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Plan a spring getaway in one of Canada’s cities

Credit: Travel Alberta Chris Amat

Plan a spring getaway in one of Canada’s cities

Check the most up-to-date travel restrictionsExternal Link Title, including border closures, before planning your trip safely and be sure to contact businesses prior to travel to book reservations and confirm availability.

 

Ready to choose your own adventure this spring? Whether Vancouver or Charlottetown (or points in between), cities are offering up ample ways to forge (or bike) your own path with downloadable apps for self-guided touring. Map out routes for must-see murals, historic sites and secret spots to see cherry blossoms. Or hide away in your hotel room with take-out and listen to the symphony or see a museum exhibit.

 

Spring is the ideal time to discover the allure of Canada's vibrant neighbourhoods and natural sanctuaries.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Photo of two women at Jericho Beach in Vancouver, British Columbia
Jericho Beach, Vancouver | Credit: Destination Canada

Glamorous glass towers juxtaposed by tranquil urban forests and beaches makes VancouverExternal Link Title enticing, especially in spring when the weather warms up for cycling the seawall and adjacent beaches or strolling urban parks filled with fragrant magnolia trees. For two self-guided tours, check out the mapExternal Link Title of some 2,700 ornamental cherry trees haloed in pink blossoms and download the Vancouver Mural FestivalExternal Link Title's mobile appExternal Link Title, which marks 250-plus works like Shepard Fairey's 20-storey Earth Justice. 

 

Hungry? Hit up new hot spots AcquafarinaExternal Link Title for Sicilian cuisine or get made-from-scratch Middle Eastern takeout at SuperbabaExternal Link Title, which also has a location in VictoriaExternal Link Title. After wandering, drop by Tableau Bar BistroExternal Link Title for happy hour bubbly. The spot is adjacent to the Loden HotelExternal Link Title, so sip away--and then head upstairs to cap off your day with a restful overnight stay.

Calgary, Alberta

Photo of people cycling across Prince’s Island Bridge in Calgary, Alberta
Cycling across Prince’s Island Bridge, Calgary | Credit: Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel

Nestled at the nexus of two rivers, CalgaryExternal Link Title offers a balance of natural environments and big-city energy. Case in point? With 800 kilometres of paved pathways, you can pedal by the Bow River to the Glenbow Museum (or view its virtual exhibitsExternal Link Title) and the new Central LibraryExternal Link Title, an architectural work of art. (The Art Gallery of Alberta in EdmontonExternal Link Title is another standout.) With spring in swing, take time to see the apple and pear tree orchards in bloom at Ralph Klein Park & Environmental Education CentreExternal Link Title

 

Time to eat? Stuff yourself with souffl?d flapjacks at PigeonholeExternal Link Title (curbside pickup is available) or birria tacos at Native Tongues TaqueriaExternal Link Title (plus mezcal-centric drinks). Later, snag the secret code to gain entry to Betty Lou's LibraryExternal Link Title, a speakeasy serving cocktails like the Double Smoked Manhattan, crafted with Alberta rye. Then unwind overnight at Hotel ArtsExternal Link Title: treat yourself to an in-room massage, guaranteed to put the day's excitement to rest.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Photo of Black Fox Farm & Distillery in Saskatchewan
Black Fox Farm & Distillery in Saskatoon | Credit: Chris Hendrickson Photography

Composed of 46 neighbourhoods and surrounded by prairie grasslands, SaskatoonExternal Link Title embraces both culture and nature. Walk, jog or bike (download the city cycling guideExternal Link Title) segments of the 80-kilometre Meewasin TrailExternal Link Title, which traces the South Saskatchewan River that flows through the city, or rent a kayak to glide beneath Saskatoon's seven bridges. Indoors, get a peek at the Picassos and Indigenous art at the Remai ModernExternal Link Title; its Prairie Modern style blends in with the landscape. Exploring further afield in ReginaExternal Link Title, visit the Royal Saskatchewan MuseumExternal Link Title to learn more about the province's natural history and Indigenous cultures.

