Canada offers vacationers a wide range of options. From family and romantic vacations to leisure activities such as golfing, fishing, and skiing, there’s somewhere in Canada for everyone. With the exchange rate of the Canadian and U.S. dollar, it’s a little easier to get a budget vacation than in such places as Europe, where the Euro is much higher than the U.S. dollar.
Kamloops, British Columbia- The city boasts of its relaxed and easy-going urban atmosphere. Around 85,000 people live in the city, and being a central business hub, the area attracts lots of incoming business events, and other attractions. Kamloops offers golf courses, culture events such as live music, theatre, and lots of ethnic foods. The city’s tourism industry is friendly and will help even the most budget conscience find a good deal. Save money by driving, not flying, and look around for hotel deal. Many hotels offer free tickets to performances, or give information on free activities in the area.
Calgary, Alberta offers such a wide variety of attractions, that it’s hard to ever have any downtime. The Telus World of Science is great for a family vacation and is aimed at interesting kids in science. The annual rodeo at Saddlehome is where the renowned Calgary rodeo takes place. The Devonian Gardens, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Prince’s Island, and Heritage Park Historical Village will please the nature and history buffs. Hotel rates vary by location, and you can get cheaper rates during the slowest months.
Kelowna, British Columbia is the place to go for outdoor activities. The area has numerous lakes, great for boating and fishing. Houseboat rentals, while expensive, are also available. Golf courses are nearly as abundant as the lakes, numbering 14 in the area. Kelowna’s climate helps make the golfing season long, and free from a lot of rain. ATVing is also a possibility with the large amount of trails. Guided tours, by vehicle, foot, and horseback of the scenic area around Kelowna are also available. Lake Okanagan offers scuba diving and wakeboarding. Prices here really depend on where you want to stay. Being close to all the venues makes for a much higher priced hotel stay.
Corner Brook, Newfoundland is the destination for skiers and snowboarders. Marble Mountain ski resort offers cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and even snow shoeing. The autumn months also bring in visitors as the area has beautiful fall foliage. The summer months offer salmon fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Mont Tremblant, Quebec also offers a great skiing destination. During the warmer months, bike trails dot the amazing landscape, and hiking trails offer glimpses of the wildlife. The city is bustling with culture, having an annual Blues festival, spas, and shopping.
Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of the largest cities in Canada, also offers among the largest arrays of activities. The proximity to bodies of water, allow for such things as scuba diving, whale watching, fishing and sailing lessons. Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour is said to be a not-to-miss stop, with tour guides dressed in 19th century fashion and the tour ending with a pint of beer. The Farmers Market offers a break from the city, and displays the area’s best in fresh foods and crafts at great prices.
Niagara Falls, Ontario can never be left off of a list of Canadian destinations. The world renowned waterfalls are reason enough to travel here, but the area has much more to offer. The Butterfly Conservatory and Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum are must stops and the area has great shopping venues. The Maid of the Mist steamboat gives visitors an up close view of the falls, and the Rain Forest Café is a great dining spot here, but it is relatively expensive, which may be out of budget on a family vacation trip.
Ottawa, Ontario offers a glimpse into the history of the Canadian government. The area displays the Parliament and Supreme Court buildings and offers tours of each. The Upper Canada Village gives a 19th century view of Canada. Hotels here are relatively affordable, with the lowest being in the mid $80’s per night for two, and rates are definitely negotiable.
Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory offers visitors a break from city life. The small city offer a quiet, but entertaining stay. The annual Yukon Quest International dog sled race is held here, and the areas great environment offers many outdoor activities from canoeing to skiing to hot springs. The area also has a rich culture that can be experienced year around.
Regina, Saskatchewan is one of the country’s hubs for incoming conventions. Trade shows, sporting events, such as the Canadian Football League’s Grey Cup, and cultural events, such as the Buffalo Days are all located here. The scenic is surprisingly different, as the city is filled with trees, most of which had to be hand planted as the area was a prairie before settlement.
These places offer great vacation destinations at affordable prices. You’ll save money by negotiating rates in the slow seasons and booking ahead. Check out the different activities, as some, such as sailing lessons, will be much more expensive than hiking. Some hotels offer packages that include some of these activities, so look out for those too.
Sources:
Trail Canada
