powerful natural phenomena you’ll ever witness: the aurora borealis (or northern lights). Born from solar flares, these colorful ribbons of light can only be seen above certain latitudes.
For millennia, Indigenous peoples have viewed them as the dancing spirits of their ancestors. For us, it’s unadulterated magic. Seeing these vibrant green, purple, and red curtains illuminate the sky is so surreal that it almost makes you forget the biting winter cold… almost!
5. What is the number one tourist spot in Canada? Certainly Niagara Falls!
A massive curtain of water, Niagara Falls is easily one of the most impressive places in the world. It’s an absolute must-see if you’re visiting the Toronto area (just a 90-minute drive away)! Surrounded by a constant roar and permanent rainbows, you can explore the largest waterfall by boat, on foot, or by bike. Just make sure to take in the views from the Canadian side. We highly recommend visiting at sunset when the falls are bathed in golden light and the crowds have thinned out.
Fly to and from Europe with the World’s Best
It’s no wonder Air Transat has been named the World’s Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax seven times. We’ve perfected the “little things” so you can focus on the journey ahead… And it’s always about the little things, isn’t it?
- Your carry-on is always included.
- Enjoy two complimentary meal services paired with your choice of fine red or white wine.
- Experience the warmth of our signature attentive and efficient service.
- Relax in the spacious, state-of-the-art cabins of our modern Airbus fleet.
- Our specialized ambient mood lighting syncs with your body clock to help beat jet lag before you even land.
6. See polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba
On the shores of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, the polar bear roams the tundra and reigns supreme over this Arctic region. Churchill has rightfully earned the nickname “polar bear capital of the world” because these massive land carnivores are so easy to spot here. Keep in mind that this activity must be done with a knowledgeable local guide for safety, usually aboard a massive tundra buggy equipped with giant tires.
Northern Manitoba is also home to belugas, snow geese, and caribou—making it an absolute paradise for wildlife lovers.
7. Watch icebergs float by in Newfoundland, Eastern Canada
Still largely untouched by mass tourism, Canada’s easternmost province is the ultimate destination for exploration and adventure. Every year, starting in April, massive icebergs drift down from Greenland and brush past the coast of Newfoundland. While the entire eastern coastline offers great vantage points to watch these ice giants glide south, we have a soft spot for the colorful, picturesque villages of Twillingate and Bonavista.
For an even more intimate experience, a sea kayak excursion lets you approach these fleeting behemoths in absolute silence.
8. Sleep at the Château Frontenac, one of the most beautiful places in Canada
Dominating the old town skyline, this historic hotel dating back to 1892 lets you stay in the heart of a vast UNESCO World Heritage site: the Historic District of Old Québec. With its history-steeped corridors, breathtaking river views, rich woodwork, creaking floors, and the cozy ambiance of its upscale restaurants, spending a night in this institution is like stepping back in time to the days of New France and Samuel de Champlain. It also serves as an excellent home base for easily exploring both the Upper and Lower Town.
9. Climb to the top of the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario
The CN Tower is located in the Financial District right in the heart of Toronto, a city we love for its diverse and eclectic neighborhoods. One of the city’s flagship attractions is the outdoor viewing platform at the top of the tower. Standing at an altitude of 553 meters—complete with a glass floor section—it’s an absolute must-do, offering panoramic views of downtown and Lake Ontario, which looks as vast as an ocean. While I might not be daring enough to try it myself, thrill-seekers can strap into a harness and walk the EdgeWalk, a dizzying hands-free stroll around the outside edge of the tower. Will you dare?
10. Attend a hockey game, the flagship bucket list idea for Canada!
In Canada, hockey is much more than a sport: it’s a national obsession! Step into the Bell Centre for a live game, and you’ll instantly understand the fiery intensity of the fans. The excitement is palpable! The energy is electric, the intermissions feel like full-blown shows, and if the home team (the Montreal Canadiens) wins, the entire arena erupts in a unified chant. It’s a quintessentially Canadian experience that you can also catch at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto or the Rogers Arena in Vancouver. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can always hit up a local sports bar on game night to soak in that same contagious atmosphere.
11. Experience a festival in Montreal
Montreal has totally earned its reputation as an ultra-cool cultural hub, thanks to the countless festivals that keep the city buzzing year-round.
- In winter, locals brave sub-zero temperatures to dance to high-energy beats at Igloofest.
- In summer, Piknic Électronik brings the party to Parc Jean-Drapeau, while the Francos de Montréal celebrates French-language music in the Quartier des Spectacles.
- Beyond music, Montreal is a deeply artistic city. This is perfectly showcased at MURAL, an essential annual gathering for urban art fans. Saint-Laurent Boulevard and its adjacent streets transform into an XXL canvas for street artists from around the globe. It’s a fantastic way to experience the trendy Plateau neighborhood from a fresh perspective!
Cultural events are everywhere; you can find them all listed in detailed local guides to Montreal’s summer festivals. Good to know: many of these festivals offer free outdoor stages, so you can enjoy the vibe without breaking the bank.
12. Take a road trip to admire the fall landscapes in Quebec
The end of September brings cooler temperatures, but it also drapes the landscape in a stunning coat of red, gold, and orange. Fall is arguably the most captivating season in Quebec, making it the perfect time for a road trip . Here are our three favorite spots for eye-popping scenery:
- In the Chaudière-Appalaches or the Eastern Townships, we highly recommend hiking through the blazing maple forests (our top trail picks are Owl’s Head, Mount Ham, and Sugar Loaf).
