Top 50 Canadian Bucket List Experiences According to A Proud Canadian
I’m a Canadian.
I’ve travelled across Canada and seen many of its iconic places, hidden gems and legendary landscapes.
I’ve wandered through old cobblestone cities in the winter and barefoot down muddy trails in the summer.
I’ve lined up for Beaver Tails and Maple Leaf games and sat in the audiences of Stompin’ Tom Connors, Gordon Lightfoot, Avril Lavigne and The Tragically Hip.
I’ve camped on the shores of the Pacific in Tofino, faced wild snows in the Canadian Rockies and driven every kilometre of the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.
I could go on and on about all the amazing Canadian experiences i’ve had.
Sure, there are the stereotypical things we love about Canada; Maple Syrup, Molson Beer, and of course, the best hockey players over to lace up skates.
But there is so much more.
Here, I’ve narrowed down a list of some of my absolute all time favourites:
A Proud Canadian’s Top 50 Canadian Experiences
50. Picnic Under The Three Sisters
Grab a snack or a coffee and a joint and head on down to the banks of the Bow River in Canmore, Alberta. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Three Sisters mountain range and listen to the river flow by. If you’re lucky, maybe some majestic wildlife will stroll by.
49. Peggy’s Cove
The lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove is one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks. It has stood strong against the salt spray for hundreds of years, guiding fishermen safely home in the treacherous North Atlantic waters. Today, this photoesque fishing village welcomes visitors from all over the world who come to see the legendary lighthouse.
48. The Fortress of Louisbourg
On the eastern shores of Cape Breton Island is the Fortress of Louisbourg, one of Canada’s greatest achievements in historical re-enactment and reconstruction. This Maritime village was recreated by a team of dedicated experts in the 1960’s using original archaeological blueprints and records. Explore the historic village, see the way life was lived in the 1700’s.
Make sure to be there for the cannon firing, it will blow your mind (and your ears.)
47. Saugeen Beach
Saugeen Beach (formerly Sauble Beach), a summer beach town about a three hour drive north of Toronto. The shallow waters of Lake Huron glimmer in the sun along this 11 kilometre freshwater beach. The local strip is full of beach life with shops, restaurants, music and lots of entertainment. Make sure to make time to watch the sunset!
46. Camping At Grasslands National Park
Camping under the stars of a wide open Saskatchewan sky, I watch as they slowly melt into the morning glow. All around me is wide open prairie and rolling hills as far as I can see. Nearby, prairie dogs are crying out good morning and a herd of wild Bison is roaming about on the surrounding plains. This is a must do Canadian experience.
45. An Afternoon In Stanley Park
This park is the beating heart of Vancouver. Walk or bike the Seawall, a 22 kilometre route with stunning views of city and nature. Be sure to check out the Giant trees in the park and take a moment to give a nod of respect to local indigenous culture at the Totem Poles.
44. Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria
Bright colours, boats rocking in their slips, fresh cooked seafood in the air from a nearby fish stand. There are few places i’ve been to that liven all of your senses the way a walk through Fisherman’s Wharf will do. Come hungry, the seafood here is out of this world!
43. Banff Avenue
Banff Avenue is probably one of the most touristy places in Canada and rightfully so. It is the commercial heart of Alberta’s wild mountains. People come from all around to visit the town, and the mountains that surround it.
Be sure to stop in at the local Hot Springs and you will find lots of great shops and restaurants as you explore the town. Be on the lookout for The Boss, a massive grizzly bear who has been known to roam through town!
42. White Otter Castle
White Otter Castle is hidden away. Far away. Up on the shores of White Otter Lake, north of Atikokan, this handmade marvel stands as a symbol of determination and fortitude in the middle of the northern Ontario wilderness.
You will need a canoe and a good portage buddy to get here, or you may be able to find local guides who can assist you in your journey to find the legendary log castle.
If you make it here, explore the nearby WWII prisoner of war camp, where many relics have been left behind to rot in the forest. Definitely worth the trek.
