Float Through Some Powder
The immense and consistent snowfall, rideable developed/undeveloped terrain and overall snow-sport culture of Canada are second to none. Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia and Banff in Alberta offer at least 30 of the winter world's most amazing and often uncrowded ski/snowboard destinations. Check out Fernie, Kicking Horse, Panorama, Red Mountain, Revelstoke, Lake Louise and Castle Mountain, among others.
Catch the Big One
Whether you prefer slipping on a pair of waders and working your fly rod for trout in the Thompson-Okanagen region of British Columbia or trawling the Great Lakes region of Ontario for a trophy walleye, Canada's waterways will get you hooked. If you prefer the deep blue sea, the Pacific Ocean off the British Columbian coast and the Atlantic seaboard off Nova Scotia and Labrador might offer fishing opportunities as well.
Follow the Swell
Surf culture is alive and well in the "Great White North." Vancouver Island (Tofino) is the prime locale, but you also can find consistent surf breaks in Nova Scotia. If your tan is more important than catching a wave, forget about surfing in Canada. A wet suit is mandatory for most of the year.
Take the Bull by the Horns
Check out Fantasy Adventure Bull Riding Ltd. (15 min. north of Calgary), and see what it's like to be a real cowboy for a day. If you'd prefer sitting in a stationary place, i.e. a seat, instead of an excitable 2,000 pound animal, the Calgary Stampede is considered the world's premier annual rodeo event and is fun for all ages (10 days near the Fourth of July).
Sail and Parlait Francais
Chart a course with Canadian Sailing Expeditions up the St. Lawrence River and experience one of Canada's most picturesque waterways. Start your journey in beautiful Québec, enjoy a week of natural beauty and buttery croissants and practice your French language skills along the way.
Bag A Peak
The Rocky Mountains surrounding Banff have long been synonymous with the greatness of the Canadian alpine wilderness . The Parks Canada Banff Information Center can provide all necessary year-round trail updates and conditions for your walk in the woods.
Where the Rubber Doesn't Meet the Road
Rage downhill, or navigate trails on a mountain bike through the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia. Mountain Bike Park in Whistler provides more than 200 kilometers of terrain for the downhill maniacs among us.
Climb Frozen Waterfalls
Get in touch with Rockies Ice Specialists in Canmore, Alberta (near Banff), and challenge yourself to an ice climbing adventure. If you're a novice, fear not; all necessary gear will be provided. Aside from the gear, though, conquering your fear of the icy waterfall will be entirely up to you.
Yukon Quest
Yearly in February since 1984, mushers have traversed 1,000 miles between Fairbanks, Alaska, and Whitehorse (Yukon Territory) participating in the Yukon Quest International Dog Sled Race. If 1,000 miles seems a bit much for you, maybe the Yukon Quest 300 is more suitable. Don't forget to check out the official rules and procedures before entering; this is not for the faint of heart.
Play Some Pond
The NHL might be home to the big names and big wallets in the hockey world, but Canada is home to hockey itself. Head to Ontario for the Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships or eastward to New Brunswick for the World Pond Hockey Championship, and lace 'em up. If you'd rather spectate and enjoy a Molson Golden off ice, put on your thermal underwear, and catch a glimpse of "How the Game Was Meant to be Played."
