22 enviable excursions to try when visiting Canada

Whether you're planning an escorted coach tour through Canada's East Coast cities or a road trip through the Rockies, it's the excursions that will really make your holiday. There are so many fantastic attractions to see in Canada but just looking isn't enough. Why not dive right in with a city walking tour? Or an ice-truck glacier explorer? Or a trip to the top of the CN Tower? There are plenty of fantastic activities and days out to really help you get beneath the surface of Canada. Here are a few of our favourites:

 

1. Moraine Lake, Alberta

Here's Jonny from @Banff_Squirrel to say a little more about Lake Moraine & visiting. #explorecanada #MyCanadianAffair @TravelAlberta pic.twitter.com/7kNA2GiJ4N

— Go Eat Do (@GoEatDo) June 8, 2017

This is one of Canada’s most iconic lakes, and it would be a crime to visit Banff without taking a look.

 

2. The Calgary Tower

Ever fancied standing directly above a downtown city street? Here's what it's like at Calgary Tower. @TourismCalgary #MyCanadianAffair #YYC pic.twitter.com/dmaupzx7SF

— Go Eat Do (@GoEatDo) June 9, 2017

A right of passage in the gateway city to the Rockies. Stand on the glass platform if you dare, for a 360 degree view over Calgary and your first glimpse of the mountains.

Suggested tour: Western Journey

 

3. Montreal sightseeing tour

The Boules Roses ? the colourful outdoor art exhibit in #Montreal's vibrant gay village brightens up an overcast day. #mycanadianaffair #explorecanada #quebecoriginal @explorecanada @canadian_affair #Canada #travel

A post shared by Global Grasshopper (@globalgrasshopr) on Jun 6, 2017 at 12:58pm PDT

There are so many different neighbourhoods to explore, each with a different arty vibe. The best way to see all the architecture and culture is on a sightseeing tour.

 

4. Ottawa open top bus

Wow - #Ottawa keep revealing many layers! Did @GrayLine bus tour of city - so many sights to see ? #myottawa #mycanadianaffair #canada150 pic.twitter.com/foA3YoxLn9

— Zoë Dawes (@quirkytraveller) June 9, 2017

Home to the impressive gothic Parliament Buildings as well as sculpture and public art, an open top bus tour is the way to go.

Suggested tour: Eastern Journey

 

5. Montmorency Falls, Quebec

A post shared by Niamh ???✈ (@eatlikeagirl) on Jun 4, 2017 at 9:41am PDT

Most people are surprised to hear that these magnificent falls are even higher than Niagara! The dots at the top are people, provided for scale...

 

6. Nordik Spa, Ottawa

A post shared by Zoë Dawes (@quirkytraveller) on Jun 8, 2017 at 5:00pm PDT

This offers the ultimate pamper and relaxation. It's a perfect stop off if you're travelling past Ottawa.

 

7. Athabasca Glacier, Alberta

A post shared by Matea Lay (@karysma358) on Jun 5, 2017 at 11:26pm PDT

This glacier is one of the most visited and most accessible in North America. A snow-coach ride on top of this arm of the Columbia Icefield is a must.

Suggested tour: Rockies Trail

 

8. Icefields Parkway, Alberta

A post shared by Matea Lay (@karysma358) on Jun 4, 2017 at 9:55pm PDT

This is undeniably one of the world's most beautiful highways, with lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and rivers dotted along its length. The Athabasca Falls are gorgeous.

Suggested tour: Western Journey

 

9. Butchart Gardens, Victoria

• It was like she stepped into a dream, a paradise beyond reality, full of colors and smells that can calm your mind and soothe your soul... ??• #butchartgardens #butchartgardensvictoriabc #butchart #victoriabc #garden #forest #paradise #canada #mycanadianaffair

A post shared by Matea Lay (@karysma358) on May 24, 2017 at 9:32pm PDT

These impressive gardens are a favourite to visit just outside of Victoria, the capital of Vancouver Island (and British Columbia). A stroll around the flowers is heavenly.

 

10. BC Legislature Buildings, Victoria

Loved the magical lights on the @BCLegislature after dark in @victoriavisitor #ExploreCanada #mycanadianaffair pic.twitter.com/uK9Su4M0yC

— Heathercowper (@Heathercowper) June 12, 2017

Victoria is a beautiful city to visit on your tour, perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in an enviable position on the coast. The legislature buildings are a highlight.

 

11. Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver

I don't think I could ❤Canada any more. The nature around Vancouver is just stunning! ???#MyCanadianAffair #ExploreCanada pic.twitter.com/LJCD2eFneg

— Hand Luggage Only (@HLOBlog) June 9, 2017

This slice of wilderness so close to Vancouver city centre is a favourite of ours. It has old growth rainforest, a dramatic climate bubble and of course, plenty of thrills.