 

Keep up your energy: have bison keftedes or a hearty veggie burger at Leyda's CafeExternal Link Title. Just a short drive from downtown, tour Black Fox Farm & DistilleryExternal Link Title and taste cocktails crafted with haskap berry gin. Ready to rest? Cozy up in a sleek room at The James HotelExternal Link Title. If you time it right, you can stream a live digital performance by the Saskatoon Symphony OrchestraExternal Link Title.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Photo of food at Hargrave St. Market in The Forks, Manitoba
Hargrave St. Market in The Forks in Winnepeg | Credit: Travel Manitoba

Once an Indigenous trading centre and home to the world's largest grain exchange, WinnipegExternal Link Title has evolved into a thriving metropolis. Get a history lesson at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAGExternal Link Title), which now showcases QaumajuqExternal Link Title, an exhibit highlighting Inuit art, plus the Canadian Museum for Human RightsExternal Link Title, located at The ForksExternal Link Title. The 54-acre area has been a meeting place for Indigenous peoples for six millennia; now it's a National Historic Site. 

 

Make your base at the artsy Inn at the ForksExternal Link Title and dine at its drool-worthy SMITH RestaurantExternal Link Title, which uses local and seasonal ingredients in its dishes. Downtown, don't miss out on Hargrave St. MarketExternal Link Title in ultra-modern True North Square. The European-inspired food hall is a hub of local spots like Miss Browns (think smoked meats) and Rose Bar.

Toronto, Ontario

Photo of Cherry Blossoms in Trinity Bellswoods Park, Toronto
Cherry Blossoms in Trinity Bellswoods Park, Toronto | Credit: Destination Toronto

Big, bold, and beguiling TorontoExternal Link Title ushers in spring renewal with people beelining to its gorgeous green spaces. Head to Trinity Bellwoods ParkExternal Link Title and High ParkExternal Link Title to see cherry blossoms burst into bloom, creating a soulful softening of this metropolis of six million. Hop on one of Toronto's 2,000 share-bikesExternal Link Title with the interactive StreetARTorontoExternal Link Title map in hand to find swathes of local art entwined in nature. Continue your spring immersion in Toronto's arts scene by getting a pass for the 2021 Hot Docs FestivalExternal Link Title, which runs in April and May. 

 

With renewal still in mind, fill your belly at Toronto's fresh crop of restaurants. Gorge on handmade ravioli at LuciaExternal Link Title, taste Greek meze at KouklaExternal Link Title and sip natural wines at Bar PiquetteExternal Link Title. After a day of exploring through your senses, settle into a room at the luxurious W HotelExternal Link Title (opening in April) in Yorkville.

Ottawa, Ontario

Photo of spring tulips in Ottawa, Ontario
Spring in Ottawa | Credit: Ottawa Tourism

As Canada's capital, OttawaExternal Link Title is at the heart of what's happening. This spring, explore beyond the city core to discover local life in neighbourhoods like historic Vanier. Bike (Cyco'sExternal Link Title can hook you up with a rental) the 12-kilometre path along the east bank of the Rideau River to get there. Gaze at some 30 murals, which reflect the neighbourhood's multicultural character. Then grab some authentic cochinita pibil tacos to-go at Ola CantinaExternal Link Title en route to Vanier MuseoparkExternal Link Title for the spring Sugar FestivalExternal Link Title. See an active urban sugar shack (and dineExternal Link Title inside) and learn how maple trees are tapped. 

 

End your day with a nightcap at Altcetera Caf?External Link Title in the Alt HotelExternal Link Title, then take the elevator upstairs to sleep in style.

Montreal, Quebec

Photo of the OASIS Immersion in Montreal, Quebec
OASIS Immersion in Montreal | Credit: OASIS immersion

With more than 120 distinct communities, it's no surprise that Montr?alExternal Link Title is feted for its energetic vibe and diversity of experiences. Springtime is ideal for strolling in massive Mount Royal ParkExternal Link Title (or biking the Olmsted Path) to discover the city's Mohawk heritage at Tiohti?:ke Otsira'k?hne ParkExternal Link Title. A downtown go-to for green space is Parc Jean-DrapeauExternal Link Title, where you can stroll 25 kilometres of trails and get a glimpse of Jacques-Cartier BridgeExternal Link Title, the world's first "connected" bridge: intelligent programming taps into millions of points of data to activate its LED lights, which change depending on the time of day and the seasons. Art and tech also come together at Montr?al's new OASIS ImmersionExternal Link Title, powered by 105 laser projectors. 

