Choose from 290 Fun Things to Do in Canada
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Royal British Columbia Museum
Even if you normally give museums a miss, you won’t want to leave Victoria without dropping into the highly acclaimed Royal British Columbia Museum.
From big-screen IMAX movies to the re-created First Peoples village, this imaginative and creatively curated museum will have you thinking and engaging with the past.
The First Peoples Gallery provides insights into life before the arrival of Europeans, while the Modern History Gallery vividly re-creates colonial life. In the Natural History Gallery, seals, grizzly bears and seabirds fill dioramas re-creating the region’s ecosystems.
Big-screen films are screened in the on-site IMAX cinema.The Royal British Columbia Museum is in downtown Victoria, on the inner harbor waterfront opposite the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Address: 675 Belleville Street, Victoria BC V8W 9W2, Canada
Hours: Open daily except Christmas and New Year's Day
From $ 31
Saint John City Market
A red-brick building spanning an entire city block, Saint John City Market is the oldest farmers market in Canada, with dozens of purveyors offering everything from fish-and-chips to local breads, wine, and cheese. Located just blocks from the Bay of Fundy, the market is an ideal spot to explore St. John’s finest food offerings or grab lunch during a day of sightseeing.
The Basics
Most tours of Saint John include a stop at the Saint John City Market, whether you opt for a food-themed tour, city walking tour, or private guided tour. Tours of the broader Bay of Fundy area sometimes stop at the market and may also visit the fishing village of St. Martins, Reversing Falls Rapids, and local area wineries. For cruise ship passengers, most Saint John shore excursions include a stop at the city market.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Saint John City Market is a must-see for foodies and first-time visitors to the city.
- Free parking is available on smaller side streets near the building, while parking on King Street can be pricey.
- The market is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The market is located at 47 Charlotte Street in downtown Saint John. You can arrive by guided tour, private vehicle, or Saint John Transit—the area’s public transportation system.
When to Get There
It’s possible to visit the Saint John City Market year-round, although produce may vary by season. On Saturdays, additional merchants—many boasting locally made crafts—join the usual vendor lineup, and a music series features popular local acts. The market is closed Sundays.
History of Saint John City Market
A designated National Historic Site of Canada, the Saint John City Market has a long and storied history. Two fires, in 1837 and 1841, reduced the market to rubble before the current incarnation opened in 1876. The building then survived the Great Fire of 1877, which razed the city of Saint John just a year after the market opened.
Address: 47 Charlotte Street, Saint John, New Brunswick E2L-2H8, Canada
From $ 23
Sea to Sky Gondola
During the 10-minute ride to the 2,900-foot (884-meter) summit station, passengers of the Sea to Sky Gondola are treated to sweeping views of some of British Columbia’s most epic landscapes. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the gondola cars reveal the sky-piercing peaks of the Coast Mountains and the glittering fjords of Howe Sound.
The Basics
The Sea to Sky Gondola is one of the best ways to understand the majesty and grandeur of the immense landscape, which can be difficult to comprehend, let alone appreciate, at ground level. Sightseers can purchase a ticket for the gondola and make their way there independently. At the top, admire views from the observation deck, follow interpretative walking trails, or tread across the Sky Pilot suspension bridge.
Alternatively, opt for an organized day tour that includes round-trip transport from Vancouver and stops at other area attractions, such as Shannon Falls, the historic gold-mining town of Britannia, Brandywine Falls, and Whistler Village. More active travelers can combine tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola with a whitewater rafting trip on the Cheakamus River or take part in a hiking tour during which participants trek up to the summit from Shannon Falls Provincial Park, before riding the gondola back down.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Sea to Sky Gondola offers easy access to a summit with spectacular views.
- Food and drinks are available at the Summit Lodge Restaurant and the Summit Tea House.
- Each gondola car can hold up to eight passengers.
- The gondola is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Located south of Squamish, the Sea to Sky Gondola is just a 45-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver via the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. For car-free travelers, the best way to get there is by organized tour. The Squamish Connector also runs shuttles between Downtown Vancouver and the Sea to Sky Gondola.
