Give the gift of unforgettable animal encounters for any occasion across Canada!
Finding the best experience gifts for the animal lovers in your life (or yourself!) can feel like a mission. But when summer rolls around, it's the perfect season for nature tours and encounters with incredible wildlife. Rather than wrapping up another stuffed animal, why not give someone an experience that connects them with real animals? These adventures are more than just photo ops. They’re powerful, up-close moments with some of nature’s most fascinating creatures.
From grizzlies in the Rockies to sharks off Nova Scotia’s coast, there’s no shortage of ways to spend time with animals across Canada. This summer, surprise your favourite animal lover with an experience they’ll still be talking about when the snow starts to fall again.
Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or a “just because” treat, these five outdoor adventures offer memorable, meaningful gifts with a wild twist:
#1 Banff Evening Wildlife Safari
Tucked deep in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is home to some of the country’s most majestic wildlife. The Banff Evening Wildlife Safari is a guided tour that takes place during the most active time of day for animals. As dusk sets in, elk, deer, coyotes, and maybe even a bear or two emerge from the trees, making it prime time for sightings.
This 2-hour adventure is a relaxed and family-friendly way to experience Banff’s wild residents in their natural setting. No hiking gear needed — just bring a camera and your curiosity. The guides are full of fun facts, and you’ll travel by bus with several scenic stops along the way.
Perfect for: Wildlife lovers, amateur photographers, Banff first-timers
Why it’s a great gift: It’s stress-free, beginner-friendly, and comes with guaranteed Rocky Mountain views.
👉🏼Plan Your Banff Evening Wildlife Safari Experience
#2 Banff Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour
This experience brings you face-to-face with a real-life grizzly bear named Boo. The Banff Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour takes place in a protected area near Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, where Boo lives in a huge natural habitat.
On this tour, visitors ride the gondola up the mountain, then walk through the refuge with an expert guide who shares Boo’s story and how conservation efforts have helped protect grizzlies in the wild. You’ll also enjoy a mountaintop lunch, explore the nearby scenery, and learn all about the life of bears in the Canadian Rockies.
Perfect for: Animal-rights supporters, curious teens, anyone who grew up with a teddy bear
Why it’s a great gift: It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to safely observe a grizzly while learning about conservation in action.
👉🏼Secure Your Spot at The Banff Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour
#3 Shark Viewing, Cage Diving – Halifax, NS
This one’s for the thrill-seekers. Off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Shark Viewing and Cage Diving Experience takes you out into shark territory. Blue sharks are the main stars here, and participants can choose to either watch from the boat or suit up and hop into the cage for an even closer look.
No diving certification? No problem. The crew provides training on the boat, making it beginner-friendly and safe. Sharks are drawn in using a scent trail (no bait or feeding), so it’s all ethical and responsibly managed. Even if you’re not diving, being on deck while these sleek swimmers circle the boat is unforgettable. It’s an excellent pick for someone who’s fascinated by marine life and wants more than an aquarium encounter.
Perfect for: Adrenaline junkies, shark fans, anyone who binge-watched Shark Week
Why it’s a great gift: It delivers a major dose of excitement and a great story to tell, with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.
👉🏼See Sharks Upclose at Shark Viewing, Cage Diving – Halifax
#4 Whale Watching – Vancouver
Vancouver is known for its coffee, its scenery, and yes, its whales. The Vancouver Whale Watching Tour takes passengers into the Salish Sea, where orcas, humpbacks, and grey whales glide through the water during the warmer months.
What makes this experience special is the chance to see whales in their natural habitat. Marine naturalists are on board to explain everything from whale communication to migration patterns. It’s a calm, peaceful, and eye-opening day on the water that can appeal to anyone, from kids to grandparents.
Perfect for: Families, nature lovers, and anyone who finds calm near the ocean
Why it’s a great gift: It’s a soothing yet awe-inspiring experience that brings people closer to nature’s gentle giants.
👉🏼Reserve Your Spot at Whale Watching – Vancouver
#5 Half-Day Horseback Ride with Cowboy Supper – Pemberton, BC
For a slower-paced adventure, this Half-Day Horseback Ride in Pemberton offers a western-style escape into BC’s wilderness. You’ll ride a trusty horse along quiet trails leading to Birkenhead Lake, passing through forests, meadows, and foothills along the way.
After the ride, guests sit down for a cowboy-style supper cooked over an open fire. Think hearty meats, fresh sides, and a warm, outdoorsy atmosphere. The horses are calm, and the guides are experienced and friendly. This one’s ideal for someone who’s always dreamed of life on the ranch or just needs a relaxing afternoon away from the city.
Perfect for: Outdoor lovers, couples, or anyone craving a digital detox
Why it’s a great gift: It combines nature, horses, and food — a triple win for those who prefer slow travel and fresh air.
👉🏼Book Your Half-Day Horseback Ride with Cowboy Supper
Final Thoughts: Give the Gift of Animal Experiences
Animal-themed experience gifts are thoughtful, meaningful, and unforgettable. Instead of another item that might collect dust, these five experiences create stories, memories, and maybe even a few goosebumps.
From bear refuges in Banff to horseback rides in British Columbia and shark dives on the East Coast, each of these activities offers a personal connection with animals in their natural habitat. They’re an adventure waiting to happen.
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Find the best experience gifts for the animal lover in your life at the Breakaway Experiences website, or give them a Breakaway Experiences Gift Card and let them choose the wildlife experience of their choice!
