Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Canada’s proud sporting history goes well beyond its national strengths in ice hockey and winter Olympic events. Indeed, the country has embraced adventure sports, become a frontrunner in esports and iGaming through online casinos, and pioneered new pursuits that celebrate its heritage, culture, and geography. Overall, there are plenty of alternative sports for visitors to check out in Canada.

Seven Alternative Sports to Try During Your Visit to Canada

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Canada’s proud sporting history goes well beyond its national strengths in ice hockey and winter Olympic events. Indeed, the country has embraced adventure sports, become a frontrunner in eSports and iGaming through online casinos, and pioneered new pursuits that celebrate its heritage, culture, and geography.

Rafting – River Rouge” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Ken Curtis

Rafting in Banff, Alberta

Head to the river rapids in Banff in the province of Alberta for an unforgettable experience of whitewater rafting down the Kananaskis River. The class 2-3 rapids are ideal for beginners. Horseshoe Canyon is an alternative route with some tougher rapids for more seasoned adventurers. Both excursions provide amazing scenery with the potential to see wild animals such as bears, eagles, deer, and osprey.

Bet on eSports in Richmond, British Columbia

eSports is huge nowadays. And it’s only getting bigger. Canada has embraced the gaming phenomenon and opened The Gaming Stadium in Richmond, British Columbia. The first of its kind, the custom-built arena welcomes gamers to watch and play popular esports.

Play in a Casino in Niagara, Ontario

The popularity of online gambling has seen renewed interest in land-based casinos. Indeed, online casinos have sought to recreate the interactivity of their land-based counterparts, the success of which has boosted their growth. Casinoland, for example, is known for putting players first with personal touches appealing to the geographical region of their gamers (the Canadian beaver is a feature on its Canada platform). The closest thing to a Casino-land on your travels is the 95,000-square-foot, two-story gambling mecca known as Casino Niagara. Here you can bet on sport in addition to playing poker in the dedicated room, and trying your hand at over 1,300 slot machines. Like Casinoland, it’s very well reviewed and boasts a huge range of games to play.

Slot in a luge session in Whistler, British Columbia

Ready for some high-octane, adrenaline-inducing adventure sport? Well, Canada’s prowess at the winter Olympic games comes in many forms with one of its strengths being the luge. You can give it a go at various sports centers in Canada but the Whistler Sliding Center comes highly recommended thanks to its beginner training.

Skydiving in Edmonton, Alberta

Open during the summer months, Edmonton Skydive stands out for its knowledgeable, enthusiastic instructors who oversee all tandem jumps. Giving skydiving a go here is as much an educative experience as it is an adrenaline-inducing one. If you need rest and recuperation after your day skydiving, have a drink at The Pearl Showroom located inside Pure Casino Yellowhead, where events include live music and big screens for current sports events. Four restaurants here offer plenty of choice for hungry tummies while the casino boasts high-limit table games as well as over 700 slot machines and 10 video lottery terminals.

CN Tower Edge Walk in Toronto, Ontario

This is not one for those with a fear of heights. A unique pursuit strictly for daring urban explorers, the edge walk at The CN Tower sees you walking the edge of the iconic tower which stands 356 meters above the ground. Of course, the edge walk is just one of many extreme sports and activities you can try while in and around Toronto. In Oakville, there’s the iFly arena for indoor skydiving, treetop trekking in Brampton, and motorsport racing at 6th Gear in Etobicoke. You can even place your bets at the Woodbine Racetrack where you can also indulge in the city’s biggest casino featuring over 3,000 slot machines.

Bonus: Dog Sledding in Banff, Alberta

While in Banff, dog sledding tours are a popular way to see the ice-covered countryside while experiencing something new. Most operators offer a variety of choice from 30-minute rides to full-day tours with hot beverages and scenic stops for lunch. The fun is in meeting the highly trained dogs and giving mushing a go.

“JOH_5580” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by star5112

Last Word on Alternative Sports to Check Out While in Canada

Canada offers so much for travelers, whether you’re in the country for a couple of days on business or on a two-week vacation. Mixing new-age pursuits like casino gaming and eSports with adrenaline junkie pursuits and unique activities for thrill-seekers, trying your hand at an alternative sport not only provides a fulfilling life experience but a new and unforgettable window on to the heritage, culture, and geography of Canada.

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