Heading to the Great White North? Check These 9 Cool Things to Do in Canada! Chloe Nevitt June 22, 2016 Travel Guide 1 Comment Canada, the second largest country in the world, can seem quite overwhelming to some! From Vancouver to Halifax, and many other great places in between, there are so many places to go and things to do, it can be tough deciding what to focus on. Before you find cheap flight deals, first decide which city you’d like to visit. The possibilities are endless, but here’s our list of top things to do when you visit Canada! Attend Montreal’s Osheaga Music Festival Hosting some of the most important names in the Indie music scene, Osheaga is one of Canada’s largest music festivals, accommodating more than 120,000 people over the span of three days. The festival takes place the first weekend of August and has featured the likes of Coldplay, Jack White, Arctic Monkeys, and Montreal locals and legends, Arcade Fire. The festival itself has five stages, with headliners playing later sets on the River and Mountain stages, newcomers playing early on the Green and Trees Stage, and finally, for electro heads and deep-house fanatics, a slew of incredibly talented DJs and electronic artists playing all day at the Zone Picnik Electronik. It’s also a non-camping festival, and consequently, at the end of the last set — shows generally wrap up around 11 pm — the city comes alive with after-parties filled with blissful partygoers. Visit the Canadian Rockies Many who have never visited Canada believe it to be a barren, snowy wasteland. And if by barren snowy wasteland you mean breathtakingly beautiful expanse, then you’d be absolutely right! Although Canada is the second largest country in the world–second only to Russia–it has a population of only around 35 million, about the same as Poland. This means there are miles and miles of unpopulated land, perfect for hikers and adventurers alike. Though the list of beautiful Canadian natural locations is endless, the Canadian Rockies may take the crown. For west-coasters, the Canadian Rockies are the Northern cousins of the familiar Rocky Mountains. The Canadian segment spans across Alberta and ends in Northeastern British Columbia. There are five national parks in the Canadian Rockies, with opportunities for front and back country hiking as well as mountain climbing and camping. Climb to the Top of the CN Tower Downtown Toronto’s top attraction is the massive CN Tower, which stands at 1,815 feet. Most visitors can’t help taking the elevator to the top for spectacular views above Toronto. The elevator has a glass floor and a glass front, so if you have a fear of height this probably isn’t for you. You can expect to see as far as Niagara Falls and Rochester, New York. And, if you’re brave enough, try the EdgeWalk, an outside circle around the top of the CN Tower where visitors put on a red jumpsuit, are strapped by a harness to the tower, and get the chance to experience the true expanse of the Toronto area. There are also three restaurants to complete your day at the CN Tower. Check Out the Hockey Hall of Fame Who was Stanley? And why do we want to win his cup? Was Wayne Gretzky the best hockey player that ever lived? If you have ever asked yourself these questions while watching the NHL final, then you’ll want to check out the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Featuring the history of hockey and its players—both past and present—the Hall inducts new members every year, with their career highlights and accomplishments on display. The hall itself is quite beautiful and the inside features the best players from the U.S. and Canadian teams. Of course, for a truly Canadian experience, you’ll have to check out a hockey game. And when in Toronto, who but the Toronto Maple Leafs? Canada’s love-to-hate team hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967, but despite that, they still draw some of the rowdiest crowds you have ever seen. And don’t bother asking the fans why people hate the Leafs. They don’t really know why…they just do! Visit Quebec City Quebec City is an old-school European haven in a sea of North American influences. Built in 1535 by the famous French explorer Jacques Cartier, Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. Over the past 400 years, the city has grown into Canada’s 10th largest city and still holds the title as one of Canada’s most beautiful places. Old Quebec is surrounded by fortifications and sits beside the St. Lawrence River, lending itself to a one-of-a-kind view. Bikes and bike paths are available for those looking to take in the river scenery and see the beautiful city from afar. If you’re more the type to stay on foot, the cobblestone streets wind and twist, revealing a slew of quaint and colorful buildings. In the middle of all of this stands the impressive Château Frontenac. The place is recognized as the most photographed hotel in the world, and it can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. The hotel has been fully operational since 1893 and modifications to it over the last hundred years have only served to make the Château more spectacular. Its sparkling facades and enormous size impress even the most well-seasoned travelers. Experience the Stratford Theater Festival The Stratford Theater Festival is a wonderful event if you want to catch some of Canada’s best theatrical performances. Located in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Theater Festival is known as North America’s largest classical repertory theatre company. The group performs about one dozen productions in four different venues each season, ranging from contemporary dramas to classic Shakespearian productions to fun musicals. The company also offers special pricing for kids and large groups, making this an affordable activity when visiting Canada. You’ll definitely delight in some of the best live theatrical performances in the country when you take in a show presented by the Stratford Theater Festival! You may also like: How to Prepare for a Hike Whale Watching Summer is the ideal time to catch a glimpse of the majestic whales that call this corner of the world home. Between the months of May and September, you will find these spectacular mammals along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Every year, the world’s largest population of massive humpback whales return to the coastal areas along with more than 20 other species of dolphins and whales. It’s a great opportunity to find these mammals frolicking in the waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean. There are myriad ways that you can spot these whales. Take a specially designed boat tour or head out on the water on a sea kayak. You also may get lucky enough to see the whales from land if you know the best places to look for them. There is nothing quite like the thrill that comes from seeing these creatures out in the open! Ripley’s Aquarium Discover the beauty of the underworld with a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, Ontario. Visitors of all ages will love getting up close and personal with the marine animals at this comprehensive aquarium. Start your visit with a stop at the Canadian Waters Gallery, featuring creatures that reside in the country’s vast freshwater wildernesses, fisheries, and more. You’ll find a re-creation of the coral seas of the Indo-Pacific Ocean in the Rainbow Reef exhibit. If you are looking for sharks, be sure to check out the Dangerous Lagoon Gallery. Other fun exhibits include the Ray Bay, Plant Jellies, the Shoreline Gallery, and more. A strong educational component to this aquarium provides an enlightening experience every time that you visit. Whistler and Blackcomb Looking for cheap one-way flights to British Columbia? Then be sure to check crown jewel of this ever-popular mountainous terrain: the Whistler and Blackcomb ski resort area! Located less than two hours from Vancouver, this mountain resort is actually great fun at any time of the year. While most people descend on the area for the winter skiing and snowboarding, Whistler and Blackcomb are also a delight in the summer months. Get acquainted with your surroundings by enjoying the Peak to Peak 360 Experience, distinguished as the longest continuous gondola lift system on the planet. You can travel from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain in just 11 minutes, taking in sweeping views along the way. Other fun activities to do in this area over the summer include hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and Jeep tours. The charming town of Whistler also offers a cornucopia of restaurants and shopping opportunities, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the mountains. Found cheap flight deals to Canada? Tell us where you’ll venture to in the comments below!
