Choose from 290 Fun Things to Do in Canada
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
- A trip to Gibraltar Point is probably best for lighthouse enthusiasts; others may prefer seeing the lighthouse from a sightseeing cruise.
- The lighthouse is about a 1.1-mile (2 kilometer) walk from the ferry dock.
- There are no vehicles allowed on Centre Island, but bike rentals are available.
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
- The garden serves traditional Chinese tea and offers a family-friendly scavenger hunt for kids.
- It is recommend to sign up for guided tours in advance to ensure your desired time.
- Parking in Chinatown can be tricky. Tours with included transportation from area hotels offer an easy solution, as does public transportation.
- The small garden requires little walking and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Gatineau
Practical Info
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is one of two parks protecting Alberta’s Rocky Mountains bordering British Columbia; the other park is Jasper.
You’ll see some of the most astounding landscapes on the planet in Banff National Park: snowcapped mountains, huge river valleys, alpine forests, ludicrously blue lakes and charming mountain hamlets.
Covering 6,641 square km (2,564 square miles), Banff was the first national park to be declared in Canada, focusing on the area’s famous thermal hot springs.
Most visitors come to Banff National Park for the legendary skiing, spectacular views and peerless rock climbing and hiking. The park has information centers in Banff, Lake Louise and Upper Hot Springs.
Practical Info
Banff National Park is crossed by the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), linking Lake Louise in the south with Jasper in the north.
Hire a car to come here, take an organized tour, catch a bus from Calgary or ride the sightseeing train between Banff and Vancouver.
Craigdarroch Castle
- Allow at least one hour to properly explore.
- Volunteers are stationed throughout the castle and can answer questions regarding its history.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there are lots of stairs to navigate.
- Craigdarroch Castle is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Banff Gondola
- Visitors who hike one way and ride the gondola the other way still have to pay for a round-trip ticket.
- It can be cold at the summit station, even in summer, so bring extra layers.
- The Banff Gondola is accessible to wheelchair users.
Fitzsimmons Creek
Practical Info
Downtown Vancouver
- Downtown Vancouver is a must for first-time visitors.
- You’ll never be far from a restaurant in downtown Vancouver, with lots of dining options at all price points, including an abundance of Asian eateries.
- Navigating downtown Vancouver is easy, with an interlinked transit network that includes the SkyTrain, buses, and the SeaBus passenger ferry.
Floral Clock
While Niagara Falls is justifiably famous for the force of nature that is the falls themselves, the Floral Clock is one of several other impressive attractions in the area. Comprising thousands of colorful plants and flowers, the clock blooms from spring to fall. It’s a fun photo opportunity, especially for nature lovers and avid gardeners.
The Basics
The Floral Clock was built in 1950 and is one of the largest of its kind in the world, with a diameter of 40 feet (12 meters). It’s planted with over 15,000 plants and flowers twice a year, with different plants and designs for the spring and fall. The 24-foot (7.3-meter) tower behind it sends out the Westminster chime every 15 minutes. If the door to the tower behind the clock is open, you can take a look inside and see the clock’s mechanisms.
Private and group tours of Niagara Falls combine a visit to the clock with other area attractions, such as the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and regional wineries. There is accommodation in Niagara Falls, but many visitors day trip from Toronto.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Floral Clock is a lovely photo op for all visitors to Niagara Falls.
- Admission to the clock is free.
- It doesn’t take long to see the clock and take a few photos. The Floral Clock is best visited as a short stop on a longer day of sightseeing.
- The Floral Clock is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Floral Clock is on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, about 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) from the falls, just south of the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge. If not visiting with a tour, it’s necessary to drive to the clock.
When to Get There
The Floral Clock is in bloom from April to September. You can visit the clock 24 hours a day, but it’s best to see it during daylight hours.
Visit the Centennial Lilac Garden
The Floral Clock is located next to the sweet-smelling Centennial Lilac Garden, which was built in 1967 to celebrate Canada’s centenary. The 10-acre (4-hectare) garden contains over 1,200 plants. May and June are the best times to visit, when nature bursts back into life after the bitterly cold winter and the lilacs are in full bloom.
Gatineau Park
- Gatineau Park is a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Some parts of the park, including Breton Beach at Philippe Lake, and the Mackenzie King Estate, are accessible to wheelchair users.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, which is located at the park entrance in Chelsea.
Basilique-Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Quebec
- Services in the church are conducted in French.
- The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.
- Panels providing information are placed throughout the church.
Glacier Skywalk
- Complimentary audio guides are available to visitors.
- The skywalk is partially exposed and can be windy and cold, so dress warmly.
- The Glacier Skywalk is accessible to wheelchair users.
Casa Loma
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring this mansion requires quite a lot of walking.
- Most exhibit rooms in the basement or on the first, second, and third floors are wheelchair accessible via a single staff-operated heritage elevator. However, the Scottish and Norman towers are not accessible to wheelchair users.
- If traveling with kids, be aware that you can’t take strollers beyond the first floor.
FireRock Lounge
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Distillery Historic District
- The streets are cobblestone so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
- Pack weather-appropriate clothing, as most of your time will be spent outdoors. Should it rain, there are lots of shops, bars, restaurants, and cafés where you can find shelter.
- Take a camera. The district’s red-brick facades and quaint gables make excellent photo backdrops.
Ecomuseum Zoo
- The Ecomuseum Zoo is a must for families.
- The zoo has a picnic area but no on-site restaurant, so bring your own food.
- Sub-zero temperatures are normal between December and April and most of the zoo is outdoors; if you visit in winter, be sure to wear warm layers.
- Most of the zoo, with the exception of the indoor “From Light to Dark” exhibit, is wheelchair accessible.
Dorchester Square
- Dorchester Square is a must-visit for history buffs and nature lovers.
- Street signs, including parking and traffic signs, are written in French.
- Don’t forget comfortable shoes—the best way to explore the neighborhood is on foot.
- Food trucks are often parked along the square, but Downtown Montreal offers a variety of cafés and restaurants.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Practical Info
Banff Lake Louise
- The elevation of Lake Louise is 5,740 feet (1,750 meters), while Banff is at 4,540 feet (1,384 meters); drink plenty of water to stay hydrated at the high altitudes.
- Some short trails in the area provide wheelchair accessibility, such as the Banff Legacy Trail and Bow Riverside Trail.
- The area’s public shuttles are not wheelchair accessible.
- A Park Pass is required to enter Banff National Park and to travel on the scenic parkways such as the Icefields Parkway; this requirement is covered in most tours.
Cavendish Beach
- Cavendish Beach is a must-see for nature and beach lovers.
- It’s a good idea to bring layers, as the coastal area can be windy and cool.
- Bring sun protection and bug spray if you plan to spend a day at the beach.
- Entrance fees for Prince Edward Island National Park may apply.