Choose from 290 Fun Things to Do in Canada
ShowingFilter 241-260 of 290 listings.
Ville-Marie
Ville-Marie is the core of Montreal, encompassing most of the downtown area, including Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), the Quartier des Spectacles cultural quarter, the Gay Village, two islands on the St. Lawrence River, and most of Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal). It’s jam-packed with museums, churches, shops, restaurants, and other top attractions.
The Basics
Most visitors to Montreal spend time in Ville-Marie, as it’s home to many of the city’s biggest attractions, including the Old Port, Notre-Dame Basilica, the Underground City, and Place des Arts.
Sightseeing tours by coach often follow routes leading through Ville-Marie, past neighborhoods including Chinatown and the Latin Quarter and sights such as Habitat 67, the Moshe Safdie–designed housing complex built for Expo 67. Walking tours in Ville-Marie typically center on Old Montreal, a picturesque district with historical squares and Old World architecture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a camera as Ville-Marie is home to many of Montreal’s photo-worthy sights.
- Wear appropriate shoes for cobblestone streets.
- Much of Ville-Marie is wheelchair accessible with curb cuts on the sidewalks. Note that Old Montreal does have some cobblestone streets and that some of the sidewalks can be difficult to navigate after snowfall, which is common during Montreal’s winters.
How to Get There
Ville-Marie is well connected by public transport. Numerous metro stations are situated within the boundaries of Ville-Marie, including Berri-UQAM, where the Green, Orange, and Yellow metro lines all intersect.
When to Get There
Ville-Marie is arguably at its best during summer. In the warmer months, lots of festivals center on the borough, including the Les FrancoFolies de Montréal, which highlights music and other acts from the Francophone world; the Montreal International Jazz Festival; and the comedy-focused Just For Laughs festival.
Exploring Old Montreal
Old Montreal is the oldest part of the city, and its age shows with grand 18th-century buildings and historical sights at every turn. Wander here and you’ll find monument-studded public squares, such as Place d’Armes, Place Royale, and Place Jacques-Cartier, abuzz with people and photogenic streets such as Rue Saint-Paul, which is ideal for dining and shopping. Other highlights include the 18th-century Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, one of the city’s oldest churches, and Bonsecours Market, which dates all the way back to 1847.
Address: Montreal, QC, Canada, Canada
From $ 20
Biodome de Montreal
The Americas are home to four ecosystems, and at the Biodome de Montreal you'll be able to walk through them all (well, replicas of them at least). Visitors will be guided by naturalists through the biodome, traveling through the tropical rainforest, Laurentian maple forest, Gulf of St. Lawrence and Sub-Antarctic Islands, and observing over 4,800 animals representing 230 species and about 750 plants. Interestingly, these exhibits are housed in what was once the cycling stadium used in the 1976 Summer Olympics. Essentially, the experience is similar to visiting a zoo but delivers more of an immersive experience that makes you feel like you're really in the wild.
While there is much to learn about as well as flora and fauna to see in these four ecosystems, there are a few highlights of a visit to the Biodome de Montreal. You'll see king penguins in the Sub-Antarctic Islands, adorable puffins in the Labrador Coast, beautiful lynx of the Laurentian Maple Forest, and about 20 fish species in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Probably the most interesting eco-system in terms of animals is the Tropical Rainforest, where you'll find monkeys, parrots, capybaras, two-toed sloths, anacondas, yacare caimans and many others. Along with seeing wildlife, you'll learn about environmental issues impacting these ecosystems.
You also have the option to visit their Botanical Gardens, featuring 75 hectares (185 acres) with 10 greenhouses and 35 themed gardens. Some of these include the Chinese Garden, First Nations Garden, Japanese Garden, Alpine Garden, and Courtyard of the Senses.
Practical Info
The Biodome de Montreal is located at 4777 Pierre-De Coubertin Avenue. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm (closed December 24 and 25). Admission is $18.75 for adults, $17.50 for seniors 65 and older, $14.00 for students 18+ with ID, $9.50 for students 5 to 17, and $52.50 for families. Discounts available to Quebec residents.
