Six unforgettable Canadian bachelorette and bachelor party destinations

Bachelorette and bachelor parties have evolved to be much more than a crazy night out at the bars. Many choose to turn their unforgettable night into an unforgettable weekend away with their closest friends and family. Canada is blessed with a unique range of destinations that could be the ideal host for your celebratory weekend. Whether you are looking for clubs, unique hotels, outdoor activities, or even art classes, there is something for everyone.  Let's take a look at some of the top picks for bachelor or bachelorette travel destinations across the country.

Halifax

For those eyeing a more relaxed experience for your bachelor(ette) celebration, Halifax is the sanctuary you’re looking for. Nestled on the coast of Nova Scotia, this peaceful fishing city is fantastic for water activities, unreal seafood, and spending quality time with your closest friends and family before you tie the knot.

There’s plenty of beauty to behold in Halifax. Stroll down the Halifax Waterfront to take in the water views and stop at quaint little shops and eateries along the boardwalk. Keep walking through the Halifax Public Gardens to explore this one-of-a-kind Victorian-era garden. Over the summer, you’ll get to enjoy outdoor concerts and other fun seasonal events.

The beauty of Halifax is indoors as well. Sea-loving brides and grooms will fall in love with the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic filled with artifacts and a small boat collection. One of the best museums in the province is the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, which features a huge collection of over 17,000 works. 

Sightseeing is only half the fun of Halifax. Those looking for some adventure can buckle up their life jackets to go big-game shark fishing with Blue Shark Charters. If that’s not enough of a rush, motorheads can book private go-karting sessions at Kartbahn Racing. Maybe instead of throwing the bouquet, the winner of the race can be the next to get married. They also offer laser tags for small to medium-sized groups. 

Just cause Halifax comes off as a sleepy fishing town doesn’t mean it doesn’t know how to throw a good party. One of its best party options is booking a personal party cruise around the city’s harbour that includes a DJ, full cash bar, and other activities fit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Calgary

You don’t need to head to the top of Calgary Tower for a 360-degree panorama of this beautiful city to see that there’s plenty of fun here for bachelors and bachelorettes (though it’s definitely worth it for the view). What better way to symbolize the thrill of getting married than with a picture of the bride- or groom-to-be standing on the glass viewing platform?

Wedding parties can also find thrills at Calgary’s iconic Winsport Canada Olympic Park, which played host to the Winter Olympic Games back in 1988. It can now host your bachelor(ette) festivities with great winter activities such as snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing, and even skating. During summer, you can enjoy bobsleighing, zipline tours, and freefall bungee jumping. The perfect venue for a pre-wedding adrenaline rush. 

If you’re planning your party over the summer, try your best to hit Calgary in July when it holds its annual Calgary Stampede at Stampede Park. It’s why the city is lovingly nicknamed “Cowtown.” You won’t be surprised when you step into the festival that will make you feel like you time traveled to the wild west with tons of events, games, food, and entertainment. With stage shows, wall-to-wall rodeos, and events such as chuckwagon racing, it is an ideal opportunity to let out your inner cowgirl or cowboy. Wild West-themed wedding party, anyone? 

Whistler

If you’re looking for time to play in the great outdoors or you’re looking to get involved with snow sports, Whistler could very well likely be the perfect bachelor or bachelorette destination for you to visit. 

Whistler’s renowned slopes are certainly an excellent option for winter sports lovers, and there’s, even more, to discover beyond that. You can fill your days with axe throwing, spa treatments, dancing, and whatever else may fuel your fire after a cold day on the slopes. 

For the party animal, Tommy’s is an excellent location for a classic wild party experience. It’s well known to be the best bachelorette party destination in the area. You can splurge and choose a VIP table experience which will include cover and coat check and allow you to skip the line. You’ll have your own table service and private selection. 

Forged Axe Throwing is the perfect spot for a bit of friendly competition. They offer group rates so that you and your favourite people can spend your entire session trying your hands at target practice and learning the basics. It’s definitely a unique, memorable bachelor(ette) experience. It’s also great for working off some of that pre-wedding stress that may be giving you the jitters.

If you’re with a group of thrill-seekers, Superfly is one of the most exciting and unique places to visit. You can get adventurous by teaming up with them for some adrenaline-pumping fun. This adventure company specializes in treetop adventures and ziplining to allow you to experience the beauty of Whistler from an angle that not many people actually see. Better yet, it also doubles as a wedding venue so you can enjoy your time while scouting wedding venues. If you’re looking for a large woodland space, this is an excellent location. 

