Summer in Canada is a special time; after a long winter in most parts of the country, Canadians are ready to come out of their homes and enjoy the sunshine for a precious few months. This means a lot of the summer activities to do in Canada revolve around the great outdoors whether it's hiking, camping, swimming, or stargazing.
Travelers planning a trip to Canada this summer will want to ensure they have at least some of these experiences to do Canadian summer right. From the large city of Toronto to the blue lakes of Banff National Park, here is what should be on any traveler's Canadian Summer Bucket List.
Camping is a hugely popular pastime for Canadians, and it's no wonder why - there are 37 national parks and 10 national park reserves. In addition to that, there are also provincial parks in each individual province.
Spending a few nights camping at these various parks offers a chance to be fully immersed in nature, spot wildlife, and take incredible photos.
Related: Beautiful British Columbia: 14 Pretty Towns To See On Canada's West Coast
Canoeing is a popular way to enjoy the incredible scenery throughout Canada. Whether travelers have their own canoe that they are road-tripping with or want to rent one along the way, it's worth dedicating time and some of the budget to have this experience.
Plan a canoe trip for sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and photos. Portaging is a multi-day canoe trip with stretches of paddling and stretches of carrying the canoe overland.
Relaxing on the beach with some watermelon and a good book is a true Canadian summer experience. Whether it's a classic sandy beach in Ontario or a red sand beach in Prince Edward Island, travelers should plan a beach day wherever they are in the country.
Related: This Is The Best Time To Visit Canada, Depending On What You Want To Experience
The northern lights are a phenomenon that can be seen in various countries around the world, usually in the far north like Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and northern Canada.
While travelers visiting southern Canada likely won't spot the northern lights in the summer, it is possible to see them until mid-August in the Yukon.
The best time of year to see the northern lights is from November to February.
The Canadian Rockies straddle the western provinces of Alberta and British Columbia and are easily one of the most impressive sights in the country.
The Rocky Mountains deserve a spot on a Canadian summer bucket list, so plan on at least one exciting hike in this region (maybe in Banff National Park).
Related: Canadian Views: 10 Of The Best Scenic Train Routes In Canada
Road trips are a favorite North American pastime, and with so much to see in this vast nation, it's one of the best options for exploring Canada in a limited time. Rent a car and drive from Toronto to Montreal with a stop in Ottawa and Quebec City along the way for a look at Canada's eastern urban areas.
Or, head far east through the maritime provinces to enjoy lighthouse views, whale watching, and fresh lobster. A road trip on the West Coast from Vancouver to Calgary offers stunning scenery and challenging hikes along the way.
Niagara Falls is one of Canada's biggest attractions. The falls straddle the border between the US and Canada, with the ongoing argument of which side is more impressive never ceasing.
However, travelers might find they fall in love with the Canadian side of Niagara Falls this summer not just because of the impressive cascading water, but because there is so much to see and do in the area.
Wine tasting at the Niagara wineries, dinner and theater shows at Niagara-on-the-Lake, and going on rides along Clifton Hill are just some of the ways to enjoy a summer weekend here.
It might surprise travelers to learn that Canada is home to many natural hot springs. Even during the summer months, these natural hot pools are a wonderful way to relax the muscles after a long hike or simply unwind while surrounded by beautiful nature.
Canada is home to two especially famous wine regions: the Niagara Region in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. The Niagara peninsula is the largest, most concentrated winemaking region in Canada, boasting more than 50 wineries.
Patio season is a big deal for Canadians. With only a few months of warmth and sunshine per year, everyone is trying to make the most of the good weather by spending as much time as possible outdoors.
Dining and getting drinks on a restaurant's patio is a hallmark experience of Canadian summer.