Exciting adventures can be had wherever you are in Canada. In fact, there are plenty of adventures to be had near, or even in, most Canadian cities. Depending on the level of thrill you seek, you’ll love exploring your wild side, while seeing Canada’s too.
Earn your view near Vancouver
Just a 20-minute drive north of Vancouver sits Grouse Mountain. A popular ski hill in the winter, in the summer people flock to the mountain to test their fitness on the “Grouse Grind.” This challenging hike sees you climb sleep stairs and trail up 850 metres, usually taking about 90 minutes to the top. Your legs might be a little tired the next morning, but the views (and the refreshing beverage you can sip at the top while enjoying them) will be well worth it.
Zip over Montréal
Keep it short, sweet and zippy with Mtl Zipline. This exhilarating ride in the Old Port area of Montréal will have you flying over the Saint-Lawrence River and seeing the city from above. This experience offers spectacular views and is a safe and fun way to experience a free fall. Finish your aerial tour of this historic district with a ride on Canada’s tallest panoramic ferris wheel, La Grande Roue de Montréal, which will take you 60 metres above the city (as high as 20-storey building).
See Saskatoon from the sky
What better way to experience “the land of the living skies”, Saskatchewan, than by experiencing it… from the sky! Head to Saskatoon to see this prairie city from above on a scenic flight. If you’re up for a bit of fresh air, make it a hot air balloon ride! Looking for adrenaline? Try jumping out of a plane during a tandem dive (no previous experience required).
Climb a tree in Winnipeg
Urban tree climbing in Winnipeg is the ultimate way to escape to the trees without leaving the city. Hang out with Travel Roots, for a tour of the city’s tree canopy. Channel your inner child and clamber from branch to branch and make your way back down to adulthood by retiring to one of Winnipeg’s hip pubs or restaurants.
Live on the edge in Toronto
They say if you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much room. Live according to this motto at EdgeWalk at the CN Tower. High above the city, on top of Toronto’s most famous landmark, you’ll be kitted out in a special suit to become part of the skyline. After enjoying views of the city from 356 metres above the streets, end your panoramic journey with a relaxing meal at the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant, home to the world’s highest wine cellar.
Dinosaurs for the whole family in Edmonton
For the young and the young at heart, Jurassic Forest offers an opportunity to see life-size replicas of the dinosaurs that once roamed the land that is now known as Alberta. Take a two-kilometre boardwalk stroll through this 16-hectare old-growth forest located on the outskirts of Edmonton to encounter creatures such as the tyrannosaurus rex and the triceratops. After trekking (and posing) with these mythical giants, treat the Jurassic Park fan in you, or the dino-loving child in your life, to a fun round of Journey to Extinction Mini Golf on site. Wrap up your prehistoric adventure in the city with a visit to the TELUS World of Science – Edmonton to try your hand at extracting dinosaur bones from the earth.
Spot whales, icebergs and seabirds in St. John’s
Seeking out whales in the St. John’s area is a must-do if you’re an adventurer, especially with hot viewing land spots such as Signal Hill and the Cape Spear Lighthouse, which are both within a short drive of the city’s core. Whether you explore by boat, sea kayak or land, you could be lucky enough to see up to 22 different species of whales, including the largest population of humpbacks. If you’re lucky, you might even spot icebergs (April to early July) and unique seabirds — known as the ‘Triple Play’ in the area when you see all three.
Glide over glassy waters from Whitehorse
Exploring Whitehorse and its surroundings from the water is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the Yukon and its wild nature. Minutes from downtown Whitehorse, you’ll find the fast-moving turquoise waters of Miles Canyon, one of the most picturesque landscapes in town. Whether you are an avid paddler or a beginner, Yukon’s capital city abounds with options to take you out on the water. Looking for an experience unlike any other? Try a five-day guided stand up paddle boarding adventure where a guide will take you through this historic gold rush territory.
