5 Unique Experiences As Close As Canada

Canada is one of my favorite destinations. It’s a vast, diverse land with a wealth of unique cultures, experiences and landscapes. You can tour wineries in British Columbia, go dogsledding in Quebec, visit fishing villages in New Brunswick, and eat like a king in Prince Edward Island.

Canada is a year-round destination, and there are 10 provinces and three territories to choose from. You’ll find something for everyone in Canada.

Here are five of my favorite experiences in Canada.

1. See polar bears in Manitoba

Churchill is a tiny town (pop. 870) just south of the Arctic Circle in Manitoba, but it has one huge attraction: polar bears. From late October to early November, the bears gather on the tundra outside Churchill to wait for the ice to form. Then their winter seal-hunting season begins. Wildlife tour operators have raised tundra buggies that allow tourists to view the bears safely. The bears also can be seen at other times of year and even sometimes come into town. The town is always on “polar bear alert” and has a well-organized team that encourages the bears to move along.

In the summer, Hudson Bay near Churchill draws another popular animal: beluga whales. These white whales, whose vocalizations sound like singing canaries, come to the area to calve. More than 3,000 beluga whales visit Hudson Bay each summer.

2. Dine like royalty in prince Edward Island (PEI)

This island province may be small, but it’s a foodie’s delight. PEI is known for its fresh seafood, including lobster, mussels, oysters, and clams. Farm-to-table cuisine is the norm at many island restaurants. The PEI International Shellfish Festival and the Fall Flavors Festival bring top chefs and food lovers from all over. Craft breweries and distilleries provide locally brewed ciders, beers, and spirits, often created using local ingredients.

3. Play in the snow in Quebec

Winter in Quebec is something special. Sure, it’s cold and the snow is deep, but that creates a huge winter playground for outdoor adventure. Lakeside resorts become winter vacation hotspots, offering dogsledding, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. Snowmobilers come from around North America to explore snow-covered trails, staying in cozy cabins along the way. The Quebec Winter Carnival is a beloved annual event in Quebec City. This 10-17 day event is held each January or February. Only in Canada will you find this unique celebration of winter with snow sculptures, games, parades, competitions, and even ice canoe races.

4. Explore the bay of Fundy in New Brunswick

The Bay of Fundy is one of the 7 Wonders of North America. Part of the Atlantic Ocean, it lies between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in Canada, with a small portion in Maine. Due to its unique shape, the Bay of Fundy has the highest tides on Earth, with tidal fluctuations that can reach up to 56 feet (16 meters). One of the best places to experience this is Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. The massive tides of the Bay of Fundy have sculpted this coastline into dramatic cliffs, but the most fascinating aspect is the tides themselves. In the morning, you can hike across the sandy beach; in the afternoon, you’ll kayak over the same spot.

5. Tour wineries in British Columbia

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is known for its wine and scenic beauty. About five hours east of Vancouver, the Okanagan Valley is a popular destination for wine lovers who come to visit the vineyards and local tasting rooms. The valley stretches across 155 miles and several subregions, each with their own distinct climate and soil. Home to more than 200 wineries, the Okanagan Valley is known for its merlots, chardonnays, and pinot noirs. Okanagan ice wine is a special favorite, and the region boasts many award-winning ice wines.