Address: 4777 Avenue Pierre-de Coubertin, Montreal QC H1V 3N7, Canada
From $ 88
Whirlpool Aero Car
Suspended high over the Niagara River, the Whirlpool Aero Car passes directly over Niagara Whirlpool—a swirling, whitewater vortex created by conflicting currents. The antique cable car has been on the go since 1916, carrying passengers out to the bend of the river, where they dangle over and gawk at the dangerous whirling rapids below.
The Basics
Showcasing the power of the Niagara River’s mighty currents, the Whirlpool Aero Car is an excellent activity for visitors who have come to see Niagara Falls, whether by bus tour, cruise, or helicopter, or from one of the many surrounding viewpoints. Niagara Falls day tours, which make the rounds of the Niagara area’s top attractions, including the Aero Car, depart from Brampton, Ontario; Niagara, NY; Niagara, Ontario; and Toronto, Ontario. Many day tours include free time during which participants can ride the Whirlpool Aero Car—usually at their own expense. You can purchase tickets for the Whirlpool Aero Car in advance or upon arrival.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Though the Whirlpool Aero Car is more than a century old, it has had several retrofits since it was first constructed. The ride is smooth and comfortable.
- The 1,800-foot (550-meter) Whirlpool Aero Car journey takes about 10 minutes.
- The cable car can hold up to 35 passengers at a time.
- The Whirlpool Aero Car is not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Whirlpool Aero Car departs from Canada’s side of Niagara Falls, though it crosses into the US several times during its over-water route. The terminal is around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of Horseshoe Falls, along the Niagara Parkway. The WEGO (green line) bus runs from Table Rock to the Whirlpool Aero Car, and departs at least every 20 minutes during summer, and every 30 minutes from October to May.
When to Get There
The Whirlpool Aero Car is open April to November. Lines occasionally form during the peak visiting months of July and August; to avoid them, come in early morning or late afternoon.
The Niagara Whirlpool
The Niagara Whirlpool is located at a sharp bend in the gorge, which causes a spiraling torrent to form. The Class VI white-water rapids in this section of the river are powerful enough to pull logs and other floating debris into the maelstrom.
Address: 3850 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Canada
Hours: Open daily
From $ 99
Athabasca Glacier
Part of the vast Columbia Icefield that straddles the border between Alberta's Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Athabasca Glacier"”a huge swath of moving ice"”is one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring glaciers in North America. Like most glaciers, Athabasca is shrinking, though the slowly moving ice mass is still impressively large: It covers an area of about 2.3 square miles (six square kilometers) and measures up to 980 feet (300 meters) at its thickest point.
The Basics
Most visitors begin their Athabasca explorations at the Icefield Centre, where interpretive displays and a Parks Canada kiosk provide information on the glacier. Across from the center is the 2.2-mile (3.6-kilometer) Forefield Trail, which crosses over a boulder-scattered area once covered by the glacial ice, and the 1.1-mile (1.8-kilometer) Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail, which leads right to the glacier's edge. To venture farther out on the 10,000-year-old glacier, join a tour on the Ice Explorer, a purpose-built all-terrain vehicle. Or opt for a hiking tour led by alpine guides. Organized day trips depart from Jasper and Banff, and most incorporate other Canadian Rockies highlights, such as Lake Louise, the Glacier Skywalk, and Crowfoot Glacier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It can be cold and windy near the glacier, so wear warm layers.
- Pay heed to warning tape, which is designed to keep visitors away from dangerous crevasses.
- Bring an empty bottle or cup to fill up with fresh, glacial water.
