Time to make plans for a Canadian vacation
Canada has a bounty of great vacation spots for singles, couples and families — and Hilton has a hotel that’s right for everyone. Here are some great places everything from a weekend to an extended vacation. Spring: Time to throw open the windows, breathe in the scents of the season and start planning the summer getaway. Canada has some great home- turf destinations that offer a grab bag of sights, sounds and fun for everyone:
NEW BRUNSWICK
Who doesn’t hold a special place in their heart for Atlantic Canada? Spend a few days in St. John to embrace this historic city built on maritime commerce and old-fashioned charm. Experience the rush and power of the tidal bore as it reverses the St. John River and rapids. If you have energy to burn, grab a bicycle or walking shoes and venture along the Fundy Trail Parkway where you’ll get a bird’seye view of beaches, waterfalls and a shoreline shaped by the world’s highest tides over millennia.
Take a side-trip to the Shediac Lobster Festival ( July 6-10) for seafood as fresh as you can get. Or, if it’s rib-splitting fun you’re after, check out the four- day St. John Buskers on the Bay Festival (July 13-17).
QUEBEC
Want a European experience without the exchange rates and high prices? Visit La Belle Province!
Old Quebec City is a UNESCO world heritage site that boasts the only walled city north of Mexico. With its cobblestone streets and architectural treasures, visitors are taken on a journey through 400 years of history.
For a taste of 19th-century rural living venture outside the city to Île d’Orléans. Village after village delivers charming farms, churches and heritage homes. Artisan stalls along the island route offer fresh fruit and breads, wines, liqueurs and other delicacies to tempt the palate.
At the Musée national des beaux- arts du Québec, situated on the historic Plains of Abraham, feast your eyes on more than 38,000 works of Quebec art dating back to the 17th century.
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
For a true Canadian experience, head to the National Capital Region (Ottawa- Gatineau).
In Ottawa, take in the Canadian Tulip Festival (May 1223), the largest festival of its kind in the world, tour the Parliament buildings, take a boat ride along the Rideau Canada or stroll through the National Art Gallery and historic ByWard Market.
July is Family Month on the other side of the river in the Gatineau region and with it, a host of adventures to suit everyone from toddler to teen and beyond. Those with an eye to the sky can take in the spectacular Gatineau Balloon Festival ( Sept. 1- 5) featuring dozens of colourful and uniquely shaped hot-air balloons from around the world.
ONTARIO
Start big in Ontario with a trip to Toronto and experience the world through a diversity of sights, sounds, scents and cultures in this cosmopolitan city.
For a 360-degree bird’s eye view go up, up, up, to the top of CN Tower and watch for special celebrations to mark its 40th birthday on June 26.
If it’s all about food, Summerlicious (July 8-24) delivers a culinary extravaganza. More than 200 restaurants serve up a dizzying array of threecourse prix fixe lunch and dinner menus starting at $18.
Children can say hello to new arrivals at the Toronto Zoo, let their creative juices flow at Legoland Discovery Centre and have a hair-raising experience at the Ontario Science Centre.
For a gentler pace, head to the Niagara Region for a romantic weekend overlooking Niagara Falls, a tasting tour of award-winning wineries, or to take in a show or two at the ever- popular Shaw Festival (April 9–Oct. 23).
MANITOBA
A trip to Winnipeg offers an experience unmatched by any other city. Spend a day steeped in the 6,000- year history of The Forks, where the Assiniboine and Red Riv- ers meet, or hours of reflection at the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Enjoy an evening of grace at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet or get your hands on a $ 600,000 gold bar at the Royal Canadian Mint.
Fort Whyte Alive’s 640-acre park is an oasis just south of the city. Outdoor enthusiasts can canoe or sail on several lakes and hike the many trails that cross the property. At the end of the day, enjoy a relaxing meal and local beverage while watching bison roam in their natural habitat.
For the younger traveller, the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival ( June 9–12) is sure to please with its crazy circus acts, daredevils, international artists and audience interaction.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Bet you thought Whistler was only for winter. Wrong! It’s also a great place for summer adventure, with hiking and biking trails, parks and pristine lakes. Head on up for a long weekend to enjoy Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival ( May 20– 23); the Whistler Longboard Festival (July 1–3) or Wanderlust Whistler (July 28–Aug. 1).
A breath- t aking drive down the Sea to Sky Highway takes you to Richmond and its 17 islands nestled in the mouth of the Fraser River. Go whale-watching or immerse yourself in Asian culture and cuisine at the Golden Village.
Travelling on a budget? Check out Richmond’s free/ by- donation attractions, including the International Buddhist Temple and Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site.
Hilton offers great places to stay in each of these cities. Get instant benefits when you become a Hilton HHonors member. Save yourself a lot of time by becoming a member of their HHonors rewards program ( if you’re not already) and book directly on Hilton. com to get the lowest price available anywhere and free Wi-Fi* so you can share all those amazing photos right away.
No matter what Canadian city you end up choosing, you can be sure to find your little slice of adventure. Stop clicking around and start planning your summer vacation. Book now at Hilton.com.
* Must be a Hilton HHonors member. Terms and conditions apply. Standard Wi- Fi is free. Premium ( if available) has a fee. Not free at properties with a resort charge.