The great outdoors beckons, in all its colours, bounty, and expansiveness Canada shines a little brighter in the autumn. Dazzling foliage decorates forests and urban centres, temperatures are cool and conducive to long outdoor strolls, and the seasonal harvest proffers a feast for the senses.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Occurring annually on September 30th, the feature story of this package shares some history of residential schools in Canada, and invites you to listen, learn and engage with Indigenous communities through transformative tourism experiences.

Creative problem-solving outdoors: Being outdoors is a rite of passage in Canada, and it might be part of the reason Canadians are so creative. This package shares the research behind nature’s impact on creativity and problem-solving, while exploring the many ways visitors to Canada’s rural and urban areas can reap the benefits.

Canadian ranch culture: With cowboy-core on the upswing and autumn an idyllic time to visit a rural ranch, now is the time to plan a cowboy-cation in Canada. Alberta and BC in Western Canada are particularly prolific when it comes to dude ranches and horse-riding adventures, though the Prairies put on a good show, and Eastern provinces like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador have their fair share of cowpokes.

Keep reading for a rodeo roundup of the best cowboy experiences across the country.

After dark: Whether star parties, northern lights adventures, or after-hours urban attractions, Canada comes alive at night – particularly when fall slips into winter and daylight hours dwindle.

Farm to fork: Fall’s bounty flourishes in the Prairie provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba – in fact, the federal government recently invested in the development of an agritourism corridor through the region. Visitors can experience the culinary heartbeat of the Prairies with agriculture-inspired farm stays, field-to-fork dining, Indigenous agricultural traditions, harvest events, and more. See below for the best ways to savour the season in the Prairies.

Honouring Indigenous History, Healing Communities

Visitors have an opportunity to engage and learn about Indigenous cultures through experiences that are more than just travel.

By Ryan Rogers, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)

Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada offer travellers a unique opportunity to engage with Indigenous cultures in a meaningful way through immersive experiences that foster understanding, healing, and connection. These experiences are more than just travel – they are invitations to learn, reflect, and contribute to reconciliation. September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, established as a day to acknowledge, reflect and learn about Canada’s colonial history.

For well over a century—from the early 19th century to the late 20th century—Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in government-funded, church-run residential schools, where many experienced neglect, abuse, and were punished for practicing their culture and speaking their language. The devastating legacy of these schools continues to affect Indigenous communities today.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in 2021 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, specifically Call to Action 80 in 2015, which called for a statutory day to recognize the ongoing impact of residential schools.

Unfinished stories: In recent years, the discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across Canada have brought to light the dark history and lasting impacts of these institutions. These findings confirm truths long shared by survivors and highlight the urgent need for continued efforts toward justice, acknowledgment, and healing.

Symbols of Reconciliation: Wearing orange on September 30th is a powerful symbol of remembrance and solidarity. Inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day of school, this date, also referred to as Orange Shirt Day, acknowledges the painful past while affirming that every child matters. It is an opportunity for everyone to reflect, educate themselves, and commit to meaningful reconciliation efforts.

The Witness Blanket: An online exhibit from The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, this large scale art project, inspired by a woven blanket, is made up of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings and traditional and cultural structures from across Canada. The Witness Blanket also gives voices to survivors who talk about the experience of being forced into residential schools. Together, they tell us about the sweeping history of the residential schools that operated from coast to coast to coast for over a hundred years.

Reclaiming narratives: Indigenous tourism is a powerful avenue for sharing history from Indigenous perspectives. For generations, Indigenous Peoples across Canada have safeguarded their languages, traditions, and ways of life despite the impacts of colonization and the residential school system. Today, Indigenous tourism businesses are reclaiming their narratives, offering visitors the chance to engage with their cultures through storytelling, land-based experiences, and authentic connections with Knowledge Keepers.

Journeys of truth: One such experience can be found on the Indigenous Cultural Immersion Journey with Moccasin Trails in British Columbia, where visitors learn the history of residential schools from survivors in an emotional storytelling session around a fire in a Secwépemc Pit House. In Cranbrook, BC, guests at the St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino can embark on a 90-minute tour of the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre and historic mission building led by a residential school survivor who provides valuable insights into Indigenous culture and their personal experiences. The Unceded Journey with Wikwemikong Tourism, in Ontario, delves into key historical sites, such as the first Residential School on the Great Lakes and Northern Ontario’s oldest Catholic church providing visitors with a fresh perspective on the experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, fostering connections and promoting reconciliation. Each of these experiences is rooted in the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities and offers an opportunity to witness history through Indigenous eyes.

Building bridges: Indigenous tourism creates spaces for dialogue, learning, and relationship-building. Many operators see their work as a bridge between cultures, fostering a deeper awareness of historical injustices while celebrating the vibrancy of Indigenous traditions today. Economic empowerment is another crucial aspect of reconciliation. Indigenous tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Canada’s travel industry, providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and strengthening community well-being. When travellers choose Indigenous-led experiences, they contribute to the self-determination and economic sustainability of Indigenous Communities.

Landmark Land Agreement: On February 17, 2025, the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada signed the Chiixuujin / Chaaw Kaawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Haida Title Lands Agreement. This Agreement includes Canada’s recognition of Haida Aboriginal title to lands on Haida Gwaii and marks a significant milestone in the journey to reconciliation.