When to Get There
The gondola is open year-round. Go in summer for hiking, greenery, and picnics on the patio. In winter, visitors can admire the peaks, inhale the crisp mountain air, and enjoy the silence of the snow-carpeted surrounds.
Summit Activities
In winter, visitors can rent crampons and poles at the Summit Lodge and head out on the trails, slide down the slopes at the nearby tubing park (just a 5-minute walk from the Summit Lodge), or explore the backcountry on skis. In warmer months, outdoor lovers can go rock climbing on nearby granite crags, tackle hiking trails, take part in morning yoga classes, or challenge themselves on the Squamish Via Ferrata.
Address: 36800 Hwy 99, Squamish, BC, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 64
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupr e Basilica
One of Canada’s most-visited shrines, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica (Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré) attracts more than a million pilgrims every year. Though the shrine’s origins can be traced back to the 17th century, the colossal twin-spired basilica that stands today—which dwarfs the modest village in which it sits—is much newer, having opened only in 1934.
The Basics
While the shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré serves as a pilgrimage site, it also attracts sightseers. Visitors come to admire the elaborate construction and its artful stained glass windows, mosaics, and sculptures. The basilica also contains relics (specifically bone fragments) said to belong to St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ.
Most visitors come here as part of organized day tours from Quebec City. Day tours typically include transportation to and from Old Quebec, and make stops at other locations on the outskirts of the city such as Montmorency Falls and Orleans Island (Ile d’Orléans) in the St. Lawrence River.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The basilica is a must-visit for fans of history, religion and religious art, and architecture.
- Sainte-Anne-de-Beapré Basilica is an active religious site. Be respectful of those worshiping here.
- The basilica is partially accessible to wheelchair users.
- Masses take place several times daily, with extra services on Sunday. All masses are in French.
How to Get There
Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré is fewer than 30 minutes from Quebec City by car. Intercar buses depart from Gare du Palais train station in Quebec City, though departures are infrequent, with buses leaving only every few hours. Depending on their schedule, car-free travelers may find it more convenient to go as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
The shrine is busiest during the summer months, particularly during St. Anne’s feast day on July 26, and during the Novena to St. Anne, which takes place during the week leading up to the feast. Get there around opening (8am) to see the interior at its most peaceful and tranquil.
What Else to See in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
As tiny as the town of Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré is—with fewer than 3,000 residents—it does have a small cluster of tourist attractions. In addition to the basilica, you can see the Cyclorama of Jerusalem, a panoramic artwork depicting the Crucifixion; Musée Edison du Phonograph, a small museum devoted to phonographs; and the Atelier Paré, an economuseum that displays wood sculptures.
Address: 10018 Avenue Royale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 5pm, Sun: 8:30am - 6pm
From $ 44
Saint-Roch
A working-class area and shipbuilding site since the early 1800s, up until a decade ago the Saint-Roch district of Quebec City was an industrial wasteland. Today, it’s the hippest district in the city that’s full of 19th-century factories-turned-nightlife hangouts, alternative stores, tech startups, and bistros. Even the 150-year-old Notre-Dame-de-Jacques-Cartier church has been given a second life as Espace Hypérion, a creative performance center.
Most of the action in Saint-Roch takes places on the main commercial street, rue Saint-Joseph, where hundreds of millions of dollars have been poured into renovations over the past 10 years.
Spanning 15 square blocks, even the quarter’s new name is up-to-the-minute: the “Nouvo” in Nouvo Saint-Roch is text speak for “nouveau.” And in the east streets of Saint-Roch, on the pillars beneath the Dufferin-Montmorency expressway, look out for giant, colorful murals featuring everything from oversized church doors to chess boards.
Practical Info
Saint-Roch is a very walkable area, though a steep 1km walk downhill from the historic Upper Town. On rue Sainte-Claire, take the Ascenseur du Faubourg from Upper Town to make life a little easier on your legs.
Address: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, Canada
From $ 32
S.S. Klondike
The historic S.S. Klondike sternwheeler rests on the banks of the mighty Yukon River, on the south edge of downtown Whitehorse. Now a national historic site, the vessel spent its early years navigating a 500 mi (805 km) stretch of the river between Whitehorse and Dawson City. The largest ship in the White Pass fleet, the S.S. Klondike had the capacity to carry more than 300 tons of ore, which it did until it sank in 1936 after colliding with a rock bluff.