 

More adventure awaits when dining on Asian-influenced dishes like dumplings with duck confit at Mui MuiExternal Link Title (bonus: it has a reduced but still delicious takeout menu). Cool vibes continue when you bed down at the eco-friendly BoxotelExternal Link Title, the brainchild of Qu?bec-based designer Marie-Jeanne Rivard.

 

Keep planning your springtime activities in Qu?bec.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Photo of a group of people at Good Robot Brewing Co. In Halifax, Nova Scotia
Good Robot Brewing Co. in Halifax. Photo taken pre-COVID-19 pandemic. Experiences may differ. | Credit: Discover Halifax

HalifaxExternal Link Title is often described as the heart and soul of Nova Scotia, which you can capture on a private photography tourExternal Link Title of its enchanting neighbourhoods and rugged coastlines. Spring also brings the annual Halifax Comedy FestExternal Link Title featuring Canadian and international comedians. Book a ticket for guaranteed belly laughs. 

 

Be sure to plan for an overnight stay, like at the ultra-hip Brewery Park Boutique SuitesExternal Link Title in Halifax's North End. It's delightfully close to Good Robot Brewing Co.External Link Title and Bar KismetExternal Link Title, a compact place with bold dishes like roasted bone marrow, plus cocktails such as the mezcal-based Ex-Lion Tamer.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Photo of Great George Street, Charlottetown
Great George Street, Charlottetown | Credit: Tourism PEI / Emily O'Brien

Studded with historic buildings and framed by its deep water harbour, Charlottetown is a lively seaside sanctuary. Need an excuse to get up early? Sunrise from the rooftop of the Holman Grand HotelExternal Link Title downtown will rustle you out of bed. So why not amble over to the Receiver Coffee CompanyExternal Link Title kiosk at the Founders' Food Hall & MarketExternal Link Title to grab java and a pastry. Then continue to the waterfront for a self-guided art walk, pausing at sculptures such as Gothic Ascendant and Column of the Sea--both in Confederation Square National Historic Site of CanadaExternal Link Title. Later, experience an intimate evening at the Trailside Music HallExternal Link Title, dining on Spanish-tinged tapas and sipping shiraz while watching live performances by artists such as contemporary folk singer-songwriter Irish Mythen.

Moncton, New Brunswick

Phot of Resurgo Place, home to the Moncton Museum
Resurgo Place in Moncton. Photo taken pre-COVID-19 pandemic. Experiences may differ. | Credit: Aaron McKenzie Fraser

MonctonExternal Link Title's days as a railway town and wooden ship-building centre are long gone, but by embracing its 1875 motto, Resurgo (Latin for "I rise again"), it has become a destination to rediscover. Take a self-guided tour (download the Moncton Heritage iTour appExternal Link Title), stopping at Resurgo PlaceExternal Link Title, home to the Moncton Museum and the Transportation Discovery Centre. During the Frye FestivalExternal Link Title, which returns in April, fulfill your passion for poetry and literature. A new gathering place downtown is The Arches of St. GeorgeExternal Link Title, a blend of local businesses like Lost and Found Ice CreamExternal Link Title (try the preserved peach and orange blossom sorbet) and The Black Rabbit RestaurantExternal Link Title, which solely serves a seasonal chef's tasting menu, which features sustainable items like Ocean Wise salmon. Explore more: visit the recently revamped Magnetic Hill WineryExternal Link Title to taste its award-winning wines. For more chill time, stay at the CanvasExternal Link Title hotel, which has an on-site restaurant and brewery.

 


Keep exploring this spring to discover more of Canada's vibrant cities.