Acknowledging the truth and the land: Wherever in Canada your travels may take you, take the time to find out whose traditional territory you will be standing on, and learn about the history and culture of those Indigenous Peoples. Visitors, or those tuning into a virtual meeting or public gathering hosted in Canada, might be surprised to hear the event begin with a land acknowledgement, something still not commonly done in other countries. “Acknowledgments are a tiny snippet that links us back to a much longer history,” says Christine McRae, executive director for the Canadian nonprofit Native Land, which maps Indigenous territories across the world. “They’re a way to bring forward history that’s been shoved into the darkness.” Land acknowledgement harkens back to Indigenous custom, whereby visitors – even if only passing through – would announce their presence by acknowledging the territory of that Nation.

As Canada reflects on its history and looks toward the future, Indigenous tourism offers a path to deeper understanding, connection, and healing. Travellers are invited to listen, learn, and walk alongside Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and everyday.

 

Canada’s Fresh-Air Boost of Creativity

Walk, cycle, or just be outside: You’ll see benefits in problem solving and imagination

It’s no secret that nature is a proven healer. Many studies have confirmed that being outdoors improves cognitive, emotional, and physical health by enhancing mood, reducing stress and anxiety, and lowering heart rate and blood pressure. What’s less talked about is nature’s ability to boost creativity, problem-solving, and productivity – and according to researchers, including those at Stanford University, all that’s required is a walk in the woods.

Natural abundance: In Canada, where 40 percent of the landmass is covered by forests and woodlands, there is a wealth of opportunity for people to recharge their creative juices. Many of the country’s meeting planners, for example, build outdoor breaks and meetings into conference programming. Vancouver’s Convention Centre boasts 57,964 square feet (5,385 square meters) of plaza space surrounding its two buildings. Nature-based wellness activities that promote clarity and calm, such as forest bathing, are practiced widely . And there is a growing emphasis on Indigenous land-based education that strives to change our perspective of, and relationship with, the earth, leading to a healthier way of being for both people and planet.

Call of the wild: Canadians are passionate subscribers of nature’s benefits. For example, a 2023 survey by Statistics Canada found that 77 percent of Canadians participate in outdoor activities close to home. Of course, in Canada, it’s not hard to recharge in the wilderness. The country is home to 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, and 93 percent of households in metropolitan areas have a park or green space close to home. Research shows the creative boon of nature takes effect when we’re young. The David Suzuki Foundation advocates for children to spend unstructured time in natural settings, which can ignite curiosity and problem-solving. The foundation conducted a survey that found children who spend time outside when they’re young are 20 percent more likely to gravitate toward nature when they’re older.

Solution generator: Adults who walk outdoors significantly expand their creativity and thinking skills. One study cited by the Canadian Department of National Defence shows that walking outdoors improves creativity by 60 percent to 200 percent. Another study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that walking in fresh air can produce twice as many creative responses as sitting inside. A study published in Frontiers of Psychology suggests the reason outdoor exercise is so beneficial to our minds is because it increases neuronal activity in brain regions related to creativity.

City walks count: While Canada’s abundance of wide open spaces makes it easy to step out the door and straight into nature, creativity can be cultivated in cities as well. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, municipalities have worked to make their downtowns more pedestrian-friendly with car-free streets inviting locals and visitors to exercise, connect, and reap the benefits of fresh air. Also, many cities offer self-guided walking itineraries that encourage visitors to wander outdoor attractions, such as Quebec City, Quebec’s historical and cultural walking tours and Vancouver, BC’s film- and TV show-themed itineraries. Guided walks are also popular. In Calgary, Alberta, for example, Zuc’min Guiding hosts Indigenous art walks in collaboration with néhinaw artist Mackenzie Brown to illustrate Indigenous creativity in urban spaces. Storyteller: Mackenzie Brown (Kamamak) from the Cree Nation drums and sings songs of her people to share stories of the land and the heartbeat of Mother Earth. She and her mother, Matricia Brown, make up the group Warrior Women, which leads fireside chats, outdoor performances, and artistic experiences.

Fully accessible: In Canada, walking outdoors is not an exclusive endeavour. In Vancouver, for example, many hikes are wheelchair accessible. The Trans Canada Trail – the world’s longest recreational trail network – has many accessible routes, as do Canada’s national parks. In some cases, hiking is covered by medical insurance providers. For example, in Miramichi, New Brunswick, Fletchers Farm leads insurance-covered mental wellness hikes along the Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail with alpine goats, who act as therapy animals.

With the maelstrom of problems in the world, and the proven boost of clear-headedness and problem-solving that comes from spending time in nature, there’s every reason to head for Canada’s wilderness. After all, a mere walk in the woods might uncover solutions that change the world for the better.

SEVEN GREAT CANADIAN WALKS

While wandering in nature can kickstart creativity, Canada raises the bar with some of the mostepic and memorable routes on the planet. Here are seven trails to expand your creative horizons:

➢ Trans Canada Trail Where: The mother of all trails, the system stitches the entire country together. Length: 28,000 kilometres (17,398 miles). Don’t miss: Along the Pinawa Trail in Manitoba, hikers can cross a 54-metre suspension bridge, see the sprawling channel from rocky outcrops, and spot beaver dams.

