Canada is one of the best adventure destinations in the world. There are A LOT of thrilling activities to do when you’re here, so I compiled the ultimate list of adventurous things to do in Canada.
The Ultimate Canada Travel Guide
This post includes specific national parks and cities and activities you can do in many parts of the country.
Here are the most adventurous things to do in Canada!
Snow Tubing
I went snow tubing for the first time in Canada, and it will forever be one of my favorite snow activities! Snow tubing might seem like a kid’s activity, but it’s for all ages. My parents and I spent an entire day snow tubing, and we wish we had planned another day for it into our itinerary.
Ski An Olympic Trail
When Vancouver hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler was the official mountain resort of those Olympic Games. So you can ski the same trails in Whistler that medal-winning athletes competed on.
Whistler is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world. When you’re not hitting the slopes, you can ice skate, go on sleigh rides, snowshoe, swim in thermal pools, or treat yourself to a spa day.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, hop on a snowmobile. Many of Canada’s national and state parks close their roads in the winter, so snowmobiling is one of the only (and best!) ways to explore these places from December to February.
Experienced snowmobilers can rent snowmobiles for self-guided tours. But I highly recommend doing guided tours. You can relax and “enjoy the ride” more with a guide to lead you, and local guides know the best views points along the snowmobile paths.
See The Northern Lights
You’re never guaranteed to see the northern lights, but the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, and Yukon give you excellent odds of seeing this natural wonder from November to March.
The best viewing time is usually from 10 pm – 2 am, and you’ll want to plan on multiple nights for viewings to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is one of my favorite snow activities! I love getting to interact and bond with my team of dogs. I’ve been dog sledding several times, and every experience has been unique with different types of sleds and training techniques. So this is an activity that will never get old!
Kayak With Orcas
The north shores of Vancouver Island have some of the best whale-watching, including orca sightings, in the world. You can get up close and personal with these incredible creatures on a guided paddling tour.
In addition to orcas, you can also see humpback whales, black bears, sea lions, sea otters, porpoises, bald eagles, and stunning landscapes.
See Polar Bears
Polar bear migration season is usually from July to November. During these months, hundreds of polar bears pass through Churchill, Manitoba, as part of their route, making this town one of the best places in the world to see these incredible creatures.
Ice Climbing
If you enjoy rock climbing, then you’ll love ice climbing. Banff has become a popular destination for ice climbers of all experience levels. You’ll be able to book a guided climb that will include instruction and equipment.
Usually, you’ll hike or snowshoe to a frozen waterfall with routes your instructor will help you navigate. Ice climbing is a very physical activity, but you don’t need any prior experience to enjoy it.
Visit Banff and Jasper National Park
Jasper and Banff are the most popular national parks in Canada, and they’re some of the most popular in the world. The hiking in these parks is incredible, especially if you come in the spring, fall, or winter when there are fewer visitors.
As stunning as these parks are, the scenic drive between them on the Icefields Parkway is just as beautiful. The best stops along this route are Lake Louise, Athabasca Falls, and the Columbia Icefield.
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What do you think are the most adventurous things to do in Canada? Tell us in the comments below!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canada good for adventure?
Yes! Canada is one of the best adventure destinations in the world! The best adventure activities to do in Canada are:
1. Snowmobiling
2. See the Northern Lights
3. Snow tubing
4. Kayak with orcas
5. Dog Sledding
6. Hike in Jasper and Banff National Park
7. See polar bears
8. Ski on Olympic trails
9. Ice climbingWhat are some fun adventurous things to do?
The Best Adventure Activities in Canada:
1. Snowmobiling
2. See the Northern Lights
3. Snow tubing
4. Kayak with orcas
5. Dog Sledding
6. Hike in Jasper and Banff National Park
7. See polar bears
8. Ski on Olympic trails
9. Ice climbingWhat are some extreme sports in Canada?
The Best Adventure Activities in Canada:
1. Snowmobiling
2. See the Northern Lights
3. Snow tubing
4. Kayak with orcas
5. Dog Sledding
6. Hike in Jasper and Banff National Park
7. See polar bears
8. Ski on Olympic trails
9. Ice climbingWhat is something you can only do in Canada?
Canada is one of the best destinations for:
1. Snowmobiling
2. See the Northern Lights
3. Snow tubing
4. Kayak with orcas
5. Dog Sledding
6. Hike in Jasper and Banff National Park
7. See polar bears
8. Ski on Olympic trails
9. Ice climbing
Which is the best month to visit Canada?
Canada’s high season is July and August, when tourist numbers, prices, and temperatures are at their highest. December – March is the high season for ski resorts and snow sports.
Canada’s shoulder seasons are May and September – October. There are fewer tourists, lower prices, and moderate temperatures during these months. May is a gorgeous time for hiking and exploring the national parks (wildflowers will be everywhere), and Fall will have beautiful foliage.
The low season is November – April for everywhere in the country that isn’t a ski resort. It’s cold during these months, and most places are open fewer days a week and for shorter hours a day. But travel costs can be up to 50% less during these months.
Because some trails and sites close during the winter months, if you’re thinking about going in the Winter (especially if you don’t want to do snow sports), make sure your top destinations and attractions will be open.
How do you get an epic adventure?
Steps for planning an epic adventure trip:
1. Choose your destination
2. Book your accommodation or campsite
3. Schedule your adventure activities
4. Apply for any permits
5. Hire a guide and/or instructor (if needed)
6. Buy or rent any specialized equipment
What is hard adventure tourism?
Hard adventure tourism is a type of travel that focuses on extreme and high-adventure activities, such as rock climbing, skydiving, snorkeling, trekking, and caving. These activities are innately risky, so professional guides, advanced training, and specialized equipment are needed.
What kinds of adventures are attractive to you?
Some of the best adventure activities to plan a trip around:
1. Scuba Diving
2. Skiing
3. Skydiving
4. Trekking
5. Caving
6. Rock Climbing
7. Kayaking
8. Cycling
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This article about the most adventurous things to do in Canada is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about the most adventurous things to do in Canada are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this post about the most adventurous things to do in Canada.