Happy 150 Canada! Grab the maple syrup, the red and white flag, and get out there and explore! We live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Whenever I’ve travelled in the past, I’ve met people from across the planet who say that Canada is on their bucket list! Literally, so many people want to go explore the wonderful Great White North.
Canada is Amazing! So I Need A Bucket List!
Well, I’m lucky enough to be a proud Canadian, and call this amazing country home. But I’ve been bad, after 17 countries travelled, living in 3, studying in 2… well I’ve seen such a small area of Canada. So I’ve created a Bucket List of the 15 places you have to go in Canada on this Canada 150!
1. Admire Stunning Victoria and Vancouver Island
Starting right on the West Coast, Victoria is one of the coolest cities in Canada. Besides being beautifully breathtaking, it is enriched with history. There are adventure sports, little cafes and beaches to explore.
Must Do’s Here: Have tea at the Fairmont, Explore the Rocky Beaches
2. Drink Wine in The Okanagan Valley
Not many people think wine when they think Canada. Instead they think polar bears, maple syrup and a lot of polite people. But the Okanagan combines beautiful crystal clear lakes with kilometers upon kilometers of rolling wine trails.
Must Do’s Here: Drink a glass of Gewurztraminer at Mission Hill and enjoy the views! Or stop by Quail’s Gate, Red Rooster or Volcanic Hills to do the same. Every winery gives stunning views, amazingly flavourful wines and awesome cafes.
3. Adventure Through Jasper and the Canadian Rockies
Instagram is flooded with photos of Lake Louise and Banff, and yes they are great places to see. You won’t be disappointed with the views. However, if you really want to get away from the tourists, hit up Jasper, and if you can, drive the Icefields Parkway to get there. You will be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the mountains around you.
Must Do’s Here: Eat at Jasper Brewing Company, Explore Maligne Canyon, Take Photos of Mount Edith Cavell and hike one of the many trails!
4. Explore The Boreal Forest in Prince Albert National Park
As the landscape changes from plains to the amazing boreal forest. You are transported through the dense forests, tall trees and beside the vast lakes. There are many ecosystems to explore in Prince Albert National Park.
Must Do’s Here: Hike! Wander! Explore!
5. Visit Hudson’s Bay in Manitoba
Did you know that you can snorkel with beluga whales in Manitoba? Well you can, heading off to Hudsons Bay is one of the most quintessentially Canadian things to do, and you can see some of the amazing Canadian wildlife here too!
Must Do’s Here: Snorkle with Baluga Whales! Swim in Hudsons Bay!
6. Explore Georgian Bay and Boulder Along the Way
The Georgian Bay coast line is scattered with boulders, tourquoise water, dramatic cliffs and a variety of wildlife. Just up from the bay you’ll find towering trees and exquisite forests! What more can you ask for on a Canada Bucket List?
Must Do’s Here: Head up to the boulders at Halfway Log Dump, and explore your way along the rocks
7. Hike the Bruce Trail – Or at Least Part of It
So most people won’t finish the 885 kilometer hike, that takes a solid effort to do 30 kilometers a day for an entire month. Instead try some of the track, taking a few days or a week.
Must Do’s Here: This is all about hiking! So try hiking Canada’s longest trail!
8. Explore the History of Quebec
Quebec is filled with cities whose castles rival those in Europe. The stone structures, intense culture and amazing beauty, mean that you don’t have to cross the pond to experience something new. Head off to a city and explore the food, culture and history. Total Bucket List item!
Must Do’s Here: Visit Montreal and Quebec City to explore their history, culture and architecture!
9. Wind Your Way Through the Mingan Archipelago
Ever wanted to explore limestone structures in Canada? You can at Mingan Archipelago National Park. You can also explore the surrounding islands and the crazy coastlines!
Must Do’s Here: Explore the islands of Quarry and Niapiskau. Whale Watch and Seal Watch off the coast. Also take a tonne of photos of the limestone outcroppings.
10. Explore PEI and Anne of Green Gables
Prince Edward Island is a natural and architectural amazing province no wonder it’s on this Bucket List. Explore the whole thing or just a part. Also if you’re in Canada you have to go explore the history of Anne of Green Gables.
Must Do’s Here: Go hiking, eat Maritime food and explore Anne of Green Gables.
11. Hike the Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia
From moose to bald eagles, you will find it all in the Cape Breton Highlands. The ancient plateau dips into the sea. You can explore an area where the mountains hit the sea and the rivers carve into the stone.
Must Do’s Here: Go hiking and get “lost” in Nature. Don’t actually get lost though…
12. Explore the Polar Deserts in Aulavik
Aulavik National Park is a 12000 square kilometer area of protected arctic tundra, as you go through you’ll find a variety of artic environments. Explore the untouched artic lowland and polar deserts.
Must Do’s Here: You can camp wherever you want except the archeological sites. So take your tent and explore the great outdoors, spending your night under the stars.
13. Kayak in the Bay of Fundy
Did you know that the highest tides in the world happen in the Bay of Fundy in Canada’s New Brunswick? There you can watch the tides rise and fall, revealing the sea floor.
Must Do’s Here: Kayak in the bay at the waters rise up 12 meters or even higher!
14. Adventure Through the “Top of the World”
There is very few places as isolated and as pristine as Quttinirpaaq National Park. There you can walk by glaciers and black mountain peaks, as you go through this extremely north national park. This national park is high above the Arctic Circle, so prepare for the north!
Must Do’s Here: Feel the isolation of the North and explore the glaciers!
15. Traverse Canada’s Highest Peak
Mount Logan is Canada’s highest peak, it sits almost 6000meters tall. The peak is just breathtakingly high and beautiful, drawing hikers from all over the world.
Must Do’s Here: Hike Mount Logan (or part of it), go whitewater rafting and explore calving glaciers!
What do you think are must do Canada Bucket List items?! Let me know in the comments below!
