Top 5 Canadian experiences

Dec 13, 2010 5:08:28 AM

Note: Javascript is disabled in your browser.
To see the gallery in all its glory, you'll need to enable Javascript.

View gallery

No matter your ability, no matter your taste, Canada has an adventure tailored to you, in accessible locations. From rank beginner to seasoned veteran you can find your thrills on the edge of, and sometimes within, city limits.

1. Ski Whistler

One of North America’s best ski resorts, perhaps best in the world, Whistler-Blackcomb – the principal venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games – contains nearly 200 longer-than-average marked trails and the highest vertical drop (1609m) of any ski field on the continent. Wander round the back of Blackcomb to Ruby Bowl and it gets even better. It has Whistler-Blackcomb’s best powder, falling in continuous steeps for more than 600m.

2. Killer whale watching

When salmon spawns in full swim along Canada’s west coast during August, a host of creatures follow hungrily behind, including pods of orcas. Whale-watching boats tail along viewing these beautiful animals, but the most intimate way to watch the so-called killer whales is from a kayak. The 250 resident killer whales cruise about picking off salmon as they head for the Fraser River near Vancouver. Orca downtime is spent rubbing bellies against the pebbly beach in Robson Bight, the only spot in the world where they are known to do this. Along the way you might also see Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, bald eagles and perhaps even a minke whale, before you bed down to the sound of orcas swimming and surfacing past your tent. And, fear not, resident killer whales eat only fish.

3. Storm watch on Vancouver Island

Each winter, Vancouver Island’s west coast becomes a front-row seat to the most spectacular storms on the North American west coast. With nothing but the Pacific Ocean between the island and Japan, these well-travelled storms – driven here by a persistent low-pressure system in the Gulf of Alaska – roar ashore, bringing high winds and waves that pack a punch. Wander the beaches to experience the storms’ full fury, follow the aptly named Wild Pacific Trail for a cliff-top view, take a storm-watching tour from the town of Tofino or simply observe the action from the windows of your hotel room.

4. The Trans Canada trail

You would need at least a couple of years to hike the entire Trans Canada Trail which is well on its way to becoming the world’s longest recreational path. Beginning at North America’s most easterly point, the completed length is around 21,500km, half as long as the earth is round. If you walk at a decent clip of about 30km a day it will take almost exactly two years to finish. If you’re in a hurry, grab a bike or horse for this multi-use path.

5. Raft the Shubenacadie tidal bore

The Bay of Fundy gets the world’s highest tides, rising up to 15m daily. As a result of these extreme tides, a tidal wave or bore flows up the feeder rivers when high tide comes in. At the mouth of the Shubenacadie River in Nova Scotia this has led to the creation of tidalbore rafting trips, with powered Zodiacs riding the collision of water as the river’s outflow meets the blasting force of the incoming Fundy tides. Wave heights are dependent on the phase of the moon, and will dictate whether your experience is mild or wild. Be prepared to get very wet.

This content was independently commissioned by Lonely Planet and is proudly supported by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

Just by ‘Liking’ Canada’s official Facebook page, Keep Exploring, you can enter to win a 5-day getaway to Jasper Alberta. You can also explore the top 10 Canadian Adventures with a free download from Lonely Planet. Click here and start planning your trip to Canada!

Like this? Sign up to get our best articles by email

Comments

14 December 2010 10:29PM caybaybay Report this comment
Gotta say this sounds more like British Columbia experiences than all of Canada. What about Banff national park? Polar bears in Churchill? Niagra falls? I'd put those in the top 5
24 December 2010 1:43AM jwood1964 Report this comment
Being from Canada and Living in several Provinces I can say Canada has much to offer from the West to the East. BC is one of the most beautiful provinces. There is the coast and Island, South Central Okanagan, Northern BC where I grew Up, and all points in between. There is so much to see and do. Ontario has many great places to visit also, Old Quebec and through to the Maritimes. The Maritimes are where my Family came from. Northern NB to The shores of the Atlantic. The great Tides that run up the Banks of the Peticotiac river in Moncton from the Bay of Fundy. So much natural Beauty. PEI and Nova Scotia have so much History and Beauty... There are never enough days in my Vacation to see all Canada has to offer. My Home sweet Home will Always stay close in my Heart. Janet in Atlanta Georgia.
24 December 2010 1:49AM jwood1964 Report this comment
I didnt mean to leave out, but wanted to say.. Per the previous comment. Jasper and Banff are something NOT TO MISS. Many people read and see photos of Banff Alberta, but dont hear much about the little town of Jasper. Its a Must see!! The natural beauty of Alberta is breathtaking. I Highly Recomend a drive from Calgary on the Trans Canada, through 93 to 16.. See Banff, Jasper to Prince George, then take The Hart Highway to Chetwynd BC, Through Dawson Creek, to Grand prairie. Then Back to Calgary