Choose from 290 Fun Things to Do in Canada
English Bay
- Public amenities, including restrooms and restaurants can be found at English Bay Beach, Kitsilano Beach, and Stanley Park.
- Lifeguards are stationed at both English Bay Beach and Kitsilano Beach from late May to early September.
- Both beaches are equipped with Mobi-Mats (portable pathways that provide access to the sand) and water wheelchairs, which can be booked in advance.
- The waters of English Bay are suitable for swimming.
Green Gables Heritage Place
- The Green Gables house is a must-see for literature aficionados and history buffs.
- The on-site Butter Churn Café serves coffee, baked goods, local ice cream, and other snacks.
- Visitor facilities also include a gift shop and restrooms.
- Services at Green Gables are available in both English and French; printed guides are also available in Japanese.
- All buildings at Green Gables Heritage Place, including the first floor of the house, are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Gastown
- Gastown is a must-visit for history buffs, foodies, and shoppers.
- Wear comfortable shoes; Gastown rewards those who explore on foot.
- Water, Hastings, and Carrall streets are the main thoroughfares in the neighborhood, which is best explored on foot.
- Though there are some mild inclines and uneven surfaces, Gastown is mostly wheelchair accessible.
Canada Place
One of the best places to orient yourself, especially if this is your first trip to Vancouver, is Canada Place. Built for Expo '86, this iconic, postcard-friendly landmark is hard to miss: its five tall Teflon sails that jut into the sky over Burrard Inlet resemble a giant sailing ship. Now a cruise-ship terminal and convention center, it's also a pier where you can stroll out over the waterfront, watch the splashing floatplanes, and catch some spectacular sea-to-mountain views.
Around the perimeter of Canada Place is a promenade, where you can gaze out at the North Shore mountains standing tall across Burrard Inlet. You can also see nearby Stanley Park and its famous Seawall Promenade. Walk to the other end of the promenade and you’ll be rewarded with great city views, including the historic low-rise tops of Gastown, where Vancouver was first settled. Inside the building is FlyOver Canada, a cool simulated flight attraction that takes you across Canada, from the Atlantic Coast and Arctic peaks to the Rocky Mountains and Northern lights.
Practical Info
Canada Place is located on the northeast edge of downtown Vancouver. It’s easily accessible by public transportation, and the Sky Train, which is one block away. Nearby attractions are Gastown, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Art, Vancouver Art Gallery, and Robson Street. Tourism Vancouver Touristinfo Centre is right across the street.
Emily Carr House
Practical Info
Canadian Museum of History
- The Canadian Museum of History is a must-see for history and culture buffs, and for families, with the on-site children’s museum showcasing the various cultures and countries of the world.
- To help find your way around, download or pick up a copy of the Museum Guide at the information desk.
- The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchairs and strollers are available free of charge at the coat check.
- Allow at least three hours to properly explore the museum.
Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife
- Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife is a must for wildlife enthusiasts.
- There are dining options at the mountain; the yurt-style Grizzly Lookout Cafe offers the best views of the grizzly bear habitat.
- The Skyride is accessible to wheelchair users, as is the refuge, which can be accessed via paved pathways.
Garibaldi Park
Practical Info
Atwater Market
- Atwater Market is a must-see for foodies.
- The market is partially wheelchair-accessible.
- Bring a reusable shopping bag and cash, as not all vendors accept foreign cards.
Granville Island
- Plan to spend at least several hours exploring Granville Island, whether you’re visiting independently or taking a walking tour.
- Wear layers—there’s almost always a cool ocean breeze. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.
- The public market is phasing out plastic shopping bags, so bring a reusable bag if you plan to purchase any souvenirs or marketplace treats.
- Visitor amenities include accessible restrooms, parking lots, water fountains, and ATMs. There are also two playgrounds and a water park on the island.
Calgary Zoo
Divided into geographical regions, the zoo’s highlights include the elephant encounter, Canadian wilds and Eurasia. For something different, Safari Brunch is served in Destination Africa.
The zoo is surrounded by lush botanical gardens featuring rainforest, arid gardens and a butterfly enclosure. Prehistoric Park is a favorite with kids, home to life-size dinosaurs and fossil displays.
Practical Info
Calgary Zoo is east of downtown on St George’s Island and the eastern bank of the Bow River. Buses run here or you can catch the C-Train to the Zoo stop.
The Canadian Wilds and Prehistoric Park are on the eastern bank of the river, linked to the other exhibits by bridges.
Capilano Salmon Hatchery
- Capilano Salmon Hatchery is a must for families and natural-history enthusiasts.
- Wear hiking boots so you can explore trails in the surrounding Capilano River Regional Park.
- The hatchery is wheelchair accessible.
Entertainment District
- The Entertainment District is a must-do for young adult visitors to the city.
- If you want to see a show last-minute, ask about rush tickets at the box office on the day-of.
- A hop-on hop-off tour is a great way to cover a lot of ground and see popular Toronto sights without worrying about transportation or parking.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
- To quell any fears of heights, it helps to remember that the bridge's thick steel cables used for grip are securely embedded in huge concrete blocks on either side of the canyon.
- While strollers, wheelchairs, and crutches are not allowed on the bridge, visitors with wheelchairs receive free entrance to the park and can take part in other activities.
- Dogs are permitted in the park, as long as they stay on-leash.
- The site features a gift shop.
Great Canadian Midway
Practical Info
Grouse Mountain
- Grouse Mountain is family-friendly, with special events for kids.
- Local wildlife such as bears, wolves, owls, and other birds are common sights.
- The Grouse Grind is a fairly difficult, steep hike and includes 2,830 steps. The trail goes only one way (up!), so be prepared with sturdy shoes and water, and check ahead for weather-related trail closures.
- Most activities are included in the price of admission.
Grevin Wax Museum (Musee Grevin)
- The Grévin Wax Museum is a must for families.
- Exhibit information is written in both English and French.
- Buy an admission ticket online in advance to receive a discount and breeze past the ticket booth.
- Café Grévin, located just outside the museum, offers drinks, pastries, and seasonal entrées.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers free Wi-Fi.
- Check the museum’s website for maintenance and holiday closures.
Canadian War Museum
Practical Info
Calgary Tower
Calgary Tower is a city landmark, teetering over the city’s downtown skyscrapers since 1968.
Atop the tower’s shaft you’ll find ‘the pod’, home to an observation deck and revolving restaurant. From here you have stunning views over the city, all the way to the snow-capped mountains fringing the horizon.
Peer through the binoculars on the observation deck, walk out on the glass floor rimming the edge of the observation deck if you dare, and dine in the revolving restaurant, Sky 360.
During special events, the Winter Olympics cauldron on the tower’s summit is lit, re-creating the Games magic.
Practical Info
Calgary Tower is in the center of Calgary’s downtown, opposite Centre Street. On foot, you can access the tower in the eastern section of the city’s Plus 15 walkway network.