Where to travel for spring break in Canada

Spring Break: School’s out and it’s the time to travel. Where to? Canada, of course. It’s close and welcoming, but exotic and something completely different — all while being familiar enough to be easy and fun for everyone. Spend a week or two vacationing with your friendly neighbors to the north. From urban to wilderness, sun to snow, here are the very best spots for a memorable trip.

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Spring is lovely in BC's arid Okanagan Valley, a top Canadian wine-growing region, thanks to ample sunshine and dry, sandy soil. Taste and tour the area's nearly 200 wineries, many internationally acclaimed. Don't miss Summerland's sleek and modern, all-concrete Okanagan Crush Pad, pioneering Tantalus Vineyards, and food-wine pairing master Ex Nihilo.

Hike, mountain bike along lake, farms and vineyards on the abandoned Kettle Valley Railway, and horseback ride the hills -- or tack on a weekend at Sundance Guest Ranch in Ashcroft, an idyllic dude ranch flanked by 1,000 open acres ready to roam. Consider a night or two at God's Mountain Estate, an eclectic inn on a vineyard perched atop the cliffs in Penticton. A highlight is sipping a glass of Okanagan red from the Jacuzzi overlooking the valley far below.

Laurentian Mountains, Quebec

"Sugaring off" in March means spring is coming to Quebec, where three-quarters of North America's maple syrup is made. This is when locals tap the trees and hundreds of sugar shacks pop up. It happens all over, including in the big cities, but is especially charming in the rural Laurentians.

Folks in a festive mood gather to eat hearty treats doused in thick, delicious maple syrup, plus staples such as homemade pea soup and salty ham, not to mention deep-fried dough and maple taffy: Hot syrup poured onto the snow and rolled onto a stick. There's usually traditional music, pony and tractor rides and strolls through the woods. Don't miss it! And while you're in Quebec, practice your French shopping and eating your way through chic Montreal or hit the countryside for dog sledding, ice fishing, Nordic skiing, and a spa retreat.

Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort, Alberta

The Canadian Rockies of Alberta get a lot of spring snow, but is no stranger to sunny, crisp days. Hello, blue bird skiing! Head to the aptly named Sunshine Village, a short hop from Calgary. This big resort has it all and is just 20 minutes from the picture-perfect mountain town of Banff.

Ski and ride all day or test out one of dozens of activities -- a sleigh ride, ice skating, snow shoeing. Then go out shopping, spa-ing, dining, drinking, dancing, or lounging. Or just soak in the famed hot springs.

Whitehorse, Yukon

The Yukon Territory is spectacular in late winter under the sweeping sky when the light takes on an ethereal glow. Go wildlife viewing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiiing. Yukon is famed for its superb mountain biking and rustic-luxe outfitter Boréale Explorers is a favorite for snow biking and guided fat tire rides. Roast marshmallows at the campfire, relax in the hot tub and look for the northern lights.  

If you want to get way out there, you can also winter camp, fish or sightsee over Kluane National Park and Reserve by plane. Or, try an array of half-day guided adventures based out of quirky, small-town-vibe Whitehorse or historic boom town Dawson City. It's interesting to delve into the First Nations culture in the area and the Gold Rush past, too.

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto, Canada's downtown, is where you want to go for urban sophistication and big-city culture. This metropolis is the place to shop, especially trendy Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood and The Distillery District -- see art, shows and museums, and eat and drink exceptionally well.

Catch an arena sporting event, take a ferry ride to nearby islands, or listen to live music. You can easily add a side trip to Niagara Falls, too. The only challenge will be deciding what you can fit in to your week or two.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

If it's spectacular you're looking for, adventure to the Northwest Territories -- one of the world's best places to see the dancing aurora borealis. Just outside Yellowknife is a gathering of cozy, fur-lined, fire-warmed teepees called Aurora Village, designed specially for northern lights viewing. And clear skies and low humidity mean visible aurora shows some 200 nights out of the year.

While you're there, don't miss Yellowknife's giant Snow Castle, Great Slave Lake's funky houseboat town, herds of caribou, and the chance to see a bona fide igloo up close. Pack your parka.