ESCAPE THE CANADIAN COLD

Check out these warmer U.S. destinations.

Is there anything more Canadian than chatting about the weather? As winter approaches—with its plummeting temperatures, icy roads and snowdrifts— chatter turns to where to go to escape the cold. Luckily, many warmer U.S. destinations are within easy driving range or accessible via short flights.

Florida is a perennial favourite among Canadians looking to escape winter’s chill. The Sunshine State offers a few off-thebeaten-path adventures like Crystal River, located on “Florida’s Nature Coast.” From November through March, manatees migrate from the Gulf of Mexico to the warmer rivers and bays, where visitors have the opportunity to observe these gentle creatures up close.

To the south, Tampa’s outstanding food scene attracts millennials seeking a fun escape with friends while young families in search of kid-friendly options enjoy the Florida Aquarium’s penguins, river otters and lemurs.

For those who yearn for a complete disconnect, Sanibel Island and neighbouring Captiva—just off the coast of Fort Myers— are known for sunsets, excellent shelling, fishing, sumptuous resorts and a barefoot luxury vibe.

Boasting clear blue skies and temperatures hovering around 24 C, it’s no wonder Orlando—the Theme Park Capital of the World—is the ideal family destination. Take advantage of special Deals Made for Canadians at Visitorlando.ca, which include discounts at major theme parks. visitflorida.com

Situated in the southwest corner of Utah,

St. George is less than a two-hour drive from Mccarran International Airport in Las Vegas.

St. George is the warmest destination in Utah, boasts 12 golf courses and is central to the state’s Red Rock Golf Trail. New for this winter, the Advenire luxury hotel will open in historic downtown St. George. The upscale Marriott Autograph Collection property connects guests to nature and the outdoor lifestyle of southern Utah. St. George also provides access to Zion National Park as well as Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Snow Canyon State Park, which offer endless hiking, mountain biking and water recreation. Red Mountain Resort is a renowned spa resort perfect for a wellness renewal. redrockgolftrail.com; redmountainresort.com

In the heart of the mid-atlantic region, Virginia is a quick getaway for winter-weary

Canadians. There are more than 300 wineries, nearly 300 craft breweries, an assortment of artisanal cideries and nearly 70 distilleries, many of which are located in picturesque natural settings, and complement Virginia’s legendary fresh seafood. Nicknamed the Oyster Capital of the East Coast, the state features eight distinct oyster regions. Enjoy the outdoors during Virginia’s mild winter months on a peaceful hike in the scenic mountain ranges, on a whale-watching excursion or at one of Virginia’s more than 200 public golf courses. virginia.org

South Carolina’s seductive Low Country is where crabbing, lighthouses and sweeping sand dunes studded with swaying sea oats form part of the landscape. A short drive from the historical antebellum city of Charleston, the town of Beaufort is so well preserved that film scouts have pegged it for many movies, including The Prince of Tides, The Big Chill and Forrest Gump. southcarolinalowcountry.com

In southern Arizona, Tucson and small towns like Tubac, Bisbee and Sierra Vista are a sure bet for warm temperatures, excellent hiking opportunities, fantastic birding and world-class museums such as the Arizonasonora Desert Museum and the Pima Air & Space Museum. Averaging more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Arizona’s Phoenix/scottsdale region is another popular wintertime destination for snowbirds. Known for such posh resorts as the historic Arizona Biltmore, Sanctuary Resort & Spa and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale’s world-class golf, shops, galleries, restaurants and entertainment are just minutes away. visitarizona.com

PHOTO: Saguaro National Park, Arizona.