Make it a Canadian summer with these 6 vacation ideas

These Canadian hotspots are sure to make your getaway a memorable one. 

There’s no better time to explore all the wonders that Canada has to offer. Picture taking a gondola ride up the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. If heights aren’t your thing, imagine whale watching off the coast of Newfoundland or touring the Horseshoe Falls in Ontario. No matter what you choose, there are endless sights to behold in this place we call home.

Check out these vacation ideas that'll make your summer amazing without the expense of international travel.  

Canada is home to many national park reserves, offering a variety of overnight stays and excursions for many budgets. If you’re outdoorsy, you can challenge yourself to a backcountry hike on the Long Range Traverse in Newfoundland and Labrador. Prefer a little glam with your camp? A MicrOcube – essentially a modern “tiny house” – surrounded by the cedar-hemlock trees of Mount Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia, might be more your style. Or go to the place that has it all. Banff and Lake Louise offer wellness retreats and outdoor adventures surrounded by majestic mountainscapes.

Search for national parks near you.

Canada’s beaches are so beautiful, they might make you forget where you are. Between Parlee Beach in New Brunswick (offering the warmest saltwater in the country) and Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg (boasting sand dunes that reach as high as 12 metres), it’s hard to pick a favourite. But don’t wait! Campsites can fill up quickly. Some other notable mentions:

Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec – An expanse of 12 islands surrounded by the Gulf of St. Lawrence that features red picturesque cliffs and sand dunes.

Basin Head Provincial Park, Prince Edward Island – Nicknamed “the Singing Sands” for the high-pitched sounds you might hear while walking along the beach due to its unusually high silica content.

Lake Annette, Alberta – A great spot for families, this clear blue-green lake offers stunning views of the Rockies.

Bruce Peninsula, Ontario – The Grotto is a gem of a spot boasting an open cave and turquoise waters. It’s popular, though! So do your research before you show up – you’ll want to reserve your spot well in advance.   

You know what’s great about staying local in the summer? Depending on where you work or live, you might hear the distant rumble of drums and guitar strings from a concert nearby. Or you may be a short trip away from a local food festival. Check your region’s government page or tourist sites for local events and entertainment – like the Montreal Jazz Festival, where you’ll find countless concerts, some of which are free. Or the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, currently North America’s largest cultural festival.

Museums and art galleries are the heart of every town and city. Many are free, but if they aren’t you might find some deals on admissions during off-peak hours. Join a free guided tour of the Parliament of Canada or visit your town’s website for information about local galleries and heritage sites.

Did somebody say road trip? Gather your friends and family and take a break (no tickets needed). You can split the cost of gas or redeem points you may have earned for savings at the pump. Don’t know where to go? Chart a course to one of our suggestions above. Or travel without a plan ... there are no rules! 

If you don’t have a car or you’d rather save on gas, look into shuttle bus services in your area. Some might even be free! Just search “free shuttle service to tourist sites” online for more information. Looking to rent a car? Find out why your credit score matters.

If you can make time for a quick vacation before summer’s end, the best destination may be right under your nose. Book a stay at a nearby hotel or vacation rental with a nice pool (you can find some great last-minute deals on certain discount hotel sites), or play tourist in your own town by visiting popular attractions – including ones you might be nostalgic for.

Hoping for a staycation? Or to step up your accommodations on a budget? Check out our staycationer’s guide to making the most of your days off.   

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