- The Icefield Centre is accessible to wheelchair users, and the Ice Explorer fleet includes vehicles equipped to carry wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The Athabasca Glacier is located along Icefields Parkway, a scenic 143-mile (230-kilometer) highway connecting Jasper with Lake Louise. The Icefield Centre is about 64 miles (103 kilometers) from Jasper and 53 miles (185 kilometers) from Banff. If driving, be aware that only one gas station operates on the parkway, and is open only during the summer season.
When to Get There
Glacier tours are weather-dependent and usually run from around mid-April to mid-October. Avoid the winter months, when the Icefield Centre is closed and conditions can sometimes render the Icefields Parkway impassable. Go before lunchtime or after 3pm to avoid peak visiting hours.
The Columbia Icefield
The Athabasca Glacier is just one of eight major glaciers that make up the 125-square-mile (325-square-kilometer) Columbia Icefield, one of the biggest masses of snow and ice south of the Arctic Circle. The glacier lies on the Continental Divide, with all of its meltwater eventually ending up in one of three places: the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, or the Atlantic Ocean.
Address: Icefields Parkway, Banff T1W 1J2, Canada
From $ 202
Yoho National Park
Yoho is the Cree Nation’s expression for awe and wonder, which makes it a very fitting name for Yoho National Park, home of jaw-dropping natural wonders like Lake O’Hara, Emerald Lake and the Kicking Horse River. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Jasper and Banff, Yoho National Park is situated in British Columbia, on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies.
Surrounded by the Presidents Range, Emerald Lake is Yoho’s most famous attraction, and its 10-kilometer access road passes some of the most spectacular settings in the entire park. The Kicking Horse River carves a natural bridge through ancient stone; a five-kilometer walking trail circumnavigates the lake; hiking trails sprout off in all directions; and the Emerald Lake Lodge provides a luxurious mountain getaway.
Higher up, between Wapta Mountain and Mount Field is the 505-million-year-old Burgess Shale sea floor. Known as one of the world’s most significant animal fossil discoveries, the Burgess Shale is exceptional for its surprising age, diversity, and preservation. It’s possible to visit the site, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Both the Walcott Quarry and Mount Stephen Fossil Bed hikes take seven to 10 hours, and all hikers must be accompanied by a Parks Canada interpretive guide. Spots are limited, but it’s possible to make reservations in advance or join in on a first-come first-serve basis.
Lake O’Hara is another popular hiking destination, although access is limited. A public bus, which runs four times daily between June and October, is the only way to access the area and reservations can be made three months in advance.
Practical Info
Field, British Columbia, is the only town in Yoho National Park. It’s located on the TransCanada Highway, approximately halfway between Golden, British Columbia and Banff, Alberta.
Address: Yoho National Park, Field BC V0A 1G0, Canada
Admission: Adults: $9.80; Children: $4.90
From $ 123
Whistler Village
Depending on the season, Whistler Village is either located at the base of North America’s biggest ski resort or mountain bike park. No matter the season, it’s the heart of Whistler, British Columbia, and it’s bustling with people looking to enjoy the area’s vibrant mountain culture.
Built around a pedestrian street called the Village Stroll, Whistler Village is bookended by a pair of public squares. Skiers Plaza, from which both the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas depart, doubles as an outdoor sound stage during the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, transforms into a spectator-friendly finishing area for the gravity defying Crankworx Festival and acts as a general meeting point for locals setting out for a night on the town. The Olympic rings still stand in Olympic Plaza, which lies on the opposite end of the village, where medal ceremonies for all Whistler-based sports during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics took place.
Between the two plazas, patio restaurants and cafes are mixed intermittently with shops selling the latest fashions in both haute couture and high mountain culture. Hotels are mixed in, too, making it easy to stay close to the resort’s famous nightlife; after dark, Whistler Village’s party scene comes to life and a number of pumping nightclubs and ski-town pubs keep their doors open until the wee hours of morning.
Practical Info
Whistler, British Columbia is located 147 km north of the Vancouver International Airport on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Public transport is available with the Perimeter Express, YVR Whistler SkyLynx shuttle and Whistler Limousine.
