Things to Do in Canada: The Ultimate Bucket List for 2025

Canada is a vast and beautiful country. Each province always has something to explore, from the vast mountain ranges to the breathtaking Niagara Falls. But, unless you have an unlimited budget, you would have to pick a destination and focus on the attractions nearby.

Traveling to Canada takes a lot of planning, time, and effort, especially if you want to see the best destinations on your next trip. This guide can simplify your journey and highlight the most extraordinary and unusual things to do in Canada.

Keep reading to learn about:

• Niagara Falls and signature activities
• Historical monuments of Quebec City
• The iconic CN Tower in Toronto

1. See Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls is a city in Canada located next to the world-famous Niagara Falls attraction. It’s known for the Horseshoe Falls, which is 54 meters (177 feet) high and carries nine times more water than the American Falls. The city also plays a vital role in the province’s electricity generation.

The popular tourist destination draws approximately 13 million people each year and offers many things to do in Canada besides admiring the majestic falls from afar.

While you’re here, consider visiting the Skylon Tower, which ascends 236 meters (775 feet) over the falls. It offers breathtaking aerial views of Niagara Falls and two restaurants where you can dine while enjoying the scenery.

The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens is also nearby, where you can explore the stunning 99-acre gardens featuring seasonal flowers and lush greenery. You’ll also find the Butterfly Conservatory, a tropical paradise with thousands of butterflies.sonal flowers and lush greenery. You’ll also find the Butterfly Conservatory, a tropical paradise with thousands of butterflies.

2. Visit Lake Louise and Ride Banff Gondola at Banff National Park, Alberta

Banff National Park is a stunning landscape in Alberta province. It offers an adventure across the Canadian Rockies, with glacial lakes, snowy winters, and plenty of outdoor activities.

On your tour west across the mountain, you can take photos of the beautiful landscapes and ride the bright canoes across the glacial waters of Lake Louise.

For a different perspective, try a ride on the Banff Gondola, which whisks you above the treetops and up the mountainside to Sulphur Mountain’s summit. On top, take in sweeping views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the charming town of Banff.

3. Drive the Icefields Parkway and see the Northern Lights at Jasper National Park, Alberta

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and the second largest dark sky preserve in the world. Between October and March, it’s possible to see the spectacular Aurora Borealis from the park.

It is also relatively close to Banff National Park, connected by the scenic Icefields Parkway.

The drive between Banff and Jasper along the Icefields Parkway takes about 3.5 hours without stopping. However, many travelers recommend driving the route over two days, allowing time to take in the breathtaking views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, rocky mountains, and abundant wildlife.

4. Discover Quebec City and Old Quebec

Quebec City, in Quebec province, is one of North America’s oldest and most beautiful cities. Here, you can stroll along the St. Lawrence River and enjoy the history of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Old Quebec is where you’ll find North America’s oldest streets, dating back over 400 years. While you are exploring, be sure to visit Château Frontenac, Québec City’s most famous landmark and the most photographed hotel in the world.

The Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Quebec is another historical must-see. It was home to the first Catholic parish north of the Spanish colonies and is also the site of the first and only Holy Door outside Europe.

When exploring the rest of Quebec, stop at Montmorency Falls, a waterfall 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls, with breathtaking natural views. Jacques-Cartier National Park is a must-visit for outdoor lovers, with hiking trails, camping sites, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, and even skiing in winter.

Art lovers should also make time to see the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ), the world’s largest collection of Québec art. The museum is home to over 40,000 works showcasing Québec’s artistic heritage from the 17th century to today.

5. Visit Stanley Park and Granville Island, Vancouver

Stanley Park is a must-visit destination in Vancouver if you love the outdoors.

There are tons of things to do within the park, like walking or biking the Seawall, exploring the gardens and forests, visiting the Vancouver Aquarium, and enjoying the beaches.

You can also discover historical landmarks like the totem poles and Prospect Point lookout, or simply relax by Lost Lagoon.

If you have more time to spend in Vancouver, Granville Island is another great option for a day out. It is one of Vancouver’s top spots for food, shopping, and culture.

Explore the Granville Island market, where you can browse fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, and local crafts. You can also visit Emily Carr University’s art galleries, catch a show at the Granville Island Stage, or take a scenic Aquabus ride.

6. Explore Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador

Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Newfoundland’s west coast, is home to soaring fjords, rocky mountains, and the striking red Tablelands where the Earth’s mantle is exposed.

There are countless activities for outdoor lovers in the park. Hike the Tablelands trail to walk across an ancient sea floor, or take on the challenging climb to the Long Range Mountains for panoramic, once-in-a-lifetime views.

You can also cruise Western Brook Pond aboard local boat tours that glide between sheer cliffs and past cascading waterfalls, or paddle your own kayak on Trout River Pond or Bonne Bay.