Storyteller: Get inspired for your Trans Canada adventure by watching Dianne Whelan’s documentary 500 Days in the Wild, which chronicles her travels along the trail while honouring the Indigenous Peoples who originally settled the land.

➢ Island Walk Where: Prince Edward Island. Length: 700 kilometres (434 miles). Don’t miss: The Confederation Bridge – the largest bridge to cross ice-covered water – connects PEI to the mainland with dramatic views of the Northumberland Strait.

➢ Kettle Valley Rail Trail Where: British Columbia. Length: 660 kilometres (410 miles). Don’t miss: The Myra Canyon section of the trail runs along a steep-walled canyon backdropped by lake and valley views, as well as 18 spectacular trestles and two tunnels. You can hike or bike through Myra Canyon between May and October.

➢ East Coast Trail Where: Newfoundland and Labrador. Length: 336 kilometres (208 miles). Don’t miss: The trail passes through the charming fishing village of Quidi Vidi, home to the famed iceberg beer crafted by Quidi Vidi Brewery.

➢ West Coast Trail Where: British Columbia. Length: 75 kilometres (46 miles). Don’t miss: One of the world’s most beautiful coastal hikes, the West Coast Trail runs along the notorious Graveyard of the Pacific, a collection of hundreds of shipwrecks the area has claimed since the 1800s. (Note: Parks Canada provides wilderness permits to hike the trail between May 1 and September 30.)

➢ P’tit Train du Nord Where: Quebec. Length: 234 kilometres (145 miles). Don’t miss: This bike trail along a decommissioned railway track winds through the picturesque Laurentian mountains. Along the route is Mont Tremblant Resort, whose lakeside forests pop with yellows, reds, and oranges in the fall.

➢ Véloroute des Bleuets Where: Quebec. Length: 256 kilometres (159 miles). Don’t miss: This breezy cycling route that loops Lac Saint-Jean can be combined with kayak stops to experience the view from land and water.

GUIDED WALKING TOURS

Travellers who prefer to walk in the wilderness with an experienced guide are spoilt for choice when it comes to guided adventures in Canada:

➢ Great Canadian Trails leads guests into wilderness areas across the country, favouring secluded regions rather than major tourist sites. Options include day hikes in Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador; an eight-day adventure in the Yukon complete with hikes amid the grand vistas of Tombstone Territorial Park and Kluane National Park; and a camping adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

Storyteller: Great Canadian Trails’ ambassador is Robin Esrock, a longtime travel blogger and vlogger whose book The Great Canadian Bucket List spotlights epic, one-of-a-kind experiences that every traveller should do.

➢ In Alberta, Talking Rock Tours leads guests into Elk Island National Park, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve just a half hour east of Edmonton. Mahikan Trails leads a plant medicine walk in Banff that identifies plants, trees, and bushes Indigenous Peoples have used for centuries to fight colds, start fires, and otherwise survive the elements. And Walks and Talks Jasper offers explorations of the waterfalls, canyons, glaciers, and lakes of Jasper National Park in Jasper.

Storyteller: Owner Paula Beauchamp is a lifetime Jasper resident, a registered nurse, and has worked as an interpretive guide at the Park’s Information Centre for 12 years

 

Not the Usual Cowboy-cations

Unique and varied ranch and rodeo culture across the west, and even east Cowboys are having a moment. From set-in-the-West TV series Yellowstone to Beyoncé‘s country music-inspired album Cowboy Carter, to runway models sporting suede and fringe, the world is embracing the Wild West – and that obsession extends to travel.

Cowboy-cations are trending, with more and more travellers opting for ranch stays, multiday horse-riding trips, and cowboy-inspired wellness getaways. Cowboy culture in Canada thrives in Alberta and BC, as well as regions throughout the East Coast,making it the perfect destination to indulge your curiosity for all things cowboy.

Origin story: The first cowboys arrived in the Canadian prairies in the 1870s. Most were from the United States who saw the prairies as safer. The perceived romance of cowboy life also attracted immigrants from overseas, primarily the British. Some First Nations and Métis Peoples adopted cowboy traditions and operated successful ranches, though European settlers rarely treated them as equals.

Breaking stereotypes: Legends of Our Times: Native Cowboy Life by Morgan Baillargeon and Leslie Tepper is one of few books that gives voice to the First Nations Peoples of the northern Plains and Plateau, who were some of the first cowboys. There are also records of John Ware, one of the first Black cowboys in Canada and widely considered among the best at his trade.

However, Indigenous, Black, and cowgirl traditions remain largely overlooked in historical records. In 1912, the Calgary Stampede was founded in Calgary, Alberta. In addition to commemorating rural heritage and ranching in the West, the event was pivotal to acknowledging Indigenous participation in rodeo culture. Today, the Stampede continues to honour Indigenous culture through elements such as Elbow River Camp, whose 26 tipis share the arts, cultures, and traditions of the Treaty 7 First Nations; and the Indigenous Relay, whose participants exhibit incredible strength and bravery by riding bareback around the track.

Indigenous rodeos: North American Rodeo Cowboys Association (NAIRCA) hosts several events throughout the year, which travellers are welcome to attend, including the Louis Bull Labour Day Classic in Wetaskiwin, Alberta; and the Kahkewistahaw First Nation Rodeo in Broadview, Saskatchewan. Indigenous cowboy culture is also chronicled in the 2020 documentary series The Wild Ones, which tells the story of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation who manage the wild horse population in BC’s Cariboo region alongside non-Indigenous ranchers.