White Pass rebuilt the vessel the following spring, and the Klondike II was put into service in June 1937. The end of river freighting came in 1950, when a road was built from Whitehorse to Mayo, and then extended three years later into Dawson City. The S.S. Klondike wasn’t finished, though.
After receiving some much needed upgrades, including a lounge and a bar, the vessel began carrying tourists into Dawson City. In 1966, it was retired from the river and moved to its present home, where every summer tourists can visit and relive the bygone era.
After receiving some much needed upgrades, including a lounge and a bar, the vessel began carrying tourists into Dawson City. In 1966, it was retired from the river and moved to its present home, where every summer tourists can visit and relive the bygone era.
Practical Info
The S.S. Klondike is open for visitors from the Victoria Day long weekend through Labour Day. During the visitor season, daily tours are given from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, with free admission. Access is easy with a pedestrian trail that winds along the Yukon River and takes you right to the vessel. Alternately, you can get to the site with Whitehorse Transit bus or by taking the Waterfront Trolley that operates during the summer. If you choose to drive, you will find ample parking space including room for RVs and campers.
Address: 10 Robert Service Way, Whitehorse YT Y1A 2B5, Canada
Hours: 9:30am-5pm
From $ 539
Science World
With two theaters (including the world’s largest OMNIMAX® dome theater) showcasing films that rotate regularly, stage shows, and more interactive exhibits than you can shake a stick at, Science World at Telus World of Science is a fascinating place for kids and adults to completely lose track of time while getting lost in the wonderful world of science.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the many interactive displays, rotating feature exhibitions, and live science demonstrations. There are plenty of these fast-paced shows, which cover a variety of science topics like chemistry, moving objects, electricity, and bubbles, while different galleries inside are dedicated to the environment, life sciences, physics, sustainability, and more. Science World’s programming changes frequently, as do the films and light shows offered in the on-site theaters, but free shows are offered regularly and there’s even a gallery designed just for kids ages 2 to 6.
Practical Info
Science World at TELUS World of Science is easily accessible by public transit, having its own station stop (Main Street/Science World) on the SkyTrain. There is plenty of paid parking on site. Certain rotating exhibits charge an additional entry on top of the general entrance fee. Science World is generally open from 10am to 6pm, while closed Mondays and open later on Thursdays. Opening hours can vary per season.
Address: 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 3Z7, Canada
Hours: Tues–Sun 10am–6pm
Admission: Adults $22.50; seniors, students, youth $18.50; kids 3-12 $15.25; under 3 free
From $ 27
Royal Canadian Mint
Housed in a castle-like structure, Canada’s original mint no longer produces currency for circulation—that now happens at Winnipeg’s Royal Canadian Mint. However the Ottawa facility is still functioning, churning out special-edition collector coins and precious metal bullion. Tours of the facility reveal the processes of coin-making.
The Basics
With its towers, turrets, and crenellations, Ottawa’s Royal Canadian Mint looks a little like a fortress. And indeed, security is tight. Visitors can access the mint only as part of a guided tour, which lasts 45 minutes and focuses on the minting process. Tour guides explain how the coins are made and show participants examples of commemorative coins. During weekday tours, you can watch workers craft coins.
Some city tours of Ottawa, including day tours from Montreal, include a stop at the Royal Canadian Mint and other Ottawa highlights such as Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, and Rideau Hall.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Royal Mint is a must-see for history buffs.
- Guided tours are given in English and French.
- The mint facility is accessible to wheelchair users.
- Browse the gift shop, where you can purchase collectible coins.
How to Get There
The Royal Canadian Mint is located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, near the National Gallery of Canada. If you’re in Ottawa, the best way to get here is on foot, as parking can be scarce. Walking, Parliament Hill is about a 15-minute away, while ByWard Market is fewer than 10.
When to Get There
The best time to take a tour is during the week, when the facility is in use. Tour prices are discounted on weekends and during holidays, as the factory floor is not in operation at these times.
