Stop hunting for things. Give them a memory they’ll talk about for years. Here are 8 unique Canadian experiences.
Are you racking your brain for experience gift ideas for that one person on your list? We all have that best friend. Their closet is full, their kitchen has every single gadget, and they just bought that thing you thought was the perfect gift. Trying to find a present for them can feel like an impossible mission.
You want to give them something amazing, something that shows you get them, but what do you buy for the person who seemingly has everything? It’s a classic holiday and birthday puzzle. You end up scrolling through online stores for hours, feeling completely stuck.
Why Is Gifting So Hard for a Bestie Who Has It All?
The challenge is simple: they don't need anything. When your best friend wants something, they usually just go out and buy it for themselves. This makes your job as a gift-giver incredibly difficult. You’re not just trying to find a gift; you're trying to find something that can surprise and delight someone who is rarely surprised.
A physical gift, no matter how thoughtful, risks becoming just another object taking up space. A scented candle or another sweater just doesn't capture the depth of your friendship. You’re looking for that "wow" moment, and finding it inside a box is tough.
The Perfect Solution: Why Experiences Beat 'Stuff'
This is where you change the strategy. Instead of adding to their collection of stuff, give them a story to tell. An experience gift is the ultimate answer. It’s not just a present; it’s a future memory. Think about it: that new gadget is exciting for a week, but the feeling fades. We get used to our possessions.
An experience, however, delivers joy in three distinct phases: the excitement of anticipating the event, the pure fun of doing the thing, and the warmth of remembering it forever.
This trend represents a significant shift in how Canadians perceive value. A 2024 report on Canadian holiday trends from Retail Insider noted that 73% of friends prefer to share a fun experience over a traditional gift exchange.
You’re giving them a feeling, an adventure, a new skill, or pure relaxation. That’s a gift that truly keeps on giving!
8 Unforgettable Experience Gifts for Your Best Friend
We’ve searched across Canada to find unique, fun, and truly memorable experience gift ideas perfect for your bestie. Forget the usual dinner voucher. These are the gifts that will make them say, "You seriously got this for me?!"
#1 Distillery District Breakfast Tour, Toronto
What’s better than brunch? A tour of brunch. If your best friend's favourite food group is "breakfast," this is a must-do. Toronto's Distillery District is famous for its cobblestone streets and artsy vibe.
This tour lets them skip the line-ups and dive straight into the best morning treats the area offers. We're talking fresh pastries, artisanal coffee, and other gourmet breakfast bites. It's a guided walk through history, with delicious stops along the way.
Best for: The foodie friend, the brunch enthusiast, or the one who loves exploring historic Toronto.
👉🏻 Book the Distillery District Breakfast Tour today!
#2 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Food Tour
Does your bestie love a touch of luxury? This isn't just any food tour. It’s a journey through Canada's "Castle in the Rockies." The Fairmont Banff Springs is an iconic hotel.
This experience blends breathtaking architecture and rich history with incredible food. A guide will lead them through the property, sharing stories while they enjoy four distinct culinary creations at the hotel’s top-tier venues. It’s fancy, it's fascinating, and it's delicious.
Best for: The history buff, the luxury lover, or the friend who appreciates fine dining in a stunning setting.
👉🏻 Reserve their spot on the Fairmont Banff Springs Food Tour!
#3 Kelowna E-Bike Bee Tour with Tastings, Lunch & Audio Guide
Here's a gift that's totally unique and has a sweet payoff. Your friend can cruise through Kelowna's beautiful scenery on an e-bike, so they don't have to be a pro cyclist.
The tour is all about bees! They'll learn about pollination, see hives up close (safely!), and taste different kinds of honey. The trip also includes a visit to a meadery (honey wine!) and a delicious charcuterie lunch. It’s a perfect Okanagan day.
Best for: The nature lover, the eco-conscious friend, or anyone who loves a good bike ride with 👉🏻 Check out the Kelowna E-Bike Bee Tour!
#4 Seaplane Introductory Flying Lesson – Squamish, BC
Is your bestie a bit of a thrill-seeker? This isn't just a scenic flight. They get to be the co-pilot. This introductory lesson in Squamish lets them take the controls of a seaplane under the guidance of a certified instructor.
They'll learn the basics of flying, all while soaring over the stunning landscapes of Howe Sound. The mountains, the water... the view from the pilot's seat is unbeatable.
Best for: The adrenaline junkie, the aspiring pilot, or the friend who needs a new profile picture.
👉🏻 Book their introductory flying lesson!
#5 Mont-Tremblant Helicopter Tour and Scandinave Spa
This is the ultimate "wow" gift. It combines high-flying thrills with deep relaxation. First, your best friend will board a helicopter for a breathtaking tour over the Laurentian mountains and Mont-Tremblant.
After seeing the world from above, they’ll come back to earth for a day of bliss at the famous Scandinave Spa, known for its hydrotherapy cycles of hot, cold, and relaxation. This is one of those experience gift ideas that offer the best of both worlds.
Best for: The friend who deserves serious pampering, the thrill-seeker, or for a big milestone birthday.
👉🏻 Explore the Mont-Tremblant Helicopter & Spa package!
#6 Friday Night Wine and Cheese Sail in Toronto
Help your bestie unwind from the week. This experience is pure magic. They'll step aboard a tall ship and sail into the Toronto harbour just as the sun begins to set. The city skyline views are incredible from the water.
While they sail, they can enjoy a spread of delicious wine and cheese. It’s a sophisticated, relaxing, and beautiful way to kick off the weekend.
Best for: The romantic, the busy professional who needs a break, or the one who loves wine and city views.
👉🏻 Grab tickets for the Friday Night Wine and Cheese Sail!
#7 Sunset Whale Watching Cruise from Victoria, BC
This is an experience that truly takes your breath away. Setting out from Victoria's Inner Harbour, this cruise searches for magnificent orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, minke whales, and other marine wildlife. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat is amazing.
Doing it while the sun sets over the ocean? That's a core memory. The guides are marine biologists who share fascinating insights, making it educational too.
Best for: The animal lover, the photographer, or anyone who feels connected to the ocean.
👉🏻 Book the Sunset Whale Watching Cruise!
#8 Collingwood and Blue Mountain’s Wine, Cider & Beer Tour
Does your best friend love a good craft beverage? This tour is a sampling safari through one of Ontario's most scenic regions. They’ll be chauffeured between top-notch local producers: a winery, a craft brewery, and an apple cidery.
It’s a full afternoon of tasting flights, learning about the local craft, and enjoying the views without worrying about driving.
Best for: The craft beer connoisseur, the cider enthusiast, or the friend group looking for a perfect day out.
👉🏻 Secure a spot on the Wine, Cider & Beer Tour!
Final Thoughts
Hunting for experience gift ideas doesn't have to be stressful. The answer isn't on a shelf; it's out there waiting to be lived. This year, give them more than just an object. Give them a new perspective from a seaplane, the taste of a perfect wine and cheese pairing on the water, or the thrill of seeing a whale breach at sunset.
You're not just giving a gift; you're giving them their new favourite story.
