Whether you’ve just arrived or have been here a while, there are some things that just feel Canadian—iconic experiences that help you connect with the country’s culture, quirks and natural beauty. From maple syrup to moose sightings, this list is your unofficial intro to all things truly Canadian.
You don’t have to do them all at once, but try a few.You might just fall in love with Canada. All it takes is one toque-wearing, poutine-filled moment at a time.
The Ultimate “Very Canadian” Bucket List
- Try real maple syrup—ideally at a sugar shack in the spring either fresh or in the form off a maple taffy
- Eat poutine (fries + cheese curds + gravy = joy)
- See the Northern Lights in Northern Ontario
- Go to a cottage in the summer—bonus points if there’s a canoe
- Wear a toque and call it a toque without explanation
- Watch a hockey game, live or on TV—just pick a team and cheer
- Visit Niagara Falls (it’s touristy, but worth it)
- Attend a pow wow or Indigenous cultural event to learn about First Nations traditions
- Go dogsledding or snowshoeing—yes, even just once
- Try a Nanaimo bar, butter tart or other iconic dessert
- Say “sorry” too much in one day, then realize it’s normal
- Ride the ferry to Toronto Island (or any local ferry for a peaceful getaway)
- Go to a Canadian music festival—like Osheaga
- Experience a winter storm… and then complain about it like a true Canadian
- Eat ketchup chips or all-dressed chips (they’re only found here!)
- Try Tim Hortons coffee and debate whether it’s actually good (common Canadian discourse)
- Celebrate Canada Day on July 1st (with fireworks, if possible)
- Visit a multicultural street festival in your city—Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are full of them
- Listen to Canadian artists, from Drake and The Weeknd to Feist and Leonard Cohen, and then head to a concert!
HYPERLINK “https://concertsto.com/”
- Learn to layer up for winter like a pro (base, mid and outer!)
- Use “eh” unironically in a sentence
- Eat bannock or other Indigenous foods at a local market or restaurant
- Spot a moose (from a safe distance!) or a beaver in the wild—bonus if it’s your first
You don’t need to climb a mountain or skate perfectly to be Canadian. It’s about embracing what’s around you—new weather, new food, new traditions—and saying yes to a little adventure along the way.
So grab some ketchup chips, take a selfie with some snowy trees, and check a few things off this list. You might just find your own definition of “home” in the process.