30+ Unforgettable Things to Do in Canada This Summer

Planning a summer trip and wondering about the best things to do in Canada this summer? Canada is packed with unforgettable experiences that will make you realize you need more than one trip to fully visit Canada.

This Canada summer bucket list is not just a list of famous places. It’s a list of experiences in Canada that help you actually enjoy the country, not just check off attractions. You’ll find classic adventures like paddling a turquoise lake, walking on a glacier, and driving the Icefields Parkway, but also slower moments like eating lobster by the ocean, visiting a local orchard, or spending an evening around a campfire.

Ready to start planning? Here are 30 unforgettable experiences that deserve a spot on your Canada summer bucket list.

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Epic Canada Experiences

1. Experience Canada by train

One of the best things to do in Canada this summer is to experience the country by train. Plus, once again this summer, with the Canada Strong Pass, kids ride for free onboard a VIA Rail train.

There are a few different train experiences to have all across Canada, the most epic one being trading the car for a cross-canada train ride, from Toronto to Vancouver. I had the opportunity to  do this with my dad and sister when I was in college and it’s still one of the most memorable experiences in Canada I did: 4 days, 4 nights all across Canada. It’s hard to beat.

Best places to experience Canada by train:

• VIA Rail The Canadian (Toronto to Vancouver)
• Rocky Mountaineer (British Columbia and Alberta)
• Agawa Canyon Tour Train (Sault Ste Marie, Ontario)
• Train de Charlevoix (Charlevoix, Québec)
• Skeena Train (Jasper to Prince Rupert, British Columbia)
• Kettle Valley Steam Railway (Summerland, British Columbia)

Some train journeys are destinations in themselves. The scenery changes constantly and you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride. That is even more great when you’re used to being the driver 😉 

2. Explore a section of the Trans Canada Trail

Stretching over 28,000 kilometres, the Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world. While very few people complete the entire route, hiking or cycling even a small section is a fun way to experience Canada’s diverse landscapes.

Every province and territory has its own section of the trail, making it easy to add this experience to almost any Canadian road trip. In fact, about 80% of Canadians live less than 30 minutes away from a section of the Trans Canada Trail.

Here are some of our favourite parts of the Trans Canada Trail:

• Kettle Valley Rail Trail in the Okanagan Valley, BC
• Le P’tit Train du Nord (Québec)
• Ottawa riverfront sections (Ontario)
• Banff Legacy Trail (Alberta)
• West Bragg Creek, AB (this is is also great for XC skiing)

3. Go on an epic Canadian road trip

Canada was made for road trips. There are endless scenic drives to discover. If you only choose one summer adventure, make it a road trip.

Best Canadian road trips:

• Icefields Parkway, AB
• Cabot Trail, NS
• Sea-to-Sky Highway, BC
• Vancouver Island, BC
• Gaspésie Tour, QC
• Fundy Coastal Drive, NB
• Cowboy Trail, AB

Road trips let you experience Canada at your own pace. Many of the country’s best viewpoints, small towns, hiking trails and hidden gems are found between destinations rather than in them

4. Find a Parks Canada red chair

One of the simplest but most rewarding bucket list experiences is finding a Parks Canada red chair. These iconic Adirondack chairs are placed at some of the country’s most scenic viewpoints, encouraging visitors to slow down and enjoy the view.

There are over 400 chairs all across Canada. They usually come in pairs, so it makes 200 spots to visit to find them all

Mountains, Lakes & Outdoor Adventure

5. Climb a mountain

If there’s one experience that belongs on every Canada summer bucket list, it’s hiking to the top of a mountain. But climbing a mountain doesn’t mean hiking 15 km for a full day or on a multi-day backpacking trip. There are so many beautiful easy summits with panoramic views that any children can do.

Our favourite hiking trails:

• Lake Agnes Teahouse and Little Beehive in Banff, AB
• Acropole des Draveurs in Charlevoix, QC
• Quercus Point in Murrin Provincial Park, BC
• Pink Lake in Parc de la Gatineau near Ottawa, QC
• Boulder Mountain Lookout in Revelstoke, BC

6. Paddle a turquoise glacial lake

Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, Bow Lake, Maligne Lake…

Paddling across a bright blue glacial lake is one of Canada’s most iconic summer experiences. The colour of these lakes comes from fine rock particles carried by glacial meltwater, creating shades of blue you won’t find anywhere else. 

Seeing these lakes from the water gives you a completely different perspective than standing on the shoreline.

7. Walk on a glacier

Standing on ancient ice is something few countries offer, but we are lucky often to still have some in the Canadian Rockies. Several guided tours allow you to safely explore glaciers and learn about the forces that shaped the surrounding mountains.

