The Globe and Mail

YUKON: Drive the Dempster Highway
Experience the tundra, mountains and wilderness on Canada's first all-weather highway to cross the Arctic Circle, stretching 671 kilometres from Dawson City to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. Under the midnight sun, encounter bears, caribou, wolves, moose and blooming Arctic flowers.

BRITISH COLUMBIA: Kayak the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
Remote beaches, pristine islands, ancient aboriginal villages and a wealth of marine life await kayakers of all levels as they explore the Haida Gwaii. Don't forget to meet the Haida Watchmen, educating visitors about the cultural heritage of the Gwaii Haanas.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES: Fly north
Take a flight with the only scheduled DC-3 service left in the world, Buffalo Airways. You'll meet the same characters on the Ice Pilots TV show. Alternatively, take a bush plane to a luxury-fishing lodge, where you can hook a pike, trout or Arctic char.

ALBERTA: Explore the Icefield Parkway
Highway 93 from Lake Louise to Jasper is one of the world's most spectacular roads. In summer, you'll be in awe of the snow-capped Rockies and brightly coloured mineral lakes and waterfalls. Take a glacier tour on the Columbia Icefield, or hire a helicopter tour.

ALBERTA: Devour (gulp!) prairie oysters
The taste of bull testicles, also known as Rocky Mountain oysters, is something to be ... experienced. At least once. Find them at Calgary's Buzzards Restaurant downtown.

SASKATCHEWAN: Float in Little Manitou Lake
Receding glaciers have created a small lake so high in mineral
content you can sit back and relax in its waters, much like in the Dead Sea. People have been enjoying the health benefits of this saltwater lake for centuries.

NUNAVUT: Search for whales off Baffin Island
During summer, thousands of whales travel up the Northwest Passage to their summer feeding grounds. Camp on the floe edge and, in 24 hours of glorious sunlight, watch belugas, bowhead and unicorn-tusked narwhal whales swim by.

MANITOBA: See the Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Winnipeg's rich cultural legacy literally dances on the stage at the city's Centennial Concert Hall. Acclaimed worldwide, the oldest ballet company in North America continues to dazzle audiences. The 2011-12 season features Giselle and Pure Ballet, featuring the music of Leonard Cohen.

ONTARIO: Stargaze at the Toronto International Film Festival
Second only to Cannes in terms of its star wattage, TIFF screens 300 to 400 films in downtown Toronto, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans. Join the A-listers, media and fans celebrity frenzy every September. This year's fest runs Sept. 8 to 18.

QUEBEC: Stay up for the night parade at Winter Carnival
Quebec City hosts the world's largest annual winter carnival, Carnaval de Quebec. Besides daily concerts, competitions and festivities, almost 500 tons of water are used to create huge snow sculptures. The 2012 carnival runs from Jan. 27 to Feb. 12.

NEW BRUNSWICK: Make a noise during tintamarre
Canada's only constitutionally bilingual province celebrates its Acadian tradition Aug. 1 to 15 with a noisy celebration, marching through cities and towns making a jolly old racket with whistles, drums, pots and pans. Grab a makeshift instrument, join in the fun.

NEW BRUNSWICK: Jet boat the Reversing Falls
When the tides push back the Saint John River, it creates grade 5 rapids. Hop in a jet boat with pilot Harry Cox. Unlike conventional rafting, you'll be able to crash through them again and again. (Kayaking is fun, too.)

NOVA SCOTIA: Bike the Cabot Trail
Your reward for this challenging 300-kilometre bike ride along the highway in northern Cape Breton is a pristine coastline of famed natural beauty. With eagles overhead and whales offshore, this weeklong adventure is known as one of the world's most beautiful rides.

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR: Explore historic fishing villages
Experience the East Coast's fishing heritage with visits to Battle Harbour, Bonavista or Brigus. Expect brightly painted old houses, cobblestone alleys, lush landscape, striking sea views and that famous island hospitality.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: Catch and shuck your dinner
PEI seafood is prized around the world, and it tastes better when you catch it yourself. Join Tranquility Cove fishermen as they haul in their traps, or learn about oysters from three-time Canadian shucking champ John Bil at his Ship to Shore restaurant.