Historical sites: Visit cowboy and ranch culture sites across Canada. For example, the Sam Kelly Sites in Happy Valley, Saskatchewan was the hiding place of cowboy outlaw Sam Kelly when he fled from U.S. authorities. The sites also contain the remaining homestead of Western cowboy Monty Montana, a fixture of the rodeo circuit in Canada and the US who appeared in several John Wayne films.

At the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, the Bar U Ranch – a National Historic Site – was among the first and biggest corporate ranches in the West. Among the many cowboys who worked there was infamous US bandit Harry Longabaugh, better known as the “Sundance Kid”.

With so much ranch history in Canada, it’s easy to plan a cowboycore holiday, and not only in the West. Start here:

ALBERTA

The Calgary Stampede is the ultimate pilgrimage for cowboy enthusiasts. Here’s what you need to know:

➢ The Stampede’s famed pancake breakfast traces its roots back to the early 19th century, when pancakes were linked to the chuckwagon crews who served them in shacks. The Stampede hosts free pancake breakfasts for the entirety of its 10 days, with more than 200,000 flapjacks consumed.

➢ With four stages spanning multiple genres, the Stampede has grown into one of Canada’s biggest music festivals. The 2025 Stampede (July 4-13) will be headlined by five-time Grammy winner Shania Twain.

➢ Many local businesses are tied to the Stampede. Some that are open year-round are the Alberta Boot Company, which fashions a Calgary Stampede commemorative boot collection each year; and Smithbilt Hats, whose handmade cowboy hats – crafted using pre-war machinery – have been gifted to Stampede VIPs such as Oprah, the Dalai Lama, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

➢ The Stampede has strived to be a sustainable endeavour. One example is the bath houses installed in the grounds, which help to control the mosquito population without having to resort to pesticides. There’s also a machine that crushes fluorescent lights and separates mercury and phosphor vapours so they don’t end up in landfill; a program to upcycle grease produced by vendors into soaps and other materials; and donation of bedding waste from the barns to local farms to be converted into fertilizer.

➢ Opened last year, the Sam Centre – situated in a downtown ranch house – tells stories of Calgary’s western heritage, including fashion, agriculture, and rodeo. Check this out: A must-see exhibit is Stampede Sensations, a 270-degree multimedia show that brings alive the excitement of Stampede with life-size images, fireworks, and thundering hooves.

Ranches are rampant in Alberta, with many inviting visitors to experience cowboy culture firsthand:

➢ Painted Warriors Ranch in Mountain View County weaves Ojibway, Cree, and Mohawk heritage into adventures like horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and glamping. Overnight stays are offered in trapper tents. Storyteller: Tracey Klettll, co-owner, is an accomplished equestrian and riding instructor, a certified hunting instructor, an archery coach, and an archer on Team Canada.

➢ Wildhorse Ranch & Outfitters near Rocky Mountain House provides wellness-inspired ranch experiences, including multiday horse camps and retreats.

Storytellers: Owners Bear and Diane take inspiration from their Indigenous and Scandinavian ancestries to create a holistic sanctuary where humans and horses can connect and thrive.

➢ Rocking R Guest Ranch near Calgary takes guests on trail rides, with plenty of opportunities to pet and pamper the gentle creatures. Among the ranch’s packages is a day exploring film sites of Canadian TV show Heartland, followed by a second day learning horsemanship and riding skills.

➢ Old Entrance B’nB Cabins between Jasper and Hinton offers rental cabins, a B&B guest room, and riverside teepee camping along with trail rides in the foothills of the Athabasca River Valley. Guests ride historic routes originally used by explorers, trappers, and forest rangers, with spectacular viewpoints and wildlife sightings.

➢ Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures between Calgary and Banff National Park leads trail rides, expedition adventures, and ranch-stay vacations year-round. Horse-riding enthusiasts have various landscapes to explore, from snowcapped mountains to wild rivers, to wildflower meadows and wide-open grasslands.

SASKATCHEWAN

Cowboy events and attractions in Saskatchewan showcase the region’s deep-rooted agriculture and rodeo history:

➢ The Canadian Western Agribition in Regina is the best beef show in North America and the largest livestock show in Canada. An international gathering of agricultural excellence, the show is anchored by beef cattle and cowboy competitions with elements honouring Indigenous culture. The event takes place November 24-29, 2025.

➢ Wood Mountain Stampede in Wood Mountain is Canada’s oldest continuously running rodeo, featuring a team roping jackpot and even a cabaret. Nearby is Wood Mountain Regional Park, where a monument was erected to commemorate Sioux medicine man Sitting Bull, who took refuge in the area with 5,000 of his Sioux followers after the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. Check this out: The park is also home to the Rodeo Ranch Museum, which offers a western welcome with displays exploring the life of cowboys who came to the area in the 1800s.

Visit a Saskatchewan ranch to experience the full flavour of cowboy life on the prairies:

➢ La Reata Ranch in Kyle is a proper dude ranch where visitors can ride where the Blackfoot and Crow First Nations once camped as they hunted bison across the plains. Guests can help to wrangle a herd of cows and calves, make friends with the resident horses, and explore over 5,000 acres of rolling pasture.