The Mint’s Precious Creations
Among the unique creations to have been issued by the mint are the medals from the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The wavy surface of these medals was inspired by the Vancouver-Whistler area’s mountains-meet-ocean landscape. They also feature First Nations symbols of orcas and ravens.
Address: 320 Sussex Dr, Ottawa K1A 0G8, Canada
Hours: Open daily
From $ 107
Shannon Falls
To call Shannon Falls spectacular is an understatement. The falls plunge 1,100 feet (335 meters), making it the third tallest in British Columbia, and it’s right on the edge of the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s also just a stone’s throw from Howe Sound, too, making this small Provincial Park one of the most popular stops along the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler.
Cover those camera lenses while exploring the base of the waterfalls, especially in the spring and fall when water levels are at their highest, as mist from the waterfalls almost always soaks the boardwalk trail that winds through old growth forest beneath the falls.
The newest attraction at Shannon Falls is the Sea to Sky Gondola, which carries visitors high above the valley floor for stunning views. For more adventurous visitors, Shannon Falls is also the trailhead for a challenging 6.2-mile (10-km round-trip hike to the top of the Stawamus Chief. Expect to see plenty of avid climbers, too, as the Chief (as it’s known locally) is one of Canada’s premier rock climbing areas. From the summit, the views of Squamish, Howe Sounds and the surrounding coastal mountains are absolutely stunning, and it's also possible to see the summits of Mt Habrich and Mt Sky Pilot, which are the sources of Shannon Falls.
Practical Info
Shannon Falls Provincial Park is located on the east side of the Sea to Sky Highway, 44 miles (70 km) north of Vancouver.
Address: Britannia Beach, BC V0N 1J0, Canada
From $ 83
Squamish
Squamish isn't nicknamed the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada without reason. This former lumber mill town has transformed itself into an outdoor mecca with a rare combination of mountain and water sports made possible by its dramatic location amid the Coastal Mountains at the northern end of Howe Sound.
The Stawamus Chief, known locally as the Chief, is a massive granite dome with over 300 established climbing routes. Hikers can also tackle steep trails on the mountain’s backside to summit the three distinct peaks. More hiking options await in a series of nearby provincial parks, including Shannon Falls, Murrin and Garibaldi. With over 600 mountain biking trials, this activity can often overshadow the opportunities at the nearby Whistler Bike Park, both in terms of terrain variety and difficulty variation.
Warm, sunny weather also creates predictable wind, which helps make the Squamish Spit one of Canada’s top kiteboarding and wind surfing destinations. There is also plenty of nearby whitewater kayaking and, for the less adventurous, some of the best bald eagle viewing on the planet.
The town itself has undergone plenty of changes in recent years. Since both the pulp and saw mills closed, Squamish lost its main industry but soon became a trendy place to live for both Whistler and Vancouver residents looking to escape the high living costs of those respective communities. The population is now close to 20,000, but the town has all the amenities of a much larger community due to its role as the main service hub for smaller towns like Whistler, Pemberton and Lillooet.
Practical Info
Squamish is located dab in the middle of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, halfway between Whistler and Vancouver.
Address: Squamish, BC, Canada
From $ 111
Sidney
Sidney, British Columbia, is often called Sidney-by-the-Sea, and it’s an appropriate name. The town is flanked by Haro Strait, which flows directly into the greater Salish Sea. Most of the town’s attractions are either on the water itself or related to it.
Bird watching, whale watching, kayaking and scuba diving are all popular throughout the entire region. The town is also the gateway community to the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This small park reserve protects a representative sample of the Strait of Georgia Lowlands, considered one of the most ecologically at risk natural regions in southern Canada.
The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, a not-for-profit aquarium and marine education complex focusing on the Salish Sea ecosystem, is located near the Sidney Pier, while both the Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Sidney Channel Important Bird Area are located nearby. Sidney is also the only Canadian port of call for the Washington State ferry system. Ferries run to and from Anacortes and the San Juan Islands.
