The Best Canadian Vacations

When most people think of going on vacation, they assume a far-off destination such as Thailand, Hawaii or the Caribbean. You don't have to travel far to enjoy a wonderful getaway, however; there are plenty of great Canadian destinations just a few hours away. Canada offers vacation options that are sure to suit just about any taste. From great angling to Francophone music, mountainview golf courses, and a three-day daylight festival, you're certain to find something you'll enjoy close to home.

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia – Whisky-making
Scotland doesn't have a monopoly on great whisky. At the Glenora Inn and Distillery, the Scotch-style liquor tastes wonderful, and you can personalize a bottle of your own after the tour. Take some time to stop by the on-site dining location for excellent food, a taste of the distillery's Glen Breton Rare, and some fun fiddle music. Then, head back for a restful night at one of six chalets or the Inn itself.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Food lovers will enjoy an autumn trip to Charlottetown's great food festival. In addition to great meals, there's also a range of fun classes. Visitors can learn to make cheese, dig clams and more. In the evening, consider a traditional Acadian dinner by candlelight at the historic Doucet house, made with herbs from the garden outside. All fish, meat and bread is cooked over an open hearth, just as it would have been in the late 18th century.

Churchill, Manitoba – Polar Bears
This subarctic destination is 270 kilometers, or 168 miles, beyond the reach of any roads. To visit Churchill, Manitoba, you'll have to take a plane or train, but the opportunity to photograph the local polar bears is worth it. Between late October and the early part of November, these creatures spend a lot of time along Hudson Bay, waiting for temperatures to drop low enough to freeze the water. Custom Tundra Buggies offer travelers the ability to get great snapshot images of the local wildlife, but the best pictures come from professional photography tours.

Jasper, Alberta – Mountain Golfing
The par-71 course at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is an incredible work of landscaping. All 18 holes are laid out among the contours of the mountains, so you'll get a beautiful view at every tee box. After a day's play, consider heading back to a private cabin. Your room service will arrive on the capable shoulders of a bicycle-mounted attendant. The Via train provides transportation in and out of the city.

Montreal, Quebec – French Culture
Spring and summer are great times to visit Montreal; late July and August offer the Les Francofolies festival with over 180 outdoor concerts and 1,000 local musicians, all free for the listening. The festival also includes a range of artists from French-speaking countries. Visitors can enjoy great French food and Second Empire architecture in the Old Montreal section of the city.

Quirpon Island, Labrador and Newfoundland – Lighthouse Tours
The historic lighthouse on Quirpon Island was renovated in the early 2000s by Ed English. Now it provides a fantastic deserted island experience, with opportunities for whale watching, iceberg sightseeing, glorious views and plenty of peace and quiet. For a great story, consider asking the proprietor about his shipwrecked ancestors.

Tofino, British Columbia – Storm Watch
Watching for thunderstorms may not sound exciting until you've seen them from the Wickaninnish Inn on Vancouver Island. This structure was built to allow beautiful views of the Pacific and its fantastic fall weather. Located along Canada's western shore in a lush rainforest, the Inn features elegant rooms in a rustic mode, each of which offers a private balcony for watching the storms.

Toronto, Ontario – Circus Fun
You might not have considered traveling for a trip to the circus, but Cique du Soleil makes it worth while. This troupe frequently visits Toronto on the Canadian leg of their tours. There's a special celebration planned for the group's 25th anniversary.

Wollaston Lake Lodge, Saskatchewan
It takes a seaplane to access the waters of this secluded Saskatchewan lake, but the end of the trip promises a bountiful catch-and-release haul of northern pike, Arctic grayling, walleye, lake trout and more. Anglers will love the challenge of catching these exciting fish. Afterwards, consider spending some time in the Lodge itself, which offers plenty of city-style amenities, including fine dining and satellite television.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories – Three-day Parties
Yellowknife is notable for its northern location, which gives it around-the-clock sunshine for six weeks before and after the summer solstice. Local residents take advantage of the illumination to have one of the longest parties around. You can visit on July 17-17 for a three-day party with folk music for both kids and adults, a beer garden, and a Midnight Sun golf competition.