➢ Reesor Ranch in Maple Creek has preserved the legacy of ranching in western Canada for over 120 years. Here, visitors can follow in the footsteps of past cowboys on horseback and pony rides, tucking into ranch-style meals and bonding with the horses.

British Columbia (BC)

Half of BC’s guest ranches are in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, which is widely known as cowboy and cowgirl country. In fact, many guest ranches are working cattle and horse operations. Here’s where to live the experience firsthand:

➢ Flying U Ranch, Canada’s oldest guest ranch, was built in 1849 and boasts over 100 kilometres (62 miles) of trails on 60,000 acres of aspen forests and meadows. Located in 70 Mile House, the all-inclusive, lakefront ranch is home to 100 trained horses that take visitors on leisurely journeys along private lakes, streams, and meadows. After a day of riding, guests can partake in a campfire hayride, square dancing and line dancing, roping lessons, archery, and frontier cowboy photo shoots, among other activities.

➢ Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort in the Thompson-Nicola offers horses, ecology, and luxury at an all-inclusive dude ranch located on a secluded, 300-acre estate. Deep in cowboy country, visitors can explore the landscape on a horse hand-picked to suit the temperament of the rider, journey to the Siwash River Outpost for a day-long escape into the wild, or engage in other wilderness-oriented adventures. Upon returning to the ranch, enjoy a five-star meal made with sustainably harvested, ranch-grown ingredients.

➢ Nemiah Valley Lodge in the Nemiah Valley is an Indigenous-owned and operated, off-grid area with modern log cabins for overnight stays. The lodge hosts an equine wellness program sharing the cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of horses to the Xeni Gwet’in people. Led by a skilled trainer, guests engage in therapeutic experiences with the horses designed to promote emotional balance and mental clarity, reduce stress, and facilitate personal growth.

➢ Echo Valley Ranch & Spa in Clinton alters perceptions of what a cowboy holiday can be. Fusing Western Canadian culture with Thai wellness principles and cuisine, the ranch leads horseback adventures through a tangle of conifer forest, grasslands, and the Fraser Canyon. Guests can also fish, indulge in a four-hands spa treatment, or take a walk with the resident border collies.

➢ Wilderness Trails in Gold Bridge facilitates wilderness adventures ranging from trail rides and ranch hiking tours, to wildlife tracking trips. Guests learn skills like horse saddling and tracking wildlife, while contributing to conservation projects. Overnight visitors can stay in either a cabin or prospector tent. Cariboo Chilcotin cowhands frequently practice roping, bronc riding, and barrel racing to keep their skills sharp. The rodeo was created to give these working ranch hands an opportunity to demonstrate their skills for prizes and recognition. Here’s where to see a rodeo in the region:

➢ The Williams Lake Stampede in Williams Lake, a Canadian Professional Rodeo Association event, invites athletes to demonstrate their skills in bull riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing, among others. It typically takes place around late June.

➢ The Bella Coola Rodeo in Bella Coola focuses on younger ranch hands with events like junior steer riding, pee wee goat tying, and wild cow milking. There’s also food, a beer garden, and dancing with a live band. It typically takes place on the Canada Day long weekend (around July 1).

➢ The Quesnel Rodeo in Quesnel is part of the annual Billy Barker Days Festival, which celebrates the region’s gold rush heritage. Featured events include bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc, and more. The rodeo usually takes place towards the end of July.

 

CENTRAL and ATLANTIC CANADA:

Cowboy culture isn’t restricted to Western Canada and the Prairies. Here’s where to embrace your inner cowpoke elsewhere in the country:

➢ Elite Equestrian in Harvey, New Brunswick, offers horseback forest bathing, connecting guests with equine friends, slow wanderings in nature, and opportunities to practice mindfulness.

➢ Spirit Reins Ranch in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, offers trail riding packages through the Bay of Fundy, including tidal floor fossil tours, beach tours, and wooded trail rides.

➢ Shelby Ranch in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, offers trail rides along with pony rides for young guests, a petting corral, a mechanical bull, wagon rides, and an indoor playground.

➢ Cache Rapids Stable and Tack Shop in Reidville, Newfoundland and Labrador, explores the backcountry on single or multiday horse rides, complete with wilderness tents, a fire pit for evening socializing, and home-cooked meals.

➢ Le Montagnards de Charlevoix in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, takes guests on guided horseback rides with accommodation in cozy cottages or a rustic log hotel.

➢ Instinct Nomade in Sacré-Coeur, Quebec, teaches visitors how to communicate with horses, with expert “whisperers” sharing the language of horses from the safety of the ground

 

Canada, From Dusk to Dawn

Nighttime attractions, from star parties to full-moon hikes to nights at the museums Canadians have long embraced the night, with dwindling daylight hours in the winter encouraging creative ways to embrace the dark. Whether dark sky preserves, nocturnal wildlife viewing, or after-dark urban cultural events, regions from coast to coast have perfected the art of nighttime explorations.

Trending: Interest appears to be on the uptick. In many parts of the world, climate change is causing daytime temperatures to rise across the globe—and, in turn, elevating the allure of nighttime pursuits. In a recent Booking.com survey, over half of respondents (54%) said they plan to engage in more activities at night to avoid the heat of the day. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%) said they are considering dark sky destinations for their holiday travels.