It’s a chance to stand on ice that has existed for thousands of years while learning about Canada’s changing landscapes. That being said, I don’t recommend doing the big bus tours on the glacier… it doesn’t seem right with how receding the glaciers are.

8. Ride a gondola to a mountain summit

You don’t always need to hike to enjoy incredible mountain views. Scenic gondolas make alpine landscapes accessible to almost everyone, and many offer hiking trails, restaurants and wildlife viewing at the top.

We’ve rode a few different gondolas in the summer, including the Banff Gondola, Hell’s Gate on the Fraser Canyon, Mont-Tremblant gondola, but the Sunshine Gondola is hands down the winner. Sunshine Meadows, at the top of the Banff Sunshine Gondola, remains one of our favourite alpine hikes in Canada.

9. Visit a ski resort in the summer

Canada’s ski resorts transform into outdoor adventure hubs once the snow melts. You’ll find hiking trails, alpine meadows, mountain coasters, chairlift rides, biking and a great summer atmosphere.

We’ve been spending a week at least each summer in a ski resort and it’s been the best. We loved Mont-Tremblant and Panorama Mountain Resort.

Summer is often quieter than winter, making it a great time to enjoy mountain scenery without the ski crowds.

10. Go mountain biking

Canada is home to some of the best mountain biking destinations in North America, with trails ranging from beginner-friendly forest paths to world-famous downhill parks.

Best places for mountain biking:

• Bromont in the Eastern Townships
• Fernie, Kimberley and Cranbrook in the East Kootenays
• Whistler
• Mont-Sainte-Anne
• SilverStar
• Canmore Nordic Centre

11. Try whitewater rafting

Looking for an adrenaline-filled summer adventure? Whitewater rafting is an exciting way to experience Canada’s rivers while taking in spectacular scenery.

Best places to go whitewater rafting:

• Kicking Horse River near Golden, BC
• Ottawa River in Ottawa, ON
• Jacques-Cartier River near Quebec City, QC
• Clearwater River in BC
• Athabasca River in Jasper, AB

Good to know: Many rafting companies offer trips for beginners and families, making it more accessible than you might think.

But if whitewater rafting seems a bit too much for you, maybe just go for a gentle river float. Grab a tube and let the current do the work. River floating is relaxing, affordable and a great activity for families.

Best rivers to float:

• Missisquoi River (Sutton)
• Penticton Channel
• Bow River
• Elora Gorge

12. Go horseback riding through the mountains

Exploring the mountains on horseback offers a slower pace and a completely different perspective. Guided trail rides take you through forests, alpine meadows and valleys that are often inaccessible by car.

It’s a classic Canadian experience that combines mountain scenery, wildlife and local ranching traditions.

There are many great places across Canada for horseback riding, but Alberta is one of the best. 

Water, Beaches & Summer Fun

13. Go surfing

Canada might not be the first country that comes to mind for surfing, but it offers incredible waves on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. 

Tofino in British Columbia or Lawrencetown Beach in Nova Scotia are the two BEST places to go surfing. 

We took our first surfing lesson as a family in Tofino, and years later, our boys still talk about it. If you’re looking for one unforgettable experience in Canada this summer, this would be near the top of our list.

14. Swim in one of Canada’s beautiful lakes

With more lakes than any other country in the world, Canada offers endless places to cool off on a hot summer day. You can choose from warm water for swimming, sandy beaches, or crystal-clear mountain lakes. There’s a lake for every type of summer adventure.

Best lakes for swimming:

• Osoyoos Lake, British Columbia (Canada’s warmest freshwater lake)
• Okanagan Lake, British Columbia
• Lake Muskoka, Ontario
• Georgian Bay, Ontario
• Wasaga Beach on Lake Huron, Ontario
• Grand Bend on Lake Huron, Ontario
• Lake Superior, Ontario
• Falcon Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park, near Winnipeg
• Lac-Beauport in La Jacques-Cartier near Quebec

15. Explore Canada’s incredible coastlines

Canada’s coastlines offer much more than beautiful beaches. Depending on where you visit, you can swim in the ocean, explore sea caves, discover colourful tide pools, or watch the dramatic tides transform the landscape.

