Outdoor pursuitsCanada’s vast wilderness areas and rich natural beauty offer scope for all kinds of outdoor activities. From fishing in the countless lakes and rivers to trekking in the back country, long-distance canoeing, horse riding, rafting and skiing, there are wonderful opportunities for those with a pioneering spirit. All activities are easy to arrange, given Canada’s well-developed infrastructure: outfitters, guides, equipment hire and charters can be organized practically anywhere. Activities are often best pursued in national parks, of which there are about 41
in the whole of Canada, with other conservation areas and provincial parks adding to the range of facilities. At least one of the parks is larger than Switzerland (Wood Buffalo Park in Alberta and the Northwest Territories) and seven of them have been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. The national parks are administered by Parks Canada, 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, Québec K1A 0M5 (tel: (819) 997 0055
or (888) 773 8888 (toll-free in USA and Canada); e-mail:
information@pc.gc.ca; website:
www.pc.gc.ca). Each national park has an information center where advice on outdoor activities can be obtained, as can weather reports and bear sightings. Permits are required for fishing and camping and can be bought at these centers. Regulations common to all national parks include prohibitions on firearms, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles. Natural features may not be removed or damaged and hunting is also forbidden in most parks. Permits are required for all motor vehicles (approximately C$5-10 per person per day). Regional and national passes are available. Camping regulations vary, but in general, an overnight permit is required, whether or not the traveller camps at a campsite. Visitors intending to fish should note that regulations apply regarding closed seasons, quotas and equipment. Fishing permits are also usually required from the provincial authorities. For further information, contact regional tourist boards
or the Visit Canada Center (see
General Info section).
HikingAll the national parks and most of the provincial parks have well-marked and well-maintained trails. Maps may be obtained from information centers, but those intending to go into the back country should obtain the appropriate map from the
Canadian Topographical Series. Walkers should not venture into the wilder areas without ensuring that they are fit and properly equipped. Canada’s long-distance footpaths include the
Voyageur Trail along the northern shores of Lakes Superior and Huron and the 690km- (428 mile-)
Bruce Trail from Queenstown on the Niagara River to Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula.
CanoeingRegional tourist boards can supply lists of outfitters who will help make arrangements. Aeroplane and boat drop-offs, and boat and equipment hire, are among the services offered, and maps can be supplied. The most challenging canoeing is in the northern areas, in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia, while the rivers and lakes in Ontario are often easier to negotiate. Further advice and information can be obtained from the Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association, PO Box 398, 446 Main Street West, Merrickville, Ontario K0G 1N0 (tel: (613) 269 2910
or (888) 252 6292 (toll-free in Canada); fax: (613) 269 2908; e-mail:
info@paddlingcanada.com; website:
www.paddlingcanada.com). Excellent facilities for sailing and other watersports are available throughout the country.
WintersportsBoth downhill and cross-country skiing can be enjoyed in innumerable resorts throughout Canada. Most cities are close to ski resorts. Prices of ski passes and accommodation tend to be lower than in Europe. Ottawa's Rideau Canal features the world's largest skating rink, and this is an activity that is popular throughout.
OtherIce hockey is played at the highest level and top-class competition can be enjoyed as a spectator sport in all cities throughout Canada. Canadian football, which is similar to American football, is played everywhere, but European football (soccer) is becoming increasingly popular. Professional baseball is enjoyed in several cities in the summer months. Facilities for golf and tennis are excellent throughout the country. Most large hotels have some sports facilities. A number of tour operators offer all-in-one golfing packages.
Next Page »