Address: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
From $ 80
Yorkville
Yorkville, situated northeast of the University of Toronto, has transformed into a chic, high-end shopping district lined with luxury stores, art galleries, restaurants, and historic homes. Known in the 1960s as the "hippie capital of Canada," Yorkville was once home to cultural personalities, including Joni Mitchell and Margaret Atwood.
The Basics
As one of Toronto’s historic neighborhoods, Yorkville is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, a convenient way for visitors to explore without the hassle of navigating on their own. Others opt for private tours, tacking a meal or visit to the high-end “Mink Mile” shopping strip onto their customized itineraries. A private guide provides context about historic landmarks that visitors often miss when exploring alone.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Yorkville is a must-visit for both history buffs and serious shoppers.
- Make restaurant reservations in advance to skip long lines during evenings and on weekends.
- The time limit for street parking is three hours unless specified otherwise.
How to Get There
Located northeast of the University of Toronto, Yorkville is easily accessible via Toronto’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest Metro stops are Museum Station on the line 1 and Bay Station on the line 2, or take bus 300 or 6 to Bloor Street West and Bay Street. Alternatively, Toronto’s bike-share program offers a more scenic route. A bike dock is conveniently located on the southeast corner of Bloor and Bay streets.
When to Get There
As an upscale shopping and dining hub, Yorkville is busiest at dinnertime and on weekends. Visit during these hours to get a feel for the bustle and atmosphere of the neighborhood. For a quieter experience, go just as the shops open around 10am. Yorkville also hosts an annual summer car show, where locals and visitors flock to pedestrian-only streets for luxury car displays, as well as a winter ice festival that showcases elaborate sculptures.
Village of Yorkville Park
After 18 years of lobbying for public green space, residents convinced the city in 1992 to build Yorkville Park on top of a former parking lot. The park is divided into 11 sections that represent Canada’s distinct landscapes, from forests to prairies, and features a 1-billion-year-old rock from the Canadian Shield. Sandwiched between historic homes and upscale boutiques, Yorkville Park is an ideal spot to relax, eat lunch, or people-watch.
Address: Yorkville, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
From $ 33
Capital Observatory (Observatoire de la Capitale)
Towering over Parliament Hill at the 31st floor of the city's highest skyscraper, Capital Observatory is Quebec City's premier and uppermost viewpoint. Having welcomed over a million visitors since it first opened its doors in 1998, it offers breathtaking panoramas 221 meters over sea level of not only Quebec City itself but also the mighty St. Lawrence River, Island of Orleans, Appalachian Foothills and the Laurentians. A special exhibit named Horizons takes visitors on a discovery experience presenting four perspectives of Quebec City filled with cool facts and stories about the local history centered around four main themes: politics, history, culture, and society.
Practical Info
Capital Observatory is located on rue de la Chevrotière in Quebec City, Canada. It can easily be reached by car via Grande Allee and there is ample underground parking inside the building; alternatively, it can also be reached via public transit (buses 1a and 11 at stop Grande Allee Est / du General-De Montcalm or a dozen other lines at stop C. Parlementaire Rene-Levesque Est / Jean Jacques-Bertrand). It is open every day from 10am to 5 pm. Entry costs $14 per adult, $11 per student/+65 year olds. It is free of charge for children under the age of 12.
Address: 1037 De La Chevrotière, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 5E9, Canada
Hours: Every day from 10am to 5pm
Admission: Adults: $14; Students/65+: $11; Under 12: Free
From $ 32
Yonge-Dundas Square
The flashy urban scene of Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square is reminiscent of New York City’s Times Square. More than 56 million people visit this iconic spot every year, making it one of the busiest intersections in Canada. This is where you find glowing billboards, Eaton Centre, Ed Mirvish Theatre, and great spots to people-watch.
