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Top 10 Things to Do in Canada in Summer
Canada’s summertime is a spectacle of its own, transforming into a gorgeous playground filled with unforgettable experiences, all set to make your summer truly epic!
Whether it’s feasting at food festivals and tasting ice wines or exploring the picture-perfect national parks, there’s an endless string of summertime adventures in true Canadian fashion.
So, prepare to unravel the treasures of ‘The Great White North’ in the glorious sunshine with our list of best things to do in Canada in the summer. Read on!
Explore Banff National Park
Website: https://banffnationalpark.com/
Address: 43 Prestwick Place Southeast, Calgary, AB
Contact details: https://banffnationalpark.com/contact/
Operating hours: Open year-round
Banff provides a little something for everyone, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a leisurely stroller. There’s hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and even white-water rafting to keep you busy.
Oh, and did I mention you can jump on the Banff Gondola for some crazy awesome views without breaking a sweat? This park has also got you covered with its natural hot springs.
Just imagine soaking up those minerals and healing powers while taking in the most epic mountain views—heaven, eh?
Local tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the adorable wildlife that calls Banff home, but remember to keep a safe distance and never feed them. They’re wild animals after all; let’s keep it that way!
Visit Niagara Falls
Website: https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
Address: 5705 Falls Avenue Niagara Falls, Ontario
Contact details: +1 800-563-2557
Operating hours: Open year-round
Overflowing with aquatic power and pure, untamed natural beauty, Niagara Falls is an absolute must-see on any Canadian summer bucket list. Those boat tours you can take literally get you as close as you can possibly (and safely) be to the falls.
You can visit the beautiful Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, have a picnic, or even hit a hiking trail. Plus, there are fireworks over the falls—it’s exactly what it sounds like, and it’s something you wouldn’t want to miss.
Local tip: Want to beat the crowds and still get a killer view? Take a stroll along the Niagara River Recreation Trail.
It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the falls without the touristy fuss.
Stroll through Butchart Gardens
Website: https://www.butchartgardens.com/
Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC
Contact details: +1 250-652-4422
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
The Butchart Gardens are located near Victoria on Vancouver Island and cover a whopping 55 acres. Not only do they provide a beautiful backdrop for your summer memories, but they also offer a fun and memorable experience for everyone who visits.
The themed gardens, like the Japanese, Mediterranean, and Italian Gardens, showcase the very best each culture has to offer. And during summer, the park is adorned with vibrant roses, foxgloves, dahlias, and so much more.
Butchart Gardens keeps things interesting with tons of activities throughout the summer season, such as live music, fireworks, and special dining experiences.
Local tip: Don’t miss the Rose Carousel in the Children’s Pavilion; it’s a charming little gem that both kids and adults adore!
Attend the Calgary Stampede
Website: https://www.calgarystampede.com/
Contact details: https://www.calgarystampede.com/contact
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM (Park hours)
Prices:
- General (Age 13-64) – $23.00
- Seniors (Age 65+) – $15.00
- Child (Age 7-12) – $14.00
- Child (Under 7) – Free
- Sneak-A-Peek – $11.00
Held every July in the city of Calgary, the Calgary Stampede is a 10-day event and one of Canada’s largest festivals. It’s not just about the rodeo; there’s music, food, and a whole lot of fun going down!
You’ve got the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls battling it out in different events like bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, and more. Plus, it’s not just about the big acts; you’ll also discover an array of local artists that will blow you away!
And let’s not forget the food! With over 30 new dishes to try each year, you might find yourself eating something as crazy as a cricket-covered caramel apple or as simple as BBQ pulled pork.
Local tip: Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen. The sun can be scorching hot, and you wouldn’t want a sunburn to spoil your Stampede experience!
Explore Vancouver
Website: https://vancouver.ca/
One of the cool things about Vancouver is how close you are to nature. You’ve got golden beaches, lush forests, and snowy mountain peaks, all just a stone’s throw away.
If you’re more of a city slicker, don’t worry; Vancouver has got you covered! This town is a shopper’s paradise, with trendy neighborhoods like Gastown, Granville Island, and Robson Street overflowing with boutiques and eateries.
Local tip: Be sure to take the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to the nearby town of Squamish for stunning views you won’t forget!
Go whale watching in Quebec
Website: https://www.quebec.ca/en
Whale watching in Quebec should be an absolute must on your list of summer activities in Canada. Especially in the St. Lawrence River, it is bursting with incredible whale-watching opportunities that you won’t want to miss!
Not only do you get to see humpback whales, but there’s also a high chance of encountering blue whales, fin whales, belugas, and more. Oh, and one more thing: Quebec’s whale-watching adventures aren’t just limited to boats.
For adrenaline junkies, you can even opt to hop on a zodiac—it’s faster and gets you closer to the action! Of course, there are also packages that include kayaking or paddle boarding as part of the whale-watching experience.
Local tip: Dress in layers on your whale-watching trip because the temperature can change drastically between the shore and the open water.
Attend the Festival season in Montreal
Website: https://www.mtl.org/en/experience/montreal-summer-festival-guide
Montreal, indeed takes festivals to the next level and in summer, it will be your paradise! If music is your jam, check out the world-renowned Montreal Jazz Festival and the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival.
Now, if you’re more into the arts, you’re still in luck. Montreal’s Festival TransAmérique features innovative contemporary dance and theatre performances that are bound to take your breath away.
And let’s not forget about the Just For Laughs Festival, the largest international comedy festival in the world!
Local tip: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. With so many events spread across the city, you may find yourself walking or standing for longer periods than you’re used to!
Visit Prince Edward Island
Website: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en
Prince Edward Island (PEI) is jam-packed with sandy beaches, charming small towns, and delightful seafood shacks. I’m telling you, PEI has some of the warmest waters north of the Carolinas.
Now, if you’re still longing for more adventures, PEI won’t disappoint. The island is chock full of walking and cycling trails that weave through lush green landscapes, quaint villages, and along stunning seascapes.
And let’s not forget about kayaking down one of its plenty of rivers. A summer day full of adventure could not get any better than this!
Local tip: If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, an outdoor country music festival that’s one of the island’s summer highlights!
Go canoeing in Algonquin Provincial Park
Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/
Address: Ontario 60, Ontario K0J 2M0, Canada
Contact details: +1 705-633-5572
Operating hours: Open year-round
Algonquin Provincial Park is a gorgeous park, crisscrossed by many lakes and rivers, and a canoeist’s paradise! It is also home to many animals, including moose, bears, and a huge variety of bird species.
And if you fancy turning your canoeing expedition into a camping trip, there are plenty of opportunities for that, too.
The park has loads of backcountry camping sites, accessible only by canoe, that will truly make you feel one with nature—just you, a warm campfire, and the sound of the park’s creatures at night.
Local tip: Always check the weather forecast before heading out on your canoe because weather conditions can change rapidly, and it’s always better to be prepared!
Marvel at the CN Tower in Toronto
Website: https://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/home.html
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-868-6937
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
The CN Tower in Toronto is something you just can’t pass up. This soaring marvel of engineering is one of Canada’s most iconic sights and offers jaw-dropping perspectives of the city.
Stepping onto the elevator, you’ll be zoomed up to the Lookout Level of the CN Tower in just under a minute. I tell you, the speed alone is pretty thrilling!
But what waits for you after the elevator ride is none other than a panoramic view of Toronto’s skyline, the lake, and stretching far into the distance. You’ve also got to try the EdgeWalk for a heart-pounding adventure.
Local tip: Consider booking your CN Tower visit for later in the day. The queues are generally shorter, plus the sunset views from the top are truly breathtaking!
