Things To Do
in Canada

Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy — a Quebec classic found in diners, pubs and gourmet restaurants across the country; try it at smokehouse pubs or specialized poutine shops in Montreal and Quebec City.

Must-Try!

Maple syrup, taffy on snow and maple-glazed goods are seasonal highlights in spring; farmers' markets and sugar shacks (cabanes à sucre) in Ontario and Quebec are best places to sample.

Lobster, mussels, scallops and fish chowder dominate in Atlantic Canada; try seaside shacks and seafood houses in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

In the West and North, dishes featuring elk, bison, venison and salmon reflect Indigenous and settler traditions; fine-dining restaurants in the Rockies and Pacific Northwest highlight these ingredients.

Historic market with vendors selling everything from peameal bacon sandwiches to artisanal cheeses and baked goods — excellent for breakfast or to assemble a picnic.

Lively market on False Creek offering fresh seafood, produce, bakeries and many ready-to-eat options; great for waterfront snacking and people-watching.

Cluster of stalls and eateries with local produce, craft vendors and food stands; try BeaverTails (a fried dough pastry) here as a treat.

Major cities have thriving food-truck scenes and seasonal street-food events — look for taco, poutine, and fusion options at parks and near nightlife districts.

Melting snow and blooming landscapes: maple-tapping season in Ontario/Quebec, quieter national parks before summer crowds, variable weather — pack layers and waterproof gear.

Warm to hot weather in many regions, long daylight hours (especially in the north), peak festival and outdoor-activity season — book accommodations early for popular destinations.

Crisp air and spectacular foliage in eastern Canada and the interior; ideal for hiking and scenic drives with fewer crowds than summer and pleasant temperatures.

Cold and snowy in most of the country (milder on the West Coast), excellent for skiing, ice skating, and winter festivals — be prepared for winter driving and shorter daylight in many areas.

Includes First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities with distinct cultures, languages and territories across the country; Indigenous tourism and cultural experiences are increasingly available and community-led.

Predominantly in Quebec but with communities across Canada; French language and Quebecois culture are integral parts of the national fabric.

Canada has high immigration rates leading to diverse urban populations with large South Asian, Chinese, Filipino, Caribbean and Middle Eastern communities contributing to cuisine and cultural life.

Smaller populations with lifestyles tied to resource industries, agriculture, fishing and remote-rural living — services may be more limited outside urban centers.

Canada's most popular and culturally significant sport at all levels — from pond hockey to the NHL; attending a game or visiting a rink is a quintessential Canadian experience.

An Indigenous-originated sport designated as Canada's national summer sport with strong regional followings and club competitions.

A widely followed winter sport with community clubs across the country and a strong presence in national and international competitions.

Similar to American football but with different rules; the CFL garners loyal regional followings and the Grey Cup is a major annual event.

Most urban restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options; look for farm-to-table places and plant-based eateries, but rural areas may have limited meat-free choices—plan ahead.

Vegan options are increasingly common in cities (specialty cafes and full vegan restaurants), though menu variety can be narrower in small towns.

Many restaurants and bakeries label gluten-free options; cross-contamination can occur, so communicate restrictions clearly—larger cities provide more specialist choices.

Halal and kosher options are readily available in larger urban centers with diverse populations; smaller communities may have limited availability—use apps or local directories to find certified venues.