41. Trans Canada Highway Road Trip
There is nothing like a Canadian road trip. From coast to coast, the Trans Canada Highway will be your guide. Every province has its own stretch, and every stretch has its own identity.
Canada has it all, from mountains, to prairies, to coastline, to fishing villages and major cities and the Trans Canada will take you on a tour of all of it.
40. Radium Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs is a 100% must visit bucket list spot if you find yourself travelling through Eastern B.C.. This pool, fed by a natural hot springs is not only therapeutic, but it is possibly the most breathtaking public pool in all of Canada.
Surrounded by forest and rocky mountainside, you will be completely at peace as you recharge. If you’re lucky enough to be there in the snow you’ll get an even more serene, Canadian experience.
39. Halifax Ghost Walk
Old town Halifax is brimming with history. This city is haunted by centuries of soldiers, sailors, drunks, families and tradesman who lived and died in this historic city.
Under the watchful eye of Citadel Hill, life has unfolded here since before Canada was a nation. With such a rich history, Halifax is a great place to go on a ghost walk, where a guide takes you around on foot and tells you many of the tales that make this city so fascinating.
38. Building an Inukshuk
All across the country, it’s not uncommon to find an inukshuk anywhere that there is a large assortment of stones to build them with. On roadsides, on beaches, in the middle of a forest or plain. They are a nod to Canada’s Inuit heritage.
Traditional inukshuks were built in the Arctic to assist Inuit people with navigation and communication in the frozen landscape.
37. Kayaking On The Saguenay Fjord
Saguenay Fjord National Parc is a wonderful place to dip your paddle and immerse yourself in nature. Rock faces dive deep down into the 250 metre deep fjord, which, created by receding glaciers, has a unique marine feature.
The Saguenay river has both freshwater and saltwater flowing through it. Freshwater from the Saguenay watershed flows out to the ocean via St. Lawrence river, yet that is only the surface of the river. In its depths, higher density cold, saltwater flows inward from the St. Lawrence, bringing with it a wide array of marine life, such as whales, seals and seabirds.
36. Crossing Confederation Bridge
The longest bridge in Canada connects Prince Edward Island to the mainland. This twelve kilometre long engineering marvel is the longest bridge in the world to cross ice covered waters.
Driving across it, ocean air fills your lungs as you enjoy ocean views on your way to the island. Keep in mind, they charge you a toll to leave the island on the bridge ($20/car) which is certainly one way to try to grow your population.
35. Paying Respects to Stompin’ Tom Connors
Stompin’ Tom Connors. The man. The legend. Stompin’ Tom was a Canadian icon. For decades, his songs told stories about Canada and its people and through this, he deepened an authentic Canadian identity.
Tom died in 2013 and was buried in a small cemetery in Erin, Ontario. I had to stop in to pay my respects as I was travelling through last year. Nothing super glamorous. Just a nice headstone in a field, surrounded by Erin locals.
A humble resting place for a humble icon.
34. Exploring Trendy James St. North in Hamilton
As a proud Hamiltonian, I had to include this on my list. In my lifetime, James Street North has had a major renaissance and is a great spot to explore in Canada’s most underrated city.
Stop in at Mulberry Coffeehouse (pictured above) and set off to explore the shops and art galleries along James street. On the second Friday of every month, the street really comes to life for Art Crawl, where the sidewalks are filled with artists of all kinds; painters, photographers, singers, dancers, all come to share and sell their art. In September, Supercrawl has turned into an annual street festival , which is basically like Art Crawl on steroids, with the whole street shut down and big name live music acts performing along with local artists all up and down the street.
If you get hungry there are many options along James Street and the adjacent King William Street. If you find yourself in Hamilton, definitely take time to explore this area.
33. Whale Watching At Meat Cove
While the Cabot trail is a destination on its own, Meat Cove is a fantastic stop along the way is at the northern tip of Cape Breton Island. Book yourself a whale watching tour and sit back and enjoy as you float on the North Atlantic and search for whale pods out in the wild. If youre lucky you will see whales, seals, cormorants and other marine life.