If you prefer a more laid-back experience, you can relax on sandy stretches like Shallow Bay and soak up the vibrant culture in coastal villages such as Woody Point and Cow Head, where summer festivals, live theatre, and music events occur occasionally. Camping under a sky of stars in cabins and cozy oTENTiks is a family favorite.

7. Experience the Calgary Stampede, Alberta

Calgary is a popular summer attraction in Alberta province with countless skyscrapers, national parks, festivals, restaurants, and the great outdoors.

The Calgary Stampede is a 10-day festival held every July, attracting millions of international and local travelers. It features one of the world’s biggest rodeos, music concerts, agricultural exhibitions, and more.

While you are in the area and looking for fun things to do in Canada with kids, visit the Calgary Zoo. It features the best of Canadian wildlife, from polar bears and penguins to endangered species.

8. Check out the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in downtown Toronto

Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, is a magnet for tourism in Canada. The city attracts visitors worldwide with its massive cultural festivals, skyscrapers, and iconic scenery.

The iconic CN Tower is a prominent landmark and telecommunications tower in Toronto. It is the tallest structure in Canada and the Western Hemisphere, twice as high as the Eiffel Tower.

The tower offers various adventurous and fun things to do in Canada, including the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk around the exterior of the main pod. There are also observation decks with stunning panoramic views and the revolving 360 Restaurant, which completes a full rotation every 72 minutes.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is conveniently located at the base of the CN Tower. With over 20,000 aquatic animals, the aquarium offers interactive experiences and unique animals, such as the “Dragons” exhibit, which features reptiles like Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman and Green Tree Pythons.

9. Discover Old Montreal and visit Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal

Montreal, Quebec, is a fun city in Canada that blends old-world European architecture with modern amenities. The cobblestone streets and stone buildings make it an excellent destination for tourists seeking Gothic and Neoclassical churches.

Old Montreal is a historic neighborhood famous for its preserved architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries and charming Parisian-style setting.

Explore historical sites like Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal’s oldest Catholic church, and stroll along the cobblestone streets.

You can also enjoy the activities and events at the Old Port and discover museums like Pointe-à-Callière, the museum of archaeology and history.

10. See the Beautiful Landmarks of Ottawa

Ottawais the capital city in the east of southern Ontario and one of the best places to retire in Canada. It’s close to the US border and a rich political center.

For a different point of view, take a helicopter tour over attractions like Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, and the Rideau Canal, offering a clear picture of the city’s layout and landmarks.

In winter, skate along the 7.8-kilometre Rideau Canal, the world’s largest naturally frozen rink, and warm up with a hot drink or snack from one of the vendors along the route.

During the holiday season, you can rent a car to drive through local light shows, like the Magic of Lights, typically held at Wesley Clover Parks. It features festive holiday-themed displays and characters.

11. Head to the Northwest Territories to see the Northern Lights

Canada is a stunning country, and nothing can quite match the appeal of the Aurora Borealis, which can best be seen from a few prime locations.

The Canadian Northwest Territories sit directly under the Auroral Oval, making it one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern lights.

While here, you can head to the many lakes and enjoy rafting, paddling, and cruising, or go on a guided wilderness tour.

You can also visit Nahanni National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning natural beauty, unique geological formations, and remote, untouched wilderness.

12. Visit the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

New Brunswick is the perfect mix of rugged beauty and maritime charm. Tourists visit this Canadian province in the summer to discover the shorelines, charming towns, and the Bay of Fundy, a bay between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The Bay of Fundy is famous for having the world’s highest tides.

The stunning coast and easy access to islands make it an excellent destination for outdoor activities.

You can take part in whale watching, kayaking along the rugged coastline, exploring the ocean floor at low tide, and experiencing the thrill of tidal bore rafting, where expert guides take you cascading down rapids as the incoming ocean reverses the flow of the river.

While in the area, you can visit charming towns like Alma and St. Andrews by-the-Sea. In Alma, enjoy fresh-caught seafood at local restaurants and browse small artisan shops. In St. Andrews by-the-Sea, stroll along the historic waterfront or explore the beautiful Kingsbrae Garden, a magnificent 27-acre horticultural garden with over 50,000 perennials.

13. Attend an Ice Hockey Game at the Bell Centre in Montreal

Canada is a powerhouse in ice hockey, and out of all the must-do activities in Canada, seeing a game should be a given.

You can watch hockey anywhere in the country, but for an unforgettable experience, catch a Montreal Canadiens game at the Bell Centre.

It seats over 20,000 fans and is the largest ice hockey arena in the world. The Bell Centre is known for its passionate and loud fanbase, creating an intense and exciting atmosphere that is truly captivating.