Canadians are a creative bunch and one of the best places to experience it is Whistler, a resort town so popular with Australians it’s sometimes nicknamed “Whistralia”. Every year brings an exciting variety of new things to see and do – in 2025, it’s as varied as a wilderness playground, family-friendly adventures at Whistler Olympic Park, a boutique cheesemonger and natural wine shop and events such as the Luge Canada 2025 World Championships. However, a visit to Whistler only scratches Canada’s surface. Here is a wonderful (and wild) list of must-do activities to put on your list for your next visit.

1. See the solar maximum

The Northern Lights are always special, but next year they are set to kick it up a notch. Every few years, the aurora borealis flares up into a display far more dramatic than usual, known as the solar maximum. It’s set to peak in 2025 and Canada is one of the best places to experience it, such as in a glass-fronted cabin at Northern Lights Resort and Spa in the Yukon. There will also be a total lunar eclipse in March.

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2. Get sporty in Vancouver

All eyes will be on Canada when the first-ever winter Invictus Games takes place in Vancouver and Whistler next year, featuring competitors from 25 nations. You’ll see great performances in adaptive winter sports as well as classic events such as wheelchair basketball and rugby, as well as a fantastic opening ceremony with acts such as multi-platinum artist Noah Kahan and superstar Nelly Furtado.

Bikes, bikes, bikes

British Columbia winters are dedicated to snow sports, but its summers are all about mountain biking. New experiences are popping up everywhere, from the new bike park set to open at Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain early next year to the major expansion of Rossland’s Red Mountain Resort bike park project in central BC and the new lift-accessed biking at Fernie Alpine Resort in the stunning Kootenay Rockies. Cycle tourism is also booming through the forests – such as in Quebec – on much flatter terrain.

4. Year-round resort access

Canadian summers are gorgeous, with warm days, vibrant wildflowers, magnificent wildlife and daylight stretching until late in the evening. Snow resorts all around the country are working hard to make the most of it. This year has seen a huge uptick in the number of mountain coasters, such as the brand new one installed at Panorama Resort alongside the uber-fun Timberline Traverse Aerial Ropes Tower.

5. Sophisticated city stays

Toronto is Canada’s cosmopolitan heart and home to some of its most glamorous city stays. A bunch of hotels have just been announced as part of the very first Michelin Key selection for North America (it’s the latest category to be added to the Michelin Guide, focusing on exceptional stays). Top of the list? Don’t miss 1 Hotel Toronto, Ace Hotel Toronto, Bisha Hotel Toronto and The Hazelton Hotel Toronto.

6. Fresh focus on wellness

Nothing hits the reset button like a nature break, especially when a thermal spa is involved. One of the most eagerly anticipated wellness experiences is the opening of the state-of-the-art thermal wellness facility at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in mid-2025. For something slightly more active, try a two-hour guided forest meditation, focusing on sensory engagement so you feel totally at one with the woods.

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7. Extraordinary expeditions

Churchill, Manitoba, is one of few places on earth where polar bears outnumber humans – you can experience it on a new 16-day expedition cruise with Silversea, departing from Reykjavik in 2025. Alternatively, Quark Expeditions has a fantastic new expedition through the Northwest Passage to Newfoundland over 16 days, packed with glaciers and mountains, while the ultra-luxe Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a new partnership with the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for an unforgettable experience.

8. Celebrate 60 years of heli-skiing

The last six decades have seen British Columbia’s CMH Heli-Skiing evolve from two young mates excited about skiing the backcountry to the world’s largest heli-ski operation, with 150 guides escorting guests to 11 destinations spread over three million pristine acres. Assemble your mates for a private multi-day trip to CMH Monashees or enjoy the best powder turns of your life with a single-day trip to CMH Purcell. 

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9. Relaxed days by the water

Ontario is the land of 10,000 lakes, and while water-based activities are a classic Canadian holiday choice, there are always fun new things to try. Don’t miss Le Boat, a European houseboat company that has just launched a new route on the Trent-Severn Waterway. You’ll navigate 386km of canals and 42 historic locks as you make your way from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, soaking in the amazing views. Across the country, don’t miss a guided tour on the luxury “cataraft” at Columbia Wetlands Outpost.

10. New perspectives on First Nations

Alpine Helicopters has partnered with the Stoney Nakoda nation to offer four incredible new sightseeing tours near Canmore in Alberta (pictured). The tours range from 20-60 minutes, flying over a majestic part of the Canadian Rockies while offering fascinating insights into local culture. Alternatively, take an e-bike tour in Banff and enjoy spending time with Buffalo Stone Woman, a revered Indigenous hiking guide. 

11. Field to fork experiences

Saskatchewan has long flown under the radar, but it’s set to turn heads in 2025. Why? It’s home to some of the world’s best produce, which means fascinating (and delicious) agritourism experiences. You can try classic experiences such as berry picking at Saskatoon Farm, sample local wares such as whisky with a tasting at Black Fox Farm, or even plan a trip during the Saskatchewan Open Farm Days. 

12. Feel-good adventures

Canadian tourism depends on reliable weather, especially when it comes to snow. The last few years have seen a huge focus on sustainable adventures, which will continue into 2025. For example, you can hit the slopes on a new snowmobile tour with Mountain Man Adventures at Sun Peaks, exploring the resort on a state-of-the-art fleet of fuel-efficient machines that preserve the remarkable environment.

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See also: 

Never make this driving mistake in Canada

10 things every Aussie needs to do in Canada at least once

7 best things to do on a Canadian winter holiday