The Basics
Yonge-Dundas Square is a one-acre (half-hectare)outdoor space centered around the intersection of Yonge and Dundas streets. There is always something going on, from free concerts to cultural celebrations to yoga and more. Dancing fountains and giant digital signs draw visitors, as do Toronto’s famous shopping mall, Eaton Centre, and several other leading Ontario businesses. Visit Yonge-Dundas as part of a hop-on-hop-off bus tour or as part of a group tour of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Yonge-Dundas Square is a great stop for shoppers.
- Access free Wi-Fi throughout the square.
- Explore this area by hop-on-hop-off tour bus and you can see multiple Toronto sites without the hassle of driving and parking.
How to Get There
Yonge-Dundas Square is at the center of downtown Toronto. By car, take the Gardiner Expressway to Yonge Street, and head north until you reach Dundas. There are some paid parking lots, but they can be difficult to find and pricy. Walking or taking public transit is recommended. By public transportation, take the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line to Dundas Station.
When to Get There
Spring and fall are great seasons for visiting Toronto and taking advantage of the mild weather. Kids and adults splash around in the square’s iconic fountains, turned on from mid-April to mid-October. Check city event listings for upcoming programming at Yonge-Dundas, such as free concerts, yoga classes, and films.
All About the Street Performers
One of the signature entertainment options in this area is the buskers and street performers that crowd Yonge-Dundas Square, showing off their talents in return for tips. Street performers have a long tradition in Toronto, and they participate in the annual Toronto International Buskerfest happening on Labor Day weekend each year.
Address: 1 Dundas St E, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
From $ 33
Callaghan Lake Provincial Park
British Columbia's Callaghan Valley is a noted backcountry recreation area, so much so that it was home to the 2010 Winter Olympics for biathlon, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic skiing. Though the provincial park is famous mainly for winter sports (the average annual snowpack can yield up to 150 days of skiing), the area is just as gorgeous in the summertime. Callaghan Lake is one of the most beautiful and convenient places to camp near Whistler, and the relatively undisturbed wilderness and rugged mountain terrain provide a stunning backdrop to outdoor adventures at any time of the year. Hanging valleys, talus slopes, and waterfalls are just some of the natural sights the park has to offer.
Canoeing, fishing, boating, and hunting go hand-in-hand with rustic lakeside camping and hiking around the numerous wetlands and small lakes found throughout the park (especially in the southern and eastern areas). The main camping area at Callaghan Lake is quite nice, but for a really spectacular place to pitch your tent, try checking out one of the little islands in the lake that can only be accessed by canoe or boat. Boat launches, campfires, picnic areas, toilets, and vehicle-accessible camping are all available at the park.
Practical Info
The park is easily accessed in summer from Highway 99, 43 miles (70 km) north of Vancouver or 12 miles (20 km) south of Whistler. Turn north off the highway onto the paved Callaghan Valley Road for 5 miles (8 km), then turn left following a rough, gravel Forest Service road (Callaghan FSR 01) for another 5 miles (8 km). High-clearance vehicles are recommended. The Forest Service road is not plowed in winter and instead becomes a groomed cross-country ski trail. The closest community, town or city is Whistler, approximately 12 miles (20 km) away. There are no garbage facilities, so always pack out what you pack in.
Address: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
From $ 160
Winnipeg
Home to half the population of Manitoba, Winnipeg is a Canadian city of 633,000 that’s famous for its music and performing arts festivals. Known as the Gateway to the West, the multicultural city rises out of the central Canadian prairies at the meeting point of the Red and Assiniboine rivers.
Winnipeg’s Forks district was a gathering place for Aboriginal peoples for millennia and later became an important spot for fur trappers and buffalo hunters, riverboat workers and railway pioneers. A National Historic Site of Canada, today The Forks attracts 4 million visitors a year who come for its cafes, shops and cultural hubs like the Manitoba Museum and (soon-to-be-opened) Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The lively Exchange District is known for its early 20th-century architecture, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery, one of the oldest in Canada, is home to the world’s largest collection of Inuit art.
