Canada Strenuous Tours & Trip Packages

Canada Strenuous Tours & Trips

696 Canada trips. Tours from 158 tour companies. 660 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

18 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Strenuous
Active West Coast Canada Discovery
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Vancouver, Whistler

Highlights

  • Hop on a ferry from vancouver to sooke
  • Enjoy hikes in the lush pacific rainforest in sooke and along the juan de fuca trail
  • Paddle around lake cowichan
  • Hike to see the impressive views on the stawamus chief trail
  • Take a dip into the cold waters of the elfin lakes in garibaldi provincial park
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Themes

High Adventure, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Active Canadian Rockies Adventure
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2/5 Disappointing
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Banff, Banff National Park, Calgary, Canmore, Lake Louise

Highlights

  • Visit waterton national park
  • Hike bertha lake trail and visit red rock canyon
  • Hike the short but sweet ptarmigan cirque trail
  • Get those hearts pumping on the burstall pass trail
  • Visit stunning banff national park
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Themes

High Adventure, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Yukon Northern Lights Adventure 4D/3N
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By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Vancouver, Whitehorse

Highlights

  • Warm up by a bonfire or in a hot tub in the evenings Take part in authentic local activities like ice fishing and tobogganing Witness the unforgettable spectacle of the Northern Lights

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Active West Coast & Canadian Rockies
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Banff, Banff National Park, Calgary, Canmore, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Whistler

Highlights

  • Visit waterton national park
  • Explore banff national park
  • Climb up fairview mountain
  • Embark on a scenic rafting trip down the bow river
  • Enjoy hikes along the juan de fuca trail
Show more

Themes

High Adventure, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Niagara Falls Experience 2D/1N (from New York)
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By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

New York, Niagara Falls

Highlights

  • Enjoy nature in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region Discover the amazing Niagara Falls from above and below Bargain hunt for American brands at a large outlet mall

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Choose Your Pace: Hiking and Walking Classics in Quebec & Vermont
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Quebec

Highlights

  • Observe the pristine natural beauty with an option of an intense hike or a gentle walk
  • Along the trail, naturalists and historians interpret the history and scenery of Vermont and Québec
  • Discuss Québec unique history, politics and culture while sampling the region’s great wines and cheeses

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Grand Canyon Backpacking – South Rim
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Grand Canyon

Highlights

  • Backpack from the South Rim to the canyon floor
  • See stunning rock formations at an astonishing scale
  • Challenge yourself with 4 days of hiking through unsurpassable terrain
  • Get a new perspective on the Grand Canyon looking up from the bottom
  • Learn local history and see a surprising diversity of plants and wildlife

Themes

Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The entire trip was well researched, conceived and executed. The schedule, order of activities, pace, and diversity yielded a quality mix of physical activity, Alaska education and "bucket list" days. The guides are passionate, fun educators with the patience and intuition to pamper anyone. If you want the quintessential Alaska orientation, this is your trip. All 3 REI trips (Peru, Galapagos) have exceeded expectations. One caveat for the avid (strong, fast) hiker, you will be governed by the group pace and safe bear practices - the group is anchored by the slowest hiker. Why did you choose this trip? The itinerary worked for my wife and me. What would your advice be to potential travelers? Be prepared for rain, but it simply adds seasoning to the experience. Go in shape to hike everyday. Invest in quality engagements with your traveling companions. Stretch yourself - that is what quality travel should do. What was the highlight of your trip? Tough to pick one - the Harding Icefield, Talkeetna and the Denali Overlook Inn, the K2 flight around Denali, the Seward boat trip and Aliak Glacier, the Denali bus trip, the laughs with the group. # About Me Avid Adventurer ✔ Yes, I recommend this trip."

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Pathfinder Boundary Waters Canoeing & Backpacking
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4.9/5 Excellent
40 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Grand Canyon, Idaho

Highlights

  • This is a leadership course designed for ages 18 and Up
  • Build core skills: Receive hands-on training on the skills and self-awareness you’ll need to tackle the challenges ahead. Your crew, comprised of individuals with diverse skill levels and backgrounds, will support you – and encourage you to try new approaches and explore new roles.
  • Practice Outward Bound values: Learn to incorporate Outward Bound values into everyday life by pushing your own limits and seeking challenge as an opportunity for personal growth.
  • Demonstrate mastery: As the course nears the end, students take on more leadership and decision-making responsibilities. Work together with your crew to apply new skills and achieve team goals during this final phase.
  • What you’ll learn: Return home with an action plan for the future and the confidence to make it happen. With newfound leadership potential, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills, you’ll be ready for your next big step.

