Mark Friendship Day with exciting Canadian signature experiences built for two.
Friendship Day is around the corner, and if you’re thinking beyond matching mugs or last-minute chocolates, we’re right there with you. This July 30, surprise your best friend or your favourite person with something unforgettable — they’ll never see coming. Shared experiences make the best memories, and these ideas are perfect for celebrating years of inside jokes, karaoke duets, and supportive late-night talks.
Unlike physical gifts that eventually gather dust, experience gifts give you something way better: stories to tell for years. Whether you’re planning a fun day with your BFF or a romantic date night, we’ve got you covered with these exciting Canadian experience gift ideas that are anything but ordinary.
What Is Friendship Day?
Celebrated every July 30, Friendship Day is a time to show appreciation for the people who’ve been by your side through everything. While the day isn’t a national holiday in Canada, it’s still recognized by many as a chance to reconnect, reflect, and maybe even try something totally new together.
Instead of grabbing another candle or gift card, how about doing something exciting together? Below are five experience gift ideas to mark Friendship Day (or plan a fun date night) that go way beyond the usual.
5 Unique Experience Gift Ideas to Share With Your Bestie or Date
Whether you're celebrating your childhood BFF, your college roomie, or even planning a surprise experience gift for a friend-turned-partner, tandem experiences like scenic tours, food tastings, and outdoor adventures are the way to go. Think of it as a grown-up playdate, with better snacks and fewer scraped knees.
Here are five shared Canadian experiences, many of which are recognized as Canadian Signature Experiences, that are perfect for celebrating Friendship Day or planning your next date night:
#1 1000 Islands Seaway and Cider Helicopter Tour
There’s something extra special about seeing the world from above. This 30-minute helicopter tour takes you and your best bud over the beautiful 1000 Islands and the historic St. Lawrence Seaway. The real twist? It ends with a cozy cider tasting at a local orchard that lasts for about an hour.
You’ll fly over castles, lighthouses, and sparkling waters before landing for a refreshing cider flight because no friendship celebration is complete without a toast.
Perfect for: Adventure seekers, history lovers, and cider fans.
👉🏻Ready to fly? Book the 1000 Islands Seaway and Cider Helicopter Tour here.
#2 Banff Via Ferrata Tour
If your friendship has survived group projects and camping trips, it’s probably strong enough to handle a cliffside climb. The Banff Via Ferrata tour is part rock climbing, part hiking, and totally unforgettable. Don’t worry, you’ll be harnessed in and guided every step of the way.
Climb ladders fixed to the rock, cross suspension bridges, and reach jaw-dropping viewpoints of the Rockies. You’ll both feel accomplished (and sore in the best way) by the end of the day.
Perfect for: Friends who crave adrenaline and love a good mountain selfie.
👉🏻Up for the challenge? Book the Banff Via Ferrata Tour here.
#3 Niagara Helicopter Tour with Peller Estates Winery Gourmet Meal and Wine Tasting
Combine luxury with natural beauty on this helicopter and wine tasting experience. Soar above Niagara Falls for a thrilling aerial view, then touch down for a gourmet meal and wine tasting at Peller Estates Winery.
It’s a full-day outing where you and your favourite human can indulge in great food, fine wine, and even finer views. This is the kind of plan that makes a regular Wednesday feel like a celebration.
Perfect for: Friends who appreciate the finer things in life.
👉🏻Wine not? Book the Niagara Helicopter and Winery Experience here.
#4 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Food Tour
A castle in the Rockies? Yes, please. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Food Tour is your passport to old-world elegance and amazing bites. You and your friend will enjoy a progressive meal across four different dining venues inside the iconic hotel.
From classic cocktails to decadent desserts, every course is paired with a story about the hotel’s rich history. It’s like time traveling with a fork in hand.
Perfect for: Foodie duos who love a bit of luxury with their lunch.
👉🏻Feeling fancy? Book the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Food Tour here.
#5 Niagara Falls All Canadian Walking Food Tour
Not every adventure needs a flight suit or harness. The three-hour All Canadian Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls is a relaxed and flavour-packed experience. You and your companion will stroll through the city, stopping at hand-picked local spots to sample poutine, maple treats, and other Canadian staples.
It’s fun, informative, and deliciously casual. If you’re celebrating a friendship that’s more flannel and fries than champagne and heels, this one’s for you.
Perfect for: Laid-back pals who love discovering hidden gems.
👉🏻Hungry yet?Book the Niagara Falls Walking Food Tour here.
Why Shared Experiences Make the Best Friendship Gifts
Studies show people value experiences more than material items. According to the Journal of Consumer Research, shared activities lead to stronger social bonds and longer-lasting happiness than physical gifts. And let's be honest, shared laughter during a helicopter ride or awkward climbing moment creates inside jokes that last forever.
Giving an experience gift says, “I care about spending time with you,” which is really the best message for Friendship Day. Plus, it doubles as a day off from daily stress, giving both of you a reason to unplug.
Not Just for Friends: Hello, Date Night!
If you're planning something special with a partner (romantic or otherwise), these shared adventures also make great date night ideas. You don’t need to wait for Valentine’s Day to book a private wine tasting or cliffside climb. Experiences that involve learning or adventure often lead to stronger relationships because they push you to work together and have fun while doing so.
Final Thoughts
Friendship Day might fly under the radar, but that doesn’t mean it should go uncelebrated. Whether you’re treating a bestie, sibling, or significant other, these shared experience gift ideas are a fun way to show you care.
Skip the mugs and chocolates. Book the flight, lace up your boots, or loosen your belt for a food tour. Make July 30 a day you’ll talk about for years to come.
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Browse more unforgettable experience gift ideas for two friends at Breakaway Experiences.