Pictured above, a Pilot Whale pokes its dorsal fin up out of the frigid waters as I gratefully snap my photo.
32. Moose Spotting
This was my first time seeing a moose and it blew me away. It was so real, at first I thought it was a statue. It was absolutely massive. Like if I hit him with my car I would have been a pancake. He was grazing on the side of the road on Cape Breton Island.
I have since seen several moose across the country, in Ontario, Alberta and B.C. and it’s always such a thrill, just make sure to keep a respectful distance!
31. Black Bear Spotting
Like the moose, the black bear is relatively common across most of Canada. Some people are afraid of them, but really, they are pretty much just big raccoons, often just looking for food.
Be sure to keep a safe distance and don’t get between a mother and her cubs and you should be fine.
This fella was hanging along this fence line at the roadside in Banff. Be respectful as wildlife can be unpredictable, and if a black bear attacks you, playind dead doesn’t work, (that’s for grizzlies), you have to fight back.
30. Dundurn Castle
Standing tall on Burlington Heights in Hamilton, Ontario, Dundurn Castle overlooks Hamilton Harbour and Burlington Bay.
The grounds are expansive and a favourite place for locals to go for their daily strolls. The castle itself stuns tourists and locals alike with its architecture, its history, and its commendable preservation of pre-confederation life of luxury.
Built in the 1830’s by Sir Allan Macnab, a War of 1812 veteran who became the Premier of the Province Of Canada in the 1850’s. Take the tour and transport yourself back in time as you are guided through a perfectly preserved 19th century luxury manor.
29. Isaac Brock Monument
Speaking of heroes of the War of 1812, at Queenston Heights near Niagara Falls, stands a monument to one of Canada’s most significant military icons, Sir Isaac Brock. Brock was a British general who commanded Canadian British forces against American armies.
General Brock died leading the charge at the Battle Of Queenston Heights and his body is buried under the monument. Due his courageous final act, the British were able to overthrow the invading American army and carry the torch forward, building a national spirit for what would one day become Canada.
The park surrounding the monument offers stunning views of the Niagara River. Great spot for a coffee walk.
28. The Last Spike
Craigellachie, British Columbia. A seemingly insignificant spot nestled in the mountains. Just a couple plaques, some rail cars, what’s the big deal?
This is the spot where the last spike was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway, finally connecting Canada coast to coast and truly creating a unified nation.
The railway is a majorly significant factor in the development of western Canada.
Definitely a cool spot to stop, take a picture and appreciate the work that was put into building this country.
27. A Long Walk On A Snowy Evening
Anyone who has spent time in Canada in the winter knows that we get a lot of snow. Many people hate it. Most people complain. Don’t listen to them. You gotta embrace it.
A quiet walk on a snowy evening is one of the greatest Canadian pleasures I can think of.
The snow falling all around you, melting if it touches your skin, crunching under your feet. The night illuminated by the blanket of white on the ground.
Find a quiet neighbourhood, bundle up, and get out there. I promise, it’s awesome.
26. Webster’s Falls
Hamilton Ontario is known as the Waterfall Capital of the World (Actually. Look it up.)
One of the most prominent waterfalls in the area is Webster’s Falls, known for its stunning views, rich forest landscape and historic stone bridge that crosses the top of it.
Although unfortunately, in recent years, the Hamilton Conservation Authority has banned access to the bottom of the falls, there are still many viewpoints from which you can get a good look at this stunning waterfall.
Pro Tip: Go in the spring, the falls will be raging.
25. World’s Highest Tides- Bay Of Fundy
The Bay Of Fundy in eastern Canada is known for having the highest tides in the world (16 metres!) with many different access spots in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, including Fundy National Park on the New Brunswick side.
When the tide is out, you can wander along the ocean floor, dipping your toes into the soft Atlantic mud!
24. Tobermory Shipwrecks
The waters surrounding the Bruce Peninsula can be treacherous. With wild Georgian Bay to the east and the wide expanse of Lake Huron to the west, many ships have met their doom in this perilous region.
