Best Weekend Trips in Canada
Planning a long-weekend getaway in Canada? These destinations are sure to be a hit! We’ve rounded up the best weekend trips in Canada with something for every type of traveler and whatever type of getaway you are after.
Whistler, British Columbia
This is a great start to our list of best weekend trips in Canada. Whistler is a famous ski destination centered around the massive Whistler Blackcomb resort, which offers some of the best skiing in all of North America.
In wintertime, Whistler boasts gorgeous snow-capped peaks and nearly 40 feet of annual snowfall. However, there’s much to do in warmer months too, with bobsledding, hiking and biking up the mountains all topping the list of outdoor pursuits.
The mountains are truly gorgeous. For the best views, book a ride on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola which travels between Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains. If you are not looking for such an active vacation, you might prefer to check out the area’s art galleries and museums, boutique shopping and a range of family-friendly attractions and events year round. After all that fun, you are sure to be ready for refreshments, and Whistler will not disappoint. Check out the stunning views and tasty comfort food at 21 Steps or get a table at the well-known Araxi Restaurant + Bar.
Canmore, Alberta
Canmore is a rocky mountain town that is perfect for outdoorsy travelers. The scenery is stunning with views of the mountains from just about anywhere in town. You will not run out of ways to enjoy the outdoors either with plenty of opportunities to go canoeing, caving, hiking, horseback riding and more.
More mellow travelers might appreciate experiencing the views from boat, bus or helicopter tours. The town itself offers nice shops, galleries and tasty restaurants such as the Grizzly Paw Brewing Company, which is a local brewery that cranks out beer and low-sugar, caffeine-free craft soda and traditional fare on their popular patio with unforgettable views of the Three Sisters Mountain.
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Vernon, British Columbia
Less than one hour from Kelowna Airport and within reach of Vancouver and Calgary, this North Okanagan town sits cozily between Kalamalka, Okanagan and Swan lakes, and offers an abundance of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventurers.
There are beaches in abundance and they range from easily accessible to remote. Families flock to Kin Beach on Okanagan because of its family-friendly amenities (think playground, nearby parking and picnic tables), and a wide, sandy shoreline.
Alternatively, those who are a bit more adventurous might prefer Juniper Bay and Cosens Bay beaches which both lie a bit off the beaten path inside Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. Hikers and mountain bikers will want to visit Ellison Provincial Park for numerous exciting trails. Those who are interested in agritourism will appreciate the local working farm Davison Orchards and honey producers, Planet Bee. You certainly will not go thirsty in Vernon as the town is home to a craft distillery, a cidery and several wineries.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Lunenburg is another one of the best weekend trips in Canada and is a port town with a colorful and interesting history centered on seafaring. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is nicknamed “Home of the Bluenose” after the famous fishing ship that you can docked here. The ship, which also appears on the Canadian dime, was once the fastest racing schooner in the world. Today people can visit the ship and even take a two-hour sailing tour on board.
Life at sea is really central to the culture in Lunenburg. So, you will also want to make sure you have a plate of lobster or fish and chips, and take a heritage tour. However, the town’s Maritime history is only one piece of what makes Lunenburg special.
There are also great beaches, local wineries and farms, art galleries, and shopping boutiques in town. When it is time to refuel, the Ironworks Distillery makes vodka, rum, apple brandy and fruit liquers. Dining options range from a casual meal of mussels and chowder at the Salt Shaker Deli, to a seven-course tasting menu at the well-regarded Fleur de Sel.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
This is a place that cannot be left out for the best weekend trips in Canada. Niagara Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the world is located on the U.S./Canadian border between Canada’s Ontario and the U.S.’s state of New York.
The falls are immensely beautiful and are worth spending a couple days exploring from every angle. Stay at the Marriott Niagara Falls Hotel Fallsview and Spa, the closest hotel to the falls to be right by the action and enjoy the best views. You can see the falls by observation deck, cruises, aero car and more. Numerous entertainment attractions and dining establishments have grown up around the falls. After a day of exploring, you can unwind at the casino or one of many local restaurants and bars. The Edgewaters Tap and Grill is a great place to catch the fireworks over the falls and they have fun drink options.
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Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island, one of the maritime provinces of eastern Canada is a postcard-worthy destination offering scene after photogenic scene of beautiful red-sand beaches, fertile farmland, rolling hills and lighthouses. This makes it a shoe-in for being one of the best weekend trips in Canada.
Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, is a small city, but has some interesting sites, like Victorian-era government buildings and a nice theatre and art gallery.
As one might expect, the area is known for its seafood. There are farm-to-table restaurants in abundance where fresh seafood, like lobster and mussels, and locally grown produce are the star of the show.
For many visitors, the Anne of Green Gables stories from their childhood are what have shaped their ideas of Prince Edward Island. Literature fans come to see the Green Gables Heritage Place and the island has changed little since the book series was first published at the beginning of the last century, fulfilling everyone’s childhood imagination of what the scenes in the book may have looked like.
Quebec City, Quebec
When there is no room in the calendar or in the budget for a trip to Europe, a trip to Quebec is the next best thing. The capital of Quebec is easily accessible by a short flight from New York or Toronto, or a quick drive from Montreal.
You’ll immediately feel as if you have been transported to a historical city in Europe as you wander the picturesque old streets, gazing at dramatic architecture. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site packed with homes from 17 century and 18 century, stunning churches, classic bistros, sidewalk cafes and manicured squares. There’s even a 19-century hilltop Citadelle that is a popular attraction for history buffs.
The dining scene is fabulous, owing to the city’s French roots and agricultural abundance of nearby areas, making it one of the best weekend trips in Canada. It’s the perfect place to tuck into a plate of crepes, a bowl of French onion soup, or poutine, the national dish of Canada.