Practical Info
Sidney is located on the Saanich Peninsula, 25 minutes north of Victoria, BC, along Highway 17. It is the closest town to the Victoria Airport and the BC Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay that services the Gulf Islands and the British Columbia Mainland.
Address: Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
From $ 185
Rogers Centre
At the base of the CN Tower is sports and entertainment venue, The Rogers Centre (formerly known as the Skydome). Since the name change in 2006, the Centre welcomes over 3.5 million visitors a year.
The Rogers Centre is the home of the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club, World Series Champions in 1992 and 1993, and the Toronto Argonauts Football Team, who last won the Grey Cup in 2004. It is known as having the world’s first fully retractable roof. The roof opens and closes in 20 minutes and is a fun feature while being at a game or event.
The Rogers Centre is the ideal venue for a big stadium concert; some of the biggest names in the business have entertained the masses from The Rolling Stones to Bon Jovi.
To learn more about the Rogers Centre, you can experience a one hour fully guided behind-the-scenes tour. Highlights include a visit to different levels, a press box and a luxury suite among other stops.
The Rogers Centre is the home of the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club, World Series Champions in 1992 and 1993, and the Toronto Argonauts Football Team, who last won the Grey Cup in 2004. It is known as having the world’s first fully retractable roof. The roof opens and closes in 20 minutes and is a fun feature while being at a game or event.
The Rogers Centre is the ideal venue for a big stadium concert; some of the biggest names in the business have entertained the masses from The Rolling Stones to Bon Jovi.
To learn more about the Rogers Centre, you can experience a one hour fully guided behind-the-scenes tour. Highlights include a visit to different levels, a press box and a luxury suite among other stops.
Practical Info
From Union Station, the Skywalk enables you to get to the Rogers Centre without having to walk outside. Box Office hours Monday to Friday are from 10am-7pm (and 5pm on the weekends). Across the street, make sure to check out the Steamwhistle Brewery for a cold brew before or after your experience.
Address: 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Sea-to-Sky Highway
Although Highway 99 technically runs from the US border through Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler to the Highway 97 Junction just north of Cache Creek, it’s the 77 miles (124 km) from Vancouver to Whistler that is commonly referred to as the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
While it’s easy to whiz up the highway from Vancouver to Whistler in less than two hours, it’s also possible to spend days exploring all the see-it-to-believe-it landscapes along the route. Just after passing the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, the road begins to traverse a series of stunning landscapes: Porteau Cove and its beachfront campground on Howe Sound, the Britannia Mine Museum, the 1,100-foot (335-m) Shannon Falls, a towering granite dome known simply as the Chief, the outdoor-minded town of Squamish and a pinnacle of volcanic rock known as Black Tusk.
For many, the fun truly begins when the Sea-to-Sky Highway reaches Whistler Village. As the basecamp for Whistler Blackcomb, it is home to North America’s best-known ski and snowboard resort, possibly the world’s most famous mountain bike park and enough entertainment, shopping and nightlife to suit any traveler.
The highway does continue north to both Pemberton and Lillooet, two industry-led towns renowned for their nearby access to the Coastal and Chilcotin mountains, but after Pemberton the road is known as the Duffy Lakes Road rather than the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Practical Info
The Sea-to-Sky Highway stretches 77 miles (124 km) from Vancouver to Whistler. It was recently rebuilt for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, so the majority of the highway is now a divided four-lane road.
Address: Highway 99, BC, Canada
From $ 83
Royal Ontario Museum
Established in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest museum. Housed inside a heritage-meets-modern building, it boasts a 6-million-strong collection, which focuses on objects relating to world culture and natural history. It includes everything from First Nations’ crest poles to Egyptian mummies to T-rex skeletons.
The Basics
The museum building, which comprises a heritage structure with a modern add-on, is an architectural landmark. See it from the outside during select sightseeing tours and helicopter tours.
Of course, to get a look at the museum’s rich and fascinating collection, it’s necessary to go inside. General admission entrance tickets can be purchased in advance. They provide visitors with access to more than 30 galleries displaying objects from the ROM’s permanent collection. Admission includes free museum tours that focus on highlights of the collection and specific galleries. Tour places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Upgrade to include access to temporary exhibitions taking place in the museum. In the past, temporary exhibitions have focused on the works of glass artist Dale Chihuly and Star Wars-inspired fashions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The ROM is a must-visit for culture vultures and architecture enthusiasts.
