Your Ultimate Canadian Travel Bucket List

Lake Louise, Alberta

Canoeing on Lake Louise? Yes, please! Imagine a place where the water is so clear and blue it feels like you’re looking at a painting. That’s Lake Louise! Located in the heart of the Rockies, this spot is perfect for a paddle in the summer or ice skating in the winter. Also keep an eye out for elks—these majestic creatures are often seen grazing nearby, adding a touch of wildlife magic to your visit.

Tofino, British Columbia

Surf’s up in Tofino! If you’re into beaches and waves, this small town on Vancouver Island is famous for its surf spots, especially Chesterman Beach, where beginners and pros alike hit the waves. The vibe here is super chill, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature. While you’re here, don’t miss the local seafood—it’s some of the freshest you’ll ever taste!

Northern Lights, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list item for many, and Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to witness this natural light show. The vibrant greens, pinks, and purples dancing across the sky are truly magical. Winter is the best time to go, so bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and get ready to be amazed.

Want more? Explore Canada’s hidden gems to add to your Canadian Travel Bucket List!

St. Patrick’s Day, Nova Scotia

Feeling the luck of the Irish? You might not expect it, but Nova Scotia goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day. For the ultimate Irish experience, head to the Old Triangle Irish Ale House in Halifax—the best pub by far to celebrate this day. They serve up a hearty traditional Irish breakfast and, of course, a pint of Guinness to start your day off right.

Skate the Rideau Canal, Ottawa, Ontario

Ready to glide into some winter fun? Every winter, the Rideau Canal transforms into the Rideau Canal Skateway—aka the world’s largest skating rink! This UNESCO World Heritage site offers 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles) of ice for you to explore from roughly January to late February or March.

But here’s a cool fact (pun-intended): the ice needs to be at least 30 cm thick for the Skateway to open, which means Ottawa needs about 10-14 straight days of -10 to -20 degrees Celsius to make it happen. So when the weather hits those chilly marks, grab your skates and put your best skate forward! And don’t forget to warm up afterward with a classic Canadian treat—a Beavertail pastry.

Skydiving in Saskatchewan

Ready to take the plunge? In Saskatchewan, skydiving is your chance to dive into the prairies. The wide-open spaces of this province make it the perfect backdrop for an adrenaline-pumping freefall. Get a bird’s-eye view of the vast, flat landscape stretching out below you. It’s an experience that will leave you feeling on top of the world—quite literally!

Toronto Islands, Ontario

For a city skyline that takes your breath away, just hop on a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto to the Toronto Islands. This peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle offers great spots for biking, beach lounging, or simply soaking in the stunning view of Toronto’s iconic skyline, especially at sunset. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic, so pack some snacks and enjoy!

Montreal International Jazz Festival, Quebec

Get ready to groove! The Montreal International Jazz Festival is the smoothest event in the city, holding the Guinness World Record as the world’s largest jazz festival. Every year, this festival transforms Montreal into a jazz lover’s paradise, with around 3,000 artists from over 30 countries performing across 20 stages.

 The “Big Event” concerts can draw crowds of up to 200,000 people, creating an electric atmosphere where the music truly takes center stage. So, if you’re in town during the festival, don’t miss your chance to tune in to some of the best jazz performances in the world—Montreal is ready to jazz it up just for you!

Polar Bear Watch in Churchill, Manitoba

Calling all animal lovers—Churchill is the place to be! Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”, this small town offers guided tours where immersive experiences take you into the heart of the wild beauty of Churchill. Witness firsthand the majesty of polar bears, the playful charm of beluga whales, and the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights.

The best time to visit is in the Fall when the bears are migrating. But a word of advice: while polar bears might look like they’d give the coolest bear hugs, they’re not exactly the snuggly type! And don’t forget—it gets bear-y cold up there, so bundle up!

Calgary Stampede, Alberta

Last but not least, saddle up for the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!” The Calgary Stampede is a 10-day event filled with rodeos, parades, concerts, and more. Even if you’re not a rodeo fan, the food stalls alone—think deep-fried everything—are worth a stop. So, dust off your boots, and don’t forget to wear your cowboy hat and maybe throw in a howdy or two while you’re there!

Don’t forget, your Canadian travel bucket list experience should include peace of mind. Securing comprehensive health insurance for exploring Canada is essential, so make sure you’re protected. We recommend Cigna Global Health for reliable coverage—get your free quote here.