Taking note of this nocturnal trend, tourism businesses throughout Canada have stepped up their dusk-to-dawn game with an astonishing array of nighttime offerings.

In praise of the dark: There are many benefits to touring at night. It’s often cheaper and less crowded than daytime activities. Plus, darkness is vital for maintaining physical health. In fact, a recent study tracking nearly 90,000 people found that participants experiencing bright nights had a 21% to 34% higher risk of premature death, compared to people who were mostly in the dark between midnight and dawn.

So, rather than switch on the TV or commence scrolling when the stars come out, it could be better for your health—and much more entertaining—to head outside. Here’s how to explore the night across Canada:

Stargazing: Starting in fall 2025 and continuing into 2026, astronomical events will give visitors to Canada many reasons to look up:

➢ October 9, 2025: Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation, making this the best time to spot the planet at night

➢ November 4-5, 2025: Peak of the Taurids meteor shower, which will produce a leisurely 5-10 meteors per hour

➢ March 2-3, 2026: Total lunar eclipse (when the Earth’s shadow covers the moon) will be visible across Canada

➢ August 12, 2026: Partial solar eclipse (when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, covering up part of the sun) will be visible across Canada

➢ 2025 and beyond: Sun experiences high activity known as the solar maximum, leading to more aurora sightings across Canada

Northern lights: A dazzling (and free!) light show projected onto the night sky’s velvet canvas, the aurora borealis (also known as the northern lights) often sparks to life as a pinpoint of light that expands into a wild tangle of green, and sometimes purple, blue, and red. The lights happen when charged particles from the sun interact with the earth’s magnetic field. Nighttime explorers will find that now is the best time to see the spectacle, with scientists predicting brighter and more frequent auroral displays until 2026.

Check out these highly rated aurora tour operators in Canada to maximize your chances of experiencing the lights:

➢ Aurora Village, located outside Yellowknife, is an Indigenous-owned teepee village that provides heated outdoor seats and unobstructed viewing areas to help visitors see the auroras in comfort.

Storyteller: Mike Morin, CEO and part-owner of Aurora Village, says the experience is rooted in sharing his family’s way of life and their connection to the land and the lights.

➢ While waiting for the lights to appear, Indigenous-owned B. Dene Adventures in Yellowknife treats guests to traditional drumming, fish cooked over a fire, and storytelling with Dene Elders.

➢ Northern Tales in the Yukon pairs aurora viewing with popular Yukon excursions like dog mushing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. Guests stay in a heated cabin or wall tent with hot drinks and snacks.

➢ In Churchill, Manitoba—the “polar bear capital of the world”—visitors can pair their northern lights viewing with a glimpse of the majestic bears. (Bonus: polar bear migration tends to happen in October and November, which is also when northern lights activity is at its peak.) Frontiers North Adventures offers a five-day tour complete with aurora-viewing, cultural experiences, snowshoeing, and dogsledding. Culinary experiences are also on offer, including Dan’s Diner, a tundra buggy dining experience.

Dark sky preserves: Did you know Canada has 28 dark sky designated areas, including dark sky preserves, urban star parks, and nocturnal preserves? Parks Canada, meanwhile, recognizes 13 Dark-Sky Preserves within its national parks and national historic sites. These protected areas commit to preserving the night by reducing or eliminating all forms of light pollution. Visitors will find vast, minimally populated areas ideal for aurora viewing and stargazing, with the lack of light heightening all the senses.

➢ Canada’s darkest skies are in Saskatchewan, in Grasslands National Park. Each May and July, the Royal Astronomy Society of Canada (RASC) holds stargazing events inside the park. Meanwhile, park interpreters regularly host astronomy events throughout the year (see the park’s website for upcoming events).

➢ Jasper National Park hosts an annual Dark Sky Festival each fall (October 17 – November 2, 2025). Here, visitors can stargaze through telescopes, listen to a celestial-inspired outdoor symphony, and even watch a comedy show under the stars.

➢ RASC produces an annual Fall Star Fest at Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick. Guests can see star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae through telescopes, as well as a close-up of the sun through solar-filtered telescopes.

➢ The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Victoria, BC—a National Historic Site—helped to map the Milky Way galaxy. Today, visitors can view the historic Plaskett telescope, wander an exhibit gallery and planetarium, or engage in virtual reality astronomy experiences.

➢ Take astronomy to-go with Cliff Valley Astronomy in Quispamsis, New Brunswick. It’s the only mobile astronomy company in Atlantic Canada, bringing astronomy events and astrotourism experiences—including private star parties—to clients across the region.

Urban nights: Whether museums, festivals, or art shows, cities come alive when the sun goes down:

➢ Nocturne in Halifax, Nova Scotia, (October 16-19, 2025) is an annual art-at-night festival with outdoor and indoor installations, performances, artist talks, workshops, and more. See what to expect with highlights from last year’s show.

➢ Nuit Blanche in Toronto, Ontario, (October 4, 2025) is a free, all-night celebration of contemporary art, transforming public spaces into extraordinary landscapes.

➢ The Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, Ontario, welcomes adults to Nature Nocturne, an after-hours event held on select Friday nights. Guests can explore the galleries, then hit the dance floor in a glass-enclosed area anchored by a giant, suspended moon.