 

12. Whale Watching, BC

A post shared by Heather Cowper (@heathercowper) on Jun 5, 2017 at 4:11pm PDT

Go from Vancouver or go from Victoria, but make sure you get out on the water. In the summer months you are guaranteed whale sightings, with humpbacks and orcas the most common.

 

13. The Alaska Highway, Yukon

Imagine driving on these roads!? This is the famous Alaska Highway linking Canada to the States and for hundreds of miles the scenery looks a lot like this. Honestly, I could never get bored of driving around the Yukon!

A post shared by Macca Sherifi (@backpackermacca) on Jun 18, 2017 at 1:56pm PDT

Nowhere does wide-open spaces and awe-inspiring views in quite the same way as the wild Yukon. This is Canada's untamed corner.

Suggested tour: Glaciers & Gold Rush Bonanza

 

14. Whitehorse, Yukon

A post shared by A Brit and a Broad (@abritandabroad) on Jun 11, 2017 at 1:11pm PDT

There are more incredible views in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon. But beyond the stunning views you'll find fascinating Gold Rush era buildings and history.

Suggested tour: Glaciers & Gold Rush Bonanza

 

15. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

Thanks to Bruce from Seascape Kayak Tours for a fabulous morning kayaking from Deer Island in the Bay of Fundy to Beans Island where we stopped for a picnic. The best! And so easy to reach from the city of Saint John, New Brunswick #SaintJohn #NewBrunswick #exploreCanada #exploreNB #mycanadianaffair #experienceTransat #travel #travelblogger #travelersnotebook #travelphotography #travelblogger #photooftheday

A post shared by Kathryn Burrington (@travelwithkat) on Jun 7, 2017 at 11:53am PDT

Western Canada isn't the only place with spectacular national parks, you know. The scenery on the East Coast is just as impressive, and we love Atlantic Canada's charm.

 

16. St John Sightseeing

A post shared by Iain Mallory (@malloryontravel) on Jun 13, 2017 at 9:32am PDT

St John's is known for its colourful houses and fishing huts. The maritime way of life is perfectly preserved here and is one of the most atmospheric places to travel in Canada.

 

17. Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

A post shared by TravelDaveUK ? ✈ (@traveldaveuk) on Jun 6, 2017 at 5:45am PDT

Atlantic Canada is famous for its lighthouses, but this one is perhaps the most iconic of all. It's the perfect place to stop off for a photo.

 

18. PEI National Park, Prince Edward Island

Gorgeous evening on the beach on the north shore of PEI #ExploreCanada #mycanadianaffair pic.twitter.com/ZHh8p7ZlwJ

— Lucy Dodsworth (@lucydodsworth) June 8, 2017

Were you expecting white sand beaches in Eastern Canada? The smallest province in the country beautiful, surprising and definitely captivating.

 

19. Shediac Bay Lobster Cruise, Nova Scotia

A post shared by TravelDaveUK ? ✈ (@traveldaveuk) on Jun 10, 2017 at 8:46am PDT

This romantic experience combines two things for which the Maritimes are famous - ocean and lobster. The whole region abounds with fresh seafood - the above spread is from Nova Scotia.

20. Skagway, Alaska

Yesterday we caught the train from Fraser to Skagway in Alaska, hands down one of the most beautiful railroads in the world! It's crazy to think they cut a railroad through these mountains well over a 100 years about but that's the gold rush for you - everyone wanted in on the money money money! The journey through the mountains and along the river was so stunning though, and it was great seeing a little bit of Alaska too! #ExploreCanada

A post shared by A Brit and a Broad (@abritandabroad) on Jun 9, 2017 at 11:48am PDT

If you're thinking of visiting the Yukon and Alaska, then please, please do. You'll discover some of the most breathtaking natural scenery there is.

Suggested tour: Glaciers & Gold Rush Bonanza

 

21. Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish

We finally made it to Squamish where, after a @seatoskygondola ride to the top of the mountain, these amazing views awaited us on the panoramic trail! ??? #ExploreCanada #MyCanadianAffair #ExploreBC

A post shared by Hand Luggage Only (@handluggageonly) on Jun 8, 2017 at 11:18pm PDT

No trip along BC's coast would be complete without taking in the Sea to Sky Highway between Whistler and Vancouver. On the way, stop off in Squamish for this unforgettable gondola ride.

Suggested tour: Western Journey

 

22. Iceberg Alley, Newfoundland

A post shared by Iain Mallory (@malloryontravel) on Jun 4, 2017 at 5:50pm PDT

Could anything be more spectacular? Walk with giants when you spot these behemoths which can be millennia old.