The adventure continues with a Segway Tour of Whistler with River Valley Adventure Co. Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all that adventuring, get your cooking game on at Get Cooking Edmonton. Given the great (and fun) instruction and super fresh ingredients, it’s likely that even the worst cooks will make something edible, and possibly delicious.

If you’re looking for a relaxing activity, Bliss Yoga Spa is a wonderful place to go and get zen before the big day. You can begin with a yoga class and follow it up with relaxing spa treatments and massages. After all, you should feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and refreshed leading up to the wedding. 

Vancouver

For variety, you can’t beat big Vancouver for your bachelor(ette) festivities. The west coast city is a spectacular and diverse destination that offers a huge selection of activities, from speedways to ski resorts and beyond. Its vibrant nightlife has plenty of clubs and bars offering craft beer, cocktails, and even cannabis to accommodate any pace of partying. 

It is a stunning city to explore both with respect to its architecture and its beautiful natural surroundings. The most picturesque place to start is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park where you and your party can literally walk among the treetops on a suspended bridge. Kayaking, whale watching, hiking, and camping are also favourite outdoor activities in the many parks, mountain ranges, and lakes in the area.

Vancouver is very much a foodie city, much to the delight of visitors. You and your friends can dive head first into the local culinary scene by learning to make the dishes yourself. Book a private class at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts to learn from the best and hopefully end up with an edible meal.

To taste the acclaimed seafood and sushi of the area, head to top restaurants Miku and West Restaurant for a special dinner. Those who are into cocktails should make a stop at Keefer Bar, which offers a menu of cocktails you’ve never heard of and that can be infused with a wide range of bitters, herbs, and more.

Winnipeg

Manitoba’s capital, Winnipeg, is definitely an interesting choice for your bachelor's or bachelorette party. Its unique climate turns it into a true wonderland during the winter season when the Red and Assiniboine Rivers both freeze over to create an 8.5km natural ice skating rink — the world’s longest. Winter lovers can also enjoy snow tubing and cable snowboarding, among other fun winter sports activities that are great for groups.

Indoor activities are just as much of a blast with kart racing at Speedworld, axe throwing, escape rooms, and Winnipeg Art & Wine, which lets you unleash your inner Picasso while enjoying a glass of wine (or two). If you’re really looking to relax after a day out in the cold, head to Thermea, a magical day spa with virtually every spa service you can imagine.

Nightlife in winter is as cool as its winters. Give yourself a taste of the Vegas bachelor(ette) experience at Club Regent Casino. Even if you don't gamble, it may be worth heading there to catch some live entertainment at the incredible Club Regent Event Center. Winnipeg also has some fantastic craft breweries, like Bernhard Wieland Brewing and Nonsuch Brewing Co., so beer lovers should be sure to take a tour of the city’s best.

Check out all of the upcoming shows at Burton Cummings Theatre, home to some of the best live music and shows in the area. Country music fans will love spending a night at Cowboys, a two-story Western-themed nightclub that hosts many well-known musicians. Winnipeg certainly has all the makings for the night of your life.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is yet another stunning place to have your bachelorette or bachelor party. This unassuming agricultural city has a great balance of unique, nature-related activities with enough entertainment to make for an exciting night out.

Saskatoon is like a trip to wine country except with distilleries instead of wineries. If you’re a lover of all things whisky, gin, or vodka, head to Lucky Bastard Distillers for a free tour of the facilities (yes, you get to try the goods). You can also book a fun private tour after hours to get even looser. Black Fox Farm & Distillery is a must-visit for gin drinkers, as it’s dubbed the “World’s Best Cask Gin.”

There are plenty of other activities beyond drinking. Take a lovely cruise on the Saskatchewan River on a classic riverboat courtesy of Prairie River Cruises Ltd. Add some exciting group activities to the itinerary with laser tag and paintballing at Merrill Dunes, or trampoline jumping at Apex Trampoline Park.

Saskatoon is a very agricultural city, which translates to some fresh, delicious food for visitors. You’ll feel very much a part of its agricultural culture at The Granary, a farm-to-table restaurant that’s inside of a former grain elevator. Ayden Kitchen & Bar is another popular local spot known for its fantastic meat dishes and creative cocktails, courtesy of the bar’s mixologist.