The harbour town of Tobermory is a popular destination for history buffs and scuba divers alike, with over 20 shipwrecks to explore in Tobermory and the surrounding Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a scuba diver to see some of them! There are many glass bottom boat tours available that will take you to see some including The Sweepstakes (pictured above) which lies dormant just under the surface of Big Tub Harbour.
23. Pictographs At Mazinaw Rock
Mazinaw Rock is astounding.
This granite cliff is 1.5 kilometres across, and stands 100 metres over the sparkling waters of Mazinaw Lake, (which reaches a depth of 145 metres right at the base of the cliff!)
Get in a canoe and paddle out along the cliffside and you will find over 260 ancient Algonquin and Anishinabek pictographs, including images of humans, wildlife and other icons, like the arrow pictured above.
This ancient ochre artwork is estimated to be 300-1000 years old and taking a morning to paddle along the rock will have you wondering what exactly life was like along this lake all those centuries ago!
22. Tom Thomson Art Gallery
When it comes to art that encapsulates the Canadian landscape, Tom Thomson was the OG, the GOAT, a legend for all of time.
Up until his mysterious death in 1917, while war raged on in Europe, Thomson was living peacefully in the heart of Algonquin Park, spending his days, fishing, sketching, and painting the wilderness that surrounded him.
While his spirit lives on in Algonquin Park, his art is on display in galleries across the country for us all to love forever.
The Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound, Ontario, is a great place to enjoy some of Thomson’s great works firsthand and learn more about this towering figure in Canadian art and culture .
21. The First Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons is woven into the Canadian identity.
The iconic coffee chain was first founded on Ottawa Street in Hamilton, Ontario by NHLer and former Toronto Maple Leaf, Tim Horton.
60 years, later, Tim Hortons has become a cultural institution in Canada. Every road trip, every early morning drive to the rink, every day for some people, a quick stop for a Double Double and a box of Timbits is essential.
The original store on Ottawa Street features an upper level with a small ‘museum’ dedicated to the company’s legacy.
Outside on the street you will find a statue of the man himself, a tribute to the cultural coffee empire he created.
20. Hiking The Dundas Valley
The Dundas Valley, a forest valley region in southern Ontario, is a peaceful, vast, vibrant place to get lost on a trail in the woods.
The Dundas Valley Conservation Area offers over 40 kilometres of trails to explore. Spend a summer day wandering through lush Carolinian forest, sunshine breaking through the trees. In the autumn, the forest is alive with colour. In winter, the silence is divine.
As you wander with the creek up and down ravine trails, through grass clearings and under the shade of tall trees, seeing some wildlife is not uncommon. Lots of birds, squirrels, raccoons and foxes call this forest home. If you’re lucky you may see a coyote or even better, a giant buck, king of the forest, may pass by and say hello.
19. Skating On The Rideau Canal
Skating on the Rideau Canal is a classic Canadian experience and it must be done at least once (even if, like me, you’re a terrible skater).
Every winter, in the heart of Ottawa, when the canal freezes, the historic waterway transforms into the world’s largest skating rink.
You can rent skates if you don’t have your own. Strap those bad boys on and get out there and enjoy gliding around under the bright winter sun.
When you’re finished, make sure to warm up with a Beaver Tail, a classic Canadian pastry that you can get right on the side of the canal!
18. Camping On The Beach In Tofino
Off the west coast of Canada is Vancouver Island, and on the west coast of Vancouver Island is the ocean paradise known as Tofino.
With the wide open Pacific lapping on the shores, Tofino is known for its beaches, it’s surfers, and it’s laid back vibe.
Looking for a place to camp? I recommend Bella Pacifica Campground where you can book a site right on the ocean as seen in the photo above!
Tofino is the perfect place to kick back, light a fire, and enjoy the wind and the waves.
17. Place Royale
Whether winter or summer, night or day, sun or snow, when you step onto the historic stones of Place Royale, you are immediately transported back in time to the 1600’s, when New France was in it’s conception and French settlers built the foundations of a new continent.
Place Royale is the site of the original French settlement, founded in 1608. However, after initial buildings were destroyed by fire in 1682, they quickly rebuilt the neighbourhood out of stone and it has stood the test of time.