You can enjoy the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean, both offering different experiencesé

Best coastal experiences:

• Swim in the warm waters of the Baie des Chaleurs (Québec & New Brunswick)
• Relax on the sandy beaches of Prince Edward Island
• Explore the tide pools of Vancouver Island
• Watch the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy
• Discover the sea caves at Hopewell Rocks
• Explore the St. Martins Sea Caves
• Kayak through the Mingan Archipelago
• Hike to the sea caves at Flowerpot Island and Bruce Peninsula National Park

You can spend the day swimming in the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait, searching for marine life in tide pools on Vancouver Island, walking on the ocean floor at low tide in the Bay of Fundy, or exploring sea caves carved by centuries of waves.

16. Eat fresh seafood by the ocean

Eating fresh seafood by the ocean is one of the best things to do in Canada this summer. From oysters and lobster to crab and fresh-caught fish, every coastal region has its own specialties, making every stop along the way a little different.

And fresh seafood always tastes better by the ocean. My son tasted oysters for the first time in Tofino, and we still talk about the crab burgers we had at La Terrasse à Steve on the Acadian Peninsula. This summer, he’ll check another Canadian classic off his bucket list when he tries fresh Atlantic lobster in Nova Scotia.

Best places to enjoy fresh seafood:

• Tofino, British Columbia: Fresh oysters, salmon, halibut, and fish tacos.
• Vancouver Island, British Columbia: Dungeness crab, spot prawns (in season), and local seafood chowder.
• Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick: Crab, lobster, and seafood platters. 
• Prince Edward Island: Fresh mussels, oysters, and lobster rolls.
• Shediac, New Brunswick: Known as the Lobster Capital of the World, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a classic lobster dinner.
• Cape Breton, Nova Scotia: Lobster, snow crab, and fresh Atlantic fish.
• Digby, Nova Scotia: Famous for its world-renowned Digby scallops.
• Îles de la Madeleine, Québec: Lobster, snow crab, mussels, and fresh local seafood.

Nature & Wildlife

17. Go wildlife watching

Canada is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Depending on where you travel, you could spot whales, bears, puffins, moose, mountain goats, bison, or even beluga whales.

Best places for wildlife watching:

• Tadoussac, Québec (whales)
• Tofino, British Columbia (bears)
• Newfoundland (puffins)
• Canadian Rockies (bears, grizzly, mountain goats and bighorn sheep)
• Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario (moose)
• Elk Island National Park, Alberta (bison)
• Churchill, Manitoba (beluga whales)

Seeing wild animals in their natural habitat is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Canada. Just remember to keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

18. Chase waterfalls

Canada is home to thousands of waterfalls, and no two are alike. Some crash into deep canyons, others tumble through lush forests, and a few are so powerful that you can feel the mist long before you reach them. Adding a few waterfalls to your itinerary is an easy way to make any road trip even more memorable.

Best waterfalls to visit:

• Niagara Falls, Ontario: Canada’s most famous waterfall and one of the largest in the world.
• Takakkaw Falls, British Columbia: One of Canada’s tallest waterfalls, located in Yoho National Park.
• Helmcken Falls, British Columbia: A dramatic 141-metre waterfall in Wells Gray Provincial Park.
• Montmorency Falls, Québec: Even taller than Niagara Falls and just minutes from Québec City.
• Athabasca Falls, Alberta: A powerful waterfall that has carved a narrow canyon in Jasper National Park.
• Shannon Falls, British Columbia: One of British Columbia’s highest waterfalls, just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
• Kakabeka Falls, Ontario: Often called the “Niagara of the North.”

19. Walk among giant trees

Some of Canada’s forests are home to trees that have stood for hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of years. Walking beneath these towering giants is a humbling experience.

While Canada is filled with beautiful forests, the most impressive ones (due to the ancient giant trees) are in British Columbia, and even better on Vancouver Island.

Best places to see giant trees:

• Cathedral Grove, British Columbia
• Avatar Grove, British Columbia
• Ancient Forest Provincial Park, British Columbia
• Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
• Giant Cedars Boardwalk, British Columbia
• Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park, British Columbia
• Stanley Park, British Columbia

These ancient forests are unlike anywhere else in Canada and make you appreciate just how diverse the country’s landscapes are.

20. See the Milky Way in a Dark Sky Preserve

Far from city lights, Canada’s Dark Sky Preserves offer incredible opportunities for stargazing. On a clear summer night, you can often see thousands of stars and the Milky Way stretching across the sky.

Best Dark Sky Preserves:

• Jasper National Park, Alberta
• Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta/Northwest Territories
• Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
• Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
• Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia
• Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario
• Elk Island National Park, Alberta

Spending an evening under one of the darkest skies in the world is a peaceful experience you’ll remember long after your trip. You might be tired the next day, but it will be worth it.