Themes

Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"For me Outward Bound had entirely the opposite effect it hopes to. It left me doubting myself and with diminished sense of self worth. Due to all the talk of being strong and doing hard things and we can all do hard things etc, it made me blame myself. It wasn’t me. It was the experience."

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18 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Strenuous

Canada Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
660  Reviews
See all Canada tour reviews
Excellent
269
Great
95
Average
18
Disappointing
3
Terrible
2
A

Angelo

Oct 2022

Written on

This tour is great

This tour is great for couples looking to spend time together abroad! The itinerary was well packed but not too tiring, and we got to explore many beautiful cities a...

M

Mickey

Oct 2022

Written on

Amazing

CharlieTheTraveler is the best tour company I have dealt with. Their tours are well organized, the guides are great, and you feel safe the entire time. It’s my secon...

X

Xavier

Oct 2022

Written on

This Canada trip was amazing

Charlie, THANK YOU. This Canada trip was amazing. The itinerary was well thought out, the hotels were welcoming and cozy, the views were beautiful. Charlie and his t...

T

Trisha

Oct 2022

Written on

This tour is amazing

This tour is amazing and hits all the must-see spots in Western Canada, whether it’s Banff, Vancouver, Whistler, Jasper… I just loved how complete the itinerary is. ...

T

Terri

Oct 2022

Written on

well explore Western Canada

If you’re looking for a tour company to go to Canada with, CharlieTheTraveler might just be what you’re looking for. They have a great itinerary planned out that all...

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Canada Tour Selection Trips

  • Canada is quite similar to the United States in terms of most cultural protocols, which includes tipping, shopping, and dining.
  • French is predominantly spoken in Quebec. If you head to Montreal or elsewhere in the province, most people speak both English and French, but be aware that French may be preferred!
  • Do not underestimate the Canadian winter – plan your packing list accordingly!

Additional details

Covid-19 Update

The US-Canada border closures have been extended through November 21st.

At this time, Canada is not open to travelers visiting for tourism. 

Read more about Countries Reopening for Tourism »


Common Canada Tour Options

Some of the most common ways to traverse Canada’s landscape are by foot or car. In fact, many guided tours in Canada will provide travelers with vans or cars in order to facilitate travel between sites.

For travelers who wish to avoid traffic or long commute times, domestic flights between all major cities are available daily. It is important to speak with guided tour companies beforehand about flight availability, as this can impact the number of activities that are available and may require extra transportation to and from lodging locations. 

Since Canada’s population is most heavily concentrated within its southern portion, traveling by train is also a viable option for travelers. While this eliminates the need to buy tickets early on, the train system is limited and only has a few stops in northern Canada. So travelers who wish to visit Canada’s urban centers are the ones who will find rail to be a convenient mode of transport. 

Those who wish to push further into nature may consider going by car, foot, or even dog-sled in some more remote parts of the country. Travelers who wish to avoid commuting on land entirely will find an abundant number of cruise lines that make stops at major ports and also provide opportunities for birding and whale watching. No matter how you choose to travel through Canada, be sure to enjoy your surroundings!

Packing List for Canada

Since Canada is a massive country with varying climates, packing for tours may seem daunting. However, by considering the length of stay, the time spent in cities, and which outdoor guided tour activities are planned, travelers can set themselves up for comfortable exploration.

In general, Canadian summers tend to be very hot, while its winters tend to be snowy and cold. While a regular suitcase is important to have during long stays in Canada, they are difficult to carry through snowy streets. For those participating in cruises, traditional luggage will be fine as it is unlikely to leave the ship when you head to the mainland.

Not only is a passport required to travel in Canada, but also an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is available on the country’s website. A driver’s or international license will also be required to rent a car and travelers may consider applying for travel insurance if they are worried about unforeseen events.