- Free Wi-Fi is available.
- Eat at the on-site café or bring a packed lunch which can be eaten at the Brown Bag lunch room.
- Turn your phone to silent or vibrate mode to avoid disturbing other museumgoers.
- The ROM is entirely wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The museum is situated in Downtown Toronto, just north of Queen’s Park. The nearest subway stops are St. George station (Line 2 Bloor–Danforth), and Museum Station (Line 1 Yonge–University line). Local buses (numbers 5 and 142) also stop nearby, as do hop-on hop-off tour buses.
When to Get There
The Royal Ontario Museum is busiest during July and August, with weekends being particularly popular. Go early on a Sunday to get in before the crowds.
The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal
The ROM is almost as renowned for being an architectural showstopper as it is for its cultural holdings. As part of a major project in 2007, the museum enlisted architect Daniel Libeskind to add a bold new wing—an aluminum-and-glass structure that juts out from the older century-old facade. The new wing was well-received, quickly cementing the museum as an architectural icon of Toronto.
Address: 100 Queen's Park, Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto M5S 2C6, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Robson Street
Locals and visitors alike flock to Robson Street for shopping, dining, and people watching. It’s the biggest retail street in the city with department stores, chain stores, and high-end shops, plus a variety of eateries, all located near downtown Vancouver’s attractions and waterfront.
The Basics
Whether or not you’re in the mood for shopping, chances are good you’ll end up on Robson Street at some point during your time in Vancouver. Many city tours include a stop here for free time to look around and get something to eat; for independent sightseeing, opt for the hop-on hop-off tour. Popular shops include Nordstrom, Zara, and Lululemon (which was founded in Vancouver), while luxury brands like Prada, Burberry, and Tory Burch can be found a block over on Alberni Street.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Robson Street is good for those who like big-city bustle.
- Several paid parking lots are available along Robson Street.
- City tours typically last from two to four hours with limited time on Robson Street; consider taking a tour at the beginning of your trip to get oriented before going back to Robson on your own.
How to Get There
Robson Street cuts through central Vancouver’s West End district from Stanley Park on the northwest end to Beatty Street on the southeast end. The main shopping and dining strip runs between Granville and Denman streets. Via public transportation, take bus 5 or get off the SkyTrain at the Vancouver City Centre station or Burrard station.
When to Get There
One of Robson Street’s biggest events is the Vancouver Pride Parade, which takes place in the summer, as well as Canada Day celebrations on July 1. The area is also particularly popular during the British Columbia Lions’ football season, which runs from June to November, when games are played at BC Place Stadium at the eastern end of Robson Street.
Stanley Park
Heading northwest on Robson Street, you’ll come to Stanley Park, one of Vancouver’s top attractions. Allow yourself time to explore the Seawall, various gardens, the Totem Poles, Brockton Point Lighthouse, or the Vancouver Aquarium.
Address: Between Burrard and Denman Streets, West End, Vancouver, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Seawall Promenade
One of the highlights on a visit to bucolic Stanley Park, as well as Vancouver itself, is a walk or bike ride along the famous Seawall Promenade. The 9km/5.5mi stone wall hugs the waterside edge, following the entire perimeter of Stanley Park and beyond, offering cyclists, pedestrians, joggers, and inline skaters scenic vistas of forest, sea, and sky.
Starting from Coal Harbour, it winds eastward toward Brockton Point, then curves northwest along the Burrard Inlet, with views of the North Shore mountains across the water. Spaced at regular intervals along the walk are information panels that go into various aspects of Vancouver’s past. It’s education, exercise and eye-candy at the same time. After you pass Lions Gate Bridge, snake down the west side of the park, a perfect spot to watch the sun sink into the Pacific.
After circling the park, the Seawall Promenade continues along Sunset Beach, on the southeast side of downtown, around False Creek, past the Burrard Street Bridge, through Vanier Park, and finishing off at Kitsilano Beach Park.
