Ontario
Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is a quaint community located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, placing it in the “golden triangle”, between Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. In the summer months, beach lovers flock to the breath-taking shores of Sandbanks Provincial Park, known to have some of the best beaches in Canada.
If the beach isn’t your scene, be sure to check out the world-class wineries and restaurants in the area, as Prince Edward County is known to be the fastest growing wine region in all of Ontario.
More of the active type? That is okay, the county has 3 provincial parks, as well as various conservation areas, making for endless hiking and views.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Most people make a weekend trip to the infamous Niagara Falls, but many don’t take the time to spend some time in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This quiet town sits at the mouth of the Niagara river, and is known for their vineyards and theatre, making it the perfect weekend getaway for couples. The “downtown” strip boasts adorable 19th century buildings, with amazing restaurants and shopping, leaving lots to do!
Bruce Peninsula
This spot is has such beautiful views, you will have trouble believing you are really in Ontario! Bruce Peninsula sits in between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, where it sits on the Niagara escarpment. Tap into your outdoorsy side and do a weekend camping trip, where you are guaranteed to see some amazing views, and maybe even some wildlife! What more could you want from a mini vacation?
Quebec
Mont Tremblant
When most people think of Mont Tremblant, the first thing they think about is skiing, but this area has a lot more to offer than their slopes. Located in Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains, this area is just as beautiful in the summer, as it is in the winter. The pedestrian village is jam packed with restaurants, shopping, and museums, bound to keep you busy for hours.
Looking to entertain the kids? Ride the luge, a three wheeled cart with full steering and braking control, down the mountain.
La Mauricie National Park
This park is the ideal outdoor playground, the perfect spot for a weekend getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With over 150 lakes, and many waterfalls there is plenty to see here.
Want to explore the lakes? There are rental canoes, kayaks, or fishing equipment. Want to explore the vast forests? Go mountain biking, or hiking! The perfect cheap and cheerful weekend getaway.
New Brunswick
Le Pays de la Sagouine
Looking for something a little different? Head to Le Pays de la Sagouine, not far from Moncton, for a taste of Acadian culture. This community is a reproduction of fishing village inspired by famous novelist, Antoine Maillet. The abundance of theatre, comedy, music, and food, will be enough to entertain you for the entire weekend!
The Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy, located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is one of North America’s 7 wonders. The bay is known for having the highest tidal range in the entire world, as well as some of the rarest species of whales. Don’t believe me? Take a whale watching cruise on the Atlantic and see the beautiful creatures with your own eyes. After that, be sure to check out the many museums in the area all featuring the many fossils and geological artifacts.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park is an extraordinary destination if you are looking for cute seaside communities, dense forests, lowlands and shorelines. This site has been named UNESCO World Heritage Site and spans 1,805 square kilometers.
Enjoy all that the surrounding towns have to offer, including beautiful beaches, hiking, boat tours, and restaurants. The zip line tours are a must-do in order to see the beautiful views from a whole other angle. Whether you are going with your family, or your S.O, you are bound to have the perfect weekend vacation.
Saskatchewan
The Great Sandhills
Feel like getting out of the country, but your budget is tying you down? The Great Sandhills will have you feeling as if you are in the middle of foreign desert. The sand dunes allow for hours of beautiful hiking and animal spotting, while the town of Leader is nearby, and contains many cute hotels, restaurants, museums, and antique shops. Definitely a memorable spot!
Manitoba
Lake of the Woods
Looking for a last minute weekend getaway? Lake of the Woods has something for everybody. If you are looking to relax, stay at one of the amazing resorts in the area and soak up the sun on the beach.
More into some upbeat activities? The area has amazing golf courses, hunting, and fishing all at your fingertips. No way you could go wrong with this vacation, especially when it looks this beautiful.
Nova Scotia
Yarmouth
Yarmouth is a tiny port town in southwestern Nova Scotia, perfect for a weekend getaway. It is peaceful and quiet, yet full of adventure and fun. The area is home to some of the darkest skies in all of North America and was recently labeled a Certified Starlight reserve. In the daytime hours when you are not stargazing, make a point of visiting the region’s many trails, beaches, museums and shops. A highlight for many is visiting the nearby fishing community of Pinkneys Point, home to only 300 people, most of whom are all fishermen.
British Columbia
Pacific Rim National Park
Looking for a vacation steeped in nature and history? Then this is your place. Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, this region is known for many things including their rich Nuu-chah-nulth culture, ideal surfing conditions, and hiking. BC is full of amazing destinations, but this is one that must be checked out.
Kelowna
Kelowna is a region surrounded by provincial parks, vineyards, forests, mountains and Okanagan Lake. It is not a single destination, its rural and urban, and has culture and nature. What more could you ask for? The “worry-free” guided wine tours are a huge hit with visitors, as they allow you to sit back and relax while you are driven to your choice of over 40 vineyards in the area.
Alberta
Jasper
Jasper National Park is Canada’s largest national park in the rockies, boasting spectacular views of glaciers, wildlife, lakes, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. Throughout the years, people have flocked to Jasper not only for its beauty, but for its intimate and unpretentious community. Spend your days visiting the natural hot springs, taking a open cable car up the mountains, or white water rafting in the Athabasca River. There are so many things to do here, you may never leave.
Lake Louise
Famous for its crystal clear and blue waters, Lake Louise is a hotspot for many travellers. A walkway runs along the lake, opening up to multiple hiking trails up the mountain or towards the glacier. For those that want to get on the water, canoe and kayak rentals are available as well. Just a short drive from the lake is the Lake Louise Village where there are plenty of shops and restaurants. This weekend getaway is a must, as photos just cannot do this place justice.
There you go. If you want to get away but don’t have a whole lot of time or money, these road trips are perfect. Why leave your own backyard when there is so much to see and do!
