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Craving adventure beyond CN Tower and Niagara Falls? Buckle up! We’re about to explore seven hidden Canadian gems that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy
From the Inuit’s 4,000-year history in the Arctic to Toronto’s claim as the world’s most multicultural city (with over 50% of residents born outside Canada), this country is a tapestry of experiences waiting to be unraveled. Let’s dive into these seven unforgettable adventures:
1. Ice Bubble Hunting in Abraham Lake, Alberta
Picture this: You’re trekking across Abraham Lake’s frozen surface in -20°C weather, camera in hand. Suddenly, you spot it – a cluster of white orbs trapped in the ice like nature’s lava lamp. These methane bubbles, released by decaying plants on the lake bed, create a photographer’s paradise every winter. 
Visit between December and March for the best bubble-viewing. Book a tour with Pursuit Adventures, who’ll provide crampons and hot chocolate. This unique experience will cost you about CAD 115 per person.
2. Dogsledding in Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains
Imagine yourself yelling “Mush!” as a team of Alaskan huskies pulls you through snow-laden forests. At Aventures Kinadapt in Rawdon, Quebec, you can do just that. Their 2-hour expedition lets you alternate between driving the sled and riding as a passenger.
This unique experience off the beaten path runs from December to March, weather permitting. It’ll set you back at about CAD 150 per person. Pro tip: Bring hand warmers!
3. Dinner in the Sky, Vancouver
How about noshing on seared scallops while dangling 150 feet above Vancouver’s Harbor? Dinner in the Sky makes this surreal experience possible. Strapped into racing-style seats, you and 21 other diners enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by top chefs right before your eyes.
This unique experience operates in the summer months. Tickets start at CAD 349. Not for those with a fear of heights!
4. Sleeping in an Ice Hotel, Quebec City
Ever fancied sleeping on a bed of ice? At Hotel de Glace, 4.5 km from downtown Quebec City, you can do just that. This 44-room marvel is rebuilt each winter using 40,000 tons of snow and ice. Don’t miss the ice chapel – it’s hosted over 50 weddings!
This cool experience (pun intended) is available from January to March. A night’s stay starts at CAD 399. Don’t worry, they provide sleeping bags rated at -30°C.
5. Tidal Bore Rafting on the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia
Imagine riding a 10-foot wave… upstream. That’s tidal bore rafting on Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie River. As the world’s highest tides rush in from the Bay of Fundy, they create a massive wave that defies gravity.
River Runners in Maitland offers 2.5-hour trips from May to October. This unique experience off the beaten path costs about CAD 85 per person. Prepare to get soaked!
6. Northern Lights Viewing in a Heated Bubble, Yellowknife
Picture yourself cozy in a clear dome, sipping hot cocoa, as green and purple lights dance across the Arctic sky. In Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, you can do just that. This city sits under the “aurora oval,” offering a 90% chance of seeing the Northern Lights on a clear winter night.
Book a bubble with Aurora Village from August to April. This ethereal experience off the beaten path starts at CAD 615 per couple. The bubbles are heated, but bring warm layers for outdoor viewing.
7. Foraging and Feasting on Fogo Island, Newfoundland
Join Lori McCarthy of Cod Sounds for a day of foraging on this remote island off Newfoundland’s coast. You’ll learn to identify edible plants like beach peas and goose tongue greens, before enjoying a gourmet meal featuring your findings.
This unique culinary experience runs from May to October. A full-day tour costs about CAD 250 per person. Come hungry and wear sturdy shoes!
Conclusion: 7 Unique Experiences Off the Beaten Path
From frozen bubbles to floating dinners, these seven unique experiences showcase Canada’s diverse wonders. They offer a slice of adventure that goes far beyond maple syrup and moose sightings.
So pack your sense of adventure (and maybe some warm socks), and get ready to uncover the real Canada!
READ: Sustainable Travel: Enjoying the World While Preserving It
How can we enjoy cherished lands without leaving a negative impact? The answer lies in sustainable travel—a thoughtful approach that lets us explore the world while ensuring it thrives for generations to come. Read here.
