Planning a getaway to the second-largest country in the world might seem daunting — especially if you’ve never been before. The United States’ northerly neighbor features picturesque coastal and mountain villages, majestic national parks, bustling cities, and offbeat landmarks across 10 provinces and three territories. If you're looking for an international adventure, but only have a long weekend, these seven trips are accessible from major Canadian cities, but will still make you feel as if you’re worlds away.
Québec: Montreal to Québec City
For a European-style vacation without crossing the Atlantic, taking a trip to the French-speaking province of Québec is a must. The late, great chef Anthony Bourdain named Montréal one of his favorite cities in the world to dine, which means the city won’t disappoint with it’s namesake sesame bagels, poutine smothered in gravy and cheese curds, smoked meat sandwiches, and buttery crêpes and croissants.
When you need a break from eating, see the famous brightly colored townhouses in the Plateau neighborhood and people-watch in nearby Saint-Louis Square. Admire acrobats swinging from impressive heights in a Cirque du Soleil show (the company was founded here), shop at the Jean Talon Market, or drive up Mont Royal for the best panoramic views of the city at Mont Royal Chalet.
After a couple days in the bustling city, take in the natural beauty of the gorgeous Montmorency Falls from an observation deck en route to the historic walled capital of Québec City. Take an iconic shot in front of the castle-like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, one of the most photographed hotels in the world, and indulge on crêpes and shop for art and souvenirs in Petit-Champlain, a fairytale-esque district featuring cobblestone alleys, a funicular, boutiques, and gable-roofed stone houses.
British Columbia: Vancouver to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway
Roughly three hours north of Seattle lies Vancouver, the largest city in Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia. Home to a multitude of nationalities, Vancouver is proud of its creativity, diversity, and accessibility to the great outdoors — making it a great place to spend a long weekend. Shop for art, jewelry, and trinkets made by local artisans at the Pacific Arts Market or head to the waterfront industrial site Granville Island, a public market home to shops, restaurants, and artist’s studios. Try Asian comfort foods and other late-night grub at the Richmond Night Market —the largest night market in North America — and learn more about the city’s immigrants and rich Asian heritage at the Chinese Canadian Museum in Chinatown.
If you’re itching to explore B.C.’s pristine wilderness, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park just outside of the city features walkways through the towering trees at dizzying heights. Make sure you plan your visit in the afternoon; the twinkle lights turn on at dusk for an ethereal experience in the forest.
On your last day in the area, drive the scenic Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler, a world-renowned ski resort that is gorgeous in any season. Strap on your shoes and hit the hiking trails or go paddleboarding on one of the area's many lakes. Stop along the way to take the Sea to Sky Gondola for the best aerial views of the coastline.
Alberta: Calgary to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway
Arguably one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Banff, Alberta, is home to some seriously stunning vistas. For the best views, spend a weekend driving from Calgary to get on the Icefields Parkway, which journeys through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
Choosing which trail to hike will be the most difficult decision but you really can’t go wrong — there are rivers, waterfalls, forests, and meadows around every bend. Along the way, be sure to see Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which are known for their turquoise waters and mountainous backdrops, explore the idyllic mountain towns of Banff and Jasper, and participate in one of the many outdoor activities available, such as canoeing, camping, and fishing.
Ontario: Cottage Country
Toronto is an easy place to spend a week visiting museums and other attractions, but when Ontarians need a break from the entertainment and nightlife, they head a couple hours north to Cottage Country. Lake Muskoka and Lake Simcoe are peaceful places to spend warm summer days laying on the dock before cooling off in the calm water. The small city of Barrie has a slew of restaurants, bookstores, and boutiques to spend time in, while Port Carling is a darling waterfront town known for its fudge shops, toy stores, old movie theater, and art galleries. Summer is peak season here, but the area is also known for its gorgeous foliage come fall.
Nova Scotia: Halifax to Lunenburg
For a laid-back long weekend retreat, you won’t regret booking a flight to foggy Halifax to wander the sleepy fishing villages of Nova Scotia. The maritime province is drivable from Maine, but many people bypass it, missing out on rugged coasts, rocky beaches, and green highlands. In Halifax, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to learn about the history of the Titanic, which sunk off the coast, and visit the memorial at Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Stop through the Seaport Farmers’ Market, the oldest, continuously-operating farmers’ market in North America, to try some local catch, before visiting historic breweries on cobblestone streets like Alexander Keith’s, which was founded in 1820.
When you’ve finished enjoying a hot bowl of chowder and got your fill of local history, drive 45 minutes south to see the iconic lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove before finishing on to Lunenburg, a fishing village that earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries with colorful façades.
Prince Edward Island
The entirety of the smallest province in Canada can be explored in just a weekend. Those who read the stories of Anne of Green Gables growing up will be happy to know that the pastoral landscape of this island is just as Lucy Maud Montgomery described it: white-picket fences, Queen Anne-style homes, old barns, green meadows, and quintessential villages in the countryside.
Explore the capital of Charlottetown, a seaport city with a lot of vintage character. Walk the flower-lined paths in the harbor to watch the lobster boats roll in, shop for handmade souvenirs by local artisans at local galleries, admire the historic architecture, and end the day filling up on fresh seafood. Visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum at the Campbell Homestead; you can see the iconic green-roofed barn and get ice cream in Avonlea Village. Other P.E.I. sites that promise to excite are Basin Head Provincial Park, where you can hear the “singing sands,” spot one of the island’s many historic lighthouses, and walk along the red sandstone cliffs at Prince Edward Island National Park and Cape Tryon.
British Columbia: Victoria to Tofino
Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is one of the most picturesque cities in all of Canada. Spot the red-coated Canadian mounted police patrolling the streets and see some of the most gorgeous gardens in the world. If you rent a car, be sure to explore the rest of the island and head to Nanaimo to try an authentic nanaimo bar (Canada’s favorite dessert featuring a coconut crumb base, custard filling, and top layer of chocolate ganache) and the port city of Tofino, which is becoming a popular vacation destination due to its Indigenous history, art galleries, romantic rugged beaches, and whale-watching tours.