21. Relax in hot springs or a Nordic spa

After a day of hiking, paddling, or exploring, there’s no better way to recharge than soaking in warm water surrounded by nature. In Western Canada, that often means natural hot springs. In Central and Eastern Canada, Nordic spas offer a similar experience with outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges.

Best places to relax:

• Miette Hot Springs, Alberta: Canada’s hottest natural mineral hot springs, located in Jasper National Park.
• Banff Upper Hot Springs, Alberta: Soak with panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies.
• Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia: A family-friendly hot spring in Kootenay National Park.
• Liard River Hot Springs, British Columbia: A natural hot spring surrounded by boreal forest.
• Halcyon Hot Springs, British Columbia: Relaxing pools overlooking Upper Arrow Lake.
• Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia: A popular lakeside resort known for its mineral waters.
• Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant, Québec: One of Canada’s best-known Nordic spas.
• Nordik Spa-Nature, Chelsea, Québec: North America’s largest Nordic spa.
• Thermëa Spa Village, Winnipeg and Whitby: A peaceful Nordic spa experience inspired by Scandinavian traditions.
• Spa Eastman, Québec: A wellness retreat combining thermal experiences with nature.
• Strøm Nordic Spa, Québec City: A beautiful riverside spa overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

Camping & Unique Stays

22. Camp under the stars and enjoy a campfire

Camping is one of the classic things to do in Canada this summer. Some of our favourite family memories have happened around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and watching the stars come out. It’s a simple experience, but one you’ll remember long after your trip.

We personally love national parks (if we can get a camping spot), but also private campgrounds filled with kids activities, like the Revelstoke RV & Cabin Resorts we stayed on during the May long weekend.

There are so many great places to go camping all across Canada, that it would be too long to list.

23. Stay in a unique accommodation

Where you stay can be just as memorable as where you go. Canada offers plenty of unique accommodations that let you experience nature in a different way, from treehouses and domes to floating cabins and historic lighthouses.

Unique places to stay in Canada:

• Bora Boréal floating cabins (Québec)
• A geodesic dome
• A yurt
• A Parks Canada oTENTik
• A treehouse
• A lighthouse stay
• A glamping tent (like REO Rafting)
• A lakeside cabin

Choosing a unique place to stay can turn an ordinary weekend into an unforgettable getaway, and often becomes one of the highlights of the trip itself.

History, Culture & Small Towns

24. Search for dinosaur fossils

Canada is one of the best places in the world to discover dinosaur history. Alberta and Saskatchewan are home to the Canadian Rockies and it’s SO COOL! 

Walking through landscapes where dinosaurs once roamed makes Canada’s prehistoric history come to life.

Best places to search for dinosaur fossils:

• Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta
• Drumheller, Alberta (don’t miss the Royal Tyrrell Museum)
• Eastend, Saskatchewan
• Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
• Morden, Manitoba
• Grande Prairie, Alberta
• Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, Alberta

25. Learn about Acadian history

Acadian culture is an important part of Canada’s history, especially in Atlantic Canada. Visiting Acadian communities is a wonderful way to discover their traditions, music, cuisine, and remarkable story of resilience.

One of the best places to start is Caraquet, New Brunswick, often considered the heart of Acadian culture. Visit the Village Historique Acadien to step back in time and experience life in an Acadian village through historic homes, costumed interpreters, and traditional crafts.

In Grand-Pré, Nova Scotia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll learn about the Acadian Deportation and the community’s lasting legacy through walking trails, exhibits, and memorials.

Head to Pubnico, Nova Scotia, the oldest Acadian community still inhabited by descendants of its founders, where museums and historic buildings tell the story of daily Acadian life over the centuries.

26. Explore a European-style town

From cobblestone streets to colourful buildings and historic architecture, several Canadian towns feel like stepping into Europe without leaving the country. These destinations combine history, walkable streets, local cafés, and beautiful architecture, making them perfect for a relaxed summer day.

Best European-style towns:

• Old Québec City, Québec
• Old Montréal, Québec
• Saint-Boniface, Manitoba
• Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
• Victoria, British Columbia
• Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
• District 1881 in Chilliwack, British Columbia

27. Visit a ghost town

Ghost towns offer a fascinating glimpse into Canada’s mining, railway, and logging history. Some have become open-air museums, while others remain almost frozen in time. Each ghost town tells a different story about the people and industries that helped shape Canada.