- In Charlevoix, the mountain canopy seems to catch fire, offering spectacular coastal landscapes along the river. The best way to see this is by driving Route 362 between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie.
- Autumn is just as magnificent in the city. In Montreal, for example, the view from the Mount Royal Chalet (Kondiaronk Belvedere) is a timeless classic you’ll never get tired of.
13. Hike the Cabot Trail in Atlantic Nova Scotia
Steep cliffs, dense forests, and charming fishing villages… the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is easily one of the most legendary and beautiful driving routes in Canada. This 300-kilometer loop hugs the coastline of Cape Breton Island, offering incredible, sweeping viewpoints. We suggest driving the Cabot Trail counterclockwise. It keeps you on the outside lane of these winding roads, making it feel like you’re plunging straight into the Atlantic! Here’s what should be on your itinerary:
- Take a well-deserved break at Black Brook Beach.
- Feast on freshly caught oysters and lobster.
- Ride the gondola up to the breathtaking Cape Smokey viewpoint.
- Wander through the quaint, picturesque village of Neil’s Harbour.
- To stretch your legs, hike the Skyline Trail (easy) or the Franey Trail (more challenging). Both are famous for being the most stunning hikes in Cape Breton HIghlands National Park. Best experienced at sunset, naturally!
14. Experience the Quebec Winter Carnival, one of the most family-friendly destinations in Canada
When winter blankets Québec City in a thick white coat, it’s time to pull on your tuque and celebrate all things northern at one of the most festive annual events: the Carnaval de Québec. Featuring ice sculptures, toboggan runs on the Dufferin Terrace, BeaverTails, axe throwing, and float parades, it’s a giant playground for families—all under the watchful eye of Bonhomme, the official Carnival mascot. Grab a hot chocolate or a comforting plate of poutine to warm up! You should also take the opportunity to visit or stay at one of the country’s most iconic accommodations: the ice hotel. If you’re visiting Quebec during this season, it’s the perfect time to try out unique winter activities like ice fishing or ice canoeing. Our top recommendation to cap off the day is treating yourself to a relaxing soak in a Nordic spa with the St. Lawrence River as your backdrop.
15. Explore Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta
Hidden in the heart of the badlands—a strikingly unique landscape in western Canada—lies a fascinating piece of ancient history. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Alberta park is home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of dinosaur fossils. Just imagining that these giants roamed exactly where you’re standing some 75 million years ago is enough to give both adults and kids goosebumps. A true hidden gem off the standard tourist trail, Dinosaur Provincial Park offers a completely unique experience that is well worth the detour before you head westward to the Rockies.
16. Go canoe-camping
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors, this is one of our absolute favorite activities in Quebec! Whether you’re paddling across a vast reservoir or navigating from one lake to another, pitching your tent on a rocky outcrop, a tiny islet, or deep in the forest provides a moment of absolute, off-the-grid disconnection. It’s a true return to basics and offers a unique way to access pristine natural sites that can only be reached by boat. Our favorite spots include the Waber Falls in La Mauricie National Park, Strawberry Island in Opémican National Park, and the spectacular Chenal viewpoint at Poisson Blanc Regional Park.
17. Experience a sugar shack, one of the most unique things places to visit in Quebec
In the spring, as the sap in the maple forests slowly thaws, the sugar bushes open their doors, making it the perfect time to visit a traditional cabane à sucre (sugar shack). Surrounded by a warm, festive atmosphere, you’ll feast on hearty, comforting dishes where practically every item is drenched in maple syrup. I highly advise prepping your stomach beforehand—this is a wonderfully indulgent experience where holding back is simply not an option. You’ll also get to try maple taffy on the snow, a sweet, chewy treat made by pouring boiling syrup directly onto fresh snow. Yum!
18. Visit the Inuit in Nunavik
Way up in northern Quebec, the Nunavik region offers a deep immersion into a millennia-old culture. Sharing time with the Inuit, hiking or kayaking alongside local people, listening to their stories, and understanding the profound bond these Indigenous communities share with the land and sea is a deeply moving experience. I still look back on my cross-country skiing expedition to Pingualuit with deep emotion. This vast, lunar-like landscape, where your gaze can stretch uninterrupted for miles, leaves a lasting impact on anyone who visits. It is sincerely one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had in Quebec, and one I truly hope you get to experience for yourself someday.
19. Attend a pow-wow
If you’re planning a summer trip to Canada, we highly recommend attending a pow-wow. Tragically suppressed for decades, these vibrant gatherings are now a powerful way to celebrate and preserve Indigenous heritage and pride. Contrary to popular belief, these events are open to the public, and everyone is welcome. They are beautiful moments of reconciliation, exchange, and community sharing, centered around traditional dancing and singing to the heartbeat of the drums. You can easily find a complete schedule of pow-wows taking place across the country online.
20. What are the must-see and must-do experiences in Canada? Cross the Rockies by train!
Road trips, hiking, biking… they’re all great, but what if you chose to explore the Canadian Rockies by train instead? Departing from either Vancouver or Jasper, you can travel along one of the most stunning railway routes in North America. Whether you’re aboard the Rocky Mountaineer or VIA Rail, the gentle pace encourages total relaxation. The panoramic glass windows in the Skyline car offer absolutely breathtaking views, making it easy to just sit back and take it all in. Eco-friendly and responsible, choosing the train puts the journey itself back at the heart of your vacation—and it’s a great way to meet wonderful fellow travelers. Experiencing this majesty by rail is truly one of the best things to do in Canada!