To prevent the need to bring a bag full of heavy and light clothes everywhere, travelers are encouraged to dress in layers. This means that regular jeans or athletic pants will be fine, but a variety of short and long sleeve shirts are needed. A windbreaker or light-weight fleece jacket will minimize the drastic temperatures that can be found at sea or at night throughout Canada.

Similarly, quality hiking boots are not only good for hikes but also traveling by foot in some of the more remote and snowy areas of northern Canada. In summer months, hiking boots or running shoes may be easier to bring along.

Those who are visiting Niagara Falls can choose to bring a waterproof coat or use the ones that are provided in the park. Similarly, hiking or camping trips will require extra equipment that can be brought in luggage, eliminating the need to buy costly alternatives in Canada. Contacting your chosen guided tour operator is important, as they may already provide certain camping equipment for participants.

Best Time to Visit Canada

Depending upon what travelers are looking to participate in during their trip through Canada, the “best” time to visit may differ. Since the weather is warmest, snow is at its lowest, and hiking trails are in full bloom, the summer months of June through August are the busiest times to visit Canada.

Weather is primarily hot and humid, but countless cultural activities take place during this time of year as school is out for the season. It is important to note that Vancouver is usually the coolest city during this time, making it not only very popular but also difficult to find inexpensive guided tours of. 

With winter comes the crowds of skiers and extreme sports enthusiasts that flock to various resorts and campsites. Travelers who wish to participate in Canada’s unique range of winter outdoors activities will need to plan their trips in advance, as this is when the best prices and availability are to be found.

In the end, the best time to visit Canada is during its fall months of September to November. While the chance of rain is higher during this time, the weather is at a comfortably warm temperature that fosters a beautiful array of colors in surrounding nature.

Similarly, travelers during this season will find the cities less crowded with tourists, allowing for more inexpensive flights and guided tours. A little planning will also allow travelers during Canada’s fall to participate in national Thanksgiving traditions and events.

Canada's Regions

As the second-largest country in the world, Canada boasts not only an impressive stretch of the Rocky Mountains but also various other natural landmarks that travelers can visit. Each of Canada's five regions have their own respective claim to and maintenance of these special parts of the globe. 

1. In the Atlantic Provinces, travelers will find cooler winters and cooler summers than in other parts of Canada. As the easternmost region of the country, travelers will also come into contact with Bay of Fundy, the site of the oldest British colony, Prince Edward Island.

Travelers can also see long-standing Gaelic and Celtic traditions that are still practiced today by the population in Nova Scotia. Life seems to revolve around the sea in the Atlantic Provinces, which can make for relaxing days at the beach or times spent exploring historic sea-ports.

2. As the region that contains the bulk of Canada’s citizens, Central Canada has access to the Great Lakes as well as the major cities of Quebec and Ontario. A hub for French culture, this region is an interesting stop for international travelers who wish to see the cultural diversity that Canada is so well-known for.

Not only is the food and movie industry impacted by French culture, but also the architecture and events that take place in Montreal and Ontario. The internationally famous Niagara Falls also call this region home, along with the impressive Canadian National Tower.

2. The Prairie Provinces are well-known for their rich natural resources as well as their vast cultural diversity. 

Travelers will also find that the French Quarter in Winnipeg does not stand alone, as the city of Manitoba is also home to Ukranian and various Aboriginal groups. This provides travelers the opportunity for a unique cultural exchange that can be found in few other countries.

3. The West Coast of Canada has a much cooler temperature than its counterpart. British Columbia is not only the pathway to Asia-Pacific, but also contains nearly 600 provincial parks scattered throughout its borders. This has made the region a haven for international travelers who wish to explore the natural boundaries of the location. 

4. The Northern Territories are oftentimes the coldest and snowiest parts of Canada. However, this does not mean that they do not see their fair share of travelers. Many come to witness the phenomenon known as “Land of the Midnight Sun,” where daylight can span twenty-four hours during the peak of summer months.

In the winter-time, the opposite occurs when nearly three months of almost total darkness falls over the territory. Polar bears also make their homes in this region, which has led to the development of safe ways to interact with them and a guide. The Northern Lights are highly visible in this area of Canada, making it an ideal place to spend time exploring the surrounding Arctic tundra through a guided tour and ending the night by the fireplace as the lights play overhead.

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