Spring break in Canada is filled with possibilities and hidden gems. From a “spotted lake” to Canada’s Most Notorious City, where will you and your friends end up this year? Here’s our top Canadian spring break destinations off the beaten path for March and April.
Visit Calgary, Alberta for a taste of arts and culture. The Calgary Zoo, founded in 1929, comprises of 125 acres and includes snow leopards, lions, lemurs, and hippos. Or go attend The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo (Calgary Expo), which celebrates all things pop culture, including comics, sci-fi, and horror, in a four-day, citywide event. Other sights include the red architecture of Peace Bridge, the wire metal Wonderland Sculpture, and the stunning, colorful Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre.
Book your stay at Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre.
There are few sights like the mystical Kliluk, or Spotted Lake, located in Osoyoos, British Columbia. This is a sacred site of the First Nations Peoples of the Osoyoos and it is believed that each circle holds medicinal and healing properties. The small lake is rich in minerals, which gives the “spotted” appearance; it’s a unique attraction that’s well-worth the visit. Afterwards, wine and dine at the District Wine Village, Canada’s first true wine village, and home to 16 producers. Choose from wineries, breweries, and distilleries, and you’ll be sure to have a blast.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Osoyoos Hotel & Suites.
Surrounded by lush, greenery, at Pisew Falls – Kwasitchewan Falls, the roaring Grass River drops approximately 43 feet, and is a sight to behold. The falls are located a short drive from Thompson, Manitoba, and this natural attraction can be seen by taking a stroll on a boardwalk to the observation platforms. Stay outdoors and go on hiking trails to the nearby Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba’s highest waterfall.
Book your stay at Best Western Thompson Hotel & Suites.
Which city is Canada’s Most Notorious City? Moose Jaw – this renegade city was once run by gangsters and rumrunners. Learn about the boozy history of Moose Jaw by getting a ticket to The Tunnels of Moosejaw, which takes you underground the city. Take a Trolley True Crime Tour to hear more about the notorious residents of Moose Jaw and the Trolly Ghost Tour to visit the spirits that haunt Moose Jaw as well.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Moose Jaw.
If you love trails and learning about history, make sure to visit the Parc Linéaire Le P’tit Train du Nord in St. Jerome, Quebec. Originally a railway line under Canadian Pacific Railway, the beautiful trail is now converted for recreation for bikers, cross-country skiers, and hikers, alike. When in St. Jerome, you must also pay a visit to Parc régional de la Rivière-du-Nord. The gorgeous river rapids are a prime fishing spot, as the park stocks over 7,000 rainbow and gold trout each year!
Book your stay at Best Western Hotel St. Jerome.
Water activities are the essence of Spring Break, and you don’t have to go to a crowded beach to find water fun. Look no further than the “City of Lakes”, also known as Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Take your kayak or canoe, or simply go swimming in one of the 23 lakes in the area. The waterway landscape of Dartmouth is impressive, from white sand beaches to glacial barrens to historic waterfronts, there’s a water activity for every scene.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites.
Spring breakers looking for a postcard picture town should visit Chemainus, a little town located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, nestled in between a mountain range and the ocean. The artsy town boasts 44 murals and 10 sculptures, which are the results of a community-driven art initiative that saved the town years ago and has been replicated worldwide since. Take a charming walk down Main St. and through Old Town Chemainus.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn.
If you’re looking for a kitschy escape, look no further than Medicine Hat, Alberta. Here you’ll find the world’s largest teepee, the Saamis Teepee, an homage to Canada’s native heritage, standing at 215 feet tall! On a Friday night, go for a Glow Throw at the Axe Hole, where you can do glow-in-the-dark axe throwing, and then get in your car to grab a hamburger at the castle-shaped drive-thru at Tino’s.
Book your stay at Best Western Premier Executive Residency Medicine Hat.
Are you and your friends old souls? Go back in time to small town Aldergrove, British Columbia. Grab a flick at the Twilight Drive-In, the only drive-in in metro Vancouver where you can enjoy popcorn and your favorite movie from the comfort of your car. For more retro fun, go to Alder Alley Bowling to knock down bowling pins while enjoying a 1950s diner theme.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Country Meadows Inn.
Looking to stay active during spring break in Canada? Make a visit to Branford, Ontario, known as “Telephone City” and where the famous hockey player, Wayne Gretsky, was born and raised. Go for a swim or play hockey at one of the four NHL ice skating rinks at Wayne Gretzy Sports Centre. Or get outside and go hiking at Brant’s Crossing, The Hub of Ontario Trails. This is where the Trans Canada Trail, also known as “The Great Trail,” which runs over 24,000 km across Canada, branches out into three directions.
Book your stay at Best Western Brantford Hotel and Conference Centre.