Also worth visiting is the French Quarter’s St Boniface Museum, which is dedicated to the group of nuns who canoed to Winnipeg from Montreal in 1844. Named the Cultural Capital of Canada by the Department of Canadian Heritage, “The Peg” also has a distinct culinary cuisine and is famous for its hot-smoked fish and homegrown desserts—schmoo torte and wafer pie.
Practical Info
There are daily flights to Winnipeg from across Canada, and the Greyhound Canada bus depot is at the airport. "The Canadian" train runs from Vancouver and Toronto through Winnipeg three days a week in each direction, while the "Winnipeg-Churchill" train will take you north to the town of Churchill.
Address: Winnipeg, Canada
From $ 5,382
Calgary Stampede
Billing itself as the greatest outdoor show on earth, you can expect something special at the Calgary Stampede. And with everything you've come to love about rodeos, state fairs, grandstands, concerts and carousels, something special is what you get. Every year since 1923, this ten day event annually attracts more than a million people who come to see what happens when you offer the biggest payouts to rodeo contestants and marry it with chuckwagon races, blacksmithing competitions, midway, markets, dancing, singing, and a heavy native people's participation. It's an event of grand scale that kicks off with an opening parade featuring dozens of marching bands, over 150 floats, clowns, dancers, politicians and business leaders. It's extravagant, beautiful, dusty, and it smells like funnel cake and horses "“ in short, it's the defining event of Calgary, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Practical Info:
The Calgary Stampede takes place around the second week in July at 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2W1, Canada.
Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary AB T2G 2W1, Canada
Admission: General: $16; Children and Seniors: $8
From $ 33
Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
Much more than a static collection of sports memorabilia, Canada's Sports Hall of Fame honors the country's most remarkable athletes with an electric 40,000 square foot space that echoes with the roar of fans. Tucked into one of the buildings that hosted the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, interactive exhibits educate visitors about the rules and challenges of more obscure sports and offer the chance to throw pitches for clocked speed, shadow box with Lennox Lewis, attempt a wheelchair race or balance on skis on a virtual downhill slope.
There are sections dedicated to swimming and rowing, car racing, golfing and, of course, hockey, spread throughout 12 galleries. Over 1,000 culturally significant sports artifacts"”including the shoe that amputee Terry Fox wore at the start of his epic cross-country cancer awareness run"”are also on display. Each year new Hall of Fame honorees are inducted at a prestigious ceremony and featured, along with details of the more than 600 current members, in the Locker Room Gallery.
Practical Info
The center is located at 169 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W. in Calgary. It is open from 10am-5pm daily in July and August and from Tuesday through Sunday the rest of the year. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for kids age 4-18, with discounts for seniors and groups.
Address: 169 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Hours: July-August 10am-5pm daily; Tues-Sun the rest of the year
Admission: Adults: $12; Children: $8
From $ 10
Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains
North America’s major ski resort focuses on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, attracting up to two million winter and summertime visitors a year.
Linked by the groundbreaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the two mountains peer over the pretty alpine town of Whistler Village.
The official skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic winter games, the Whistler and Blackcomb resorts merged in 1997 and together have a total of 38 ski lifts and more than 200 ski runs.
In summer the ski runs transform into mountain-bike trails for nail-biting thrills, and the alpine meadows are crossed by hikers and nature lovers.Practical Info
The Whistler-Blackcomb resort is a two-hour drive north from Vancouver, a distance of 115 km (70 miles).
One of the most scenic ways to travel to Whistler is aboard the Sea to Sky Climb train, a stupendous three-hour rail journey from Vancouver.
Whistler Mountain measures 2,182 meters (7,160 feet), while Blackcomb is 2,284 meters (7,349 feet). The longest ski run zooms for 11 km (7 miles).
