The summer season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to create lasting memories with the family. Whether you’re looking for thrilling adventures or serene moments in nature, Canada offers a myriad of exciting activities for the whole family. In this blog post, we’ve curated a diverse summer bucket list that will inspire you to explore the wonders of our beautiful country. From exploring caves and hiking through picturesque parks to cruising along scenic parkways, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable summer journey filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural experiences, and cherished moments together.
Explore Caves
As long as you’re not claustrophobic, this can be a great family activity. If you didn’t know, Canada is home to a variety of cave and cavern systems that you can explore. You can take your pick of caves in the following provinces and territories:
- British Columbia
- Yukon
- Ontario
- Alberta
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Newfoundland
Hike Provincial or National Parks
We all know there’s no shortage of Provincial and National Parks in Canada. Get your hiking boots, pack a snack and hit the trails of any one of our 92 Provincial Parks and 37 National Parks. You can find a park that has whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s a short hike, a day-long hike, or an overnight camping trip. Stay safe out there by not hiking alone, telling someone where you’ll be and for how long, and sticking to the marked trail.
Drive the Long Sault Parkway
Nestled between the cities of Kingston and Montreal is a parkway that connects 11 islands in the St. Lawrence River. This stretch of asphalt is called the Long Sault Parkway, and you can drive it. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and important history, this will be an experience you and the family won’t soon forget.
Visit a Lighthouse
With over 250,000 lakes in Ontario alone, again, you can take your pick of lighthouses to visit this summer. Taking a trip to a lighthouse is like taking a trip to the past. You’ll be able to see traces of significant historical moments and get a sense of how life once was. Standing tall across Canada, you can visit any of a number of lighthouses. Among the best lighthouses to visit are:
- Point Prim Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island
- Cape Spear Lighthouse, Newfoundland
- Fisgard Lighthouse, B.C.
- Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Nova Scotia
- Pelee Island Lighthouse, Ontario
Chase Waterfalls
Who doesn’t love waterfalls? They’re another gorgeous natural feature that Canada has in abundance. Make a road trip of it or head to the one closest to you and witness the incredible power of nature. From Niagara Falls to Athabasca Falls to Helmcken Falls, you could spend the whole summer trekking the country to see as many falls as you can.
Relax in a Lazy River
If you’d rather get in the water than look at it, why not try tubing down a lazy river? It’s the perfect way to be lazy and see the beauty of the Canadian landscape. For those less adventurous types or children, a lazy river may be preferable to a busy waterpark or rough whitewater rafting. Whether you live in Ontario, B.C., Nova Scotia, or Alberta, you’ll be able to find a lazy river to relax in.
Sleep in the Canadian Wilderness
This summer bucket list wouldn’t be complete without camping. It’s something fun and educational for the whole family. Plus, there are campgrounds across the country so you shouldn’t have to travel too far to find one. You can opt for simple and pack a tent, pack the trailer and get a site with water and electricity, or go all out and try glamping (glamour camping)! Spending a night or two under the stars out in the great Canadian wilderness is a right of passage every Canadian must experience.
Visit the Only Official Unceded Territory in Canada
Add this to your summer bucket list: a visit to the only officially-recognized unceded territory in the country. Wiikwemkoong, located on Manitoulin Island, is Canada’s only unceded reserve. It’s home to the Anishnaabek people of the Three Fires Confederacy (Odawa, Potawatomi, Ojibwe). Here, you’ll have an experience unlike any other place in Canada. You can hike, camp, and canoe this vast and wild landscape while learning about the Indigenous people of Canada.
Summer Bucket List Safety
As you create incredible summer memories, it’s important to keep safety a priority. While we hope your adventures are filled with joy and excitement, unforeseen circumstances can disrupt even the best of plans. Travel insurance provides you with peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings. Before embarking on your summer bucket list activities, take a moment to explore and select a travel insurance plan that suits your needs. So, as you plan your summer adventures, don’t forget to add travel insurance to the checklist.