Practical Info
The Seawall Promenade is easily accessible from many points along its route. Keep in mind that cyclists and skaters, like vehicles, must travel counterclockwise around the park. Weekdays are the best if you want to avoid the crowds.
Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 32
Spiral Tunnels
An outstanding feat of engineering, the Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park were the ingenious early–20th-century solution to climbing or descending the impossibly steep 4.5-percent grade to cross Kicking Horse Pass by rail. Watch long freight trains cross themselves as they travel the tunnels in different directions at the same time.
The Basics
It may take some patience, but you’ll be rewarded by the fascinating sight of freight trains (and the occasional passenger train) carving a figure eight through the mountains. It appears as though three trains are on the rails as parts of the train enter and exit the tunnels, giving the illusion they are moving separately.
See this fascinating example of brilliant railway engineering from either of two viewpoints—an upper and a lower—on a Banff National Park group day tour from Banff or Calgary, or as part of a self-driven tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Train enthusiasts and history buffs won’t want to miss seeing the Spiral Tunnels in action.
- Freight trains don’t follow a schedule, so be patient and be prepared to wait a bit to train-spot.
- The lower viewpoint has a commemorative monument, information plaques, and restrooms. The upper viewpoint has no amenities.
- Both viewpoints are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Lower Spiral Tunnel viewpoint is located on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1), 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers) east of Field, British Columbia and 52 miles (84 kilometers) west of Banff, Alberta. There is also a pull-off viewpoint (of the Upper Spiral) on Yoho Valley Road, on the way to Takakkaw Falls from Field.
When to Get There
The lower tunnel viewpoint is open from mid-May until mid-October; the upper viewpoint (and access via Yoho Valley Road) is open from mid-June to mid-October. During the warmer months, trains run fairly frequently—up to every 15 minutes on some days—although they don’t follow a schedule.
CP Rail and the Big Hill
After the first rail attempt over Kicking Horse Pass ended in derailment and the tragic deaths of three railway workers in 1884, Canadian Pacific Railway devised the Big Hill solution. A series of switches allowed runaway trains a safe place to divert onto spur lines, not descending the grade until the train was under control. The introduction of the Spiral Tunnels in 1909 brought the grade to a much safer and more manageable 2 percent.
Address: Spiral Tunnels, Banff, Canada
From $ 141
Skylon Tower
Perched on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the lofty Skylon Tower is famous for its bird’s-eye views. Boasting a panoramic observation platform, ambient dining, movies, shopping, and activities for the whole family, this 775-foot (236-meter) tower offers an entire day’s worth of entertainment.
The Basics
Begin your experience with a ride in one of the tower’s glass elevators, and speed up to the outer observation deck to take in the views. Head inside to dine in style at the upscale Revolving Dining Room restaurant or grab a bite at the family-friendly Summit Suite Buffet dining room. You can also catch the Legends of Niagara Falls 4D movie, peruse the shopping concourse, or stop by the Family Fun Center for games, rides, and fast food. Combine your visit with a ride on the famed Maid of the Mist boat to get up close and personal with the thundering Niagara Falls, or take a half-day tour to also see attractions such as the Floral Clock, Whirlpool Rapids, and Goat Island. For a special treat, take a helicopter tour of Niagara Falls that includes lunch at Skylon Tower afterwards.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a camera to capture Skylon Tower’s stunning views.
- If you plan to visit from the US, you’ll need your passport to cross the US–Canada border.
- The observation deck is free for diners at both of the tower's restaurants.
- Reserve your restaurant table ahead of time to ensure that space is available.
- The open-air observation deck is not wheelchair accessible; discounted tickets are available for wheelchair and scooter users.
How to Get There
Skylon Tower is located on Robinson Street, roughly two minutes by road from the city center of Niagara Falls, Ontario. Bus transportation is available in the city. The nearest airport is Buffalo Niagara International Airport, 45 minutes away by road.
When to Get There
Because Skylon Tower is an indoor attraction, it’s a popular place to visit at any time of year. Summer is busiest time to visit; make sure to book in advance if you plan to visit in June, July, or August. Nighttime visitors can see Niagara Falls illuminated with colored lights, while those who arrive on summer nights can see fireworks shows light up the sky several times per week.
