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8 urban adventures to try in Canada

CN Tower EdgeWalk

8 urban adventures to try in Canada

Exciting adventures can be had wherever you are in Canada. In fact, there are plenty of adventures to be had near, or even in, most Canadian cities. Depending on the level of thrill you seek, you’ll love exploring your wild side, while seeing Canada’s too.

 

 

Earn your view near Vancouver

Grouse Mountain, also known as the Peak of Vancouver.
Grouse Mountain, also known as the Peak of Vancouver. Photo Credit: Destination Canada

Just a 20-minute drive north of Vancouver sits Grouse MountainExternal Link Title. A popular ski hill in the winter, in the summer people flock to the mountain to test their fitness on the "Grouse Grind." This challenging hikeExternal Link Title sees you climb sleep stairs and trail up 850 metres, usually taking about 90 minutes to the top. Your legs might be a little tired the next morning, but the views (and the refreshing beverage you can sip at the topExternal Link Title while enjoying them) will be well worth it.

Zip over Montréal

Zip above the Old Port of Montréal with Mtl Zipline.
Zip above the Old Port of Montréal with Mtl Zipline. Photo Credit: Étienne Lechasseur

Keep it short, sweet and zippy with Mtl ZiplineExternal Link Title. This exhilarating ride in the Old Port area of MontréalExternal Link Title  will have you flying over the Saint-Lawrence River and seeing the city from above. This experience offers spectacular views and is a safe and fun way to experience a free fall. Finish your aerial tour of this historic district with a ride on Canada's tallest panoramic ferris wheel, La Grande Roue de MontréalExternal Link Title, which will take you 60 metres above the city (as high as 20-storey building).

See Saskatoon from the sky

Saskatoon seen from above.
Saskatoon seen from above. Photo credit: Tourism Saskatoon/Nick Biblow

What better way to experience "the land of the living skiesExternal Link Title", Saskatchewan, than by experiencing it... from the sky! Head to SaskatoonExternal Link Title to see this prairie city from above on a scenic flightExternal Link Title. If you're up for a bit of fresh air, make it a hot air balloon rideExternal Link Title! Looking for adrenaline? Try jumping out of a planeExternal Link Title during a tandem dive (no previous experience required).

Climb a tree in Winnipeg

Urban tree climbing in Manitoba
Gain a new perspective from the urban forest canopy. Photo Credit: Travel Roots

Urban tree climbing in WinnipegExternal Link Title is the ultimate way to escape to the trees without leaving the city. Hang out with Travel Roots, for a tour of the city's tree canopyExternal Link Title. Channel your inner child and clamber from branch to branch and make your way back down to adulthood by retiring to one of Winnipeg's hip pubs or restaurantsExternal Link Title.

Live on the edge in Toronto

The CN Tower’s Edgewalk in, Toronto, Ontario.
The CN Tower’s Edgewalk in, Toronto, Ontario. Photo credit: Destination Canada

They say if you're not living life on the edge, you're taking up too much room. Live according to this motto at EdgeWalk at the CN TowerExternal Link Title. High above the city, on top of Toronto's most famous landmark, you'll be kitted out in a special suit to become part of the skyline. After enjoying views of the city from 356 metres above the streets, end your panoramic journey with a relaxing meal at the CN Tower's 360 RestaurantExternal Link Title, home to the world's highest wine cellar.

Dinosaurs for the whole family in Edmonton

The Jurassic Forest Prehistoric Dinosaur Park near Edmonton.
The Jurassic Forest Prehistoric Dinosaur Park near Edmonton. Photo credit: EEDC

For the young and the young at heart, Jurassic ForestExternal Link Title offers an opportunity to see life-size replicas of the dinosaurs that once roamed the land that is now known as Alberta. Take a two-kilometre boardwalk stroll through this 16-hectare old-growth forest located on the outskirts of EdmontonExternal Link Title to encounter creatures such as the tyrannosaurus rex and the triceratops. After trekking (and posing) with these mythical giants, treat the Jurassic Park fan in you, or the dino-loving child in your life, to a fun round of Journey to Extinction Mini Golf on site. Wrap up your prehistoric adventure in the city with a visit to the TELUS World of Science - EdmontonExternal Link Title to try your hand at extracting dinosaur bonesExternal Link Title from the earth.

Spot whales, icebergs and seabirds in St. John’s

Twenty-two species of whale call the waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador Home.
Twenty-two species of whale call the waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador Home. Photo credit: Destination Canada

Seeking out whales in the St. John'sExternal Link Title area is a must-do if you're an adventurer, especially with hot viewing land spots such as Signal HillExternal Link Title and the Cape Spear LighthouseExternal Link Title, which are both within a short drive of the city's core. Whether you explore by boatExternal Link Title, sea kayak or landExternal Link Title, you could be lucky enough to see up to 22 different species of whales, including the largest population of humpbacks. If you're lucky, you might even spot icebergsExternal Link Title (April to early July) and unique seabirdsExternal Link Title -- known as the 'Triple Play' in the area when you see all three.

Glide over glassy waters from Whitehorse

Canoeing through Miles Canyon in the Whitehorse area.
Canoeing through Miles Canyon in the Whitehorse area. Photo credit: Government of Yukon

Exploring Whitehorse and its surroundings from the water is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the Yukon and its wild natureExternal Link Title. Minutes from downtown WhitehorseExternal Link Title, you'll find the fast-moving turquoise waters of Miles Canyon,External Link Title one of the most picturesque landscapes in town. Whether you are an avid paddler or a beginner, Yukon's capital city abounds with options to take you out on the waterExternal Link Title. Looking for an experience unlike any other? Try a five-day guided stand up paddle boarding adventureExternal Link Title where a guide will take you through this historic gold rush territory.