➢ Visit Strøm Nordic Spa in Sherbrooke, Quebec, after dark for an atmospheric experience. At night, the St. Lawrence River glimmers in the moonlight, while the thermal pools glitter with lights and softly falling snow.

➢ Deep in the heart of Mont Tremblant, Quebec, the nighttime Tonga Lumina experience takes guests along an illuminated, 1.5-kilometre trail through the woods. The sensory experience follows the legend of a sleeping giant who has called Mont Tremblant home for thousands of years.

➢ The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta, organizes sleepovers where kids aged 5-13 can participate in hands-on workshops, tour the galleries at night, and sleep alongside the fossils in the Dinosaur Hall.

➢ Every third Thursday, Science World in Vancouver, BC, welcomes adults over the age of 19 to enjoy Science World After Dark. Guests can roam the exhibits and galleries with a beer or wine in hand, with lively music setting the mood.

 

 

Field to Fork in the Prairies

Experiencing the palate-pleasing bounty of Saskatchewan and Manitoba Vast, rolling landscapes and a strong agricultural heritage hallmark the prairie provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Saskatchewan is commonly referred to as “the breadbasket of Canada” thanks to fertile soil that produces top-quality grains, pulses, and oilseeds. Manitoba’s agricultural scene is woven from Indigenous traditions and the cultural influences of its immigrant communities. It’s no wonder that Bravo’s Emmy award-winning TV series Top Chef selected Canada for its 2025 season (airing between March and June 2025). The show shines a spotlight on Canada’s diverse culinary offerings, including those of the prairie provinces

Industry powerhouse: In September 2024, the federal government invested $250,000 in the development of an agritourism strategy through Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The “Field to Fork” venture builds on an industry that already drives significant business and leisure travel, with the support of local farms, farmers’ markets, farm-to-table restaurants, Indigenous agritourism operators, breweries and distilleries, and other producers. Whether overnighting at a local farm, savouring hyperlocal ingredients at a farm-backed restaurant, or attending an agricultural event, here are the best ways to dive into food production in the prairies.

Farm stays: Agriculture-inspired accommodations in Saskatchewan range from Western-style wood cabins to refurbished grain bins and barns. Manitoba’s farm stays are set in an idyllic prairie setting, with modern and historic country living often coexisting in the same space

➢ Alive Sky Lodge in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, which is owned by fourth-generation farmers, welcomes visitors to stay in a four-season luxury grain bin complete with hot tub; a seasonal school bus conversion; or a pet-friendly cowboy bunkhouse. The century-old farm is situated under the iconic prairie skies, where the northern lights are sometimes seen in the fall.

➢ Reesor Ranch in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, offers B&B rooms in a ranch house or restored log barn, with amenities like a private porch, fireplace, and home-cooked meals. Guests can join horseback riding adventures until October 31.

➢ Cityfolk Farm near Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, is home to 80 acres of open fields, a medicinal herb farm, and a labyrinth of forests. Accommodation are in a vintage RV with an outdoor barbecue and communal campground kitchen.

➢ The Herdsman House in Neubergthal, Manitoba—a National Historic Site—was once a home built for herd-marshals (cattle) in the farm villages established by Mennonite settlers in the mid-1870’s. The house has two bedrooms and comes with a wood fired sauna, firepit, and barbecue.

➢ The Red Barn Loft in MacGregor, Manitoba,is a picturesque, renovated red barn set amid the iconic rolling landscape of the prairies, boasting a spacious, 1,700-foot interior and modern design.

Corn mazes: The quintessential fall experience, corn mazes welcome visitors, especially families, to enter their shrubbed sanctuaries and put the world on pause.

➢ Deer Meadow Farms in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a social media star thanks to its creatively designed, 10-acre corn maze. Also offered: a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, bale pyramid, and wild game preserve.

➢ Secord Corn Maze near Dauphin, Manitoba, hosts a themed scavenger hunt, with visitors invited to search for clues to solve puzzles. There’s also mini-golf, duck races, and escape games.

➢ YXE Corn Maze near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is situated behind Wolf Willow Winery, enabling visitors to pair a wander in the maze with a tasting flight. Visitors can also pick their own sunflower bouquet.

➢ Youth Farm Corn Maze in Rosthern, Saskatchewan, features a “Crazy Cobbler” maze for advanced mazers and a “Small Stalks” shorter, guided maze for young guests.

Farmers markets: Saskatchewan is the world’s leading producer and exporter of many specialty crops, including mustard seed and certain herbs and spices. It’s also known for wheat,lentils, and pulses. Food and beverage represents the largest manufacturing sector in Manitoba.

See more farmers markets in Saskatchewan and Manitoba and check out these farmers markets to sample and shop homegrown ingredients:

➢ Regina Farmers’ Market in Regina, Saskatchewan, is open between early May and mid-October, with an enticing assortment of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and gourmet treats.

➢ Saskatoon Farmers’ Market in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is open year-round, offering local agricultural products, baked goods, and prepared foods.

➢ St. Léon Gardens in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is open seasonally, with a colourful array of pumpkins, squash, and other veggies offered in the fall. The market is known for supporting local businesses while prioritizing sustainable operations.

