Canada has a unique natural environment that offers many activities especially those of a physical manner. You can enjoy activities in Canada by yourself, with families, business colleagues and families. Self-guided or organised activities are equally enjoyable and you usually have the choice of either.

Canoeing and kayaking in Canada

Canada is famous for its canoeing which can be enjoyed almost anywhere. Anything from a gentle paddle in the afternoon to a weeklong white water challenge is on offer.

National parks offer guided trips and information if you wish to direct yourself.

Some recommended areas for canoeing and kayaking include:

British Columbia
Bowron Lake Provincial Park, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Northwest Territories
Nahanni National Park.

Nova Scotia
Kejimkujik National Park.

Ontario
Algonquin Provincial Park, Killarney Provincial Park, Ottawa River, Temagami.

Quebec
La Mauricie National Park, Mingan Island National Park, Perce.

Saskatchewan
Prince Albert National Park.

Yukon
Yukon River.

Climbing and hiking in Canada

Wide ranges of hikes are available both in and out of parks. The best quality trails are found within the parks or those maintained by the Trans Canada Trail and provincial trail organisations.

Trails and paths can be found of varying lengths and quality, winding through the Rocky Mountains, across the Prairies, along coastal cliffs and just about anywhere you can imagine.

Some recommended areas for hiking include:

Alberta
Jasper National Park.

British Columbia
Pacific Rim National Park.

New Brunswick
Dobson Trail, Fundy National Park.

Newfoundland & Labrador
Gros Morne National Park.

Nova Scotia
Cape Breton National Park.

Ontario
Bruce Trail Killarney Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, Voyager Trail.

Quebec
Gaspesie Park, Mont Tremblant Park.

Yukon Territory
Chilkoot Trail.

Climbing has become more and more popular over the past few years with options available to all levels of experience. Climbing for groups and with instructors and equipment is also becoming more popular and easy to find.

Some recommended areas for climbing include:

Alberta
Banff National Park, Jasper National Park.

British Columbia
Squamish.

Ontario
Collingwood, Sault Ste Marie, Thunder Bay.

Fishing in Canada

Fishing has become one of Canada's most popular activities amongst residents and visitors. Fishing licences must be purchased and range in price and duration from each province. Check with tourist offices about licences and also on consumption guidelines. Some areas where fishing is permitted contain pollutants and guidelines must be adhered to.

You can go fishing just about anywhere there is a river. Ask the local tourist office about fishing in the area.

Skiing and snowboarding in Canada

Snow sports can be enjoyed in most places across Canada and snow on the ground can last for quite some time. Use your international mobile phone rental to check on the ski conditions at each location you are thinking of visiting.

Skidoo trails are available in nearly every province and territory. You can rent a skidoo for quite cheap in most places. Make sure you wrap up warm when going on a skidoo. The added wind from the speed of travel increases the chance of frostbite. A balaclava under your helmet to cover your chin and neck is recommended to avoid windburn.

Some recommended areas for snow sports include:

Alberta
The Rocky Mountains in and around Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.

British Columbia
Whistler, Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, Okanagan Valley, Kootenay region.

Ontario
Barrie, Collingwood.

Newfoundland and Labrador
Marble Mountain in Corner Brook.

Quebec
Appalachian Mountains south of Montreal, the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal and Quebec City.

Ice skating and hockey in Canada

Ice skating during the winter months is available just about anywhere. Rinks when hockey is not being played are generally open to the public during set hours. Outside rinks in ponds, lakes and town squares are often maintained and provide excellent free skating.

Organised hockey games are played by school leagues, provincial leagues and the National Hockey League (NHL) which includes American teams. Almost every town has a rink and a team. The higher up the league, the more expensive the ticket. Use your Canada cell phone rental to reserve a ticket for a hocky game.

Swimming in Canada

Swimming can be found at most recreation centres, gyms and in some hotels.

During the summer months it is possible to swim in many lakes and also in the sea on either coast. Be aware of any signs indicating where swimming is or is not allowed.

During the spring, while the lakes are still frozen over, it is not uncommon to see local people cutting a hole in the ice and jumping in as part of their annual 'polar bear dip'.

The New Year Polar Bear Swim in English Bay in Vancouver is the longest running.

Shopping in Canada

Canada offers many gift shops selling souvenirs for visitors. Typical items include maple syrup, t-shirts, and just about anything you can fit a Canadian flag on.

Canada has an excellent selection of shops with many national and international retail stores.

Clothing can be found at very good prices and if you are planning on exploring the outdoors there are usually a good selection of shops selling all you need in and around popular outdoor destinations.

Bookstores are easy to find and stock a wide selection. In most provinces, alcohol can only be purchased at government run retail stores.

Popular cities for shopping include Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Use your international cell phone rental to find local shopping malls.