Address: Blackcomb Way, Whistler BC V0N 1B4, Canada
From $ 39
Champ-de-Mars
A rare pocket of green in a built-up part of downtown Montreal, Champ-de-Mars served as a military parade ground and city parking lot before it was converted into a park in the 1980s. During the conversion, workers unearthed remains from Montreal's old fortifications, and parts of the restored city walls were incorporated into the site.
The Basics
While many travelers explore the park independently, viewing the restored city walls and unwinding on the grassy lawns, guided walking tours of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal) offer greater historical insight. These tours typically bring participants to Champ-de-Mars, as well as other key sights in the vicinity such as Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Bonsecours Market.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Champ-de-Mars is an ideal place to take a break from sightseeing, with benches allowing visitors to rest their legs.
- Bring along a picnic to enjoy on the grass.
- The Champ-de-Mars metro station is wheelchair accessible, as is the park itself, though snow and slush can hamper access in winter.
How to Get There
Champ-de-Mars is situated in Old Montreal, about a 5-minute walk from the Old Port of Montreal. Take the Orange Line metro to the Champ-de-Mars stop.
When to Get There
The best time to visit is summer, when the park's green lawn makes an inviting place to sit down and relax. For much of winter and early spring (usually between December and April), the park is covered in snow.
What to See Nearby
Champ-de-Mars is near several well-known city attractions. Important municipal institutions including Montreal City Hall and the Palais de Justice courthouse border the park. Just a short stroll away, you'll find Place Jacques-Cartier, a historic city square bordered by bistros and cafes and a common stomping ground for street performers and caricature drawers. Ramezay Castle (Chateau Ramezay), the 18th-century home of French governors and now a history museum, is also within easy walking distance of the park.
Address: Champ-de-Mars, Montreal, Canada
From $ 20
Callaghan Valley
Full of ancient forest and surrounded by Pacific Coastal mountains 56 miles (90 km) north of Vancouver, Callaghan Valley is real BC backcountry. In summer, the valley is home to backpackers and hikers looking for a wilderness experience, while in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is popular, with over 45 miles (70 km) of cross-country trails and six miles (10 km) of snowshoe trails to explore.
Home to the 2010 Winter Olympics' Nordic events, the wall of mountains that surrounds the valley creates a unique climate that sees some of the deepest snowfall in the whole of Canada. The ski season is often 150 days long, running right into mid-April.
In spring and summer, Callaghan Valley is all wildflower meadows and wetlands, where you can go lakeside camping, canoeing, boating, fishing and hiking. The 6,590-acre (2,667-hectare) park is also prime wildlife-spotting territory. Look out for bobcats and squirrels, black-tailed deer and moose, black and grizzly bears.
Practical Info
Forty-four miles (70 km) north of Vancouver and 12 miles (20 km) south of Whistler on Highway 99, Callaghan Valley is best reached by car, shuttle or taxi ($40 one way ) from Whistler, which is the closest town to the valley.
Address: British Columbia V0N 1B1, Canada
From $ 160
Yukon Wildlife Preserve
The unique wildlife is often a highlight for visitors to the Canadian wilderness. While sightings are far from guaranteed, an afternoon at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve allows for ten of the area’s mammals to be viewed in relatively close proximity. The animals, which include elk, woodland caribou, lynx, moose, bison, mountain goats, and more, are particularly active during feeding times. Spread across more than twelve acres, the animals roam free in their natural habitat.
The trails running through the reserve total around 5 kilometers, and make for excellent hiking, biking, or walking with views of the Canadian countryside. Open fields scenically framed by mountains allow ample space for wildlife to roam and wander. Seasonally there are also often local birds sitting amongst the marshes. No matter the sightings, it’s always a great opportunity to view the animals in natural surroundings and makes for great photography opportunities.
Practical Info
The wildlife preserve can be experienced either in a guided tour or on foot. If self-guided, there are informative signs about each animal in front of each display. Parking is widely available and picnic facilities are located along the trails. The wildlife is not to be fed or touched by visitors (only viewed!) You can get there in about thirty minutes driving from downtown Whitehorse (it’s at kilometer 8 (mile 5) on the Takhini Hot Springs Road.) Many combine with a visit to the nearby natural hot springs.
