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The Must-Try-It List: Canadian Adventures Are The Best

18 August 2009 by Victoria Revay

Canada is a not only a big place, but it’s also a fun place. I know this first hand. This summer, we participated (however clumsily at times) in some of the most out-of-the-ordinary, inexpensive and truly Canadiana-type of experiences that one could find.

While I was able to blog about most of them, I thought a quick list would cover any missing ones. Warning: Not for the faint of heart, my top must-try-once list spans a wide range of skill and shall I say, fitness levels? 
 
1. Tidal Bore Rafting on the Shubenacadie River in Nova Scotia
 
The hardest part about this activity is getting the pronunciation of the town correct. (Asking for directions is always easier.) After that, it’s just rolling with the punches–of the tidal waves that is.  They wildly collide as you’re hovering over them in a zodiac boat. The secret river rafting spot is a bit dicey to find, so have a map handy. From Wolfville (think, Lunenberg and a bit over), it’s about a two-hour drive. 
 
The scenery of vast rolling hills, farming communities and lone churches should keep you entertained until you get there. Once you get there, strap on the sunglasses, take off your shoes and change into something dark.  Mudsliding and drifting down the river is mandatory.
 
2. The Sour Toe Cocktail in Dawson City, Yukon
 
This is not a PG-13 rated activity, it’s a serious shot of liquid courage. The local delicacy involves a shot of booze with an alcohol-preserved human toe inside. That’s right. Legend has it’s the frostbitten digit of a stampeder nicknamed Captain Dick.  
 
3. Ziptrekking in Whistler, British Columbia
 
Flying high above the rainforest and Fitzsimmons Creek, Whistler's wild adventure ride takes you 200-feet above a rushing creek and lets you zip from Blackcomb to Whistler mountains.  Free as a bird? You bet. Adrenaline, start your engines please.
 
4. Kiteboarding in Sandbanks National Park in Ontario
 
Out of nowhere, hundreds of colourful kiteboards dotted the sky when we visited Sandbanks’ National Park. Although there are about a dozen beaches in Ontario where your kite can try to keep up with the wind, Sandbanks' white sandy beaches and sand dunes make it a perfect blend for the wind to do its thing.
 
5. Driving Across the Arctic Circle
 
There is something magical about driving the Dempster Highway. The dusty gravel road highway is one of two in North America that crosses the Arctic Circle. It’s a rite of passage for many. From Inuvik, Northwest Territories to Dawson City, Yukon, you’ll cover about 700 km of terrain, cross two ferries and two Canadian territories. Whew. 
 
All this while you are overwhelmed by the most precious scenic views out there. Purple fireweeds blanket areas between dipping valleys and decorate the side of bare mountains. Your function junction is at Eagle Plains. A lone motel and gas station ensures you’re refueled all the way down to Dawson City.

What's your favourite Canadian "must-try-it" adventure? Share it with us @bigplaceblog.

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