The church in the photograph, Notre-Dame-Des-Victoires is the oldest stone church in North America, and has been standing since 1688. It was built on the foundations of Samuel De Champlain’s first home. ( The foundations of his second home are on display and can be seen nearby this square.)
The surrounding courtyard evokes thoughts of a busy European marketplace, and the buildings surrounding the square remind you of those who lived and thrived here for centuries.
Old Quebec City has many treasures; some hidden, some at the heart of everything. Place Royale is both: a hidden treasure, and a historic public square at the heart of it all. At the heart of the city, at the heart of country, at the heart of French heritage in Canada.
(NOTE: Absolutely not excusing all the horrible things that happened to indigenous populations when the Europeans began to settle in North America… I just really like the historic stone streets and buildings.)
16. Superior: The Greatest Lake
15. Carnaval De Quebec
14. Stunning Views Of The CN Tower
13. Victoria Day Weekend - May 2-4
12. Dogsledding
11. Strolling Around Parliament Hill
10. Staying at Le Chateau Frontenac Overnight
9. Athabasca Glacier
8. Driving the Cabot Trail
7. Lake Louise
Name a more iconic lake. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Lake Louise sparkles in the sunlight and is turquoise in the snow. Flanked by mountains, the view will drop your jaw to the shoreline.
This picturesque lake nestled in the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park and has been an iconic tourist destination for over a century.
Make sure to book your time at Lake Louise ahead of time as it gets extremely busy, especially in peak season! If you prefer a quieter, less people-filled setting, you may only want to stop in at Lake Louise for a brief visit but you still absolutely must go there.
The glistening waters, the reflections of the mountains, the absolute top tier photo opportunity all make a trip to Lake Louise among the top things to do in Canada!
6. Canoe Lake, Algonquin Park
5. Being Disappointed By The Toronto Maple Leafs Live In Person
4. Niagara Falls
How could I leave out the iconic Niagara Falls?
3. The Lookout At Moraine Lake
If Lake Louise will drop your jaw, Moraine Lake will take the breath right out of your lungs (especially if you hike there!)
Situated a short shuttle ride out from Lake Louise and the town of Banff, Moraine lake stuns with its bright blue waters and the mountains that stand guard over it.
While also busy in peak season, the view from this lookout at Moraine Lake is arguably the most beautiful and one of the most photographed spots in the country.
2. The Final Tragically Hip Tour
Ok so this was a ‘one time only’ type of Canadian experience.
The Tragically Hip were Canada’s band. Gord Downie was our voice. Every song had a connection to some part of the Canadian experience.
When Gord was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, it was a gut punch to all of us. In an incredible show of strength, courage and determination, Gord brought the boys out on a final tour of the country, taking his time to say goodbye to all of us, his way.
I’d seen them live before a few times, (once, Gord even put his hand on my shoulder as he walked through the crowd!) but for something like this, I had to get a ticket.
It was one of the most beautiful, emotional, Canadian nights of my life and I’m so glad I paid the big bucks to go to the Hamilton show.
Less than a week later, they played their legendary final show in Kingston, and all of us across the country watched on CBC, in one of the most unifying Canadian cultural events in modern history.
Gord will go down as one of the all time greatest Canadians.
1. Exploring The Streets Of Old Quebec City
There is nowhere else in the country that feels as magical as the old cobblestone neighbourhoods of Old Quebec City.
Of anywhere I’ve travelled in Canada or abroad, Quebec City still has my heart and will forever be my favourite city in the world.
The oldest city in Canada, and the only walled city north of Mexico, history, culture and neverending charm are baked into the old stones that surround you.
Walk the cannon-lined ramparts, with stunning views over the mighty St. Lawrence River. Stroll along La Promenade under the sparkling lights of the iconic Chateau Frontenac, or explore the European style cobblestone streets and explore all the little delights and secrets this city has held onto for centuries.
Make sure to stop into a cozy bistro and fill yourself up with the best poutine anywhere in the world!