➢ St. Norbert Farmers’ Market in the bilingual community of St. Norbert, Manitoba, is open year-round, featuring over 200 local makers, bakers, and growers.

Farm-to-table dining: While farm-to-table dining incorporates ingredients grown by local producers, farm-backed restaurants are owned by farmers and endeavour to source 100 percent of their ingredients from their own land. Restaurants in Manitoba and Saskatchewan can take their pick of ingredients harvested from sprawling farmland, pristine freshwater lakes, and dense woodland. Here’s where to experience farm-backed dining:

➢ Mabel Hill Farm Kitchen and Marketplace in Nipawin, Saskatchewan, invites guests to explore its four-acre gardens and sample fresh produce before settling in the dining room, where floor-to-ceiling windows provide scenic views of the garden and orchard.

➢ 641 Grill in Craven, Saskatchewan, is owned by a family that doubles as cattle ranchers. Herbs and veggies are grown onsite in garden boxes to supplement the entrées. Tip: order the Eddy burger, whose beef is sourced from the family’s herd of cattle.

➢ Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar, located in The Leaf at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba, serves globally inspired dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Manitoba farmers and growers. The restaurant’s botanical cocktails feature herbs grown in-house and seasonal fruits.

➢ Feast Café Bistro in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is owned by Chef Christa Bruneau-Guenter, a member of the Peguis First Nation who has become an ambassador for Indigenous cooking in North America. The restaurant honours Manitoba’s array of ingredients, from wild rice and berries, to beans, squash, and bison.

Indigenous agritourism: Respect for the land, particularly Mother Nature’s generosity in nourishing the people who live there, is a driving principle of Indigenous agritourism. Experience Indigenous farm-to-table principles here:

➢ Wanuskewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, hosts educational programs and tours focused on Indigenous culture, including traditional agriculture and plant use. The park has pollinator and medicine gardens.

➢ Ojibway-owned and operated Sharecuterie in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is an artisanal charcuterie café and wine bar featuring seasonal ingredients sourced from Manitoba farms and producers.

Breweries, distilleries, and wineries: Craft breweries and distilleries aren’t just for city folk. In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, locally owned establishments are transforming prairie-grown ingredients into flavourful beverages. Sample them here:

➢ A majority Indigenous-owned brewery, Nonsuch Brewing Co. in Winnipeg, Manitoba, offers craft beers alongside unique experiences, including a hands-on class making beer Bannock.

➢ Over the Hill Orchards & Winery in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, crafts organic wines from exotic fruits grown in its orchard. Visitors can also have a picnic or supper in the orchard, join an orchard tour, or tuck into a tasting flight on the scenic patio.

➢ Black Fox Farm & Distillery near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, achieves its award-winning spirits through the robust terroir of the prairies, with homegrown grains, fresh fruits, and flowers distilled in custom copper pot stills.

Fall suppers: Seasonal suppers are a thing in the prairies. Often raising funds for charities, these celebrations of the fall harvest invite people to join a longtable feast prepared by members of the community. Over 75 fall suppers take place across Manitoba, each hosting up to hundreds of diners.

Agricultural festivals and events: Did you know Manitoba and Saskatchewan alone has more than 20 organizations and festivals related to agritourism? In the prairies, the agriculture ecosystem is celebrated throughout the year. Here’s where to join the fun:

➢ The Harvest Moon Festival in Clearwater, Manitoba, encourages urban and rural communities to band together in support of healthy lands and neighbourhoods. Along with meals and snacks provided by food vendors, the festival showcases local musicians and landscapes. The festival typically takes place in September.

➢ Everything Country Outdoor Market (ECOM) near Hague, Saskatchewan, is a biannual sale held outdoors on a 160-acre farm. The event features over 300 vendors selling baked treats, snacks, and handmade goods, with plenty of food trucks onsite to keep shoppers sated. The fall sale takes place on September 13, 2025.

➢ The Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, Saskatchewan, is an extensive agribusiness trade show showcasing Saskatchewan’s agricultural excellence supported by producers, craftspeople, and manufacturers. This year’s event is scheduled for November 24-29, 2025.

➢ The inaugural Open Farm Days in Saskatchewan happened in August 2024, showcasing the province’s agricultural sector with immersive experiences for visitors. This year’s event will take place on August 9 and 10.

Upcoming Events Autumn 2025

Niagara Grape and Wine Festival

(September 19 - 28, 2025) The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival, Canada’s oldest and largest wine festival, returns to downtown St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario, this September. Held in historic Montebello Park, the festival celebrates the local harvest with more than a week of wine

and culinary experiences. In addition to vino samples and delicious food, guests can watch concerts and parades, or pay a little extra to relax in a private lounge.

Also on the calendar:

➢ September 13-14: Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie, Clare/Baie Sainte-Marie, Nova Scotia

➢ September 26-October 18: Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Kitchener, Ontario

➢ October: Women’s History Month

➢ October 2-12: Vancouver International Film Festival, Vancouver, BC

➢ October 10-18: Celtic Colours International Festival, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

➢ October 13: Thanksgiving

➢ October 20-26: Devour! The Food Film Fest, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

➢ Date to be announced: Pumpkinferno, Ottawa, Ontario

➢ November 1-9: Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, Banff, Alberta

➢ November 7-16: Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, Ontario