Choose from 290 Fun Things to Do in Canada
False Creek
- A False Creek bike ride, walk, or cruise is a must for first-time visitors to Vancouver.
- False Creek is not suitable for swimming, though it is possible to use kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and dragon boats on the waterway.
- The seawall is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible ferries and boats also venture out into False Creek.
Prospect Point
Since the arrival of the Cleveland Dam, the inlet has become safer for ship passage, and Prospect Point has shifted from a functional location to one of leisure. Today, people flock to Prospect Point for the famous café and some of the best views in the city.
Practical Info
Halifax Public Gardens
Once you’re through the impressive main gates, you’re free to wander the footpaths at your leisure. There are over 100 species of trees here, as well as a collection of flowerbeds. Peruse the Tropical Display beds for exotic plants from around the world, or take in the colorful dahlias.
Cross the Upper and Lower Bridges and visit The Victoria Jubilee Fountain, added in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The most impressive fountain, however, is the double-tiered Boer War Memorial Fountain, erected in 1903 to honor the service of Canadian soldiers in the South African war.
Titanic lovers will want to check out Griffin’s pond, where a model of the ship floats, donated by the Maritime Ship Modellers Guild. This follows a tradition of displaying ships’ models in Victorian gardens.
And finally, to wrap up the whole experience, grab a coffee and some treats from the Horticultural Hall and Uncommon Grounds Café, and enjoy a lunch from the terrace.
Practical Info
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
Practical Info
Old Port of Montreal
- The Old Port is a must for families.
- The Old Port promenade has free Wi-Fi and lots of benches and seating.
- The promenade at the Old Port is paved and wheelchair-accessible.
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montr eal)
- Walking tours are a great way to experience Old Montreal, as the best way to get around this old part of the city is on foot.
- Old Montreal is known for its quaint sidewalk eateries and café culture, so be sure to take the time to enjoy one.
- Be sure to wear appropriate footwear for the cobblestone streets.
- Private tours often also visit nearby Mont Royal.
Fairmont Empress Hotel
The grand lady of Victoria, the Fairmont Empress Hotel was built in over-the-top French chateau style by the Canadian Pacific Railway company, opening in 1908.
Victoria’s first hotel is still the grandest, and one of the most highly awarded hotels in the country. Over the last 100 years, all manner of famous people have stayed here, including Edward Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth and Shirley Temple.
Taking afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is an experience not to be missed, complete with Edwardian style service, clotted cream, scones and pots of tea. Bookings are essential.
The style is more subcontinental colonial in the Bengal Lounge restaurant, where the menu features a curry buffet.Practical Info
The Fairmont Empress Hotel has a grandstand location on Government Street smack bang in the city center, with front-seat views of the inner harbor.
Old Quebec (Vieux Quebec)
- A knowledgeable local tour guide can provide context for all the history and culture you’re viewing and experiencing.
- Old Quebec’s streets are mainly cobblestone, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Gulf Islands
Practical Info
Charlottetown
- Charlottetown’s historic core is compact and is best explored on foot.
- Some streets are cobblestone so wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
- The Charlottetown Visitor Information Centre is at 6 Prince Street.
Olympic Cauldron
Practical Info
Harbourfront Centre
- Check the event schedule to find out what is happening during your visit.
- Bundle up as it can be colder by the water, particularly in winter.
- Harbourfront Centre is accessible to wheelchair users.
Halifax Cruise Port
How to get to Halifax
Cruises dock at the Seaport, where there is immediate access to the Metro Transit bus system, Halifax taxis, and limousines. A 10-minute walk will take you straight to the downtown area, where you can peruse local boutiques, visit museums like the Canadian Museum of Immigration, or simply snap photos of the city’s busy waterfront and boardwalk area.
One Day in Halifax
Fortunately, many of Halifax’s highlights are just a short distance from the city’s port. If you love history, visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration, or the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Visit Citadel Hill for some insight into Canada’s earliest years, or take in the view of the city from the tower.
Take your pick of shopping options along Spring Garden Road, and wander through the Public Gardens. When the sun sets, indulge in a lobster dinner and head out to the nearest pub for some live music and pints of Alexander Keith’s.
Port Information
Of all the Atlantic Canadian cities, Halifax gets the most cruise traffic. More than 15 different cruise lines operate here, including Princess, Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, and more. All local businesses accept Canadian currency only, and English is most widely spoken (although French is Canada’s other official language).
Halifax Harbour
- Halifax Harbour is a must for scenery seekers, people-watchers, and those who want to dine with harbor views.
- Free Wi-Fi, benches, washrooms, shops, and restaurants are all available at the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk.
- The boardwalk is accessible to wheelchair users, as are select boat tours.
Ontario Place
A futuristic amusement park, Ontario Place offers something for everybody inside its five steel-and-glass pods, suspended on columns 105 feet (32 meters) above Lake Ontario. Kids and adults can go from pod to pod and see a multimedia theater, a children's theater, a high-tech exhibit, multimedia displays, and the Cinesphere - an IMAX theater. Parents watch a movie while kids go berserk at soft-play areas like the H2O Generation Station, with its twisting slides, towers, and walkways, and the Atom Blaster, a huge foam-ball free-for-all.
Additional attractions include the human-sized MegaMaze and MicroKids, which is a play area for little ones. At First Flight, you can a ride up in the air in a replica hot-air balloon. If you need a break from the attractions and rides, spend a little downtime browsing the gift shops. In the evening, the Molson Amphitheatre host a variety of concerts.
Practical Info
Ontario Place sits on Lake Boulevard West, in downtown Toronto. You can easily get here via subway, bus, and streetcar. Ontario Place has plenty of parking, as well. A Play All Day pass gets you to most of the rides and attractions, including walk-up seating at the Cinesphere.
Prince Edward Island National Park
- Prince Edward Island National Park is a must for outdoorsy types and Anne of Green Gables fans.
- Refrain from picking flowers, unusual rocks, or patterned shells as this can disturb the park’s delicate natural environment.
- Brackley Beach, Cavendish Campground Beach, and Stanhope Beach are wheelchair accessible from late June to early September. Accessible campgrounds (Cavendish Campground and Stanhope Campground) and trails (Gulf Shore Way East and Gulf Shore Way West) can also be found within the park.
Hockey Hall of Fame
- The Hockey Hall of Fame is a must for hockey fans.
- If you’re coming during winter, stay warm by accessing the Hockey Hall of Fame via Toronto’s underground PATH network.
- All-day admission means you can leave and re-enter as much as you want over the course of the day.
- The Hockey Hall of Fame is wheelchair and stroller-accessible.
Olympic Village
Practical Info
La Fontaine Park
- La Fontaine Park is a must for families with children, nature lovers, and dog owners.
- Espace La Fontaine offers sit-down and takeaway options, but the neighborhood has plenty of other cafes and eateries, including the famed poutine joint La Banquise.
- Bathrooms are located in the swimming pool and ice skating pavilions.
- Street signs, including parking and traffic signs, are written in French. Metered street parking is available, but it’s often limited.