Alberta
Hike and climb your way up the cliffs above Mt. Norquay Ski Resort on Banff’s only Via Ferrata (Italian for iron ladder), navigating routes with the help of a fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders, and a suspension bridge. Next, bring your kayak, paddleboard, or raft to float the Bow, where you can float down a glacier-fed clear blue river in the heart of Calgary. You’ll see the province’s beautiful skyline, and probably a beaver or two!
British Columbia
Revelstoke is home to two national parks, Mount Revelstoke and Glacier, both offering incredible alpine scenery and unforgettable hikes
Next, hit Frisby Ridge, an iconic, alpine mountain-biking adventure boasting panoramic mountain views, vibrant wildflowers, and a thrilling ascent through majestic, mountain hemlock sub-alpine forests and expansive alpine meadows. Don’t forget to head over to Victoria to hit Jocelyn Hill, a 10 km loop beloved by locals for its extraordinary views of
Finlayson Arm.
Manitoba
Hike your way across the sweeping views atop the escarpment of Riding Mountain National Park and the lush wilds of the boreal forest
of Whiteshell Provincial Park. Before you leave, visit Churchill to take in the Aurora Borealis, one of the most breathtaking phenomena of the natural world. Peak times to view this beauty are between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. in the late summer.
New Brunswick
The Acadian Peninsula Veloroute is 379 miles of happiness for cyclists to take in stunning views on the seaside trail while travelling through several French communities. A must in this province is a hike through Walton Glen Gorge, or the “Grand Canyon” of New Brunswick, located in Fundy Trail Provincial Park. The natural wonder is 1000 feet across, 525 feet deep, and 550 million years old, created by a series of volcanic eruptions.
Nova Scotia
Discover the world-famous Cabot Trail that weaves through 950 square kilometres of highlands and coastal wilderness in northern Cape Breton. Offering 26 hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, the trail attracts families and adventurers alike. Next, feel the rush of tidal bore rafting on 8-20-foot waves in a whitewater Zodiac boat as you experience the surging power of some of the world’s highest tides that turn the Shubenacadie River into a water rollercoaster.
Newfoundland & Labrador
You’ve got to see the icebergs in NFLD. During spring and summer, these 10,000-year-old giants are visible from many points along the northern and eastern coasts, coming in all shapes, sizes, and colours like snow white and deep aquamarine. Plan a day in the western region to hit Gros Morne National Park, which offers more than 100 kilometres of hiking trails and a unique geological history dating back 1.25 billion years.
Ontario
Known for its stunning wilderness, Algonquin Park offers vast opportunities for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Next, get your camera ready in Bruce Peninsula National Park, which features the Grotto, a much-Instagrammed natural pool and scenic caves, along with rugged cliffs and the famous Bruce Trail for hiking. Hit the mighty Ottawa River for whitewater paddling that ranges from family-friendly to full-on Class V rapids.
Prince Edward Island
Experience the thrill of kiteboarding on PEI at Kite Point, which is known as a world-class kiting destination because of its shallow waters and ideal wind conditions. And for families, or even kids at heart, interact with goats on the natural beach located on PEI’s quiet southern shore. These friendly inhabitants manage vegetation and support ecological balance, and who knows, they may even want to hop a ride on your paddleboard!
Quebec
Quebec’s wide-open spaces feature more than 250 rock climbing sites in 13 regions across the province. Visit Parc national des Grands-Jardins in Charlevoix for varying difficulties of climbs, but don’t leave without traversing the Mont du Lac Cygnes, which features routes made up of beams and bridges developed into the surrounding rock face. The area is also known for watersports, so pack your kayak, paddleboard, or canoe and head to Lake Tremblant, which boasts crystal-clear waters and the Laurentian Mountains as a backdrop.
Saskatchewan
Paddleboard, kayak, or canoe the Churchill River, surrounded by pristine waters and untouched wilderness. The waterway was historically used as a voyageur highway that connected the prairie provinces, and was a staple for Indigenous travel and trade centuries before the arrival of explorers and voyagers. Located in Missinipe, this off-the-beaten-path experience is best to visit in the summer months of July or August.
Northwest Territories
This province features endless opportunities for watersports, from canoeing your way to the Arctic Ocean, to whitewater rafting on the Nahanni River, or even paddleboarding through Yellowknife’s houseboat community. Great Slave Lake is a must-see for any watersports enthusiasts, where you can set out to explore cliffs from hidden areas or simply enjoy the calm waves.
Nunavut
On Nunavut’s Baffin Island, the Akshavuk Pass is a challenging 12-day expedition that traverses Auyuittuq National Park (“land that never melts” in Inuktitut) through a traditional corridor between two Inuit communities. Surrounded by the Penny Ice Cap, this adventure rewards you with stunning Arctic mountain views, including Mount Thor and Mount Asgard. Book your visit in July or August for the best views and conditions.
Yukon
The historic village of Carcross, scenically nestled between Bennett and Nares Lakes, is fast becoming an international mountain biking hotspot. With its flowy single track and alpine trails just begging to be ridden, the mountain will thrill riders whether you’re a total novice or have been shredding the trails for years.
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Read This Story in Our 2024 Summer Outdoor & Travel Issue
Featuring Canadian Taekwondo Olympian, Skylar Park. Must-visit adventure destinations across Canada. Your best trail running season ever with FAQs and threshold training plans. How (and why) gravel biking can rule your summer. Essential preparation to stay injury-free during hikes. Zero-waste your hiking and camping trips like a pro. Treat yourself with a Rustic Strawberry Chocolate Tart or Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream, and so much more.