Address: Takhini Hot Springs Rd, Whitehorse, Canada
Hours: Varies seasonally
Admission: $15 (entry only,) $8 for children
From $ 112
Alexander Falls
Located in the Callaghan Valley, the 141-foot Alexander Falls make for a beautiful day trip destination from Whistler Village. Just be sure to bring a picnic, as it's a favorite lunch spot for locals and visitors alike. Picnic tables are surrounded by thick forest, and the crashing waterfall adds atmosphere to this wilderness setting that makes it easy to forget it's only 30 minutes back to the hustle of a major tourist resort.
Alexander Falls is only minutes from Whistler Olympic Park and its cross-country ski trails, built for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, which are open throughout the winter. In the summer, the trails double as walking paths and bike trails. Hiking trails that lead further into Callaghan Valley Provincial Park offer access to more pristine nature, while campsites at Callaghan and Madeley Lake provide a beautiful"“ and absolutely free"“place to spend the night.
The Callaghan Valley access road is one of the best places to spot wildlife in the Whistler area, too, including both black and grizzly bears.
Practical Info
Alexander Falls is located 30 minutes south of Whistler Village and just minutes from Whistler Olympic Park, where the 2010 Winter Olympic ski jumping and cross-country skiing events took place.
Address: Whistler, BC, Canada
From $ 160
Yaletown
Pedestrian-friendly Yaletown is Vancouver’s "little SoHo", a former red-brick rail terminal turned into a warehouse district lined with swanky New York-style lofts and chichi boutiques. The focal point of the modern-day yuppie enclave exudes a hip and inviting atmosphere - especially at night, when its sophisticated drink and dine spots are packed to the rafters with the city’s beautiful people checking each other out.
Walking along Yaletown streets provides a bounty of attractions. The neighborhood has plenty of pricey boutiques to window shops, art galleries to linger in, and lots of places to stop for lunch, coffee or a splurge-worth dinner. Some of the best seafood restaurants are here, as is Yaletown Brewing Company, where you can sample its home-brewed beer.
If you’re curious about the area’s almost-forgotten rough-and-ready past, follow the old rail lines embedded in many of the streets and amble over to the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre. You’ll find a mothballed steam train that recalls the area’s original raison d’etre.
Practical Info
Yaletown, located on the east end of downtown Vancouver, is roughly bordered by Nelson Street, Homer Street, Drake Street, and Pacific Boulevard. Hamilton and Mainland streets are the trendiest arteries through the neighborhood. Yaletown is easily accessible via public transportation and within walking distance to downtown attractions.
Address: Downtown, Vancouver, Canada
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Crowfoot Glacier
The Crowfoot Glacier, named for its three glacier toes that once formed a very visual representation of the black bird's foot, has retreated so much since early explorers discovered and named it that it has actually lost an entire digit. Despite its lost toe, the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint on the Icefield Parkway is still spectacular, especially for northbound travelers due to its position as the first of many up-close viewpoints along the drive.
Opposite this spot is the Helen Lake trailhead. This popular hike is strenuous, but the reward is in the stunning mountain scenery, as the trail crosses a series of alpine meadows covered in summertime wildflowers as it climbs toward Helen Lake. The best views of the Crowfoot Glacier are found further up the trail, but only hikers willing to tackle the steep Helen Lake Headwall will have unobstructed views of the Wapta Icefield, which lies beyond the Continental Divide.
Practical Info
Both the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint and the Helen Lake Trailhead are found 22 miles (35 km) north of Lake Louise on the Icefield Parkway. The Helen Lake trail is 7.5 miles (12 km), and most hikers require four to five hours to complete the trek.
Address: Icefield Parkway, Banff, Canada
From $ 202