Need some travel inspiration to Canada? Here are travel experiences and real traveller stories from across Canada. This is curated set of stories from traveller families, solo travellers are those who chose to discover destinations at their own pace. Plan your vacation to Canada with our smart travel hacks, get ideas on how to vacation with your family and kids.

See the Northern Lights

It’s possible to see the Aurora Borealis year-round in Canada. While this colourful phenomenon may be most active in the Northwest Territories, where they’re visible 240 nights a year according to Destination Canada, you can also see them in the south.

Pan for gold in the Yukon

In 1896, a prospector named Skookumjim discovered gold not far from the Klondike River. As word spread, tens of thousands of prospectors began flocking to the Yukon, and eventually Alaska, in hopes of in hopes of striking it rich. Today, the capital of Klondike country is Dawson City where you can learn all about this exciting time in world history.

GO FOR A DOG SLED RIDE

Dog sled racing is one of Canada’s unofficial national sports and it exists in every territory. Ideally, your visit is timed with one of the country’s many races so you can cheer on the mushers from the sidelines. But if it’s not, you can still go for an exhilarating ride behind a team of hardworking dogs.

GET TO KNOW THE INDIGENOUS GROUPS

Canada is home to three unique indigenous groups: the First Nations, Inuit and Métis​​. Throughout the country there are plenty of places including cultural centers like the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation and art galleries and museums where you can learn about Canada’s first human inhabitants. In fact, one of the most visited sites in all of British Columbia is Vancouver’s Stanley Park, home to nine First Nations totem poles.

WALK ON A GLACIER IN JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Jasper National Park is home to the Columbia Icefields which include Athabasca Glacier, the most-visited glacier in all of North America. While it’s free to visit, if you want to walk on Athabasca Glacier, you’ll have to sign up for a tour led by professional guides. If you’d rather see these massive sheets of ice from the comfort of your car, drive the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff. It often shows up on lists of the world’s most scenic drives.

GO WHALE WATCHING

While Vancouver Island and Victoria are popular places to photograph everything from orcas to humpbacks, Canada’s east coast also boasts world class whale watching. Off the coast of Prince Edward Island, for example, you can see nearly a dozen marine mammal species including pilot whales, minke whales, sperm whales and as of recently, beluga whales which are not native to the area.

VISIT LAKE LOUISE

Even if you’ve never heard of Lake Louise, which is located in Banff National Park, you’ve probably seen pictures of it. Because of its crystal clear turquoise waters, it’s one of the most photographed lakes in the world. While it’s not illegal to go for a swim in Lake Louise, you may want to bring a wetsuit.  The water looks tropical, but it comes from nearby glaciers so it’s usually just a couple of degrees above freezing.

DRIVE THE CABOT TRAIL

Most scenic drives are point to point, but the 185-mile-long Cabot Trail, often seen in car commercials, is a loop on Nova Scotia’s beautiful Cape Breton Island. As you drive through the island’s highlands, you’ll have uninterrupted ocean views – keep your eyes peeled for whales – and there are plenty of places to pull over and enjoy a hike to a hidden waterfall or a sandy beach.

SEE POLAR BEARS IN THE WILD

According to the Canadian government, Canada is home to 64-80% of the world’s polar bear population. While most of these 16,000 bears live in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, Manitoba also has a healthy population. In fact, the town of Churchill is the polar bear viewing capital of the world. Here, you can see them by boat, helicopter or tundra buggy – lifted vehicles designed to traverse the tundra.

SHOP AT WEST EDMONTON MALL

Although most goods are cheaper in the U.S., if you love shopping or record-breaking attractions, you’ll have to check out Canada’s largest mall. It boasts more than 800 stores and is so big it’s home to the world’s largest indoor lake and the world’s largest indoor wave pool. With so much to see and do, West Edmonton Mall welcomes more than 30 million visitors annually. For comparison, Disneyland receives around 18 million.

WALK THE COBBLESTONE STREETS OF QUEBEC CITY

Founded in 1608 by an intrepid Frenchman and then later occupied by the British, Quebec City is a blast from the past that looks straight out of Europe. It was North America’s first city to make UNESCO’s World Heritage list, and today it’s the only standing fortified city north of Mexico. While you can tour the citadelle, perhaps the best thing to do in Old Quebec city is to simply wander the cobblestone streets and admire the unique architecture.

ISLAND HOP AT THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

The aptly named Thousand Islands National Park (there are nearly 2,000 isles to explore) is found on the St. Lawrence River that serves as the border between Ottawa and New York. Whether you’re island hopping via boat cruise or kayak, you’ll probably go past several private islands, and their Gilded Age mansions, once owned by some of the wealthiest people in the world.

DINE ON TOP OF THE CN TOWER IN TORONTO

If you think Seattle’s Space Needle is impressive, your jaw might hit the ground when you see Toronto’s CN Tower. At 1,815 feet tall, it’s three times as high as the Space Needle and twice as high as the Eiffel Tower. For a really memorable experience, dine in the tower’s 360 Restaurant, which boasts the world’s highest wine cellar. Every 72 minutes it completes a full rotation.

SKATE THE RIDEAU CANAL SKATEWAY

Stretching for nearly five miles, Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway is the world’s largest ice skating rink. As long as there is ice that is at least 11.8 inches thick, the canal is open to the public who can skate for free seven days a week and stay warm with hot chocolate and boozy adult beverages sold at stands along the canal. (Note: the window of time the rink is open is quite narrow – usually late January to late February.)

ATTEND A HOCKEY GAME

Canada dominates global hockey competitions. In fact, it took home the gold medal in six of the seven first Olympic games featuring ice hockey. While you’ll find Canada’s national sport in any province, if you want the most thrilling experience, try to get tickets to a Montreal Canadiens game at the Bell Centre in Montreal. It holds more than 20,000 fans and is the world’s largest ice hockey arena.

Conclusion:

Canada, with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, offers an unparalleled travel experience. From the rugged beauty of its national parks to the bustling energy of its urban centers, there’s something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of local cuisine, Canada provides countless opportunities to create unforgettable memories.