Views from the Skylon Tower Observation Deck
The Skylon Tower observation deck offers a panoramic view of both Canada and the US. Visitors can gaze out over mighty Niagara Falls, the Great Gorge, Niagara’s wine country, Toronto, and Buffalo, New York. City skylines, thundering waterfalls, and country vistas await those who ride to the top.
Address: 5200 Robinson St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2A3, Canada
Hours: Daily 9am - 10pm
From $ 11
Scotiabank Arena (Air Canada Centre)
The Scotiabank Arena (formerly the Air Canada Centre) is Toronto’s major concert and professional sports venue. The facility clocks in at 650,000 square feet (60,387 square meters) and seats nearly 20,000 event-goers. The adjacent Maple Leaf Square hosts a variety of shops and restaurants, plus a hotel and condominiums.
The Basics
Scotiabank Arena is home turf for the Toronto Maple Leafs (National Hockey League), the Toronto Raptors (National Basketball Association), and the Toronto Rock (National Lacrosse League). It is also one of the country’s premier concert venues, playing host to some of the biggest names in music. It is virtually unheard of for a major Canadian tour not to include at least one—and sometimes three or four—shows at Scotiabank Arena.
Tours of downtown Toronto, including the hop-on hop-off bus, typically feature a stop at the arena, which has been touted as one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- To gain access to the building, you must have an event ticket. There are no public tours.
- Anything you bring into the building is subject to inspection. Backpacks, large bags or purses, weapons, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.
- The arena is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
During events, most people arrive at the Scotiabank Arena on foot from the adjacent Union Station, the closest train and subway stop. Parking is available at paid lots in the area, and there is underground parking at the arena. Taxis and ride-shares are also readily available in the Toronto core.
When to Get There
Events are held at Scotiabank Arena numerous nights a week year-round. Depending on the popularity of the event, you may need to purchase tickets up to several months in advance.
From Air Canada Centre to Scotiabank Arena
From when it was built in 1999 until the summer of 2018, Scotiabank Arena was known as the Air Canada Centre (ACC)—a name many locals still use, despite the renaming of the facility. The naming rights agreement was reportedly one of the richest sponsorship deals in North American sports history.
Address: 40 Bay St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 33
Rocky Mountains
Alberta’s stunning Rocky Mountains are one of the biggest attractions in the province. Protected by Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Canadian Rockies run along the border of British Columbia and Alberta through a landscape of glaciers, snow-capped mountain peaks, hot springs, and turquoise lakes.
The Basics
Outdoor adventure is the name of the game in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The menu of activities is extensive; you can take a bus tour along the Icefields Parkway to tour the Columbia Icefield, go whitewater rafting on the Fraser River, embark on a guided hike through the alpine wilderness of Banff National Park, walk above the Athabasca Glacier on the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk, or sit back and enjoy the twists and turns of the roads from the seat of a sidecar.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Rocky Mountains are a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for traversing uneven surfaces.
- Dress in layers; the weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable.
- Cellphone reception outside of towns can be unreliable.
- Rocky Mountains tours typically include pickup and drop-off in Banff or Jasper.
How to Get There
The commercial airport closest to the Canadian Rockies is Edmonton International Airport, about four hours from Jasper. The easiest way to explore the region is by renting a car and driving, but you can also opt for day tours from Banff or Jasper.
When to Get There
While the Canadian Rockies are a four-season destination, winters are long and chilly (perfect for winter adventures), with snow covering the ground well into April and even May. Late June to mid September is the best season for hiking, and crowds begin to thin out in September and October. Expect crowds during the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival (January) and the Calgary Stampede (July).
Visiting Canadian National Parks
Like their U.S. counterparts, national parks in Canada require an entrance fee paid at the park gate or visitor center. If you’re planning to visit multiple parks in the Rockies, like Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, Kootenay National Park, or Yoho National Park, consider a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, an annual pass that gets you into any of Canada’s national parks, marine conservation areas, and historic sites.
Address: Tarns-Canada Highway, Banff T1A 1A5, Canada
Admission: Free
From $ 84