By Robin Esrock

Unprecedented times require unprecedented outdoor adventures. Canadians of all stripes are rallying to support our country, and along with an influx of inspired international visitors, local tourism is booming. Nobody needs to miss out either. Scratch a little deeper, and you’ll find that Canada is blessed with landscapes and activities on par (or we’d argue even better) than many international alternatives.

If you love the Alps, how about hiking the Canadian Rockies?

The Alps are a popular global hiking destination, but the Canadian Rockies deposit you into a world all your own. Mountains in Alberta and British Columbia tend to be wilder and more primal than those in Europe, delivering more wilderness and fewer crowds. Canada’s interconnected national parks cover a staggering range of terrain, inviting backcountry adventure away from busy alpine villages. The ruggedness, landscape, and extraordinary natural beauty are highlights of our Canadian Rockies Hiking Adventure, Mountains of Western Canada, and Scenic Trails of the Rockies itineraries. Not only do we visit iconic Banff and Jasper National Parks, but we also explore Kananaskis Country and Yoho National Park.

If you dream of Napa or Tuscany, what about cycling in the Okanagan or Niagara?

Wine country in British Columbia's Okanagan and Ontario's Niagara Peninsula offers an unpretentious alternative to Tuscany or the Napa Valley. Here you’ll find sun-drenched lakeside vineyards, gorgeous panoramas and fewer crowds, along with award-winning white Rieslings, Pinot Grigios and Chardonnays, and bold red Baco Noir, Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Pinot Noir. In B.C, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail follows a decommissioned rail track through mountains, forests, fruit orchards and wineries, taking you through the communities of Naramata, Summerland, Oliver and Kelowna. In Niagara, bike trails wind through Canada’s largest wine region along Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, with fantastic accommodations, dining, and views to raise a glass to.

If you’re fascinated by Ireland, why not explore Newfoundland?

On the wind-whipped edge of North America lie towering cliffs and emerald landscapes comparable to the Irish coast. Newfoundlanders also have a dialect that might make you feel like you’ve time-travelled to the old country. Hospitality flows as naturally as the Atlantic pounds the shoreline. Journeys here feel unhurried and organic, filled with music, fishing villages, and welcoming characters. You won’t find gift shops on the East Coast Trail, just magical coastal paths with puffins and whales off the shore. Regardless of which itinerary you pick, expect few crowds, trail companionship, and memorable hospitality.

If you enjoyed cycling in France, consider Quebec’s Charlevoix or the Laurentians

Quebec's Charlevoix is often compared to Normandy, but you won’t have to travel nearly as far to find it. This is a playground of mountains rolling into the mighty St. Lawrence River, accompanied by a distinct Québécois culture. Centuries-old farming traditions and avant-garde cuisine meet in artisanal cheese shops and microbreweries. Charlevoix is wilder and more rugged than Normandy: think forested hills, remote hinterlands, and hidden coastal coves. Over in the Laurentians, Le P’tit Train du Nord funnels you through dense forests and vibrant local communities. The region’s French heritage shines through in its architecture, food, and lifestyle, offering a distinct flavour you won’t find anywhere else in North America.

Instead of Maine or New England, why not take on PEI or Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island epitomize life on the Atlantic east coast, and there’s much to explore on foot or bike, visiting cities, small towns and fishing villages. Here, lighthouses are not just backdrops for Instagram posts: they still perform their centuries-old duty of guiding fishermen home through the Atlantic fog (as opposed to mega-yachts to their sailing clubs). Seafood arrives on your plate hours after being pulled from surrounding waters, served with Maritime hospitality. PEI's red sandstone beaches and rolling green landscapes deserve their international acclaim, while Nova Scotia's dramatic coastlines are more rugged than what you might find south of the border. As you cycle through communities on along PEI’s coast or Confederation Trail, or along the coves, harbours and coves on the Rum Runners Trail, you'll experience something hard to find in busy US counterparts: a sense of genuine surprise and discovery, where each bend in the trail reveals something new and unpredictable.

Instead of Alaska or Iceland, why not discover the Yukon?

The Yukon also delivers a raw, mythic wilderness, with far fewer people and lot less hype. One of Canada’s northern territories, it offers an expanse of untamed beauty while being thrillingly remote, devoid of large tour buses or cruise ships.  Visiting parks on your way to Alaska, the characters you'll meet in places like Dawson City are memorable and eclectic – think actual gold miners, trappers, and artists choosing a life of northern isolation. Take in the icefields of Kluane National Park, engage with northern Indigenous communities, or hike in the sweeping landscape of the Tombstone Range, and you'll realize the Yukon is a genuine frontier, off-the-beaten track, and bursting with bucket list adventure. 

Robin Esrock is the bestselling author of The Great Canadian Bucket List and The Great Global Bucket List.