Best ghost towns to visit:

• Three Valley Gap in Revelstoke, British Columbia
• Val-Jalbert in Saguenay, Québec
• Deadman’s Junction Ranch in Walhachin, British Columbia off the Trans Canada Highway
• Lower Bankhead in Banff National Park, Alberta
• Sandon in the West Kootenay in British Columbia
• Barkerville in British Columbia
• Rowley in Alberta
• Govenlock in Saskatchewan

28. Discover a charming small town

Some of Canada’s best travel memories come from the places you weren’t expecting. Charming small towns are perfect for strolling, shopping, enjoying local cafés, and slowing down.

Best small towns to visit:

• Nelson, British Columbia
• Fernie, British Columbia
• Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
• Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador
• Elora, Ontario
• Greenwood, British Columbia (it’s the smallest town in Canada)
• Waterton, Alberta
• Sutton, Québec

These towns prove that you don’t need a famous landmark to have an unforgettable trip.

29. Experience a Canadian festival

Summer is festival season across Canada. From rodeos and music festivals to cultural celebrations, there’s almost always something happening no matter where you’re travelling.

Best Canadian summer festivals:

• Calgary Stampede, Alberta
• Festival d’été de Québec, Québec
• Winnipeg Folk Festival, Manitoba
• Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Prince Edward Island
• Just for Laughs, Montréal

Festivals are a fun way to experience local culture, food, music, and traditions while connecting with the community.

30. Visit a local farm or orchard

Summer is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy Canada’s countryside. Depending on when and where you’re travelling, you can pick fresh fruit, wander through colourful flower fields, or visit family farms celebrating the best of the season.

🌷 Chilliwack, British Columbia: Visit the famous Chilliwack Tulip Festival in the spring or return later in the summer for the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival.

🍑 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia: Pick fresh cherries, peaches, apricots, or apples, then stop at roadside fruit stands for homemade pies, jams, and ice cream.

🍎 Île d’Orléans, Québec: Spend the day picking strawberries or raspberries, then visit lavender fields, local cideries, and charming farm shops overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

🌻 Montérégie, Québec: Drive the country roads to discover apple orchards, berry farms, sunflower fields, and family-run markets.

🍷 Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia: Explore orchards, vineyards, and farm markets while sampling some of the region’s famous apples and local products.

🫐 Saskatchewan: Visit a Saskatoon berry farm and try one of the Prairies’ most iconic fruits in pies, jams, or fresh from the bush.

💜 Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton, and Newfoundland & Labrador: Time your visit for early summer to see colourful lupin fields brightening roadsides and coastal landscapes.

🪻 Bleu Lavande, Québec: Wander through one of Canada’s most famous lavender farms near Magog while enjoying the beautiful purple blooms and relaxing countryside setting.

🌾 Alberta and Saskatchewan: If you’re visiting in mid to late summer, don’t miss the endless golden canola fields that create one of Canada’s most iconic summer landscapes.

Fresh fruit always tastes better when you’ve picked it yourself. Add colourful flower fields, homemade treats, scenic country roads, and local farm markets, and you’ll discover some of the sweetest experiences Canada has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Canada this summer?

Some of the best things to do in Canada this summer include driving a scenic road, paddling a turquoise glacial lake, going wildlife watching, surfing on either coast, exploring a charming small town, and camping in one of Canada’s national parks. The best experience depends on your interests, but combining several of these activities into one road trip is a great way to experience the country.

What are the most unique experiences in Canada?

Some of the most unique experiences in Canada include walking on a glacier, searching for dinosaur fossils, learning about Acadian history, finding a Parks Canada red chair, exploring the world’s longest multi-use trail, and staying in a floating cabin or Parks Canada oTENTik.

What should be on a Canada bucket list?

A Canada bucket list should include a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, scenic drives, and local food. Rather than trying to visit every province in one trip, focus on memorable experiences like hiking a mountain, chasing waterfalls, taking a scenic train ride, or exploring a European-style town.

What is the best way to explore Canada in the summer?

Road trips are one of the best ways to explore Canada in the summer. They give you the flexibility to stop at viewpoints, visit small towns, explore national parks, and discover hidden gems along the way. If you have more time, consider combining a road trip with a scenic train journey.

When is the best time to visit Canada in the summer?

Most destinations are at their best between June and September. July and August offer the warmest weather and the most activities, while June and September are often less crowded and ideal for hiking, road trips, and exploring national parks.

Final Thoughts

One summer is nowhere near enough to experience everything Canada has to offer, but that’s part of what makes travelling here so exciting. Whether your bucket list includes hiking to a mountain summit, surfing on the Pacific coast, exploring charming small towns, or simply enjoying a campfire under the stars, every trip offers something different.

I hope this guide inspires you to try something new and discover just how diverse Canada can be. Pick a few experiences, start planning your route, and enjoy the journey. Some of the best memories are often found between the destinations.