7 ways you can fill your bucket list without leaving Canada

Jul 10 2018, 3:42 am

A recent survey conducted by Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) revealed that 59% of Canadians have or plan to make a bucket list. So if you haven’t made your own list of things you absolutely need to accomplish in your lifetime, you’re literally in the minority at this point!

The survey showed that those aged 35 and under (82%) are more likely to have a bucket list compared to those aged 55 to 64 (46%). And the top three bucket list experiences Canadians are most interested in are: nature (67%), road trips (59%), and history (52%).

The survey found that of those who have, or plan to make a bucket list, 78% are interested in Canadian experiences. And more than half of Canadians (56%) say there are many bucket list experiences in Canada.

That’s why internationally-recognized bucket list expert, Robin Esrock, teamed up with IHG created to create a Great Canadian Bucket List. We’ve rounded up our top picks (with one of our own) to help you fill your bucket list.

Feel the mist at Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls, Niagara, ON/Image courtesy of EWM

Niagara Falls is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, and it’s easy to see why. The Niagara River crashes down more than 160 feet over a horseshoe-shaped cliff and it’s one of the most mesmerizing things you’ll ever see.

Take the Hornblower Cruise, wear the ugly poncho (harsh but true), and delight in the fact that you can enjoy every bit of this in your own home country. Don’t stress about trying to plan a day trip there, make it easy and stay for a couple of nights at the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls.

Drive along the Icefields Parkway

This journey through Alberta links Lake Louise with Jasper and it’s been rated as one of the top drives in the world. All you need is a car and you’re ready to set out on the 232 km drive where you’ll pass through soaring rocky mountain peaks, ancient icefields, and sweeping valleys. You might even see some wildlife as you get closer to Jasper. Plan this bucket list adventure in advance and book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jasper.

Feast your eyes on a fiesta of hot air balloons

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Vernon, BC/Image courtesy of Tourism Vernon – Steve Austin

The city of Vernon in BC hosts an annual winter celebration every February. It’s the biggest of its kind in Western Canada and features everything from dozens of colourful hot air balloons, to a moonlit ski and snow sculpture competition. Book this bucket list activity ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Looking for accommodations nearby? Check out the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vernon.

Ice canoe across the St. Lawrence

Ice canoe, Quebec City, QC/Image courtesy of EWM

Fun fact: The world’s largest winter carnival happens in Quebec City every February and it’s like the frosty counterpart of Mardi Gras. If you feel like revelling in street parades, dancing in ice palaces, and watching paddlers race across the St. Lawrence, you’ve got to immerse yourself in this sensational winter extravaganza. Check out the Holiday Inn Express Quebec City (Sainte-Foy) for rates and book before you go.

See the sockeye salmon run

Adams Rivers, Kamloops, BC/Image courtesy of EWM

One of nature’s biggest migrations happens every year in Canada when millions of sockeye salmon adventure up the tributaries where they once hatched. Travellers from all around the world flock to the Adams River for the Salute the Sockeye Festival, and you’ll want to be one of them to witness this wondrous spectacle. Stay at the Holiday Inn Express Kamloops while you’re there and enjoy the bliss.

Climb the Via Ferrata du Diable

If you’ve got a thirst for adventure and want to challenge yourself while ticking off a bucket list item, why not scale the Via Ferrata Du Diable above Mont Tremblant in Quebec’s largest national park? You’ll be making your way along a cliff over a 65-foot drop, but you’ll have a guide with you the entire time so you can take in the epic vistas as you go. Chances are you’ll be a little tired when you’re done, so you’ll want to rest your head at a hotel like Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tremblant.

See polar bears up close

Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, MB/Image courtesy of EWM

It’s not every day that you can say you’ve seen a polar bear, let alone stand beneath them. However, this is a real thing you can do at the Churchill and Polar Bear Conservation Centre inside Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park.

It’s home to rescued Arctic wildlife and while you’re here, you can walk through a transparent tunnel, inches away from polar bears who are casually swimming around. Book your accommodation for this bucket list trip ahead of time via Holiday Inn Winnipeg – Airport West.


Cost (68%) and work responsibilities (37%) are the top two reasons preventing Canadians from making their bucket list dreams a reality, but they don’t have to be yours. You can see the full list of IHG’s Great Canadian Bucket List experiences here.

Since there are more than 177 IHG hotels across Canada (and 31 hotels in the pipeline) offering everything from budget-friendly to luxury options, you’re sure to find one for any kind of journey.

Visit IHG now to book the hotel for your next bucket list trip.

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