Activities in Canada
Canada has a unique natural environment that offers many activities especially those of a physical manner. Families, in groups or by you, can enjoy activities in Canada. Self-guided or organised are equally enjoyable and you usually have the choice of either.
Canoeing and kayaking
Canada is famous for its canoeing which can be enjoyed almost anywhere. Anything from a gentle paddle in the afternoon to a weeklong white water challenge is on offer.
National parks offer guided trips and information if you wish to direct yourself.
Some recommended areas for canoeing and kayaking include:
British Columbia: Bowron Lake Provincial Park, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Northwest Territories: Nahanni National Park.
Nova Scotia: Kejimkujik National Park.
Ontario: Algonquin Provincial Park, Killarney Provincial Park, Ottawa River, Temagami.
Quebec: La Mauricie National Park, Mingan Island National Park, Perce.
Saskatchewan: Prince Albert National Park.
Yukon: Yukon River.
Hiking
Wide ranges of hikes are available both in and out of parks. The best quality trails are found within the parks or those maintained by the Trans Canada Trail and provincial trail organisations.
Trails and paths can be found of varying lengths and quality, winding through the Rocky Mountains, across the Prairies, along coastal cliffs and just about anywhere you can imagine.
Some recommended areas for hiking include:
Alberta: Jasper National Park.
British Columbia: Pacific Rim National Park.
New Brunswick: Dobson Trail, Fundy National Park.
Newfoundland & Labrador: Gros Morne National Park.
Nova Scotia: Cap Breton National Park.
Ontario: Bruce Trail Killarney Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, Voyager Trail.
Quebec: Gaspesie Park, Mont Tremblant Park.
Yukon: Chilkoot Trail.
Climbing
Climbing has become more and more popular over the past few years with options available to all levels of experience. Climbing for groups and with instructors and equipment is also becoming more popular and easy to find.
Some recommended areas for climbing include:
Alberta: Banff National Park, Jasper National Park.
British Columbia: Squamish.
Ontario: Collingwood, Sault Ste Marie, Thunder Bay.
Fishing
Fishing has become one of Canada’s most popular activities amongst residents and visitors. Fishing licences must be purchased and range in price and duration from each province. Check with tourist offices about licences and also on consumption guidelines. Some areas where fishing is permitted contain pollutants and guidelines must be adhered to.
You can go fishing just about anywhere there is a river. Ask the local tourist office about fishing in the area.
Skiing, snowboarding and skidoos
Snow sports can be enjoyed in most places across Canada and snow on the ground can last for quite some time. It is worth checking on the ski conditions at each location you are thinking of visiting.
Skidoo trails are available in nearly every province and territory. You can rent a skidoo for quite cheap in most places. Make sure you wrap up warm when going on a skidoo. The added wind from the speed of travel increases the chance of frostbite. A balaclava under your helmet to cover your chin and neck is recommended to avoid windburn.
Some recommended areas for snow sports include:
Alberta: The Rocky Mountains in and around Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.
British Columbia: Whistler, Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, Okanagan Valley, Kootenay region.
Ontario: Barrie, Collingwood
Newfoundland and Labrador: Marble Mountain in Corner Brook.
Quebec: Appalachian Mountains south of Montreal, the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal and Quebec City.
Ice skating and swimming
Ice skating during the winter months is available just about anywhere. Rinks when hockey is not being played are generally open to the public during set hours. Outside rinks in ponds, lakes and town squares are often maintained and provide excellent free skating.
Swimming can be found at most recreation centres, gyms and in some hotels.
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